Magistrate Paul Puri Nii at the Committal Court in Waigani, Port Moresby voiced concerns over administrative and logistical challenges within the Police and Correctional Services, which may affect remandees and others in custody from having their day in court.
He stressed the importance of ensuring the rights of suspects in custody to attend court hearings.
The magistrate’s concerns surfaced in court yesterday when he queried police prosecutors about the absence of remands and other individuals in Correctional Services custody from Bomana jail, who were slated to appear in court before him in the morning.
Police prosecutors cited transportation issues between Bomana and Waigani Committal Court as the primary reason for the remands delay in appearing on time in court.
Upon hearing the situation, Magistrate Nii, stressed such hindrances should not impede individuals fundamental rights to participate in court proceedings.
In response to the transportation challenges, Magistrate Ni proposed the possibility of conducting hearings for remands and others in Correctional Services custody at the Bomana court facilities.
Also present in court when the magistrate raised the issue, were a group of trainee Police Cadet Officers from the Bomana School of Excellence, who have been attending court proceedings at the Waigani District Court this week.