Algeria Files Collective Complaint Against Zionist Entity at International Criminal Court
BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- Renowned Algerian lawyer, Abdelmajid Merari, has officially announced the submission of a collective complaint on behalf of Algeria against the Zionist entity to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague. This momentous legal action is the result of extensive collaborative efforts between civil society activists and a group of dedicated lawyers. Its primary objective is to meticulously document the array of crimes committed by Zionist occupying forces in Palestine, including acts of genocide.
The comprehensive complaint, spanning numerous pages, delves into the profound horrors perpetuated by the Zionist occupation in Palestine. It is supplemented by a substantial body of evidence that underscores the gravity of these crimes. This move signifies a pivotal step toward securing justice for the Palestinian people, who have endured immeasurable suffering over many years.
Abdelmajid Merari underscored that this complaint is underpinned by solid legal foundations, most notably the recognition of the State of Palestine as a member of the ICC. This recognition, which came into effect on February 5, 2021, granted the ICC jurisdictional authority over Palestinian territories, encompassing the West Bank, East Al Quds, and the Gaza Strip. Consequently, Palestine now stands as a full-fledged member of the ICC with the ability to prosecute offenses committed within its territory.
Notably, Merari announced plans for imminent meetings with the ICC’s Prosecutor General. These sessions will serve to clarify specific aspects of the complaint while expounding on the legal stance of the complainants regarding the grave crimes perpetrated by the Zionist occupation against the Palestinian people.
Abdelmajid Merari voiced a strong rebuke of the inaction by major international powers in response to Zionist crimes against the Palestinian population. He contends that these countries tacitly support the Zionist entity and justify its actions under the pretext of self-defense, an assertion that has been categorically rejected by the International Court of Justice. The ICJ determined that “‘Israel’ cannot invoke Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations nor claim the right to self-defense due to its status as an occupier.”
