French Soldier in Israeli Army Accused of Torturing Palestinians: Criminal Complaint Filed
Four associations in France have taken legal action after images taken by French soldiers showing violence against Palestinian prisoners were circulated on social media. According to a report from Le Monde, lawyer Gilles Devers filed a criminal complaint against a French soldier serving in the Israeli army on April 11 on behalf of Al Jaliya, the 30 March Movement, the Association of Palestinians in France, and the Association for Justice and Rights Without Borders.
The complaint alleges that the soldier participated in a “military operation aimed at genocide” and committed a war crime by torturing Palestinian prisoners. This action has sparked a debate in France about prosecuting French citizens serving in the Israeli army for their role in attacks on Gaza that are deemed to violate international law.
Members of the opposition Unyielding France (LFI) party, known for their support of Palestine, are calling for French citizens serving in the Israeli army to be held accountable for any war crimes they may have committed. The video in question, which circulated on social media in February, shows a French-speaking Israeli soldier verbally and physically assaulting Palestinian prisoners who were bound and blindfolded after being transported in the back of a truck.
The French judiciary will now have to investigate the allegations made in the criminal complaint and determine the appropriate course of action. The incident highlights the complexities of individuals holding dual citizenship and serving in foreign armies, especially in conflict zones where human rights violations may occur.
