HRF Files Application with European Court of Human Rights Against Lithuania Following Refusal to Investigate Hind Rajab’s Murder

21 September 2026 — Brussels, Belgium/Strasbourg, France -The Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF) has submitted an application to the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) against the Republic of Lithuania, following the final dismissal by Lithuanian courts of its request to investigate alleged war crimes committed by an Israeli soldier residing in the country.

The Case of Sean Gor

The case concerns Sean Gor, a member of the “Vampire Empire” company with the 52nd Armored Battalion of the 401st Armored Brigade. HRF documented Gor’s deployment in Gaza from October 2023 to August 2024 and his unit’s involvement in several key incidents, including:

• The killing of five-year-old Hind Rajab, members of her extended family, and two paramedics in Tel al-Hawa, Gaza City, on 29 January 2024
• The attack and siege of Al Shifa Medical Complex in Al-Rimal, Gaza City, in March-April 2024
• The raid and destruction of UNRWA’s headquarters in Al-Rimal, Gaza City, in January-February 2024
• The destruction of Palestine Square in Gaza City in December 2023

Images from left to right: the car wreck after the killing of five-year-old Hind Rajab and members of her family; the ambulance wreck after the killing of two paramedics; the destruction of Al Shifa Medical Complex; and the destruction of UNRWA’s headquarters.

Lithuania Refuses to Open an Investigation

In March 2026, HRF identified Sean Gor’s presence in Lithuania, where he has been studying dentistry at the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences. On 27 March 2026, HRF submitted a criminal complaint to the Lithuanian Prosecutor General’s Office.

On 9 April 2026, the Prosecutor refused to open an investigation, interpreting universal jurisdiction as an exceptional mechanism applicable only in limited circumstances and subject to specific legal conditions for the prosecution of the most serious violations of international law. The decision also cited practical difficulties in gathering evidence abroad.

The refusal was upheld by the Vilnius City District Court on 27 April 2026 and by the Vilnius Regional Court on 21 May 2026.

HRF subsequently petitioned Lithuania’s Constitutional Court, arguing that this restrictive interpretation of universal jurisdiction is incompatible with the country’s constitution and its binding international obligations.

HRF Takes Lithuania to the European Court of Human Rights

Having exhausted all available domestic remedies, HRF has now turned to the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR). In its application, HRF argues that Lithuania’s refusal to investigate constitutes a violation of Articles 2, 3, 11, and 13 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Dyab Abou Jahjah, HRF's General Director:

“Lithuania had an opportunity to act. Instead, we have been forced to take this case to Strasbourg. Universal jurisdiction exists precisely so that alleged perpetrators of the gravest crimes cannot find refuge from accountability. The suspect is likely still in Lithuania, enjoying his time after having taken part in one of the most documented genocides in history. Lithuania cannot claim to uphold human rights while harboring a suspected perpetrator on its territory.”

Natacha Bracq, Head of Litigation at HRF

“We have exhausted every domestic avenue available to us. The fact that the alleged crimes were committed abroad cannot serve as a blanket excuse for inaction. Lithuania has chosen to apply universal jurisdiction selectively, and such double standards are unacceptable. This position is particularly indefensible given that the alleged conduct forms part of an ongoing genocide, as Palestinians continue to be massacred daily by the same army in which Gor served.”

HRF is dedicated to the memory of Hind Rajab and will pursue every available legal avenue to seek justice and accountability for her and all victims of the genocide in Gaza.