Human rights - World Day Against the Death Penalty: journalists and abolition (October 10, 2016)

On the occasion of World Day Against the Death Penalty, in a year that is particularly symbolic because we are celebrating the 35th anniversary of the abolition of the death penalty in France, an event entitled “Journalists and abolition” will be opened on October 10 by Jean-Marc Ayrault, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development.

This event, hosted by the Quai d’Orsay in partnership with France Culture, the association “Together Against the Death Penalty,” the International Organization of la Francophonie and the National Council of Bars, will provide an opportunity to reaffirm the resolute and constant commitment of France and its EU partners to the universal abolition of the death penalty. It is part of the “EU for Human Rights” campaign launched by EU Special Representative for Human Rights Stavros Lambrinidis, who will be in attendance.

Jean-Marc Ayrault will present the awards to the winners of the international competition open to French-speaking journalism students, in the presence of Robert Badinter, former Keeper of the Seals and former President of the Constitutional Council.

A radio broadcast hosted by France Culture journalist Nadine Epstain will provide an opportunity to discuss the accounts of two prisoners who had been condemned to death and were then acquitted - Suzan Kigula, a Ugandan national and Ndumé Olatushani, an American citizen.