Death penalty abolition as a prerequisite for EU support

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Death penalty abolition as a prerequisite for EU support

12 October 2015
European Commission

Death sentences fail to deter drug trafficking and retentionist countries should introduce alternatives to the death penalty for drug offences, say MEPs in a resolution voted on Thursday two days ahead the 13th World Day Against the Death Penalty. The abolition of the death penalty for drug-related offences should be made a prerequisite for EU financial and technical assistance to third countries, they added during the debate on an oral question tabled to the Council on Tuesday evening.

In a resolution adopted by 569 votes to 38 with 54 abstentions two days ahead of the 13th World Day Against the Death Penalty on 10 October, MEPs reaffirm their condemnation of the use of the death penalty which they say is an "ultimate cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment, violating the right to life". They strongly support the introduction of a moratorium on the death penalty, as a step towards abolition.

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