MP says Penal Code lacks human,republican values

Hon Joshua Osih has briefly elaborated why he will not be voting the current Penal Code revision taking place in Yaounde.

The MP in a detailed release on his Facebook page examined the penal code revision and highlighted some international conventions which Cameroon is party to and must uphold.

According to the Parliamentarian, the current state of the law does not deserve his support and that of his party the SDF.

Here is a translation (courtesy Bareta Press) of the release on his Facebook page

PENAL CODE REVISION: (English Version)

Because my attachment to human and republican values cannot afford to remain silent facing several unconstitutional provisions that are in debate for adoption currently in Yaoundé,

Because the immunity of Ministers (Article 127) is contrary to good governance and transparency of public finances,

Believes imprisoning citizens because they have two months of unpaid rent (Article 322) is a dispute that can be resolved by civil remedies instead of inserting drastic sanctions in our criminal code;

Because several provisions are contrary to our international commitments;

Because the death penalty (ART 18) is contrary to all our commitments and our humanity,

I cannot afford in the state to vote this law on the penal code currently under debate.

It will take a change in diet to bring Cameroon in modernity.

For best Cameroon,

Hon. Joshua Nambangi OSIH