– Arrest Netanyahu! shouted the protesters outside the congress when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was to speak before the weekend. But the decision from the International Criminal Court (ICC) has been long overdue. In May, prosecutor Karim Khan asked the ICC to issue arrest warrants for three Hamas leaders, and Israel’s prime minister and defense minister, for possible war crimes. Lawyer Triestino Mariniello represents victims in Gaza at the ICC. If an arrest warrant is issued, it will, among other things, limit where Netanyahu and Gallant travel to. 24 countries, but not Israel or the USA, are members of the court. If Netanyahu or Gallant visit one of these countries after the warrants are issued, they could be arrested. – It is because of government pressure from the United States and Great Britain that no decision has been reached yet, says lawyer Triestino Mariniello to news. He represents victims in Gaza at the International Criminal Court (ICC). Great Britain challenged the court Several countries such as the United States and Great Britain reacted strongly when the news of the arrest warrant came, and American senators threatened sanctions and revenge. The court received pressure from several sides. Then the UK challenged the ICC. They believed that the court does not have the right to issue arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant. According to the written letter, Britain would have the ICC review whether the court has the right to issue arrest warrants for Israelis. It has initiated an extensive process, where more than 70 states and organizations will give their views on the matter. It will naturally take time, several months, the lawyer believes. On Friday, Great Britain withdrew from this process, explaining that the country has a new government and they stand behind the court. But the ICC still needs to complete the process, because it has begun. Mariniello is happy that Britain has turned around, but the ICC should never have started this process, he says after the decision. The international court writes to news that they do not comment on ongoing processes, but confirm that the process continues. Spokesperson Fadi El Abdallah from the ICC writes to news. – The question is how can we allow states to interfere? This process is anything but transparent, says lawyer Mariniello. Photo: Tove Bjørgaas Believes it prevents the hostage agreement news has also sent a request to the British and American embassies. In an email, the American embassy writes that they believe the ICC has no right to issue arrest warrants for Israelis. In addition, they believe it will stand in the way of a possible hostage agreement and ceasefire between the parties. Neither the American nor the British embassy will be available for an interview. HAMAS: Prosecutor Karim Khan also asked for arrest warrants for three Hamas leaders: Yahya Sinwar, Mohammad Diab Ibrahim Al-Masri and Ismail Haniyeh. Photo: AFP The British embassy writes in an e-mail that they will not proceed with the proposal. – We believe very strongly in the rule of law, both internationally and nationally, writes ambassador Jan Thompson to news. Enormous state pressure The International Criminal Court has a mandate to prosecute war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. But it caused strong reactions from the US, Israel, Germany and the UK when prosecutor Karim Khan asked for an arrest warrant for Israel’s defense minister and prime minister. Republican senators threatened ICC employees and their family members with sanctions. US President Joe Biden reiterated that the US does not recognize the court’s authority. Then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of Great Britain reacted to the court’s juxtaposition of Israel’s leaders with Hamas’s leaders. – We are talking about a situation where states put great pressure and even threaten the ICC. Still think there will be an arrest warrant When the Prime Minister spoke to Congress before the weekend, Netanyahu also made strong claims that the ICC is trying to gag Israel. American-Palestinian Democrat Rashida Tlaib held up a sign reading “war criminal” during Netanyahu’s speech. Photo: Anna Moneymaker / AFP – If they can tie our hands, the US is next. It will make it more difficult for democratic countries to fight terrorism, he said. He also thanked the United States for its support. Mariniello believes that the pressure has worked and that it has already become an extended process. But despite pressure from the US and the UK, Mariniello believes there will be an arrest warrant, the legitimacy of the ICC depends on getting one, he believes. Published 29/07/2024, at 05.45
ttn-69
Lawyer for victims in Gaza believes state pressure prevents arrest warrant for Netanyahu – news Urix – Foreign news and documentaries
