Reactions to the Imposition of the Death Penalty on Palestinians in Israel – An International Initiative to Monitor Torture

SadaNews - In the interview titled "The Death Penalty for Palestinians: A Direct Collision with International Law and Human Rights," a former minister in the Palestinian Authority, Shaddad Attili, a sociology professor and director of the Center for Fundamental Rights at the University of Nicosia, Nikos Trimichlinoutis, and a member of parliament from the Akel party and head of the parliamentary committee for human rights, Giorgos Koukoumas, also participated. Speakers expressed their opposition on Great Thursday to the new legislation enacted by the Knesset regarding the imposition of a "death penalty on terrorists" — which has been criticized as targeting only convicted Palestinians — during a press conference held at the Embassy of the State of Palestine in Cyprus, with the participation of Ambassador Abdullah Attari. At the same time, an international initiative was announced to monitor torture and the conditions of Palestinian detainees, with the participation of academics and support from the embassy. In the interview titled "The Death Penalty for Palestinians: A Direct Collision with International Law and Human Rights," former Palestinian Authority Minister Shaddad Attili, sociology professor Nikos Trimichlinoutis, and MP Giorgos Koukoumas also participated. The Ambassador of the State of Palestine in Cyprus, Abdullah Attari, stated that the Israeli legislative initiative regarding the imposition of the death penalty on Palestinians in the occupied territories raises "particular concern," emphasizing that it comes at a time when "the Palestinian issue has largely been marginalized from international attention." He also pointed out that "the reality remains tragic," referring to the situation in the West Bank, where "settlement and ongoing attacks are tragic," as well as in Gaza, where "the humanitarian crisis is worsening and the massacre continues daily." For his part, former Palestinian Authority Minister Shaddad Attili spoke of a wider reality of violence and violations, saying: "I come from a place where genocide continues," and "I come from the West Bank where annexation occurs every minute." Referring to the legislation enacted by the Israeli parliament, he considered that it does not represent an isolated measure, but rather an issue concerning the entire international system, explaining that "this is not a law concerning Palestine alone, but relates to international law, which should regulate all relations in the world we live in." He also called on the international community to intervene, pointing out that this legislation "represents a violation of the rules governing the whole world." Nikos Trimichlinoutis, a sociology professor and director of the Center for Fundamental Rights at the University of Nicosia, presented an extensive legal analysis, describing the legislation as a "blatant violation of fundamental rights and a gross misuse of international law." He stated that the imposition of the death penalty violates the right to life, the principle of equality, and guarantees of a fair trial, especially in a system where Palestinians are tried in military courts. He added, "This is not about isolated criminal reform, but a legislative manifestation of a system that is already in place," noting that this organization is "racially oriented" and establishes an unequal legal system where "Israeli citizens and settlers are explicitly excluded." He also pointed out that "any death sentence in such a system will be arbitrary and illegal from the beginning," highlighting issues such as the use of military courts, weak defense guarantees, and the use of secret evidence. He further added that "it is not enough for the international community to condemn, but it must act," emphasizing that the obligations of states "are not limited to statements of concern," but represent a legal obligation not to contribute to or legitimize violations, given the indication of war crimes and crimes against humanity. He stated that there is an urgent need to take action to protect Palestinian detainees, through measures such as "pressuring to repeal the legislation, activating international accountability mechanisms, and imposing sanctions and arms bans." In this context, Mr. Trimichlinoutis announced the establishment of an international initiative to monitor the torture and detention of Palestinians, explaining that it will include academics and human rights experts, aiming to systematically document and highlight violations. He added: "We have a responsibility to stop this evil and resist any participation or complicity with this unacceptable system." The Ambassador of the State of Palestine also expressed his support for this initiative. For his part, MP Giorgos Koukoumas from the Akel Party and head of the parliamentary committee for human rights described the Israeli Knesset's decision as a "direct collision with international law and human rights." He noted that the legislation reinforces a "dual legal system," under which Palestinians in the West Bank are subject to military law, while Israeli settlers are not, adding that "the concept of a fair trial does not exist under an occupation system." He cited data indicating that about 9,500 Palestinians are imprisoned in Israeli jails, "of whom thousands are held without trial." At the same time, he spoke about "racist legislation" that reinforces a "hierarchical ethnic and racial system." Meanwhile, Mr. Koukoumas directed a call to the Cypriot government, as it holds the presidency of the Council of the European Union, to call for the repeal of this law and to raise the issue of suspending the partnership agreement between the European Union and Israel. At the conclusion of the conference, the speakers called on the international community to go beyond statements of condemnation and take tangible actions, including the imposition of sanctions and international intervention, in order to prevent violations of fundamental rights.