Israel’s death penalty law could spell suspension from rights body role, says chief
Summary
Israel’s new law requires the death penalty for Palestinians convicted of certain crimes related to deadly acts of terror. The president of the Council of Europe’s parliamentary assembly said this could lead to Israel losing its observer status at the body, which focuses on human rights in Europe. The issue is being discussed and might be decided soon.Key Facts
- Israel’s parliament passed a law to apply the death penalty to Palestinians convicted of deadly terrorist acts in military courts.
- Palestinians convicted of similar crimes in Israel’s civilian courts also face the death penalty or life imprisonment.
- Jewish Israelis are mostly protected from the death penalty by a legal provision.
- The Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly requires observer countries to not use the death penalty.
- Petra Bayr, president of the Council’s assembly, said Israel’s observer status might be suspended because of the law.
- Israel has held observer status since 1957 at the Council of Europe’s assembly.
- Human rights groups have asked Israel’s supreme court to cancel the new death penalty law.
- A vote on capital punishment in the assembly is planned for April 22, which may address this issue directly.
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