Consistency a must in opposing the death penalty

  • Published on 8/10/2008
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Recent comments by the Prime Minister and the Attorney-General have again plunged Australia’s position on the death penalty into ambiguity.

In being selective in its calls for clemency, the Australian Government is promoting a two-tiered policy on the death penalty – one for citizens of other nations and one for Australian citizens.

Departure from universal opposition in all circumstances undermines Australia's standing on the death penalty.

Last December, the UN General Assembly endorsed a resolution calling for "a moratorium on executions" by an overwhelming majority – 104 votes in favour, 54 against and 29 abstentions. Australia voted in favour of universal abolition.

Amnesty International is urging the Australian Government to take a principled and consistent stance against the death penalty.

Amnesty International opposes the death penalty in all cases without exception.

Comments

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Why doesn’t the Australian Government inform the public on EVERY issue concerning the death penalty. Most supporters of this gruesome punishment don’t realize that capital cases run into the millions of dollars. The death penalty is very expensive, much more costly than life in prison without parole. The high costs are incurred before and during the trial, not with the appeals process.

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Brendon
09/10/2008
11:00 AM

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