Schlagwort: Amnesty International

Israeli Knesset members must vote against a series of bills introducing controversial amendments that would allow Israeli courts to expand their use of death sentences with discriminatory application against Palestinians, said Amnesty International, ahead of an expected vote on one of the main bills by the Knesset’s National Security Committee. The death penalty would apply to defendants convicted of intentionally killing a person with the purpose of harming an Israeli citizen or resident, or to those convicted by military courts of causing death in circumstances defined under Israeli law as “acts of terrorism,” a provision that would primarily affect Palestinian defendants. In some cases, the death penalty would be mandatory or imposed without the right to appeal.

One of the proposed bills, which passed a first reading in the Knesset in November 2025, seeks to amend both military law applicable in the occupied West Bank, excluding occupied East Jerusalem, and laws that apply in Israel and illegally annexed East Jerusalem, in order to expand the offences punishable by death and remove key due process safeguards.

“Israel’s Knesset is moving against the global trend towards the abolition of the death penalty and is instead seeking to create new avenues for imposing death sentences. Rather than fast-tracking discriminatory bills that would serve as yet another tool within Israel’s institutionalized system of apartheid against all Palestinians whose rights it controls, Knesset members should immediately drop these amendments,” said Amnesty International’s Senior Director for Research, Advocacy, Policy and Campaigns, Erika Guevara Rosas.

“With these bills, the Israeli government is brazenly granting itself carte blanche to impose death sentences on Palestinians. Any death sentences imposed under these amendments would constitute a violation of the right to life and, when imposed by a military court may also amount to war crimes.”

In addition to expanding offences punishable by death, the bills introduce special procedures that strip away key fair‑trial and human rights safeguards under international human rights law. These include restricting access to information about executions on vague “security” grounds; authorizing ad hoc military courts ruling on offences related to the 7 October attacks to deviate from standard procedures and evidentiary rules, thereby further limiting the rights of individuals facing the death penalty; and permitting executions without judicial or religious representatives present.

With these bills, the Israeli government is brazenly granting itself carte blanche to impose death sentences on Palestinians.

Erika Guevara Rosas, Amnesty International

Israel has not carried out an execution in more than 60 years. The proposed legislative measures would also represent an alarming 20-year setback following Israel’s past engagement since 2007 on UN General Assembly resolutions calling for a moratorium on executions towards the abolition of the death penalty.

The proposed amendments to the military laws would grant military court judges across the occupied West Bank, excluding occupied East Jerusalem, to impose a mandatory death sentence by simple majority of a three-judge court, and even in cases where the prosecution has not requested it. Death sentences could not be commuted or pardoned and would have to be carried out within 90 days, in a stark violation of restrictions and safeguards established under international law. These West Bank military courts have jurisdiction over Palestinians and foreigners, but not over Israeli settlers living in illegal settlements, who are tried before civilian courts in Israel under civilian laws.

Any death sentences imposed under these amendments would constitute a violation of the right to life and, when imposed by a military court may also amount to war crimes.

Erika Guevara Rosas, Amnesty International

A second bill proposing additional legislative measures would grant special jurisdiction to ad hoc military courts to try individuals accused of having committed offences in connection with the 7 October 2023 attacks “according to any laws”, including Israel’s genocide law, and to impose death sentences with a simple majority of the panel of sitting judges. This bill was approved at its first reading at the Knesset on 13 January 2026. The Constitution, Law and Justice Committee of the Knesset is set to resume its consideration of this bill on 4 February.

“If adopted, these amendments will further reinforce the matrix of longstanding dehumanizing laws, policies, practices and unchecked public narratives that have enabled Israel’s ongoing genocide against Palestinians in the occupied Gaza Strip and sustained its system of apartheid over all Palestinians. This is also happening against the backdrop of the documented, widespread and rampant torture and other ill-treatment of Palestinian prisoners by Israeli authorities, and the spike in Palestinian deaths in custody since late 2023, as well as the rise in numbers of Palestinians unlawfully killed in apparent acts of extrajudicial executions over the past decade,” said Erika Guevara Rosas.

“Members of the Knesset must staunchly oppose these bills and scrap all legislative measures aimed at introducing, expanding and facilitating the use of the death penalty, with a clear goal of ensuring its full abolition. The international community, in particular Israel’s strong allies, must vocally oppose Israel’s legislative amendments that would further entrench its cruel system of apartheid against Palestinians. They must not turn their gaze away and embolden Israel’s violations of Palestinians’ rights by granting it further impunity.”

Background

Israel abolished the death penalty for ordinary crimes in 1954 but has retained this punishment for offences under the Genocide Act and for treason under the Penal Law. The last execution was carried out in 1962.  

Amnesty International opposes the death penalty in all cases without exception, regardless of who is accused, the nature or circumstances of crime, guilt, innocence, or the method used. As of today, 113 countries have abolished the death penalty for all crimes, including seven since 2020.

The post Israel/OPT: Knesset must drop discriminatory death penalty bills that would further entrench Israel’s system of apartheid appeared first on Amnesty International.

Ahead of the parliamentary vote on legislative amendments announced by the Georgian Dream ruling party, which aim to further silence dissent and tighten control over those who receive foreign support for political and other civic activity, Denis Krivosheev, Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, said:

“The government’s proposed changes to the law on grants are highly damaging and signify Georgia’s further expansion of authoritarian practices to silence and criminalize dissent and entrench power. The amendments significantly broaden the definition of a grant to include any foreign funds or in-kind support for virtually anything that the government does not approve of, from political activism to analytical work and expert advice. If the law were to pass, no ‘grants’ will be allowed without the government’s express prior approval, and those who receive them otherwise risk being locked up.”

If the law were to pass, no ‘grants’ will be allowed without the government’s express prior approval, and those who receive them otherwise risk being locked up

Denis Krivosheev, Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia

“This is nothing but a naked attempt to criminalize in Georgia virtually anything related to independent civil society, political opposition and engagement in public life outside of government control.

“Seeking, using and receiving foreign funding, remuneration or in-kind support is central to the functioning of civil society and is a right protected under international law. The Georgian authorities must drop these legislative proposals and bring the country’s legislation – already way out of sync – fully in line with its international human rights obligations, including the rights to freedom of association and expression.”

Background

On 28 January, the ruling Georgian Dream party announced legislative amendments which it said were aimed at making “significantly more difficult” the “financing of unrest, violence or revolutionary processes in Georgia from abroad.” In practice, these changes would further severely restrict or outlaw access to international or foreign funding or any in-kind support of independent voices. The proposals are expected to be adopted by Parliament after it reconvenes on 3 February.

Beyond expanding the definition of a “foreign grant”, the amendments require prior government approval for a wide range of funding, payment of salaries and consultancy fees, or in-kind support linked to vague and extremely broadly defined “political activity”. Criminal penalties for violations include prison sentences of up to six years, or up to 12 years in aggravated cases (such as involving “money laundering”).

The proposals also criminalize so-called “external lobbying” (presumably, lobbying on any Georgian matters abroad), disallow individuals working for foreign-funded organizations membership in political parties for eight years, and impose criminal penalties on the transfer of funds or other benefits if they are aimed at “influencing” political or public interests in Georgia.

The measures follow earlier waves of repressive legislation targeting media, civil society and political opposition, including the passage of legislation on “foreign influence” that had already imposed undue restrictions on access to foreign funding.

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Responding to media reports in which Eswatini’s Minister of Education and Training, Owen Nxumalo while making school visits during back to school visits in schools in the Hhohho Region, around Mbabane, is quoted as saying same-sex relationships have “no place” in schools and that LGBTI students should be expelled, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Flavia Mwangovya said:

“Eswatini’s authorities must publicly reject discriminatory rhetoric and urgently reaffirm that every student has the right to education in a safe, inclusive environment. Schools must be places of learning and protection, not spaces where children are threatened with exclusion because of who they are, or who they are perceived to be.

“Threatening students with expulsion on the basis of their real or perceived sexual orientation is discriminatory and profoundly harmful. Such statements by senior officials’ risk legitimizing stigma against already marginalized individuals, resulting in bullying, violence and children being driven out of school. The authorities in Eswatini must make clear that discrimination has no place in education and ensure safeguards to prevent harassment and to protect all students’ dignity and wellbeing.

Eswatini’s authorities must publicly reject discriminatory rhetoric and urgently reaffirm that every student has the right to education in a safe, inclusive environment. Schools must be places of learning and protection, not spaces where children are threatened with exclusion because of who they are, or who they are perceived to be.

Flavia Mwangovya, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for East and Southern Africa

“Amnesty International calls on the Ministry of Education and Training to guarantee that no student is expelled or otherwise punished on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on the basis stereotypes and rumours. Authorities must ensure clear protections against bullying and violence, confidential reporting mechanisms and survivor-centred responses to complaints of intimidation, harassment and abuse.”

Background

On 27 January 2026, Eswatini’s Minister of Education and Training, Owen Nxumalo, made discriminatory remarks about same-sex relationships in schools during back-to-school visits. According to media reports, the minister said there is “no place” for same-sex relationships in schools and that LGBTI students should be expelled.

Amnesty International’s research has highlighted the repercussions of Eswatini’s lack of specific legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. It has documented how consensual same-sex relations between men remain criminalized under section 185(5) of the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act, even though the law is widely reported to be largely obsolete in practice. The same research highlights widespread fear and discrimination, weak protection and accountability pathways when abuses are reported, as well as barriers to accessing services.

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On 2 February, Kyrgyzstan’s Supreme Court is expected to consider whether to resume proceedings against independent investigative journalist Makhabat Tazhibek-kyzy, after her defence lawyers filed a petition requesting a full re-examination of her wrongful conviction.

The petition, which ultimately seeks her immediate release, follows a legal opinion published by the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention in October 2025. It concluded that Makhabat Tazhibek-kyzy’s detention was arbitrary, violated multiple provisions of international human rights law and resulted directly from her lawful exercise of the right to freedom of expression.

Ahead of the Supreme Court hearing next week, Marie Struthers, Amnesty International’s Eastern Europe and Central Asia Director, said:

“The Kyrgyzstani authorities now have a clear and unavoidable choice: uphold their international human rights obligations or continue to defy them. The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has unequivocally concluded that Makhabat Tazhibek-kyzy’s imprisonment is unlawful, her conviction must be quashed, and she must be immediately released and compensated for the violations suffered. There is nothing ambiguous, optional or symbolic about this decision.”

The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has unequivocally concluded that Makhabat Tazhibek-kyzy’s imprisonment is unlawful, her conviction must be quashed, and she must be immediately released and compensated for the violations suffered

Marie Struthers, Amnesty International’s Eastern Europe and Central Asia Director

“Makhabat Tazhibek-kyzy’s continuous detention sends a chilling message to all independent voices in Kyrgyzstan that reporting on corruption and human rights abuses comes at the price of freedom.”

“The hearing before the Supreme Court is an opportunity to demonstrate that international law and Kyrgyzstan’s own Constitution are not mere words on paper.”

Background

Makhabat Tazhibek-kyzy was arrested along with 10 colleagues on 16 January 2024. They were charged with “calls for mass disorder” solely on the basis of their work for the independent investigative media projects, Temirov LIVE and Ayt Ayt Dese.  

On 10 October 2024, following a trial that failed to meet international fair trial standards, Makhabat Tazhibek-kyzy was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment. Appeal courts upheld the conviction.

The post Kyrgyzstan: Authorities must free journalist Makhabat Tazhibek-kyzy and quash her wrongful conviction appeared first on Amnesty International.

• Amnesty International representatives will be present at the trial and spokespeople are available on request.

On 30 January, six Italian coastguard and custom officials will go on trial for failing to launch rescue operations which could have prevented a shipwreck that killed more than 90 people near the town of Cutro in southern Italy in February 2023.

At least 94 people, including 34 children, drowned in Italian territorial waters near Steccato di Cutro, Calabria, as the “Summer Love” vessel sank just metres from the Italian shoreline. An unknown number of people also went missing at sea.

Over 50 survivors and relatives of victims will be civil parties in the proceedings, as well as numerous NGOs. Amnesty International will observe the hearing, with Serena Chiodo, Campaign specialist on migration at Amnesty International Italy, present at the Crotone courthouse.

“This trial will try to establish any individual criminal responsibility for the deaths of dozens of people, including many children, which is fundamental to uphold the right of survivors and victims’ families to truth, justice and reparation. Crucially, it will also be an opportunity to shine a light on systemic failures and reckless decisions by the Italian authorities that may have contributed to the enormous loss of life,” said Serena Chiodo.

In the aftermath of the Cutro shipwreck, according to leaked documents, it emerged in recent years the government had unduly restricted the response to maritime distress calls regarding refugees and migrants, which could have contributed to the disaster. 

The trial comes amid a spate of deadly shipwrecks over the past week, with UN agencies estimating that hundreds of people may have drowned attempting to cross the Mediterranean.

“As recent days have once again shown, deadly shipwrecks in the Mediterranean are a brutal and ongoing reality. The Central Mediterranean continues to be one of the world’s most dangerous migration routes, exacerbated by European states’ failure to ensure adequate search and rescue operations and the ongoing crackdown on NGO rescue vessels by the Italian government.

“Those who drowned at Cutro could still be alive had authorities acted in line with their search and rescue obligations. Fewer people would be forced to make life-threatening journeys if European governments significantly increased access to safe and regular pathways for people fleeing desperate situations.”

Background

Between 25 and 26 February 2023, a wooden boat carrying about 200 people sank metres from the shore in the Italian region of Calabria. Local fishermen, like Vincenzo, volunteered in rescue efforts but for many people on board it was already too late.

International law imposes obligations on states in relation to search and rescue. These include ensuring arrangements for the prompt coordination of rescue operations and for the rescue of persons in distress at sea in their area of responsibility.

An investigation by Lighthouse Reports revealed information was available to Frontex and the Italian authorities several hours before the shipwreck, that could have prevented drownings, including in relation to bad weather conditions and the likely presence of refugees and migrants below deck.

Amnesty International highlighted shortcomings in relation to the authorities’ response to the incident and made recommendations for the Italian authorities in its calls for urgent review of search and rescue procedures and visa policies.

On 24 January, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that the Central Mediterranean remains the deadliest migration route in the world, with at least 1,340 people losing their lives last year alone.

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