PNG activist Noel Anjo obtains right to protest

PNG's political activist and anti-corruption advocate Noel Anjo has obtained court orders restraining police from infringing on his constitutional rights to stage peaceful protests on current political issues.

Mr Anjo went to the human rights court before Justice David Cannings and sought orders against Police Commissioner Geoffery Vaki and acting NCD Metropolitan Superintendent N’dranou Perou and all police officers from interfering with his rights to freedom of expression, freedom of gathering and freedom of movement under the Constitution.

Mr Anjo had told the court that in the past he was barred on numerous occasions by police on his request to stage peaceful protests on issues of national interests.

He said he had on numerous occasions tried to seek police assistance to provide security at his public rallies on issues of national importance but his requests were often turned down or not entertained by the police hierarchy.

He said his rights as a citizen and an anti-corruption activist were deprived and asked the court to issue orders to restrain police from infringing on his constitutional and democratic rights and allow him to carry out his peaceful protests.

The court ruled in favour of Mr Anjo and ordered that Mr Vaki, Supt Perou and all police officers are restrained from further infringing Mr Anjo’s rights under sections 32, 42, 47 and 52 of the Constitution – being the right to freedom, the right to freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and association and freedom of movement – to lawfully organise processions, public meetings or any activity of such similar nature.

The court also ordered that all police are restrained from infringing the rights of any and all persons, under section 42, 47 and 52 of the Constitution, who participate in gatherings organised by Mr Anjo.