April, 20 2012, 12:05pm EDT
Wu Ying Case Shows Death Sentences For Non-Violent Crimes Must End, says Amnesty International
Amnesty International today welcomes the decision to order a retrial for a Chinese businesswoman facing execution, saying the case highlights the urgent need for authorities to halt death sentences for non-violent crimes.
Wu Ying had been convicted of fraudulent fundraising and the case prompted an unprecedented debate in China, as well as international attention.
The retrial was ordered by China's Supreme People's Court.
WASHINGTON
Amnesty International today welcomes the decision to order a retrial for a Chinese businesswoman facing execution, saying the case highlights the urgent need for authorities to halt death sentences for non-violent crimes.
Wu Ying had been convicted of fraudulent fundraising and the case prompted an unprecedented debate in China, as well as international attention.
The retrial was ordered by China's Supreme People's Court.
"Wu Ying's fate has roused heated debate on the death penalty in China - we welcome the decision to retry her case," said Catherine Baber, Amnesty International's Asia-Pacific deputy director. "Authorities must ensure that the retrial upholds international fair trial standards, and does not end in a death sentence."
"A legal system allowing the ultimate punishment for non-violent crimes has rightly been questioned by many in China - we urge the authorities to end capital punishment for economic crimes, in keeping with international law," added Baber. "Authorities must allow an option for clemency in death penalty cases, and China should immediately establish a moratorium on all executions as a first step toward abolition."
Amnesty International is a Nobel Peace Prize-winning grassroots activist organization with more than 3 million supporters, activists and volunteers in more than 150 countries campaigning for human rights worldwide. The organization investigates and exposes abuses, educates and mobilizes the public, and works to protect people wherever justice, freedom, truth and dignity are denied.
Amnesty International is a worldwide movement of people who campaign for internationally recognized human rights for all. Our supporters are outraged by human rights abuses but inspired by hope for a better world - so we work to improve human rights through campaigning and international solidarity. We have more than 2.2 million members and subscribers in more than 150 countries and regions and we coordinate this support to act for justice on a wide range of issues.
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