Lawyers from 60 countries, including Indonesia, to sue Israel

Jakarta, NU Online
Lawyers from 60 countries, including Indonesia, will gather in Istanbul, Turkey, July 15-16, to prepare a legal suit against Israel for its attack on the Gaza-bound humanitarian flotilla.

"There area a number of lawyers from 60 countries who will take legal steps to sue the attackers of Mavi Marmara," Mahendradatta, patron chief of the Indonesian Muslims` Lawyer Team (TPM) said here, Monday.<<>br />
Mahendradatta said he would represent six Indonesians who became victims of the Israeli soldiers` attack, where two Indonesians, namely Surya Fachrizal and Oktavianto, were injured.

The lawyers, among others from Turkey, Britain and other European countries, will sue Israel in international legal forum as well as bilateral forums.

TPM, he said, would consistently fight the Israel arrogance, and was concerned over the Indonesian government`s passive attitude.

"Because, some of the foreign lawyers are supported and facilitated by their respective governments, but in the TPM case, we have to be on our own," he said.

Meanwhile, Jose Rizal Jurnalis, presidium chairman of MER-C (Medical Emergency Rescue - Committee) Indonesia, the Free Gaza Flotilla was aimed at pressuring Indonesia to end the blockage over Gaza.

He also reminded that Israeli intelligence agents had also been involved in the murder of a HAMA leader in one of the Middle East countries several months ago.

"I hope the legal suit against Israel could be brought to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in Belgium," Jose Rizal said.

Meanwhile, the Indonesian government wanted to push Israel to be responsible for its attack on the humanitarian flotilla in international waters who was about to enter the Gaza Strip on May 31.

"We demand for an impartial, transparent and neutral investigation according to the United Nations Security Council (UN SC) decision to ask for Israeli accountability," Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa said last June. (ant/dar)