GOL attmpts to reconcile law permitting death penalty with protocol abolishing death penalty

The Liberian government weakly attempted to reconcile a new law permitting the death penalty for certain crimes with a protocol the government has signed committing itself to abolishing the death penalty in a recent press release. Here’s an excerpt.

The President is fully cognizant that Liberia as a State Party is a signatory to the UN’s Second Optional Protocol aiming at the abolition of the Death Penalty commonly known as the ‘Second Optional Protocol’.

However, she shares the view and responded to the appeal of the majority of the people for a robust response to the increasing level of crime involving robberies that include physical assault rape and murder by robbers who attack innocent citizens, thereby creating panic and a confidence crisis in the society.

The President is committed to revisiting the Act for possible amendment as soon as the situation is brought fully under control and sustainable peace is assured.