Poland opposes the Day Against the Death Penalty

Poland, as the only European Union country, opposes the establishment of the Day Against the Death Penalty. Information about Poland’s position has been reported by diplomatic sources in Brussels. The idea of establishing this day was put forward by the European Commission. (08-SEP-07)

Written by Agnieszka Chmielecka/ HRH Warsaw
Image by Wikipedia
Source www.onet.pl

Polish government argues that there is no need to establish such a day, since the death penalty has been abolished in all EU (as well as Council of Europe) member states. In turn, the European Commission emphasized that the planned common declaration of the European Commission, EU Member States and the European Parliament against the death penalty and for the establishment of the European Day “is not part of any new EU policy” and fully reflects the EU’s objection (confirmed on many occasions) against the death penalty, as well as European values and the Member States’ treaty obligations.

The European Commission planned that the ceremonial signing of the declaration will take place on 9 October in Lisbon, on the eve of the International Day against the Death Penalty, which from now on was also supposed to be celebrated as the European Day.

Position of the Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights
Warsaw, 7 September 2007

Mr. Jose Manuel Barroso
President of the European Commission

European Commisssion
1049 Brussels
Belgium

Dear Mr. President,

As individuals engaged in human rights advocacy in Poland and, to the extent possible, around the world, we strive to secure a faithful image of our country in diplomatic activities and in the media. Poland is not a country consisting solely of death penalty supporters. Though certain public officials do support the death penalty, the personal views of Poland’s citizens on this matter are extramely diverse. The governing Law and Justice party frequently uses arguments voiced by the death penalty supporters. These arguments are challenged by many Polish citizens, including clergy of the Roman Catholic and other churches. These voices, as well as our own voice, should be heard by European Union politicians dealing with the Polish government’s opposition to establishing a European Day Against the Death Penalty. In Poland, there is opposition to the “ Polish opposition”.

On behalf of the Board of the Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights,

Marek Antoni Nowicki
President of the Board