COLUMBIA, SC – The South Carolina Libertarian Party (SCLP) firmly opposes the scheduled execution of Freddie Owens, set to take place on September 20, 2024. We call upon state leaders and citizens to reconsider the moral, ethical, and practical implications of this irreversible action.
“The state should not be empowered to take the lives of its citizens,” said State Committee Chair, Kasie Whitener. “This execution is not consistent with our state’s values of preserving life.”
The irreversible nature of capital punishment undermines the sanctity of life and fails to acknowledge the potential for redemption, growth, and rehabilitation. History has shown that once capital punishment becomes normalized, the threshold for receiving it tends to expand to include a broader range of offenses, such as whistleblowing, and dissenting against political authorities. The decision to execute Freddie Owens raises profound concerns about justice, human rights, and the role of government in our lives.
The Libertarian Party highlights systemic issues within the justice system that often lead to flawed outcomes. In this very case, there is a lack of video evidence. Additionally, there is an eye witness who was offered a plea deal for their testimony. Twenty-seven years ago, at age 19, Freddie Owens made terrible decisions with terrible consequences. For 27 years, he’s been imprisoned.
“Mr. Owens is paying for the worst day of his life, the day he callously took the lives of Irene Graves and Christopher Bryan Lee. The day he ruined their families through tragedy. He can never undo the devastation of that day.” said Whitener. “Can the state correct violence with more violence? Or can the state – and we as citizens – prove to be better than Mr. Owens at age 19 by acting with compassion now when it’s not too late?”
The SCLP urges Governor Henry McMaster, the South Carolina General Assembly, and all citizens to engage in a serious dialogue about the implications of the death penalty. It is time to reevaluate our approach to justice and consider alternatives that align with our core values of respect for life and human dignity.
The South Carolina Libertarian Party remains committed to advocating for a justice system that upholds individual rights and fosters a more just, equitable society. We call on all South Carolinians to join us in opposing the execution of Freddie Owens on September 20, 2024.
For more information or to get involved, please contact: South Carolina Libertarian Party by emailing info@sclp.org, calling (803) 555-1234, or donating today to support liberty-minded candidates.