Dr. Ashrawi Condemns Extrajudicial Executions in Gaza

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
PLO Executive Committee

Department of Culture and Information

September 18, 2014

Dr. Ashrawi Condemns the Extrajudicial Executions Carried Out in Gaza

PLO Executive committee member, Dr. Hanan Ashrawi, strongly condemned the unlawful executions of alleged “collaborators” carried out by Hamas in Gaza. She further called for a halt to all measures and practices that contravene the Basic Law, international law, conventions, and human rights principles.

Dr. Ashrawi stressed her deepest concerns about the latest extrajudicial executions in Gaza:

"The ratification of death sentences is an exclusive right of the President of the Palestinian National Authority, in accordance with the code of criminal procedures (no.3) 2001; carrying out death sentences without the President’s ratification is unlawful and contrary to the provisions of the law and the constitution.”

Stressing her condemnation of the death penalty, Dr. Ashrawi stated, ”The death penalty is a flagrant violation of the right to life and a form of torture that constitutes cruel and inhuman treatment.”

Dr. Ashrawi referred to the consequences and risks that could result from such practices, similar to the occupation's practices in their disregard of the law:

“The recent extrajudicial and blatant executions might exacerbate regional developments and distort the image of the Palestinian people and the Palestinian legitimate humanitarian demands in international forums.

Extrajudicial executions are subject to accountability and reflect negatively on the credibility of the State of Palestine in joining the International Criminal Court, in the face of the independent, international commission of inquiry set up by the Human Rights Council on July 23, 2014 ‘to investigate all violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, particularly in the occupied Gaza Strip.’”

Dr. Ashrawi added, "The rejection of capital punishment does not imply the approval of crimes and any kind leniency with criminals; instead, it emphasizes the importance of prosecuting criminals and punishing them in accordance with the provisions of the law.”

ENDS

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