24/1/2017
A statement for immediate release
Issued by Human Rights and Democracy Media Center “SHAMS”
On inflicting death sentence upon two citizens in Gaza Strip
“SHAMS” center strongly condemns inflicting death by handing on 24/1/2017 upon the citizen Khamis Jabra Zaki Shawwa (36) years by Court of First Instance of Gaza Strip, accused of murdering the citizen (Nahid Ibrahim Sawaf) in collaboration with another one. Also, Court of First Instance of Deir Albalah inflicted death by handing upon the citizen Ghasan Shafiq Ismail (49) years in the same day. Who lives in the center of Gaza Strip after being accused with murdering his brother (Adnan 30 years old).
“SHAMS” center emphasizes that death penalty doesn’t deter crimes or perpetrators, and studies have shown that it is inefficient to stop crimes. Capital punishment is unfair and infringes upon the right to life. It is worth noting that fighting against crimes is a preventive action that couldn’t be achieved by resorting to violence, murder or revenge. But, it justifies violence and murder as an acceptable means to solve social disputes. And the scope of punishment for deterring criminals should abide by humanity and equality so, governments which are aware of this don’t resort to willful killing as a social tool. Additionally, resorting to death penalty will hide the real causes of crimes, and will decrease employing social reform as an effective mechanism to control crimes. Supporters of death penalty mislead the public and attempt to hide their failure in controlling crimes.
“SHAMS” center appeals to the de facto government In Gaza Strip to stop issuing death sentences, and to the National Consensus Government to abolish death penalty from the national criminal laws. In addition to accede and endorse the Second Optional Protocol Annexed to International Convenant on Civil and Political Rights pertaining to death penalty. And to abolish laws which justify death penalty, and to match between the Palestinian legislations with International related treaties. Besides, to apply a fair criminal policy based on respecting and protecting the rights of detainees in life, human dignity and to rehabilitate them to get involved in the community. For the purpose of enhancing the rule of law and the respect for human rights.
“SHAMS” center assures its support and solidarity with families and parents of victims. It clarifies that calling for abolition of the death sentence against perpetrators in serious crimes doesn’t indicate tolerating them, but replacing the death sentence with other punishment to respect individuals’ humanity and dignity. The capital punishment represents the cruelest form of intentional murder. It is irreversible, the risk of executing an innocent person can never be eliminated. While people who were sent to death row have later been exonerated sometimes.
“ END”