Hela gets resident judge after 7 years

Hela, as one of the most affected law and order provinces, will now have a resident judge to preside over court cases in the province.

This follows a momentous occasion today that saw thousands turn out in Tari township to witness the installation of the resident judge- a service that the province has been lacking for 7 years.

Hela's new resident judge is Justice Andrew Kostopulos, an Australian national who has served in PNG for over 12 years.

Chief Justice, Sir Gibbs Salika says Justice Kostopulos, who was initially posted to Enga Province, decided to serve Hela instead- a place that no judge was willing to serve given its high rate of law and order problems.

The former judge who served in Hela had to resign due to pressure and threats received.

Sir Gibbs urged the people of Tari to change their mindsets so that the province can progress well.

Speaking in front of the Hela people, Justice Kostopulos expressed his interest in serving the province and improving its law and order problems.

Prime Minister and Tari Pori MP James Marape led a delegation of Ministers and departmental heads, especially from the law and justice sector to Tari to witness this significant event.