Indian Express

Afzal hanging barbaric violation of rights: NHRC

Press Trust of India Posted online: Wed Feb 20 2013, 03:11 hrs
New Delhi : A member of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Tuesday termed the hanging of Parliament attack case convict as “barbaric violation” of human rights of not only him but the entire family.

NHRC member Satyabrata Pal also said the family of Afzal should have been allowed to visit him before he was hanged in Tihar Jail on February 9.

He said his views should not be taken as the opinion of the NHRC as he was voicing his personal opinion.

“Death penalty is an abomination in a democracy and Afzal Guru’s hanging is a barbaric violation of human rights. It is not only violation of his rights but that of his entire family,” he said.

He also said Guru’s family had the right to grieve and also to conduct his last rites.