Australian wins challenge against Solomons deportation

08/05/2008 20:18:33

In Solomon Islands, an Australian businessman has won a high court challenge against a deportation order against him.

The chairman of Russell Islands Plantation Estate Limited (RIPEL), Patrick Wong, claims he was abducted on Wednesday from his hotel by police and immigration officials, who tried to force him on to a flight to Australia.

But he did not have a passport and was unable to board the aircraft.

In his ruling, High Court judge, Justice Edwin Goldsbrough, said the order declaring Mr Wong a prohibited immigrant was defective.

He also ruled that all actions by the director of immigration are now null and void.

Speaking after the hearing Mr Wong told the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation he has no idea why he was declared a prohibited immigrant.

The general manager of RIPEL, John Whiteside, has also had his work and residential permits cancelled but has challenged the move.

His case will heard in the High Court next Thursday.

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