The recent temporary ban that was imposed by the Office of Censorship on all songs by well-known New Ireland music artist, Jason ‘Jayrex’ Suisui, has been uplifted. This after complaints were made against Jayrex of assault and on-going emotional abuse by his partner of four years, Ms. Hazel Schulz and her family. The announcement regarding the uplifting of the temporary ban was made today during a Press Conference by the Chief Censor, Jim Abani. Abani stated that the Schulz (complainant) had delivered a complaint letter attached with documents of court proceedings, court depositions and medical reports for her case against the accused, Jason ‘Jayrex’ Suisui. “The compiled documents submitted to the office generally pointed out social, physical and mental abuse from the accused, who is the artist himself,” said Mr. Abani. “The office undertook its normal process of doing its procedural work within the mandate of what the office is required to do. I want to make it known to the people that this is not a total ban; it is a temporary ban that was made.” The office took a stance to ban the accused publications (songs) under Section 17 (2) and Section 18 (1) (b) (d) (e) and 18 (2) of the Classification of Publication (Censorship) Act 1989, which stipulates the Chief Censor’s function and powers conferred upon on him or through expert advice as the Chief Censor to consider appropriate decisions on any matter relating to publications and broadcasting. Therefore, on the 15th of July 2023, a temporary Ban Notice was issued by the Chief Censor under the Classification of Publication (Censorship) Act, 1989.   Abani added that the Temporary Ban Notice was delivered to persons and entities operating the business activities as stated in the Ban Notice, the Radio and Television Stations, Night Clubs and Bars, and Internet Users. In addition, thorough investigations into the lyrics of some of the songs including ‘Rabisim Mi’ as indicated in the complainant’s report was carried out, after which officers found out that the lyrics are general and not implicated or targeted at any person(s) or individual. For further investigation, Abani said that the office requested the accused, Suisui to come forward to the office and lodge his side of the story and also appeal through the Office of the Censorship for the decision of up-lifting of his Temporary Ban in which took place on the 18th of July. The decision to uplift the temporary ban was made after Suisui together with his lawyer, presented an Interim Protection Order (IPO) from the Kavieng District Court against Schulz. “The court order was already put in place and so the Office of Censorship had no option but to comply with the court order, which was not provided to us at the earliest. It is important we comply with the court order; therefore, we are now uplifting the ban.” Approval is now granted, and a circular will be given to all Radio and Television stations, Night Clubs and Bars to start airing his songs again.