The parliament of the West African nation Burkina Faso on Thursday voted to adopt a new penal code that abolishes the death penalty from its statute books.
Burkina Faso although had not used the capital punishment in recent times however had it in its criminal code adopted in 1996.
Human rights groups like Amnesty International had for many years campaigned for the abolishment of the capital punishment.
The latest move to let go the death penalty is in response to ongoing trial over a failed 2015 coup which many believe could make way for credible and fair trial for persons accused of the said criminal act.
There are indications the abolishment of the death penalty would pave way for the extradition of some prominent citizens who have fled the country escaping prosecution for various criminal acts.
The Justice Minister for Burkina Faso, Rene Bagoro is quoted by the Associated Press to have said that the latest move would make way for “more credible, equitable, accessible and effective justice in the application of criminal law”.
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Source: Africafeeds.com
