COURT AWARDS OVER K23 MILLION TO BEAMA PEOPLE OF ORO PROVINCE

THE Waigani National Court today has awarded K23,490,000.00 in damages to the people of Beama in Popondetta Urban District, in Northern province.

Justice John Carey today awarded the damages against the State for serious breaches of Human Rights in which police wrongfully burnt down the entire Beama village on the 22nd and 23rd of July. 2023.

Justic Carey in his decision relating to the hearing of Assessment of Damages said the amount covers general damages for human rights breaches, pain and suffering faced by the people.

Justice Carey in his decision said the plaintiffs (Beama Villagers) experienced 13 separate breaches of the constitutional rights during a single violent and coordinated state operation.

Legal Council, Copeland Raurela of Raurela Lawyers who has been representing the people of Beama in the last four years, described the decision (awarding of the damages) as a relief for hundreds of villagers who have been left homeless following the burning down of their homes and properties by police in 2023.

“For us, that is a relief. We’ve finally been able to get justice we deserve, the courts have recognised that and we are grateful for that. It also sends out a signal to State and its agents that no one is above the law. The law is there for us; we all work within the law whilst respecting the rights of each other. If there are processes that are not followed and the police decides to come in, there are ways to go about and address it and allow the courts to take its course,” said Mr. Raurela.

State lawyers have been present at the courthouse to receive the copy of the decision.

No timeframe has been set for the state to settle the damages in the tune of K23, 490,000.00 but Mr. Raurela is optimistic the state will honour the court decision without delays.