Zimbabwe's Historic Abolishment of the Death Penalty

Zimbabwe has officially abolished the death penalty, a move approved by President Emmerson Mnangagwa. This new law spares around 60 prisoners from execution in a nation where the last execution took place in 2005. The decision marks a significant milestone for the global abolitionist movement, with Zimbabwe joining other nations in eradicating capital punishment.

In a landmark move, Zimbabwe has officially abolished the death penalty. President Emmerson Mnangagwa approved the legislation after it passed through Parliament, sparing approximately 60 inmates on death row.

The last execution in Zimbabwe dates back to 2005, with a lack of executioners contributing to the long hiatus. Mnangagwa, who faced a death sentence during the country's war of independence, has been a vocal opponent of capital punishment and has previously commuted death sentences to life imprisonment.

Amnesty International hailed the new law as a beacon of hope for the abolitionist movement. While 24 African nations have eliminated capital punishment, Zimbabwe now stands alongside them in this global shift against executions.

(With inputs from agencies.)