Fri Sep 20 10:46:26 UTC 2024: ## Moroccan Lawyers Seek War Crimes Trial Against Israeli Soldier Vacationing in Marrakech

**Rabat, Morocco:** A group of Moroccan lawyers has filed a complaint against an Israeli soldier, Moshe Avichzer, accusing him of war crimes committed during his service in Gaza. The complaint, which was initially rejected by the prosecutor in Marrakech, has been accepted for review by the Court of Appeal in Rabat, marking a potentially historic legal precedent.

Avichzer, who is currently on vacation in Marrakech, has been accused of participating in “numerous massacres and crimes against humanity” during his three-month deployment in Gaza. The lawyers, citing video evidence, allege that Avichzer boasts about killing, burning, torturing, and raping Palestinians. They claim that his actions constitute terrorism under international law, justifying prosecution under Moroccan law.

The complaint, filed by six lawyers, including Selwa Mjadli, Abdelali El Haddaji, and Najia El Haddaji, is based on Article 711-1 of the Moroccan Criminal Code, which permits the prosecution of individuals for terrorist offenses committed abroad, provided they are present on Moroccan soil.

The lawyers have requested an expedited process to prevent Avichzer from leaving the country. If the Rabat court proceeds with the case, it would be the first war crimes trial against an Israeli soldier in North Africa, according to Morocco World News.

The Moroccan Front Against Normalization, an organization that opposes normalization of relations with Israel, has also filed a complaint against a group of Moroccans who traveled to Israel. This incident, coupled with the current complaint against Avichzer, highlights the ongoing tensions between Morocco and Israel.

The Jerusalem Post has reached out to Avichzer for comment.

Read More