IPRT Condemns Israeli Death Penalty Law and Calls for Urgent EU Action
8th May 2026
IPRT has written to An Taoiseach strongly opposing the introduction of a new Israeli law that permits the use of the death penalty, with limited exceptions, for individuals convicted of certain killings of Israeli citizens. Under this law, Military Courts could try civilians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and impose the death penalty with only narrowly framed judicial discretion. Grounded in our commitment to human rights and the rule of law, we consider the death penalty to be a violation of the right to life and a form of inhuman and degrading punishment in all circumstances.
The law raises serious concerns regarding due process, equality before the law, and the potential for discriminatory application, particularly in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Of particular concern are the limited procedural safeguards, restrictions on legal representation, and the possibility of executions being carried out within a short timeframe.
IPRT welcomes the the recent statement of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence, Helen McEntee TD condemning this law and is calling on Ireland, especially in the context of its upcoming EU Presidency, to take a leadership role in ensuring the European Union acts in line with its commitments to fundamental rights and the abolition of the death penalty.
Echoing concerns raised by international and local human rights bodies, IPRT urges the immediate repeal of this law to prevent serious violations of international law and the potential loss of life.
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