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Mjc press statement arrest war criminal livni

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The invitation extended to Tzipi Livni, Leader of the Kadima Party by the South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) to visit South Africa displays their callous insensitivity for the lives lost during Operation Cast Lead (OCL) in 26 December 2008 to 18 January 2009. 

This operation resulted in the loss of life and maiming of Gazans during air and land attacks on civilians in their homes, schools and hospitals.  We therefore fully support the Media Review Network and Palestine Solidarity Alliance with their legal process to have Livni arrested and prosecuted.  This is possible and necessary as South Africa is a signatory to the Rome Statute. South Africa cannot host an individual with a track record of aggression and violent subjugation on a nation already weakened by Israeli imposed sanctions.

 

As citizens of this country, we object to this invitation forwarded to Livni by the SAJBD as it portrays their disregard for the values and standards of human rights, dignity and respect which our democracy affords us. 

Further the SAJBD cannot be allowed to celebrate and hail an individual who led and justified an offensive condemned by international human rights groups eg. Human Rights Watch, Red Cross, UN Relief in Gaza whilst our honorable leaders of our community such as Emeritus Desmond Tutu, Judge Goldstone and the ever increasing international community continue to mobilize support for the people of Gaza.

MUSLIM JUDICIAL COUNCIL

Tel: +27 (0) 21 6844600

Fax: +27(0) 21 696 5154

Address: P.O. Box 38311, Gatesville, 7766 Cape Province, South Africa

E-mail:  mediadesk@mjc.org.za

Website: www.mjc.org.za

We cannot and should never dishonor the soil of this land with the presence of an individual who has disregarded the right to life of those at the mercy of the Israeli machinery.    The OCL was a shameful act of aggression which disproportionately used excessive military power to perpetrate an onslaught against a defenseless nation resulting in the massacre of +-1500 civilians, mostly women and children.    Under Livni’s authority and directive, Israel further ordered the repeated firing of white phosphorus munitions into the air to intensify the casualties sustained amongst the densely populated areas.  The UN Chief, Mr John Ging reported that a UN School was amongst the buildings attacked despite it being clearly marked.  Israel’s callous disregard for the laws seeking the good of the global commons which seek to promote equality, human rights, respect for life and property, is a disgraceful reality of its existence.  

During OCL, Livni callously responded to a call for a ceasefire by the French President, Nicolas SArkozy by stating “there is no humanitarian crisis in the Gaza, and therefore there is no need for a humanitarian truce”, a statement made whilst 400 fatalities were reported.   Livni should thus be arrested for her crimes instead of hosting her in a country with a proud human rights history such as South Africa.   

Justice should be upheld! 

We therefore, in the strongest terms, request that our government maintains the principles and policies within our constitution by arresting Livni on arrival into South Africa.  This initiative by SAJBD is an insult to those who have lost their lives and continue to suffer the effects of sanctions imposed on Gaza.      Issued By:Maulana Ihsaan Hendricks                                         Sr Nabeweya MalickPRESIDENT                                                               Media Liaison Cell: 083 3846 973                                                                             Tel : 021 6844 636 

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