bonge et autres c republique unie de tanzanie requete no 0362016 2023 afchpr 46 4 decembre 2023

bonge et autres c republique unie de tanzanie requete no 0362016 2023 afchpr 46 4 decembre 2023

The mandatory imposition of the death penalty under Tanzanian law and the prescription of hanging as its mode of execution violate the right to life (Article 4) and the right to dignity (Article 5) of the African Charter. The applicants' other claims regarding non-discrimination, equality before the law, fair trial,...

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Citation
bonge et autres c republique unie de tanzanie requete no 0362016 2023 afchpr 46 4 decembre 2023
Parties
Applicant: Ibrahim Yusuf Calist Bonge; Applicant: Rajabu Mohammed Salum Msolongoni; Applicant: Simba Aloyce Simba Hatibu; Respondent: République-Unie de Tanzanie
Court
TANZLII
Jurisdiction
Tanzania
Judgment Date
1 January 2023
Procedural Posture
Human Rights Application / Final Judgment
Outcome
Partial finding of violation; reparations ordered
Legal Topics
Right to Life, Death Penalty, Right to Dignity, Prohibition of Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment, Right to Fair Trial, Non Discrimination, Equality Before the Law, Freedom of Expression
Source Language
en
Human Rights Law Criminal Law Right to Life Death Penalty Right to Dignity Prohibition of Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment Right to Fair Trial Non Discrimination +2 more

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Parties

Ibrahim Yusuf Calist Bonge

Applicant

Rajabu Mohammed Salum Msolongoni

Applicant

Simba Aloyce Simba Hatibu

Applicant

République-Unie de Tanzanie

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Human Rights Application / Final Judgment

  1. 1 Whether the mandatory death penalty violates the right to life under the African Charter
  2. 2 Whether the mode of execution (hanging) violates the right to dignity
  3. 3 Whether the applicants' rights to a fair trial, non-discrimination, equality before the law, and freedom of expression were violated

Ratio Decidendi

The mandatory imposition of the death penalty under Tanzanian law and the prescription of hanging as its mode of execution violate the right to life (Article 4) and the right to dignity (Article 5) of the African Charter. The applicants' other claims regarding non-discrimination, equality before the law, fair trial, and freedom of expression were unsubstantiated and thus rejected.

Court Disposition

Partial finding of violation; reparations ordered

Orders

  • State to amend its Penal Code within six months to remove the mandatory death penalty and hanging as a mode of execution.
  • State to review the applicants' sentences within one year in a procedure allowing judicial discretion.