Equatorial Guinea has abolished the death penalty, state television announced on Monday, citing a law promulgated by Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, president of this small oil country in Central Africa, one of the most closed and under a regime among the most authoritarian in the world. .
“The death penalty is totally abolished in the Republic of Equatorial Guinea”, reads the law of the new Equatorial Guinean penal code signed by the Head of State and disseminated by the Vice President on Twitter.
The last official execution dates back to 2014 according to Amnesty International, but international NGOs regularly accuse the regime of enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions and torture in particular.
A “historic event for our country”
Teodoro Obiang, 80, holds the world record for longevity in power, more than 43 years, excluding monarchies.
“I write it in capital letters to seal this unique moment: “EQUATORIAL GUINEA HAS ABOLISHED THE DEATH PENALTY”, tweeted Vice President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, nicknamed Teodorín, one of the sons of the Head of State, omnipresent on stage for two years. politician and presented as his dolphin.
Previously approved by parliament, the provision will enter into force “within 90 days of its publication in the official state gazette,” the text specifies. An event described as “historic for our country” by a state television journalist in a brief announcement at the end of the newscast.
Source: BFM TV
