EU Policy On The Death Penalty

 

 

 

 

EMBASSY OF FRANCE

The Death Penalty Issue

Letter to the Honorable George W. Bush,
Governor of the State of Texas

Washington, August 8, 2000

 

Dear Governor Bush,

We, as the representatives of the Presidency of the European Union, France, together with the next president, Sweden, and the European Commission wish to convey to you an urgent humanitarian appeal by the EU on behalf of Mr. Oliver Cruz. We make this request pursuant to the European Union's policy of seeking a global moratorium on the use of the death penalty, which we have long renounced in Europe.

The execution of Mr. Cruz, a U.S. citizen, is scheduled to be carried out by Texas State Authorities on August 9, 2000. Mr. Cruz is considered by many experts to have deficient mental capacity and is considered mentally retarded, as stated by expert witnesses at his trial. We urge you to demonstrate compassion with regard to this case.

While Mr. Cruz has admitted his guilt for the crime, it is our opinion that his execution would additionally violate the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Resolution 1989/64 of 24 May 1989 on the implementation of the safeguards guaranteeing protection of the rights of those facing the death penalty. This resolution recommends that United Nations Member States eliminate the death penalty for persons suffering from mental retardation or extremely limited mental competence, whether at the stage of sentence or execution. The EU considers that the execution of Mr. Cruz would be contrary to these generally accepted human rights norms.

The European Union respectfully urges you to commute Mr. Cruz's sentence to any other such penalty compatible with International law.

Sincerely,

François Barry Delongchamps Chargé d'Affaires, a.i. of France to the US

Bo Eriksson Chargé d'Affaires, a.i. of Sweden

John Richardson Chargé d'Affaires, a.i. to the US Delegation of the European Commission

Embassy of France, August 8, 2000