UN HR boss urges halting all executions

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has urged the Bangladesh government to halt all executions and institute a moratorium on the use of the death penalty.

Raising question in relation to international due processes and fair trial standards, the OHCHR expressed concerns about the fate of Motiur Rahman Nizami, who filed a review petition against his death warrant, due to be heard today.

"The trials…have not met international standards of fair trial and due process as stipulated in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)," Ravina Shamdasani, OHCHR spokesperson, said in a press briefing note issued on Friday.

"The UN opposes the use of the death penalty in all circumstances, no matter the gravity of the crime committed, and even if the most stringent fair trial standards were respected," the note said.

"We renew our call to the Government of Bangladesh to respect its obligations under the ICCPR, to which it acceded in 2000. Article 14 of the ICCPR details the right to a fair trial," the release said.

It adds, "The imposition of a death sentence following a trial in which these provisions have not been respected constitutes a violation of the right to life."