Israel information centre Cidi has made a formal complaint against the owners of Dutch Instagram account CestMocro and some commentors, arguing that the site is inciting violence against the Jewish community.
Cidi cites made by account followers which, it says, are “shocking, disgusting and incite hatred. “Emotions surrounding the war between Hamas and Israel do not justify such chilling comments,” Cidi said in a website statement.
The account, which has over one million followers and bases its coverage on Dutch media stories, has denounced Cidi’s claim. “We have never encouraged hatred of Jews and we never would,” the site said. “We are defending the innocent citizens who are being murdered in Gaza for more than two weeks.”
“We have said it before and we will say it again, Jews are not responsible for the deeds of the Israeli government,” the Instgram post said.
Cidi has asked the public prosecution department to take action against the account on the grounds of groups insult, threatening behaviour and intimidation, and to do the same against several commentors. It also wants the site taken offline.
The organisation has also asked prime minister Mark Rutte and justice minister Dilan Yesilgöz to condemn “this form of incitement”.
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