Greens call for prosecution of Israeli soldiers returning to Scotland
Scottish Green MSP Ross Greer has called for soldiers fighting in Israel’s occupation forces to be prosecuted under Scots law for the crime of genocide against the people of Palestine.
Mr Greer is calling for the Scottish Government to use an existing law, the International Criminal Court (Scotland) Act 2001, to ensure that Israeli soldiers who are UK citizens or residents and who are present in Scotland are held accountable for their role in the 18 month long assault.
The Act made it a criminal offence under Scots law to engage in genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. It can be used for prosecutions even if the crime was committed outside of Scotland.
Mr Greer said:
“Israeli forces have inflicted a genocide on the people of Gaza, the gravest crime mankind is capable of. Over 18 months of bombings, executions and deliberate starvation they have murdered tens of thousands of Palestinians, including at least 15,000 children.
“The soldiers of Israel’s occupation forces come from all over the world, including from here in the UK. They must be held individually accountable for their role in the worst war crimes and atrocities of this century. No Scot should be able to travel across the world to participate in a genocide and then return home without consequence.
“We know that the UK government will not act to uphold the law. They have armed, supported and enabled the killing right from the start, but Scots law is clear on our responsibility to act.
“There can be no hiding place for those who have participated in a genocide. Any UK citizen or resident who has taken part in the war should know that they will be prosecuted if they return to Scotland.”
A group of leading lawyers including Michael Mansfield KC recently submitted a dossier of evidence against ten Britons serving with the Israeli occupation forces to the Metropolitan Police in London, alleging targeted killing of civilians and aid workers, including by sniper fire, and indiscriminate attacks on civilian areas, including hospitals.
The identities of the ten individuals have not yet been made public and it is unknown if any live in Scotland.