(Tallinn, March 20. Postfactum). - A session of the Estonian Supreme Soviet started first reading of the draft law on the abolishing of death penalty. Under the document, death penalty is to be abolished with respect to ordinary crimes and ultimate punishment should only consist in life imprisonment. The draft was submitted by parliament's Christian Democrats.

Speaking at the session, the author of the draft Illar Hallaste noted the political nature of the issue and its relation to the human rights problem. "Wide-spread use of death penalty is a sign of a political dictatorship. At present the danger is a reality of our society," said Hallaste. He told the deputies that the legal commission of Estonian Supreme Soviet offered to consider death penalty question together with the new draft Criminal Code of Estonian republic currently developed. Hallaste disagreed with postponing decision on death penalty and said, "We are to abolish death penalty already now."

Deputy Tyniis Metse reminded Supreme Soviet of the upsurge in dangerous crime, branded the bill as a "cheap populist move" as offered to withdraw it from the agenda.

Discussion of death penalty bill will continue on March 21.