EXTERNAL (for general distribution)AI Index: AMR 16/03/92

Distr: UA/SC

5 November 1992

Further information on EXTRA 82/92 (AMR 16/02/92, 14 October 1992) - Death Penalty

BELIZE:Dean Edwardo VASQUEZ

Amnesty International has learned that on 27 October 1992 the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (JCPC) in London, the final court of Belize, gave leave to Dean Edwardo Vasquez to appeal against his conviction for murder. Following the decision by the Privy Council, the Warrant of Execution issued by the Governor-General of Belize was rendered invalid and the execution of Dean Vasquez, due to have taken place on 30 October 1992, was not carried out.

As was stated in the original action Dean Vasquez had exhausted all legal appeals but the JCPC has decided to review the case on constitutional grounds. The appeal against the conviction for murder will be heard by the JCPC in due course and should the appeal be dismissed a new warrant will need to be issued.

No further action is required from the Urgent Action network at present. Thank you to all those who sent appeals.