PNG Media Council Condemns Attack on Female Journalist in Port Moresby

The attack on a female journalist in PNG has drawn widespread condemnation, with police confirming investigations into the conduct of five Correctional Service officers accused of assaulting a reporter at the CS headquarters in Waigani, Port Moresby. The incident happened on Friday morning as she attended an official media conference.

acting CS Commissioner Bernard Nepo

Rebecca Kuku of local newspaper company, The National ,said she was at the venue to cover a briefing called by acting CS Commissioner Bernard Nepo when she was confronted while leaving the compound. She later filed a police complaint at Boroko Police Station seeking justice over the incident.

Acting Assistant Police Commissioner Ben Turi, who oversees NCD and Central command, stated that police would investigate the case thoroughly and arrest the officers involved as directed by Commissioner David Manning.

Kuku recounted that the officers questioned her about coverage of Prime Minister James Marape’s directive for an independent investigation into alleged inmate beatings at Bomana prison. She alleged one officer punched her ear while another attempted to slap her during the confrontation.

Following the incident, Nepo sent an apology to the journalist through WhatsApp, acknowledging the behaviour of his officers but expressing concern about her reporting. He stated: “You were reporting online one side from prisoners. What you did is very serious. That’s why my officers got on you.”

The National management said it had simply reported a serious assault upon prisoners that was confirmed by warders and described any assault on a journalist as unacceptable. The organisation also confirmed it was supporting Kuku in filing a criminal assault case and called on the CIS command to discipline those responsible.

Media Council of PNG president Neville Choi said freedom of the press allows journalists to report and disseminate information without intimidation or restriction, while Rtd Maj-Gen Jerry Singirok described the actions as cowardly and damaging to the Correctional Service’s reputation, adding that the behaviour of the officers was unacceptable and undermined democratic principles.