Israel set to expel HRW director

Israel accuses Shakir of supporting Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, which Israel criminalized

By Osama al-Ghassani

JERUSALEM (AA) – Israel is set to expel the Jerusalem-based director of Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Monday.

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 criminalized.

The HRW office director, for his part, argues that the decision was politically driven and aimed to silence human rights organizations working in Israel.

In April, the Jerusalem District Court approved a government decision to cancel the residency visa of Shakir, a U.S. 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.

Kaynak: