'Dirani's lawsuit aims to provoke State'

State Prosecution appeals High Court decision to uphold released terrorist's lawsuit against Israel. 'Decision contradicts law of nations,' petition claims

Aviad Glickman|Published: 08.02.11 , 18:25

State Prosecutor's Office on Tuesday filed a petition with the High Court of Justice in a motion to hold another hearing on the court's decision to reject a request to disqualify Mustafa Dirani's lawsuit against the State.

In their appeal, the petitioners wrote: "Dirani is a resident of an enemy state that is currently operating and leading terror organizations that aim to destroy the State of Israel."

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According to the petition, Dirani does not adhere to Israel's legal system, but has filed a financial suit in order to seek compensation, while claiming he has no material motivation.

"Allowing an enemy of the State to use its legal mechanism to provoke the State is a new and dangerous trend that obstructs the sense of justice,' the petitioners wrote, adding that the court's latest ruling "contradicts the law of nations and is unprecedented in Israel and around the world."

Two weeks ago, the Supreme Court upheld a decision by the Tel Aviv District Court allowing Dirani, who held captive navigator Ron Arad in the past, to continue to pursue his lawsuit against the state.

Dirani, a Hezbollah operative, was captured by Israel in 1994 and held until a swap deal in 2004. Before his release he filed a claim for NIS 6 million ($1.75 million), claiming he was raped by one of his Israeli interrogators.

When Dirani returned to Lebanon he announced that he would continue to work for Hezbollah, prompting the state to file an appeal against his suit, claiming that the court was debating a terrorist's claim.