Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Times News
Published on 2024-03-11 07:30:57
In an exclusive report by Cathy Maulidi, it has been revealed that Member of Parliament (MP) for Mulanje West, Yusuf Nthenda, is gearing up to table a private members’ motion aimed at amending existing laws for the abolishment of the death penalty in Malawi. Despite the fact that no president has given the green light to the execution of any death row inmates since the reintroduction of the multiparty system of government, the provision for the death penalty still exists in Malawi’s statutes. Courts have continued to sentence individuals to death, particularly in cases of aggravated murder.
Nthenda, in an interview with The Daily Times, confirmed the introduction of the motion on the upcoming Parliamentary agenda. He emphasized the need for Malawi to follow the lead of neighboring countries that have already abolished the death penalty. The MP argued that alternative punishments could be utilized for perpetrators of heinous crimes in the country. He also criticized the colonial origins of the law, stating that it was time for Malawi to move away from laws imposed by former colonial masters, especially when those same laws have been repealed in their home countries.
Notably, Nthenda pointed out that not a single president in democratic Malawi has ever signed a death warrant, rendering the law practically obsolete. Human rights lawyer Alexious Kamangila expressed support for Nthenda’s initiative, citing previous national consultations that had overwhelmingly advocated for the abolition of the death penalty. Kamangila highlighted the Ministry of Justice’s efforts in leading consultative meetings where stakeholders demonstrated their support for ending capital punishment in the country.
In a recent statement, Minister of Justice, Titus Mvalo, affirmed the government’s commitment to working towards the abolition of the death penalty in alignment with the majority’s preference. Zambia stands as a notable example on the African continent, having already abolished the death penalty and joining a group of 44 countries that have either completely done away with capital punishment or permit it only in exceptional circumstances.
The push for abolition comes at a time when global trends are leaning towards the elimination of the death penalty. With growing consensus and support for alternative sentencing options, the move by Nthenda and other advocates reflects a progressive shift towards a more humane and just legal system in Malawi. As the motion awaits consideration in Parliament, the fate of the death penalty in the country hangs in the balance, awaiting a crucial decision that could reshape the future of criminal justice in Malawi.
Read the original article on The Times
