UPNG students 2016

The student leaders’ appeals were successful before the UPNG Appeals Committee in Oct, allowing them to return to class.

The decision came after the National Court had earlier issued a stay order against their respective permanent exclusion from studies in August.

But they have not been allowed boarding and lodging on campus, something the University of Papua New Guinea said is a privilege which it cannot accord the students after their alleged involvement in the student boycott and unrest between June and July.

Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science & Technology, Francis Marus, this morning made an official visit to present the cheque.

Marus states that the prolonged boycott in the university has brought severe repercussions to all higher education stakeholders, which included physical and emotional damages to both students and staff.

“Institutional buildings and properties valued over billions of kina both in UPNG and UNITECH were destroyed due to the students’ unrest and boycott.”

Justice Derek Hartshorn, in his decision this afternoon, refused the orders sought in the students’ human rights application, saying he was not satisfied there were serious questions to be tried.

He said police cannot be prevented from performing their constitutional function or be stopped by the Court from conducting investigations.

Justice Hartshorn found the balance of convenience did not favour the students, adding they can still sue damages from police.