(Tampa, FL, Jan. 6, 2025) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations Florida chapter (CAIR-FL) today called on concerned citizens, human rights advocates, and organizations across the country to oppose H.R. 8282 and S.224, proposed legislation in Congress that threatens to undermine international justice and accountability.
These bills, collectively known as the “Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act,” aim to shield individuals, including Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant, from investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.
H.R. 8282 and S.224 also pose a direct challenge to the Geneva Convention and international human rights laws. Advocates are urging Congress to reject these bills and instead signal a commitment to global justice by signing on to the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC. The U.S. must demonstrate leadership in international diplomacy by upholding justice without bias or political interference.
TAKE ACTION: Oppose H.R. 8282 and S.224
The bills propose imposing sanctions on any foreign nationals or ICC employees assisting with these investigations. By referring to the ICC’s efforts as “baseless and illegitimate,” despite extensive evidence presented by human rights organizations and legal experts, the legislation seeks to suppress accountability and diminish the ICC’s role in upholding international law.
In a statement, CAIR-FL Policy Manager Mari Marks said:
“Congressional support for the International Criminal Court is eternally in flux depending on who the alleged war criminal is. Congress has shown they cannot be trusted to uphold universal human rights and apply the law equally across nation states. Now elected officials are attempting to punish international investigators for doing their jobs. The congressional members who sponsored this bill routinely cite the need for law and order, and honor police. So where is that respect for law and justice when it pertains to Israel?”
About CAIR-Florida:
CAIR-Florida is the state’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, foster dialogue, safeguard civil liberties for all, empower American Muslims, and form coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
La misión de CAIR-Florida es mejorar la comprensión del Islam, fomentar el diálogo, proteger las libertades civiles, capacitar a los musulmanes estadounidenses, y construir coaliciones que promuevan la justicia y la comprensión mutua.
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CONTACT:
Wilfredo Amr Ruiz, CAIR-FL Media and Outreach Director, Ph. (305) 502-6749. E: [email protected]
