The Lae Metropolitan Police has condemned an attack on journalists at the Lae Courthouse and promised to bring those responsible to justice.

Chief Superintendent Chris Kunyanban called the incident “very unfortunate” and said police will protect the public “without fear or favour.”

"Such attacks show a lack of respect for the law. Perpetrators will be arrested. I also urge the court to issue the maximum penalty if they are found guilty," he said.

Two journalists were threatened while covering a bail hearing on Monday morning.

A man in a light blue shirt warned the journalists not to report on the proceedings. He left briefly but returned and repeated the threats.

After the hearing, another man, believed to be a security personnel, confronted the journalists at the courthouse gate. He searched a bag, took a notepad, and tore out two pages of court notes.

The journalists reported the incident to police. One suspect later returned and was arrested. He was charged at Lae Central Police Station the same afternoon.

"This is not just an attack on individual journalist. It is an attack on the public’s right to know," one media advocate said.