Derry takes stand against 'horrific' move to legalise execution of Palestinians
A protest has been staged in Derry against the shocking move by the Israeli government to legalise the death penalty exclusively for Palestinian prisoners.
A new bill is aimed at permitting in law the execution of Palestinian prisoners convicted of terror offences means prisoners can be killed legally under a mandatory death penalty.
The move has caused outrage across the world with a number of European governments among those expressing grave concerns and calling on Israel to abandon the ‘sickening’ legislative change.
The move was roundly condemned at a protest which took place at the Hunger Strike Monument in Derry to mark Palestinian Prisoners Day on Friday last.
Speaking ahead of the vigil Sinn Féin Councillor pat Murphy had said: “As the Israeli onslaught in Palestine continues it is important that we continue to show solidarity with the Palestinian people, including those held in Israeli prisons - many in administrative detentions.
“Genocide, incarceration, detention, occupation and discrimination are systematic practices that the apartheid Israeli state continues to inflict on the Palestinian people.
“The horrifying news that that Israeli government has approved legislation to legalise executing Palestinian prisoners marks the latest terrifying atrocity set to be inflicted by the Israeli regime on the Palestinian people.
"Palestinian hostages and prisoners are routinely tortured, sexually abused and prevented from accessing basic medical and sanitary treatment in horrendous conditions. The prospect of the Israeli regime executing Palestinian prisoners is discriminatory, illegal under international law, abhorrent and sets a horrifying precedent.
"It is important that we gather to show solidarity with the Palestinian people, and oppose this barbaric, apartheid legislation.”
Speaking ahead of Palestinian Prisoners Day on Friday last, Derry People Before Profit Councillor Shaun Harkin called for the bill greenlighting execution of Palestinian prisoners to be rescinded.
"Palestinian Prisoners' Day will send a message of solidarity to thousands of Palestinians, including children, held illegally in Israeli jails,” Colr. Harkin said.
“The selective application of the death penalty for Palestinian prisoners starkly highlights systemic discrimination and institutionalised inequality under Israel’s illegal occupation.
“The Israeli license to kill is explicitly designed to apply solely to Palestinians, while Israeli settlers, who commit acts of violence with near-total impunity, remain exempt from such harsh penalties.”