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Tazeen Hassan
The recent visit of former Israeli Prime Minister Neftali Bennett to Canada has sparked controversy and raised questions about potential violations of Canadian law. Canadian lawyers have taken action by filing a court case against him, alleging his involvement in the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements. This case sheds light on what constitutes a crime against humanity in Canadian law, as this series of articles explores the legal aspects surrounding Bennett's visit and delves into why it should have been banned according to Canadian law. Neftali Bennett served as prime minister in a coalition government for a little over a year between June 2021 and June 2022. During his tenure, he made voluntary and significant contributions to the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements, which are in direct violation of Canadian law. Justice For All Canada stands in solidarity with Khaled Mouammar, a former national president of the Canadian Arab Federation and Canadian non-governmental organizations (NGOs), including Palestinian and Jewish Unity, Just Peace Advocates, and the Canadian Foreign Policy Institute, who have submitted a court file urging Canadian Minister of Public Safety Marco Mendicino to deny Bennetts entry into Canada. The Allegations and Legal Basis: The court filing, submitted by these reputable NGOs, alleges that Bennett has committed war crimes in violation of both international and Canadian law. It argues that Bennett's actions fall within the scope of 6(1)(c) and 6(1.1) of Canada's Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Act, which pertain to voluntary and significant contributions to the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and Golan Heights. According to Canada's laws, the transfer of parts of an occupying power's civilian population into occupied territory is explicitly designated as a war crime. The court filings further assert that Minister Mendicino has the authority to declare Bennett inadmissible to Canada under sections 35(1)(a) and (b) of the Immigration Refugee Protection Act. The request contends that Bennett should be denied entry to Canada pursuant to these sections. Bennett's involvement in the expansion of Israeli settlements not only violates international law but also undermines the rights and well-being of Palestinian children, who have been suffering from the consequences of occupation for decades. It is imperative that Canadian law is upheld to ensure justice and accountability for potential crimes against humanity. The allegations surrounding Neftali Bennett's actions during his time as the Israeli prime minister raise important legal questions regarding crimes against humanity in Canadian law. The series of articles below aims to examine the legal aspects surrounding his visit and shed light on why he should have been banned according to Canadian law. By exploring the connection between Bennett's alleged involvement in the expansion of Israeli settlements and the principles of Canadian law, we emphasize the need for a thorough examination of the events and the adherence to justice, human rights, and the rule of law. Reference: Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Act (S.C. 2000, c. 24), act current to 2023-05-29, last amended on 2019-09-19. Available at: https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/c-45.9/fulltext.html Shanmugathas, Pitasanna. "Canada: NGOs request federal court block former Israel PM’s visit." Jurist Legal News and Commentary, 3 June 2023. Accessed 17 June 2023. https://www.jurist.org/news/2023/06/canada-ngos-request-federal-court-block-former-israel-pms-visit/ Barrera, Jorge. "Groups file court application over whether Canada's laws allow entry of former Israeli PM." CBC News, 2 June 2023. Accessed 17 June 2023. Available at: [https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/naftali-bennett-court-action-entry-to-canada-1.6862843]. |
