Journalist assaulted by security officers at Parliament

A JOURNALIST has lodged a complaint with police over the treatment he received from three security officers at Parliament on Friday while there to cover proceedings.
Luke Kama, a journalist with The National, said he was assaulted by security officers while asking to go in with a colleague at around 9.45am.
He lodged a complaint with police in Boroko yesterday.
Clerk to Parliament Vele Konivaro told The National yesterday that he was not aware of the incident and would check with the Parliament’s security chief before commenting.
Kama said he had produced his ID card as requested by a security officer but he was told it had expired.
“I find it quite unusual because that is my current work ID and I don’t know where the guard gets his expiry dates and what sort of new ID he refers to,” Kama said.
Kama said the officer got agitated when questioned further and shouted: “I have the right to allow you access or I will get you out of here.” Kama said two other officers arrived and “threw punches” at him before taking him to the main gate.
“I’m not sure what sort of training they have gone through to become guards at the National Parliament,” Kama said.
“They totally lack professionalism and need to be disciplined by their superiors,” Kama said.