SANTIAGO, Chile, MAY 29, 2001 (Zenit.org).- Chile has become the 109th country to abolish the death penalty.
Using his presidential prerogative, President Ricardo Lagos promulgated the law today, which had been approved April 17 by Parliament.
The law abolishes capital punishment in Chile, which had been in force for 126 years. It has been replaced by life sentences, which must be served for at least 40 years.
Last week, Ukraine abolished its death penalty; 87 countries still enforce capital punishment.
