war crimes

Chilean court reopens case against soldier accused of Gaza war crimes

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Rom Kovtun, who served as a sniper during the Al-Shifa Hospital operation, is facing allegations of war crimes and Gaza genocide in Chilean courts. [Photo source –The Hind Rajab Foundation]

by Eman Abusidu EmAbusidu

A recent judicial ruling in Chile has revived scrutiny of a criminal complaint against an Israeli-Ukrainian soldier accused of committing war crimes in the Gaza Strip, reviving a legal debate over the application of universal jurisdiction in the country.

The Santiago Court of Appeals overturned a prior ruling by the Eighth Guarantee Court, which had refused to examine the complaint against Rom Kovtun. The appellate court ruled that the question of jurisdiction cannot be decided without hearing all parties involved. 

A public hearing is scheduled for 12th June, where the complainant, the defence, and the Public Prosecutor’s Office will present arguments on whether Chilean courts have the authority to investigate alleged war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide committed abroad.

The complaint was filed in February by the Hind Rajab Foundation through Chilean lawyer Pablo Andrés Araya Zacarías. It seeks Kovtun´s investigation under Chilean Law No. 20.357, which criminalises genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes, in line with the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.

According to the complaint, Kovtun served as a sniper in the 424th “Shaked” Battalion of the Givati Brigade and operated under the 401st Armored Brigade during military operations in Gaza. He is accused of participating in the siege and destruction of the Al-Shifa Medical Complex in Gaza City between March and April 2024. The operation reportedly caused extensive damage to medical infrastructure and civilian casualties, including patients and hospital staff.

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Legal experts and human rights advocates caution that the Court of Appeals’ decision does not confirm the allegations or rule on the merits of the case. Its purpose is limited to determining whether Chilean courts have jurisdiction to examine the complaint. The outcome of the June hearing will decide whether Chile proceeds with a formal criminal investigation or dismisses the case as outside its jurisdiction.

READ: Director of ‘The Voice of Hind Rajab’ declines award at Berlin event

Chilean lawyer and former ambassador Nelson Hadad highlighted the lack of legal consistency in Chile regarding universal jurisdiction. “This issue lacks consistent jurisprudence; that is, in most cases, the Chilean judiciary has rejected the principle of universal jurisdiction and the extraterritorial application of the law,” he said.

Regarding the upcoming hearing, Hadad noted, “In this case, there is a hearing scheduled for 10th June in which… will there be a ruling on this matter? It could perhaps be the first time.”

He emphasised the cautious approach of the judiciary and prosecutorial authorities. “The Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Judiciary as such accept some arguments to be able to prosecute in Chile this Israeli soldier responsible for numerous crimes,” Hadad explained.

At the same time, he highlighted past reluctance from Chilean authorities. “But I believe that the Public Prosecutor’s Office, especially the North Central Prosecutor’s Office where Prosecutor Armendariz is, has been consistently reluctant to accept universal jurisdiction,” he said.

Looking ahead, Hadad stressed the potential impact of a favorable ruling. “We are waiting to see what happens because if it were the opposite and it were accepted, it would set a very important legal precedent for trying numerous cases from Chile with the Chilean justice system, crimes committed abroad, in this case, crimes committed in Gaza and throughout occupied Palestine.”

He concluded with cautious optimism: “So we can talk again on 10th June, once the court has ruled on this point. But at least there is hope.”

BLOG: Latin American anger grows over Israel’s detention of Thiago Ávila

The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Monitor.

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Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel's genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism "without qualification". Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism “without qualification”. Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/

Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up

Continue ReadingChilean court reopens case against soldier accused of Gaza war crimes

Former ICC prosecutor says she faced pressure and threats over Palestine investigation

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Former ICC’s Chief Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda [Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung/Flickr]

Former chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Fatou Bensouda, said she was pressured and threatened in connection with investigations related to Palestine, including direct contacts from former Mossad chief Yossi Cohen.

In an interview with Al Jazeera, Bensouda said Cohen met her twice — in Munich and New York City — and explicitly requested that she halt investigations concerning Palestine.

She described the request as direct interference in the work of the court.

According to Bensouda, the pressure later escalated into indirect threats targeting members of her family. She said her husband was followed and information was gathered about him in what she believed was an attempt to influence her decisions.

Bensouda stated that she informed Dutch authorities about the threats but did not receive what she considered adequate protection.

READ: Ben-Gvir criticises ICC and vows further escalation

She also said that member states of the ICC did not provide sufficient political backing in the face of Israeli pressure related to the Palestine investigations.

The former prosecutor stressed that the court must continue its work independently despite political pressure, arguing that international justice should not be subordinated to political interests.

The comments come amid ongoing controversy surrounding ICC investigations into the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The ICC previously issued arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu and former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant over allegations related to war crimes and crimes against humanity.

READ: ICC chief prosecutor says he is ‘exonerated’ in alleged misconduct probe

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Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel's genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism "without qualification". Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism “without qualification”. Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Climate science denier Donald Trump confirms that he knows nothing about democracy and that more liquid gold is being secured according to his policy of global privateering.
Climate science denier Donald Trump confirms that he knows nothing about democracy and that more liquid gold is being secured according to his policy of global privateering.
Orcas discuss Donald Trump and the killer apes' concept of democracy. Front Orca warns that Trump is crashing his country's economy and that everything he does he does for the fantastically wealthy.
Orcas discuss Donald Trump and the killer apes’ concept of democracy. Front Orca warns that Trump is crashing his country’s economy and that everything he does he does for the fantastically wealthy.

Continue ReadingFormer ICC prosecutor says she faced pressure and threats over Palestine investigation

International Criminal Court issues secret arrest warrants for 5 Israeli officials: Report

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A general view of the International Criminal Court (ICC) building in The Hague, Netherlands on April 30, 2024. [Selman Aksünger – Anadolu Agency]

The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued secret arrest warrants against five Israeli officials, including three politicians and two military personnel, Israeli newspaper Haaretz said on Sunday, Anadolu reports.

The report came as The Hague-based court already issued arrest warrants in November 2024 against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

There has been no immediate statement from the ICC regarding the report. If confirmed, this would bring to seven the number of Israeli officials facing arrests by the court.

The Israeli army has killed more than 72,000 people, mostly women and children, and injured over 172,000 in a two-year war on the Gaza Strip since October 2023.

The army continues its attacks despite a ceasefire that took effect on Oct. 10, 2025, killing over 870 people and injuring more than 2,540 others, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.

READ: ICC rejects Israel’s appeal as arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant remain in force

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Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel's genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism "without qualification". Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism “without qualification”. Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/

Continue ReadingInternational Criminal Court issues secret arrest warrants for 5 Israeli officials: Report

Campaigners celebrate after 115 Senedd candidates pledged for Palestine

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https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/campaigners-celebrate-after-115-senedd-candidates-pledged-palestine

 PSC Cymru co-chairwoman Bethan Sayed [… and what?]

PALESTINIAN campaigners in Wales were celebrating this weekend after 115 Senedd candidates pledged for Palestine — including backing boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) against Israel.

Candidates signing the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) Cymru pledge include 46 Green candidates, 37 from Plaid Cymru, eight from the Liberal Democrats, six from Labour and five independents.

PSC Cymru co-chairwoman Bethan Sayed said: “Reaching over 100 pledges is a milestone and is a clear message that Palestine is on the ballot in this Senedd election.

“Wales has always aspired to be a nation that stands on the right side of history, a globally responsible nation that holds human rights and international law at its heart.

“Support for Palestinian rights stretches across every community and every constituency in Wales. Polls show public backing for this issue.

“Voters will be watching closely to see who has the conviction to stand with them.”

The pledge commits elected candidates to uphold the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, stand up to Israel for its crimes of genocide and apartheid — and ensure the Welsh government is not complicit in these crimes.

…

Article continues at https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/campaigners-celebrate-after-115-senedd-candidates-pledged-palestine

Keir Starmer objects to criticism of the IDF. He asks how could anyone object to them starving people to death, forced marches like the Nazis did, bombing Gaza's hospitals and universities, mass-murdering journalists, healthworkers and starving people queuing for food, killing and raping prisoners and murdering children. He calls for people to stop obstructing his genocide for Israel.
Keir Starmer objects to criticism of the IDF. He asks how could anyone object to them starving people to death, forced marches like the Nazis did, bombing Gaza’s hospitals and universities, mass-murdering journalists, healthworkers and starving people queuing for food, killing and raping prisoners and murdering children. He calls for people to stop obstructing his genocide for Israel.
Nigel Farage objects to criticism of the IDF. He asks how could anyone object to them starving people to death, forced marches like the Nazis did, bombing Gaza's hospitals and universities, mass-murdering journalists, healthworkers and starving people queuing for food, killing and raping prisoners and murdering children. He calls for people to stop obstructing his genocide for Israel.
Nigel Farage objects to criticism of the IDF. He asks how could anyone object to them starving people to death, forced marches like the Nazis did, bombing Gaza’s hospitals and universities, mass-murdering journalists, healthworkers and starving people queuing for food, killing and raping prisoners and murdering children. He calls for people to stop obstructing his genocide for Israel.
Orcas discuss Genocide-supporting and complicit Zionists. Donald Trump, Keith Starmer, David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are acknowledged as evil genocide-complicit and supporting cnuts.
Orcas discuss Genocide-supporting and complicit Zionists. Donald Trump, Keith Starmer, David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are acknowledged as evil genocide-complicit and supporting cnuts.

Continue ReadingCampaigners celebrate after 115 Senedd candidates pledged for Palestine

Iran warns US of ‘prolonged, painful blows’ amid reports of potential strike plans

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Iranians carry flags as they participate in a march pledging loyalty to new leader Mojtaba Khamenei, stretching from Imam Hussein Square to Azadi Square in Tehran, Iran, on April 29, 2026. [Fatemeh Bahrami – Anadolu Agency]

A commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force warned the United States on Thursday against potential military action amid reports Washington is considering new strikes against Tehran, Anadolu reports.

The warning followed a report by US news website Axios that US President Donald Trump is expected to receive a briefing from US Central Command (CENTCOM) on options for a “short and intense” series of strikes aimed at breaking the current stalemate.

In response, Majid Mousavi, commander of the IRGC Aerospace Force, said Tehran would respond to any such operations “even if short and rapid” with “prolonged and painful blows.”

“We have seen the fate of your bases in the region; we will also see your vessels,” he added in his comments carried by the semi-official Tasnim news agency.

According to Axios, CENTCOM has prepared plans that could include strikes on Iranian infrastructure, as well as broader options such as increased naval pressure in the Strait of Hormuz.

READ: Iran’s supreme leader says Gulf future ‘without US,’ new Hormuz rules to boost stability, economy

The proposals are reportedly aimed at forcing Iran back to negotiations with greater flexibility, particularly on the nuclear issue.

The report also said Washington is considering steps to secure maritime routes in the Strait of Hormuz and is preparing for possible Iranian retaliation.

The US and Israel began strikes on Iran on Feb. 28, prompting retaliation from Tehran against US allies in the Gulf and closing the Strait of Hormuz.

A ceasefire was announced on April 8 through Pakistani mediation, followed by talks in Islamabad on April 11, but an agreement could not be reached. Trump later unilaterally extended the truce without any new time frame, at Pakistan’s request.

He also rejected a proposal from Iran, in which Tehran suggested reopening the Strait of Hormuz while leaving questions about its nuclear program for later negotiations.

READ: Trump rejects Iranian proposal to open Strait of Hormuz until nuclear concerns met

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Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel's genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism "without qualification". Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism “without qualification”. Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/

Climate science denier Donald Trump confirms that he knows nothing about democracy and that more liquid gold is being secured according to his policy of global privateering.
Climate science denier Donald Trump confirms that he knows nothing about democracy and that more liquid gold is being secured according to his policy of global privateering.

Orcas discuss Genocide-supporting and complicit Zionists. Donald Trump, Keith Starmer, David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are acknowledged as evil genocide-complicit and supporting cnuts.
Orcas discuss Genocide-supporting and complicit Zionists. Donald Trump, Keith Starmer, David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are acknowledged as evil genocide-complicit and supporting cnuts.

Continue ReadingIran warns US of ‘prolonged, painful blows’ amid reports of potential strike plans