Statement by the Spokesperson on the execution of Patrick Gabaakanye in Botswana

Following the recent execution of Patrick Gabaankanye, in Gaborone, Botswana, the European Union recalls its opposition to the use of capital punishment which can never be justified.
 
The European Union believes that the death penalty is a cruel and inhumane punishment and has consistently called for its universal abolition. Experience worldwide has demonstrated that the death penalty fails to act as a deterrent to crime.
 
We call on the Botswana authorities to reinstate a moratorium on executions as a first step towards the universal abolition of death penalty.