Supreme Court Rules Injunction on PM’s Arrest Warrant

A three-man Supreme Court Bench has granted an interim injunction against the arrest of Prime Minister Peter O’Neill.

Included in the decision are temporary stay orders against any form of violence, harassment and intimidation of Mr O’Neill, his legal representatives, security unit, their families and staff members.

This latest court decision is expected to see a simmering down of resentment between two main groups of police, who have been at loggerheads over contempt issues surrounding the initial arrest warrant on the prime minister.

The court refused a verbal application to join the hearing, made by lawyers representing Investigation Task Force Sweep Chairman, Sam Koim Fraud and Anti-Corruption Director, Mathew Damaru.

Until the courts decide otherwise, Mr O’Neill cannot be arrested.

One pending court proceeding which still needs to be dealt with are the contempt charges against Police Commissioner Geoffrey Vaki.

There is also the pending decision from the Public Prosecutor on whether or not to refer the prime minister to a leadership tribunal.

PNG Today/EMTV