Pastor: Identify the root of evil first

 A PASTOR has suggested that the Government should first identify the root causes of crime before imposing the death penalty on serious crime offenders.

Pr Elijah Samson Ati, speaking on behalf of the inter-denomination churches in Western Highlands, said it was too early to amend legislation on the Criminal Code Act.

“It is too early. I support what the two Opposition members Tobias Kulang and Bire Kimisopa said: PNG is not yet ready for these laws and I call on the government to look at ways to address crime,” he said.

He said improving basic services to the people and creating job opportunities for young people should be seriously considered.

Ati said serious offenders were human beings and as a Christian country, it was wrong to kill them.

Ati said young people in Mt Hagen were planning a peaceful protest march in the city soon on the matter.

“This is a very young nation and it will take time for the people to change,” he said.

He said the government had to focus on engaging people, especially youths in meaningful activities.

He said the death penalty would only create fear and pain in people.