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PNG police shooting: four reported dead after officers fire on student rally – latest PNG police shooting: four reported dead after officers fire on student rally – latest
(about 1 hour later)
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We are closing this live blog now so thanks for joining us.
Our full report can be read here.
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Peter O'Neill statement:Peter O'Neill statement:
PNG Prime Minister Peter O’Neill has issued a statement on today’s violence.PNG Prime Minister Peter O’Neill has issued a statement on today’s violence.
In it, he says that no students were killed in the clash with police, and that the protest was agitated by “criminal elements” and opposition politicians. He defiantly claims that he has responded to protest calls, and “that is the end of the matter”.In it, he says that no students were killed in the clash with police, and that the protest was agitated by “criminal elements” and opposition politicians. He defiantly claims that he has responded to protest calls, and “that is the end of the matter”.
The statement, in full, reads:The statement, in full, reads:
The Prime Minister, Hon. Peter O’Neill CMG MP, has condemned agitators responsible for instigating a violent confrontation on the UPNG campus today.The Prime Minister, Hon. Peter O’Neill CMG MP, has condemned agitators responsible for instigating a violent confrontation on the UPNG campus today.
The Prime Minister has further announced that an inquiry will be undertaken to determine the underlying reasons for continued student unrest promoted by individuals outside the student body. The inquiry will also seek to uncover the source of external funding that has underwritten student protest in recent weeks.The Prime Minister has further announced that an inquiry will be undertaken to determine the underlying reasons for continued student unrest promoted by individuals outside the student body. The inquiry will also seek to uncover the source of external funding that has underwritten student protest in recent weeks.
“This protest and the factors that led to the incident today have been driven by people who are not students,” the Prime Minister said.“This protest and the factors that led to the incident today have been driven by people who are not students,” the Prime Minister said.
“This is now a law and order issues. We must obtain the facts and ensure this does not happen again in the future.“This is now a law and order issues. We must obtain the facts and ensure this does not happen again in the future.
“I call on parents to be calm and speak with your children who might have been on campus today. People around the nation, parents, provincial and district administrations and importantly, the majority of students who simply want to go to class have had enough.”“I call on parents to be calm and speak with your children who might have been on campus today. People around the nation, parents, provincial and district administrations and importantly, the majority of students who simply want to go to class have had enough.”
“Now students must go to class and complete their studies for this semester.“Now students must go to class and complete their studies for this semester.
“Those who were already failing their classes and were hoping to have the semester suspended will have to face the consequences of their low grades.“Those who were already failing their classes and were hoping to have the semester suspended will have to face the consequences of their low grades.
“To the students, I remind you that your parents, and in many cases, your districts, provinces and our Government have given you the privilege of an education. You need to respect this opportunity and complete your education so that you can contribute to society.“To the students, I remind you that your parents, and in many cases, your districts, provinces and our Government have given you the privilege of an education. You need to respect this opportunity and complete your education so that you can contribute to society.
“I have heard your petition and given my response, that is the end of the matter.“I have heard your petition and given my response, that is the end of the matter.
“I also call on student leaders to be responsible and ensure that your conduct is not in breach of the law and the Constitution.”“I also call on student leaders to be responsible and ensure that your conduct is not in breach of the law and the Constitution.”
PM O’Neill cautioned the members of the public should not to be misled by rumor that is circulating and only rely on facts.PM O’Neill cautioned the members of the public should not to be misled by rumor that is circulating and only rely on facts.
“The facts relayed to me are that a small group of students were violent, threw rocks at police and provoked a response that came in the form of tear gas and warning shots.“The facts relayed to me are that a small group of students were violent, threw rocks at police and provoked a response that came in the form of tear gas and warning shots.
“The factors that led to students being injured are yet to be ascertained.“The factors that led to students being injured are yet to be ascertained.
“Following the altercation five individuals presented to Port Moresby General Hospital and all are in a stable condition.”“Following the altercation five individuals presented to Port Moresby General Hospital and all are in a stable condition.”
The Prime Minister said the blatant politicisation of students by members of the Opposition and their supporters is deplorable, and individuals who are found to have committed criminal acts will be prosecuted.The Prime Minister said the blatant politicisation of students by members of the Opposition and their supporters is deplorable, and individuals who are found to have committed criminal acts will be prosecuted.
“The people behind these protests have political agendas. Members of the Opposition have been engaging with students, and have been encouraging them to pursue Opposition demands in relation to DSIP funds for Opposition Members and calling on me to step aside.“The people behind these protests have political agendas. Members of the Opposition have been engaging with students, and have been encouraging them to pursue Opposition demands in relation to DSIP funds for Opposition Members and calling on me to step aside.
“Opposition Members even made claims in the National Parliament that students were killed when they knew this was false.“Opposition Members even made claims in the National Parliament that students were killed when they knew this was false.
“The blood of the injured students is on the hands of those members and their supporters.“The blood of the injured students is on the hands of those members and their supporters.
“The criminal elements involved in this incident will further feel the full force of the law for their involvement in what has transpired.”“The criminal elements involved in this incident will further feel the full force of the law for their involvement in what has transpired.”
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In summary: Four students dead after police "fired shots directly into crowd" of protestorsIn summary: Four students dead after police "fired shots directly into crowd" of protestors
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Human Rights Watch deputy Asia director Phil Robertson said police should be held criminally liable for their actions.Human Rights Watch deputy Asia director Phil Robertson said police should be held criminally liable for their actions.
The police shooting of protesting students in Port Moresby is shocking, and a truly terrible incident for which all security officials responsible for using lethal force unnecessarily need to be brought to justice. Prime Minister Peter O’Neill should immediately launch an impartial, thorough and transparent investigation, and all officials found criminally culpable for orders and actions resulting in injuries and deaths should be held to account, no matter what their rank.The police shooting of protesting students in Port Moresby is shocking, and a truly terrible incident for which all security officials responsible for using lethal force unnecessarily need to be brought to justice. Prime Minister Peter O’Neill should immediately launch an impartial, thorough and transparent investigation, and all officials found criminally culpable for orders and actions resulting in injuries and deaths should be held to account, no matter what their rank.
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Refugees from the Australian-run detention centre on Manus Island but currently in Port Moresby for medical treatment have reportedly been moved out of Port Moresby hospital as the hospital deals with victims on the protest violence. Iranian journalist Behrouz Bouchani, currently held on Manus, spoke with some of the refugees in the PNG capital.Refugees from the Australian-run detention centre on Manus Island but currently in Port Moresby for medical treatment have reportedly been moved out of Port Moresby hospital as the hospital deals with victims on the protest violence. Iranian journalist Behrouz Bouchani, currently held on Manus, spoke with some of the refugees in the PNG capital.
I just talked with those patient refugees that are in Port Moresby now. They said that the protest is near their hotel and they hearing gun-shots and protest voices. Also two of them that were in hospital said that there were a lot of injured people in hospital and they transferred the refugees under high security to hotel. They cancelled all appointments with doctors and the refugees don’t feel safe now. It is really dangerous for them.I just talked with those patient refugees that are in Port Moresby now. They said that the protest is near their hotel and they hearing gun-shots and protest voices. Also two of them that were in hospital said that there were a lot of injured people in hospital and they transferred the refugees under high security to hotel. They cancelled all appointments with doctors and the refugees don’t feel safe now. It is really dangerous for them.
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Student protestors clashing with police is not unprecedented in PNG. And many in the country saw today’s outbreak of violence coming.Student protestors clashing with police is not unprecedented in PNG. And many in the country saw today’s outbreak of violence coming.
As the student protests gathered momentum a month ago, opposition MP Sam Basil said police were on the University of PNG campus without clear authority on how they could act.As the student protests gathered momentum a month ago, opposition MP Sam Basil said police were on the University of PNG campus without clear authority on how they could act.
Basil cited a commission of inquiry report into the the 2001 “massacre” on the same campus, when four students were killed by police during protests. He said that inquiry report found police were unclear of their authority, but that 15 years later, police still did not have clear guidelines about how they could act to control protestors.Basil cited a commission of inquiry report into the the 2001 “massacre” on the same campus, when four students were killed by police during protests. He said that inquiry report found police were unclear of their authority, but that 15 years later, police still did not have clear guidelines about how they could act to control protestors.
He said of police:He said of police:
They are about to commit the same crime again if they ever fire a gun in that campus. In that inquiry, thy have stated that there were no operational orders in the engagement of police, when that incident happened. The police [currently] in the University of PNG do not have an operational order.They are about to commit the same crime again if they ever fire a gun in that campus. In that inquiry, thy have stated that there were no operational orders in the engagement of police, when that incident happened. The police [currently] in the University of PNG do not have an operational order.
Basil warned officers that they could be held personally liable for their actions.Basil warned officers that they could be held personally liable for their actions.
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Australia’s department of foreign affairs and trade has updated its travel advice for Australians in PNG. The level of advice is unchanged, Australians remain urged to “exercise a high degree of caution” in the country, but DFAT has advised:Australia’s department of foreign affairs and trade has updated its travel advice for Australians in PNG. The level of advice is unchanged, Australians remain urged to “exercise a high degree of caution” in the country, but DFAT has advised:
On 8 June 2016, there was unrest in and around the University of PNG campus in Waigani related to ongoing student protests. Early information indicates that firearms have been used and there are an unconfirmed number of deaths and serious injuries.On 8 June 2016, there was unrest in and around the University of PNG campus in Waigani related to ongoing student protests. Early information indicates that firearms have been used and there are an unconfirmed number of deaths and serious injuries.
There are also reports of looting and unrest in other parts of Port Moresby including Gerehu and the Hahola Markets. There are also reports of unrest related to student protest in other parts of the country, including Lae.There are also reports of looting and unrest in other parts of Port Moresby including Gerehu and the Hahola Markets. There are also reports of unrest related to student protest in other parts of the country, including Lae.
We advise Australians in Papua New Guinea to exercise a high degree of caution in all parts of Port Moresby, avoid protests and large crowds, monitor local media for updates and follow the instructions of local authorities.We advise Australians in Papua New Guinea to exercise a high degree of caution in all parts of Port Moresby, avoid protests and large crowds, monitor local media for updates and follow the instructions of local authorities.
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However, the capital Port Moresby, continues to be the epicentre of protests.However, the capital Port Moresby, continues to be the epicentre of protests.
Mothers have taken to the streets to protest the shooting of students.Mothers have taken to the streets to protest the shooting of students.
Mothers mourn for killed #UPNG Students. #PNG #PortMoresby #papuanewguinea Photo Sam Koim pic.twitter.com/H607s5AAC1Mothers mourn for killed #UPNG Students. #PNG #PortMoresby #papuanewguinea Photo Sam Koim pic.twitter.com/H607s5AAC1
A building has been set on fire at the University of Papua New Guinea campus.A building has been set on fire at the University of Papua New Guinea campus.
A Dormitory at UPNG has been set ablaze in protest of being prevented from leaving the campus pic.twitter.com/g5ON2JeGlXA Dormitory at UPNG has been set ablaze in protest of being prevented from leaving the campus pic.twitter.com/g5ON2JeGlX
And crowds are gathering outside the Port Moresby General Hospital where the shot students have been taken.And crowds are gathering outside the Port Moresby General Hospital where the shot students have been taken.
The current scene at Port Moresby General Hospital where large crowds have gathered.#PNG #PortMoresby pic.twitter.com/z5zrKOHN4pThe current scene at Port Moresby General Hospital where large crowds have gathered.#PNG #PortMoresby pic.twitter.com/z5zrKOHN4p
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Ben DohertyBen Doherty
Hello, Ben Doherty here, taking over from Helen Davidson in our rolling coverage of the widespread unrest in PNG today.Hello, Ben Doherty here, taking over from Helen Davidson in our rolling coverage of the widespread unrest in PNG today.
The protests, which began this morning with students at the University of PNG in the capital Port Moresby, have spread to the country’s second-largest city.The protests, which began this morning with students at the University of PNG in the capital Port Moresby, have spread to the country’s second-largest city.
The PNG University of Technology campus in the city of Lae, in Morobe province, has also seen protests. A police car was set on fire by protesting students. Access to the campus has been blocked by police.The PNG University of Technology campus in the city of Lae, in Morobe province, has also seen protests. A police car was set on fire by protesting students. Access to the campus has been blocked by police.
But Vice-Chancellor of the university, Albert Schram has said protests at the Lae campus have calmed.But Vice-Chancellor of the university, Albert Schram has said protests at the Lae campus have calmed.
The situation is under control. All student leaders are in a dialogue with the police as we speak.The situation is under control. All student leaders are in a dialogue with the police as we speak.
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I will be handing over coverage to my colleague Ben Doherty shortly, but first a bit of background of the protests.I will be handing over coverage to my colleague Ben Doherty shortly, but first a bit of background of the protests.
Prime minister Peter O’Neill has faced rising anger from Papua New Guineans and particularly students over a long running corruption investigation.Prime minister Peter O’Neill has faced rising anger from Papua New Guineans and particularly students over a long running corruption investigation.
Students had been boycotting classes, demanding O’Neill’s resignation. O’Neill has steadfastly refused to step down, and classes were officially suspended late last month.Students had been boycotting classes, demanding O’Neill’s resignation. O’Neill has steadfastly refused to step down, and classes were officially suspended late last month.
Students had taken issue with a number of allegations against the prime minister, including a two year old warrant for his arrest in relation to a long-running corruption inquiry. Since 2014 O’Neill has taken successive extraordinary steps to avoid the arrest, including sacking a number of high level public servants and ministers and gaining court injunctions.Students had taken issue with a number of allegations against the prime minister, including a two year old warrant for his arrest in relation to a long-running corruption inquiry. Since 2014 O’Neill has taken successive extraordinary steps to avoid the arrest, including sacking a number of high level public servants and ministers and gaining court injunctions.
In April a damaging split in police ranks saw the office of the anti fraud squad barricaded by supporters of the police commissioner, who had suspended the squad only to have a court overturn his decision.In April a damaging split in police ranks saw the office of the anti fraud squad barricaded by supporters of the police commissioner, who had suspended the squad only to have a court overturn his decision.
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The cause of the incident this morning appears to be attempts by police to arrest the head of the student representative council.The cause of the incident this morning appears to be attempts by police to arrest the head of the student representative council.
NZ Radio reports SRC president Kenneth Rapa had tried to negotiate with police about the protest shut down, but they were “intent” on arresting him, according to student Gerald Tulu Manu-Peni.NZ Radio reports SRC president Kenneth Rapa had tried to negotiate with police about the protest shut down, but they were “intent” on arresting him, according to student Gerald Tulu Manu-Peni.
“There was no commotion. We didn’t carry any weapons whatsoever. They wanted to arrest the president. The students, we shielded the president and they started firing shots,” Manu-Peni said.“There was no commotion. We didn’t carry any weapons whatsoever. They wanted to arrest the president. The students, we shielded the president and they started firing shots,” Manu-Peni said.
“There was no warning shots, they fired straight at us. We were just five to ten metres away from them.”“There was no warning shots, they fired straight at us. We were just five to ten metres away from them.”
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A concurrent protest was also held this morning in Lae, PNG’s second largest city.A concurrent protest was also held this morning in Lae, PNG’s second largest city.
There were uncconfirmed reports of guns fired into the air, but it does not appear to have seen the violence of the Port Moresby protest.There were uncconfirmed reports of guns fired into the air, but it does not appear to have seen the violence of the Port Moresby protest.
Local media organisation EMTV reports police are nonetheless responding to contain it.Local media organisation EMTV reports police are nonetheless responding to contain it.
Police in Lae have temporarily blocked off access to Unitech.#PNG #Lae #Unitech pic.twitter.com/TLRJcrc8MaPolice in Lae have temporarily blocked off access to Unitech.#PNG #Lae #Unitech pic.twitter.com/TLRJcrc8Ma
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Reports are coming in that suggest the violence is beginning to spread around the city of Port Moresby. The Guardian was told by one resident that buses have stopped and everyone is on foot.Reports are coming in that suggest the violence is beginning to spread around the city of Port Moresby. The Guardian was told by one resident that buses have stopped and everyone is on foot.
Smaller protests are breaking out and there are reports some cars - allegedly government vehicles - have been set on fire.Smaller protests are breaking out and there are reports some cars - allegedly government vehicles - have been set on fire.
Students reportedly torch #PNG government car after police shot dead 4 and wounded others pic.twitter.com/jeHGJxpQYaStudents reportedly torch #PNG government car after police shot dead 4 and wounded others pic.twitter.com/jeHGJxpQYa
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Ian Mannix from NBC radio has just spoken to ABC News, and said there were reports of groups of protesters around the city.Ian Mannix from NBC radio has just spoken to ABC News, and said there were reports of groups of protesters around the city.
“An NBC newsroom is hearing that angry mobs from throughout the city are marching towards Parliament House,” he said. “Those mobs would likely be armed with bush knives, that’s pretty standard up here anyway, but the situation certainly very tense.”“An NBC newsroom is hearing that angry mobs from throughout the city are marching towards Parliament House,” he said. “Those mobs would likely be armed with bush knives, that’s pretty standard up here anyway, but the situation certainly very tense.”
Unauthorised protests are illegal in PNG, but Mannix said the students “got sick of that”.Unauthorised protests are illegal in PNG, but Mannix said the students “got sick of that”.
“They have been told repeatedly they couldn’t have a protest so they announced publicly earlier today that they would march on Parliament House and ask for Peter O’Neill to step down. Before they got there they were confronted by road blocks and heavily armed police. Before 7:00, there were reports coming in that journalists had been assaulted by police and a while later social media, Facebook and Twitter, lit up with suggestions that a couple of people had been shot and then parliament advised four people were killed and seven injured. Those reports are a little unconfirmed but certainly the situation is serious.”“They have been told repeatedly they couldn’t have a protest so they announced publicly earlier today that they would march on Parliament House and ask for Peter O’Neill to step down. Before they got there they were confronted by road blocks and heavily armed police. Before 7:00, there were reports coming in that journalists had been assaulted by police and a while later social media, Facebook and Twitter, lit up with suggestions that a couple of people had been shot and then parliament advised four people were killed and seven injured. Those reports are a little unconfirmed but certainly the situation is serious.”
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Australia’s foreign minister, Julie Bishop, has called for calm.Australia’s foreign minister, Julie Bishop, has called for calm.
“We are still trying to determine whether there have been deaths and how many have been injured,” Bishop said.“We are still trying to determine whether there have been deaths and how many have been injured,” Bishop said.
“We call on all sides for calm to deescalate the tensions and certainly call on all sides to respect the peaceful and lawful right to protest.”“We call on all sides for calm to deescalate the tensions and certainly call on all sides to respect the peaceful and lawful right to protest.”
She said the 70 odd Australia federal police officers in PNG and the High Commission are monitoring the situation.She said the 70 odd Australia federal police officers in PNG and the High Commission are monitoring the situation.
“If people have been shot in this incident it is a tragedy and we urge for calm, to de-escalate tensions between the students and police and ask that the right to protest peacefully and lawfully be respected.”“If people have been shot in this incident it is a tragedy and we urge for calm, to de-escalate tensions between the students and police and ask that the right to protest peacefully and lawfully be respected.”
UpdatedUpdated
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PNG’s parliament is currently in session. According to reports they have been told of four deaths following hte shooting, and seven injuries.PNG’s parliament is currently in session. According to reports they have been told of four deaths following hte shooting, and seven injuries.
Prime minister Peter O’Neill has also faced questions regarding calls for his resignation. He has refused. I’ll bring you more background on this shortly, but essentially O’Neill is facing increasing opposition stemming from a two-year-old arrest warrant he has so far managed to avoid.Prime minister Peter O’Neill has also faced questions regarding calls for his resignation. He has refused. I’ll bring you more background on this shortly, but essentially O’Neill is facing increasing opposition stemming from a two-year-old arrest warrant he has so far managed to avoid.
The warrant is in relation to a long running corruption investigation, and O’Neill has deployed an extraordinary range of measures to avoid being questioned, including sacking a number of high profile public servants and ministers, and gaining injunctions from the court.The warrant is in relation to a long running corruption investigation, and O’Neill has deployed an extraordinary range of measures to avoid being questioned, including sacking a number of high profile public servants and ministers, and gaining injunctions from the court.
Students have been protesting for a number of weeks now, and began boycotting classes in protest. Classes were then officially suspended by the university.Students have been protesting for a number of weeks now, and began boycotting classes in protest. Classes were then officially suspended by the university.
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The Port Moresby General hospital’s accident and emergency wing is treating a number of students, but other clinics have been closed to the public.The Port Moresby General hospital’s accident and emergency wing is treating a number of students, but other clinics have been closed to the public.
Other students said tear gas was fired into the crowd. Video purporting to be from the rally shows plumes of white smoke over the crowd and the sound of gunfire.Other students said tear gas was fired into the crowd. Video purporting to be from the rally shows plumes of white smoke over the crowd and the sound of gunfire.
Footage of shots being fired #upng #PNG @prawn_gravies pic.twitter.com/aiDpNH96o3Footage of shots being fired #upng #PNG @prawn_gravies pic.twitter.com/aiDpNH96o3
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Welcome to our live coverage of a developing situation in Papua New Guinea, where police are reported to have opened fire on university protesters in the capital city Port Moresby.Welcome to our live coverage of a developing situation in Papua New Guinea, where police are reported to have opened fire on university protesters in the capital city Port Moresby.
The PNG parliament has been told four students are dead, the ABC has reported. Another 10 are in hospital.The PNG parliament has been told four students are dead, the ABC has reported. Another 10 are in hospital.
The students had attempted to march from the Univesrity of PNG campus to parliament house when they were blocked by police. According to students at the rally police fired tear gas and firearms into the crowd, injuring a number of people and reportedly killing four.The students had attempted to march from the Univesrity of PNG campus to parliament house when they were blocked by police. According to students at the rally police fired tear gas and firearms into the crowd, injuring a number of people and reportedly killing four.
You can read our earlier report here.You can read our earlier report here.
Related: Papua New Guinea: four students reported dead after police open fire on marchRelated: Papua New Guinea: four students reported dead after police open fire on march
I’ll bring you developments as they happen, as well as some context to the protests which stem from rising dissatisfaction with the country’s prime minister and allegations of corruption.I’ll bring you developments as they happen, as well as some context to the protests which stem from rising dissatisfaction with the country’s prime minister and allegations of corruption.