FCO Minister calls for abolition of the death penalty in Japan
Foreign Office Minister Baroness Warsi commented on today’s executions in Japan.
FCO Minister Baroness Warsi said:
I was saddened to learn that Japan has carried out three executions today, the first executions under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s administration.
I recognise that these three prisoners were convicted of serious crimes but it is the longstanding policy of the British Government to oppose the death penalty in all circumstances, and in all countries. There is no conclusive evidence that it has any value as a deterrent, its use undermines human dignity and any miscarriage of justice is irreversible and irreparable.
I hope the Government of Japan will reconsider its policy on the death penalty and note the international trend towards abolition. I encourage the Government of Japan to establish a formal moratorium with a view to the eventual abolition of the death penalty.