EU missions in Jerusalem & Ramallah condemn prisoners’ executions by Gaza authorities – EU press release/Non-UN document

Jerusalem, 27 July 2011 — The EU Missions in Jerusalem and Ramallah condemn the execution of Muhammad and Rami Abu Ganas in Gaza on Tuesday 26 July.

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. It considers capital punishment to be cruel and inhuman, failing to provide deterrence to criminal behaviour.

The de facto authorities in Gaza should refrain from carrying out any further executions of prisoners and comply with the de facto moratorium on executions put in place by the Palestinian Authority, pending abolition of the death penalty in line with the global trend.

Contacts:

The Office of EU Representative

Press Section

Shadi Othman & Antonia Zafeiri 02 541588