Zimbabwean President, Emmerson Mnangagwa has officially abolished the de@th penalty, with President Emmerson Mnangagwa signing the De@th Penalty Abolition Act into law.
This move makes Zimbabwe the latest African country to eliminate capital punishment, joining 113 countries worldwide, including 24 in Africa, that have fully abolished the de@th penalty.
The abolition by the Zimbabwean President is a significant milestone in international efforts to end capital punishment, hailed by Amnesty International as a “beacon of hope” for abolitionist movements across the region.
However, Amnesty expressed concerns over a clause that allows the de@th penalty to be reinstated during a state of emergency.
Background on the De@th Penalty in Zimbabwe:
The de@th penalty was introduced during British colonial rule and has been a contentious issue in Zimbabwe.
The country last executed a prisoner in 2005, but courts continued to impose de@th sentences for severe crimes such as murder.
Approximately 60 inmates were on de@th row at the end of 2023, according to Amnesty.
Impact of the Abolition by the Zimbabwean President;
With the abolition, these inmates will now be re-sentenced, with judges instructed to consider factors such as the nature of their crimes, the time they spent on de@th row, and their personal circumstances.
Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi described the abolition as “more than a legal reform,” calling it a “statement of our commitment to justice and humanity.”
President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Role;
President Mnangagwa, a vocal critic of capital punishment, has been a driving force behind the abolition.
His personal experience, having been sentenced to de@th in the 1960s for his role in the guerrilla war for independence, has likely influenced his stance on the issue.
Global Implications:
The abolition of the de@th penalty in Zimbabwe sends a positive signal to the international community, highlighting the country’s commitment to human rights.
However, nations such as China, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, and the United States continue to lead in executions, Amnesty noted.
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