Turkish official slams Israeli death penalty law targeting Palestinians

Turkish Communications Director Burhanettin Duran on Wednesday strongly condemned the death penalty legislation passed by the Israeli Knesset, which applies exclusively to Palestinians. In a post on the social media platform X, Duran said: “I strongly condemn and denounce the death penalty legislation passed by the Israeli Parliament, which is intended to apply exclusively to Palestinians.”

Duran: Law deepens discrimination and tyranny

Duran characterized the measure as “an extension of their genocide against innocent people,” calling it a clear example of oppression that disregards the rule of law. “We view this so-called law, which we see as an extension of their genocide against innocent people, as a clear example of oppression that disregards the rule of law, deepens discrimination and tyranny, and seeks to legitimize the collective punishment of an entire people,” he wrote.

Knesset vote clears path for executions

The controversial legislation was approved Monday evening by a vote of 62 to 48, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supporting the measure. Under the new law, executions are to be carried out by hanging, conducted by prison guards appointed by the Israeli Prison Service, who will be granted anonymity and legal immunity.

Call for international response

Duran emphasized that a law shaped by what he called “racist and discriminatory” practices has no place in law or human values. He urged the international community not to remain silent in the face of “blatant lawlessness” and to take “concrete steps in the name of justice, human rights, and universal values.”