Capital punishment in Europe rights became a particular priority. The Kingdom of Italy had abolished the death penalty for civilians with the adoption of the Zanardelli Penal Code of 1889, but the Fascists had reintroduced it with the 1930 Penal Code. The European Convention on Human Rights was adopted in 1950, but some countries took many years to ratify it. The United Kingdom retained the death penalty for high treason until 1998; however, this technicality was superseded by the absolute ban on the death penalty in 1976. William Joyce was the last person to be put to death for high treason in the UK,
United Nations moratorium on the death penalty with information in this regard; "(b)" To make available relevant information with regard to their use of the death penalty, which can contribute to possible informed and transparent national debates; "(c)" To progressively restrict the use of the death penalty and to reduce the number of offences for which it may be imposed; "(d)" To establish a moratorium on executions with a view to abolishing the death penalty; 4. "Calls upon" States which have abolished the death penalty not to reintroduce it, and encourages them to share their experience in this regard; 5. "Requests" the Secretary-General to report to the