North African Students Unite with Palestine Against Israel’s New Death Penalty Law
University student unions across North Africa organized solidarity demonstrations with Palestine against the new death penalty law passed by the Israeli parliament targeting Palestinian prisoners. Student organizations in Algeria, Libya, Tunisia, Morocco, and Mauritania expressed a united reaction, arguing that the legislation violates international law and fundamental human rights.
The law passed by the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, on 30 March stipulates death by hanging as the default punishment for Palestinians convicted of so-called “terrorist acts” alleged to have caused the deaths of Israeli citizens. According to the report, Palestinians will be tried in military courts, and executions could be carried out within 90 days, with the possibilities for appeal or pardon severely restricted. This development has drawn sharp criticism from many international actors, especially the European Union and the United Nations.
Student organizations protested the law through a series of statements and marches in several countries. While the General Union of Libyan Students held a peaceful protest, an anti-death penalty march was organized around Al-Zaytuna University in Tunisia. Student groups in Algeria, Morocco, and Mauritania also described the measure in their statements as “a dangerous escalation,” “a violation of the right to life,” and “a step contrary to international law.” Some student movements also argued that the law violates the Geneva Conventions.