Law by Decree No. 7 of 2011 Concerning the Amendment of the Penal Law in Force in the Northern Governorates and the Penal Law in Force in the Southern Governorates

Law by Decree No. 7 of 2011 Concerning the Amendment of the Penal Law in Force in the Northern Governorates and the Penal Law in Force in the Southern Governorates

The President of the State of Palestine

The Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organisation

The President of the Palestinian National Authority

Having reviewed the Amended Basic Law of 2003 and its Amendments, particularly Article 43 thereunder,

Having reviewed the Penal Law No. 16 of 1960, as amended, in force in the Northern Governorates,

Having reviewed the Penal Law No. 74 of 1936, as amended, in force in the Southern Governorates,

Having reviewed the Council of Ministers’ Decision No. 07/37/13/CoM/SF of 2010 Concerning the Recommendation to the President of the National Authority to Suspend Enforcement of the Articles of the Law Relating to the Crimes Committed against the Background of the “Family Honour”,

Based upon the powers bestowed upon me, and

In accomplishment of the public interest,

In the name of the Arab Palestinian people,

I hereby promulgate the following Law by Decree:

Article 1

In accordance with the provisions of this Law by Decree, the provisions of Article 340, Chapter 1, of Title VIII of the Penal Law No. 16 of 1960 in force in the Northern Governorates shall be repealed.

Article 2

The provisions of Article 18 of the Penal Law No. 74 of 1936 in force in the Southern Governorates shall be amended by the addition of the phrase (This shall not include the crimes of killing women against the background of “family honour”) at the end of the article.

Article 3

All provisions that contradict the provisions of this Law by Decree shall be repealed.

Article 4

This Law by Decree shall be presented to the Legislative Council in the first session it convenes for approval.

Article 5

All the competent authorities, each one within its sphere of jurisdiction, shall implement the provisions of this Law by Decree, which shall enter into force as of the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.

Issued in the city of Ramallah on May 15^th, 2011 Anno Domini,

Corresponding to Jumada al-Thani 11^th, 1432 Anno Hegira.

Mahmoud Abbas

President of the State of Palestine

Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organisation

President of the Palestinian National Authority