Opposition: Charge PM Marape with breaching Covid-19 Pandemic Act

News that matter in Papua New Guinea

Beldan Namah (left) wants Prime Minister James Marape to be charged for violating Covid-19 protocols

Thousands gathered … no masks, no Covid-19 Niupela Pasin (New Normal) protocols (Prime Minister James Marape and Philip Undialu welcomed by a massive crows in Hela's Margarima station last month.)

Opposition: Charge PM Marape with breaching Covid-19 Pandemic Act

PORT MORESBY: Papua New Guinea (PNG) Opposition Leader Beldan Namah wants National Pandemic Controller David Manning to charge Prime Minister James Marape for contravening the Coronavirus (Covid-19) Pandemic Act.

“If he is not charged, and I do not expect he will, then the Ombudsman Commission must investigate both men for breaches of the Leadership Code for dereliction of duty and placing the lives of thousands at risk,” he added.

Read on for more on the news break published by The National:

Namah urges Manning to charge PM over breaking Covid rules

February 3, 2022The NationalMain Stories

OPPOSITION Leader Belden Namah wants National Pandemic Controller David Manning to charge Prime Minister James Marape for contravening the Coronavirus (Covid-19) Pandemic Act.
“If he is not charged, and I don’t expect he will, then the Ombudsman Commission must investigate both men for breaches of the Leadership Code for dereliction of duty and placing the lives of thousands at risk,” he said.
“He (Marape) does it publicly and frequently with the full knowledge that the law will not touch him.”
Just a week after Manning reissued warnings to the public not to gather in groups exceeding 100 people, Marape went to Mendi to address crowds in the thousands without a care for the Niupela Pasin (New Normal).
Marape visited Southern Highlands’ Mendi for several project launches where thousands of people gathered.
“He knew people woud gather in large numbers if the prime minister is scheduled to address a public forum,” Namah said.
“In agreeing to address the forum, he deliberately and with premeditation broke a very important Covid-19 restriction.
“He has put the lives of thousands at risk.
“He must be held to account under the law.
“I call upon the Criminal Investigation Department to use its own powers under the law to investigate both men for criminal negligence, and seriously jeopardising the lives of people.
“We cannot continue to develop and enforce rules and laws for the common person which is continuously flouted by the prime minister and his police commissioner.”
However, Manning said event organisers were aware of the restrictions.
“The prime minister’s presence drew a larger crowd, the event was in a big public space but those in attendance had a strong desire to witness the event,” he said.
“Ultimately, in a big crowd, such as the event, it is difficult to implement Covid-19 restrictions and there are limitations to implement measures.
“It is anticipated this will be the case for the coming general election 2022 campaigns,” he added.

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