PNG students demand justice before return to class

3:48 pm on 20 June 2016

Students in Papua New Guinea say they want justice for those shot by police before there is any talk of returning to classes.

Two weeks ago, police opened fire on a group of students trying to march to parliament in a show of support for an attempted motion of no confidence against the prime minister, Peter O'Neill.

More than 20 students were injured, and several are still in hospital.

Meanwhile class boycotts at the University of PNG have continued into their seventh week despite the administration calling for classes to resume last Tuesday.

A student leader, Hercules Jim, said a negotiating team comprising of local NGOs, church groups and politicians including former prime minister Sir Michael Somare would be mediating on the students' behalf.

Mr Jim said the students would be preparing new conditions that would have to be met before they consider returning to class.

"Basically to make sure we find justice and a win-win situation for the students in the national issue that we have been pursuing and also our education," said Mr Jim. "To find a win-win situation and basically see justice. We want justice to prevail."

Get the RNZ app

for ad-free news and current affairs