TUNIS – Tunisia’s Parliament has approved imposition of the death penalty for “terrorist” crimes, despite opposition from rights groups and a de facto quarter-century moratorium on executions.
Politicians were voting during the second of three days of debate on a bill aimed at beefing up powers to confront a jihadist threat following deadly attacks claimed by the Islamic State group.
President Beji Caid Essebsi imposed a state of emergency after a student went on a shooting rampage at a beach resort last month, killing 38 foreign tourists.
That incident came on the heels of one in March in which two gunmen attacked Tunisia’s national museum, killing 21 foreigners and a policeman.
Politicians voted heavily in favour of three articles imposing the death penalty.
Article 26 applies to anyone who “knowingly murders someone enjoying international protection”, a reference to such people as diplomats and international civil servants.
The following article applies to cases in which people die in hostage-taking or kidnapping situations, while Article 28 refers to people who commit rape during the course of a terrorism-related crime.
