Capital punishment in Cyprus
Capital Punishment in Cyprus
Capital punishment in Cyprus refers to the historical and legal aspects of the death penalty in the Republic of Cyprus. The practice of capital punishment has undergone significant changes over the years, leading to its eventual abolition.
Historical Background[edit | edit source]
Capital punishment was a part of the legal system in Cyprus during the period of British colonial rule. The death penalty was primarily used for crimes such as murder and treason. Executions were carried out by hanging, a method inherited from British legal traditions.
Post-Independence Period[edit | edit source]
After gaining independence from the United Kingdom in 1960, Cyprus retained the death penalty in its legal system. However, the use of capital punishment became increasingly rare. The last execution in Cyprus took place in 1962.
Abolition[edit | edit source]
The movement towards the abolition of capital punishment gained momentum in the latter half of the 20th century. In 1983, Cyprus abolished the death penalty for ordinary crimes, retaining it only for certain military offenses and crimes committed during wartime.
In 2002, Cyprus took a significant step by ratifying the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which aims at the abolition of the death penalty. Subsequently, in 2003, Cyprus abolished capital punishment for all crimes, including military offenses.
Legal Framework[edit | edit source]
The abolition of capital punishment in Cyprus is enshrined in its Constitution and legal framework. The country is also a member of the European Union, which advocates for the abolition of the death penalty among its member states.
Current Status[edit | edit source]
Today, Cyprus is a staunch advocate for the global abolition of capital punishment. The country actively participates in international forums and supports initiatives aimed at ending the death penalty worldwide.
See Also[edit | edit source]
- Human rights in Cyprus
- Judicial system of Cyprus
- European Convention on Human Rights
- Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
 | This article relating to the law of Europe or of a European country is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it. |
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
