F
orty-four years ago, in September 1981, a powerful voice resonated within the Assemblée Nationale, one which awakened consciences, illuminated minds and inspired the very soul of the nation's representatives: Robert Badinter shook, thundered, and spoke with passion and force, defending the abolition of the death penalty.
A true fighter, he would turn political struggle into the noblest of battles, as he was driven not by partisan interest, but by a commitment to the party of humanity. He had faith in human beings. He believed in a particular vision of the state, as the source of law, yet one that could not claim all rights for itself. He was convinced that justice must not resort to violence, for violence was precisely the means it sought to eradicate. His voice, the strength of his arguments and the power of his convictions commanded silence and respect from the chamber that listened to him.
Subscribers only
'Robert Badinter's induction into the Panthéon runs counter to a global trend against civil liberties'
