Latest news with #DelegationoftheEuropeanUnion
Asahi Shimbun
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Asahi Shimbun
EU urges Japan to suspend death penalty after execution
The joint statement issued by the Delegation of the European Union and other European countries (Captured from Delegation of the European Union to Japan's website) After Japan's first execution of a prisoner in almost three years, the European Union and other countries responded with a joint statement expressing regret and calling for the death penalty to be suspended. The statement, dated June 27, was signed by the delegation of the EU, the EU member states, as well as the embassies of Iceland, Norway and Switzerland in Japan. Taking a stance against the death penalty, the statement said capital punishment is 'incompatible with the inalienable right to life and the right to live free from torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading punishment.' It also pointed out that the death penalty 'fails to act as a deterrent to crime and makes possible miscarriages of justice irreversible.' Citing that more than two-thirds of countries around the world have either abolished or effectively suspended the death penalty, the statement urged Japan to take a 'positive first step towards its abolition' by adopting a moratorium on executions and promoting a national debate on the issue. JUSTICE MINISTER'S RESPONSE At a news conference following a Cabinet meeting on July 1, Justice Minister Keisuke Suzuki was asked about the joint statement. 'Whether to retain or abolish the death penalty is a critical issue at the core of each country's criminal justice system,' he said. 'While taking into account discussions occurring within international organizations and trends in other countries, it is a matter that should be independently decided by each nation, based on factors such as public sentiment, crime conditions and criminal policy,' Suzuki said. On June 27, the Justice Ministry executed Takahiro Shiraishi, a death row inmate convicted of murdering nine people in Zama, Kanagawa Prefecture, in 2017. He was sentenced to death for crimes including robbery, sexual assault and murder.
Cision Canada
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Cision Canada
Announcing the 2025 EU-Canada Young Journalist Fellows
OTTAWA, ON, June 25, 2025 /CNW/ - The Delegation of the European Union to Canada and the Canadian Association of Journalists (CAJ) are thrilled to announce the laureates of the 2025 EU-Canada Young Journalist Fellowship. The 2025 winners are: Aurélie Lachapelle (Montréal, Québec) for her story Tension en Allemagne à quelques jours du scrutin. In her well-researched piece, Aurélie tackles federal elections in the most populated EU Member State and shows journalistic rigor and talent in her reporting style. Liam Razzell (Victoria, British Columbia) for his report Could Canada join the European Union? A University of Victoria Professor thinks not. Liam approaches a timely subject in the current geopolitical context and proves solid journalistic and research skills. Maia Tustonic (Ottawa, Ontario) for her story ' Like-minded partner:' EU leaders congratulate Carney, call for closer ties. Maia pens a reaction piece offering a wide range of views, demonstrating journalistic objectivity and good knowledge of the EU's institutional structure and EU-Canada priorities. Jury members included: Hugo Rodrigues, CAJ representative and managing editor of the Cornwall Standard Freeholder Leslie MacKinnon, journalist Manon Cornellier, journalist and commentator Patrick Leblond, professor, Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, University of Ottawa Diodora Bucur, Press Officer, Delegation of the European Union to Canada The three laureates will participate in a weeklong study tour of European Union institutions in Brussels in November 2025. The Delegation of the European Union and CAJ are glad to partner on this journalism initiative that aims to assist young Canadians reach their career goals and form life-long friendships with Europeans. Study tour expenses are paid for by the Delegation of the European Union to Canada. Winners also benefit from a one-year CAJ membership or one-year membership renewal. Thank you to all those who expressed an interest and entered the contest, and encourage them to apply again next year. The 2026 edition will be launched in March 2026. Established in 1976, the Delegation of the European Union to Canada is a fully-fledged diplomatic mission and, as such, the natural contact point in Canada between the EU and the Canadian authorities. It also has a strong public diplomacy mandate designed to enhance the knowledge and understanding of the European Union as well as EU-Canada relations. The Canadian Association of Journalists is Canada's largest national professional organization for journalists from all media, representing members across the country. The CAJ's primary roles are to provide high-quality professional development for its members and public-interest advocacy. Follow us @EUinCanada LinkedIn Twitter Facebook Instagram SOURCE Canadian Association of Journalists
