Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Solomons women injured in anti-logging protest

Posted at 03:44 on 30 July, 2007 UTC

Six Solomon Islands women said to be protesting against a logging operation on Vella Lavella in Western Province have been injured by company security guards.

At least one woman has been hospitalised with wounds from what is said to have been a bushknife.

The Solomon Star reports the clash happened between the protestors and Omex Logging Company security staff.

A local man, Marlon Kuve, said the group of women went into the forest to demonstrate against the operation.

They wanted to protect their land from logging activities which they say are illegal.

The Provincial Police Commander in Gizo, Perry Tovavaki, confirmed the incident, but he declined to give further details.