Prosecutors told to attend to all cases

ALL police prosecutors must attend court cases in all district courts during State of Emergency, says prosecution director Chief Inspector Kuiap Pare.
Pare said the court sittings for Jan 11-12 were affected due to the chaos in Port Moresby and it affected the accused who came in for their hearings on those dates.
“Justice needs to prevail for those accused in custody and so the prosecutors will be attending to their cases this week,” he said.
He said this to inform the public that police prosecutors of cases had to resume duties in court from yesterday after the disruptions and chaos in the city last week.
“Due to unforeseen disruptions last week, many cases set for court appearance did not proceed,” he said.
“I have issued instructions to the officer in charge (OIC) prosecution for National Capital District and Central and told the officer to have their prosecutors attend court and ensure defendants’ rights were executed.
“It is business as normal and all other government and private businesses will continue their activities, therefore, prosecution services of the police will continue to provide the needed services in the justice system.”
Pare said those defendants who were out on bail should enquire at the court registry for their adjourned court dates from last week when court sittings were disrupted.
“The public, especially those who missed their cases on Jan 11-12, must make themselves available at the respective courthouses and find out the status of their cases,” he said.