TN CM favours reconsideration of capital punishment

Chennai, Oct 9 (UNI) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK President M Karunanidhi today reiterated that he favoured reconsideration of capital punishment.

Giving his opinion on capital punishment, Mr Karunanidhi, answering a set of questionnaires here, said ''death penalty does not achieve the purpose as it gives just a momentary pain and then a long lasting relief to the offenders.'' Instead of awarding capital punishment, the offenders should be made to repent throughout their lives in prisons and given an opportunity to reform, he said and suggested that there should be reconsideration as far as capital punishment is concerned.'' Mr Karunanidhi's view on the controversial issue assumed signifance in the wake of death sentence awarded to Mohammed Afzal in connection with Parliament attack case. His execution is slated for October 20.

Afzal's family members, including his wife and son had called on President A P J Abdul Kalam on October four and submitted a mercy petition, seeking clemency.

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