Case withdrawn, costs against Namah

PNG Opposition Leader Belden Namah: Getty Images

 The controversial proceedings to be heard today in the court at Waigani were withdrawn by Counsel for Hon Belden Namah, Alois Jerewai, in lieu of new proceedings that had been filed by him on behalf of Namah last Friday, that included the four members of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary.

Although Jerewai wanted to carry the costs across to the new proceedings, lawyer Tiffany Twivey – Nonggorr, acting for the Prime Minister, argued against, saying that the the proceedings that Namah had initially filed were not “proper” and that Namah should pay costs of all defendants including the four policemen involved.

The sitting judge agreed and all costs were awarded against Namah.

The new matter was adjourned in order for all parties to be served – until then, the content of the filing is not widely known but it is believed to involve the four members of the RPNGC. Hon Don Polye and Hon James Marape were also joined to the proceedings.

In the interim, the court has made an order restraining all parties and police from affecting any arrests concerning the subject matter and all parties have been restrained from taking any steps concerning the subject matter of the new adjourned case, including any steps that would be detrimental to peace and good order.

The matter has been adjourned for three weeks

Source: PNG ECHO