“SHAMS” center seriously considers the escalation of issuing death sentences by military and civil courts, as within less than two weeks, Palestinian courts in the West Bank and Gaza Strip issued 3 death sentences against Palestinian citizens.
On 29/12/2015 the Court of First Instance in Jericho issued a death sentence by handing against a citizen from Nablus who is 26 years old, after being accused of killing a citizen from Jericho.
Also, the Court of First Instance in Deir Albalah issued a death sentence by handing against a citizen from Albreij Camp who is also 26 years old, after accused of kidnapping and killing a citizen in the same area. Moreover, on 15/12/2015 the Permanent Military Court in Gaza Strip issued a death sentence by handing against a citizen living in the north of Gaza Strip who is 50 years after being accused of espionage with Israeli side, he is outlaw and currently living in Israel.
“SHAMS” center reminds of article (30) of the Palestinian Basic Law which stipulates:
• Submitting a case to court is a protected and guaranteed right for all people. Each Palestinian shall have the right to seek redress in the judicial system. Litigation procedures shall be organized by law to guarantee prompt settlement of cases.
• Laws may not contain any provisions that provide immunity to any administrative decision or action or against judicial review.
• Judicial error shall result in a remedy by the National Authority. Conditions and methods of such remedy shall be regulated by law.
Therefore, submitting civilians to military courts is a breach of constitution. “SHAMS” center calls for respecting the attitudes of Palestinian leaders which aspire to attain accession to additional human rights conventions which guarantee right to life.
It also calls upon the Palestinian National Authority PNA to significantly sign the Second Protocol annexed to International Convenant of Political and Civil Rights of 1989 and abolish death penalty.
“SHAMS” center calls upon the Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas not to approve death sentences. And to employ his constitutional authorities to follow necessary measures to abolish death penalty in the Palestinian legislations.
“END”