Belgian Pro-Palestinian Group Files Constitutional Petition Against Lithuania Over Immunity for Israeli Student Accused of War Crimes
The Belgian pro-Palestinian organization Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF) has filed a petition with Lithuania's Constitutional Court after Lithuanian authorities rejected its request to investigate an Israeli dental student in Kaunas. HRF alleges the student, a former IDF soldier, was involved in war crimes and genocide during his service in Gaza, specifically citing his role in the destruction of civilian infrastructure and the killing of a Palestinian girl named Hind Rajab and others in March-April 2024. The student reportedly served in the "Vampire Empire" platoon of the 52nd Battalion, 401st Armored Brigade.
HRF claims Lithuanian authorities are granting immunity to the student by refusing to investigate, despite the organization's submission of photographic evidence showing the student in IDF uniform in Gaza combat zones. After initial complaints were dismissed by Lithuania's prosecutor's office and courts, HRF now argues that Lithuania violates its constitution and international law by refusing to exercise universal jurisdiction over the suspect residing in its territory.
The foundation's founder, Diab Abu Jahjah, a Lebanese-born Belgian citizen with ties to Hezbollah, condemned Lithuania for normalizing the presence of alleged war criminals on its soil. HRF states it has identified 24 suspects linked to the Gaza events, including this student. The organization's litigation head, Natasha Barak, emphasized Lithuania's failure to meet its Geneva and Rome Statute obligations by allowing the suspect to live and study without judicial scrutiny.
Israel consistently denies accusations of war crimes in Gaza, asserting the IDF operates within international law and that Hamas uses civilians as human shields. The case highlights ongoing tensions over accountability for alleged war crimes committed during recent conflicts in Gaza and the challenges of applying universal jurisdiction in Europe.
