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Human Rights Monitor Deported From Israel

VOA News

   Human Rights Watch's Israel and Palestine director was deported from
   Israel on Monday under claims he supported anti-Israel boycotts, while
   his supporters say he is being deported to cover up human rights
   abuses.

   HRW's Omar Shakir, a U.S. citizen, had served as the country director
   for Israel and Palestine for three years.

   The Israeli Interior Ministry refused to renew Shakir's work visa in
   May 2018.

   The government said Shakir supported the Boycott, Divestment and
   Sanctions (BDS) movement, a pro-Palestinian initiative that aims to
   boycott Israeli businesses and goods. Israeli law allows for the
   deportation of foreigners who support boycotting Israel and denying
   their entry into the country.

   Shakir and HRW deny they support BDS.

   "This has never been about BDS," said Shakir in a video posted on HRW's
   Twitter, "it's always been about the Israeli government's efforts to
   muzzle Human Rights Watch."

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