Vol. 489 No. 6
199 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will intervene in the case of a person (details supplied) who is on death row in Georgia, United States of America from the age of 18; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8829/98]
I agree with the Deputy that the case to which he refers is a matter for concern. The person referred to was convicted of murder aged 18 in November 1977. He is now 39 years old having been on death row since his conviction. I consider it unacceptable that a person should be under sentence of death for over 20 years.
I understand that the position is that in Georgia a person who is mentally retarded cannot legally be executed. There is an allegation that the person to whom the Deputy is referring is mentally retarded. This contention is to be the subject of a jury trial which may result in the death sentence being overturned. We are continuing to monitor the case, and, in the light of the outcome, I will consider the possibility of further action by us, including the question of seeking a common approach by the EU.
