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Morocco's Esteemed Jurist, Mohamed Bennouna, Plays Key Role in ICJ Jury Examining Genocide Case Against Israel

Morocco's Esteemed Jurist, Mohamed Bennouna, Plays Key Role in ICJ Jury Examining Genocide Case Against Israel
Thursday 11 January 2024 - 09:50
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In the face of Israel's relentless and brutal assault on innocent and defenseless civilians since October 7, the global pro-Palestinian community eagerly anticipates a long-awaited opportunity for justice and accountability.

Prominently featured among the distinguished panel of jurists presiding over South Africa's genocide case against Israel is the esteemed Moroccan Judge, Mohamed Bennouna. This landmark case represents a crucial avenue for exposing Israel's alleged direct involvement in genocidal atrocities perpetrated against the Palestinian people during its devastating military campaign.

Commencing tomorrow, the public hearings promise a glimmer of hope for pro-Palestinian activists, who anxiously await a positive breakthrough in their quest to establish Israel's culpability in heinous crimes committed against defenseless civilians, including women and children.

South Africa's accusation against Israel centers on its purported violation of the 1948 UN Genocide Convention through the perpetration of acts of genocide.

Tragically, the toll of Israeli occupation forces' aggression stands at a staggering count of over 23,200 Palestinians killed in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. The number of injured surpasses 60,000, while nearly 7,500 individuals remain missing or buried beneath the rubble, representing an ongoing humanitarian crisis.

As the international community holds its breath in anticipation of the momentous court verdict, the list of judges assigned to the case has been widely circulated.

Of particular note is Judge Bennouna, a seasoned legal expert who has been a member of the World Court since February 2006 and was re-elected in February 2015.

Delving deeper into his illustrious career, it becomes evident that Judge Bennouna's accomplishments in the field of law are nothing short of remarkable. Holding a doctorate in international law and a diploma from the Hague Academy of International Law, his credentials exemplify excellence.

Prior to his tenure at the World Court, Bennouna served as Morocco's permanent representative to the United Nations from 2001 to 2006. Additionally, he made significant contributions as a judge at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia in The Hague between 1998 and 2001.

From 1991 to 1998, Bennouna held the esteemed position of Director General of the Arab World Institute in Paris, further solidifying his reputation as a distinguished legal scholar. Notably, he also served as a judge ad hoc at the International Court of Justice in the Benin-Niger Frontier Dispute case from 2002 to 2005.

Beyond his judicial roles, Judge Bennouna's influence extended to various international organizations. He was a member of the UNESCO International Bioethics Committee from 1992 to 1998 and the UNESCO International Panel on Democracy and Development from 1997 to 2002.

Furthermore, his extensive repertoire includes serving as the Chairman of a panel of the United Nations Compensation Commission in Geneva from 1992 to 1995 and as a member of the United Nations International Law Commission from 1986 to 1998.

Judge Mohamed Bennouna's exceptional background, coupled with his unwavering commitment to justice, positions him as an instrumental figure in the pursuit of truth and accountability in the ICJ jury examining Israel's alleged genocide against the Palestinian people.


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