“SHAMS” center is calling theUnitedNationsandrelevant international human rights organizations to pressure the de facto government in Gazatostem the tide of death sentences. Given that the High Criminal Court issued two death sentences on Thursday 7\4\2022. The court sentenced to death by hanging against the citizen (A.J), with respect to the charge against him in the case of killing the citizen Mohammad Mazen Al Dahshaan, who was killed on 20\6\2012. Also, the court sentenced to death by hanging against the citizen (Sh.A), with respect to the charge against him in the case of killing the citizen Myassar Asem Al Khoudary who was killed on 7\2\2020.
“SHAMS” center states that the accelerated sentences are within the strategy that was approved in 2021 by the de facto government and its relevant institutions, including: Police, Public Prosecution, and High Judicial Council. The strategy revolves around the issuance of the death sentences in the cases that shape public opinion, such as: murder cases, corruption cases, and cases related to drugs. Bearing in mind that there is no article provides for the death penalty in the Decree- Law No (18) of 2016 on the amendment of anti – corruption law No (1) of 2005, as amended, nor in the Decree-Law No (26) of 2018 amending the Decree-Law No (18) of 2005 on anti- drug and psychotropic substances. This is illegal and a full-fledged crime exercised by the de facto government.
“SHAMS” center calls to create public opinion against the death penalty in Palestine, and to work actively by the human rights organizations to raise the awareness of this cruel, harsh and degrading punishment. Death penalty is the only punishment that cannot be undone after its execution, also, it does not achieve the general deterrence. This combined with the pressure on Palestinian Authority in order to abolish the death penalty from the legislation in force in the Palestinian territory, to harmonize the domestic legislations with the signed conventions and agreements on 1\4\2014, and to adopt a Palestinian penal law without the death penalty.
“SHAMS” center is looking forward to supporting its’ efforts to abolish the death penalty and to create a public opinion against it, through the review of death penalty in Palestine by intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations which are against the death penalty. Hence, Palestine should be considered as a priority within this context, as well, Palestine must exist in its strategic and executive plans. Nowadays, Palestine is one of few States where death sentences are still issued and implemented extra judicially, which requires the international organizations to demonstrate more interest and do not let the situation without interference.
It is noteworthy that the sentences which were issued by the High Criminal Court that was recently formed by the High Judicial Council, are within its policy in terms of public opinion cases, namely: murder, corruption, and drugs cases, moreover, the cases are adjudicated rapidly; in an effort to achieve a safe society and away from crimes.
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