Public Solicitor office opens in Minj, Jiwaka

Locals in Minj, Jiwaka Province will now have access to free legal services with the opening of a Public Solicitor office in the province.

PNG’s Public Solicitor, Leslie Mamu, officiated the launch on Thursday this week alongside Jiwaka Provincial Administrator Rick Kogen.

The event was also witnessed by Deputy Public Solicitor [Crimes] Fredrick Kiriwong, Jiwaka PPC Superintendent Laimo Asi, and staff from both the Public Solicitor's office and the Jiwaka Provincial Administration.

The office, established with support from the Jiwaka Provincial Government, has been provided with office space and a new vehicle to assist staff in carrying out their duties.

Mr. Mamu said the office will provide much-needed legal aid to the people of Jiwaka, including those in correctional institutions such as Barawaghi and Baisu.

“The Public Solicitor’s Office is the leading human rights defender in the country, established by our founding fathers during the drafting of the Constitution.

“This partnership between a national agency and the provincial administration reflects our collective commitment to justice and the rule of law,” he said.

He also paid tribute to leaders such as Sir John Kaputin and the late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare for laying the foundation for accessible legal aid in PNG.

The newly appointed Solicitor-in-Charge for Jiwaka, Fabian Timi, thanked the provincial government for its support and acknowledged the efforts of law enforcement under PPC Laimo Asi.

In his remarks, Administrator Rick Kogen welcomed the establishment of the office and reaffirmed the province’s ongoing support.

“Hiring private lawyers is costly. The opening of this office means people in Jiwaka now have access to free and quality legal aid,” Kogen said.