USA: The execution of Angel Breard: apologies are not enough

Index Number: AMR 51/027/1998
Date Published: 30 April 1998
Categories: Americas, USA

On 14 April 1998 Paraguayan national Angel Breard was executed in Virginia despite the ICJ ruling that the execution should be postponed. The arresting authorities failed to inform Breard of his rights to seek assistance from the Paraguayan authorities. This document looks at the USA's criterea for ignoring the ICJ's ruling and its implications.