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| Wakil Ketua MPR RI, Hidayat Nur Wahid. |
JAKARTA, KONTAK BANTEN – Indonesia’s People's Consultative Assembly (MPR RI) has strongly condemned a recently approved death penalty law by Israel’s parliament, warning that the legislation could be applied in a discriminatory manner against Palestinians.
Deputy Speaker of the MPR, Hidayat Nur Wahid, urged the international community, particularly those committed to human rights and democratic values, not to remain silent in the face of what he described as ongoing violations.
“It is unfortunate that through its democratic institution, the Knesset, such a law is being justified,” Hidayat told reporters on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
He expressed concern over the legislative process, noting that the bill was passed through a vote of 62 in favor and 48 against.
Hidayat also highlighted that the policy received backing from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whom he referred to as being under scrutiny following an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court over alleged violations of international law related to actions in Gaza.
According to Hidayat, the implementation of the death penalty against Palestinian detainees constitutes a serious breach of international law and human rights principles, particularly if applied broadly to individuals resisting occupation.
“This is clearly a continuing human rights violation. The international community must act immediately to correct and stop it,” he said.
The senior politician from the Prosperous Justice Party also welcomed the response from the United Nations Human Rights Office, which has issued criticism of the legislation.
However, he stressed that statements alone are not sufficient. He called on the UN Human Rights Office to coordinate with global and domestic human rights groups, including activists within Israel, to challenge the law through legal channels.
“The UN Human Rights Office should go beyond statements and coordinate opposition efforts, including bringing this law before Israel’s Supreme Court to overturn what we see as a discriminatory and rights-violating regulation,” he concluded.
