June 25, 1991
Lois M. Sparling, B.A., LL.B.
Barrister & Solicitor
2217
TRANSMITTED VIA FAX (852-845 2444 OR 852-521 7518)
THE HONOURABLE ALLEN LEE PENG-FEI
Member, Leglerative Council
8 Jackson
Hong Kong
Dear SN
Re:
Possible Resumption of Judicial Executions
I am advised that the Hong Kong's Legislative Council will debate a motion to resume execution of prisoners sentenced to death on June 26, 1991. I am further advised that, although the death penalty is still meted out by Courts in Hong Kong, there have been no executions since 1966.
As you may be aware, Amnesty International is opposed to the death penalty in all circumstances on
on the grounds that it constitutes the ultimate form of cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment and that it violates the right to life. In Canada, the House of Commons debated a motion to bring back the death penalty in 1989.
Even though the majority of Canadians apparently support the death penalty, our Members of Parliament voted against it with a comfortable majority. I am sure you are aware that the facts are that the death penalty does not serve as a deterrent to violent crime. I am sure that you are also aware that persons convicted of murder and other capital offences are, occasionally, found to be innocent later. The use of the death penalty, therefore, carries with it the not insignificant risk of executing innocent persons.
As a member of
of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong, you are able to give careful and thorough consideration to the facts as well as the philosophical, moral and legal ramifications of the death penalty
253 North Hill Shopping Centre • 1632 - 14th Avenue N.W. • Calgary, Alberta T2N 1M7 • Tel. (403) 289-3399 • Fax (403) 289-3790
1
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.