Sep 10, 2024
Statement on the dismissal by French authorities of the case against Yoel Ohnona
Brussels - 10-09-2024
The March 30 Movement expresses its profound shock and disappointment at the decision of the French National Anti-Terrorist Prosecutor's Office (Pnat) to dismiss our complaint against Yoel Ohnona, the Israeli-French soldier responsible for filming the notorious video depicting the degradation of Palestinian detainees.
Despite the compelling evidence we presented, including a self-incriminating statement from Ohnona himself, who admitted on an Israeli channel to filming and speaking in the video, the Pnat has decided not to pursue an investigation. This video, which circulated widely on social media in March 2024, shows Palestinian prisoners in a humiliating and dehumanizing state. In the footage, a soldier mocks the prisoners, one of whom had reportedly been subjected to torture to extract information. The acts captured in this video clearly violate international humanitarian law.
The dismissal of our complaint, despite the availability of such clear and documented evidence, including the perpetrator’s public confession, is deeply troubling. The Pnat's justification for the dismissal—insufficient evidence to investigate charges of torture and complicity in war crimes—is unacceptable.
This decision casts serious doubt on the commitment of the French judicial authorities to hold French citizens accountable for grave violations of international law.
We, alongside our legal teams and partner organizations, are currently reviewing all possible next steps in response to this decision. We believe that this dismissal represents a failure to uphold justice for the victims of war crimes, and we remain steadfast in our pursuit of accountability. We will continue to explore every available avenue to ensure those responsible for these crimes are held to account.
The March 30 Movement stands firm in its dedication to truth and justice for the Palestinian victims of these atrocities, and our fight for accountability will not waver. New steps will be undertaken in France in order to make sure that justice is served.
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