Government urged to abolish death penalty

BY DAVID KISANGA

The government has been challenged to abolish its death penalty policy since it undermines human dignity whereas there is no conclusive evidence of its deterrent value and any miscarriage of justice leading to its imposition is irreversible and irreparable.

“We have to accept the evidence that the death penalty is not a solution to insecurity and a high rate of violent crimes...the government has to oppose the death penalty in all circumstances as a matter of principle,” underscored Dr Helen Kijo-Bisimba, Executive Director for Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC).

Bisimba made these remarks yesterday in Dar es Salaam at the marking of the Anti-Death Penalty Day.

She described the use of death penalty as ultimate, irreversible denial of human rights whereas capital punishment has no place in today’s world.

She cited that those who are suspected of any charges or are actually charged or have been convicted of serious crimes should be treated with dignity regardless.

According to Bisimba, although Tanzania has not executed anyone since 1994, but we urge it to take steps towards abolishing the death penalty.

She underlined that LHRC and other partners in the country are working relentlessly to gain support for abolition of death penalty or at least a moratorium on its use.

She affirmed that the government has to deal with serious crimes and violence whereas it also needs to respond to these issues.

According to Bisimba, such an environment can reinforce the public’s view that they want death penalty to sustain as anger against insecurity can make people feel that those who commit certain types of crimes deserve to die.

The solutions are effective criminal justice systems which the people can trust so that perpetrators are caught and convicted, she said.

“This needs to be complemented by social measures such as better education and employment opportunities which can help reduce the level of violence in society,” said Bisimba.

She however noted that they still seek dialogue with the government to not apply death penalty, urge it to impose a moratorium and take steps towards abolition.

This will call for a moratorium rather than full abolition allowing states or state that have suspended but not abolished capital punishment to give it their support, she said.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN (11/10/2012): http://www.ippmedia.com/frontend/index.php?l=46796