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

[Rick Halperin]

May 11



UZBEKISTAN:

No executions in Uzbekistan since 2005 - minister


Not a single person sentenced to death has been executed in Uzbekistan
since 2005, Justice Minister Fozilzhon Otakhonov told Interfax on Friday.

"Not a single death sentence has been put into practice since a law
abolishing the death penalty was adopted [on August 1, 2005]. It was
proposed by the president of the Republic of Uzbekistan," he said.

The law "is governed by all generally accepted principles and standards of
international law and constitutional provisions that proclaim and
guarantee every person's right to life," he added.

The document is aimed at abolishing the death penalty as a form of
punishment altogether starting from January 1, 2008, and replacing it by
life imprisonment or long-term prison sentences, Otakhonov said.

Only 2 crimes - premeditated murder committed under aggravating
circumstances and terrorism - carry a death sentence in Uzbekistan today,
the minister said.

"Legislation bans the application of this kind of punishment to underage
children, women and persons above 60 years old, regardless of the gravity
of their crime," he said.

(source: Interfax)


TRINIDAD & TOBAGO:

PNM backs death penalty


PNM PRO Jerry Narace yesterday raised the scenario of the ruling party
campaigning in the upcoming general elections of a pro-hanging platform as
he issued a statement in support of Prime Minister Patrick Manning's
recent claim that hanging could only be resumed in TT when the Privy
Council as this countrys highest appellate court.

Hitting the Opposition UNC and COP for criticising Manning, Narace said:
"It is no wonder that the people of Trinidad and Tobago are poised, ready
and waiting to give the PNM a mandate that will allow it to fully express
the will of the people." Narace said that the death penalty was both the
current law of the land and a measure which opinion polls have shown enjoy
the overwhelming public support. Narace said it is well known that the
Privy Council backs the abolitionist stance British Government and
European Union.

He said the Privy Council in its several rulings has placed several
strictures on regional governments so as to make it extremely difficult to
implement the lawful penalty for murder.

"The PNM believes that as an independent Republic, its policy on the death
penalty should be determined by the people of Trinidad and Tobago and not
by British Government, the European Union, the House of Lords or the
Judicial Committee of the Privy Council."

(source: Newsday)