A letter from the Government of Solentia
"Dear Secretary-General,
I write on behalf of the Government and peoples of the Democratic Republic of Solentia to note most strongly our objection to being placed on a so-called blacklist of nations condemned by your organisation for statutes relating to judicial procedures in our nation.
Our Attorney General and diplomatic staff have assessed your reports and have concluded that whilst Solentia does indeed allow for what is internationally referred to as capital punishment as a part of our justice system, we are not at this time moved to repeal statutes relating to this matter. The Government of Solentia has no current plans to remove from statute provisions for capital punishment and you should be advised that this is an avenue of decisive conclusion.
We furthermore wish to object to our inclusion in your list on the grounds that it is, by merit, a flawed one. Your own opening statement upon announcement of this so-called blacklist, Secretary-General, referred to the combination of bias justice systems and restricted political rights. It stated, to quote "when combined" these things are "
a fundamental breach of an individual's freedom". I am pleased to, therefore, inform you that no such conditions exist in our system. Solentia is noted for being of neutral, peaceful mediatory ethos and for over a thousand years has stood firmly as an example of a modern, credible nation-state. To include us on your blacklist after you personally outlined these conditions for freedom being breached, is to bring our judicial professionals into disrepute, something that has severe repercussions for international law.
For a non-governmental organisation to attempt to bring about criticisms of professional judgement in this manner is unbecoming of statesmen and Solentia shall not be swayed by such external pressures. Our own human rights advisors have given the Government assurances that the current system of justice in Solentia, notably where capital punishment is applied, is credible and proportionate; applying only to crimes against mankind, treason and terrorism. This, we find, to be most fair and reasonable and the court of public opinion in Solentia over the last thousand years would back up this point of view.
Secretary-General, we object to such international pressure being unduly placed on nations who are simply exercising their sovereign right to uphold justice and security within their borders. We value the dignity of human life and the fundamental fairness found in bringing those who murder, terrorise and commit vile human rights abuses to the justice they deserve. Our priority is now the establishment of a frank and open dialogue on human rights with our partners across Terra.
Yours sincerely,
Scott Zadan,
Solentian Foreign Secretary & Unionist Party Leader"