The Maltese government has expressed deep concern at the adoption of the Death Penalty Bill by the Israeli Parliament yesterday evening. The bill, which was approved by the Knesset, introduces capital punishment as the default sentence for individuals—primarily Palestinians—convicted of killings that are classified as acts of terrorism.
In military courts operating in the occupied State of Palestine (West Bank), the death penalty may now be imposed by a simple majority of judges, replacing previous higher thresholds and significantly reducing judicial discretion. The legislation further provides that executions are to be carried out within a short timeframe of 90 days of sentencing, limiting the possibilities of appeal.
Britain, France, Germany and Italy have issued a statement reiterating their longstanding opposition to the death penalty in all circumstances, describing it as an “inhumane and degrading form of punishment without any deterring effect”. Malta’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs said that Malta remains opposed to the death penalty in all circumstances.
The new law will also add to the injustices in the Israeli prison system for Palestinians. More than 9,000 Palestinians are currently held in Israeli prisons with more than a third of these individuals being detained without any due process.
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