The pro-Palestinian Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF) announced on Monday that it had filed a criminal complaint against Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar with authorities in Slovenia, ahead of his expected visit to Ljubljana on September 9 and 10 for the opening of the new Israeli embassy.
The organization accuses Sa’ar of responsibility for war crimes, genocide, and torture during the war in Gaza.
At this stage, there is no indication that Slovenian authorities have opened proceedings in response to the complaint. The Foreign Ministry has not yet issued a response.
“Universal jurisdiction exists precisely so that perpetrators cannot hide behind borders or diplomatic visits,” Natacha Bracq, Head of Litigation at HRF, stated. “We expect the Slovenian judiciary to act swiftly and decisively, ensuring that diplomatic immunity is not used as a shield against accountability for war crimes, acts of genocide, and torture.”
“The election of Prime Minister Janez Janša marks a new chapter in relations between Israel and Slovenia,” he announced at the time.
“After years of the hostility of the previous government – we now have an opportunity to rebuild, strengthen, and deepen a real partnership.”