TNAG-2284-FCO40-3285-Capital-punishment-in-Hong-Kong-1991 — Page 41

SENT BY:

29-7-91; 15:36 ;

6162733236→

J. Cannon

58 Thorne Street

WAGGA WAGGA NSW 2650

18th July, 1991

British High Commission Chancery Commonwealth Avenue

CANBERRA ACT 2600

Ma Exemon,

I thought HK hand

ala lished

the

able th penalty. Pleaw draft

reply conculling HKD

abcessary.

Y

224

# 2

Dear Sir/Madam

RE: THE REINTRODUCTION OF THE DEATH PENALTY

I would like to take this opportunity to express my concern at the proposal to resume executions in Hong Kong. Amnesty International holds the position to oppose the death penalty on the grounds that it constitutes the ultimate form of cruel, inhumane and degrading punishment; it also violates the right to life.

The effectiveness of the death penalty is increasingly questioned and the resumption of executions would be contrary to both world and regional trends towards the abolition of the death penalty.

The Hong Kong public should be educated/informed about the facts surrounding the use of the death penalty and the reasons for its abolition.

The Western world was appalled by the executions carried out by China after the June 4th

The re-introduction of execution would seem to be a Tianenemen Square Demonstration.

regression of societal advancement.

I urge the Hong Kong Legislative Council to take a principled stand against the death penalty and to work towards it total abolition.

Yours faithfully,

V. Jama.

Josephine Cannon.

"1

1