Lawyer on defamation charge committed to trial

A LAWYER facing a charge relating to the publication of defamatory materials on social media has been committed to trial.
Waigani Committal Court Magistrate Tracy Ganaii told Laken Lepatu Aigilo that the cybercrime law was there to regulate people’s conduct on social media.
Aigilo, 32, of Papayuku village, Laigam, Porgera in Enga was alleged to have posted defamatory materials on Facebook using his mobile phone against a police officer.
Magistrate Ganaii ruled that there was sufficient evidence to commit Aigilo to trial in the National Court.
Police allege that on July 22 last year, Aigilo made defamatory comments on the walls of several groups against Detective Senior Constable Derick Tangua.
Magistrate Ganaii said Cybercrime Act was intended to stop people from posting comments that could be defamatory or injurious to other people.
“If the other person feels that it has injured his or her character or reputation, then that makes out a case in my view,” she said.
“Tangua has said that the statement defamed him and his profession as a police officer.
“He says these statements has tarnished his career, especially when he has proceeded on to higher achievements in his professional character.
“He studied at the University of PNG obtaining a law degree and has continued to work in the police force.”
The matter returns to court on Sept 15.
Aigilo is out on a K300 bail.