Refrain from harassing lawyers: Court

 A JUDGE has warned the public not to harass lawyers who are representing the interest of their clients in court cases. 

Justice Les Gavara-Nanu made the call yesterday in the Waigani National Court after lawyer Tiffany Twivey told of instances of people arguing behind her in court. 

“They (lawyers) must be free to do their work,” Gavara-Nanu told a packed courtroom. 

The issue of harassment was raised by Twivey after the judge issued orders relating to Sam Koim’s judicial review proceedings in the National Court. 

Twivey said she heard people arguing behind her back but could not identify them.  

Lawyer Mal Varitamos, representing Prime Minister Peter O’Neill, agreed with Twivey. 

That prompted Twivey to inform the court of the incidents. 

Gavara-Nanu said people should respect the rule of law and the lawyers were only doing their jobs. 

He said if people wanted to attend court cases then they should respect the court proceedings. 

“If you do that (harass) in court, this can be seen as interfering with the administration of justice,” Justice Gavara-Nanu said.