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Jerusalem: 03 July , 1997
Death Sentence in Military
Court: No Way to Respond to HR Violations
The sentencing to death of a colonel
and two other officers from Force 17 for the murder of
Nasser Radwan surely represents an effort on the part of the
Palestinian Authority to take a firm hand against these
human rights violators. But at the same time, the use of the
death penalty - which has not been implemented yet on any
person sentenced to death - is in itself a human rights
violation.
The PHRMG strenuously objects to the
death penalty in each and every case - criminals, land
dealers, or human rights violators. The goal of the judicial
system should be to expose wrongdoing, not cover it up with
the use of unfair military trials that reveal none of the
details surrounding the case.
At the same time, the PHRMG is
pleased that the PA has taken steps to deal with the problem
of violence and torture in the security forces. We recommend
the following in cases of major violations of human rights:
1.
The PA should open an investigation
that involves the suspected violators, witnesses, and the
victims family. The results of the investigation should be
released.
2.
The suspects in human rights
violations should be presented for public trial with
adequate time to secure a lawyer of their own choosing and
to prepare their defense.
3.
If found guilty, human rights
violators should be sentenced according to law without
resort to the death penalty.
4.
The family of the victims deserve
compensation for their loss.
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