Israel's death penalty law could spell suspension from rights body role, says chief

"Petra Bayr stated that not using the death penalty is a requirement for having observer status at the Council of Europe, emphasizing that even a non-discriminatory death penalty is unacceptable."

"The new law mandates the death penalty for Palestinians convicted of deadly acts of terror in military courts, while Jewish Israelis are shielded from the death penalty under specific provisions."

"Human rights organizations have petitioned Israel's supreme court to invalidate the law, highlighting concerns over its implications for human rights and international standards."

The Council of Europe's Parliamentary Assembly may suspend Israel's observer status following a new law that enforces the death penalty for Palestinians convicted of certain offenses. Petra Bayr, the assembly's president, emphasized that adherence to human rights standards, including the prohibition of the death penalty, is essential for maintaining observer status. The law applies specifically to Palestinians in military courts, while Jewish Israelis are protected from the death penalty under certain conditions. Human rights groups are challenging the law in Israel's supreme court.

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