Vol.29 No.16 - April 17, 1998 - PARAGUAYAN EXECUTED IN THIS ISSUE - CONGRESSMAN BLASTS ALBRIGHT

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April 17, 1998 reporting centers on the execution of Angel Francisco Breard, a Paraguayan man convicted in Virginia for the 1992 slaying and attempted rape of Ruth Dickie. After pleas from the World Court and Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, the U.S. Supreme Court refused to stop the sentence. The article details arguments about Vienna Convention notice requirements, Virginia Governor Jim Gilmore’s stance, and claims by Paraguay’s lawyers versus U.S. authorities.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryStory & Novel

FormatPDF

Pages11

Reading Time17 min

AccessFree to download

CONGRESSMAN BLASTS ALBRIGHT

FOR ATTEMPTING TO STOP EXECUTION

Summary of World Court and Vienna Convention arguments

Supreme Court decision and Virginia Governor response

Vol.29 No.16 April 17,1998 PARAGUAYAN EXECUTEDIN IN THIS ISSUE VIRGINIA DESPTTE PLEAS BY VIRGINLA:Paraguayan Executed……………………………………1 ALBRIGHT, WORLD COUKT CONGRESSMAN BLASTS ALBRIGHT…………………………1 TENN.:Gov. Should "Take Pride" In Workers………………3 Despite pleas by the World Court and a warning from Secretary of State Madeleine Al- INMATE LAW: Sparks Debate……………………………………………4 bright about the safety of Americans abroad,a "THE VOLUNTEER":Not The Only One………………………4 Paraguayan man convicted of murder was executed MASS.: TV Medical Exams…………………………………………………4 in Virginia. SCI GREENE:Disciplinary Proceedings………………………5 Angel Francisco Breard, 32, condemned for MICHIGAN:Officers Protesting………………………………………6 the 1992 slaying and attempted rape of an Arling- INMATE AUTOPSY BLOCKED……………………………………………6 ton woman, was executed by injection April 14. HAWAI:Governor Concerned……………………………………………7 INMATE PAY: Labor Leaders Upset………………………………7 The 15-member World Court, a United Nations tribunal, ruled earlier that the execution PRISON LEGISLATION:Lawmakers Urged To Withdraw…………………………………………………………………………8 should be blocked because Virginia authorities failed to notify Paraguay of Breard's arrest as TRUTH-IN-SENTENCING:Rapped…………………………………8 required by an international treaty, the Vienna MONTANA: Contract Signed…………………………………9 Convention. PUBLIC PUNISHMENT: Results Pending………………………9 NEW BRUNSWICK: Jailhouse Shuffle………………………………10 Breard was executed shortly after Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore refused to stop the sentence from being carried out. # CONGRESSMAN BLASTS ALBRIGHT "As governor of Virginia, my first duty is to FOR ATTEMPTING TO STOP EXECUTION ensure that those who reside within our borders- both American citizens and foreign nationals--may Following reports April 14 that Secretary of conduct their lives free from the fear of crime," State Madeline Albright attempted to delay the Gilmore said in a written statement. execution of a Paraguayan national convicted of murder in Virginia, U.S. Representative Bob Barr He said delay of the execution "would have the of Georgia wrote the following letter to Albright: practical effect of transferring responsibility from the courts of the commonwealth and the United "Your attempt to block the execution of States to the International Court." Angel Francisco Breard, lawfully convicted of murder in a United States Court of Law,is sending Breard was pronounced dead at 10:39 a clear message that you believe justice for convict- p.m.-just over two hours after the U.S. Supreme ed murders should be delayed or forfeited, in order Court, in a 6-3 decision, refused to block his to strengthen the ability of the International Court execution. (See BARR LETTER,page two) (See BREARD EXECUTION,page two) (BREARD EXECUTION,from page one) In the April 14 unsigned opinion,the U.S.Supreme Court said Breard failed to assert hisclaim in state court that the treaty had been violat-ed,and therefore lost his right to raise that issue inFederal court. Breard was not informed of his right to seekhelp from his country's embassy when he wasarrested for the 1992 murder and attempted rape ofRuth Dickie in Arlington. Rulings by the World Court are not binding.The court had wanted the execution delayed whileits judges decide if Breard deserved a new trial.Albright joined the debate April 13,asking Gilmoreto delay the execution because she was concernedthat the case could jeopardize the safety of Ameri-cans arrested in other countries. "The execution of Mr.Breard in the presentcircumstances could lead some countries to contendincorrectly that the U.S.does not take seriously itsobligations under the Convention,"Albright wrotein a letter to Gilmore. Gilmore had said he shared Albright's con-cern about the safety of Americans abroad,but"I'm also concerned about the safety of the peopleof Virginia....People are entitle

FAQs

Why did the execution of Angel Francisco Breard face international and U.S. government pleas?

The pleas argued the U.S. did not meet Vienna Convention requirements by failing to notify Paraguay of Breard’s arrest, which they said should have blocked the execution while legal issues were reviewed.

What role did Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and Governor Jim Gilmore play?

Albright urged delay based on safety concerns for Americans abroad and treaty obligations. Gilmore refused to stop the sentence, emphasizing that people in Virginia are entitled to feel safe at home.

What did the U.S. Supreme Court decide regarding Breard’s attempt to block the execution?

The Court refused to block the execution, stating Breard failed to assert his Vienna treaty claim in state court and therefore could not raise it in federal court.

Oct 13, 2026

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