[Deathpenalty] death penalty news----worldwide

[Rick Halperin]

Oct. 24



PHILIPPINES:

Even OFWs on death row make use of new media


Communication transcends physical and legal boundaries particularly for
Filipino migrant workers, and even those on death row overseas.

This was the response of Ellene Sana, executive director of the Center for
Migrants Advocacy during a forum on "Migration, Development and
Connectivity" held Thursday at the University of the Philippines School of
Labor and Industrial Relations (UP SOLAIR) in Quezon City.

"For example, sa Saudi you are not supposed to get together physically.
May prohibitions doon. Na-ta-transcend po din ang rehas ng kulungan," Sana
said.

Sana, who is also the chair of the Migrant Forum in Asia, cited as an
example some of the cases that their organization is handling.

"Yung isa, nagbebenta ng cell card sa loob ng kulungan. Tatawag ho siya,
'magpapadala ako ng pera sa asawa ko', galing doon sa earnings niya na
pagbebenta ng cell cards inside the jail in Saudi," she said.

Friendster and mobile phones

According to Sana, even while in detention, Filipino migrant workers on
death row maximize the use of technology to sustain their relationship
with their families back home.

"Then we have one who has a Friendster account. Mayroon pa siyang access
sa hi-tech mobile telephone. Death row po yan," she said.

Communication technology makes it possible for an absent member of the
family to still make their presence felt by connecting with their kin on a
regular basis through the use of mobile phones and the internet through
electronic mails, online chat and video, social networks, egroups, and the
like.

"I think the appreciation now is the ICT [information communications
technology] has provided some opportunities for families to be connected.
Definitely, we appreciate that in the migrant sector," said Sana.

Connecting through campaigns

Sana said "connectivity" does not only apply to families since technology
has provided the avenues for other things like for campaigns and advocacy.

"In our own experience sa CMA, we have an SOS system for distressed
migrants that really provided something like a lifeline for migrant
workers in distress," she said.

The CMA's OFWSOS makes use of the mobile phone to allow Filipino migrant
workers to text their complaint (text SOS your message and send to
+63-9209-639767). The SOS SMS system for distressed workers was initiated
and developed by OFW partners in Saudi Arabia. It runs 24-hours, 7-days a
week.

However, Sana said one has to consider several factors on ICT since "the
playing field is not always even."

Limited access

This would depend on the job category, location, mobility, and familiarity
with ICT, social status, lifestyle and education.

She added that mobility for migrant women in the Middle East is a problem,
unlike those who are working in Hong Kong where OFWs can easily go to an
Internet caf during their day off to communicate with their families.

"So if you are a domestic helper in Saudi, you cannot go out
unaccompanied, not be in the proper attire, and you cannot go to the
Internet cafe. You are stuck in your house," she said.

The cost and affordability should also be considered because technology
facilities cost a lot. Also, in terms of familiarity, it takes awhile for
someone to learn the technology.

"Migration is about men and women, so when we talk of ICT, it's really
good, but let us also be more sensitive on how we can make it accessible
and worthwhile for both men and women," she said.

No substitute for parents

For Carmelita Nuqui, executive director of the Development Action for
Women Network (DAWN) and president of the Philippine Migrants Rights
Watch, there is still no substitute to the presence of parents in a
family.

"Yung connectivity na sinasabi natin, it's always very frequent na our
families back home would request many things from our overseas workers,"
Nuqui said.

Nuqui said that while there is constant communication, it is not always to
"connect" but to ask for things.

There are families who tend to overlook the hardships that their kin is
probably experiencing abroad just to earn money to send back home.

ICT as empowerment tools

The issue of connectivity was discussed in a paper delivered by Professor
Ma. Catalina Tolentino, a senior lecturer and researcher at the UP
SOLAIRE.

Tolentino tackled the Social Dimension of Migration: Maintaining
Connectivity among OFW Families.

In her conclusion, Tolentino said ICTs are becoming tools of empowerment
to OFWs, which help sustain relationships among transnational families.

"It is now possible to maintain long-distance parenting, long-distance
marriage and bridge emotional gaps," she said.

Furthermore, Tolentino said that while connectivity at the family level is
most crucial, it must be "extended to the communities, thru
entrepreneurial activities so that this will result to more economic gains
for the country."

(source: ABS-CBN News)






SOUTH KOREA:

Suspension of Death Penalty Fails to Quell Rising Murder Rate


The number of murders has increased by 32 % since capital punishment
stopped being implemented, according to data submitted by the Ministry of
Justice to Grand National Party lawmaker Joo Kwang-deok. Korea's last
death sentences were carried out 11 years ago, when 23 condemned criminals
were executed in December 1997.

An annual average 607 people were indicted for murder between 1994 and
1997, when capital punishment was in effect. The number then increased by
32 % to 800 from 1998 to 2007. The number of people accused of murder
never surpassed 700 before 1997 -- yet has exceeded 700 ever since 1998.

"The surge in the number of murders after ceasing to apply capital
punishment indicates that law and principles are being neglected," Joo
said.

Since 1998, 58 people have been sentenced to death; 19 of these cases were
later commuted to life imprisonment while three have died. The Ministry of
Justice said that each condemned criminal costs the state W1.6 million
(US$1=W1,406).

Unlike Korea, the number of executions in Japan is increasing, from 11
between 2000 and 2005 to 13 in 2007. 10 people have been executed there
this year alone. And in the U.S., 501 people have been executed since
2000.

(source: English Chosun)






INDONESIA:

Indonesia's AG to announce Bali bombers execution date


Indonesia's Attorney General's office is due to make a statement today
about the timing of the executions of three men convicted over the 2002
Bali bombing.

Amrozi, his brother Mukhlas and Imam Samudra, are facing the firing squad
over the deaths 202 people, including 88 Australians.

The families of the convicted men are expected to lodge a new appeal
against their executions next week.

A side challenge by the bombers was rejected in Indonesia's Constitutional
Court earlier this week - with a ruling that death by firing squad is not
cruel and Inhumane.

(source: Radio Australia)