Human Rights and Democracy Media Center “SHAMS”/Palestine strongly condemns the death sentence issued by the Appeal Court in Gaza Strip on Wednesday 13\4\2022 against a citizen accused of murdering his wife. The Appeal Court unanimously sentenced to death by hanging against the citizen (M.D), who was sentenced to life imprisonment. The Appeal Court amended the sentence of life imprisonment into death sentence by hanging. Reportedly that a Court of First Instance sentenced to life imprisonment against the convicted of murder his wife (S.D.A), that she was stabbed in her neck and hand with a knife on 22\4\2017.
“SHAMS” center stresses its solidarity with victims’ families. It also stresses that its demand for abolition of the death penalty against the perpetrators does not mean, however, that “SHAMS” calls for tolerance with those who are convicted for serious crimes, but it does demand to replace the death penalty with other exemplary punishment respects the human dignity. Death penalty is the worst forms of murder, it also a cruel and harsh punishment, and it does not achieve the goals of punishment that the government is seeking for. As well, it is the only punishment that cannot be undone, if it appeared that the defendant is innocent, after the execution of penalty.
“SHAMS” Center stresses that the permissiveness and acceleration of the issuance of death sentences by the civil courts and the military courts in Gaza strip, without the right to fair trail, moreover, the confessions were obtained by force or torture are an alarming situation.
“SHAMS” demands the de facto government in Gaza to stop immediately the issuance of death sentences, and to respect the obligations of the State of Palestine before the international community. Given that State of Palestine has acceded to the second optional protocol to the international covenant on civil and political rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty.
“SHAMS” Center warns that these sentences come within a campaign to improve their image before the local community. Also, it is a wrong message that “Hamas” is working to maintain security and order, as well, providing security for the citizens by the maximum penalties against the perpetrators.
“SHAMS” center warns of the use of these sentences to implement them at times and events that “Hamas” considers these times are appropriate, in order to satisfy the public opinion, to gain more popular, or to obtain political gain.
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