Prime Minister Peter O'neill's arrest case delayed

THE hearing in to Prime Minister Peter O’Neill’s application to stop the police from arresting him has been adjourned to Friday 1.30pm.

This follows yet another change of lawyers for the police and the non-service of court papers to the first defendant in the substantive proceedings.

Both parties had requested for an adjournment for 21 days and two weeks respectively but presiding judge Justice Ere Kariko, refused their request and bluntly told the counsels that there must be respect for the integrity of the court.

New police lawyer Sam Bonner, who replaced Paul Mawa, had asked the court to adjourn for 21 days to allow his client to study the brief. Lawyer for the Prime Minister Tiffany Nonggorr, Robert Leo for the Finance Minister and the lawyer for the first defendant in the proceedings, Martin Kombri all consented.

The court case stems from a warrant of arrest issued by police for the Prime Minister to present himself for police interrogation in relation to the controversial K71.8 million payments to Paraka Lawyers.

The warrant was prompted by Task Force Sweep announcing that it had new evidence that the Prime

 

Meanwhile, Police in Port Moresby have warned members of the public not to hold or participate in any protests. Police have boosted their manpower and closely monitor and stop any gatherings or protests.