15 Killed After Deadly Riots in Papua New Guinea
- ANTARA/Irsan Mulyadi
Papua New Guinea – A total of 15 people were killed in riots in Papua New Guinea's two largest cities. In this regard, the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea promised to take firm action against violations of the law for the loss of life.
Violence erupted in the capital Port Moresby on Wednesday after a group of soldiers, police, and prison guards staged a protest against the government.
An angry mob set fire to buildings and looted shops. The action soon spread 300km north to the town of Lae.
On Thursday, police commissioner David Manning confirmed that at least 15 people were killed in the country's two largest cities.
Papua Nugini, negara tetangga Indonesia.
- Google Earth.
Prime Minister James Marape on Thursday apologized to his country and said that lawlessness would not be tolerated.
"I want to speak today, speak to the people and speak to the country," he told a press conference.
"This is your country and this is my country. Breaking the law will not lead to definitive results," he continued.
Marape said the worst of the unrest had subsided by Thursday morning, but acknowledged tensions remained in parts of Port Moresby.
Footage showed looters in the capital storming into shops through broken glass, stuffing stolen goods into cardboard boxes, shopping trolleys, and plastic buckets.
One man was seen carrying an entire refrigerator on his shoulder. Buildings and cars were set on fire, sending thick clouds of black smoke across the country.
Earlier, a small group of people gathered outside the prime minister's office in Port Moresby, breaking through security gates and setting fire to parked police cars.
Beijing has complained with the Papua New Guinea government, following reports that rioters targeted Chinese-owned businesses. Port Moresby resident Jerry Mathew said that many shops were under threat.
"Some parts of the city are safe, but other crowded centers are not," he said as riots raged on Wednesday night
