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From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
UN says Israel’s death penalty law for Palestinian terrorists violates international law
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UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk speaks during a press conference in Damascus, Syria, January 15, 2025. (Louai Beshara / AFP)
The UN rights chief urges Israel to repeal a law mandating a death sentence for Palestinians convicted in military courts of deadly terror attacks, saying the legislation violates international humanitarian law.
“It raises serious concerns about due process violations, is deeply discriminatory, and must be promptly repealed,” Volker Turk says in a statement sent to reporters.
He says the law is inconsistent with Israel’s legal obligations, citing the lack of opportunity for pardon and ordering executions to be carried out within 90 days.
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