The State of Nebraska repealed the death penalty on May 27 through a vote of the state legislature. We thank the European Union and Norway for taking note of Nebraska’s decision. It was a decision reached through Nebraska’s democratic process, after an extensive public and legislative debate.
The recent decision in Nebraska is part of the ongoing discussion in the United States on the issue of capital punishment. It is an open discussion, covered by a pluralistic media, which takes place in state legislatures, courtrooms, schools, coffee shops, churches, and around kitchen tables across all 50 states. Civil society plays an active role in this discussion.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
As delivered by Ambassador Daniel B. Baer to the OSCE Permanent Council, Vienna
