EU hails Lebanon’s death penalty abolition as 'significant step forward'
The European Union on Tuesday congratulated Lebanon on the adoption of the law abolishing the death penalty, saying it marks a “significant step forward for human rights in the country.”
“The abolition of the death penalty for all crimes, including through its retroactive application is an important achievement, which builds upon the de facto moratorium on executions that has been maintained in Lebanon since 2004 and testifies Lebanon’s commitment to respect, protect and fulfill the right to life,” EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said in a statement.
“As the first country in the region to abolish the death penalty, Lebanon is setting a powerful example for other countries in the Middle East and beyond, reinforcing the strong global trend towards abolition and the growing international support for ending the death penalty worldwide,” Kallas added.
She said the European Union calls on all countries that still apply the death penalty to abolish it and, pending abolition, to maintain or introduce a moratorium on executions as a first step.
“The European Union urges those considering its reintroduction to refrain from such a regressive step,” Kallas added.
She also said that the European Union looks forward to “continuing its close cooperation with Lebanon in promoting and protecting human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law” and reiterates its “strong support for the Lebanese authorities’ reform agenda and their engagement in consolidating the state and protecting its citizens.”
Source: Naharnet
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