Sierra Leone Parliament Votes To Abolish Death Penalty
Sumaira FH Published July 24, 2021 | 01:40 AM
MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 24th July, 2021) The Sierra Leonean parliament has unanimously voted to abolish capital punishment, President Julius Maada Bio said on Friday.
"Today, I have fulfilled a governance pledge to permanently abolish the death penalty in Sierra Leone. I thank citizens, members of Parliament, development partners, and rights groups that have steadfastly stood with us to make history," Sierra Leonean leader wrote on Twitter.
The law will take effect once signed by the president.
UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab welcomed the move as an "important milestone" and conveyed London's readiness to continue to support Sierra Leone in the "promotion & protection of human rights.
"
No execution has taken place in Sierra Leone since 1998, with death penalty often substituted by other punishments, which did not spare the country from criticism by human rights groups, however. Announcing the upcoming plans to abolish capital punishment in March, Sierra Leonean Justice Minister Umaru Napoleon Koroma said it was aimed at protecting basic human rights.
Sierra Leone will be the 23rd African country putting an end to colonial-era death penalty laws. Malawi's Supreme Court ruled capital punishment unconstitutional in April, and Chad did the same last year.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Journalists call for global action to end Gaza’s humanitarian crisis
CM for generating opportunities to bring direct int'l investment
Pakistan retains position in FTSE secondary emerging market
High Commissioner of Malaysia hosts Iftar dinner reception
NEPRA announces 2nd quarterly adjustment in power bills with Rs 1.68 cut per uni ..
Hoopo Inc. Collaborates with SAU to Install Solar-Powered RO Plant
04 killed in Spain as Storm Nelson looms
Russian military jet crashes into sea off Crimea: Governor
Rain-windstorm/thunderstorm likely at various parts of country
Implementation of Sindh Agriculture Workers Act-2019 demanded
Pandemic accord talks heading for extra time
Khawaja reiterates PM commitment to judiciary
More Stories From World
-
Bus plunges off S.Africa bridge killing 45: ministry
5 hours ago -
S.Africa's ex-president Zuma barred from May election
5 hours ago -
Tax the rich: slow progress on the international front
5 hours ago -
Bus plunges off S.Africa bridge killing 45: ministry
6 hours ago -
Russia sentences journalist to 2 years in prison, detains others
6 hours ago -
France asks for foreign help for Olympics security: officials
6 hours ago
-
04 killed in Spain as Storm Nelson looms
7 hours ago -
Russian military jet crashes into sea off Crimea: Governor
7 hours ago -
Pandemic accord talks heading for extra time
7 hours ago -
French parliament backs bill against hair discrimination affecting black women
7 hours ago -
Russia says 'evidence' links Ukraine to Moscow attack
7 hours ago -
Russian shelling kills three in Ukraine, officials say
7 hours ago