HRF claims Ben-Gvir canceled UN police summit visit over legal complaints

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has reportedly canceled his attendance at a UN police chiefs conference in New York this week. The Belgian-based Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF) alleged on Saturday that the cancellation was due to legal pressure stemming from complaints filed in the United States. The organization claims these complaints target Ben-Gvir's prison policies.

HRF stated it had asked the US Justice Department to prosecute Ben-Gvir ahead of his expected trip. The foundation, along with the Center for Constitutional Rights, also appealed to New York Attorney-General Letitia James to investigate. HRF views the reported cancellation as a sign that "accountability is no longer theoretical" and intends to continue its efforts to have US authorities investigate the minister.

Ben-Gvir's office has not officially confirmed the reason for the cancellation, nor has it linked it to the HRF's legal actions. The minister has defended the Israel Prison Service's policies, asserting they are carried out legally, despite ongoing disputes over Palestinian prisoner conditions. The HRF has a history of filing complaints against Israeli officials in various countries.

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accountability is no longer theoretical