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Geneva, United Nations experts today demanded the protection of judicial operators and condemned the destruction of Gaza’s judicial infrastructure by Israeli forces.
According to Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the experts expressed deep concern over the October 9, 2023 bombing of the Palestine Bar Association’s headquarters in Gaza, which destroyed essential legal archives. Further distress was caused by the Israeli army’s December 4, 2023 video release, showing the complete demolition of Gaza’s courthouse, previously seized in November.
The experts emphasized the importance of maintaining judicial infrastructure to ensure the right to a fair trial and access to justice. They also highlighted the troubling situation faced by Israeli lawyers, particularly those of Palestinian descent or those defending Palestinian rights, who have faced harassment and punitive measures from within the legal community. This includes a zero-tolerance policy declared by the Israeli Bar Association on October 12 for any statements deemed as incitement to violence, a policy which remains ambiguously defined and thus suppressive to free speech.
Further, the experts criticized recent actions and statements by Israeli officials, including Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s Minister of National Security, who publicly denigrated judges for decisions to release individuals advocating for Palestinian rights. Such actions, undermine the judiciary’s independence and violate the principles of non-discrimination and the rule of law.
The experts called for a cessation of public attacks on judges and emphasized the need for all governmental and institutional actors to respect the independence of the judiciary and uphold human rights standards.