A top Israeli human rights lawyer went public Monday with an alleged “threat” from the country’s defence ministry over his work for a Palestinian NGO labelled a terrorist group by the state.
My fellow Juris Doctor candidates and I (incoming), studying international human rights law, #DefendThe6 and their legal representatives. We aspire to follow in the footsteps of human rights champions like Michael Sfard. This Israeli intimidation attempt is an affront to justice. https://t.co/vfjurH6L73
— Avraham ??????? ????? S. (@AvrahamAtLaw) July 18, 2022
Attorney Michael Sfard represents Al Haq, one of six Palestinian organisations hit with a “terrorist” designation by Israel in October.
Nine European governments said last week they will maintain cooperation with the NGOs, on the grounds that “no substantial information” had been presented to support the designations.
Sfard published a letter on Monday from a defence ministry lawyer, which referred to him receiving fees from “terrorist organisations”.
“We hereby draw your attention to the provisions of Section 32(d)(1) of the Law concerning the legal avenues for transactions in terrorist property,” said the letter, dated July 14, which was seen by AFP.
In a written response, Sfard said the letter suggested he could face seven years in prison for representing Al Haq.
He interpreted it as “a governmental threat made against a lawyer engaging in entirely legal work”.
The letter came days before Sfard and other lawyers are due to appeal the designation of three of the NGOs.
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