NZ Unites Against Death Penalty

NZ has joined a United Nations effort seeking the worldwide abolition of the death penalty. Co-sponsors of the UN resolution include Brazil, East Timor, Gabon, Mexico, the Philippines and Portugal. “Capital punishment is the ultimate form of cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment,” said PM Helen Clark, in a speech marking World Day Against the Death Penalty. “The death penalty violates the right to life … it is known to have been inflicted on the innocent.” The last execution in NZ occurred 50 years ago, and the death penalty was abolished for all crimes, including treason, in 1989.