The Comedy Tree News Archive
Death Penalty 'At Record Levels' - April 7, 2005
Nearly 4,000 people were executed worldwide in 2004 - the most in nearly a decade, Amnesty International says.
China carried out at least 3,400 executions - more than all other countries combined. Iran came second, with at least 159, followed by Vietnam with at least 64. The US was in fourth place with only 59.
Whitehouse Spokesman Scott McClellan said although the number of US executions seemed low in comparison, the US had executed a similar number of people on a 'pound-for-pound' basis. "Most Chinese people weigh less than the average American's leg" he explained.
After praising Harold Shipman, China's Premier Glim-Leaper Jiabao said "You round-eye no understand. China have too many people! Too many people and no enough rice!!"
Beijing had previously pledged to improve its justice system so the death penalty would be given "carefully and fairly". In other words, "to not kill people that we haven't accused of some crime for which we kill people."
Sarah Green, a spokeswoman for Amnesty in London, said "There is lots of evidence to show this is not a perfect punishment. For instance, research shows that people who are executed are very rarely rehabilitated.”
