Papua New Guinea's Supreme Court has stopped police from executing an arrest warrant for the country's Prime Minister.
The Supreme Court granted a stay against police executing the warrant to arrest Peter O'Neill on a charge of official corruption that dates back to June 2014.
Mr O'Neill is appealing a lower court decision on August 8 that dismissed an application for a judicial review of the warrant.
PNG's Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia ordered that the lower court decision and the execution of the warrant be stayed until the appeal is resolved.
Before the court hearing, Police Commissioner Gari Baki told local media he would seek detailed advice about the evidence before inviting Mr O'Neill to come and be interviewed.
"I want the people of Papua New Guinea to appreciate that this is a very sensitive and delicate matter involving the Prime Minister of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea," he said.
"It comes during the formation of the Government and amid election-related clashes in at least three highland provinces which has left more than 10 people dead so far.
"Against this background there is a need to tread carefully."
Mr Baki said his decision took into consideration Mr O'Neill's position and standing in the community.
"This is not a requirement by law but an existing and established protocol the constabulary has engaged over the years for leaders and high profile people," he said.
"After all, the premise is that everyone is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law and so leaders with standing in the society must be respectfully dealt with."
