The United Nations ’ expert on torture has condemned the use of the death penalty in countries including Iran, saying executions are “tantamount to torture”, and barred by international law.
In his annual report to the UN’s Human Rights Council, the Special Rapporteur on Torture, Juan Mendez, criticized several countries for their increased use of death sentences and executions, saying it was becoming clear that the practice amounts to torture, and is a breach of international law. Mr Mendez raised particular concerns over the execution of juveniles as well as the use of the death penalty in relation to political protests or drug offences.
Mr Mendez also raised fears over the use of the death penalty in Iran, where the authorities are the planning to execute some 100 prisoners convicted of alleged drug offences((http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/22810). Iran is among the world’s most prolific executioners, and in recent years the government has hanged large numbers of people for non-violent drug offences – including juveniles and political protestors. Reprieve has called on the UN Office on Drugs and Crime – which oversees funding for Iran’s drug police – to end its support until the government calls a halt to drug-related executions.
Maya Foa, head of the death penalty team at Reprieve, said: “This report makes it very clear – the death penalty is illegal, immoral and ineffective, and should be consigned to history. Governments that use sweeping death sentences, alongside torture and arbitrary detention, to crush dissent must take note. Meanwhile, other countries must strongly urge an end to executions, once and for all.”
In his annual report to the UN’s Human Rights Council, the Special Rapporteur on Torture, Juan Mendez, criticized several countries for their increased use of death sentences and executions, saying it was becoming clear that the practice amounts to torture, and is a breach of international law. Mr Mendez raised particular concerns over the execution of juveniles as well as the use of the death penalty in relation to political protests or drug offences.
Mr Mendez also raised fears over the use of the death penalty in Iran, where the authorities are the planning to execute some 100 prisoners convicted of alleged drug offences((http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/22810). Iran is among the world’s most prolific executioners, and in recent years the government has hanged large numbers of people for non-violent drug offences – including juveniles and political protestors. Reprieve has called on the UN Office on Drugs and Crime – which oversees funding for Iran’s drug police – to end its support until the government calls a halt to drug-related executions.
Maya Foa, head of the death penalty team at Reprieve, said: “This report makes it very clear – the death penalty is illegal, immoral and ineffective, and should be consigned to history. Governments that use sweeping death sentences, alongside torture and arbitrary detention, to crush dissent must take note. Meanwhile, other countries must strongly urge an end to executions, once and for all.”
Source: NEWS AGENCIES, 7 March 20 16
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