Pala in court for halt of O’Neill’s arrest

 POLICE have served their investigation file on Attorney-General and Justice Minister Ano Pala, pictured, regarding the charges relating to the warrant of arrest against Prime Minister Peter O’Neill.

Pala appeared with lawyer Ralph Saulep before Magistrate John Kaumi at the Waigani Committal Court and confirmed that they received the files last Thursday.

Police prosecutor Polon Koniu said Pala had been served the file last week.

Saulep said they had received the file with Koim’s statement in it and would require time to file submissions. 

The parties will make oral submissions in court on March 30.

Pala was allegedly involved in preventing the arrest of Peter O’Neill by police in regards to the payments of legal bills by the Finance Department to a law firm. 

 Pala gave instruction to the Solicitor General to include the State as a party to the proceeding in which Finance Minister James Marape and O’Neill were seeking orders to restrain police from executing the warrant of arrest against O’Neill.

He allegedly conspired with Marape and O’Neill to pervert the course of justice.

He was charged with conspiracy to pervert the course of justice, perverting the course of justice and abuse of office. 

The Supreme Court refused his application to stay the warrant of arrest against him.  A K6000 bail has been extended.