Papua New Guinea grants amnesty to soldiers
- 12 years ago
Soldiers lay down their weapons at a ceremony in Papua New Guinea.
The 20 or so soldiers were part of an attempted mutiny on January 26 and had been hiding in Port Moresby barracks.
But instead of prosecuting the soldiers, the government agreed to offer amnesty if they turned themselves and their weapons in.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) PAPUA NEW GUINEAN DEFENCE MINISTER BELDEN NAMAH SAYING:
"Soldiers will, as of today, be given amnesty. Nobody will be dealt with by the law."
Officials added that there would be consequences if soldiers acted against the government again.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) PAPUA NEW GUINEAN DEFENCE MINISTER BELDEN NAMAH SAYING:
"And make no mistake, after today, whoever decides to take his own actions, you'll be dealt with by the full brunt of the law. I'm going to wash my hands."
The revolt's leader, retired colonel Yaura Sasa was arrested over the weekend and remains in jail on charges of inciting mutiny.
Jessica Gray, Reuters
The 20 or so soldiers were part of an attempted mutiny on January 26 and had been hiding in Port Moresby barracks.
But instead of prosecuting the soldiers, the government agreed to offer amnesty if they turned themselves and their weapons in.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) PAPUA NEW GUINEAN DEFENCE MINISTER BELDEN NAMAH SAYING:
"Soldiers will, as of today, be given amnesty. Nobody will be dealt with by the law."
Officials added that there would be consequences if soldiers acted against the government again.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) PAPUA NEW GUINEAN DEFENCE MINISTER BELDEN NAMAH SAYING:
"And make no mistake, after today, whoever decides to take his own actions, you'll be dealt with by the full brunt of the law. I'm going to wash my hands."
The revolt's leader, retired colonel Yaura Sasa was arrested over the weekend and remains in jail on charges of inciting mutiny.
Jessica Gray, Reuters