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Arkansas Supreme Court Decision Allows New DNA Testing in Case of the ​“West Memphis Three,” Convicted of Killing Three Children in 1993

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On April 18, 2024, the Arkansas Supreme Court decided 4-3 to reverse a 2022 lower court decision and allow genetic testing of crime scene evidence from the 1993 killing of three eight-year-old boys in West Memphis. The three men convicted in 1994 for the killings were released in 2011 after taking an Alford plea, in which they maintained their innocence but plead guilty to the crime, in exchange for 18 years’ time served and 10 years of a suspended sentence. 

Sri Lanka: President affirms death penalty for convicted drug traffickers, says date set to implement death penalty

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President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday said he has already decided on a period of time to execute capital punishment for convicted drug traffickers who carry out large scale drug smuggling operations while in detention.

He was speaking at a mass protest against drugs organised by religious leaders led by Colombo Archbishop Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith at the Vystwyke Park in Kotahena.

President Sirisena said the Government has taken a number of steps to strengthen laws relevant to curbing illicit drug trade.

The President stressed that whatever the challenges or obstacles his battle to eradicate the narcotics problem will continue until it achieves a successful conclusion. “My aim is to ensure a drug free future for the next generation.Whatever the challenges, I will continue this fight until a successful conclusion is achieved” he added.

President went on to say that all sections of the society irrespective of differences have come together in the battle against drugs today and achieving the goal of a ‘Drug Free Nation’ was not far away.

A silent protest march began from a number of Catholic Churches yesterday after the Sunday services where participants carried placards with slogans against illicit drugs.

A rally was held at the Vystwyke Park, Kotahena where 3 processions coming from different directions merged together.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and all religious leaders participated at the rally.

Source: dailynews.lk, Staff, April 1, 2019


President says date set to implement death penalty


President Maithripala Sirisena says the date has been set to implement the death penalty.

Speaking at an event today, the President said that tough action will be taken against those involved in drug trafficking.

He said that the country needs to have strong laws and tough penalties and that punishment must be implemented.

As a result he said that the death penalty will be implemented on repeat offenders involved in drug trafficking.

Human rights groups and the UN have raised concerns over the President’s decision to implement the death penalty.

Source: Colombo Gazette, Staff, April 1, 2019


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"One is absolutely sickened, not by the crimes that the wicked have committed,
but by the punishments that the good have inflicted." -- Oscar Wilde
Location: Sri Lanka
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