18 Dec 2002

Verdicts on PNG soldiers accused of mutiny due today

4:48 pm on 18 December 2002

The verdicts on 27 members of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force charged with mutiny are expected to be announced today.

All the accused had pleaded not guilty to mutiny during an uprising at the Moem Barracks in March this year.

The charges against them included resisting authority, demanding the resignation of the Defence Force Commander and the prime minister and unlawfully taking high-powered weapons and ammunition from the barracks' armoury.

Under military regulations, mutiny carries a maximum penalty of death.