Amnesty dismayed over Denmark’s response to its lawsuit over country’s arms exports to Israel

By Ebad Ahmed

PRAGUE, Czech Republic (AA) – Rights group Amnesty International expressed dismay Monday over Denmark’s response to its lawsuit calling on the country to stop supplying parts to Israel for its F-35 fighter jets.

In a statement given to Anadolu, Vibe Klarup, Secretary General of Amnesty International Denmark, said: "In a country governed by the rule of law, the government should not try to prevent national courts from scrutinizing them when it comes to compliance with its international obligations.”

“We are deeply surprised that the Danish government is trying to avoid having the case tried in court. Gaza cannot wait. The disaster worsens day by day while the Danish weapons exports continue to Israel,” she added.

Klarup said that Denmark has a tradition of respecting human rights and is regarded as a country that protects international law.

“We must live up to that, and we hope that the Danish courts will see why our case needs to be put forward,” she added.

Separately, Amnesty International in a statement released on Aug. 15 maintained that Denmark in its response before the court said that petitioners in the case are not affected by the permits in question.

"If we at Amnesty International, which works all over the world to document violations of human rights and international law, have no legal interest in having this case tried, who would?" Klarup said.

"Of course, we are amazed. Does the Danish government really believe that respect for international law cannot be tested in Danish courts?"

In March, a lawsuit was filed against Denmark by four Danish human rights organizations for not complying with legal obligations by allowing arms exports to Israel. The case against the Foreign Ministry and Danish National Police was filed by Amnesty International Denmark, Oxfam Denmark, Mellemfolkeligt Samvirke and the Palestinian human rights organization Al-Haq.