Robert Badinter, who spearheaded the drive to abolish France’s death penalty, campaigned against anti-Semitism and Holocaust denial, and led a European body dealing with the legal fallout of Yugoslavia’s break-up, has died. A famed lawyer and thinker, Mr Badinter was best-known for his sustained push to end capital punishment. As a lawyer, Mr Badinter later pursued a notorious Holocaust denier in court. Mr Macron will preside over a special national homage to Mr Badinter, the president’s office said. In his statement, Mr Macron honoured the memory of a “wise man of the republic” who “after having experienced the tragedy of the century, embodied the most beautiful part of hope”.

Source: The Irish Times February 10, 2024 03:37 UTC