Complaint
In an interview Ayelet Razin Bet Or, the former legal adviser to the Association of Rape Crisis Centres in Israel, described and discussed sexual violence against Israeli women she said had been perpetrated by Hamas militia on 7 October 2023 and expressed her concerns for women held in Gaza as hostages. A listener complained the reports of sexual violence during the 7 October attacks had been proven to be unverified and referred to reports of hostages who described humane treatment by their captors. The complainant also said Ms Bet Or has worked “cDz” with the Israeli Defence Force. On this basis he said the presenter had failed to challenge Ms Bet Or appropriately and failed to provide relevant information to the audience. The ECU considered the complaint in the light of the tv’s editorial standards of impartiality.
Outcome
The ECU took account of reports by tv correspondents in Jerusalem which disclosed evidence of sexual violence against Israeli women during the attacks on 7 October. It also took account of a report by the UN Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict which found “clear and convincing information” about rape and sexualized torture being committed against hostages. This report post-dated the broadcast but was consistent with previous anecdotal third-party accounts which had been published, and differed from testimony of humane treatment in some cases. Although, as a criminal prosecutor, Ms Bet Or has had dealings with the Israeli Defence Force, the ECU found no evidence to suggest any formal association or affiliation. The ECU also noted this item was presented as part of a series examining the impact of the conflict on women on both sides. This met the requirement to achieve due impartiality.
Not upheld