Death Penalty Opposition Ready For Execution

by Jeff Rusack, Reporter
October 30, 2012 5:27 PM


With the second execution in October, some South Dakotans against the death penalty are speaking out.
They say they'll be in the same place they were two weeks ago—outside the state penitentiary.

Donald Moeller’s execution will be the 4th in the country this month. Along with Eric Robert’s death in South Dakota, two other executions took place in Texas, and a third execution is scheduled in that state for Wednesday.

Those against capital punishment feel that enough is enough.

“We feel that the state should not kill someone who killed someone else,” said Mark Sanderson, who is opposed to the death penalty.

“To kill to have more violence does not create justice or peace,” said Leona Wieland with Pax Christi, an organization that opposes violence.

Just two weeks ago, protesters lined up outside the state penitentiary in opposition to the execution of Eric Robert.

“We were respectfully present in the last execution we weren't throwing barbs at each other so I think there’s a respect across the aisle on this issue,” said Sanderson.

Now they plan to return Tuesday night for the execution of Donald Moeller. With the proximity of the two executions, opponents feel this will bring more attention to the capital punishment issue.

“The inertia from this society from the past until now is that there are more people moving towards trying to find an alternative to the death penalty,” said Sanderson.

And with more light shed on the issue, there’s a hope that change may come.
 
“Within the next ten years, I think there will be a different policy in the state,” said Sanderson.

Two weeks ago, protestors arrived between 7:30  and 8 p.m. That's expected to be the case again Tuesday night.