State, AG joins Marape, O'neill in Paraka Case

Attorney General Ano Pala and the state have been granted leave by the National Court to join in the court case on the taxation of Paraka Bills.

Finance Minister James Marape and PM Peter O’Neill are now joined by Pala and the State as the third and fourth plaintiffs.

In the submission today by state lawyer Ralph Saulep, the AG had advised that the payments in question were under the custody of the state, and Pala being the state’s chief legal officer had reason to join in the matter.

There were no objections from O’Neill and Marape’s Lawyers, and defendant Paul Paraka’s lawyer was not present in court today.

The matter was adjourned to August 4 for directions hearing.

PNG Today / PNG Village