Port Moresby, Sunday, 4 May 2025 – Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has responded to questions regarding matters raised in court decisions involving certain political leaders.
Prime Minister Marape clarified that while the court proceedings did refer to the conduct of some individuals, these persons were not principal parties to the case.
“I wish to make it clear that the individuals mentioned were not the primary complainants or defendants in this matter,” Prime Minister Marape said. “Their names were raised through inferences made during the court’s deliberation based on evidence adduced, but they were not the principal offenders or parties directly involved.”
He said that the matters were essentially court proceedings in which evidence led to commentary or observations, rather than direct charges against the said leaders.
“These are matters of court inference and commentary, and as such, I do not believe it is appropriate at this point in time to take any specific position on the matters. The court has issued its findings, but we must be careful not to mischaracterise the nature of those findings or elevate them beyond their legal context.”
The Prime Minister urged the media and the public to approach the issue with responsibility, noting that respect for the due process of law and proper legal interpretation must prevail over political commentary or public speculation.
“As a government that upholds the rule of law, we respect the independence of the judiciary. However, it is also important that we do not politicise or misrepresent what are essentially legal interpretations made in proceedings where these leaders were not directly on trial.”
Prime Minister Marape concluded by affirming his commitment to transparent and accountable governance, while also maintaining fairness and due process in responding to judicial outcomes.