Hind Rajab Foundation files criminal complaint against former Israeli soldier for war crimes in Gaza

By Asiye Latife Yilmaz

ISTANBUL (AA) - The Hind Rajab Foundation on Wednesday filed a complaint in the US seeking a criminal investigation into war crimes and genocidal acts by Adi Karni, a former Israeli army sergeant, during Israel’s war on Gaza.

“This U.S. filing follows earlier complaints filed by HRF in multiple jurisdictions, including Peru, where a formal criminal investigation is already open against Karni for genocide,” the foundation said in a statement.

It added that the HRF has also submitted filings concerning Karni in several other countries, “as part of its strategy to ensure that jurisdiction is activated wherever he travels.”

HRF said Karni is currently present in the US and is scheduled to speak publicly at Boston University this evening, “a fact that directly engages U.S. jurisdiction and heightens the urgency of the filing.”

It noted that the complaint is based on an HRF investigative report reporting that Karni took part in demolishing civilian infrastructure and religious sites in Gaza, was involved in systematic destruction by his unit, and later publicly denied the existence of civilians while justifying attacks on civilian objects.

“The report concludes that this conduct may constitute war crimes, and, when assessed in its broader context, contribute to the legal elements of crimes against humanity and genocide,” it added.

HRF added that the filing against Adi Karni forms part of HRF’s broader mandate to “ensure that international crimes are investigated wherever jurisdiction exists, and that no country—whether in Europe, the Americas, or elsewhere—becomes a safe haven for impunity.”