death penalty news August 10, 2004
SOUTH KOREA: Growing Crimes Re-Ignite Debate on Death Penalty The recent arrest of the country's deadliest serial killer has re-ignited the debate over the death penalty. While no inmates on death row have been executed in the past six years, the incident has Koreans taking a hard look at the pros and cons of capital punishment. Some are calling for greater compassion for the criminals, while others want justice for the victims. A Catholic mass was held to pray for the abolishment of capital punishment. The turnout was small but these people represent ardent opponents of the death penalty. "A country's punitive system should try to correct and enlighten people, not eliminate them. Executing criminals is like giving up on life rather than offering them guidance and enlightenment." Father Lee spearheads a nationwide campaign aimed at ending capital punishment and his members include those from both the Christian and Buddhist communities. His personal experiences with 12 death row inmates over the past several years, have only confirmed his belief that even the deadliest criminals can change in time with spiritual guidance. He argues that the death penalty not only violates the right to life but also inflicts pain and hardship on the family members of death row convicts as they become ostracized from their communities. If the wrong people are put to death he adds, there's no way of correcting these mistakes. "The problem with Korea's death penalty is that it has been abused by previous authoritarian governments to eliminate political dissidents, that's why many feel the system is inhumane. But if we manage to streamline yesterday's clauses to fit today's needs so that only those committing crimes against humanity are punished, it could be a good alternative." A total of 998 people were sentenced to death in court and executed from 1948 to 1997 in Korea, according to Ministry of Justice data compiled by the National Human Rights Commission. Former President Kim Dae-jung, himself a death-row inmate during the past military dictatorship, did not authorize any executions throughout his five-year term that ended early last year. Currently, there are an estimated total of 58 people on death row. "These people are likely to remain in limbo for a long time while their appeals work their way through the courts. But in a nation where the majority of the public supports capital punishment, the death penalty is unlikely to be revoked anytime soon. And the heartrending stories of victims' families reinforce public calls for justice even if it does not bring back loved ones. (source: Airang TV)
