EU voices opposition to legislation on death penalty in Israel

BRUSSELS, Jan 4 (KUNA) -- The European Union (EU) reiterated on Thursday its opposition to death penalty anywhere and under any circumstances.
"As you know the European Union is opposed to the death-penalty in all circumstances and cases. We are working at its universal abolition. There is no exception to this rule," a spokesperson for the European Commission (EC) Carlos Martin Ruiz de Gordejuela, told a news conference.
He was replying to questions by journalists on the preliminary approval by Israel's parliament a day earlier of a legislation that would make it easier for a court to pass a death sentence on persons convicted of murder in attacks classified as terrorism.
Analysts opine that this legislation is primarily targeted against Palestinians.
Meanwhile, on recent demonstrations in Iran the spokesman said "We condemn this unacceptable increase of violence and this unacceptable loss of human lives." Referring to a statement issued by EU High Representative Federica Mogherini on behalf of the 28 member states on Iran Tuesday, Ruiz de Gordejuela said: "Peaceful demonstration and freedom of expression are fundamental rights that apply to every country, and Iran is no exception." (end) nk.msa