Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has initiated a significant step by submitting an application to the International Criminal Court (ICC), aiming to secure participation rights for Palestinian journalists identified as victims of alleged war crimes by Israel. The move underscores RSF’s ongoing efforts to provide a platform within the ICC for journalists to present their testimonies regarding the severe violence reported in Gaza, positioning them as witnesses in proceedings from which they have historically been excluded.
RSF has submitted victim forms to Philipp Ambach, who leads the Victims Participation and Reparations Section in the ICC’s Registry. Jonathan Dagher, RSF’s Middle East Desk head, emphasized the importance of involving journalists in these legal processes, articulating the belief that their participation could catalyze accountability efforts against reported Israeli military actions. Diaa al-Kahlout is among those singled out for representation, having recounted harrowing experiences during his detention by Israeli forces.
The actions taken by RSF align with Rule 89 of the ICC Rules of Procedure and Evidence, alongside Article 68 of the Rome Statute, which collectively guide the eligibility and protection measures for victims engaging with the court.
In responding to the escalating violence and respective fatalities involving journalists in Gaza, evidently documented with RSF’s own statistics and corroborated by the Committee to Protect Journalists, the move may bolster international calls for more intensive scrutiny and intervention, as urged by United Nations experts.
This development follows prior attempts by RSF to engage the ICC, including a recent instance where the court’s Appeals Chamber mandated a fresh examination of Israel’s objection regarding jurisdictional challenges to arrest warrants concerning Israeli officials.