Israel Matzav

South African group wants Livni arrested

A South African group is seeking to have opposition leader Tzipi Livni arrested when she visits that country later this month.

The Media Review Network, a South African media group, was attempting to secure an arrest warrant against Opposition leader Tzipi Livni (Kadima) for her role in Operation Cast Lead, local news website News24 reported.

News24 quoted MRN chairperson Iqbal Jassat as saying that Livni, who served as foreign minister during the operation in Gaza, is due in South Africa this month on the invitation of the Jewish Board of Deputies.

"We have now been informed that she has been invited to this country and have therefore instructed our legal team to take all necessary measures to secure an arrest warrant and to pave the way for her prosecution," Jassat said.

"Our decision is based on the fact that SA is a signatory to the Rome statutes which obligates all member states to honor their responsibility in the prosecution of war criminals."

"We believe that her visit to this country would be an act of provocation and are therefore deeply disappointed that her hosts - the Jewish Board of Deputies - displayed such intolerance and callousness by having a known murderer who is a wanted criminal in many parts of the world, visit SA," Jassat said.

In response the attempt o secure an arrest warrant, the Jewish Board of Deputies accused the MRN of playing "petty politics," according to the report.

You may recall that a year ago, there was talk of Livni allowing herself to be arrested in England to challenge their universal jurisdiction law. But England is civilized compared to South Africa - I'd bet on Livni canceling this trip.

Labels: South Africa, United Kingdom, universal jurisdiction

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 7:18 AM