PNG Court Nullifies Lagaip Election, Orders Fresh Vote

 A Chinese national has been found guilty in a Papua New Guinea District Court in Lae on charges of unlawful discharge of a firearm, possession of a firearm, and assault. Magistrate Nasiling Bingtau sentenced Li Deshang, 56, from Guang-Xi, China, to detention at Buimo prison while awaiting sentencing.

Li, who had pleaded not guilty to all charges, was explained the proceedings through a translator. His lawyer, Philemon Yama, defended him by arguing that Li fired the gun in self-defense after feeling his life was under threat. Yama claimed that the situation warranted the use of a firearm to protect himself.

However, the prosecution, led by Senior Constable Emma Waliu, disagreed. Waliu stated that Li should not have fired the gun, as he did not have a permit to possess or use it. She argued that Li’s life was not in danger at the time of the incident and added that he had been under the influence of alcohol when the offenses were committed.

Yama countered these claims, stating that Li was entitled to a fair trial and that the police report alone should not be the basis for the court’s ruling. He emphasized that a fair examination of the facts should take place in court.

Magistrate Bingtau, after reviewing the evidence provided by the police, informed Yama that Li had no valid defense to pursue the case further. The Magistrate also advised that Li could appeal the decision in the National Court.

The charges stem from an incident on April 15, 2025, in the residential area of Eriku, Lae, where Li allegedly fired a gun at his two business partners after a dispute over business dealings.

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PNG Court Nullifies Lagaip Election, Orders Fresh Vote