Zimbabwe aims to cut back on hangings
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Zimbabwe's constitutional affairs minister says the death penalty will be dropped except in extreme cases of aggravated murder under a proposed new constitution.
Minister Eric Matinenga said Wednesday only killers who commit "gratuitous violence to the extent it becomes sickening" will be hanged.
In a compromise between human rights groups and traditional supporters of capital punishment, it will be up to judges to rule on the level of violence used.
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Matinenga said the fate of at least 61 prisoners on death row will be considered on individual merits if the measure is adopted in a September constitutional referendum.
No executions have been carried out under the three-year old coalition government. Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai's former opposition party has voiced its disapproval of hanging.