Act condemned

Letters

THE National Federation of Catholic Men in Papua New Guinea acknowledges the national court decision in Kavieng as reported in The National (July 3) sentencing six men to serve eight years each for their part in causing harm to 3 innocent women they had suspected of practicing sorcery.
We condemn any men, women or youth who takes the life of another person in a cowardly manner when accusing others for practicing sorcery.
These acts of disrespect for human life and dignity must immediately stop as it is a non-issue and one that police and the justice system must curb with the strongest tactics available.
It is good to note that there are new changes to accommodate penalties for such crimes which we recommend must also include consumption of illicit substances including cannabis.
As heads of our families and leaders in the church, we discourage the term “sik bilong ples” used by any member of the health care profession as no university or training institution teaches one to utter these languages to aggrieved relatives of a terminally ill person.
We have reasons to believe this comment or similar sentences, uttered by any health worker or a church leader only ignites suspicions among communities resulting in destruction to lives and properties.
Diseases and their causative agents must be well advocated by health care professionals nationwide.

Gerard Saleu,
NFCM in PNG