The death penalty overturns that most basic of all human rights – the right to life. This does not change if the person involved is Saddam Hussein or Scott Rush, one of Australia’s forgotten ‘Bali 9’ on death row.
In the case of Saddam, the state-sponsored killing can only be for revenge as it is hardly a deterrent. Countries which continue to practise the death penalty have no right to be called civilised.
Where are Australia’s politicians protesting such barbarity?
Vic Adams, Director CLA, Reid (Canberra Times Letter)