A 34-year-old man was arrested and charged for allegedly posting threating words on social media over OK Tedi Mining Limited to block off Kiunga Tabubil highway and stop Pump Station.
North Fly acting Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Inspector, Anjap Minata said the suspect was arrested and charged under Section 23 [4] of the Cyber Crime Act 2016.
PPC Minata said that the suspect was formally arrested and charged after a police complaint was lodged by the OK Tedi Mining Limited.
Police alleged that the suspect allegedly using his electric device or mobile phone posted a threatening word saying “Awin, Yongom and Ningrum, please let us unite and block off Kiunga Tabubil highway and stop Pump Station KM59 where the Middle Fly and South Fly will stop the Copper Ship.”
Police also alleged that the suspect posted the threating words on the Fly River Forum Facebook page where the post went viral on social media and the Executive Level of the OK Tedi Mining Ltd especially the Manager of the Community Relations felt offended and reported the matter to the police.
The police upon receiving the complaint then identified the suspect and apprehended him and taken to the Kiunga police station cell and locked him up.
PPC Minata warned the public to be mindful of what to be posted on the social media using their smart phones or devices. He said people have their rights under the constitution, but the same constitution protects others as well.
“Do not abuse your rights. It is time these young generations need to fully understand this. If you have issues, then there are avenues available to sort those issues out amicably.
“I do not think people of Western province have issues with the Ok Tedi Mining, so we all need to protect our Mine, our future and our Pride,” PPC Minata said.
PPC Minata warned those people who want to disturb the operation of the Mining that they will be arrested and charged as this is illegal. He said the mine belongs to the 12 million people of Papua New Guinea and it must protect it.
