Sierra Leone: Statement by the Spokesperson on the abolition of the death penalty

President Julius Maada Bio signed today the law abolishing the death penalty in Sierra Leone.

This important achievement would not have been possible without the commitment of the Parliament and the Government. It enhances the respect for human dignity in the country and reflects the growing trend in Africa and around the world to confine capital punishment to the history books.

The death penalty is incompatible with the right to life, constitutes inhuman and degrading treatment, and does not have any proven deterrent effect.