Family of four-year-old Martin, in prison for more than two years, can seek bail
News that matter in Papua New Guinea
Family of four-year-old Martin, in prison for
more than two years, can seek bail
PORT MORESBY: Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika says
four-year-old Martin’s parents and guardians can apply for bail anytime.
Marti has been living in
Bomana Prison for more than two years after his parents and guardians were
arrested for alleged sorcery-related violence (SRV).
The sad case of Martin, having to live in prison, was brought to the court’s attention following a media publication on Jan 3, 2023 (by The National).
Boy’s family can seek
bail
January 6, 2023The
NationalMain Stories
By AILEEN KWARAGU
CHIEF Justice Sir
Gibbs Salika says four-year-old Martin’s parents and guardians can apply for
bail anytime.
Martin has been living in Bomana Prison for more than two years after his
parents and guardians were arrested for alleged sorcery-related violence (SRV).
“Bail application for Martin’s family can be applied for anytime,” he said.
“Martin and his family’s case was brought to the court’s attention following a
media publication on Jan 3 (by The National).
“The court has called the five defendants because of a media publication
in The National news on Tuesday.
“I will adjourn this matter to hear bail applications that will be filed by
counsel representing all five defendants.”
Martin’s mother Saitava Steven, his father Akeikei Topiro, grandfather Topiro
Nanai, aunty Negevia Topiro and uncle Tobue Topiro from Ero in Kikori, Gulf,
were arrested by Kerema Police in June 2020, for SRV after the death of a woman
in their village.
For the last two years, they have not attended any court hearing until
November, during a Kerema court circuit.
The matter was then adjourned to this year after witnesses in their case failed
to attend court.
Sir Gibbs adjourned Martin’s family case to today at 1.30 pm to hear their bail
application by lawyer David Kayok.
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