Statement by the spokesperson on today's execution in Japan

Another execution was carried out today in Japan. Following a period of 20 months during which no executions took place, nineteen persons have now been executed by Japan since March 2012.

The EU is opposed to the use of capital punishment under any circumstances and is actively pursuing its abolition.

We reiterate our call on the Japanese authorities to adopt a moratorium on executions and join all of those who, in Japan and abroad, have asked for a thorough review of current policy.