Harare, Zimbabwe – Zimbabwe officially abolishes the death penalty. This marks a significant change in the country’s legal landscape. President Emmerson Mnangagwa signs legislation abolishing the death penalty into law. The last time the death penalty was given in the country was in 2005.
The abolition of the death penalty put approximately 60 prisoners on death row and commuted their life sentences. Zimbabwe’s move is in line with a growing trend across Africa. Countries such as Kenya, Liberia and Ghana have all taken steps to abolish the death penalty.
President Mnangagwa, who personally faced the death penalty during Zimbabwe’s war of independence in the 1960s, has been a long-time opponent of the death penalty. Since taking office in 2017, he has used presidential pardons to commute death sentences to life in prison.
Amnesty International hailed the development as a “A beacon of hope for the region’s abolitionist movement”. The use of the death penalty fluctuates around the world. Amnesty International recorded 1,153 known executions in 2023, up from 883 the previous year, with nearly 90% of these executions coming from Iran and Saudi Arabia. However, The number of countries carrying out executions dropped from 20 to 16, which is far from normal… which indicates that Possible global changes.
Zimbabwe’s decision reflects its commitment to protecting human rights and dignity. This is a model for other countries in the region. to further evaluate their stance on the death penalty; Zimbabwe’s legal changes may inspire a growing abolitionist movement across the continent.
BY – NIKITA
