An international human rights body has urged Papua New Guinean authorities to investigate a vicious beating by police officers in Port Moresby last week.
Screenshot of Papua New Guinean police officers violently beating three men on a street in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea shared on social media on November 4, 2019. Photo: Youtube
Video footage has emerged showing officers kicking and assaulting three men laid helpless on a Port Moresby road, as well as beating their heads with their rifle butts.
After the footage was shared widely on social media, police have arrested and charged several officers for their involvement.
Human Right Watch says as well as holding those responsible to account, PNG police must take steps to end excessive use of police violence which is a regular occurrence in the country. This
HRW said the incident should be independently investigated, and the police officers involved should be prosecuted and punished appropriately for their actions.
According to the NGO, the investigation should not merely identify the officers responsible but be capable of securing their successful prosecution and punishment.
"This video shows a shocking case of abuse on the streets in Port Moresby," said Elaine Pearson of Human Rights Watch.
"Sadly, these are not isolated cases. The only difference is this case was caught on camera. The Papua New Guinea police have a long track record of violence with impunity."
In August 2018, two police officers were captured on video beating a 15-year-old naked boy in Kimbe, West New Britain, while he pleaded with them to stop.
Photo: Supplied
The video gained significant attention, and it was reported that the police officers had been arrested and charged. Human Rights Watch has been unable to verify whether the two police officers were ever prosecuted and held to account for their actions.
Police MInister Bryan Kramer has confirmed that this case, and many others involving police brutality, are to be reopened. An earlier video, which was released in March 2014, showed police officers setting three dogs on a man outside Port Moresby.
"Instead of merely responding as each video of police brutality emerges, the Papua New Guinea government needs to put an end to police violence immediately," Ms Pearson said.
Disciplinary unit restored
The PNG constabulary's policing-the-police unit formed last year but disbanded early this year is to be reactivated - under the directive of acting commissioner David Manning.
The newspaper The National reports National Capital District Metro Supt Pero N'dranou saying that they noticed an increase in police brutality cases over the short period it was disbanded.
He said the unit dealt with indiscipline among police officers, which cut down on misconduct and misbehaviour.
Papua New Guinea's new acting police commissioner David Manning is looking to instil improved discipline within the force Photo: Supplied
Some were meted disciplinary action by the police internal affairs directorate. The unit will be headed by Inspector Terry Apolos based at the Gordon Police Station.
Mr N'dranou told officers at the Gordon Police Station yesterday that they must show discipline of the highest standard while performing their duties.
