[Deathpenalty]death penalty news----worldwide

[Rick Halperin]

Jan. 23

AUSTRIA:

Austrian rips Arnold's execution decision


A politician in Austria says Arnold Schwarzenegger should lose his
Austrian citizenship for allowing the execution of a convicted killer in
California.

Green Party member Peter Pilz said the California governor broke Austrian
law when he allowed Donald Beardslee to be executed Wednesday, the BBC
reported Sunday.

Schwarzenegger "heavily damaged the reputation of the republic," said
Pilz, who has submitted a formal written request to the Austrian
government.

"Schwarzenegger is possibly the most prominent Austrian abroad, and he
shapes the picture of Austria," Pilz said. "I don't want that picture
shaped by someone who commits state murder. That does not correspond to
the political culture of this country."

Austria has not commented on Pilz's request, which appears unlikely to
hold much sway with the country's conservative government.

Beardslee, 61, convicted of 2 killings in 1981, was executed at San
Quentin State Prison hours after Schwarzenegger rejected a clemency
petition.

(source: United Pres International)