Death Penalty: France condemns beheading of Pakistani

France has condemned the beheading on January 16 in Saudi Arabia of a Pakistani citizen. In a statement made by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Spokesman Philippe Lalliot, France expressed alarm over the pace of executions in Saudi Arabia. Since the beginning of the year 2013 four executions have been carried out. “France is committed to remaining a leading voice of the global campaign in favour of the abolition of the death penalty,” said the statement.  “France reaffirms its determined and continuous opposition to death penalty in all places and any circumstances. France urges Saudi Arabia to put an end to executions and to declare a moratorium as soon as possible.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 18^th, 2013.