WARCRIMES-ISRAEL
WARCRIMES-ISRAEL
JOHANNESBURG Aug 5 Sapa
CALL TO CHARGE SAFRICANS IN ISRAELI ARMY
Two non-profit organisations have approached the National
Prosecuting Authority to take action against Israel for war crimes
committed in Gaza , and against South Africans who participated in
the war late last year.
Former intelligence minister Ronnie Kasrils said at a press
briefing in Newtown , Johannesburg , on Wednesday: "The
request
appeals to the authorities to investigate and if appropriate
prosecute in South Africa individuals involved in war crimes and
crimes against humanity during Israel 's Operation Cast Lead."
The Palestinian Solidarity Alliance and the Media Review Network
are listed as complainants in an affidavit handed to the NPA.
Kasrils was speaking in support of the initiative at the
briefing hosted by the Media Review Network.
The two organisations are also calling for the immediate arrest
of Lieutenant David Benjamin, who is currently in South Africa .
The organisations' legal teams have already made three requests
to the NPA for the South African-born Israeli soldier's arrest.
Kasrils said the request to file charges was made in terms of
Section Five of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal
Court Act.
It is supported by approximately 3500 pages of evidence,
including evidence by Human Rights Watch on the "brutal military
onslaught on Gaza by the Israeli Defence Force".
Around 70 South Africans are listed in the affidavit for
prosecution as they had served in the Israeli army. Their names
were withheld due to the fact that they were suspects.
"Evidence collected from eyewitnesses and those injured as well
as United Nations and other investigative reports... provide
compelling proof that suggests Israelis have committed war crimes
and crimes against humanity," Kasrils said.
He added that it was South Africans' duty and responsibility to
take actions against the
"apartheid state of Israel ". He said there
was sufficient evidence in the affidavit to the NPA to justify a
full and proper investigation into the perpetrators of alleged war
crimes.
Source : Sapa /nm/clh/ks
Date : 05 Aug 2009 12:48
OrigID : LP489813
