Social Welfare and Development Minister Lady Carol...

Social Welfare and Development Minister Lady Carol Kidu expressed anger at the "summary executions and brutality" on the streets in Port Moresby caused by police mobile squad units. Lady Kidu told Parliament during Grievance Debate that whenever she tried to protect the youths from the excessive use of force by police, she had been warned not to interfere. She said a human rights commission must be established to protect the citizens of this country. Kidu pointed out that in November 2002, three young men were shot dead on the street. "Two were attempting to steal a car. Yes, they were committing a crime, but I wish to point out that in Papua New Guinea, car theft or attempted car theft is not a crime that deserves such punishment," she said.