Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland has welcomed the decision of US state of Nebraska lawmakers to abolish the death penalty.

"The USA, as observer state to the Council of Europe, committed itself to share Council of Europe values and to make a positive contribution to its work," he said.

Reiterating the Council of Europe’s unequivocal opposition to capital punishment in all places and circumstances, Jagland called upon other US states to follow the example of the 19 states and District of Colombia that have already abolished it.

"We call for a moratorium on the death penalty as a first step, to be followed by the abolition of this inhumane practice," said the Secretary General.

See also:
PACE General rapporteur congratulates Nebraska on the abolition of the death penalty
The Unitad States and the Council of Europe