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Franklin and David Thomas (both died 13 February 1995) were convicted murderers who were executed by hanging in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG). Their executions, along with that of Douglas Hamlet, were the last executions performed by SVG to date, and caused controversy in the region due to questions about due process and the fairness of the execution without the opportunity to appeal.
Background
editFranklin and David Thomas were convicted of murder and received mandatory death sentences. After their appeal to SVG appeal courts failed, they were notified on Friday, 9 February 1995 that their executions would take place the following Monday morning. However, they still had a legal right to appeal to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (JCPC) in London, which is the supreme court for SVG.
On Monday, February 13, 1995 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines carried out a triple hanging, which was notable due to its short announcement time that prevented the brothers the opportunity to appeal. On that day the brothers Franklin and David Thomas, and Douglas Hamlet were executed.[1][2]
Reaction and aftermath
editThe surprise nature of the triple hanging was a source of controversy in the country and the wider region.[3] Amnesty International and other human rights organizations found out about the scheduled executions approximately 36 hours before they took place. After the executions were carried out, Amnesty International condemned the government's actions, citing "the secrecy and speed with which these executions have been carried out may have denied the prisoners justice."[4]
After the triple execution in 1995, the government of SVG has had a defacto moratorium on executions, despite capital punishment remaining legal in the country.[5][6] The topic of capital punishment remains a topic of debate in SVG. Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves has spoken in favour of capital punishment,[7] while recounting the unlikeliness this will occur, as "the Court of Appeal and the Privy Council decided practically that no one can be sent to the gallows anymore for murder".[8]
References
edit- ^ "St Vincent may reintroduce death penalties as crime reaches record high - WIC News". wicnews.com. 2022-05-24. Retrieved 2024-11-10.
- ^ "Gallows undergoing extensive repairs - Searchlight". www.searchlight.vc. 2012-06-22. Retrieved 2024-11-10.
- ^ St Vincent Triple hanging arouses concern, Caribbean Insight. Vol. 18–19. Goodyear Gibbs (Caribbean). 1995. p. 10.
- ^ "ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES: AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL CONDEMNS YESTERDAY'S EXECUTIONS OF THREE PRISONERS AND CALLS FOR A HALT TO FURTHER EXECUTIONS" (PDF). Amnesty International News Service. News Service 31/95 AI INDEX: AMR 57/WU 01/95. February 14, 1995. Retrieved November 10, 2024.
- ^ "Saint Vincent and the Grenadines - Universal Periodic Review - Death Penalty - March 2021 - The Advocates for Human Rights". www.theadvocatesforhumanrights.org. Retrieved 2024-11-10.
- ^ Cooke, Ernesto (2023-03-06). "St. Vincent's gruesome murders and the call for the 'death penalty'". St Vincent Times. Retrieved 2024-11-10.
- ^ Bagoo, Andre (2023-04-23). "St Vincent PM's history on hanging not so clear-cut". Trinidad and Tobago Newsday. Retrieved 2024-11-10.
- ^ "St Vincent's PM shares thoughts on death penalty | Loop Caribbean News". Loop News. Retrieved 2024-11-10.
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