A group of concerned people in Lae City began a push...

A group of concerned people in Lae City began a push for changes to the serious crime laws to fight the rising lawlessness in the country. The group urged Opposition Leader Sir Michael Somare to take up their fight in Parliament.
Spokesman for the group Peter Oa, who spoke at the Big Issues 2002 forum on law and order in Lae, said criminals were treating life as "nothing". He said the death penalty must be imposed.
In their letter to Sir Michael, the group of 12 Lae city residents said they wanted their concerns raised in parliament.
"We are asking for tougher laws to govern our people and to take control of the current lawlessness. If we do not do anything now, our country is heading for doom," the group said.
They suggested that any kind of murder, rape, drug abuse and armed hold-up and robbery should get the "death by firing squad" penalty. Those found guilty of stealing should have their legs amputated and anyone caught fighting should get a 12 month jail term and community work.