24 Jun 2014

PNG protest despite police ban

12:26 pm on 24 June 2014

At least one group of people has defied Papua New Guinea's police commander who yesterday placed a ban on protest marches today.

The acting police commissioner, Geoffrey Vaki, yesterday withdrew the approval for a march that had been granted by the metropolitan commander.

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Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades

Mr Vaki said he wanted to play it safe as various groups planned a march in opposition to the country's embattled prime minister, Peter O'Neill.

While there have been some reports of a big police presence in the city this morning, social commentator and blogger Martyn Namorong says that is not his experience and the city is quiet and peaceful.

Mr Namorong is at Unagi Park with a group of protestors he says numbers a few dozen.

"The fundamental issue here is that the prime minister is wanted by police and he has used every means possible to deflect the arrest by police, and what we are calling for is the prime minister to resign or step aside and allow due process to take its course."

PNG commentator and blogger, Martyn Namorong.