Rights lawyer says important to put US Congress on notice over Israel aid
Lamis Deek, a human rights lawyer, launched a letter earlier this month warning members of the US Congress that they could “face criminal and civil liability for aiding, abetting, and inciting genocide” if they voted in favour of providing more military support for Israel.
“I think it’s important that people understand that genocide constitutes the highest crime punishable under the Geneva Conventions and under the Rome Statute. It is not just for participating in a genocide but for aiding and abetting and inciting the genocide,” she told Al Jazeera.
While she said the actual prosecution of US legislators or officials under international law is a far-off prospect, the notice attempts to makes members of Congress feel a sense of accountability – and is “powerful political and legal messaging”.
She spoke to Al Jazeera shortly after a group of Palestinians filed a lawsuit in the US federal court seeking to prohibit the Biden administration from providing further military support to Israel, saying US officials have a duty to prevent “the most serious crimes”.
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