European and World Day Against the Death Penalty

On October 10, the entire progressive world celebrates the Day of Struggle Against the Death Penalty. The initiative for its establishment was put forward in 2002, but this day gained official recognition only in 2007 after approval by the Council of Europe.

In Ukraine, a moratorium on the death sentence was announced in 1995. But non-observance of the proper procedure in its acceptance led to a return to execution. The final decision on this issue took place in 1999. At that time, Ukraine had already acquired membership in the Council of Europe, and the moratorium was one of the main requirements upon joining this organization.

The purpose of this day is to draw public attention to the problems of execution of prisoners in some countries. Nowadays, this is a cruel and inhumane punishment that should be abolished in all countries of the world.

Among European countries, such a measure of punishment remained only in Belarus.