The global debate over capital punishment returned to the center of attention this week in Paris. Leaders, legal experts, and rights campaigners gathered at the World Congress Against the Death Penalty. They warned that the death penalty abolition debate is far from over.
French President Emmanuel Macron said abolition must not be seen as permanent. He said the world is entering a period where old debates are coming back with new force. His comments came during the ninth edition of the congress, held from 30 June to 2 July in Paris.
Macron said many people wrongly believe the death penalty issue is settled. He said that is not true. He warned that several countries are again considering executions or stronger support for capital punishment. He said this creates real risks for human rights worldwide.
He stressed that abolition remains a “living fight”. He said it is not only a legal issue but also a moral one. According to him, societies must protect human dignity even for people who commit serious crimes.
The French leader also responded to growing public pressure at home. In recent weeks, France has seen emotional reactions to violent child murder cases. These cases led to renewed debate on tougher punishment.
A public opinion survey published in mid-June showed strong support for a referendum on bringing back the death penalty for crimes against children. The poll reported that about two thirds of respondents supported the idea.
Macron rejected the idea that capital punishment makes societies safer. He said research and global experience show it does not stop violent crime. He added that fear of execution does not prevent people from committing serious acts.
He also warned against political use of fear. He said some governments promote the death penalty as a tool of control. He described this approach as dangerous for democratic systems.
At the same congress, European Court of Human Rights President Mattias Guyomar also raised concerns. He said there is growing pressure in parts of Europe to reconsider abolition. He said this goes against long-standing legal principles in the region.
Guyomar said the court has consistently ruled that capital punishment cannot match human dignity. He said this legal position remains firm and unchanged.
France officially ended the death penalty in 1981. The reform followed strong political debate and public discussion. The last person sentenced to death in France was later pardoned that same year.
Today, France presents abolition as part of its democratic identity. Officials argue that justice systems must protect rights even when dealing with serious crimes. They say this principle defines modern European values.
Human rights ambassador Isabelle Lonvis-Rome said most countries in the world have now removed the death penalty from law. She said more than 100 states have fully abolished it. However, she added that dozens still apply it.
She warned that some regions are seeing a return of executions. In these cases, the death penalty is used during political crises or security problems. She said this trend is worrying for global rights protections.
Reports presented at the congress highlighted countries with high execution numbers. China, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq were among those listed for carrying out the most executions in 2024.
Iran has drawn special attention from rights groups. Recent data suggests thousands of executions have taken place in the country in recent years. Activists say this marks one of the highest levels in decades.
The congress also gave space to personal testimony. Former death row prisoner Daniel Gwynn spoke about his experience in the United States. He spent nearly 30 years on death row before being cleared in 2024.
He said his conviction was wrong and based on unfair treatment. He described long years of isolation and hardship inside prison. He also said he received no compensation after his release.
Gwynn said the system failed him completely. He said it refused to accept responsibility even after his innocence was proven. He added that he still does not understand how he became a suspect.
He strongly opposed the death penalty. He said it does not prevent crime and can lead to irreversible mistakes. He also said there are more humane ways to punish serious offenses.
As the congress continues in Paris, participants say the global situation is becoming more complex. While many countries support abolition, others are increasing use of capital punishment.
The debate, they say, is no longer about history. It is about the present and the future of justice systems worldwide.
