Death row prisoners now at 818
Dharma SRI ABEYRATNE
Rehabilitation and Prison Reforms Ministry sources said 818 death row
convicts, including four women are still in the Welikada and Bogambara
prisons. These prisoners were convicted for various major offences, such
as, rape, child abuse, assassination and drug trading etc.
Rehabilitation and Prison Reforms Minister Chandrasiri Gajadeera said
the ministry is looking at the possibility of reducing the sentence of
several death row prisoners. The ministry has forwarded its suggestions
to the Justice Ministry for recommendations regarding the reduction of
sentence. According to the suggestions, the death sentence may be
commuted to a life, while those sentenced for life, to have the sentence
reduced to 20 year RI.But certain sentences relating to child abuse,
rape, assassinations, drug related offences will remain.
“However, a majority of people who took part in a survey at the
recently concluded Deyata Kirula exhibition have expressed their desire
to reimpose capital punishment. According to the outcome of the survey
conducted by the Rehabilitation and Prisons Reforms Ministry, 76 percent
of those interviewed wanted the capital punishment implemented to fight
the rising wave of crime. Only 8 percent opposed the implementation and
the balance refrained from giving clear view, “ he said.
The minister said over 100 applications have been received by the
Rehabilitation and Prisons Reforms Ministry for the post of hangman
without applications being called to fill the post.
According to the ministry, there are two vacancies for the post of
hangman. Three women have also applied for the post of executioner.
|