A busy year of competitions for Athletics PNG came to a close on December 11 with the completion of the 61st National track and field championships sponsored by PNG Air. With the Pacific Games in Honiara in November next year the 2023 PNG Games and National championships will be more important in selecting the team than the 2022 Championships. This event was more about providing good competition for the PNG based members of the squad and identifying new talent to add to the development squad. President Tony Green said that the event was made possible through the support of PNG Air and through funding support and in kind support from many other organisations. These included World Athletics , PNG Olympic Committee , Prima Smallgoods, Hohola Apartments,  National Sports Institute , PNG Sports Foundation and the HP Unit. The event was not without its challenges, with travel difficulties resulting in some key officials arriving later than planned, and some weaknesses in the organization of the event,  resulting in final preparations for the event being rushed. The Port Moresby based throws group assisted greatly with the conduct of the throwing events which was a big help due to a shortage of experienced officials. Nonetheless President Tony Green was impressed with many of the performances especially in the track events and in spite of the long delays the athletes faced. The big upset of the weekend was Pais Wisil upstaging Leroy Kamau in the mens 100m to win with an excellent personal best time of 10.69 secs. Coach Samu Sasama was pleased with Wisil’s improvement and said that he was beginning to cope better with the pressure of big competitions. In fact the NSI team showed the benefit of a good preparation and regular competition as their athletes coped better with multiple events than most of the other teams. PNG’s depth in the mens 400m was evident in the 4*400m where the NCD team which included national reps Leroy Kamau , Eldan Toti and Benjamin Aliel as well as young Paul Mea Gabara had to fight hard to hold off the NSI team of Pais Wisil , Timothy Tuna, Adolf Kauba and Jobbie Kinzu. In the womens sprints Edna Boafob dominated the 200m and 400m whilst NSI’s Salome Yaling showed considerable improvement to clock a huge personal best of 12.65secs in the 100m to win the race ahead of National Rep Monica Korowi. A number of the male middle distance runners identified by Athletics PNG from  the NGI Regional event and brought to Port Moresby ahead of the championships for lead up races performed very well including Juteis Robinson , Willie Kalai  and Kevin Livai, though it was disappointing that Kalai ran with the U18 instead of the open. In the womens middle and long distance events Christina Moiyang and Miriam Toby posted strong performances and it was very encouraging to see  the two Oro runners (Esmie Isoroembo and 17 year old Ray Kumala  Heru)  complete the demanding 3000m steeplechase event in respectable times of 13min 38 and 13:32 respectively. Scholastica Herman was as expected in scintillating form in the 800m (2min 15secs) and 1500m ( 4min 47 secs)  coming close to the national junior records in both events. Adolf Kauba is another athlete who has improved in his one year in Goroka training at the national Sports Institute, pushing Benjamin Aliel all the way in the 400m final and running 48.92secs. he also clocked a personal best 1min 55 in the 800m. In the field events , national record holders Lakona Gerega , Sharon Toako and Rellie Kaputin were all in action and throwing events for the  para athletes were included in the Championships for the first time. New talents that emerged from the championships include 15 year old  Judy Mitchell who won the U18   100m and 200m ; as well as young sprinters Emmanuel Mamei , Gerson Tinut and Paul Mea Gabara.

Headquarters Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) has been made aware of the incident involving drunk soldiers at the Port Moresby General Hospital on Sunday 18th of December 2022. Those soldiers involved in this incident had caused damages to the country’s biggest referral hospital. The damages are worth thousands of Kina at the Accident and Emergency Department. The PNG Defence Force does not condone such behaviour by soldiers in public. The Chief of Defence Force has ordered an urgent investigation into this matter and to ensure those involved are dealt with under the Code of Military Discipline and appropriate actions taken to ensure no repetition of such ill-discipline behaviour occurs again. PNGDF sincerely apologizes to the public for the inconveniences caused and the disruption to health services at the Accident and Emergency Department that may have taken place as result of the incident.

The Parramatta Eels are delighted to announce Dylan Brown has agreed to a multi-year extension to remain at the Club until at least the end of 2025 with an option to remain an Eel until 2031. Dylan has progressed through the Eels Junior Pathways system since 2016 and has made 82 first grade appearances for the Club following his NRL debut in 2019 at just 18 years of age. Dylan has also represented New Zealand in 5 Test matches. “I left New Zealand to pursue an NRL career when I was 15, and the Eels have been home for me ever since. It’s been an amazing journey so far, and the Club has an exciting future that I want to be part of for a long time,” Dylan said. “I’m grateful to be a part of this Club, from Brad and the coaches to my teammates, all the staff, our members and fans, I couldn’t picture myself anywhere else.” Parramatta Eels General Manager of Football Mark O’Neill said, “Dylan has just played the best season of his career helping us reach the Grand Final and earning him a representative spot for the Kiwis at the World Cup, and at just 22 years of age his best footy is still ahead of him. “He’s a wonderful contributor to our Club both on and off the field and we’re excited that he’ll continue to be an integral part of our organisation for many years.  As valuable as Dylan has been to the team’s performances, he’s already a great role model for other players through the way he connects with our community partners, our members and our fans.” The Club worked with Dylan and his agent following his return from the World Cup to lock in his future at the Club. “Dylan and I discussed his journey so far and what he wanted to achieve both on the field and off the field in the future.  The Parramatta Eels provides him the greatest environment to achieve these goals” said Dylan’s agent PSM Director Gavin Orr. Parramatta Eels CEO Jim Sarantinos said Dylan’s extension adds to the strong nucleus of players who have already signed long term deals with the Eels including co-captains Junior Paulo and Clint Gutherson, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Ryan Matterson and Shaun Lane. “It has been exciting to watch Dylan’s game progress since he joined our junior ranks in 2016. We have a strong forward pack for our halves to play behind, we’ve made some great new additions to our squad including a world class hooker, and we’re excited about the young talent coming through our pathways system," said Sarantinos. “Brad and the coaching staff did a wonderful job last season, and with their track record of developing players we’re in a position to compete for premierships each year, and Dylan’s commitment to the Club is a key part of that. “Dylan is a great ambassador for our Club and is loved by everyone at the Eels.  We are so fortunate to have a person like Dylan being a big part of our future – we hope he stays in the Blue and Gold for life”. A fan favourite, Dylan Brown won the Blue & Gold Army Award at the annual Ken Thornett Medal presentation this year, as well as the Ray Price Community Medal for his work with our community partner Ronald McDonald House. Source: NRL.Com

Trukai Industries Limited donated 3 tonnes of rice to assist 3 villages that are being affected by drought along the Markham district, Morobe Province. Representatives from Kukuc, Waritsian and Mamaringan Villages were pleased to receive Trukai's timely donation. Kukuc village leader, Michael Som, thanked Trukai Industries for helping the many families during their time of need. "Trukai will always be a part of our lives and a part of this country, it is through Trukai's quick intervention in places that need help that really demonstrates its strength as the only iconic brand in the country," said Som. Trukai has assisted many rural villages affected by natural disasters throughout the country in the past decade through its donation of rice, the biggest was in 1997 when areas of the Highlands were affected by frost making food scarce. A study conducted by Neville Whitecross and Philip Franklin in the early 2000s described Trukai's assistance as the only viable donation for any natural disaster relief in the country. It showed that at a time when nothing could grow, rice proved to be the only food supply that people could eat. Trukai Industry Limited’s Marketing Manager, Maryanne Tom said that the company will continue to assist the country's people during their time of need. "Trukai remains one of the country's iconic brands and it does so through its Corporate Social Responsibility program where the company assists charity organizations, hospitals and prisons through monthly rice and cash donations, agricultural programs to assist local rice farmers, and our commitment to helping villagers affected by natural disasters," said Tom

Six members of the PNG distance squad left for the Gold Coast on Sunday to join Siune Kagl and Dilu Goiye for two months intensive  preparation for the World Cross Country Championships in Bathurst NSW. Scholastica Herman, Ongan Awa , Mary Tenge, Israel Takap, Aquila Turalom and James Gundu were joined by all rounder Edna Boafob who is resuming her own training programme towards the Pacific Games. The team were disappointed that Wilford Baia was not able to travel with them for medical reasons , however Abel Siune is expected to join the team this week when his travel documentation is in  order. The male athletes will stay at the Oceania Athletics Association House at Varsity Lakes whilst the female athletes will be at the Gold Coast Performance Centre, Runaway Bay. Coach Bernard Manau was unable to travel and a replacement coach will join the athletes immediately after Christmas. Athletics PNG President Tony Green said that it was important to keep the momentum going with the programme so it was decided last month that the athletes would not return home after the PNG Air National Championships, but travel to Brisbane. T here will be a variety of different training and plenty of competition opportunities , which will be very stimulating for the athletes Green added. Finding accommodation at this peak holiday time was difficult and he thanked the Oceania Athletic Association for their offer to house the athletes at an affordable cost. Green also thanked the PNG Olympic Committee for its support through the team preparation budget towards the 2023 Pacific Games

Lionel Messi finally achieved his World Cup dream as Argentina won their third crown on penalties in one of the greatest finals in the tournament's history. Argentina won the shootout 4-2 after a spectacular game which developed into the much-anticipated confrontation between the 35-year-old maestro Messi and his France opposite number Kylian Mbappe. France's own superstar scored a hat-trick - the first in a Fifa World Cup final since 1966 - but still ended up on the losing side at Lusail Stadium. Messi looked to be securing the one major honour missing from his glittering collection in comfort as Argentina cruised into a two-goal lead. But an explosive intervention from Mbappe, who scored two goals inside two minutes late on. Messi had given Argentina the lead from the penalty spot in the 23rd minute following Ousmane Dembele's foul on Angel di Maria. It made him the first player in World Cup history to score in the group stage, last 16, quarter-final, semi-final and final of a single tournament. He then contributed a delicate touch within a magnificent counter-attack that ended with Brighton's Alexis Mac Allister setting up Di Maria for the second 13 minutes later. 'Now hard to argue against Messi being football's greatest' 'Breathless, staggering and magnificent' - was final one of best ever? Messi's World Cup trophy lift provides iconic image Argentina were untroubled until the closing stages, only for Mbappe to give France a lifeline from the penalty spot with nine minutes left - then restore equality with a magnificent volley moments later. Messi bundled Argentina back in front in extra time, but Mbappe completed his treble from the spot two minutes from the end of a frantic, chaotic added spell. And so it went to penalties, with the two greats opening the scoring. But Argentina and Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez saved from Kingsley Coman, before Aurelian Tchouameni missed, leaving Gonzalo Montiel to win the World Cup. Messi, a World Cup winner at last, collapsed to his knees in the centre circle and was engulfed by jubilant Argentina team-mates. The mind games of Argentina's dancing hero Martinez World Cup Daily podcast: Argentina champions after 'best game ever' Reaction to one of the most dramatic World Cup finals Tearful Messi reaches peak Messi stood at the pinnacle of his career as Argentina closed out time in the World Cup final, only for great rival Mbappe to threaten to knock him off and leave him in despair. Instead, this World Cup - which will now have Messi's name attached to it forever, along with a final that will rank alongside the greats - gave the iconic Argentine the conclusion he wanted. Messi was imperious for 80 minutes in his final World Cup game as Argentina exerted complete control over a strangely laboured France, scoring his penalty with ease before contributing crucially to a second goal which was a team creation of beauty finished off by Di Maria. And then came Mbappe. And then came France. In an atmosphere of disbelief among the massed ranks of Argentina fans who were starting to celebrate victory, Lionel Scaloni's team had to lift themselves once more from the double blow inflicted by Mbappe. Inevitably it was Messi who gave them hope again, showing he was happy to do the dirty work by turning home a scrambled finish in the box in the second period of extra time - only for Mbappe to answer again. But Argentina prevailed on penalties and Messi was the centre of attention when Montiel sent the decisive penalty past France keeper Hugo Lloris. Amid wild scenes of celebration, Messi fell to his knees in tears and raised his arms to the skies, before disappearing beneath a mountain of team-mates. Messi then took to the microphone to address Argentina's jubilant fans, his Holy Grail reached, another piece of evidence assembled in the argument that would have many declare him the game's greatest player. Elation in Argentina, sorrow in France - fans react Messi wins Golden Ball, Mbappe wins Golden Boot Mbappe the history-maker in defeat Mbappe cemented his status as one of the game's modern greats with only the second hat-trick in a World Cup final, following Sir Geoff Hurst's when England beat West Germany in 1966. But the 23-year-old still suffered the pain of defeat. Mbappe was as anonymous as most of his team for the first 80 minutes, ill-served amid an unfathomably poor France display - which they put in despite seeking to become the first side to retain the trophy since Brazil did so 60 years ago, and only the third ever after Italy won in 1934 and 1938. Manager Didier Deschamps even made two substitutions before half-time, replacing Olivier Giroud and Dembele with Marcus Thuram and Randal Kolo Muani. And yet it was Mbappe who revived France in those sensational seconds when they went from looking like timid losers to potential winners, then getting his third from the spot after Messi had put Argentina back in front. In a stunning period of extra time during which both sides exchanged chances, France could have won but for a superb last-gasp save by Martinez with his outstretched boot from Muani. Instead, Mbappe will find history no consolation as he was embraced by his team-mates and French President Emmanuel Macron at the end of this enthralling spectacle. Source: BBC News

The Commissioner of Police, David Manning, has made it clear that criminals carrying guns and other weapons are at high risk of being killed through the legitimate use of force by Disciplined Forces Personnel. Mr. Manning said the Government’s announced intention for legislative amendments on offences and categories of assault relating to officials involved in security and public administration will provide a further deterrence to targeted attacks. “The Prime Minister has made it very clear to gunmen and other criminals that choose to carry weapons to cause fear and to harm other people, will most likely be shot and die as a result of their injuries,” the Commissioner said. “An escalated response to a criminal brandishing a gun is law enforcement procedure in countries around the world, because the primary concern is the protection of the public ahead of the safety of the gunman. “Reality is not like a movie, warning shots do not work if a gunman is about to shoot another person, and Disciplined Personnel are trained to fire at the center of mass to stop an assailant. This is the chest and abdomen area, and in most instances these shots will kill the gunman. “Every legal means will be used to prevent a criminal carrying a weapon in public from harming another person, be they members of the public or Disciplined Forces Personnel. “There are no second chances when a suspect has a weapon and is not compliant with Police direction, they must be stopped from discharging the weapon.” The Commissioner said the intended Criminal Code amendments to escalate the level of charge and penalties for attacks on security and government officials are a step forward in strengthening law and order. “It must be clear to criminals that if they attempt to interference with the administration of Government and law and order in our country, they will be singled out and face harsher penalties. “This is likely to include changes to categories of assault relating to private citizens, Members of the Disciplined Forces and Members of Parliament, and penalties dependent on aggravating circumstances as to the official assaulted, wounded or killed. “Disciplined Forces personnel are the frontline of the Nation’s attack on criminals, and often their response is to target Police, Military or lawmakers. “With the growth of international organized crime attempting to infiltrate our country that threat is growing, so we are increasing our mechanisms to meet these challenges.” When it comes to violent crime using firearms, Mr. Manning said several laws have been enacted to take action against people carrying weapons with intent to cause fear or harm. “According to the Firearms Act, someone who threatens to discharge or points a firearm towards another person is committing a crime. “Under the Arrest Act, authorized persons, meaning an official empowered to make an arrest under PNG laws, who attempts to affect an arrest a person and the suspect resists, are authorized to use all reasonable means to make the arrest. “The threat is more serious when a person carrying a weapon is part of a group that is organized or able to use physical force. Under the Criminal Code, this means people carrying weapons to cause fear or terror, or to use a weapon against the functions of the Police or Defense Force, are committing a crime. “In terms of Disciplined Forces personnel, under the Summary Offences Act, a person who assaults a member of the Police Force in the course of their duty is committing a crime. “But the reality is that it does not matter if a gunman is threatening a Police Officer, a Soldier, a Parliament Member or any member of the public, as a means to protect lives an armed criminal will likely be shot and most likely killed.”

A woman has died after being injured in a crush at a gig at London's Brixton O2 Academy that left several others hurt. The concert, by Afro-pop singer Asake, had to be abandoned part-way through after a "large number of people" tried to force their way inside on Thursday, the Met Police said. Mother-of-two Rebecca Ikumelo, 33, from Newham, east London, died in hospital on Saturday morning, the Met said. Her family said she was a nursing graduate known for "care and kindness". Two other women aged 21 and 23 remain in a critical condition, police added. Asake said he was "overwhelmed with grief" and "devastated" by her death. The artist said he had spoken to Ms Ikumelo's family and asked people to "keep them in our prayers". In a statement released through the Met, her family said Ms. Ikumelo was an "adorable mother of two children who loved working with kids". They said: "She was well respected in the family for her care, kindness and love. "Her parents call her Tosin (short for Oluwatosin) meaning 'Lord is Worthy'." Academy Music Group, which owns and runs the venue, said in a statement: "All at O2 Academy Brixton and Academy Music Group are deeply saddened by the news of the tragic death of Rebecca Ikumelo. "We send our heartfelt condolences to Rebecca's family and friends, and our thoughts are with everyone affected by this devastating news at this extremely difficult time." London Mayor Sadiq Khan also wrote in a tweet he was "heartbroken" by the death. He said it was "vital that the investigation into what happened concludes as soon as possible" and added that City Hall was working with authorities "to ensure nothing like this happens again". Videos on social media showed the crowd stretching from the road outside to the venue's doors. Speaking at the scene on Friday, Ch Supt Colin Wingrove said: "I'd like to extend my sympathies to all those who have been affected. "Having seen some of the really upsetting images on social media our thoughts are with them," he added. The force said more than 4,000 people were in attendance at the gig and it has set up a website for people to submit relevant photos and videos. In a statement outside Brixton police station on Friday afternoon, Mr Wingrove said officers were called by staff at the venue "following reports that a large number of people were attempting to force entry". He added: "Some officers provided first aid and CPR to members of the public in order to save life." Florence Eshalomi, Labour MP for Vauxhall whose constituency includes Brixton, tweeted on Saturday: "I visited the site this morning and I've been dreading this news ever since the incident and hoping it would never never come. "My thoughts and prayers to Rebecca Ikumelo's family and friends. Such a tragic loss of a young 33 year old with so much life ahead of her." The first officers were reported to be on the scene at 21:11 GMT, seven minutes after they were called. The concert was the final performance of three sold-out shows at the venue by Nigerian singer Asake, sometimes known as Mr Money. Before the gig, he had posted on Twitter asking fans not to try to gain entry unless they had tickets. In a statement published on Twitter on Saturday, Asake said: "I am overwhelmed with grief and could never have imagined anything like this happening. "My team and I are still awaiting the full debrief back from the venue management and the police to determine what exactly led to all the disruption caused and ultimately to Rebecca's passing." He urged anyone with information to contact police.   Source: BBC

Two far-off planets are likely made of water, according to research conducted using NASA’s Hubble and Spitzer telescopes. The so-called “water worlds” are orbiting a red dwarf star, the smallest and coolest kind of star, according to a news release from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The aqueous planets are 218 light-years away in the constellation Lyra, says NASA. And they’re “unlike any planets found in our solar system,” the agency said. The finding that the planets are likely composed of mostly water comes from a study published in the journal Nature Astronomy on Thursday. A research team led by Caroline Piaulet, a PhD student at the University of Montreal’s Institute for Research on Exoplanets, used NASA’s Hubble and Spitzer space telescopes to observe the distant planetary system. The planetary system they studied is called Kepler-138 because it’s located within the field of vision of NASA’s Kepler spacecraft. Researchers have known about the existence of three exoplanets – the term for planets outside our solar system – within the Kepler-138 system but have only just discovered two of them are likely made out of water. They also discovered evidence for a fourth planet that hadn’t been described before. But the finding isn’t as straightforward as it might seem. The scientists didn’t directly detect water at exoplanets Kepler-138c and Kepler-138d. Instead, they compared the sizes and masses of the planets to models for comparison. When they compared the planets to the models, they found “that a significant fraction of their volume – up to half of it – should be made of materials that are lighter than rock but heavier than hydrogen or helium.” Water is the likeliest candidate for a material that’s lighter than rock but heavier than hydrogen or helium, says NASA. Source: CNN

The Councillor of Wutung Village, the border village of Sandaun Province and Chairman of the landowner company of the proposed Papua New Guinea (PNG) Trade Centre in Wutung village have reached an agreement with the Minister for International Trade and Investment, Richard Maru and the Sandaun Provincial Government and Administration to provide land for the establishment of the Trade Centre. The agreement reached during the recent trip of Minister Maru and the Japan Development Institute (JDI) Expert Team to visit Vanimo are as follows: The land identified for the Trade Centre at Wutung Village will not be sold to the government but only leased long term to the National Government. All business spin off for the Trade Centre like security, cleaning, etc will be given to the landowner company. The National Government will fund the cost of building a new bore water supply system for the proposed Trade Centre and the border post at Wutung. The same water supply system must also provide a continuous and free water supply system to Wutung Village. Currently, there is no electricity and water supply at the border post, resulting in all the scanning machines including the truck which has the scanning machines has not been used since 2018. “They are all gathering dust, including the office complex as there is no water. The whole border post is in a despicable state and we must act now to fix all these shambles if we are serious to trade with Indonesia,” said Minister Maru. “I have asked the Sandaun Governor and his administration to meet the cost of connecting electricity from Vanimo to Wutung as a matter of priority at the cost of the Sandaun Provincial Government while the National Government will take care of funding the water supply system and lease the land from the Wutung landowners for the Trade Centre. We cannot continue the one-way trade of our people going to Batas in Indonesia to buy Indonesian goods. The time has come for us to get our act together and build the Trade Centre at Wutung. This has to be a shared responsibility between the National Government, Sandaun Provincial Government and the Vanimo District DDA,” Minister Maru said.

A Sanskrit grammatical problem which has perplexed scholars since the 5th Century BC has been solved by a University of Cambridge PhD student. Rishi Rajpopat, 27, decoded a rule taught by Panini, a master of the ancient Sanskrit language who lived around 2,500 years ago. Sanskrit is mostly spoken in India by an estimated 25,000 people, the university said. Mr Rajpopat said he had "a eureka moment in Cambridge" after spending nine months "getting nowhere". "I closed the books for a month and just enjoyed the summer - swimming, cycling, cooking, praying and meditating," he said. "Then, begrudgingly I went back to work, and, within minutes, as I turned the pages, these patterns starting emerging, and it all started to make sense." He said he "would spend hours in the library including in the middle of the night", but still needed to work for another two-and-a-half years on the problem. Sanskrit, although not widely spoken, is the sacred language of Hinduism and has been used in India's science, philosophy, poetry and other secular literature over the centuries. Panini's grammar, known as the Astadhyayi, relied on a system that functioned like an algorithm to turn the base and suffix of a word into grammatically correct words and sentences. However, two or more of Panini's rules often apply simultaneously, resulting in conflicts. Panini taught a "metarule", which is traditionally interpreted by scholars as meaning "in the event of a conflict between two rules of equal strength, the rule that comes later in the grammar's serial order wins". However, this often led to grammatically incorrect results.`1 Mr Rajpopat rejected the traditional interpretation of the metarule. Instead, he argued that Panini meant that between rules applicable to the left and right sides of a word respectively, Panini wanted us to choose the rule applicable to the right side. Employing this interpretation, he found the Panini's "language machine" produced grammatically correct words with almost no exceptions. "I hope this discovery will infuse students in India with confidence, pride and hope that they too can achieve great things," said Mr Rajpopat, from India. His supervisor at Cambridge, professor of Sanskrit Vincenzo Vergiani, said: "He has found an extraordinarily elegant solution to a problem which has perplexed scholars for centuries. "This discovery will revolutionise the study of Sanskrit at a time when interest in the language is on the rise."

A Sudanese woman charged with adultery has had her life spared and will instead spend six months behind bars after she admitted to kissing a man. The 20-year-old was initially sentenced to death by stoning, sparking an international outcry. She was arrested by police after her cousin killed her boyfriend. The African Centre for Justice and Peace Studies (ACJPS) described the initial penalty as a "grave violation of international law". The divorcee was sentenced to death after she was found guilty of adultery by a court in the city of Kosti, in Sudan's White Nile state. Following international condemnation, the White Nile state court retried the case. Ultimately, the presiding judge changed the charge from "adultery" to an "obscene act" which meant she would instead serve prison time for her actions. She confessed in court to being with a man and admitted that the pair had kissed. Her lawyer, Intisar Abdullah, said the judge "didn't have many options but to convict her". "The thing is she confessed at the court that she was with a man, she is very young and she doesn't know the complications of the case," the lawyer told the BBC. The woman had been free on bail but has now gone to prison to start her sentence. The ACJPS said she was not allowed a lawyer in the initial case, and procedural errors led to the stoning sentence being overturned. Sudan still imposes the death penalty for some hudud crimes - offences specified by Allah in the Quran, including theft and adultery. In Sudanese law they carry penalties such as flogging, the amputation of hands and feet, hanging and stoning. The majority of stoning sentences in Sudan - laid predominantly against women - have been overturned at the High Court. Previously, a government minister described the sentence as a "joke" but admitted that no government minister could intervene. Sudan has been run by a military junta since a coup in 2021.   Source: BBC