Rape in all forms, both internationally and locally has been considered a barbaric act and has attracted serious condemnation from many people. Rape can be simply defined as having an unlawful intercourse with the opposite sex. Males form about 99% of rapists in the world, those males who commit such atrocities are called rapists. We have one-time rapists or offenders and several frequent rapists.
Some people are of the view that because of the effects of this barbaric act have on the victim, family and the country at large, they suggest that those who are found guilty of this act should be executed but I beg to differ due to the under-listed reasons.
First, I opine that it is against the fundamental human rights of a person to take his or her life. Besides, many other countries have not legalized capital punishment, therefore, to execute a rapist is unconstitutional and must be condemn. Also, most countries have an appropriate sentence for any crime committed by a person and rape doesn’t attracts a jail sentence within a particular year range by which a magistrate or a judge may choose to give to the accused, therefore for some people to call for execution is unfair and against the law.
Again, research has shown that about 80% of rapists are under the influence of hard drugs. That is to say they do not do it with their own will but are propelled to do so because of the influence hard drugs have on them. Sometimes, the youth upon watching pornographic movies and watching nude pictures become sexually aroused and try practice it by enforcing their victims into an intercourse. I am of the view that the youth must be educated on the dangers of drug abuse and the watching of these pornographic movies through various platforms such as schools, radio stations, televisions stations etc. We should also discourage them from engaging themselves in those illicit acts. Rehabilitation centers can also be set up to reform those who have become so addicted to hard drugs. Therefore, execution should never be an option.
Furthermore, it is known that about 90% of the rapists are between the ages of 25 and 45, who are the youth. Therefore, if we should continue to execute any person who is found guilty of rape, then we can imagine the number of young people who will be killed. We cannot lose sight of its economic implications as the youth is the manpower of the nation and the pivot of every nation’s development. As a result of this, there could be some jail sentences which means, the person can be given the second chance to reform and learn a trade or attend school. It is known that some inmates even learn some trade and acquire some skills at the prison, therefore, it is believed that after serving the jail sentence, such a person can come out and with some financial assistance can establish a business or could be gainfully employed to contribute his quota to the economy.
Conclusively, I am not publicly endorsing rape; rather I am of the opinion that there are other better options to deal with this social menace than execution.
Death penalty is inhumane and should not be applied.