By Serah Aupong – EM TV News, Port Moresby
Thomas Eluh and Mathew Damaru have been allowed to be part of a court proceeding regarding Prime Minister Peter O’Neill’s warrant of arrest.
They now join Chief Magistrate Nerrie Eliakim, and the State, as defendants.
The court hearing is challenging the decision by Chief Magistrate Eliakim in allowing the warrant of arrest to be carried out.
An application by Eluh and Damaru to join was challenged last week by the Prime Minister and Police Commissioner’s Lawyers, saying they were not directly affected by the case.
Judge Colin Makail ruled against that argument.
Judge Makail said as police officers who applied for and obtained the warrant of arrest, they are directly involved in this matter and to not have them join, would be an injustice.
Both Mr Eluh and Mr Damaru were at the court house to hear this decision. Mr Eluh said afterwards that he is “very happy” and “pleased” with the decision.
McRonald Nale from Jema Lawyers who represent the two police officers said this decision now paves the way for further action.
“That is to have this proceeding dismissed,” Mr Nale said. That application will be heard by Judge Makail this Thursday (10th December 2015).
This court proceedings was lodged by former Police Commissioner, Geoffrey Vaki, and Prime Minister Peter O’Neill last year.
Last week the current Police Commissioner Gari Baki was allowed to join the court hearing as third plaintiff.
Eluh and Damaru have joined this proceeding as third defendants.
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