Palestinian National Authority
Gaza City: Hamas Imposes Radical New Law: Lashings, Amputations, and Massive Executions
April 1, 2014
Hamas is now trying to outdo the Taliban in imposing new Shar’ia inspired draconian punishments, including amputations of limbs and massive increases in lashings and executions. A senior Hamas official told Gulf News that a new punitive law, “inspired by” Shar’ia Law, is required to replace the former and “impractical” one. The article states that there will be a minimum of 20 lashes for minor offenses and a minimum of 80 lashes for criminal cases: the death penalty will also be expanded in accordance with the Shar’ia. In addition, the new law includes cutting off the hands of a thief.
By replacing an almost 80-year old punitive law with a new radical one, Hamas has earned widespread condemnation by other Palestinian factions. Even other terrorist groups condemn Hamas’ new law.
“The new law will harm the interests of the Palestinians and perpetuate the Palestinian internal split. Hamas must retreat and show priority and preference to the higher Palestinian interests,” according to The Popular Front for Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) statement.
According to the article, Hamas asserts that the law aims at deterring criminals in Gaza.
Instead of planning to alleviate Gaza’s deteriorating economic situation or reining in terrorist groups operating in the Strip, the Hamas regime is reinforcing its radical rule. Clearly, Hamas prioritizes imposing its radical Islamist agenda on Palestinian society over enhancing Gaza’s standard of living.
It remains to be seen whether Hamas’ front groups and supporters in the United States, including the Council on American-Islamic Relations, American Muslims for Palestine, and the Muslim American Society, who claim to be civil rights organizations, will condemn Hamas for implementing this new law.
(source: Algemeiner.com)
GAZA: The EU Missions in Jerusalem and Ramallah Condemn the Death Sentence Issued in Gaza
February 12, 2014
The EU Missions in Jerusalem and Ramallah condemn the death sentence issued by the de facto authorities in Gaza on 6th February.
As in their most recent statement on 10 December, the EU Missions in Jerusalem and Ramallah recall the EU’s firm opposition under all circumstances to the use of capital punishment. The EU considers that abolition of the death penalty contributes to the enhancement of human dignity and the progressive development of human rights.
The EU considers capital punishment to be cruel and inhuman, that it fails to provide deterrence to criminal behaviour, and represents an unacceptable denial of human dignity and integrity.
The EU calls on the de facto authorities in Gaza to refrain from carrying out any executions of prisoners and comply with the moratorium on executions put in place by the Palestinian Authority, pending abolition of the death penalty in line with the global trend.
(source: Palestine News Network)
GAZA: MAN SENTENCED TO DEATH FOR COLLABORATION WITH ISRAEL
February 6, 2014: A Gaza military court sentenced a man convicted of collaborating with Israel to death and another to life in prison on the same charge.
The court did not determine a date for his execution. It said the evidence proved the defendant was guilty.
Neither defendant was identified by name.
Hamas has executed nearly two dozen people since taking over Gaza in 2007, according to the Palestinian Center for Human Rights, which opposes capital punishment.
(Source: Ma’an)