‘No more comments on amendments’

MINISTER for Justice and Attorney-General Ano Pala has announced that there must be no more public discussions on issues relating to the Environment Act amendments because the matter was currently before the courts.
He said a Supreme Court reference has been filed by the referrors’ lawyers Nonggorr and William Lawyers for clients and landowners of Madang’s Rai Coast, Sana Melanbo, Eddie Tarsie and Farina Siga.
In a public statement released yesterday, Pala said the referrors are seeking the Supreme Court to give its advisory opinion on whether or not the recent amendments were unconstitutional.
“This is to advise the public that a Supreme Court reference has been filed on June 3 and copies have been served to the State on the same date,” Pala said.
 “Since then there have been two direction hearings. In the recent one, at which the state lawyers appeared, the Supreme Court raised concerns about the wide and extensive media comments raised by the public when the court had already seized the matter.”
“By this notice, I advise the public that there should not be anymore discussions, comments or references conducted in the media or anywhere else in public as this matter is no subjudice.
Pala added: “This means, there will be no more talk-back radio programmes and interviews, no more advertisements, no more letters to the editors, no more public meetings and above all, there will be no public demonstrations or protest marches.
“Your right to freedom of expression is now subsumed into this court case. This means that you also have a right to be represented at the hearing of this Supreme Court reference. You can be represented by Nonggorr and William Lawyers or you can get your own lawyers to represent your interest at the hearing of this reference.
“Police commanders of any metropolitan centre throughout the country should cancel or refrain from granting permits for any public meetings, demonstrations and protest marches.
“Any person or media outlet which continue to run or publish commentaries and opinions or which coordinate and conduct meetings, demonstrations or public protests on the recent amendments runs the risk of being in contempt of court.
“You are hereby, accordingly warned.” Pala said yesterday.