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Here’s to you: an anthem to federate the abolitionist community

Art is a powerful way of conveying the abolitionist voice: this was once again verified at the 8th World Congress against the Death Penalty, which was held in Berlin from 15 to 18 November 2022. Musical and visual performances punctuated the meetings and debates, creating unique moments of cohesion around a great global cause. This was the tone set by the anthem "Here's to you", which marked the official opening of the Congress in the packed auditorium of the Pierre Boulez Saal.

This song, composed by Joan Baez and Ennio Moricone in 1971 to pay tribute to Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti, two Italian anarchists wrongfully sentenced to death and executed in 1927, turn into a real anthem for the defense of civil rights. The 8th World Congress put it back in the spotlight: 66 musicians from all over the world, in an original interpretation of a “Symphony without borders” by composer Valentin Vander, all played and sang to honour the memory of the victims of the death penalty throughout the world. A refrain fueled with memory and a call to action that will continue to resonate to unite the abolitionist movement around the world.

In the German capital, the 8th World Congress against the Death Penalty was held from 15 to 18 November 2022: four days of exceptional mobilisation organised by civil society organisations brought together political figures, former death row inmates, great witnesses of the abolition, lawyers, activists, students and committed young people ready to honour the transmission of the abolitionist struggle. ECPM would like to thank all the participants for their bottomless determination and their talents, which brought these multidisciplinary events to life.

Advocacy
November 2022
The 8th World Congress Against the Death Penalty was also an opportunity to highlight civil…
Advocacy
November 2022
The 8th World Congress Against the Death Penalty was also an opportunity to highlight civil…