Amnesty International opposes the death penalty in all cases without exception, regardless of the nature or circumstances of the crime; guilt, innocence or other characteristics of the individual; or the method used by the state to carry out the execution. The death penalty is a violation of the right to life and the ultimate cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment. This statement, delivered at the 63rd Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, provides an overview of the state of the death penalty in Africa.
