The media statement Delay in abolition of Death Penalty delays the bringing to justice all those involved in murder of Altantuya Shaariibuu
Group says death penalty in the way of seeking truth behind Altantuya’s murder
PETALING JAYA: A group campaigning for the abolition of the death
penalty says doing away with the punishment would help bring to justice
those responsible in the Altantuya Shaariibuu murder case.
Malaysians Against Death Penalty and Torture (Madpet) was referring
to Australia’s refusal to release Sirul Azhar Umar, one of two men
sentenced to death for the murder of the Mongolian citizen in 2006.
Sirul has since sought refuge in an immigration centre in Sydney,
with Canberra saying it is not allowed by Australian laws to deport him
due to the death sentence awaiting him in Malaysia.
Australian laws prohibit the extradition of anyone to face the death penalty in his home country.
Madpet said cancelling Sirul’s death sentence would allow him to be
returned to Malaysian authorities to assist investigators in shedding
light on the brutal murder of Altantuya.
“The abolition of the death penalty will make those who ordered or
paid others to do the crime be identified, as those caught or convicted
will more likely help make this happen if their assistance can reduce
the sentences imposed,” Madpet spokesman Charles Hector said in a
statement today.
He also questioned the delay in amending the laws to do away with the death sentence despite Putrajaya’s promise.
Madpet said supporters of the death penalty appeared unaware of the
“just reasons” for its abolition, or could be furthering a political
strategy.
“They may also be people who fail to appreciate the suffering of the
children and families, simply because a parent or sibling is executed.
“They fail to appreciate that even the mandatory death penalty has
failed to reduce murder or drug trafficking in Malaysia,” Hector said. - FMT, 14/2/2019
No comments:
Post a Comment