SIERRA LEONE. COMMISSION RECOMMENDS ABOLITION OF THE DEATH PENALTY

January 11, 2008: The Constitutional Review Commission of Sierra Leone, has among other issues, recommended that the death penalty be abolished in all cases of treason or other crimes of political nature that do not directly result in the death of another person (s) and be replaced by life imprisonment, The News reveals.
The Commission’s Chairman, Dr. Peter Tucker, in presenting its report to President Ernest Bai Koroma at State House on January 10 recalled that the Commission was mandated in 2007 to review the 1991 constitution of Sierra Leone with a view of recommending amendments relevant to the current economic, social and political developments that have taken place both nationally and internationally.
Dr. Tucker further revealed that 136 amendments were made, 15 of which were entrenched clauses that needed to be approved in a referendum before becoming law. According to Dr. Tucker, topmost among the amendments include the Recognition and Protection of Human Rights. Responding, President Koroma reportedly lauded the Commission for a work well done. (Sources: UNIOSIL/PIO, 11/01/2008)