The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) today found that the United States violated the human rights of a Nicaraguan citizen facing execution next week.
The IACHR found that Bernardo Abán Tercero was not properly informed of his right as a foreign national to diplomatic assistance, and that during his trial, his attorney made “serious mistakes that affected his right to defense, especially taking into account the applicable standards in a case involving the death penalty.” Tercero was also not afforded an adequate review of his sentence.
“Tercero’s trial represents a shocking failure on the part of the justice system, especially when his life is on the line,” said Steven W. Hawkins, executive director of Amnesty International USA. “Not only should this execution be halted, but the death penalty must be abolished altogether. This case shows that the death penalty system is broken beyond repair, and this cruel and inhuman punishment should be ended once and for all.”
Tercero is scheduled to be executed on August 26 in Texas.