Death Penalty Is Necessary, But Should Be Humane: NA

The death penalty is necessary for brutal crimes, but the punishment should be implemented fairly and humanely, National Assembly (NA) members have said.

This was the consensus among NA members when they met on Tuesday to debate the amendment of the Law on Criminal Procedure.

“The use of the death penalty is unavoidable, but in some cases it should not be done by firing squad,” NA member for Vientiane Prof. Dr Kikeo Khaykhamphithoun said.

Articles No. 255 and 256 of the draft amendment, which set out the principles for carrying out the death penalty and taking the decision to impose the death penalty, were the focus of debate.

Prof. Dr Kikeo said the death penalty is necessary to punish people who have committed crimes that are harmful to the state, economy, and society. However, he suggested that measures to prevent crime be carried out through education and social support.

NA member for Xieng Khuang province, Mr Vilaysouk Phimmasone, suggested that the death penalty implementation principles need to be more concise, so that the public understands and accept the death penalty procedure.

He also suggested that the execution method should suit the severity of the crime committed, to act as a deterrent to others.

There were various points of view regarding the death penalty. Some NA members expressed their concern that imposing the death penalty would damage the country’s image, while other members supported its use as a deterrent.

NA member for Vientiane Dr Duangsavat Souphanouvong agreed that the articles needed to be clarified, to respond to similar changes internationally.

“This is a protective mea sure for Laos, but it cannot be considered cruel as far as the guilty party is concerned. If the international community is interested in why Laos is serious on this matter, we can tell the world that it’s because of our determination to fight crimes like drug trafficking,” Dr Duangsavat said.

Source: Vientiane Times