EU Policy On The Death Penalty

JUNE 21, 1999 NOTICE FROM GERMAN PRESIDENCYCONCERNING DEMARCHE ON BEHALF OF DOUGLAS THOMAS 

CFSP/PRES/BON/1545/99

210699 1116Z
ACRONYM COHOM

SUBJECT COHOM: DEATH PENALTY IN THE US;
EU DEMARCHE—D. THOMAS

REF CFSP/PRES/BON/1466/99
TEXT

--FOR INFORMATION--

The Presidency wishes to inform partners that in the case of Douglas Thomas the Presidency carried out a demarche on federal level with Tom Wayne, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, on 14 June and on state level by letter of Ambassador Chrobog to the Gouvernor of Virginia, Gilmore. In both demarches, special emphasis was laid on the fact that Douglas Thomas was a minor at the time he committed the crime and that his execution would violate generally accepted humanitarian norms. Assistant Secretary Wayne took note of the demarche and explained in general terms the US-position on the death penalty.

A few hours before the scheduled execution of Douglas Thomas, the Supreme Court of Virginia issued a stay of execution on the grounds that the father of Douglas Thomas had not been notified of the charge against his son - a procedure mandatory in Virginia in trials against minors. However, the decision of the Supreme Court is not final - a decision on a retrial will most probably be taken in September. 

end of text
bon coreu