Media urged to be careful with reports

By GEORGINA KOREI
A SENIOR magistrate has cautioned the media to be careful with the words used when reporting on the coroner’s inquiry into the death of Rex Wanzing as it is “sensitive”.
Magistrate Josephine Kilage made the comment in the Port Moresby District Court on Friday when responding to former Chief Justice Sir Arnold Amet who asked that the panel of magistrates hearing the case to reconsider its decision to ban media coverage.
“This is a very sensitive issue and we want to ensure that answers are given by the witnesses,” she said.
“You have to take your time to consider the use of words you put out to the public.”
Magistrate Kilage said the media’s reporting could affect the gathering of evidence and testimony.
Magistrate Seth Tanei told the reporters covering the inquiry on Friday that they would no longer allow reporting on the inquest.
“This will be your last day as we do not want you to drive fear, intimidation or any form of negative inducement on our witnesses and people who will be coming to give evidence,’ he said.
However, Sir Arnold asked the court to reconsider its decision in the interest of free speech.
“With due respect, may I ask the panel to reconsider its decision not to allow the media to do coverage as democracy cannot be suppressed,” he said.
Wanzing was one of the three who died at Port Moresby General Hospital on Aug 12, 2021, allegedly after a new batch of propofol was administered during their eye surgery.