27/06/2014 (Agence Europe) - EU regrets another execution in Japan. On Thursday 26 June, the European Union “deeply” regretted the execution in Japan of death row inmate Masanori Kawasaki. This brings the number of people executed to 16 since September 2012 and the end of a de facto moratorium of over two years. While recognising the serious nature of the crime involved - Kawasaki was tried and found guilty of a triple murder - the EU again called on the Japanese authorities “to consider a moratorium on executions and to promote a thorough public debate” on capital punishment, Ashton's spokesperson stated. There are believed to be 28 people still on death row in Japan. Ashton's spokesperson reiterated that the EU is opposed to the use of capital punishment in all cases and under all circumstances, and has “consistently called for its universal abolition” because the death penalty is “cruel and inhumane”. (CG)