In a recent landmark decision, the
Jordan Bar Association in
collaboration with Arab unions and a group of international lawyers from
Europe, led by the French lawyer Gilles Devers, has submitted a formal
complaint and report to the
International Criminal Court (ICC) against Israeli
officials.
اضافة اعلان
According to the head of JBA, Yahya Abu Abboud in an
interview with
Jordan News, he cited “The complaint included evidence and documents incriminating the
occupation, and more evidence will be attached after documenting those
crimes," noting that the request included taking legal action against the
accused and their trial according to principles of law.
Abu Abboud
further emphasized that, given the complaints, the ICC prosecutor must now
verify the existence of a crime of genocide. He stressed the importance of not
bypassing complaints submitted by associations, as they represent tens of
thousands of lawyers and act on their behalf.
Complaint following the ICJ case
The
ICC complaint follows South Africa’s ICJ case, he added: “The complaint is
based on and refers to the
International Court of Justice's decision in the
lawsuit filed by South Africa against the Zionist entity, and the complaint
also seeks to prove the factors of
forced displacement, which is considered one
of the crimes of genocide.”
Regarding
provisions and timelines, he shares “The complaint will be studied by the
public prosecutor, and there will be a meeting with the prosecutor and the
court's body during the next two or three weeks to follow up on the complaint.”
It must lead to an immediate halt
Meanwhile,
international lawyer and arbitrator with a specialty in ICC cases and
international arbitration Yazan Dakhlallah Haddadin told
Jordan News “The recent decision issued by the International Court of Justice must lead to
an immediate halt to the Israeli military operation that destroyed vast areas
in Gaza.”
He
continued “However, although the decision issued by the ICJ are legally
binding, the ICJ does not have any means to implement its rulings directly and
executively. Therefore, one must ensure that all measures are taken to prevent
the continuation of genocide in Gaza and to bring aid into the besieged Strip.
Hence the Jordan Bar Association action may flow across borders in the form of
a case before the ICC.”
JBA is the Kingdom’s most influential party
Member
of the parliament Saleh Al-Armouti told
Jordan News “The Bar Association
is the most influential party that can be effective because the participants in
this complaint come from all legal spectrums, including the Arab Lawyers Union
and the Bar Associations in many Arab countries, in addition to several French
lawyers, no less than 500 French lawyers.”
Armouti
added “This gathering is the largest gathering for filing complaints with the
Prosecutor General. Also, the International Criminal Court Law allows
organizations and unions to file such complaints. Many European countries have
also filed complaints with the International Criminal Court, indicating an
increasing number of complaints.”
Armouti
considered that “The Prosecutor General is not neutral. For example, in the
Ukraine case, he opened an investigation and accused individuals, while in the
Gaza case, despite the massacres and genocide committed, he did not move a
finger, even though these are within the jurisdiction of this court”.
Armouti
demanded the necessity of isolating the Prosecutor General, “I also addressed a
question to the Prime Minister, asking why the Jordanian government did not
nominate a judge for the International Criminal Court. It was later revealed
that three senior Jordanian employees are working there as administrators,
meaning that Jordan will have a presence, influence, and strength in this
court.”
A good step in the right direction
Expert
in international law, Anis Al-Qassem told
Jordan News “This complaint is
a good step on the part of the Bar Association, but it requires diligent
follow-up because the Prosecutor General lacks the necessary integrity to
seriously consider the complaint.”
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