Violence Erupts in Papua New Guinea: Death Toll Rises

Fifteen people were killed in Papua New Guinea during widespread looting and arson following protests over a police pay cut blamed on an administrative glitch. Eight died in riots in the capital Port Moresby, while seven were killed in Lae. Prime Minister James Marape appealed for calm, stating that tensions in the capital had subsided and extra police were flown in to maintain order. The United States embassy reported that tensions remained high, and several Chinese citizens were lightly injured in the violence. The police strike led to a loss of control in the city, and the government denied imposing a new tax on police, vowing to fix any administrative errors.