Focus Taiwan
Date: 2016/05/12
By: Christie Chen

Taipei, May 12 (CNA) The European Economic and Trade Office in Taipei and all European Union member state offices in Taiwan issued a joint statement on Thursday, opposing the use of capital punishment following Taiwan’s execution of a metro killer on Tuesday.

“We recognize the serious nature of the crimes committed on May 21, 2014 in Taipei, and the suffering of the victims and their families. We express our sincere sympathy to all those who suffered because of the committed crimes,” according to the statement.

“However, the EU reiterates that the death penalty can never be justified as it has no deterrent effect, and calls for its universal abolition,” the statement said.

“The EU calls on the authorities in Taiwan to introduce an immediate moratorium on executions as recommended by international experts in March 2013 following Taiwan’s first human rights report, and as observed in Taiwan from 2006 to April 2010,” the statement said.     [FULL  STORY]