Verklaring Hoge Vertegenwoordiger Ashton over intrekking doodstraf Robert Gattis (en)

EUROPEAN UNION

Brussels, 27 January 2012

Declaration by the High Representative, Catherine Ashton, on behalf of the European Union concerning the case of Robert Gattis in Delaware, United States

The EU welcomes the decision taken on 17 January by the Governor of Delaware, Jack Markell, to commute the death sentence of Robert Gattis to life in prison, in light of concerns about Mr Gattis' alleged treatment during his childhood. This is a welcome decision as this is the first time that clemency has been granted in Delaware in recent years

The EU opposes the use of capital punishment in all circumstances, and calls for a global moratorium as a first step towards its universal abolition. The EU believes that the abolition of the death penalty is essential to protect human dignity and to the progressive development of human rights. Furthermore the death penalty has not been found to act as a deterrent and any miscarriage of justice is irreversible and irreparable

The EU recognises that until 29 July 2011, the state of Delaware had observed a de facto moratorium on the use of capital punishment since November 2005. Following this decision to grant clemency, the EU urges Delaware to formally establish a moratorium, with a view to abolition of the death penalty