A leading member of the opposition in the Solomon Islands has been arrested in connection with deadly riots which took place last month.
United Party president John Kwaita was reportedly arrested by armed police at his home late Monday on unspecified charges.
"We can confirm that a prominent Solomon Islander has been arrested yesterday evening in relation to the rioting," a police spokesman told AFP.
Anti-government protests sparked widespread looting and arson in the capital Honiara last month, causing $94 million worth of damage and leaving parts of the city's Chinatown district in ruins.
At least three people died in the violence, which also caused the snap deployment of around 200 peacekeepers from Australia, Fiji, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.
The protests were sparked by opposition to veteran Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, who is keen to forge closer ties with Beijing.
His rule is opposed by the leaders of Malaita - the country's most populous island.
A two-week-old curfew on Honiara was eased last week as political tensions eased in the Pacific nation.
Royal Solomon Islands Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau also announced the lifting of other restrictions, which included a ban on vessels entering the port of Honiara from neighbouring islands.
"I would like to thank those living in the Emergency Zone for your cooperation during the curfew period and to my hard-working officers for the job well done," he said.
The nighttime curfew entered into force on 26 November as police struggled to bring three days of deadly rioting under control.
New Zealand was among the countries to send troops to the Solomon Islands. Source: AP
Mr Kwaita is from Malaita and his United Party's two members of parliament had backed a failed vote of no confidence against Mr Sogavare earlier this month.
Ally Peter Kenilorea told supporters late on Monday that Mr Kwaita, "one of our nation's prominent leaders", was in police custody.
"I call for calm at this time. I am still trying to ascertain further details and what charges are being laid against him," he added.
