On July 14, the State of Missouri executed David Zink for murdering Amanda Morton in 2001.
The United States recognizes the debate on death penalty both within and among nations. Justice Breyer’s dissenting opinion in Glossip v. Gross, decided by the Supreme Court on June 29 and which upheld the use of lethal injection by a 5-4 vote, highlighted the debate among members of the international community.
We respect the concerns of our friends around this table but remind that the ICCPR, to which the United States is a party, provides for imposition of the death penalty for the most serious crimes when carried out pursuant to a final judgment rendered by a competent court, and accompanied by appropriate procedural safeguards and the observance of due process. This includes the right to seek pardon or commutation of sentence in all cases.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
As delivered by Ambassador Daniel B. Baer to the Permanent Council, Vienna
