BERLIN/PARIS/ROME/LONDON (dpa-AFX) – Germany joins other European countries in opposing the possible introduction of the death penalty for terrorists in Israel. Federal Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU) and the department heads from France, Italy and the United Kingdom expressed their “deep concern” about a corresponding draft law in a joint statement. The Israeli parliament is expected to make a final decision on this on Monday.
“The death penalty is an inhumane and degrading form of punishment without any deterrent effect,” the ministers said. “That’s why we reject the death penalty worldwide under all circumstances.” Berlin, Paris, Rome and London urged those responsible to abandon the plans.
Death penalty not carried out since Eichmann’s execution
Israel abolished the death penalty for murder in 1954. They only exist for certain cases, such as genocide or treason in times of war. Since the execution of the Nazi criminal Adolf Eichmann in 1962, no death penalty pronounced by a regular court has been carried out.
If the current legislative initiative is approved, Palestinians convicted of terrorist-motivated murder in military courts in the occupied territories will face a mandatory death penalty. The verdict can be appealed.
The foreign ministers of the four European countries spoke of a “de facto discriminatory” nature of the project. Adoption would risk undermining Israel’s commitment to democratic principles./bf/DP/zb
