Justice for Sheena is Justice for Bougainville

This Petition/Appeal was sent to the Central Regional Parliamentary Committee through its Chairman Hon Justin Borger, facilitated by William Toroama, Jonathan Neravinu, Jonathan Auuna and Flynn Moses.

The document is signed by eleven (11) community leaders from the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB), PNG.

  • Rex Ori, Ward Member,
  • Thomas Oriui, Paramount Chief,
  • Steven Dumora Paramount Chief.
  • Mr Abel Tanumei Community Government Chairman,
  • Hon Robson Aumora, Ward Member,
  • Kerei West,
  • Hon Moses Miramira, Community Govt Vice Chairman,
  • Gorethy Sidaori Ward Member,
  • James Dongpu, Chief Land Mediation, North Nasioi,
  • Mr Donatus Bota, Chairperson of Conflict Solving Team,
  • Kokoda: John Bosco. Chief/Pastor, Sylvester Erevinu Veterans Rep.

The petition/appeal complains about many aspects of Police special Operation Challenger, allegedly under which Sheena Cook was unlawfully incarcerated for 8 months and denied her basic civil and human rights.

The petition/appeal is alarming reading. It names allegedly corrupt officers in the AROB Police Force.

The report accuses these allegedly corrupt AROB officers of various improper and criminal activities.

These include:

  • bias (favouring one clan at the expense of others),
  • excessive brutality to the extent of murder,
  • illegal use, hiring out and sale of firearms,
  • masterminding armed hold ups and of course,
  • failing to use legally-required Police procedures (due process).

The Appeal is not marked confidential. Fifteen (15) CC copies went to the following:

1. Members of CRPC (Central Mini Parliament)

2. Hon President of ABG – Ishmael Toroama

3. Member for Central Veterans (Operation Challenger)

4. Steven Topesi – Chairman Central Veterans (Operation Challenger)

5. Chris lmba – Operations Commander (Operation Challenger)

6. Law & Justice Secretary – Mr KEmneath Nanei

7. ABG Police Minister – Hon John Bosco Ragu

8. Bougainville Police Commissiorn r – Mr Francis Topura

9. Chief Secretary ABG – Shadrach Himata

10. Police Commander Central Bouuainville

11. Police IIU Buka

12. CID – OIC -Simeon Painum

13. National Internal Securities Minister – Hon Peter Tsiamalili

14. Ombusman Commission PNG

15. Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC)

QUESTIONS THAT MUST BE ANSWERED

  • Can Francis Tokura, AROB Police Chief, (level: Deputy Commissioner of Police) show reason why he should not be suspended forthwith?
  • Surely an external, independent public enquiry into police conduct in AROB must be conducted?