92 countries in the world have definitely abolished death penalty from their justice systems. In ten states, it is still in force just for extreme cases such as war crimes; some more 35 countries are actually in favour of its abolition. Therefore, on the whole, for 137 countries death penalty is an instrument linked with the past. "But the figures relating to the application pf the scaffold are still impressive": Benita Ferrero-Waldner, EU commissioner for external relations, takes stock of the situation on the occasion of the World Day Against Death Penalty. "In 2007 she recalls at least 1,252 people were killed in this way, and another 3,347 were sentenced" to electric chair or other instruments of elimination in 51 countries. "Five states gather 88% of capital punishments: China, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and the United States". "I am fully aware added the commissioner of the sufferings suffered by many victims of ferocious crimes, but death penalty is not a solution. On the contrary, it just strengthens the culture of violence and revenge".
