[Deathpenalty] death penalty news----worldwide

[Rick Halperin]

Jan. 23




CHINA:

China Pardons 2 Citizens On Death Row


China has pardoned 2 Ugandan women who have been on death row in the
communist state for alleged drug trafficking.

The 2 Ms Sarah Basiima and Ms Bonita Nagai, were pardoned on grounds of
poor health, a diplomat who did not want his name published because of the
confidential nature of the case told Daily Monitor.

"Ms Basiima was pardoned because she is in poor health and pregnant while
her colleague Ms Nagai has a 6-month-old baby," the diplomat said. "China
is finalising their deportation, the arrangements started on December 27,"
he added.

The 2 were part of 15 Ugandans facing the death sentence for drug
trafficking in China. They were arrested between September last year and
last month. Others include Jason Mukiibi, Nasuru Salim, Keren Ocokuru,
Fadiru Kalema, Henry Kasozi, Paul Muwonge and Lillian Nakungu.

Like Basiima and Nagai, most Ugandans have been detained at Guangzhou, in
Southern China's high security prison for hard core criminals.

Uganda's ambassador to China Charles Wagidoso could not be got as he is
reported on a holiday while the acting ambassador, Mr Solomon Rutega told
Daily Monitor on telephone from Beijing that they are not authorised to
make comments on the issue.

A Ugandan official said the Ugandans have given clues on the drug lords
operating from Kampala and local police in conjunction with Interpol are
hunting for them.

"People who claim to be investors but their work is to deal in drugs, are
the same that have been identified to be using Ugandans as conduits," the
official said.

(source: The Monitor)