Amanze Chinonye
Türkiye has asked Interpol to issue a Red Notice for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as part of an ongoing prosecution over the interception of a humanitarian aid flotilla bound for Gaza, Justice Minister Akın Gürlek said on Friday.
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Gürlek said proceedings were continuing before Istanbul’s 11th High Criminal Court against 35 defendants, including Netanyahu and Israeli national Afek Moskovitch, over the incident involving the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters.
He said arrest warrants issued for Netanyahu and Moskovitch on July 14 on charges including genocide had prompted the Justice Ministry to ask the Interior Ministry to seek Interpol Red Notices for both men.
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The relevant documents have also been sent to the Foreign Ministry, Gürlek said in a statement posted on Türkiye’s NSosyal social media platform.
Netanyahu and Moskovitch are being prosecuted over alleged involvement in what Turkish authorities describe as an armed intervention against civilians delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza and the subsequent detention of activists.
The charges include crimes against humanity, genocide, aggravated deprivation of liberty, intentional injury, torture, property damage, aggravated robbery and hijacking or seizure of means of transportation, Gürlek said.
“We will not allow the crimes committed in Gaza to be covered up or those responsible to be protected by a shield of impunity,” Gürlek said, adding that Türkiye would use all means available under national and international law.
The case stems from Israel’s interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla, an international civilian initiative that sought to deliver humanitarian assistance to Gaza by sea. Turkish authorities opened an investigation after activists aboard the vessels were detained.
The defendants are being tried in absentia because they are outside Türkiye.
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The move is the latest escalation in tensions between Türkiye and Israel over the Gaza war. Ankara has strongly criticised Israel’s military campaign and pursued legal action against Israeli officials, while Israel has rejected allegations of genocide and other criminal wrongdoing.
Türkiye previously pursued legal action against Israeli military personnel over the 2010 Mavi Marmara raid, in which 10 people were killed. The case was later dropped after the two countries reached a reconciliation agreement in 2016.
The latest request marks a further step in Türkiye’s efforts to pursue Israeli officials through its domestic courts and international legal mechanisms.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
