Renowned French lawyer and former justice minister, Robert Badinter, passed away at the age of 95. Badinter was widely celebrated for his tireless advocacy against the death penalty, particularly in France, where he played a pivotal role in its abolition in 1981.
President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to Badinter, describing him as a “figure of the century” who embodied the “French spirit” through his unwavering commitment to enlightenment values.
Badinter’s legacy is deeply intertwined with his crusade against capital punishment, which he pursued throughout his career as a defense lawyer and later as a politician. His impassioned plea to lawmakers in 1981 marked a turning point in French justice, as he fervently declared that France’s legal system would no longer condone state-sanctioned executions.
Despite widespread public support for the death penalty at the time, Badinter remained steadfast in his belief that it was a violation of human rights. His dedication to this cause stemmed from a personal encounter with the brutality of capital punishment, recounted in his 1973 book “The Execution,” where he vividly described the trauma of witnessing a client’s execution.
Born in Paris to Jewish immigrants from Bessarabia, Badinter’s commitment to liberal values and the defense of human rights was deeply influenced by the tragic loss of his father, Simon, who perished in Nazi death camps during World War II. This experience instilled in him a profound sense of duty to safeguard the principles of the French republic.
Throughout his tenure as justice minister from 1981 to 1986 and later as the president of France’s Constitutional Council, Badinter continued to champion the rule of law and advocate for the abolition of the death penalty. His influence extended beyond politics, as he served as a symbol of conscience and integrity within the republic.
Badinter’s passing leaves a significant void in France’s legal and political landscape, with Justice Minister Éric Dupond-Moretti describing him as a “deeply committed advocate of abolition” whose legacy is immeasurable.
Beyond his political achievements, Badinter’s personal connection to his Jewish heritage and his enduring commitment to the values of the French republic have left an indelible mark on the nation’s history. As France mourns the loss of one of its most revered figures, the legacy of Robert Badinter will continue to inspire future generations in the pursuit of justice and human rights.