Court case accusing Mark Regev of endorsing genocide dismissed at Melbourne Magistrates' Court
A court case accusing the former senior adviser to Israeli PM Netanyahu of advocating genocide against Palestinians has been dismissed.
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A court case accusing the former senior adviser to Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu of advocating genocide against Palestinians has been dismissed.
Hundreds of pro-Palestine protesters gathered outside Melbourne Magistrates’ Court, causing security to stop anyone from entering or exiting the courthouse as the matter against Mark Regev was being heard.
Senator Lidia Thorpe’s uncle, Krautungalung Elder and human rights advocate Uncle Robbie Thorpe bought the matter against Mr Regev.
A Melbourne Magistrates’ Court’s spokeswoman told the Herald Sun the courts “were aware of some planned police industrial action on the corner of William St and Lonsdale St” on Tuesday morning.
The case accused Mr Regev —— an Australian and Israeli citizen — of “publicly endorsing actions constituting genocide during the Gaza siege”.
It comes after Mr Regev “allegedly supported policies aimed at destroying the Palestinian population in Gaza, including advocating for starvation” in statements broadcasted by local media last year.
However, on Tuesday the case against Mr Regev was dismissed at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.
The Commonwealth Department of Public Prosecutions dropped the single charge against Mr Regev at the first mention of the hearing.
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Many observers from around the globe tuned in to the hearing via the audio-video link, with some also attending the courtroom in person.
In a media release sent last week, Mr Thorpe said: “This case will show whether Australia is serious about prosecuting crimes of genocide.”
“We have a law in place with a lower burden of proof than international law. It must be applied now to ensure accountability for actions that promote destruction and suffering.
“Australia has the tools, the evidence, and the obligation. Now we must act. Failure to prosecute Mark Regev for advocating genocide would be a stain on our nation’s conscience.”
The statement also said: “If the Australian courts fail to pursue the case to its full conclusion or diplomatic immunity prevents a fair prosecution, the matter could escalate to the International Criminal Court (ICC)”.
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