The Pacific Island Nation revived capital punishment two years ago to reduce rampant crime, prompted in part by the burning alive of a 20-year-old woman by a crowd for sorcery.

While the law allows for the execution by lethal injection, hanging and firing squad, no death row convicts have been killed since then due to lack of infrastructure.

'€œAs I have indicated publicly that (death penalty) is under review,'€ O'€™Neil told reporters in comments published by the Post-Courier on Monday, after being asked whether PNG would think again following the Indonesian fallout.

'€œOur agencies of government are reviewing all aspects of the death penalty in our country and we will debate this issue on the floor of parliament when parliament resumes.'€

O'€™Neil comments came on the eve of a two-day visit by Indonesian President Joko Widodo, under whose brief leadership 14 drug convicts have been executed, 12 of them foreigners.

Jakarta put to death two Australians, a Brazilian, and four Nigerians on a prison island, along with one Indonesian, last month despite worldwide calls for them to be spared and heartrending pleas from their families.

Widodo was unmoved, arguing that Indonesia is facing an emergency due to rising narcotics use.

In response, Australia, a close friend of Papua New Guinea, recalled its ambassadors from Indonesia for it called the '€œcruel and unnecessary'€ execution while the United Nations expressed deep regret. (*)

Popular

Dancing in harmony: 75 Years of Indonesia-Thailand diplomacy

Bali to ban production of plastic sachet in 2026

Indonesia on brink of losing Lake Toba’s Global Geopark status