Although Tanzania has not carried out the death sentence penalty for many years, it is reluctant to abolish the death penalty in contrast to many other countries. This inflicts a psychological torture to those sentenced to death. Do you think now is the right time for Tanzania to abolish the death penalty?

NO. I think Tanzania is still unripe in terms of abolishing the death penalty. Developed countries can abolish the penalty because most of its citizens in those countries have among other things good education, including knowledge of law. Here in Tanzania once the penalty is abolished, murder cases might treble. No one will be afraid of committing the crime. Secondly, mob killings and other killings in retaliation will also increase.
Theodosia Kitinda – Advocacy Officer.

NO. If the government abolishes the death penalty, Tanzania will turn into chaos. This is because of two reasons. Firstly, if a person commits the crime and is let loose, the relatives of the deceased will have to look for other means of settling the matter. This can include taking the law in to their hands. Secondly, people with old scores to settle will see this as an ideal chance.
Omari L. Amani – Businessman.

NO. I think it is too early to abolish the said penalty. Once it is abolished, people will have a different perception. Most of them will think that by so doing, the government has legalized murder. I am afraid that the first victims of murder will be women and children who are always targets for men’s brutality. This would make the situation worse than having the penalty operational.
Dorah Makaola – Teacher.

YES. I think it is high time we do away with the penalty. In the first place, if a person is condemned, he or she does not learn anything from the penalty because he or she dies. Secondly, who benefits by taking the life of a murderer? If someone commits a murder and is sentenced to death, that is against human rights. He or she committed the crime erroneously and the government kills him or her, which is not right. Murderers need reform so that they do not repeat the crime. They should not be killed.
Samson Mayinga – VEO.

Compiled by Timothy Kitundu.