Global human rights group Amnesty International today said the hanging of
Mohammad Afzal Guru, convicted of conspiracy to attack Indian Parliament,
indicates a "disturbing and regressive trend" towards executions shrouded in
secrecy.
"We condemn the execution in the strongest possible terms. This very regrettably
puts India in opposition to the global trend towards moving away from death
penalty", said Shashikumar Velath, Programmes Director at Amnesty International
India.
He alleged "serious questions have been raised about the fairness of Afzal
Guru’s trial. He did not receive legal representation of his choice or a lawyer
with adequate experience at the trial stage. These concerns were not addressed".
"Before Ajmal Kasab’s execution in November, Indian authorities used to make
information about the rejection of mercy petitions and dates of execution
available to the public prior to any executions. The new practice of carrying
out executions in secret is highly disturbing.", he said.
Guru was sentenced to death in December 2002 after being convicted of conspiracy
to attack the Parliament of India, waging war against India and murder in
December 2001.
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