The Committee of Ministers deplores the executions which have recently taken place in Japan and in the United States of America, observer States to the Council of Europe.

These executions run counter to the growing trend against the death penalty at the international level as shown by the latest resolution on the moratorium on the use of the death penalty adopted at the United Nations.

When granted observer status with the Council of Europe, States have committed themselves to share Council of Europe values and to make a positive contribution to the work of the Organisation. The Committee of Ministers calls again on the Japanese and American authorities to put an end to this inhumane practice with the establishment of a moratorium on the use of death penalty as a first step towards its abolition and to respect the values and principles of the Council of Europe.

The Committee of Ministers reiterates its unequivocal opposition to capital punishment in all places and in all circumstances. It remains determined to continue its efforts towards global abolition of this inhumane practice. (more...)

Read also:
Japan and the Council of Europe
United States of America and the Council of Europe