Papua New Guinea: Facebook briefly blocked, journalists sacked while concerns increase about lawsuits to silence expression

Papua New Guinea’s civic space is rated as ‘obstructed’ by the CIVICUS Monitor. Among concerns previously documented are the harassment and threats against human rights defenders, particularly those working on land and environmental rights, use of the cybercrime law to criminalise online expression, intimidation and restrictions against journalists, and excessive force during protests.

In recent months, the government has blocked Facebook under the guise of preparing for national security threats, while the sacking of two journalists highlights threats to press freedom under the current government. A cyber law still threatens expression while concerns have been raised about rising lawsuits threatening free speech. A protest in Port Moresby was blocked and protesters threatened with arrest.

Expression

Government blocks Facebook in national security test

On 25th March 2025, Papua New Guineans were hit by an unexpected digital blackout as access to Facebook was abruptly blocked for a day. The move, described by Police Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jr. as a "test", was allegedly conducted to assess the government's ability to regulate social media to address ‘national security threats.’

In a statement, Tsiamalili said this was done under the framework of the Anti-Terrorism Act 2024 to combat hate speech, misinformation, and harmful content. He asserted it was not an attempt to suppress free speech but to address the "unchecked proliferation" of harmful content.

However, key government agencies responsible for communications, including the National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA) and the Department of Information Communication and Technology (DICT), claimed they were unaware of the test.

Transparency International Papua New Guinea (TIPNG) condemned the disruption of Facebook and the internet, saying it “represents a dangerous erosion of fundamental citizen rights.” It added that was deeply concerned that the vague definition of “terrorism” within this Act leaves it open to abuse.

Critics, like observer Lucas Kiap, expressed concerns that the move bordered on “dictatorial control and risked authoritarian overreach, despite the commendable goal of combating harmful content.”

East Sepik governor Allan Bird said that the country's anti-terrorism law could target anyone because "the definition of a terrorist is left to the Police Minister to decide". He added that the law was too broad, and it could be “used against innocent people."

This actions comes just months after the passing of the National Security (Amendment) Act 2024, which grants the government sweeping powers to monitor and restrict digital communications under the guise of combating terrorism and cybercrime.

Sacking of journalists highlights threats to press freedom

A prominent radio host from a state-owned media company was suspended and then subsequently sacked after interviewing an opposition figure.

FM100 talkback host Culligan Tanda was sacked for featuring opposition parliamentarian Allan Bird on his show. Tanda was reportedly suspended without pay in April 2025 and subsequently terminated. FM100 is part of Telikom PNG Limited, a state-owned media company.

Prime Minister Marape then reportedly directed his chief of staff to investigate the matter and has denied government interference, stating his administration does not get involved in editorial content. According to reports, the Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Communication has set up an inquiry into the matter.

A week after Culligan was sacked, a young journalist named James Guken, who worked for EMTV news, lost his job. This occurred after he reported a story about opposition politician Allan Bird taking the government to the Supreme Court. EMTV is also owned by Telikom PNG. Guken was fired immediately and was not given a good reason for the sacking or the chance to explain his side of things.

In response, the Media Council of Papua New Guinea (MCPNG) urged Prime Minister James Marape to intervene and stop Telikom PNG from silencing and suppressing media personnel.

MCPNG President Neville Choi stated this is part of a pattern of media suppression by Telikom PNG dating back to 2018, citing his own dismissal in 2019 after EMTV ran a story perceived as negative towards the government. Choi emphasised that a "free, robust, and independent media is an essential pillar of democracy".

The Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) on 16th May 2025 said it stood in full solidarity with the Media Council of Papua New Guinea (MCPNG) in raising serious concerns about the growing suppression of journalists and media freedom in Papua New Guinea.

PNG is ranked 78th out of 180 countries in the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) press freedom index issued in May 2025. According to RSF, the absence of a Right to Information Act deprives journalists of access to official documents. Further, journalists are faced with intimidation, direct threats, censorship, lawsuits and bribery attempts, making it a dangerous profession.

Dismissal of case against activist hailed but cyber law still threatens expression

In April 2025, the charges against environmental advocate Eddie Tanago, Campaign Manager for ACT NOW! were dismissed. Tanago was facing up to 15 years in prison for re-posting a government official's photo on Facebook with a comment raising questions about forest enforcement.

As previously documented, on 9th December 2024, Tanago was arrested and charged by police under section 21(2) of the Cybercrime Act 2016 for allegedly publishing defamatory remarks on social media about the Managing Director of the PNG Forest Authority. Tanago was taken to the Boroko Police Station Holding cell and released on bail the same afternoon.

ACT NOW! is a prominent human rights organisation seeking to halt illegal logging and related human rights violations in PNG.

While the dismissal was seen as a positive development, UN Human Rights Advisor Marc Cebreros expressed ongoing concern, highlighting the need for greater transparency regarding the interpretation of the law. Cebreros emphasised the potential for similar cases in the future and called for an assessment of the constitutionality of the Cybercrime Act provisions that may infringe on citizens' human rights and PNG's human rights commitments.

The 2016 Cybercrime Act has been used to silence criticism and creates a chilling effect. The law has been criticised by the opposition, journalists and activists for its impact on freedom of expression and political discourse.

Rising SLAPP lawsuits threatening free speech

In March 2025, the Media Council of Papua New Guinea (MCPNG) hosted a Press Club event in Port Moresby, drawing attention to a concerning surge in Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation (SLAPP) lawsuits within the nation.

SLAPP lawsuits are defined as an abusive legal tactic specifically designed to silence critical voices, stifle scrutiny, and suppress public debate. Unlike legitimate legal proceedings, SLAPPs are primarily intended to intimidate and exhaust the resources of journalists, human rights defenders, whistleblowers and critics through costly and protracted legal battles. These legal actions pose a threat to freedom of speech and open public discourse.

During the discussion, Eddie Tanago, Campaign Coordinator for ACT NOW! highlighted the growing trend. “There’s a rise in the use of this technique by big corporations, companies, and even governments to suppress freedom of speech”, Tanago stated, emphasising the urgent need to confront this escalating threat to democratic principles.

Tanago further pointed out that SLAPP lawsuits constitute a serious abuse of the legal system. He noted that lawyers who facilitate such actions could face professional misconduct charges in various countries, including the United States, Great Britain, Australia, and the European Union, all of which have already implemented measures to outlaw SLAPP lawsuits.

In May 2025, at the Community Coalition Against Corruption (CCAC) National Meeting, MCPNG president Neville Choi said journalists in Papua New Guinea are likely to face legal threats as powerful individuals and companies use court actions to silence public interest reporting. He added that parliament had passed no laws to protect reporters and individuals from such tactics.

Peaceful Assembly

Protest in Port Moresby blocked and protesters threatened with arrest

In March 2025, the police blocked protests from being held in the capital, Port Moresby. Commander of NCD/Central, Benjamin Turi, directed police station commanders and each divisional head to monitor the city on the day.

This followed the circulation of an unsigned press release carrying the emblem of Papua New Guinea and a purported stamp from the National Court of Waigaini, advising citizens to meet at Unagi Oval on 3rd March 2025 in a peaceful protest to call for the Prime Minister’s resignation.

He said that police had not received any formal request for a protest and, as such, any protest will be deemed illegal and those involved will be arrested and charged with unlawful assembly or gathering.

The law in PNG that deals with protests falls short of international law and standards. The Peace and Good Order Act 1991 that regulates the holding of public processions or public meetings states that those planning to hold a protest are required to submit an application to a provincial Committee made up of the provincial authorities and police to consider and issue a permit.

However, under international law, state authorities may put in place a system of prior notification, but it should not function as a request for authorisation. Further, spontaneous assemblies should be exempt from notification requirements.