A coalition of international human rights organisations
is calling on countries around the world to abolish capital punishment
in the first World Day Against the Death Penalty. Sixty cities around
the world marked the occasion by illuminating significant landmarks: Barcelona
lit up the Gaudi cathedral, Santiago illuminated its central park, and
Belgium lit up its Atomium structure, with a dove of peace on the top.
According to Amnesty International, at least 3,000 people were executed
in 31 countries across the world last year.

The event was inspired by the city of Rome, which lights
up the Colosseum when an execution order is overturned or a country abolishes
capital punishment. The coalition wants to bring pressure on nations such
as China and the United States, where the death penalty is still widely
used.

According to human rights group Amnesty International,
China executed more people in the first three months of the campaign that
began in May 2002, than did the rest of the world over the past three
years. At least 2,600 people were put to death in China last year alone,
according to Amnesty. Next to China, Iran had the second-highest tally
of executions in 2001, putting to death at least 139 people, Amnesty said.
Saudi Arabia was third with 79 executions, and the United States followed,
having put 66 people to death, the organisation said.