by Allanah Leahy – EM TV Online
Taskforce Sweep leader Sam Koim has called out Papua New Guinea for being above the law, as well as sending out a negative international image.
The denial of Australians Gregory Egan and Terry Lambert of Jema Lawyers, representing the nation’s anti-corruption body, was also described by PNG’s Law Society as “disturbing”.
Following allegations the lawyers were on an incorrect visa, PNG Law Society President Peter Kuman noted the ban may be viewed as an attempt to “pervert the course of justice”.
“The Law Society views their ban as a violation of the rule of law in this country, in the context that lawyers play a very important and crucial role in the administration and dispensation of justice in PNG…
“The involvement of Mr Egan and Mr Lambert and, for that matter, overseas counsels’ in proceedings in the National and Supreme Courts in this country for their clients, does assist in the ultimate overall attainment of constitutional democracy and the rule of law,” he said in a statement.
The Law Society said the underlying concern is both lawyers’ represent police members in ongoing court proceedings relating to Prime Minister O’Neill’s arrest warrant.
Mr Kuman said lawyers play a central role in ensuring justice in the country and that the ban of the two lawyers is a threat to constitutional democracy and the rule of law.
