The European Union Expresses Its Rejection of the Law on Executing Palestinian Prisoners

SadaNews Translation - The European Union expressed its rejection on Tuesday evening of the Israeli Knesset's approval of a bill imposing the death penalty on Palestinian prisoners.

The European Union stated in a statement, according to SadaNews translation, that Israel has long committed to an effective moratorium on the implementation of death sentences, thereby setting an example to be followed in the region despite the complex security situation.

It added: The approval of the Israeli parliament's bill on the death penalty represents a serious regression from that practice and from Israel's own commitments. We are deeply concerned about the discriminatory nature of this law.

It continued: In line with our global efforts aimed at the universal abolition of the death penalty, the European Union urges Israel to adhere to its previous principled stance and its obligations under international law, as well as its commitment to democratic principles as outlined in the provisions of the partnership agreement between the European Union and Israel.

It concluded: The death penalty is a violation of the right to life and cannot be carried out without violating the absolute right not to be subjected to torture and other forms of ill-treatment. Furthermore, there is no proven deterrent effect of the death penalty, and it makes any judicial errors irreparable.