MANILA, Philippines – France voiced its concern about the Duterte administration’s proposal to reintroduce the death penalty in the Philippines, as the European country joined the observance of the 15th World Day Against the Death Penalty.

“We want to signal our concern at the continued use of the death penalty, notably in China, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Iraq, and the United States, and at the resumption of executions in Nigeria, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan,” the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs said in a statement sent to Filipino reporters on Wednesday, October 11.

“France is also concerned about the determination of the Philippine authorities to reintroduce the death penalty, following its abolition in 2006,” the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs said.

The French ministry said that aside from the 15th World Day Against the Death Penalty on Tuesday, October 10, it was also marking “the 40th anniversary of the last execution in France.”

“France is opposed to the death penalty everywhere and under all circumstances,” France said.

“It is committed to the universal abolition of this unjust, inhumane and ineffective punishment and calls on all states that still impose the death penalty to establish a moratorium with a view toward its definitive abolition,” France added.

President Duterte wants to revive the death penalty in the Philippines to boost his already bloody war on drugs. (READ: Duterte wants death for drug convicts: ‘An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth’) – Rappler.com