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_WORLD WATCH______________________________
________________Chile_______________
Death penalty abolished
Catholic leaders rejoice
Cardinal Francisco Javier Errázuriz Ossa of Santiago, president of the Chilean bishops’ conference, has indicated that the bishops are “celebrating” the decision of President Ricardo Lagos to sign a law that will end the use of the death penalty, substituting life prison sentences.
Earlier this year, the Chilean legislature decided to end the legal tradition that allowed death penalty. Under that law, 57 Chileans were executed in the 20th century. The abolition of the death penalty law won legislative approval on April 3, and the president’s signature made the change official.
Cardinal Errázuriz praised Congress and the president for “taking this important step toward protecting the life of the human person.” He said that the bishops’ opposition to capital punishment was based on “the dignity of the human person,” and added that the death penalty allows for no redress in case of a judicial mistake.
Since the change came at a time when many Chileans are concerned by an increase in violent crime, the legislature also included provisions in the new law that toughened standards for parole of convicted offenders. For example, criminals receiving a life sentence will not be able to receive parole until they have served 40 years behind bars.