A pro-Palestinian demonstration in London, November 11, 2023/Twitter
The Ministry of the Interior in Great Britain has granted political asylum to an Israeli Arab citizen, in view of a "well-founded fear" that he will suffer persecution if he is returned to Israel - this was reported in the Scottish newspaper "The National" today (Tuesday).
According to the report, the decision was made less than 24 hours before a hearing at the Immigration Court - where the Ministry of the Interior was supposed to request the dismissal of the lawsuit.
In the lawsuit filed by "Hassan" (pseudonym) to the court, he claimed that Israel maintains an "apartheid" regime based on the racial control of its Jewish citizens over its Palestinian citizens - whom it systematically oppresses.
Moreover, he allegedly provided evidence to the tribunal that he was at increased risk of persecution in Israel because of his pro-Palestinian political activity and anti-Zionist views.
Demonstration of pro-Palestinian activists in London during the Iron Swords War, November 11, 2023/documentation on social networks according to Article 27 A of the Copyright Law
In a statement published by Rivroy Lau, his lawyer, it was stated that "this is a victory not only for me but for all Palestinians living under the Israeli apartheid regime. Without having to go to court - the British government determined that the Palestinian struggle for freedom should not be limited only to Gaza and the West Bank, but to all parts of it Historical Palestine under Israeli rule. I want to thank all those who supported my case. Without your help, I could not have reached this point."
The Israeli citizen's claim was based in part on many reports by experts and non-governmental organizations published in recent years - which concluded that Israel imposes a regime of oppression and control over Palestinians in all areas under its control, i.e. apartheid.
In addition, the lawsuit also relied on the latest interim judgment of the International Court of Justice in The Hague, which stated in the case of South Africa against Israel, that the State of Israel is required to prevent genocide in Gaza.
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Demonstration of support for Palestine in London/Reuters
Taher Golhussain, Hassan's attorney, added: "While the world rightly focuses on the Israeli genocide in Gaza, it is important to understand that by virtue of being an apartheid state - Israel's oppression extends to every Palestinian under its control and authority, whether they are in Gaza, the West Bank or even within what is considered Israel's borders herself. That is why we welcome the decision of the Ministry of the Interior to grant asylum to our client."
Frank Magnis, another attorney in the lawsuit, said: "We hope that this decision marks a turning point in the thinking of the Ministry of the Interior, and we call on governments and courts around the world to recognize the violent anti-Palestinian and Islamophobic racism at the heart of the Israeli government."
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UK
Court
Asylum
Gaza war
War of Iron Swords
Apartheid