Dr Shein: Death penalty is a 'difficult issue'

BY THE GUARDIAN REPORTER

15th August 2013

Zanzibar President, Ali Mohamed Shein

Zanzibar President Ali Mohamed Shein has described the death penalty as “a very difficult issue” because it concerns “all the people and is attached to some people’s ideologies and religions.”

He told the meeting of East African Judges and Magistrates meeting being held on the Isles that as per the Constitution and the Universal Human Rights, the right to life is for all without discrimination.

The president did not respond to the issue of him and President Jakaya Kikwete not signing for the execution of prisoners in death row.

On the question of corruption, Dr Shein noted that the meeting was taking place at a time when Tanzania is faced with major corruption as well as rights abuse especially impacting especially on women and children. He advised the participants to discuss these challenges in depth and find lasting solutions.

The death penalty took centre stage at the meeting after being brought to light by Zanzibar’s Chief Justice, Omar Othman Makungu, who advised the Constitution Review Commission to reexamine the death penalty and its execution.
The Zanzibar’s Chief Justice argues that both presidents of Tanzania and Zanzibar have been reluctant to authorise death sentences passed by various judges preventing the execution of the convicted.

“When debating on what should and should not be included in the New Constitution, it is the right moment to look into this issue. Let the people decide whether the death penalty should stay or be scrapped,” said Makungu.

Chief Justice, Makungu, seconded the president’s observation and said the meeting was meant to create a discussion platform for judges, lawyers and magistrates to share experiences especially on how to best address the rampant corruption that still plagues the country.

According to him however, “…corruption will not end in the court system if the society itself sees nothing wrong with bribery…” he said, adding that the society must develop hate for corruption and report officials who ask for bribes.

Tanzania’s Chief Justice, Mohamed Othman Chande, called on judges, lawyers and magistrates to observe the ethics of their jobs pointing out that failing to do so they would not be standing for justice.

“Justice is a nightmare if judges and magistrates do not stand for it when executing their duties,” Chande said.

He underscored the need to revisit laws governing human and civil rights be they attached to people’s beliefs or their religion, ‘they still needed to be reviewed.’
The four day meeting was themed ‘Right to life’ and brought together judges and magistrates from across East Africa and South Sudan. 

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN