Woman charged with defamation

A WOMAN who was charged with publishing defamatory comments on social media against a woman journalist appeared in the Waigani Committal Court yesterday.
Quintana Selma Saun, from East Sepik’s Ambunti, is alleged to have defamed Techla Saya Gunga, a local TV journalist.
Saun, charged under Section 21(2) of the Cyber Crime Act, is alleged to have used a mobile phone between Aug 25 and 29 to publish the defamatory comments.
Saun allegedly commented on a photo of Gunga on Facebook saying: “TB (tuberculosis) patient, you’re asking for a permanent damage on your face, “taim yu kirapim pukpuk” (when you wake a crocodile) there’s no turning back.”
Saun also added some explicit comments.
Magistrate Cosmas Bidar fixed Oct 28 for mention to give police time to conduct further investigations.
Bidar ordered that Saun’s K300 police bail to be converted to court bail, cautioning Saun not to interfere with state witnesses.