Editors summoned

THE Moti case has taken a new twist, with the National and Supreme Court issuing contempt proceedings against very senior media personnel in PNG.
The Registrar of the National and Supreme Court has widened the case, which previously had Defence Minister Bob Dadae and the editor-in-chief of Sunday Chronicle as respondents.
Also issued with contempt proceedings were editor-in-chief of Post-Courier Oseah Philemon, editor-in-chief of The National Daniel Korimbao, managing director of Media Niugini Glen Armstrong, chief editor of EMTV News Scott Waide, and Defen-ce Secretary Fred Punangi.
Court officials served the contempt papers and other documents on them this week.
The contempt action relates to a press statement concerning the Moti case issued by the Defence Minister on Oct 30.
This statement was aired on EMTV the same day, and was published as news items in the Post-Courier and The National on Oct 31.
The Sunday Chronicle published the press statement in full on Nov 4.
Registrar of the National and Supreme Court Ian Augerea, who issued the contempt proceedings, alleged in papers filed in court that the publications and broadcast of the minister’s press release was in contempt of court because the matter was sub judice.
Mr Augerea said the matter was sub judice because Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare filed his appeal against the National Court decision by Justice Bernard Sakora on Oct 19.
The press release was issued 11 days after the appeal was filed, he added.
A panel of judges has been appointed to hear this case, but no date has been set for a hearing.
The Moti case stems from an inquiry by the PNG Defence Force Board of Inquiry into the secret escape of Solomon Islands attorney-general Julian Moti on Oct 10, 2006, using a PNG Defence Force aircraft to avoid arrest by Australian police.
The inquiry, headed by Justice Gibbs Salika, recommended actions against Sir Michael.
But the Prime Minister challenged the inquiry in court.
However, his challenge was dismissed by Justice Sakora on Sept 12.
The Prime Minister then lodged an appeal, which is pending.