Grand Gedeh County District #3 Representative Jacob Debee has formally introduced a legislative push to abolish the death penalty in Liberia, seeking sweeping amendments to the country’s Penal Law.
In a November 9, 2026 communication to House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon, Rep. Debee requested the passage of a bill seeking amendments to Title 26 of the Liberian Codes of Law Revised, particularly Chapters 11, 14, 15, and 50, which relate to sentencing and capital punishment.
The communication has been forwarded to the House Committee on Judiciary and Human Rights for review and a report to Plenary for further legislative action.
Rep. Debee argues that removing capital punishment and establishing alternative sentencing measures would strengthen human rights protections and align Liberia’s domestic laws with its constitutional and international obligations.
He specifically cited Liberia’s accession to the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which seeks the abolition of the death penalty.
The proposed reform, according to the lawmaker, would promote human dignity while maintaining accountability for serious crimes, public safety, and the protection of victims.
The bill’s referral to the Judiciary and Human Rights Committee marks the next step in the legislative process. Its passage will depend on subsequent committee review and action by the House Plenary.
