PUBLIC AI Index: MDE 16/06/00

12 December 2000

Further information on UA 230/00 (MDE 16/04/00, 12 December 2000) - Death Penalty

JORDAN Bilal Musa

Bilal Musa was hanged at dawn on 7 December at Swaqa prison, after the King approved his death sentence.

He had been sentenced to death in April 2000 for 11 murders. He had admitted one of the killings, but said he was tortured to make him confess to the others. His death sentence was upheld by the Court of Cassation in July.

At least eight people have been executed in Jordan so far this year.

Amnesty International is campaigning for the abolition of the death penalty in Jordan, and a moratorium on all outstanding death sentences.

Many thanks to all those who sent appeals. No further action is requested from the UA network, but those who wish to do so may send a final round of telegrams/faxes/express/airmail letters, in English, Arabic or your own language:

- condemning the execution of Bilal Musa as the ultimate form of cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment;

- urging the government to carry out no more executions in Jordan, and to work towards abolishing the death penalty;

- expressing concern that Bilal Musa was reportedly tortured, and asking that this allegation be investigated and anyone found to have tortured him be brought to justice.

APPEALS TO:

His Majesty King ‘Abdallah bin Hussein

Office of H.M. the King

Royal Palace

Amman

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

Telegrams: King ‘Abdallah bin Hussein, Amman, Jordan

Faxes: + 962 6 463 4755

Salutation: Your Majesty

Dr Fayez Tarawneh

Chief of the Royal Court

PO Box 80

Amman

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

Fax: + 962 6 463 1452

Salutation: Dear Dr Tarawneh

COPIES TO: diplomatic representatives of Jordan accredited to your country.