It was reported that Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare...

It was reported that Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare directed the Justice Department to review penalties in relation to addressing law and order problems in the country. In response to questions on enforcement of the death penalty to offenders guilty of committing violent crimes like rape and murder Justice Minister Mark Maipakai declare that there already were provisions for applying death sentences but that it was up to the judiciary to enforce them. "If the judges are not enforcing it then probably they are not doing their job. But I understand this parliament made the decision on death penalty and there is a law in place," he said. "But if that law is not working and if there are ways we can better strengthen that law then I can address that. I have been directed by cabinet to come up with some drastic measure to address the law and order situation and my department has already been tasked," he said.