EU’s Ashton On Execution Of Humberto Leal In Texas, USA

Declaration by the High Representative, Catherine Ashton, on behalf of the European Union on the execution of Mr Humberto Leal in Texas, USA, on 7 July 2011

“The European Union deeply regrets the execution of Mr Humberto Leal Garcia in the State of Texas on 7 July 2011. Although Mr Leal was a Mexican citizen, the Texas authorities failed to notify him of his right to contact a Mexican consulate at the time of his arrest, as required by the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations. The execution of Mr Leal, before receiving the remedy to which he was entitled, is a breach of an undisputed international obligation.

The European Union recognises that a terrible crime was at the heart of this case and extends its sympathy to the family and survivors of the victim. Nonetheless, the EU opposes the use of capital punishment in all cases and under all circumstances, and calls for a global moratorium as a first step towards its universal abolition.”