Brazilian court orders probe into Israeli war crimes suspect
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A Brazilian court has ordered a probe into an Israeli settler who is a tourist in Brazil with photo and video proof of the man committing war crimes in Gaza.
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Israeli soldiers stand guard on the Palestinian side of the Karam Salem crossing as reporters tour the area in the Gaza Strip, on Thursday, December 19, 2024. (AP)
A Brazilian court has directed police to investigate an Israeli soldier accused of committing war crimes in Gaza. The directive follows a complaint filed by the Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF), a human rights organization "devoted to breaking the cycle of Israeli impunity."
The HRF alleges that the suspect, currently in Brazil as a tourist, was involved in the demolition of civilian homes in Gaza as part of the Israeli occupation's genocidal campaign.
"This individual actively contributed to the destruction of homes and livelihoods," said HRF lawyer Maira Pinheiro, referencing video and photographic evidence purportedly linking the suspect to the crimes.
Victims' families have joined the case at the Federal Court of the Federal District, pushing for legal recourse against the suspect. The HRF has called for the suspect's immediate arrest, citing concerns about a potential flight risk and the possibility of evidence tampering.
The court invoked provisions of Brazil's Code of Criminal Procedure, emphasizing the need for urgent investigative measures. The decision represents a historic application of the Rome Statute by Brazil, underscoring the country's commitment to international justice.
"This is a historic moment," said Dyab Abou Jahjah, chair of the HRF. "It sets a powerful precedent for holding war criminals accountable."
Mossad advises against sharing Gaza photos
Israeli occupation soldiers taking part in the ongoing war on the Gaza Strip were cautioned against posting battlefield photos online due to concerns over potential prosecution abroad, Press TV reported in December.
This came a month after the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Security Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of "crimes against humanity and war crimes."
Some Israeli soldiers involved in the genocide in Gaza have taken to social media platforms to document their actions in the besieged Palestinian Strip, boasting about their crimes against the territory's population and infrastructure.
"Do not post a picture of yourself in the battlefields of Gaza or elsewhere. Do not even post at all on social media," warned a post on X from an account claiming affiliation with "Israel's" Mossad intelligence agency.
The advisory cautioned soldiers that their information could be shared with countries they may visit in the future, exposing them to potential arrest. "Your vacation will turn into a nightmare," the post added.
