Statement On Mass Commutations: The International Perspective
CHICAGO, Jan. 10 – The following is a statement from Nancy J. Bothne, Midwest Regional Director, Amnesty International USA:
If Governor Ryan grants blanket commutations to inmates on Illinois' death row, it will be an act of unprecedented human rights leadership and political courage that sends a powerful message to the world that the death penalty system in Illinois is broken beyond repair; that those guilty of violent acts can be held accountable without resorting to execution; and that justice demands that punishment be tempered by mercy.
Commutations of death sentences are considered a benchmark in the advancement of human rights because they underscore the global consensus that the death penalty violates human rights standards. Countries increasingly are turning away from the barbaric and unjust practice of the death penalty. Currently more than half of all countries — 111 in all — have abolished the death penalty, legally or in practice. The newly-established International Criminal Court, created to prosecute crimes against humanity and other atrocious acts, prohibits use of the death penalty. Increasingly, international human rights treaties are reinforcing the consensus that the death penalty is a human rights violation.
Commutations for those on death row in Illinois will allow Governor Ryan to avoid what has been documented in the Governor's Commission on Capital Punishment — that deciding who shall live or die, is arbitrary, unfair and unavoidably error-ridden. Clemency is the safeguard to be exercised when the system fails.
The debate about the death penalty has at times pitted family member against family member, focusing on the offender rather than on the support services needed by family members to work toward reconciliation with the injustice they have suffered. Thanks to Governor Ryan, resources exist to help family members receive counseling; short-term financial assistance following their loved one's death; and sensitivity training for criminal justice staff persons who work with family members.
Amnesty International members have responded positively to the opportunity to influence what will be the most significant human rights decision made by a state governor for years to come. The public campaign to appeal to Governor Ryan to grant clemency reached its highest level when the London office of Amnesty International issued a worldwide urgent action appeal. In Illinois alone, our office has distributed 15,000 post cards supporting full commutation, among numerous other activities.
Source: Amnesty International USA
CONTACT: Chris Ruys for Amnesty International USA, +1-312-337-7746, or
Nancy Bothne of Amnesty International USA, +1-312-427-2060, +1-312-907-6673
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