Annisa Essack | kzn@radioislam.org.za
12^th June 2023 | 17:00 CAT
2 min read

Photo Credit: News24

Despite the recent complaint findings from the South African Zionist Federation (SAZF), retired Judge Desai remains confident in his actions and decisions and has no intention of backing down.

The SAZF filed a complaint against Judge Desai, raising concerns about his alleged bias regarding matters related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

In an interview with Sulaimaan Ravat on Radio Islam International, he emphasised that his actions were not politically motivated but were carried out to defend human rights.

Having dedicated nearly half a century to the legal field, Judge Desai believes that the attempt to silence him is an effort to prevent him from commenting on what he sees as the most significant human rights issue in the world today. He asserts that judges have historically been vocal about human rights issues and points out that some spoke out against the apartheid government in South Africa while others regrettably remained silent.

Judge Desai maintains that there is no ambiguity regarding the plight of Palestinians and their alleged merciless oppression. However, the recent finding by the Judicial Conduct Committee, in response to a complaint by the South African Zionist Federation (SAZF), warns Judge Desai against participating in political controversies or activities unless necessary for the discharge of his judicial duties.

The 17-page findings, after 22 months of consideration, responded to SAZF’s accusation of misconduct by Judge Desai. The complaint alleged that he contravened the Code of Judicial Conduct by participating in events supporting Gaza’s freedom and endorsing the Boycott, Disinvestment, and Sanctions (BDS) campaign against Israel.

Judge Nambitha Dambuza, who presided over the matter, found little evidence to support most of the claims cited in the complaint.

Listen to the full interview with Sualimaan Ravat on Sabahul Muslim here.