This week in review - Court

The Supreme Court reference that was filed by runner-up in the Ialibu-Pangia seat, Stanley Liria, has been withdrawn from court.

Liria withdrew the reference, calling for calm, the end of violence, and respect for the rule of law following fighting in Mendi town, the capital of Southern Highlands Province.

He also intends to withdraw the election petition in the court of disputed returns. See more on http://www.looppng.com/png-news/liria-calls-peace-67833

Two more petitions were dismissed from the Court of Disputed Returns this week, even before it reached the trial stages.

The petitions filed against Kerema Open MP Richard Mendani, by Thomas Opa, was dismissed on Wednesday after a preliminary issue was raised in a motion by Mendani’s lawyer, Tony Waisi, regarding the service of the petition by Opa.

It was dismissed because it was served one day late. Read more on http://www.looppng.com/png-news/petition-against-mendani-dismissed-67800

Another election win that will no longer be challenged in court is that of Manus MP, Job Pomat.

This petition was dismissed after lawyer for petitioner, Wep Kanawi, instructed his client of his withdrawal of the case. Full story on http://www.looppng.com/png-news/petition-challenging-pomat%E2%80%99s-win-dismissed-67801

Still with petitions, one of the two that was filed challenging the win of Tari-Pori MP, James Marape, will still go to trial after an application by his lawyer to have it dismissed was refused by the court.

Marape’s lawyer filed an application to summarily dismiss one of the two petitions that was filed by Johnny Pokaya.

Read more on http://www.looppng.com/png-news/petition-against-marape-continues-trial-67851

To the Crimes court, three convicts who were sentenced to 20 years in prison in the East Sepik Province are still at large after one was recaptured by police.

Stanley Moui Jombu of Passam, East Sepik Province, was apprehended in Maprik last week after being on the run since June 20.

He was a reserve constable who escaped custody from the Wewak National Court precinct in June, right after he was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Those still at large are Robin Weibi of Tomonoum Village, Nuku, Sandaun Province, Timon Kangapu of Hirae Village, Kopiago, Hela Province, and Nigel Tianguma Harvey of Mikarew area, Bogia, Madang Province.

Full story on http://www.looppng.com/png-news/wanted-cop-recaptured-67741

And finally, a case filed in the Waigani National Court over the dispute in the management of the Digicel Cup Rugby League competition in the country has been referred by the court for mediation.

The case was filed by PNGNRL Inc. over the resolution of 26 March 2017, which saw the Digicel Cup competition for 2017 come under the PNG National Rugby League Competition (PNG-NRLC).

See more on http://www.looppng.com/png-news/court-recommends-mediation-rugby-case-67692

Author: 
Sally Pokiton