[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 67 (Tuesday, May 20, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4766-S4767]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    DEATH SENTENCES FOR SALE OF LAND

 Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I was profoundly disturbed to learn 
that the Palestinian Authority has adopted a policy that any 
Palestinian caught selling land to a Jew will receive the death 
penalty. Only days after the announcement, the New York Times reported 
the brutal abduction and murder of Mr. Farid Bashiti, a 70-year-old

[[Page S4767]]

Palestinian real estate dealer who had been interrogated 2 weeks before 
his murder by the Palestinian police for allegedly selling land to Jews 
in and around Jerusalem.
  Palestinian authorities have denied any involvement in Mr. Bashiti's 
death, and I understand an investigation is underway by Palestinian and 
Israeli police. I do not seek to prejudge that. But it is noteworthy 
that Palestinian officials have not condemned his death and have openly 
called Mr. Bashiti a traitor. I hope that his family is able to learn 
the truth, and that those responsible are brought to justice. This was 
a horrendous crime whatever the motive, and whoever was behind it 
should be severely punished.
  But apart from Mr. Bashiti's murder, the policy of imposing a death 
sentence for the sale of land is nothing short of barbaric. It cannot 
be justified under any circumstances. I am very aware that Palestinians 
fervently disagree with the Israeli decision to proceed with the 
construction of Jewish housing in Har Homa. I disagree with that 
decision as well. And I am disturbed by the reports that torture is 
used by Israeli police. But executing someone because he or she sold 
land to Jews is beyond comprehension.
  Mr. President, I have spoken many times about the fragility of the 
peace process in the Middle East. I am very disappointed by any actions 
that exacerbate the situation, when the focus should be on easing 
tensions and seeking common ground.

                          ____________________