Ano Pala

New Act slashes claims against Govt by 6 percent

Minister for Justice and Attorney General Ano Pala in a statement said the new legislation reduced the annual interest rate awarded by the court on pre-judgment interest and post-judgment interest and costs for claims against the State from 8% to 2% annually.

The Judicial Proceeding Act, 2015 provided for an 8% interest on judgments to reflect the bank lending rates.

However, in the new legislation, the 2% applies only for pre-judgements and judgements made on, or after January 1, 2014.

Pala calls on Baki to instill discipline

In receiving the court decision today, Pala said he is humbled at the decision of the Supreme Court which found that the warrant issued for his arrest from June 2014 was defective.

A three-man Supreme Court bench today declared that warrant void and of no effect, quashing his committal court proceeding that stems from that warrant. The warrant was taken out by Director of Fraud and Anti-Corruption Directorate Matthew Damaru at the District Court.

Pala arrested by fraud squad over misuse of funds

Local media reported Ano Pala was picked up and taken in for questioning by PNG's National and Anti-Corruption Fraud squad at Jacksons International Airport in Port Moresby on Tuesday afternoon upon his arrival from Brisbane.

Police allege he misused money intended for his electorate.

"The charges related to him abusing his office and power to apply public funds earmarked for Rigo District in the Central Province for his own use," Papua New Guinea police said in a media release.

Court receives submissions by Pala

Pala through his lawyers Ralph Saulep and Alfred Manase served copies of submissions to Police Prosecutor Polon Koniu. Koniu will now need time to peruse the written submissions and make a response.

This comes after police served the defendant their investigation files when the matter last came for mention on Feb 11.

The matter will return before the Committal Court on April 18.

Pala's case has been adjourned to March 30 where both Saulep and the police prosecution team are expected to present their submissions in court.

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Police serve Pala investigation files

Pala and his lawyers briefly appeared at the Waigani Committal Court this morning.

Ralph Saulep who is acting for Pala told Magistrate John Kaumi,  police investigation files were served to them on Feb 4.

They will now require a month to peruse the files in preparation for submissions before the court when the matter returns.

Pala's case has been adjourned to March 30, where both Saulep and the police prosecution team are expected to present their submissions in court.

PNG Loop's 5@5

Pala freed on K6, 000 bail
http://www.looppng.com/content/pala-freed-k6-000-baila
The Waigani District Court this afternoon allowed an urgent bail application for Attorney General and Justice Minister Ano Pala.

Justice Minister accepts charges

Pala presented himself at the Fraud Squad office at 10am and was questioned for more than two hours.

 “I am charged for carrying out my duty as Attorney General and legal adviser to the State. I carried out my duty and I have no personal benefit whatsoever,” Pala says.

In a statement distributed by the office of the Prime Minister, he says he will not make any further comments until the matter has run its full course in court.

 

Charged Minister smiles for Loop camera

The Minister was accompanied by only an office staffer and a legal representative when he went into the Fraud and Anti Corruption office. 

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Pala's lawyers attempt to get bail

Magistrate John Kaumi will hear the application.

Minister Pala earlier today presented himself to fraud and anti-corruption detectives for questioning.   A short time ago, he was arrested and charged with attempting to prevent the cause of justice.

More to come later..

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Justice Minister Pala goes in for questioning

This follows the Supreme Court dismissal on Oct 28 of an application to restrain police from arresting him.

Assistant Police Commissioner Crimes Thomas Elluh told PNG Loop that the minister has voluntarily come in for questioning by his  officers.

PNG Loop was on site when the minister turned  up and was openly greeted by him as he walked into the office.

A staff officer for Pala told PNG Loop that the minister is in good spirits and is happy to go in for questioning.