NPA investigating detention of SA journalist in Israel

The NPA is investigating the alleged detention of a South African journalist in Israel.

The National Prosecuting Authority's priority crimes litigation unit was investigating the detention of Gadija Davids in Israel after she was removed from a ship carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza in 2010,  Business Day reported.

South Africa has the right to investigate such crimes under the Implementation of the Rome Statue Criminal Court Act.

Deputy director of public prosecutions JP Pretorius wrote to Davids' attorney Ziyaad Patel on November 4 saying that after consulting with the police, reasonable grounds existed for an investigation into her detention, and a case docket was opened.

Pretorius said the NPA would communicate the case to the International Criminal Court.

Israeli authorities allegedly subjected Davids to "inhumane treatment". She was handcuffed with plastic cable ties and left to sit in the sun for hours. She was held in an Israeli prison and denied consular assistance.