EU calls on Israel to reinstate visa for Human Rights Watch head
Omar Shakir's visa was revoked after Israel accused him of supporting boycotts against it, but EU notes if not reinstated, 'Israel would join a very short list of countries' which have barred HRW staff.
The European Union on Tuesday called on Israel to reinstate the visa of Omar Shakir, the representative of Human Rights Watch in the country, which was withdrawn after Israel accused him of supporting a boycott against it.
Israel withdrew Shakir's visa earlier this month.
"The European Union expects the Israeli authorities to reverse their decision, as otherwise Israel would join a very short list of countries which have barred entry to, or expelled, Human Rights Watch staff," the European Union said in a statement.
Moreover, the EU urged Israel to investigate the circumstances surrounding the wounding of Jafar Farah, Director of the NGO Mossawa, the Advocacy Centre for Arab Citizens in Israel, during protests last Friday against Israel’s handling of riots on the Gaza border earlier in the week.
“In addition, it will also be important, as supported by the Israeli government, to conduct a swift investigation into circumstances surrounding events last week in Haifa which appeared to result in serious injury of Jafar Farah, Director of the NGO Mossawa, the Advocacy Centre for Arab Citizens in Israel,” the statement added.
“The European Union continues to stand for an open and conducive environment for civil society, within Europe, in Israel, the occupied Palestinian territory and around the world,” it concluded.
During a remand extension hearing at the Haifa Magistrates' Court held Sunday evening, Farah spoke about the circumstances leading to his leg being broken and alleged it was intentionally broken by a policeman after he was arrested at the protest rally.
"I came to the rally to look for my son and found myself arrested, and have been for 48 hours now," Farah said in court. "While I was in custody, one of the Haifa policemen saw fit to kick me in the leg and broke my knee."
A Haifa policeman was questioned under caution following the incident and another policeman gave a testimony at the Police Internal Investigations Department.
Ahiya Raved and Hassan Shaalan contributed to this report.
