Ex-Israeli Spy Chief ‘Threatened’ ICC Prosecutor Over War Crimes Inquiry, Guardian Investigation Finds
One source described Cohen’s behaviour as akin to “stalking.” (Screengrabs via YouTube)
Former head of Mossad, Israel’s intelligence agency, Yossi Cohen allegedly “threatened” the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to drop a war crimes investigation.
The claim, reported by The Guardian after a year-long investigation, reveals that Cohen tried to intimidate Fatou Bensouda, then the ICC’s prosecutor, in secret meetings.
The Guardian cites four unnamed sources who disclosed that Cohen’s threats were part of a broader attempt to pressure Bensouda to abandon her investigation into alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in the occupied Palestinian territories. Bensouda reportedly briefed a small group of senior ICC officials about Cohen’s attempts, expressing concerns about his “persistent and threatening nature.”
Three sources familiar with Bensouda’s formal disclosures to the ICC confirmed that Cohen pressured her multiple times. He allegedly said: “You should help us and let us take care of you. You don’t want to be getting into things that could compromise your security or that of your family.”
One source described Cohen’s behaviour as akin to “stalking.”
The Guardian also reported that Israeli intelligence agencies conducted a covert “war” against the ICC for nearly a decade, aiming to derail investigations into potential Israeli war crimes.
Comments
↓ Scroll down for comments ↓