Norway dismisses Israel war crimes complaint
Former Israeli PM Ehud Olmert, Defense Minister Ehud Barak, opposition leader Tzipi Livni among 10 Israelis named in complaint filed by group of Norwegian lawyers, reports AP
On Nov. 5 prosecutors dismissed a complaint filed by Norwegian lawyers accusing Israeli leaders of war crimes over its deadly incursion into Gaza last year.
Chief prosecutor Siri Frigaard (photo) warned that Norway “must show great care” when deciding whether to investigate alleged war crimes committed by individuals with no connection to the Scandinavian country. Frigaard said she is dismissing the complaint, which was lodged on April 22, because “there is no good reason” for Norwegian authorities to investigate further. The lawyers filed the motion under Norway’s universal jurisdiction law.
A 2008 law allows foreigners to face charges in Norway for war crimes committed anywhere in the world. Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Defense Minister Ehud Barak and opposition leader Tzipi Livni were among the 10 Israelis named in the complaint.
