From the PNGexposed blog

MP Sam Basil has received a number of abusive and threatening emails from an anonymous yahoo address created with the name Borit Yaken.

The emails (see below) threaten that Mr Basil’s wife will be raped and his children strangled if Mr Basil continues to speak out.

Mr Basil has been an outspoken critic of the government on corruption and governance issues and has assisted his people to take legal action against the owners of the Hidden Valley mine over the pollution of the Watut river.

Mr Basil is widely admired by ordinary people in PNG for his refusal to stay silent on issues affecting the people and for his courage in speaking out – something that most MPs seem afraid or otherwise unable to do.

In July last year the Prime Minister, Michael Somare, famously threatened to kill Mr Basil over his criticism of the governments tactics of continually adjourning Parliament to avoid a vote of no confidence.

Some of the emails received by Mr Basil

Wed, 16 February, 2011 11:45:57 AM

RE: Playing with fire!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

YOU ARE PLAYING WITH FIRE MR BASIL………….

WE WILL RAPE YOUR TAITI WIFE AND STRANGLE YOUR CHILDREN IF YOU KEEP ON !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ………………..

DONT THINK THEY ARE SAFE AT 14 MILE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thu, 17 February, 2011 11:30:59 AM

YOU ARE PLAYING WITH FIRE MR BASIL………….

WE WILL RAPE YOUR TAITI WIFE AND STRANGLE YOUR CHILDREN IF YOU KEEP ON !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ………………..

DONT THINK THEY ARE SAFE AT 14 MILE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!