PNG Media Council Calls for Investigation After Reporter Assaulted

The Media Council of Papua New Guinea has called for a full independent investigation after a female journalist was allegedly assaulted by correctional officers in Port Moresby.

The reporter, who works for The National newspaper, was about to enter the Correctional Service Headquarters on Friday morning to attend a press conference when she was confronted by five male correctional officers.

According to the Media Council, the officers questioned the reporter about a recent article she had written about prisoners injured during an incident at the Bomana Correctional Service facility.

During the confrontation, one officer allegedly punched the journalist on her left ear. The reporter pushed the officer away in self-defence while another officer reportedly attempted to slap her across the face.

The journalist later returned to her newsroom and filed a formal police complaint over the incident.

The article that reportedly triggered the confrontation covered the recent Bomana prison incident in which more than 60 detainees were injured following a clash with correctional officers. Several inmates were taken to hospital, with some suffering serious injuries.

PNG Prime Minister James Marape has already ordered an independent investigation into the prison incident amid allegations of excessive force by officers.

Media Council of PNG President Neville Choi condemned the assault on the journalist and said attacks on reporters threaten press freedom.

He reminded the public that if people disagree with a news report, they should lodge a complaint with the Media Council rather than resort to intimidation or violence.

The Media Council also said it has received additional evidence, including messages and voice recordings, that raise further concerns about the conduct of some correctional officers.

Editors and media organisations across Papua New Guinea have also backed the call for an independent investigation to ensure journalists can report freely and safely.