In Papua New Guinea, a three-member Supreme Court bench has dismissed imprisoned Komo-Magarima MP Francis Potape's application for bail.
The front facade of Papua New Guinea's parliament featuring recently removed anthropomorphic carved heads on the front lintel. Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades
The MP from the ruling People's National Congress Party, was found guilty of misappropriation of public money last October and sent to Bomana prison to serve a two-and-a-half year prison sentence.
PNG Today reports the Supreme Court decision effectively means that Francis Potape will continue to remain a convicted member of parliament in prison until a decision is delivered on his appeal.
In the event he fails to win his appeal and have his conviction overturned he will then cease to be an MP and a by-election for the Komo-Magarima seat will be called.
The Supreme Court decision marks the convicted MP's second failed attempt to obtain bail after Judge Derek Hartshorn refused him bail, last month, reportedly on four grounds.
