By Theckla Gunga – EMTV News, Port Moresby
Eight of the thirteen PNGDF Soldiers charged for mutiny have a case to answer to.
This follows the verdict handed down by Justice Panuel Mogish, following the No Case Submissions presented by lawyers representing the thirteen accused.
The decision was handed down this morning at the Bomana District Court.
All 13 soldiers were present in court for the handing down of the judgement.
Their 21 days trial began last Monday, and is now into the second week.
Presiding Judge, Justice Panuel Mogish, handed down the judgement based on evidence presented in court on each of the accused.
The eight soldiers who have cases to answer to all four counts, include Major Benjamin Edimani, Warrant officer, Scotty Kaule and Corporal Peter Perari.
Private Philip Kiak is the only accused that has only two cases to answer to.
The 13 PNGDF soldiers were charged on eight counts of Munity and Misconduct last December, after they failed to abort an operation in Southern Highlands, following directions from their Commander.
However, last week, Justice Panuel Mogish struck out the Misconduct charge after ruling that the same sets of facts were used to charge the soldiers for mutiny.
The 13 soldiers justified their refusal to follow the command because they were not given their allowance for that operation.
The refusal of the no case submissions means the 21 days trial will continue.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=CnxGZNeygYg%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque%26showinfo%3D0%26showsearch%3D0%26rel%3D0
