Second Chance at Life: Mandatory Death Penalty Abolished in This Country

In a rare sign of progress for Southeast Asia, Malaysia has decided to abolish its mandatory death penalty sentence. 

“This shows the government’s emphasis on ensuring that the rights of all parties are protected and guaranteed, thus reflecting the transparency of the country’s leadership in improving the country’s criminal justice system,” Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar of Free Malaysia Today reports. 

Though the death penalty was not abolished entirely, the sentencing for crimes will now be left to the discretion of the judges. What’s more, substitute sentences are being discussed, particularly for non-violent drug offenders and people who partake in cannabis. Currently, around 1,324 people are on death row in Malaysia. The new ruling is expected to bring greater “proportionality” to sentencing and perhaps even give criminals a second chance at life.