“Twenty-five years — what a beautiful age… Because at 25, you’re old enough to know what you want, and still young enough to believe that anything is possible. To me, that’s exactly the spirit of ECPM: the maturity of experience and the youth of hope.”
These opening words from Désislava Raoul, who guided the audience throughout the evening, set the tone for an event filled with emotion, reflection, and collective energy.
A Quarter Century of Abolitionist History
Since 1999, ECPM has worked toward a world without the death penalty. Twenty-five years of action, advocacy, campaigns, and international solidarity were revisited throughout the evening’s panel discussions.
“That such a small structure, such a small association, such a small team could achieve such great victories… it still amazes me.”
Emmanuel Maistre, one of ECPM’s founding member
The discussions painted a vivid portrait of the association, tracing its evolution through the testimonies of Olivier Dechaux, Emmanuel Oudar, Véronique Mary, and Emmanuel Maistre, the founders, as well as Marie-Lina Pérez, Jeanne Maneuvrier, and Ariane Grésillon, representing the current generation.
Alongside them, Maître Richard Sédillot, Maître Liévin Ngondji, Émilie Aberlen, and several representatives from ECPM’s international network offered insight into the tangible impact of the organization’s work around the world.
Together, their voices highlighted the milestones of this collective journey — its victories, challenges, and the enduring strength of a shared commitment to abolition.
Art as a Universal Language of Commitment
On stage, Naidra Ayadi and Vincent Elbaz moved the audience with their powerful interpretations of Robert Badinter’s most emblematic speeches, powerfully recalling the moral and universal foundations of abolition. A heartfelt tribute to the man who served as ECPM’s Honorary President since its creation.
« I look at the march of France. France is great not only through its power, but beyond its power, through the brilliance of the ideas, causes, and generosity that have guided it at the most privileged moments of its history. »
Extract from Robert Badinter’s address to the French National Assembly, performed by Naidra Ayadi
Music and words then came together in a unique and emotional performance.
The concert by Albert Marquès and Kazemde George, featuring Keith LaMar live from death row in Ohio, embodied the power of art as resistance and as a bridge between worlds.
« I must admit that I only recently learned about Robert Badinter’s legacy… 1981 feels like a lifetime ago. I was 12 years old then. (…) The tragedy of today’s world is that conscious adults sit back, pretending not to understand what is done in their name. »
Keith LaMar, live from Ohio
Looking Ahead
Twenty-five years of history also mean twenty-five years of friendship, cooperation, and conviction — values that ECPM’s team will continue to uphold, wherever necessary, across the globe.
The association is now preparing for its Regional Congress in Tokyo this November, and the World Congress in Paris in June 2026.
ECPM extends its heartfelt thanks to the Théâtre de la Concorde’s teams, its partners, speakers, artists, volunteers, and of course, the audience who joined to celebrate this milestone.
To go further :
https://www.ecpm.org/nos-actions/les-congres-pour-labolition/