Death penalty for terrorism often unfair: UN chief

Ban urged everyone to continue working to abolish the death penalty entirely


News Desk October 11, 2016
Death penalty for terrorism often unfair: Ban Ki-moon PHOTO: REUTERS

Marking World Day Against the Death Penalty on Monday, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in his remarks said death sentences for terrorism are often handed down after unfair trials by special courts that disrespect human rights and the rule of law.

Marking World Day Against the Death Penalty on Monday, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon termed the practice cruel and inhumane.

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“The death penalty has no place in the 21st century," he said in his message to commemorate the day, while adding that, "To be legitimate and effective, counter-terror measures, like all security operations, must be anchored in respect for human rights and the rule of law."

Globally, 65 countries still retain the death penalty for terrorism-related offences.

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"Let us be clear: participation in peaceful protests and criticism of a government — whether in private, on the Internet or in the media — are neither crimes nor terrorist acts. The threat or use of the death penalty in such cases is an egregious violation of human rights," Ban added.

Further, the UN chief highlighted that confessions were often obtained under duress or in other ways in which the right to appeal is not respected. Some States even criminalize the legitimate exercise of fundamental freedoms using ambiguous counter-terrorism legislation.

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Countering the argument that capital punishment deters terrorism, Ban said: “This is not true. Experience has shown that putting terrorists to death serves as propaganda for their movements by creating perceived martyrs and making their macabre recruiting campaigns more effective.”

Finally he urged everyone to continue working to abolish the death penalty entirely.

“Let our actions always be guided by the moral compass of human rights – the most effective route to a safer, more just and secure world,” concluded Ban.

COMMENTS (1)

Burhan Hashmi | 7 years ago | Reply Saeeda Hussain. Madame, the term is, 'Equal treatment of unequals', meaning that it is unjust if good guys are not rewarded and bad guys are not punished. The irony of the fact is that if you treat good and bad guys alike, you actually encourage bad behavior (crime) and discourage virtues. Our justice system is painfully slow because it is reliably thorough. Many grieved people wish to see speedy justice for their satisfaction. True justice implies 'an eye for an eye'. Prisons are not supposed to be happy places. They are meant to house criminals of all sorts, murderers, rapists, thieves etc. Ask the family of the murder or a rape victim if they agree with any lesser punishment that what is in the law. Your 3rd para is full of clichés. This line of brain storming suggests that either you live abroad or work of an NGO. Incorrect pulse of Pakistan.
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