Transparency International Papua New Guinea says the jail sentence given to the Police Commissioner for his contempt of court conviction is a timely reminder that the law applies to all.
Tom Kulunga was sentenced to 21 months in prison on Friday.
He was convicted on contempt of court charges for failing to reinstate Geoffrey Vaki as Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations after he had been suspended, on cabinet orders, in 2012.
TI's chair, Lawrence Stephens says the sentence reflects the seriousness of disobeying the courts, even though it is distressing for the top policeman.
"This is a really sad event for himself. But on the other hand it is very valuable to have the courts making statements that we all need to take note of: that we have a robust court system. The court system is required to make rulings on matters and we are obliged to follow those rulings."
Lawrence Stephens
