PNG Unites in Red as Thousands Join Redvember Walk Against GBV

PNG’s National Court has awarded more than K1.4 million in damages to retired judge Les Gavara-Nanu after ruling that former prime minister Peter O’Neill and senior politicians defamed him in media statements.

 PNG Court Orders O’Neill, Namah and Parkop to Pay Damages to Retired Judge

The decision was handed down in Waigani by National Court Judge Pauline Bre, who found that the comments made against Gavara-Nanu were defamatory and warranted significant monetary compensation.

Justice Bre ordered O’Neill to pay K438,750 in general and aggravated damages, Vanimo-Green MP Belden Namah to pay K506,250, and NCD Governor Powes Parkop to pay K337,500.

The judge further ruled that the State was vicariously liable for the combined K1,282,500, along with pre-judgment interest of two per cent per annum, totalling K179,550. This brings the full payout to K1,462,050.

Gavara-Nanu, who served on the bench for many years, brought the action after the three leaders made public allegations he argued were unfounded and damaging.

Justice Bre said the nature of the allegations and the platforms on which they were made justified the award, stating they “seriously injured the reputation of the plaintiff.”

Also read

PNG Unites in Red as Thousands Join Redvember Walk Against GBV