Activist's bizarre allegations of ‘kidnap’
19 November 2010
THE PNG POST-COURIER today publishes further information, and the PNG Exposed blog presents a video, on bizarre allegations of activist Noel Anjo who claims he was “kidnapped” in 2009, allegedly on orders from Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare.
Earlier this month, at a press conference and flanked by MPs Belden Namah, Sam Basil and Jamie Maxton Graham, Anjo told how he was “kidnapped” at about 5pm on 16 February2009 by persons he claims were plain clothes policemen.
The Post-Courier became aware of the allegations early this month and took the matter up with Anjo, who confirmed the story.
The newspaper has tried to speak to Sir Michael and was advised he would give an interview but so far it has not happened. Two weeks ago, Betha Somare, his daughter, denied the allegations, saying the Somare family would vigorously defend themselves and that Sir Michael’s legal team would respond to Anjo’s allegations.
Anjo is claiming K1.5 million in compensation from the State for malicious prosecution, loss of personal liberty, breach of his constitutional rights and assault.
He alleges that on 16 February 2009 he was taken to Mirigini House, the official residence of the PM where he alleged Sir Michael and his wife Lady Veronica took turns in punching him.
Mr Anjo alleged he heard Sir Michael scolding his kidnappers and saying ‘why did you bring him to me when you could have easily penetrated a bullet through his head and dumped him somewhere”.
In a separate statement, Police have alleged they were also attacked at Mirigini House when they tried to stop the Grand Chief from bashing the NGO activist.
The police claim they were ordered to charge him for threatening to kill the PM, but later changed the charge to spreading false information against the PM. The charge was in relation to the campaigns Mr Anjo was conducting
Mr Anjo appeared at the Boroko District Court on 25 May 2009, but his case was struck out due to insufficient evidence.
Source: PM ordered my ‘kidnap’ – Anjo by Simon Eroro, PNG Post-Courier, 19 November 2010
Never take what a Melanesian tells you in the beginning to be true. One has to keep on probing so as to establish the point in the discussion or the allegation.
Noel Anjo brought up a very serious allegation against Somare, and this allegation is a good basis for political opponent to dwell on.
Let Mekere Mourauta, Sam Basil and Belmah Namah, along with Noah Anjo, take this matter to court. Whether this allegation is true or not, Anjo and the opposition must take this to court.
Posted by: Gerald Tananu | 19 November 2010 at 12:42 PM