In a joint statement from the two embassies in Abuja yesterday, both countries recognized the serious nature of the crimes committed and expressed their sympathies to the families and friends of the victims, but nonetheless condemned the enforcement of the death penalty as being contrary to the right to life and human dignity of the […]
Switzerland, Norway condemn executions in Nigeria
In a joint statement from the two embassies in Abuja yesterday, both countries recognized the serious nature of the crimes committed and expressed their sympathies to the families and friends of the victims, but nonetheless condemned the enforcement of the death penalty as being contrary to the right to life and human dignity of the four prisoners, who had been on the death row for the better part of the past 20 years.
The two countries expressed concern about the alleged imminent execution of a fifth prisoner, and the fate of several other prisoners currently on death row.
“Switzerland and the Kingdom of Norway are also reliably informed that an appeal against the 24 June 2013 judgment by the Federal High Court Benin Division authorizing the executions was immediately filed by Nigerian civil society organizations on behalf of the prisoners. A motion for stay of execution pending the outcome of that appeal was also filed which were served on the Attorney General of Edo State,” the statement read.
