On executions in Pakistan: Statement by the Spokesperson

EU News 156/2015

Brussels, 10/06/2015
150610_05_en

At least 150 people have been executed in Pakistan since December 2014, when the government lifted a moratorium on executions in place since 2008. This represents a major step backwards in Pakistan's record on human rights. And this morning Aftab Bahadur was executed. His petition, alleging his juvenile status at the time of the crime and torture while in custody to extract a confession, was not given due consideration.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court dismissed the latest petition of Shafqat Hussain, who again faces execution and who may also have been a juvenile when the crime for which he was convicted was committed. Torture was also alleged in his case.

Pakistan's obligations under domestic and international law prohibit the death sentence for crimes committed by persons under eighteen years of age and require prompt and impartial investigation where there is reasonable ground to believe that torture has been committed. Effective implementation of the international conventions is a requirement under the European Union's GSP+ Regulation.

The EU is opposed to capital punishment in all cases and has consistently called for its universal abolition. We call on Pakistan to reinstitute the moratorium and to respect fully all of its international obligations.

Source and additional information:
http://eeas.europa.eu/statements-eeas/2015/150610_05_en.htm

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