Burkina Faso Abolishes the Death Penalty

Burkina Faso’s parliament has adopted a new penal code which abolishes the death penalty.

Justice Minister Rene Bagoro said the revised documents would clear the way for “more credible, equitable, accessible and effective justice in the application of criminal law”, Associated Press reports.

Local media believe that this move will pave the way for the extradition from France of Francois Compaore, the younger brother of former Burkina Faso President Blaise Compaore, who was ousted in a popular uprising in 2014.

Mr Compaore fled to neighbouring Ivory Coast.

He was taken into custody by French authorities last year in connection with the murder of Norbert Zongo, an investigative journalist.

France does not normally extradite people to countries where the death penalty remains in force.

The top French appeals court is due to deliver a verdict on Friday on whether Compaore should be extradited to his country.

Source: BBC