Press Releases
24 May 2023 |Reference 40/2023
On Tuesday morning, 23 May 2023, the Supreme Criminal Chamber of the Court of First Instance in Gaza sentenced a 46-year-old man to death by hanging, following his conviction for the premeditated murder of 64-year-old Saliba Khalil Abu Nseira, on 15 October 2022.
This ruling brings the number of death sentences issued since the beginning of 2023 to four, and 62 since the State of Palestine ratified the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which aims at the abolition of the death penalty, in 2019.
Al Mezan remains deeply concerned about the continued issuance of death sentences in the Gaza Strip and reiterates its strongest condemnation of this practice, which constitutes a form of inhuman punishment in violation of international legal standards. This punishment also violates Palestine’s obligations under international human rights law arising from the State’s accession to international treaties, including ICCPR, its Second Optional Protocol, and the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT). Moreover, this punishment is widely regarded as ineffective at deterring or preventing serious crime.
Al Mezan calls on all competent Palestinian authorities to immediately halt the use of the death penalty, abolish it completely, and replace it with more efficient punishments in compliance with Palestine’s international obligations.
Testimonies
Reports and Studies
Israeli Attacks on Palestinians and Properties and Victims of Internal Violence, Monthly Statistical Report
International Reports
Mezan In Media
Al Mezan calls on the Palestinian Council of Ministers to issue a decree setting the date for local elections in Gaza
Deeply concerned by the continued issuance of death sentences in Gaza, Al Mezan urges the complete abolition of this practice
Gaza’s Military Court of Appeal issues a number of death sentences
Al Mezan strongly condemns the police crackdown on peaceful protests in Gaza and assaults on journalists
Al Mezan strongly condemns police attacks on peaceful protesters in Gaza and calls for swift investigation into reported violence