Document - Lithuania: Further information on fear of imminent execution: Boris Dekanidze

EXTERNALAI Index: EUR 53/04/95

9 August 1995

Further information on EXTRA 52/95 (EUR 53/01/95, 12 May 1995) - Fear of Imminent Execution

LITHUANIABoris Dekanidze

Amnesty International has learned with deep regret that Boris Dekanidze was executed on 12 July 1995. Dekanidze's final appeal for clemency was turned down on 11 May. However, on 17 May he received a stay of execution, as the Public Prosecutor wanted to hear another witness in the case, who had been arrested in Germany. In early June this witness was questioned by the Public Prosecutor, who upon his return to Lithuania stated that there were no grounds to revoke the death penalty against Boris Dekanidze. According to a Lithuanian newspaper Lietuvos Rytas, Boris Dekanidze was executed on 12 July.

After Amnesty International had learned of the stay of execution, Regional Action Network groups were asked to intensify their letterwriting by sending faxes to the Lithuanian authorities after the above-mentioned statement of the Public Prosecutor.

FURTHER RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Thanks to all Urgent Action participants who sent appeals on behalf of this case. If you want to express your regret at the execution, you may write a final letter to the President of Lithuania.

Algirdas Brazauskas

President of the Republic of Lithuania

Gedimino pr. 53

2026 Vilnius

Republic of Lithuania

Faxes: +370 2 614544

Salutation : Dear President

COPIES TO:

Chairman of the Supreme Court

Pranas Kuris

Chairman of the Supreme Court

MTP 7, Gyneju 6