Afganistán: pena de morte, secretismo e xuízos sen garantías

Amnistía Internacional denunciou nunha nota de prensa (9 – V – 2008) a falta de garantías nos xuízos e o secretismo sobre a aplicación da pena de morte en Afganistán. Neste país, o Tribunal Supremo confirmou en abril unhas cen sentencias á pena capital, pero non deu os nomes dos sentenciados. Témese que as execucións teñan lugar en secreto como no mes de outubro pasado.

A nota de prensa leva por título “Afghanistan: Death penalty”. Copio un extracto do seu contido:

The Supreme Court of Afghanistan has upheld around 100 death sentences issued by lower courts against individuals convicted of crimes including murder, rape, kidnapping and armed robbery. The sentences require the approval of President Karzai before executions can be carried out. Amnesty International fears that sudden and large-scale executions may take place in secrecy as happened in October 2007.

On 16 April 2008, the Supreme Court confirmed the death sentences but withheld the names of the accused and the locations where they are being detained. Credible information received by Amnesty International shows that the trial proceedings in at least some of the cases fell far below international standards of fairness. Flaws in the trial procedures included inadequate time for the accused to prepare for their defence, lack of legal representation during court proceedings, weak evidence presented before the courts and the denial of the defendants’ right to call and examine witnesses. [...]

Enlace relacionado:

• Coalición Mundial contra a Pena de Morte