When asked by Shadow Justice Minister, Andy Slaughter MP, for details of the “country of origin was of each special mission to the UK that has been refused since 4 March 2013”
The Minister replied:
“In view of the confidentiality of diplomatic exchanges, we have no plans to publish further details about requests that have been granted or refused.”
Previously the Government had revealed that at least three Israelis, Tzipi Livni herself, DF Lieutenant General Benny Gantz and Doron Almog had been given temporary immunity from prosecution, protecting them from arrest for war crimes. This time it seems the Government intend for Tzipi Livni not only to be protected from the law but from publicity, and the UK Government to be immune from scrutiny.
Sarah Colborne, Director of Palestine Solidarity Campaign, said:
“Tzipi Livni, architect of Israel’s massacre in Gaza – Operation Cast Lead – is speaking in London on 15 May. But it appears that the government wants to shroud in secrecy any decisions on granting immunity from prosecution via a ‘special mission’ status. What is the British government trying to hide? Surely we have the right to know if suspected war criminals are walking the streets of London? Why is it refusing to answer a simple question from the Shadow Justice Minister on what the country of origin was of each request for ‘special mission’ status? Both IDF Lieutenant General Benny Gantz and Doron Almog have recently been given special mission status – or what would be more appropriately called a ‘get out of jail free’ card. Those responsible for war crimes should be brought to justice, not freed from prosecution by holding a secretive special mission status.”
