Targeting Palestinian Detainees, MPR Condemns Israel's Death Penalty Law
Deputy Chairman of the People’s Consultative Assembly of the Republic of Indonesia (MPR RI), Hidayat Nur Wahid (HNW), has condemned the approval of a death penalty law by Israel’s Parliament (Knesset). This legislative product is deemed a form of legalising human rights (HAM) violations that target the Palestinian people in a discriminatory manner.
The law was approved by a majority of Knesset members with 62 votes in favour and 48 against. Among the main supporters of the bill is Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is currently subject to an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged genocide in Gaza.
“The death penalty bill has been approved by Israel’s Parliament, the Knesset. Those who approved the bill include Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been issued an arrest warrant by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for violations of law through his genocide against the people of Gaza/Palestine,” HNW stated in a press release on Friday (3/4/2026).
HNW emphasised that executing the death penalty against Palestinian detainees fighting for independence constitutes a crime that contravenes principles of international law. He called on the global community concerned with democracy and human rights not to remain silent as Israel’s democratic institutions are used to justify occupation.
“This is clearly an ongoing form of human rights violations, and it is only right that the international community concerned with human rights and democracy immediately moves to correct and stop it,” he asserted.
This senior PKS politician also expressed appreciation for the condemnation issued by the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Office and UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese. However, HNW urged the UN not to merely issue statements but to take concrete steps.
He suggested that the UN Human Rights Office coordinate with international human rights activists, including those in Israel, to file a legal challenge to annul the law through Israel’s Supreme Court.
“The UN Human Rights Office should be able to coordinate this rejection with various parties, including human rights activists in Israel, to bring this law to Israel’s Supreme Court to annul this discriminatory product that violates human rights from Netanyahu and his cronies,” HNW stressed.
Furthermore, HNW highlighted the contrast in treatment of detainees on both sides. He noted that Israel often tortures Palestinian detainees, while Palestinian resistance organisations are claimed to continue protecting the basic rights of Israeli detainees even amidst wartime assaults.
“Israeli detainees are treated well, their human rights are fulfilled, and they are even continuously protected from Israel’s indiscriminate attacks on the Gaza Strip. This shows which nation is more civilised and respects human rights,” he added.
Israel’s National Security Committee in parliament approved the bill on Tuesday night (24/3), paving the way for the legalisation of executions against Palestinian detainees.
Although the United States (US) continues to reject recognition of the Palestinian state, a total of 159 out of 193 UN member states have officially recognised it.
The Foreign Ministry stated that the law is clearly discriminatory against the Palestinian people and eliminates all forms of judicial discretion.