MANN - This morning, the Senate passed a controversial bill that outlaws the death penalty for ordinary crimes. It was later signed by Prime Minister Aaron Blecker. Human rights groups like Amnesty International are acclaiming the government's actions, but say that it isn't going far enough.
"We applaud the actions taken by the Bleckonian government in abolishing the death penalty. But, soon, we would like to see it abolished for all crimes, even war crimes and terrorism," says Amnesty International. But, despite some groups praising the passage of the law, others are opposed to it.
"This is a slap in the face to the victims of murder victims and their families. The death penalty is very justifiable, as it brings closure to mourning families of murder victims," says pro-death penalty advocate Robert Blecker (no relation to the Prime Minister). The PM also had much to say about the new law.
"I believe that this is an excellent step for abolition of the death penalty. It is a violation of the most basic human right: life. Gandhi once said, 'An eye for and eye leaves everyone blind.' Also, in recent years, many people that have been executed turned out to be innocent. It is a shame that an innocent person may be put to death in the name of justice. But in some cases, like in cases of treason, war crimes, or terrorism, it is necessary to put the criminal to death for reason of national security."
96 death row inmates who were convicted of murder are having their sentences commuted to life imprisonment. However, 11 death row inmates are still scheduled for execution. Crimes now punishable by death are treason, espionage, terrorism, genocide, waging war against Bleckonia, and crimes against humanity.
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