JERUSALEM, Nov 26 (NNN-ANADOLU) – Despite many attempts to challenge the court’s decision, Israel is set to expel the Jerusalem-based director of Human Rights Watch (HRW).
On Nov 5, Israel’s Supreme Court rejected an appeal by Omar Shakir, against a decision to deport him and gave him 20 days to leave the country.
Israeli authorities accuse Shakir of supporting the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, which Israel has criminalised.
The HRW office director, for his part, argues that the decision was politically driven and aimed to silence human rights organisations working in Israel.
In Apr, the Jerusalem District Court approved a government decision, to cancel the residency visa of Shakir, a US citizen, claiming that he has showed support for the BDS movement.
The move was the first of its kind since the New York-based HRW began monitoring events in Israel and Palestine, three decades ago.