United States - Abolition of the death penalty in Virginia (24 March 2021)

France applauds Virginia Governor Ralph Northam’s signing of a law definitively abolishing the death penalty in that state. This makes Virginia the 23rd U.S. state to abolish the death penalty.

France reaffirms its unwavering opposition to the death penalty everywhere and in all circumstances. It remains resolutely committed to the universal abolition of this unjust, inhuman and ineffective punishment.

It calls on all States that still apply the death penalty to place it under a moratorium with a view to its permanent abolition.