Court strikes out identity theft charge

A criminal charge of identity theft against ACT NOW Campaign Manager, Eddie Tanago has been struck out by the Waigani District Court.

ACT NOW in a statement says, the decision by Magistrate Paul Puri Nii, at the District Court, is not about Mr. Tanago or ACT Now, but it is a win for free speech and democracy in PNG.

Tanago, a prominent civil society advocate, was arrested and charged by police in December 2024, following a complaint made by the Managing Director of the PNG Forest Authority.

This was after ACT NOW hosted a public seminar, highlighting the abuse of Forest Clearing Authorities [FCA], by foreign-owned logging companies, who use the licenses as a cover for large-scale illegal logging.

ACT NOW says that the charge against Tanago, alleged that he had committed identity theft, by re-posting on social media an advertisement for an FM100 talk-back show, where the Managing Director was due to appear, and it included his photograph.

Mr. Tanago also adds that the criminal charge against him now reinforces his determination to speak out against corruption, widespread illegal logging and the abuse of FCA licenses.

He further adds that the lawsuit against him, is also an example of the growing use of SLAPP Lawsuits or Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation, which is an abuse of the legal system, by people in positions of power, who want to silence their critics, through intimidation and unwarranted, but costly legal proceedings.

Though SLAPPs are common in some overseas countries, it is relatively new in PNG.

ACT NOW has been challenged by two Malaysian Logging Companies with two civil SLAPP lawsuits in 2024, but these lawsuits have been unsuccessful.

Tanago is now urging the PNGFA to take effective action to prevent illegal logging under FCA licences, rather than trying to intimidate and silence public debate, on a national issue that is of critical importance.