On Sunday, a Tel Aviv court handed convicted Palestinian lawmaker, Marwan Barghouti, five consecutive life sentences plus 40 years in jail.
Palestinian uprising leader Barghouti arrived earlier at a Tel Aviv court for sentencing.
Barghouti, seen as a possible successor to Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, was convicted last month. He was the
most senior Palestinian tried by an Israeli court.
The prosecution had asked for five consecutive life terms. On his part, Barghouti had said he does not accept the court's authority. On Sunday, he said the judges were cooperating with the occupation and were as bad as Israeli pilots who dropped bombs on children.
The head of the ruling Fatah movement in the West Bank, Barghouti was captured by Israeli troops some two years ago.
Meanwhile, Secretary General of the Arab Parliament Union, Noureddin Boshkoj, condemned Barghouti’s sentence demanded his immediate release.
"The sentence against PLC member Marwan Barghouti is illegitimate and against international human rights laws. Marwan is part of the [Palestinian] national authority and was serving his country as a member of the Palestinian Legislative Council. According to international law, Marwan has immunity and should not be brought to court without the necessary legal proceedings," Boshkoj told Al Bawaba.
Boshkoj demanded a united international effort in support of Barghouti's cause, "We are asking of all the world’s parliaments to support Barghouti in his just cause and to put as much pressure as possible on the Israeli government to have him released immediately," Boshkoj concluded. (Albawaba.com)
© 2004 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
