[Deathpenalty]death penalty news-----worldwide

[Rick Halperin]

Dec. 30


KYRGYZSTAN:

Kyrgyzstan to End Use of Death PenaltyKyrgyzstan President Extends
Moratorium, Effectively Ends Application of Death Penalty


Kyrgyzstan's president effectively ended the use of the death penalty in
this ex-Soviet republic by extending a moratorium on the punishment until
its planned abolition, a presidential spokesman said Friday.

President Kurmanbek Bakiyev signed the decree Thursday aiming "to humanize
and liberalize" the criminal code and urged parliament to support plans to
do away with the death penalty, said presidential spokesman Dosali
Esenaliyev.

Kyrgyzstan first imposed the moratorium in 1998 and has since repeatedly
extended it.

It is unclear when the constitutional changes proposed by Bakiyev might be
implemented. Some key issues, including possible curtailment of
presidential powers, are expected to be decided in a referendum next year.

Bakiyev was elected president in July, following an uprising that ousted
his unpopular predecessor, Askar Akayev.

(source: Associated Press)