Over 40 human rights groups have condemned threats against the directors of the documentary 'NAZA' following public backlash and calls to revoke their citizenship.

Forty-three Israeli human rights, equality, and peace organizations issued a joint statement on Tuesday supporting documentary filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor. The statement follows a wave of threats and public backlash against the directors of 'NAZA' after the film won a Special Jury Award at the Venice Film Festival. The filmmakers have faced calls from government officials to revoke their citizenship after featuring an anonymous IDF soldier discussing AI targeting software used in Gaza.

Government Response and Controversy

Culture Minister Miki Zohar publicly criticized the film, labeling it "horrifying" and an "act of treason against the state." On Sunday, Zohar stated on X that he would take immediate action to revoke the citizenship of the film's creators. The documentary, which has not yet been fully released, includes claims regarding AI targeting software used during the campaign in Gaza.

Human Rights Groups' Stance

The joint statement from the 43 organizations condemned the threats as characteristic of "dictatorial regimes," asserting that citizenship is a fundamental right rather than a government-granted prize. The groups emphasized the importance of freedom of expression and press, calling for an investigation into the allegations raised by the film. Additionally, the petition cited the IDF's estimated death toll in Gaza of roughly 70,000 and advocated for independent journalists to be granted access to report from the region.

Broader Support for Filmmakers

The joint statement follows a separate petition signed by over 1,000 Israeli filmmakers yesterday, which expressed solidarity with Abraham and Szor. Supporters warned that the ongoing hostility and public uproar could endanger the physical safety of the filmmakers, while stressing that art and journalism serve a critical role in generating societal discourse.