Equatorial Guinea announced on state television on Monday that it is abolishing the death penalty.
The small oil state in central Africa is known as a closed country with an authoritarian regime.
The death penalty has been completely abolished in the country, according to new criminal legislation signed by President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo. His son, also vice president, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue spread the news via Twitter.
Histórico y memorable para nuestro país en la gestión del respeto de los Derechos Humanos. Lo escribo con letras mayúsculas para sellar este momento único:
"GUINEA ECUATORIAL HA ABOLIDO LA PENA DE MUERTE" pic.twitter.com/ry2OSqbXTT — teddy nguema (@teonguema) September 19, 2022
Tweet translation: Historical and memorable for our country in the management of respect for Human Rights. I write it with capital letters to seal this unique moment: "EQUATORIAL GUINEA HAS ABOLISHED THE DEATH PENALTY"
The last official execution dates back to 2014, says human rights organisation Amnesty International.
However, NGOs and the United Nations regularly accuse the regime of abductions, arbitrary detentions and torture.
