The Mezan Center for Human Rights in Nazareth has confirmed that the Knesset’s approval of the 2024 amendment to the “Youth Law” will exacerbate the suffering of Palestinian youth, potentially leading to long-term sentences that negatively impact their future.
Mezan described this amendment as a dangerous shift in the way punishment-related cases are handled, especially in instances involving death caused within an “ideological” context or under the legal framework of counterterrorism laws. The organization pointed out that the vague terminology used in the law could primarily target Palestinians, particularly those from Jerusalem and the West Bank, who could face actual imprisonment even if they are under 14 years old.
Recently, the Knesset’s plenum approved, in its second and third readings, the proposed amendment to the “Youth Law (Provisions, Punishments, and Methods of Dealing with Them) (Amendment No. 25 – Temporary Legislation)” for 2024, presented by several members of the Knesset.
The amendment stipulates the enactment of a temporary law for five years, allowing courts to issue an order to detain a minor under 14 years old, if convicted of a crime considered an act of terrorism or part of terrorist activity, in a closed facility. After that, the punishment will continue in prison starting at the age of 14, following deliberations regarding the minor’s case.
The amendment also grants the Minister of Justice the authority to extend the temporary legislation for periods not exceeding two years, subject to the approval of the Minister of Welfare and the Knesset’s Constitution Committee. Furthermore, the amendment includes a temporary provision for three years, allowing the court to transfer a minor’s detention from a closed facility to prison for up to 10 days if the court believes the minor poses a threat to others or that their behavior could harm others. In the event of repeated instances, the court can keep the minor in prison for a duration determined by the judge. The minor will also be given the opportunity to present evidence and defend themselves.
Additionally, the proposal includes a provision stating that if a minor detained in a closed facility is found to be a danger to others or likely to cause harm, an order can be issued for their transfer to detention for limited periods.