In response to the death penalty granted to the Boston bomber, Martin O’Malley, a likely Democratic presidential candidate, has reiterated his opposition to the death penalty.
“I respect the verdict of the jury in this callous and brutal taking of innocent lives in Boston. All of our prayers should go out to the victims, their families and loved ones, for the cruel taking of innocent lives. I hope he never is able to enjoy a moment of freedom,” O’Malley says in a statement.
“I nonetheless remain opposed to the death penalty as a matter of principle and as a matter of policy. The death penalty is ineffective as a deterrent, and the appeals process is expensive and cruel to the surviving family members. Furthermore, the nations responsible for the vast majority of public executions include North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Yemen, China and the United States of America. Our country does not belong in that company.”
