Lawyers warned against obstructing ICAC investigations after SCPNG arrest

Lawyers in the country have been urged not to obstruct justice following the arrest of a legal officer *(Image: Supplied)*

Legal practitioners obstructing the course of justice will face the full force of the law, Independent Commission Against Corruption [ICAC] acting commissioner Don Sawong says.

This follows the arrest and charging of Securities Commission of Papua New Guinea [SCPNG] legal officer Tonny Kawas for obstructing an ICAC officer during investigation.

Sawong issued a stern warning to the legal fraternity, stating that ICAC will not be deterred by resistance from public officials, institutions, or lawyers acting for clients.

"Obstructing a commission officer in the course of a lawful investigation is a serious offense, and Icac will pursue all available legal avenues to ensure that its officers carry out their statutory functions without interference," Sawong said.

"We encourage lawyers to act ethically and within the bounds of professional conduct.

"If they wish to challenge any action by Icac, they should do so by pursuing a legal remedy by challenging such orders in court."

According to ICAC, officers executed a search warrant at the SCPNG premises in Port Moresby on June 30 as part of ongoing investigations into alleged misappropriation of public funds.

During the execution of the warrant, ICAC officers encountered resistance and arrested Kawas.

He was formally charged under Section 158 of the Organic Law on the Independent Commission Against Corruption.

Kawas is scheduled to stand trial in the Waigani District Court from October 5 to 7.