A PETITION to increase minimum and maximum sentences for all rape and sexual offences was presented to Member of Parliament for West Makira Constituency Derick Manuari today.
The petition was presented by Wendy Kealau on behalf of the family of Late Mary Aram, a seven-year-old who was brutally raped and murdered on the island of Kolombangara on 14th October 2021.
Ms Kealau was led by the Young Women’s Parliamentary Group (YWPG) and families of Late Mary.
A statement from YWPG said the petition calls for rape sentences to have a starting line of 50 years and other sexual offences to have a starting baseline of 20 years.
“And if 50 years is not given for rapist, the Penal Code should be amended to cater for capital punishment. And lastly, the registration of all rapist and sexual offenders,” the statement said.
When receiving the petition, Mr Manuari expressed his condolences to the family of Late Mary and assured them that he will ensure the petition is brought before Parliament to be considered.
Petitions are a tool in which citizens can bring issues of concern to the attention of Parliament.
YWPG said this petition is now put on notice and will be included in the order of parliament business.
