Soldiers

This was brought up by way of 11 affidavits filed in bail applications for the 11 PNG Defence Force officers who were charged for mutiny and misconduct under operational service.

The state of the holding facility was brought to the court’s attention today as one of the main grounds in the soldiers’ application seeking bail.

Commissioned lawyers to the military ranks of captain, Leslie Mamu, Edward Sasingian and Wesley Dickson moved the application for their clients before Deputy Defence Force Judge, Justice Allan David.

Their lawyer from the Public Solicitors office, Garry Tine informed the Court Martial sitting today that they have filed and served notices of a bail application they wish to move.

Tine indicated that application will be moved in court tomorrow (Jan 9) when the sitting resumes.

 It allowed K5, 000 cash bail for the six accused Jude Nidung, David Travolta, Gregory Tuaki, Alwin Matiabe, Tobias Samson, Kenneth Yangun.

Justice Panuel issued strict bail conditions for the six accused.

They are not to leave the barracks of residence between 6pm and 6am, they are not allowed to carry firearms and are also not allowed to travel out of Port Moresby (even for training purposes, they are to seek approval from the Court).

 Jude Nidung (24) from Finschhafen  in Morobe, David Travoha (23) from Nuknuk village in Huon Gulf, Morobe Province, Gregory Tuaki (28) of Dinam village, Bogia district in Madang, Alwin Mataibe (26) from Guala village, Koroba district in the Hela province, Tobias Samson (26) from Singing village, Baiyer district Western Highlands Province and, Kenneth Yangun (25) of Mendi in the Southern Highlands Province all appeared before Justice Panuel Mogish.