“I am not a supporter of the death penalty in such a formula, especially in a situation where only members of a given nation or community are subject to it”, Marcin Przydacz, head of the presidential Office of International Policy, told private broadcaster Radio Zet.
He said justice should be based on actions, not identity.
“I come from a legal tradition in which Themis is taught to keep her eyes closed and judge deeds, not look at whom she is judging”, he said. “The nationality criterion, in my view, is unacceptable”.
Israel on Monday passed a law establishing the death penalty for Palestinians from the West Bank convicted of terrorism. Human rights organizations and Palestinian leaders condemned the measure.
The law requires execution by hanging within 90 days of a military court verdict, without the right to pardon, though it also allows for life imprisonment instead of the death penalty.
The provisions apply only to Palestinians in the West Bank, who, unlike Jewish settlers, are subject not to public courts, but to military courts administered by the occupying authorities.
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Source: PAP