A High Court judge in The Gambia asked lawmakers to rethink the death penalty. Justice Ebrima Jaiteh made this request when he sentenced Famara Kanteh to death for murder.
The country's constitution allows the death penalty. But in 2018, President Adama Barrow put a hold on executions. He did this to honor The Gambia's promises under international law.
Justice Jaiteh said the courts must give the death penalty unless the National Assembly changes the law. In this case, he had no choice but to sentence Kanteh to death.
The judge also noted that the Minister of Justice can instruct on how to execute the death sentence.
Justice Jaiteh wants the National Assembly to consider getting rid of the death penalty completely. Until that happens, courts will continue to hand down death sentences in The Gambia.
The case involved Famara Kanteh killing Omar Ceesay in January 2020. Kanteh stabbed Ceesay with a knife in Manjai Kunda.
Many people are interested in what lawmakers will do about the death penalty. The judge's statement adds to an ongoing discussion about punishment and human rights in the country.
The country's constitution allows the death penalty. But in 2018, President Adama Barrow put a hold on executions. He did this to honor The Gambia's promises under international law.
Justice Jaiteh said the courts must give the death penalty unless the National Assembly changes the law. In this case, he had no choice but to sentence Kanteh to death.
The judge also noted that the Minister of Justice can instruct on how to execute the death sentence.
Justice Jaiteh wants the National Assembly to consider getting rid of the death penalty completely. Until that happens, courts will continue to hand down death sentences in The Gambia.
The case involved Famara Kanteh killing Omar Ceesay in January 2020. Kanteh stabbed Ceesay with a knife in Manjai Kunda.
Many people are interested in what lawmakers will do about the death penalty. The judge's statement adds to an ongoing discussion about punishment and human rights in the country.
