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UN Security Council
Resolution 610 |
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| Date: | 16 March 1988 |
| Meeting no.: | 2,799 |
| Code: | S/RES/610 (Document) |
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| Vote: | For: 15 Abs.: 0 Against: 0 |
| Subject: | South Africa |
| Result: | Adopted |
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| Security Council composition in 1988: | |
| permanent members: | |
| non-permanent members: | |
| ALG ARG BRA FRG ITA | |
| JPN NEP SEN YUG ZAM | |
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| Apartheid-era sign (1989) | |
United Nations Security Council Resolution 610, adopted unanimously on March 16, 1988, after reaffirming resolutions 503 (1982), 525 (1982), 533 (1983) and 547 (1984) expressing concern at the imposed death sentences of anti-apartheid activists, the Council noted the deteriorating situation in South Africa. Resolution 610 concerned the Sharpeville Six, accused of the murder of the Deputy Mayor of Sharpeville on December 12, 1985.
The resolution expressed deep concern at the decision of the "Pretoria regime" to execute the Sharpeville Six on March 18, 1988 despite worldwide appeal, noting that the court proceedings showed that none of the six suspects was found to have killed the Councillor, but all were only convicted as they had a "common purpose" with the actual perpetrators.
Resolution 610 urged the Government of South Africa to commute the sentences and stay execution, urging other Member States, acting in accordance with the United Nations Charter, to save the lives of the six people. The following day after the resolution was adopted, a one month stay of execution was granted by a South African Court, and the six appealed.[1]
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