ICC Chief Prosecutor: We must show that the law protects all

[Beastly Boy]

--snip--

[International Criminal Court Chief Prosecutor Karim] Khanexplained that his "visit to Israel was conducted at the request of family members and friends of Israeli citizens who were either killed or taken hostage by Hamas and other armed Palestinian groups on 7 October 2023."

Next, he said that during his visits to both Kibbutz Be'eri and Kibbutz Kfar Azza, as well as at the site of the Nova Music Festival in Re’im, "I witnessed scenes of calculated cruelty. The attacks against innocent Israeli civilians on 7 October represent some of the most serious international crimes that shock the conscience of humanity, crimes which the ICC was established to address."

Reaching out to Israel to sidestep Israeli legal concerns, he said, "I also stand ready to engage with relevant national authorities in line with the principle of complementarity at the heart of the Rome Statute. Such engagement, like my visit, would be without prejudice to the position of Israel on jurisdiction, and as a non-State Party to the Rome Statute."

Further, he stated, "I called for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages taken by Hamas and other terror organisations. There can be no justification for the holding of any hostages, and in particular the egregious breach of fundamental principles of humanity through the taking and continued holding of children. Hostages cannot be treated as human shields or bargaining chips."

--snip--

In relation to Gaza, he tried to walk a tightrope, saying, "notwithstanding any ongoing violations of international humanitarian law by Hamas and other armed groups in the Gaza Strip, the manner in which Israel responds to these attacks is subject to clear legal parameters that govern armed conflict. Conflict in densely populated areas where fighters are alleged to be unlawfully embedded in the civilian population is inherently complex, but international humanitarian [law] must still apply and the Israeli military knows the law that must be applied."

Khan also said, "Israel has trained lawyers who advise commanders and a robust system intended to ensure compliance with international humanitarian law. Credible allegations of crimes during the current conflict should be the subject of timely, independent examination and investigation. On this visit, I again stressed that the clear legal principles of distinction, precaution and proportionality must be complied with so that the protection of the law is rendered meaningful for those who need it. I emphasized that not only must the letter of the law be complied with, but also the spirit upheld."

https://www.jpost.com/arab-israeli-conflict/gaza-news/article-776326

A well articulated statement from the top prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, drawing clear distinction between the law, which he pledges to uphold, and popular sentiment.

[The Magistrate]

1. Straight From The Shoulder, Sir

It ought to be taken to heart, but will not be, by many whose commentary might best be summarized by a gloss on a famous Onion headline...


"Area Radical Passionate Advocate For What He Thinks International Law Says."

[Beastly Boy]

2. A great Onion headline.

Haven't heard of it before. Pretty much summarizes the entirety of all the debates on international law being conducted on social media.

Thanks for the chuckle!

[The Magistrate]

4. The Original, Sir, Runs Thus

"Area Man Passionate Defender Of What He Thinks Constitution Says"

I have adapted the template to the present circumstance.

The article which follows on the Onion site (I expect it's still to be found) is hilarious as it is apt.

[ShazzieB]

5. I just read the Onion article, and it is indeed very apt.

Especially considering that it was published back in 2009. I'm always impressed by The Onion's ability to use satire to get right to the beating heart of an issue.

I didn't laugh, though, only because it was so thoroughly believable and reminded me too keenly of some of the things that are going on right now. Back in 2009, I'm sure I would have found it a lot funnier!

Here's the link for anyone else who wants to read it: https://www.theonion.com/area-man-passionate-defender-of-what-he-imagines-consti-1819571149

[David__77]

3. International law does not specifically outlaw killing any number or percentage of a group of people.

[The Magistrate]

6. This Rather Gives The Game Away, Sir

The man's comments are measured, reasonable, informed, and in short, reflect exactly the state of mind people have a right to expect from a court official.

And so at the close of the article we get this:

'Palestinian human rights groups refused to meet the International Criminal Court prosecutor Karim Khan on Saturday, accusing him of favoring Israeli accusations of rights abuses over longstanding Palestinian charges.

However Palestinian activists said they would refuse to see him because they objected to what they saw as unequal treatment of Israeli and Palestinian cases.

"As Palestinian human rights organizations, we decided not to meet him," said Ammar Al-Dwaik, director general of the Independent Commission for Human Rights (ICHR).'

Translated into plain English, this reads: He won't play along with our propaganda bullshit, so fuck him.

It is useful though, I suppose, for the 'director-general' of the ICHR to announce his organization is a mere propaganda shop, and that its claims, statements, and charges, should be regarded accordingly.