CHIEF JUSTICE CHARGED WITH SEDTION

Chief Justice Salamo Injia

Belden Namah stormed to Court house screaming abuse from the car-park with his entourage of Members.

Burst into the Supreme Court; which was in session and pointed at the CJ screaming at him and ordering the Police and Defense Force personnel to arrest the CJ. The security personnel hesitated as Namah continued to roar at them.

The CJ stood up and walked back into his chambers in which the security personnel proceeded to follow him. They were stopped by his Associate. His Associate was assaulted in the process as the security personnel ran through the judges chambers looking for the CJ.

The Registrar of the Supreme and National Court was then man-handled and asked to 'find' the CJ in the Court premises.

The car-park of the Court Grounds was crawling with security personnel. After intense negotiations and following of proper protocol from Commander Eluh, the CJ was asked to go down to Kone for a record of interview.

The CJ proceeded with his record of interview in the ADR court room. Was charged and granted bail at approximately 7:30pm.

Before going in for the interview the CJ told reporters he will deny the charge because he's done nothing wrong. He said what has happened is a threat to democracy and rule of law.

The Charge

The Chief Justice Salamo Injia has been charged with SEDITION under section 54 of the Criminal Code

Under Section 54;

54. SEDITION.
(1) A person who–

(a) conspires with any person to carry into execution a seditious enterprise; or
(b) advisedly publishes any seditious words or writing,
is, subject to Subsection (2), guilty of a misdemeanor.

Penalty: Imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years.

(2) If a person convicted of an offence against Subsection (1) has been previously convicted of any such offence he is guilty of a crime.

Penalty: Imprisonment for a term not exceeding seven years.

(3) A prosecution for any of the offences against Subsection (1) must be begun within six months after the offence is committed.

(4) A person shall not be convicted of an offence against Subsection (1) on the uncorroborated testimony of one witness.

The CJ’s charge relates to his email interaction between himself, Kirriwom and Registrar. He has however been released on OR and will face Committal Court tomorrow...........


Grand Chief Condemns Act

"It is a very sad day for Papua New Guinea and such actions are most utterly WRONG!!! No politician has the right to bombard the court house to arrest a judge," These were the words of Grand Chief, Sir Michael Somare this evening, when interviewed via phone on Legend FM news. He is currently in ESP, returns tomorrow to POM.