By Theckla Gunga – EM TV News, Port Moresby
Justice Allan David has granted bail for the 11 PNG Defence Force soldiers charged for mutiny on December 31, 2015.
Lawyers representing the soldiers submitted the bail applications on January 9, but the decision was adjourned to this morning.
The 11 are now out on K2,000 bail, each.
The bail applications were submitted based on four grounds.
They include the number of months the soldiers were away from their families, which is over 64 weeks, the holding cells were too crowded and cannot accommodate over 10 men and all were fathers and sole breadwinners.
However, lawyers representing the state objected the grounds arguing that there were serious charges against the applicants and despite being detained at the holding cell at Murray Barracks, they are able to enjoy privileges that persons in a normal police custody may not.
The initial bail application was submitted at K300 for each applicant, because all 11 were removed from the pay roll.
However, Justice Allan granted the bail at K2,000 each.
It was granted on the following grounds, the nominated garrotters pay a sum of K1,500 and the applicants pay the remaining K500 and the 11 are to remain within the National Capital District until their case is over.
Their case will return to court in February.
Meanwhile, the case of the female probationary constable who was alleged to have been involved in the condom eating saga has been deferred to January 13 because of a power outage at the Bomana Court House.
She was taken back to the Boroko holding cell where she is currently being detained.
Her accomplice, the male officer, has been identified and will be brought into Port Moresby from Nipa, Southern Highlands where he will be arrested and charged for his involvement in the indent.
