An application seeking to ban media coverage of proceedings involving suspended PNG Power Executive Director John Mangos was refused by the district court in Waigani today.
Mangos appeared in person with his lawyer before Magistrate, Cosmas Bidar.
Police prosecutors objected to the application, saying the media had a right to publish any matter before the court and it be allowed to do its job.
Magistrate Bidar refused the application saying the allegations against Mangos are just that until investigations are completed.
Mangos appeared on charges of misapropriation and false pretense.
It is alleged that between April 23 and August 24, Mangos dishonestly applied to his own and others’ K30, 000 belonging to PPL.
It is further alleged that in the same period, Mangos paid those monies to the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.
It is alleged that by means of false pretense, he obtained the monies to pay for a breach notice under the Employment of Non-citizen act.
He is currently out on K1, 500 bail and is expected back in court on December 15.