Coroner to investigate death of PNG journalist

8:10 pm on 17 May 2018

There will be a coroner's inquest into the death of journalist Rosalyn Albaniel Evara, police in Papua New Guinea have confirmed.

Rosalyn Albaniel Evara

Rosalyn Albaniel Evara Photo: Loop PNG

The Post Courier business editor died in suspicious circumstances last November.

An initial pathologist's post mortem report blamed the embalming process for bruising on Ms Albaniel Evara's body.

The report outraged her family and former colleagues who pointed to previous instances of domestic violence.

A police investigation followed and the officer in charge of the case says they have now interviewed all witnesses and finished their report.

Detective chief sergeant Ulavis Mantu said the completed file had been forwarded to the Waigani coroner, Mekeo Gauli, who decided an inquest would go ahead.

"That's up to him to set a date for the coronial inquest into the death of Albaniel. He made mention that he is preparing to set up an inquiry into that but whatever the date that he would call up, that's up to him. He would let me know when he's ready."

If the coroner decided any element of the case warranted further investigation, it would be referred back to the police, Mr Mantu said.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic or gender based violence in PNG, you can speak confidentially to 1-Tok Kaunselin Helpim Lain +675 7150 8000.

Get the RNZ app

for ad-free news and current affairs