Iris Blum-Barz
Schulstrasse 50
8032 Gräfelfing
Fed. Rep. of Germany
Fax 89-8541776The
Honourable
Dame Lydia Dunn
Member
Legislative Council
8 Jackson Road
HONG KONG
Your Honour,
26 June 1991
I am most concerned about reports that there is a proposal to resume executions in Hong Kong.
The death penalty constitutes a violation of the right to life and is the ultimate form of cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment.
The Secretary General of the United Nations concluded in a report on the death penalty, published on 15 June 1990, that "research has (...) failed to provide scientific proof that executions have a greater deterrent effect than life imprison- ment" and that "executions cannot be regarded as reducing the incidence of serious crimes".
a way of
The resumption of executions would be contrary to both world and regional trends towards the abolition of the death penalty, both in practice and in law.
May I, respectfully, urge the Hong Kong Legislative Council to take a principled stand against the death penalty and to work towards its total abolition.
your
In confidence that this matter will receive your immediate and full attention I remain
yours respectfully,
Blum Barz
Iris Blum-Barz