This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-26743629

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Barbados to scrap mandatory death sentence for murder Barbados to scrap mandatory death sentence for murder
(about 2 hours later)
The government of Barbados has announced plans to abolish its mandatory death sentence for murder.The government of Barbados has announced plans to abolish its mandatory death sentence for murder.
Attorney-General Adriel Brathwaite said he expected strong opposition to the plan, as many on the Caribbean island believe the death penalty is an appropriate punishment.Attorney-General Adriel Brathwaite said he expected strong opposition to the plan, as many on the Caribbean island believe the death penalty is an appropriate punishment.
Barbados has not executed anyone since 1984, despite the legislation.Barbados has not executed anyone since 1984, despite the legislation.
Amnesty International and other human rights groups say the provision is too harsh and breeches international law. Amnesty International and other human rights groups say the provision is too harsh and breaches international law.
Mr Brathwaite has said the government will engage the population in a big public debate before the proposal is tabled in parliament.Mr Brathwaite has said the government will engage the population in a big public debate before the proposal is tabled in parliament.
"Barbadians generally feel that once you commit murder you should forfeit your lives, but that is until one of their family members is involved," said Mr Brathwaite."Barbadians generally feel that once you commit murder you should forfeit your lives, but that is until one of their family members is involved," said Mr Brathwaite.
"I know it will be a battle but .... I believe that it is a better path for the country," he added."I know it will be a battle but .... I believe that it is a better path for the country," he added.
Most English-speaking countries in the Caribbean allow capital punishment, but legal executions are rare in the region.Most English-speaking countries in the Caribbean allow capital punishment, but legal executions are rare in the region.
The last execution was carried out in Saint Kitts and Nevis in 2008. The previous case was in the Bahamas in 2000.The last execution was carried out in Saint Kitts and Nevis in 2008. The previous case was in the Bahamas in 2000.
French, Dutch and British dependencies in the Caribbean have banned capital punishment.French, Dutch and British dependencies in the Caribbean have banned capital punishment.