Mjc press statement arrest war criminal livni
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