Man arrested, charged over defamatory post on Facebook

By SYLVESTER WEMURU
A MAN from Maprik in East Sepik has been arrested and charged by local police under the Cyber Crime Act for allegedly posting defamatory information on Facebook, police say.
East Sepik provincial police commander Supt Albert Beli said the man was arrested and charged last week and taken to Wewak to be detained before being released on a K500 police bail.
Supt Beli said the man would appear in court when his file was ready.
He said police were investigating the matter to find out if the man had evidence to back his posts on Facebook.
Supt Beli said one of the bail conditions was that the man would not post any more defamatory claims or information on social media.
“The police are there to attend to complaints or allegations of wrongdoing committed by some against another person,” he said.
“Come to the police and they will assist you to collect evidence to make the arrest.
“Posting information on Facebook or other social media platforms or by text or phone call to defame other people is not right.”
Supt Beli said complaints had to be lodged with evidence to help police in their investigations.
He also called on people to respect each other when using social media or communicating over the phone.
Supt Beli said the Cybercrime Act was in place and police would act on complaints by investigating, arresting and charging suspects.