Peru opens investigation into former IDF soldier after Hind Rajab Foundation files complaint

In a significant development, Peru's Attorney General's Office has initiated a preliminary criminal investigation against a former soldier of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), specifically from Battalion 424 “Shaked” of the Givati Brigade. This action stems from a complaint lodged by the Hind Rajab Foundation, a Belgian-Palestinian organization that monitors the activities of Israelis abroad.

The allegations leveled against the former soldier are grave, encompassing accusations of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide allegedly committed during his service in the Gaza Strip. The foundation asserts that the individual is currently residing in Peru, a factor that enables Peruvian authorities to exercise jurisdiction over the case. This move by Peru represents a notable instance of a nation taking forward proceedings based on such complaints, especially when compared to the general lack of traction seen in many other countries.

The IDF has previously issued directives, such as “Soldiers' Use of Cyberspace,” aimed at preventing incidents that could lead to international complaints. These guidelines emphasize caution regarding the documentation and publication of images from operational areas and stress the consideration of international implications for any online posts. However, the Hind Rajab Foundation claims that despite these guidelines, there is a lack of meaningful enforcement by the IDF regarding the information soldiers share online.

This investigation in Peru is part of a broader pattern of complaints filed by the Hind Rajab Foundation, which has submitted approximately 80 complaints in around 29 countries. While most of these have been largely ignored, Peru, along with Chile, Belgium, Romania, Portugal, and Greece, has seen various proceedings opened against soldiers. The progress in Peru, however, is described as the most concrete indication of movement beyond the mere acknowledgment of a complaint, making it a case of significant international interest.

“

Do not photograph or publish images in uniform or from operational areas, avoid documentation that could be interpreted as harm to a civilian population, and consider the international implications of every post or image.