The Changing Law of Assassinations

Abstract

The war on terror is changing the law of international assassinations. For decades, nations of the world have condemned extrajudicial executions, contending that even the worst criminals are entitled to due process and fair trial. The failure of the United Nations Security Council to condemn the assassination of Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, however, raises the question whether exceptions are emerging under which states may lawfully execute, without any judicial process, the rank and file of terrorist organisations.

Keywords: terrorism, Islam, war, assassinations