Rioters and looters in London have been punished severely, according to the British opposition and human rights groups. Sentencing has been inconsistent. Prime Minister David Cameron is a supporter of harsh punishment for those who have broken the law.

However, here is the problem: the British prisons are crowded. Long sentences for looters who have stolen a pack of cigarettes or a bottle of water are certainly not fair compared to others who have stolen a TV or a motor scooter.

Prime Minister Cameron and the judges should find a better way to punish the rioters. As the Akan of Ivory Coast say, “A chief of village should not create a new law when he is angry.”