In a historic turn for human rights, Zimbabwe has officially abolished the death penalty for ordinary crimes with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s signing of the Death Penalty Abolition Bill. This monumental step is celebrated by Amnesty International, whose Executive Director, Lucia Masuka, expressed gratitude for the decision while raising concerns over the potential reinstatement of the penalty during states of emergency. This bill positions Zimbabwe as a regional leader in the abolitionist movement, symbolizing a commitment to human dignity and the right to life.
Before this pivotal legislation, the Zimbabwean justice system permitted capital punishment, particularly in serious murder cases, as defined by existing laws. The newly introduced provision under the Defence Act could allow the reinstatement of the death penalty if a public emergency is declared. As of late 2023, at least 59 individuals were facing death sentences in the country.
With this law, Zimbabwe joins 24 other African nations that have completely abolished the death penalty, a significant trend that demonstrates a shift towards aligning with international human rights standards. Countries like Chad, Central African Republic, Sierra Leone, and Zambia have also made strides in this direction since 2020. Globally, 113 countries now stand firmly against this ultimate punishment, further illustrating a growing humanitarian ethos in legal frameworks worldwide.
Zimbabwe’s President has signed the Death Penalty Abolition Bill, marking a pivotal step in aligning local laws with international human rights. Amnesty International praises this progress but warns of the potential for reinstatement during states of emergency. With 24 African countries now fully abolitionist, this move symbolizes hope for a humane legal system globally.
The signing of the Death Penalty Abolition Bill marks a significant milestone for Zimbabwe, bringing it closer to global human rights standards. While the abolition is a step forward, the potential for reinstating the penalty during emergencies poses a threat to these advancements. Advocates are calling for the removal of this clause to ensure a complete and unwavering commitment to abolishing the death penalty.
Historically, Zimbabwe’s Criminal Law Code and Defence Act sanctioned the death penalty for aggravated murder cases. Recent amendments under the Death Penalty Abolition Act, 2024 have introduced conditions for possible reinstatement during declared states of public emergency, raising concerns about future applications of capital punishment. The decision to abolish reflects a larger shift towards embracing international human rights standards and preserving human dignity in governance.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
