Lawyer welcomes new laws

 A PRIVATE lawyer and member of Catholic Professionals Association has welcomed the new set of proposed laws to fight crime. 

Paul Harricknen said in a statement the proposed law were balanced and would deal with violent assaults and killings, rape and all forms of criminal abuses, sorcery and witchcraft, stealing and corruption. 

However, Harricknen said he did not support the death penalty.

“The state cannot kill to avenge killing. It cannot use violence against violence,” he said.

“Two wrongs do not make a right. We must not allow our emotions to rid us of our good conscience, wisdom and the knowledge of God’s presence, His values and counsel. 

“There is no need for death penalty if the criminal justice system and the public service machinery function effectively and bring certainty to the system.

“Our public servants, police and law enforcement agencies need help to change deficiencies in discipline, work attitude and officials’ corruption.

Harricknen applauded the proposed penalties for stealing, misappropriation and corruption in the public sector and the establishment of the overdue Independent Commission Against Corruption.