Palestinian Center for Human Rights condemns use of death sentence against collaborators

The Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) strongly condemns the implementation of death sentences against two Palestinians this morning. These death sentences were implemented without the ratification of the Palestinian President. PCHR reiterates that the ratification of death sentences is an exclusive power of the President of the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) under the Code of Criminal Procedures (3) of 2001; the implementation of any death sentences without the President's ratification constitutes a violation of the law and constitution. PCHR stresses that the ratification of such sentences is necessary especially following signing the Palestinian reconciliation agreement in May 2011.

According to information available to PCHR, on Tuesday morning, 26 July 2011, the Ministry of Interior in Gaza executed by hanging (M.A.Q), 60, and (R.A.Q), 29, who were sentenced to death by a civilian court on 29 November 2004 after they had been convicted of collaboration with foreign security bodies and murder. The Interior Ministry issued a press release this morning and explained that: "The death sentences were implemented after exhausting all available means of challenge. They have had the res judicata effect and have become final and enforceable after the sentenced were given all of their rights." The Ministry of Interior added: "These death sentences have been implemented after the Palestinian government’s approval of a decision to implement death penalty…. On 29 November 2011, Gaza Court of First Instance sentenced the defendants to death by hanging. On 14 July 2011, the Court of Cassation rejected an appeal against the death sentence and endorsed the sentence of the Court of First Instance."

Since 2006, the government in Gaza has implemented 8 death sentences including 5 sentences for collaboration with foreign bodies and 3 sentences for murders. Since the establishment of the Palestinian National Authority (PNA), 21 death sentences have been implemented. more

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