Amnesty India: Death penalty is never the answer

The rape and murder of the young woman in Delhi last year was a horrific crime and our deepest sympathy goes out to the victim’s family. Those responsible must be punished, but the death penalty is never the answer.

There is no evidence that the death penalty is a particular deterrent to crime, and its use will not eradicate violence against women in India.

Addressing this issue requires legal reform, but also sustained commitment by the authorities to ensure that the justice system responds effectively at all levels to reports of rape and other forms of sexual violence.