Papua New Guinea's defence secretary, Alfred Punangi, has been suspended over misconduct charges.
This has been confirmed by the prime minister, Sir Michael Somare, ending speculation about such claims.
He says Mr Punangi was suspended on disciplinary grounds along with other charges.
The National newspaper says the deputy secretary, Stephen Raphael, has been appointed acting secretary.
This comes after last Friday's assault of a journalist by a defence force lawyer who attacked her in full view of senior military personnel.
A soldier threatened to shoot her if she continued to report about Mr Punangi.
Meanwhile, the Correctional Services Commissioner, Richard Sikani, has filed an appeal against his six-month jail sentence for contempt of court.
He was sentenced for refusing to reinstate a prison officer.
But Mr Sikani is now to report to the courts registrar every week.
