I am concerned and saddened that two further executions out of the eight that were originally planned for April have now been carried out in Arkansas.
The death penalty is an inhumane and cruel punishment – as was also demonstrated by the vacillation in the run‑up to these executions, which must have been psychologically extremely testing for all concerned. For me, trials based on the rule of law which end with the deliberate execution of an individual are not acceptable.
I think of the victims of the crimes and the suffering inflicted on them, their families and friends, and I offer them my heartfelt sympathy.
Nonetheless, the primary focus of government activity should always be the protection of life – the life of every individual, including the perpetrators. In the United States these issues are the subject of active civil society debate. Many people, including relatives of victims, are engaged in work to abolish capital punishment. I would like to convey to them my particular respect.
