Port Moresby governor wants security forces punished

8:17 am on 22 November 2018

The governor of Papua New Guinea's National Capital District is calling for members of the security forces who ransacked parliament to be punished.

Powes Parkop

Powes Parkop Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades

Officers from the police and the correctional service were amoung those who stormed parliament on Monday, demanding payment for work during last week's APEC summit.

They forcibly entered the building, damaging property and allegedly assaulting staff.

The governor, Powes Parkop, said an attack on parliament was an attack on the sovereignty of the people and had to be condemned.

"I call upon everyone involved to do the right thing let it be arrests, suspension, salary cut to repair the damages or total sacking from the force. Your job is to protect the country not to provoke tension and chaos," Mr Parkop said.

While order had been restored, Port Moresby residents had been traumatised, he said.

"We are on high alert and we have learnt our lessons and I once again assure everyone to feel safe and go about your work and business as I am doing all I can to assure safety and peace in our city as my number one priority."

The governor said he was having discussions with the police minister to create a special unit of security officers to protect state institutions.

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