Marat reminds police of duty amid questions on incest

PARLIAMENT was told yesterday by Mi­nister for Justice and Attorney-General Dr Allan Marat that the police force was the law enforcement agency responsible for arresting and char­ging perpetrators of the “abominable crime of incest”.
Marat said there were no exceptions for anybody, including those involved in pornography and alcohol-related abuse and crimes.
He said all perpetrators must face the full brunt of the law and he stood by his morals in denouncing the offen­ces.
Marat was answering questions from Pomio MP, Paul Tiensten, who questioned the minister’s positions on incest offences which were on the rise, especially in East New Britain.
“As someone who conducts himself as morally righteous and has spoken out publicly on matters of national importance such as pornography and alcohol abuse, I wonder if you are still holding those views or what is your government position on the two issues affecting the country,” Tiensten asked.
He said another matter of public importance, which was prevalent in East New Britain, was incest which had not been raised by Marat or Governor Leo Dion, “who continue to preach about good governance and transparency in PNG”.
“It is common knowledge that there are serial incest offenders roaming our streets, preying on innocent victims, especially when the trust between child and these unsuspecting offenders is violated,” Tiensten said.
“The upsetting and injustice thing for any family is that police are procrastinating on the arrest of these sick-minded people and as such justice is denied.
“Are you aware of some of these serial offenders, and if so what are you doing about it?
“And what is the position of your government on this horrendous crime that is eating the fabric of our society,” Tiensten asked.
Initially, Marat took offence at being referred to as the one who preached high morals, righteousness, saying the Standing Orders did not permit personal attacks on MPs on the floor.
Deputy Speaker Francis Marus upheld the objection after which Tiensten re-phrased his questions.