2 Papua New Guinea police officers charged over slashing, beating of 70 men

SYDNEY – Two police officers in Papua New Guinea have been charged in connection with the beating and slashing of around 70 men in the capital, Port Moresby.

Papua New Guinea national police spokesman Dominic Kakas said Thursday that the officers were charged this week with unlawful wounding. He said more officers were expected to face charges.

Kakas said around 70 men were returning to their homes last month after police broke up a large fight when a group of officers stopped them, ordered them to lie on the ground and then disarmed them of their knives. He said several officers were accused of beating the men and using the knives to slash their ankles.

The Australian Broadcasting Corp. reported that a judge has ordered a human rights inquiry into the incident.