Ex-PM’s request to dismiss contempt application refused

THE Waigani Supreme Court has refused an application by former prime minister
Peter O’Neill seeking to dismiss a contempt application filed by three alleged contemnors.
The alleged contemnors were Sinasina-Yongomugl MP Kerenga Kua, Moresby North-West MP Sir Mekere Morauta and Aitape-Lumi MP Patrick Pruaitch.
O’Neill’s appeal arose from an application that was seeking to set aside and declare null and void a decision of the first defendant in the matter, former chief magistrate Nerrie Eliakim, to issue a warrant of arrest for the arrest of O’Neill in 2017.
On Dec 15, 2017, the court allowed the appeal and among other matters declared was the warrant of arrest null and void.
On Aug 12, 2017, a press conference was held by the contemnors. Allegation against each contemnor was their alleged contemptuous conduct of speech by the content, and also the information was assembled in the media during the press conference.
The contemnors, however, submitted that the affidavit relied on by O’Neill was hearsay material and that the contempt application did not disclose causes of action against the contemnors.
They further submitted that the statements in dispute were made in relation to and/or in connection with a stay order on the warrant of arrest on Aug 10.
Justice Derek Hartshorn speaking on behalf of a three-man bench that consisted of himself and judges Allen David and Ere Kariko ordered that the application be dismissed.