Brazilian Court Investigates Israeli Soldier for Gaza War Crimes in Historic Rome Statute Case

Jan 4, 2025, 01:45 PM

A Brazilian federal court has initiated an investigation into an Israeli soldier accused of war crimes in Gaza. The soldier, currently in Brazil on vacation, is alleged to have participated in the demolition of civilian homes in Gaza, actions that may constitute genocide and crimes against humanity under international law. The Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF), an organization advocating for justice and human rights, filed the complaint, presenting video, photographic, and geolocation evidence linking the suspect to the destruction of homes and neighborhoods. Families of victims have joined the case, seeking justice. The court has ordered urgent investigative measures under Brazil's Code of Criminal Procedure, marking a historic instance of a Rome Statute signatory enforcing its provisions domestically. HRF has called for the suspect's immediate arrest, citing risks of flight and evidence tampering. Dyab Abou Jahjah, HRF's chair, described the case as a "historic moment" and a "powerful precedent" for holding war criminals accountable.