Indonesian Lawmaker Calls for ICC Involvement Over Torture of Indonesian Nationals by Israel

Jakarta (ANTARA) - A member of Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Syamsu Rizal, urged that the torture experienced by nine Indonesian citizens (WNI) by Israel during the humanitarian mission Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) 2.0 should be brought before the International Criminal Court (ICC).

He said the treatment by Israeli soldiers towards GSF volunteers, including the Indonesians among them, had crossed the boundaries of propriety and humanity.

‘To mobilise agreement to bring this issue to the ICC, while encouraging Palestine to bring it to the ICJ (International Court of Justice),’ Syamsu said in a statement in Jakarta, Friday.

All parties, he said, should also mobilise support between states to condemn Israel’s actions. He hopes the outcome of these efforts can punish the Israeli soldiers who perpetrated the torture and declare it a war crime or a crime against humanity.

‘Not only the Israeli leaders but also the military personnel. That means there will be an open investigation,’ he added.

In addition, he also urged that the torture experienced by the Indonesians be brought to the Ad Hoc Human Rights Court domestically. The outcome of that court, he said, could also inform the ICC.

Earlier, nine Indonesians detained by Israel were released and flown directly to Istanbul, Turkey. They were escorted by the RI Consul General in Istanbul, Darianto Harsono.

Nevertheless, the Indonesians did not escape physical violence by Israeli soldiers. He said they claimed to have been beaten, kicked, and tasered while in detention.