Gambia’s President commutes 22 death sentences to life imprisonment
The President’s commutation of these death sentences to life imprisonment is an important milestone for the Gambia which is slowly and steadily moving away from the death penalty.
- Country:
- Gambia
Responding to the news that Gambia’s President Adama Barrow has commuted the death sentences of 22 prisoners to life imprisonment, Marie-Evelyne Petrus Barry, Amnesty International West and Central Africa Regional Director-who met with the Gambian President last week- said:
“The President’s commutation of these death sentences to life imprisonment is an important milestone for the Gambia which is slowly and steadily moving away from the death penalty.
“Less than a week ago, Amnesty International met with President Adama Barrow who confirmed to us his commitment to outlaw this cruel punishment – it’s good to see him take another concrete step against the death penalty.
“This decision is a positive step, however, we want the authorities to go further by abolishing the death penalty for all crimes without delay, including in the country’s future constitution.
“We also hope they will implement our recommendations to repeal draconian media laws, reform the security sector and end discrimination against women.”
(With Inputs from APO)
Google News