Zimbabwe Abolishes Death Penalty in Landmark Legal Reform

Zimbabwe Abolishes Death Penalty in Landmark Legal Reform

Zimbabwe Ends Capital Punishment After Decades

Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa has signed a new law abolishing the death penalty, effective immediately across the nation.
The decision marks a major change in Zimbabwe’s legal system, making it the latest southern African country to scrap capital punishment.

Death Penalty Legacy

The death penalty, introduced under British colonial rule, had been controversial for many years in Zimbabwe.
Although executions stopped in 2005, courts still sentenced offenders to death for serious crimes like murder.
By late 2023, around 60 prisoners were on death row. Judges will now review each case, considering crime severity, time served, and personal circumstances.

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AI Praises Zimbabwe but Urges More Reform

Amnesty International called the move a “beacon of hope” for Africa’s abolitionist campaign.
But Amnesty expressed alarm at a provision for the death penalty under a state of emergency.
The organization called on Zimbabwe to scrap this in order to avoid any future renewal of capital punishment. Parliament of Zimbabwe voted in December 2024 to repeal the death penalty, clearing the way for Mnangagwa’s quick endorsement.
Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi called it “a statement of justice, humanity, and modern values” for Zimbabwe’s legal system.

Zimbabwe Joins Global Abolition Trend

The Death Penalty Abolition Act officially appeared in the government gazette on Tuesday.
Zimbabwe now joins 113 countries worldwide, including 24 African nations, that have completely abolished capital punishment.

Mnangagwa’s Personal Experience Shaped Policy

In the 1960s, Mnangagwa was sentenced to death during country’s independence struggle for attacking a train.
His sentence was commuted to ten years in prison, an experience shaping his strong opposition to capital punishment.

Step Seen as Boost for Human Rights

Rights groups say this reform strengthens human rights protection and sets an example for other African nations.
Amnesty International called the death penalty “cruel, inhuman, and degrading” and urged all nations to ban it completely.

Decision Reflects Global Debate

While 113 countries have abolished the death penalty, others, including China, Iran, and the United States, still carry out executions.
Zimbabwe’s change adds momentum to the global push for ending capital punishment everywhere.

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