PNG Law Society condemns Attorney General’s remarks on judiciary

The Papua New Guinea Law Society has strongly condemned recent comments made by the Attorney General in Tari, Hela Province, accusing national judges of practicing nepotism and the ‘wantok system’.

In a statement released this week, the Law Society described the Attorney General Pila Niningi’s remarks as ‘outrageous and unacceptable’, stating that they amount to a direct attack on the independence and integrity of the judiciary, a cornerstone of PNG’s constitutional democracy.

“Our national judges are citizens of high intellect, integrity, and commitment, who have sworn to uphold the Constitution and apply the law without fear or favour, the society said in a statement.

“To allege that they are guided by personal affiliations rather than judicial principle is an insult to their loyalty, professionalism, and service to the nation.

The law society underscored the importance of maintaining the separation of powers, warning that any form of political interference or intimidation of the judiciary undermines public confidence in the justice system and threatens the rule of law.

The judiciary must be free to discharge its duties without political interference or intimidation. Such reckless and inflammatory remarks undermine public confidence in the justice system and threaten the very Rule of Law that holds our democracy together,” the statement read.

The society has called on Niningi to withdraw the statement and to refrain from making further comments that may erode the credibility of the judiciary.

Reaffirming its role in upholding the rule of law, the law society pledged to remain vigilant in defending the integrity of PNG’s justice system.