Malawi's Supreme Court Makes 'U-turn' on Death Penalty Ban

Contributing sentiments towards policy:

48% : BLANTRYE, MALAWI - Malawi's Supreme Court of Appeal says the death penalty remains constitutional in the southern African country.
46% : In his judgment, Justice Dunstan Mwaungulu, now retired, said Malawi's constitution respects the right to life - and said the death penalty negates that right.
44% : Justice Mwaungulu also ordered the re-sentencing of all cases where the death penalty was handed down.
43% : The decision reverses a ruling from just four months ago, when the same court abolished the death penalty.
43% : He said his parliamentary committee would opt for abolishing the death penalty if the proposal came to parliament in the form of a bill.
42% : So as it stands, it means death penalty still stands," Dimba said.
42% : That's why we think that a way should be found to repeal this death penalty" The death penalty has long been mandatory in Malawi for those convicted of murder or treason, and optional for rape.
42% : However, some critics say abolishing the death penalty may lead to an increase in acts of mob justice.
40% : He says although the justices have valid reasons for not backing Mwaungulu's opinion, the Malawi government needs to move quickly to formally abolish the death penalty.
40% : Lawmaker Dimba noted that many countries are abolishing death penalty.
40% : and I don't think parliament would have problems in abolishing the death penalty."
38% : Another justice, Rezine Mzikamanda, said the issue of the constitutionality of the death penalty was not part of the case they were handling.

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