“SHAMS” center seriously considers the hazard of submitting Palestinian citizens to Military Courts, and condemns death sentences issued by Military Courts against 4 Palestinian citizens on Wednesday 13/1/2016. In spite of celebrating new season and Christmas, Palestinian Military Courts issue death sentences against Palestinian civilians.
Unfortunately, the New Year began with issuing death sentences which increase sorrow and desperateness substitute to happiness and joy.
Since the Military Court affiliated with Judiciary Commission of Gaza Strip issued death by handing against 4 citizens, 3 of them in absentia accused of espionage with Israeli occupation.
The court issued a sentence against (A. J) who is 23 years old living in Alzaytoun District to the east of Gaza Strip, accused of espionage with Israelis, and the other three were prosecuted in absentia because of escaping outside the country.
The citizens were accused of charges including observing people, informing about vehicles and homes and getting weapons to assassinate personnel.
“SHAMS” center emphasizes that prosecuting civilians before Military Courts represents a violation against human rights as it contradicts 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.
It also contradicts law (4) of the Palestinian Military Judiciary of 2008 so, submitting civilians and prosecuting them before military judiciary is a constitutional breach.
“SHAMS” center calls for respecting the efforts of Palestinian leaders aiming to accomplish accession to additional human rights conventions which guarantee right to life.
The center also requests Palestinian National Authority to sign the Second Protocol of 1989 annexed to International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights pertaining to abolition of death penalty.
It also appeals the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas so as not to ratify death sentences and to employ constitutional authorities to abolish death penalty from Palestinian legislations.
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