Germany, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom have issued a public statement expressing serious concern over a proposed Israeli bill that would significantly expand the use of the death penalty. The bill, which could be voted on in the coming week, has drawn criticism for allegedly creating discriminatory application of capital punishment. This move by Israel could strain its democratic commitments. The Western European powers argue that the death penalty is a cruel and degrading form of punishment that serves no effective deterrent purpose. Their statement reflects a shared fundamental opposition to capital punishment in any form or circumstance. By... [Continue Reading]