Israel court orders expulsion of Human Rights Watch director

An Israeli court has ordered the deportation of Human Rights Watchs local director and ordered him to leave the country within two weeks.

The Jerusalem District Court on Tuesday rejected an appeal by Omar Shakir to remain in the country, citing his ongoing support of boycotts of Israel during his time in the country.

Israels interior minister ordered Shakirs deportation last year, calling him a boycott activist, a claim Human Rights Watch and Shakir denied.

Israel enacted a law in 2017 barring entry to any foreigner who knowingly issues a public call for boycotting Israel.

Shakir, a U.S. citizen, has worked as the New York-based groups Israel and Palestine director since October 2016.

The court ordered that Shakir has until May 1 to leave the country.