Chairman of Investigation Task Force Sweep, says while the Constitution allows Papua New Guinea citizens the right to information, the same law, also qualifies that information relating to prevention, investigation and prosecution of a crime is not always readily available to the public.
In a statement on his Facebook page, Sam Koim says while social media feeds on wild allegations and scandals of seeing prominent figures in embarrassing situations, the law must be maintained at all costs. Mr. Koim's statement follows the sentencing of former Planning Minister Paul Tiensten on misappropriation charges, and other high-profile investigations currently pursued by Task Force Sweep. Mr. Koim says Section 51 of the Constitution also qualifies where and when appropriate information on high-profile cases can be released to the public. He says, no investigation will be successful, if it is only to feed the public's appetite every step of the way. Koim further says the judicial system is established to check the correctness of investigations, and it is only when judicial hearings are conducted in open courts and a determination made, then the investigations can be proven. As a result of investigations Paul Paraka – Principal of Paul Paraka Lawyers was arrested and charged for K80-million. Others also charged in connection with the the so-called Parakagate include Harvey Nii – Principal of Harvey Nii Lawyers, Kumuro Sino – Principal of Sino & Co Lawyers, Jack Kilipi – Principal of Kilipi Lawyers, Paul Othas – Principal of Paul Othas Lawyers, Deputy Finance Secretary Jacob Yafai and Finance Secretary Steven Gibson. These cases are going through the normal committal proceedings at the District Court. Meantime, Sam Koim says investigations into these cases are continuing on other fronts not covered by a restraining order, preventing Minister James Marape and former Treasurer Don Polye from being questioned by police fraud investigators. Polye and Minister Marape were invited by the Police Commissioner for a formal record of interview, however, a restraining order obtained on January 20. The orders prevented any action against persons named in the Originating Summons including Prime Minister Peter O’Neill, Opposition Leader Belden Namah, Minister Marape and Don Polye, among others. The proceedings were commenced by Mr. Namah and three other policemen. The Police have filed an application to remove the restraining orders and alternatively dismiss the entire proceedings, but that application was adjourned a couple of times with extension to the stay orders. This case will return to court on the 21st of May. Comments are closed.
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