Should Capital Punishment be legalized in our present Cambodia?
Cambodia is one of the developing countries in this modern world. After a very long period of civil war, Cambodia finally had its free and fair election which was prepared by The United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC). This election helped build a formal structure of the legislature that established the Constitution of Cambodia August 24, 1993 by King Norodom Sihanuk. With many main articles, this 6th Constitution also contains an interesting point, which is discussed seriously not only in Cambodia but all over the world. Article 32 claims that “There shall be no Capital Punishment.” Should Capital Punishment be legalized in our present Cambodia?
In a condition as Cambodia is right now, Capital Punishment should not be legalized. Since Cambodia is a Buddhist country, the abolition of Capital Punishment finds strong support in Buddhist thought and history. Buddhism gives a deep respect to all form of lives. The convict’s life does have value and the act of killing him for his crime cannot be called punishment but revenge.
It is too cruel for human being to be sentenced to death after committed a crime. Even the system of killing the convicts exists, it doesn’t mean they will stop commit the crimes because the reasons are nothing but lack of education and poverty. This means that Capital Punishment cannot stop the crimes at all. For Cambodia, the best way to deduct the number of crimes is to make its people’s economy better. Furthermore, Cambodian government should focus more on the education system; make sure that it is good enough to give Cambodians people better lives.
Cambodia is a very small country with many weak points in nearly everything. After 30 years of developing, it is good to see Cambodia comes up with a new face showing the world that there is no more war in this pitiful country. Due to the fact that Cambodia is still young and unstable in term of practicing law, capital punishment may not be the best solution, especially for those who were innocent. Instead of giving the convicts a quick death, life imprisonment makes them pay for the consequences of their actions while at the same time permits them to reflect on their wrongdoings and turn over a new leaf when they still have time. There are many stories of the changed convicts after staying in jail for years. Gang leaders become anti-gangs activists. They share their horrible stories and told the others not to follow them. And for those who haven’t changed yet, why can’t we just give them another chance to think and change?
Lastly, recognizing and valuing the dignity of humanity, we accept as reasonable fact that no person should willingly take the life of another. Death Penalty is not justifiable. No matter how serious a crime a person might have committed, taking his life as a penalty for his crime can still be considered a murder. Therefore, Capital Punishment should not be legalized in Cambodia.
By: Rachna IM
