War Criminal in Thailand: Case Filed Against Guy Azran - Thai Authorities Must Act

Thailand- The Hague/ The Hind Rajab Foundation has filed a formal complaint with the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Guy Azran, a soldier from the 432nd Battalion of Israel’s Givati Brigade, for war crimes committed during military operations in Gaza City, July 2024. These crimes are substantiated by video and photographic evidence documenting his actions, which constitute serious violations of international law. Azran is currently vacationing in Thailand. A request for his arrest have been submitted to Thai authorities.

War Crimes Committed by Guy Azran

1. Hostage-Taking
   Guy Azran held Palestinian civilians hostage during military operations, violating their dignity and safety. This is a direct breach of the Fourth Geneva Convention (Article 34) and is classified as a war crime under Article 8(2)(a)(viii) of the Rome Statute of the ICC.
2. Using Civilians as Human Shields
   Azran used civilians to shield himself and his unit, putting their lives in grave danger. This practice is strictly prohibited under Article 51(7) of Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions and constitutes a war crime under Article 8(2)(b)(xxiii) of the Rome Statute.
3. Indiscriminate Attacks on Civilians
   He engaged in indiscriminate shooting at civilian homes, causing widespread destruction and endangering non-combatants. This violates Article 8(2)(b)(i) of the Rome Statute, which prohibits attacks targeting civilian objects.
4. Arson and Destruction of Civilian Property
   Azran set fire to civilian property and posed for photographs amidst the destruction. This constitutes a war crime under Article 8(2)(b)(iv) of the Rome Statute, which criminalizes extensive and unlawful destruction of property not justified by military necessity.
5. Degrading Treatment for Propaganda
   Posing with hostages and the aftermath of destruction highlights his degrading treatment of civilians, violating Article 3 common to the Geneva Conventions and falling under Article 7(1)(k) of the Rome Statute (other inhumane acts). These actions reveal a blatant disregard for human dignity and international law.

Legal Framework for Accountability

The war crimes committed by Guy Azran fall squarely under the definitions provided by the Rome Statute of the ICC and the Geneva Conventions. International law mandates that such crimes be investigated and prosecuted to ensure accountability and justice for the victims.

Thailand’s obligation to act stems from:

1. Universal Jurisdiction: This legal principle enables any state to investigate and prosecute war crimes, even if committed outside its territory.
2. Geneva Conventions: As a signatory, Thailand is bound by the duty to either prosecute or extradite individuals responsible for grave breaches.
3. Customary International Law: Thailand must not provide a safe haven for individuals accused of heinous crimes, as doing so undermines the global fight against impunity.

Why Thailand Must Act

Guy Azran is currently in Thailand, and the Thai authorities are aware of his presence. While they have historically contested jurisdiction over cases of this nature, their stance contradicts international legal obligations. By refusing to act, Thailand risks violating its duties under the Geneva Conventions and its broader responsibility as part of the international community.
Failure to address Azran’s crimes signals complacency in the face of egregious violations of human rights and emboldens others to act with impunity. Thailand must demonstrate its commitment to justice by cooperating with the ICC, investigating Azran’s actions, and ensuring he is held accountable.

A Call to the Thai Public

The Hind Rajab Foundation is actively engaging with the Thai public, civil society, and media to raise awareness about this case. Public pressure is essential in urging Thai authorities to fulfill their obligations under international law. Justice cannot be achieved without collective action and accountability.

We call on the people of Thailand to stand with the victims of Gaza by demanding that their government take the necessary steps to ensure that Thailand does not become a refuge for individuals responsible for war crimes.
The actions of Guy Azran in Gaza constitute war crimes that require immediate investigation and prosecution. The Hind Rajab Foundation will continue to work tirelessly to ensure justice for the victims and accountability for the perpetrators. Thailand must seize this opportunity to uphold international law and affirm its commitment to human rights.