TI PNG is concerned that we may be on the path toward the abrogation of our constitution, in other words the removal of the People’s Power. They strongly condemned the alleged invasion of the court by Deputy Prime Minister Belden Namah along with members of the PNG police and defence force.
Yesterday’s behavior has had a direct impact on the public confidence in one of the key pillars of democracy and has placed our judicial system under serious threat.
Questions have been asked under what authority the deputy Prime Minister was acting and what authority the members of the disciplined forces were being directed to invade the sanctuary of the courts yesterday afternoon.
It was in a sad view of the public to see our judges, their staff and officers of the courts intimidated and reportedly assaulted in this manner. TI PNG calls on Police Commissioner Tom Kulunga as the head of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary to explain to the public the role of the police and their behavior. TI PNG has stressed out that as the Police Commissioner he must be held accountable for the actions done by both disciplined forces done at the court house yesterday.
TI PNG noted also that Prime Minister Peter O’Neil stated that he would not accept the ruling of the Supreme Court handed down on Monday 21st May 2012. Such statement is unbecoming of the office of the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea. This is not what Papua New Guineans deserve from the Leader of this Nation.
TI PNG calls on parties to uphold the constitution and respect the offices they hold. These offices have well established conventions and processes on how to interact; however these conventions have been grossly abused.
