Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Kigali (Agenzia Fides)- After comprehensive consultation with the different social and political realities in the country, the Rwandan government approved a proposed Bill to abolish capital punishment. The decision was reached during a cabinet meeting presided by the Rwandan President Paul Kagame in the village of Urugwiro on January 17. Five minutes of debate were sufficient for the government members to agree to support the abolition of the death penalty and the application of alternative sentences for persons convicted of crimes hitherto punished with capital punishment.
Information minister Laurent Nkusi gave the news “The government has approved a proposed Bill to abolish the death penalty”. One reason for the decision was that many countries refuse to extradite wanted persons to countries where the death penalty is still in force. Rwanda’s justice minister Tharcisse Karugarama said the decision is a milestone for the country’s judiciary system and that the Bill will now be presented for the approval of parliament.
Procurator General Martin Ngoga said the abolition of capital punishment in Rwanda should make it easier to obtain the extradition and trial in Rwanda of persons accused of genocide by the International Penal Court. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 23/1/2007 righe 20 parole 223)
