S. SUDAN: ABOLITION OF DEATH PENALTY IS A ‘GRADUAL’ APPROACH

September 21, 2012: The Chairperson of South Sudan Human Rights Commission (SSHRC) warned against recent calls for abolishment of the death penalty in the country, saying the process could invite problems, if not handled through a gradual approach.
Lawrence Korbandy, while officiating at a human rights defenders’ workshop, said the process of abolition of the death penalty requires legal procedures, including involvement of member of South Sudan National Legislative Assembly (SSNLA).
“If the death penalty is to be abolished in South Sudan, the whole assembly [National Assembly] will meet and discuss the whole issues of the death penalty and others, before making a decision,” Korbandy said.
“I tell you those who were killed in Yei [Central Equatoria], Yambio [Western Equatoria], Rumbek [Lakes] and Jonglei have relatives just like me and you. They will do the same issue of revenge and we don’t want to see this happening in this country,” he added.
Korbandy’s remarks will likely spark a new chapter to the on-going debate on whether South Sudan should abolish the death penalty or not, following last month’s execution of two prisoners in a central prison in Juba, the country’s capital. (Sources: sudantribune.com, 23/09/2012)