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Commission of Inquiry into campus violence to be established – Justice Warwick Andrew to head COI

The National Executive Council has appointed retired judge, Justice Warwick Andrew, as the Chair of the Commission of Inquiry into recent violence at university campus around the nation.

Justice Andrew will be supported by a team of technical and legal experts that will soon be appointed.

The Prime Minister, Hon. Peter O’Neill CMG MP, said the Commission of Inquiry was essential in helping to better understand what transpired in recent weeks, as well as to preventing a repeat in the future.

“We all need answers, right around the country, to understand the factors leading to the escalation of student protests and the acts of violence that we have seen in recent weeks,” the Prime Minister said.

“This Commission of Inquiry will be independent and thorough and seek to get to the bottom of this issues identified in its terms of reference.

“I call on all relevant parties to work with the Commission of Inquiry as members go about their tasks.”

The Commission of Inquiry will look into the following matters leading to protests and violence of recent weeks:

  • The role of the Student Representative Council

  • The role of the management of the affected universities

  • The role of Police

  • Whether there was outside influence and the incitation of students to encourage unrest at the universities.

The full terms of reference for the investigation will be published in the coming weeks after being finalised.