Two Israelis questioned by Belgian police over war crimes allegations during Tomorrowland

Two Israeli nationals were taken in for questioning during Tomorrowland last weekend, following allegations of war crimes submitted by a pro-Palestinian organisation.

As reported by The Guardian, Belgian police received a tip-off suggesting the unnamed individuals had committed “serious violations of international humanitarian law” while serving in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in Gaza.

The alert was submitted by the Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF), a Belgian-based pro-Palestine advocacy group, which claimed the men had been spotted at the Boom-based electronic music festival displaying a flag linked to the Givati Brigade.

Established in 1947, the Givati Brigade is one of five main infantry divisions within the IDF. The HRF alleges that the unit has been involved in multiple serious breaches of human rights over the years, including assaults on Palestinian civilians and medical facilities, as well as accusations of torture and forced displacement.

Following the identification, the HRF filed an official complaint with Belgian law enforcement, asserting that the two individuals were “responsible for grave international crimes”.

The Belgian federal prosecutor’s office confirmed it had authorised the arrests on the basis that the country holds extraterritorial jurisdiction over alleged war crimes. The two men were subsequently interviewed by investigators.

“Following these interviews, they were released,” the statement adds. “No further information will be given at this stage of the investigation."

[Via: The Guardian]