PRESS STATEMENT ON THE RECENT EXECUTION IN BOTSWANA OF 2 NOVEMBER 2007.
The secret hanging of Mr Sepeni Popo
DITSHWANELO –The Botswana Centre for Human Rights learnt of the execution of Mr. Sepeni Popo on Friday 2 November 2007. Mr Popo, a Motswana citizen was executed for the murder of Botshwarelo Balotlegi in 2004.
While we do not condone criminal behavior, including murder, we nevertheless condemn the use of death penalty in Botswana. The secrecy surrounding the date and time of the execution of Mr Popo, is a continuation of the unacceptable practice of the State. DITSHWANELO again condemns this behaviour which causes unnecessary distress for the relatives of the person being executed. The family members have not been found guilty of any crimes and yet are unjustly punished. In its recent report on The Death Penalty in Botswana - Hasty and secretive Hangings 2007, which was produced earlier this year, DITSHWANELO makes reference to this unacceptable practice of the secrecy of executions.
DITSHWANELO remains concerned that the State has again blatantly disregarded appeals for a moratorium or abolition of the death penalty in Botswana. DITSHWANELO calls upon the Government of Botswana to abolish the death penalty in accordance with internationally agreed human rights standards that prohibit all forms of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. The rationale for using the death penalty is that it will act as a deterrent; however, in spite of the many executions that have taken place in Botswana, there is no indication of a decline in the crime of murder. If anything, according to media reports the number of reported murders is increasing. Serious attention should be paid to the underlying causes of crime and solutions found.
DITSHWANELO will continue with its campaign to abolish the death penalty in Botswana.
8 November 2007
Gaborone
For more information please contact DITSHWANELO – The Botswana Centre for Human Rights
Tel: 3906998 Fax: 390778 E-mail: admin.ditshwanelo@info.bw website: www.ditshwanelo.org.bw |
