Parliament Begins Public Hearings on Death Penalty Abolition Bill

Zimbabwe’s Parliament has commenced a week-long series of public hearings on the Death Penalty Abolition Bill, which seeks to amend the country’s criminal laws and abolish capital punishment. The hearings, scheduled from May 6 to 10, will be conducted by the National Assembly’s Portfolio Committee on Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs and the Senate’s Thematic Committee on Human Rights in various locations across the country.

Article: The Death Penalty Abolition Bill, gazetted last year, was introduced to Parliament by Dzivaresekwa legislator, Mr. Edwin Mushoriwa, as a private member’s Bill. The proposed legislation aims to amend the Criminal Law Code and the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act, effectively abolishing the death penalty in Zimbabwe.

According to Parliament, “The Portfolio Committee on Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs and the Thematic Committee on Human Rights have jointly announced a series of public hearings to discuss the death penalty. These hearings aim to engage stakeholders, gather perspectives, and guide potential legal reforms regarding three Bills currently before Parliament.”

The public hearings will be held in various locations, including Kadoma, Gweru, Bulawayo, Lupane, Filabusi, Bindura, Harare, Marondera, Mutare, and Masvingo. The hearings provide an opportunity for stakeholders, including members of the public, civil society organizations, and legal experts, to share their views and contribute to the proposed legislation.

In February, Cabinet approved the principles of the Bill, paving the way for its passage in Parliament. The abolition of the death penalty has been a long-standing debate in Zimbabwe, with many arguing that it is a violation of human rights and does not serve as an effective deterrent to crime.