Chief Justice Salika’s abrupt handling of Mr. Yafai’s case raises alarming questions about judicial integrity amid threats and intimidation faced by judges in Papua New Guinea.
Is the Papua New Guinea Judiciary Compromised?
Last week, Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika brought the matter of Mr. Jacob Yafai before the Waigani National Court for a mention.
This sudden move caught everyone at the courthouse off guard, including court officials, who were forced to rush around to get the case listed and summon the involved parties.
Only the Chief Justice understands why this matter was hastily brought to court, only to be adjourned until next year (February 5, 2025) for trial.
Prior to this listing, it was the courageous actions of some dedicated court officials who urged our judges to expedite the Paraka saga.
This case was initially heard by Justice Teresa Berrigan, who found Paul Paraka guilty and sentenced him to 20 years in prison.
Following the sentencing, Justice Berrigan received threats and intimidation from within the judiciary, leading her to disqualify herself from continuing with the case.
Subsequently, the case was assigned to Justice George Manuhu. Mere weeks into the proceedings, Justice Manuhu also received threats and ultimately disqualified himself from overseeing the Paraka saga.
The case file was then returned to the National Court registry, awaiting the availability of another judge. Justice Nicholas Miviri stepped forward, but after a month of presiding over the matter, he too received death threats and was compelled to disqualify himself.
The consistent intimidation faced by judges indicates a pervasive fear rooted in powerful individuals manipulating the system and the country. Mr. Yafai’s case file has been locked away in the National Court registry for over a year.
It was only last week that Chief Justice Salika decided to take the matter upon himself. The Paraka saga is especially sensitive, as it involves high-profile nationals.
Judges in Papua New Guinea must respect matters of national interest. Justice should be delivered impartially and without fear.
Mr. Yafai’s case is a straightforward matter that could be resolved in less than a month if the appropriate witnesses (Mr. Marape, Mr. O’Neill, Mr. Polye, and others) are called upon as planned.
It raises important questions: How and why did Chief Justice Salika adjourn Mr. Yafai’s case to next year (February 5, 2025)? Whose interests is the Chief Justice serving?
In response to these troubling developments, judiciary staff will hold a peaceful sit-in protest at the Waigani National Court next week.
The Paraka saga must be addressed urgently before some senior judges retire at the beginning of next year.
Once again, we commend the judiciary officers who are risking their careers to expose corruption within the system.
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