TANZANIA: TAMCODE RECOMMENDS ABOLITION OF MANDATORY DEATH PENALTY

October 11, 2022:

As Tanzania joins other countries to mark the World Day Against the Death Penalty on 10 October, the Tanzania Media for Community Development (TAMCODE) has recommended amendment of the Penal Code to give judges the discretion to hand over life imprisonment sentences instead of the death penalty in capital offences.
TAMCODE Executive Director Rose Ngunangwa said in Dar es Salaam on 10 October that, the Parliament should amend Section 197 of the Penal Code to read life imprisonment instead of the current death penalty to give judges the discretion to decide otherwise, instead of the current trend where some feel that their hands are tied.
She said judges should use their discretion to hand over life imprisonment sentences instead of the death penalty in capital offences as it is in records that courts do and can actually make mistakes, a chance that could see innocent people pay for the crime that they did not commit.
“We believe, doing so, would help those wrongfully convicted to have a second chance for appeal and clemency,” she said.
“We also appreciate all efforts by sitting Presidents who have not signed any death warrants and not to mention of noble deeds to commute sentences for those on death row, a situation that has made Tanzania to retain its de facto stance ever since 1994. This for sure, deserves and accolade,” she said.