Namah backs death penalty

 Vanimo-Green MP Belden Namah has thrown his support behind the Government introducing the death penalty.

The former leader of Opposition said criminals on death row needed to be executed to discourage serious crimes. “Seriously, we need to start killing some people because in Papua New Guinea, people make a joke of the laws, saying it’s just talk only,” Namah said. 

“Just look at the NCDC law on the betel nut ban. Governor Powes Parkop makes the law, but people are still selling betel nuts and now Parkop is giving in.”

Namah said there would be protests from developed nations, churches and human rights advocates. 

“But, what can we do? We cannot allow individuals to continue to use weapons to rape women, kill and rob innocent people at will.  We have to do something as a deterrent.”

Cabinet had approved the guidelines for the three modes of punishment –death by hanging, administration of anaesthetics, injection and firing squad.