Papua New Guinea repeals death penalty 30 years after reintroduction

Justice minister says state lacks ability to humanely execute those convicted, while PM says PNG is a Christian nation'

Papua New Guinea has repealed the death penalty 30 years after reintroducing it, with prime minister James Marape saying it was not an effective deterrent to serious crime".

Offences such as treason, piracy, murder - including sorcery related violence - and aggravated rape will now be punishable by life imprisonment without parole or parole after 30 years.