UK, Germany, France, Italy urge Israel to abandon death penalty bill
The Jerusalem Post • • world
Key Points:
- Foreign ministers of Germany, France, Italy, and the UK have urged Israeli lawmakers to abandon a bill that would expand the use of the death penalty in Israel, expressing "deep concern" over its implications.
- The bill, set for a final vote in the Knesset this week, mandates the death penalty for terrorists who intentionally kill during acts of terrorism and removes the requirement for a unanimous verdict.
- Critics warn the bill could undermine Israel's democratic principles and has a de facto discriminatory character.
- The proposed execution method is hanging, to be carried out by the Israel Prison Service, replacing an earlier proposal for lethal injection.
- Those sentenced under the bill would face execution within 90 days of sentencing if the law is passed.
