The Belgian Court of Appeals ruled today that Ariel Sharon cannot be tried in a Belgian court on charges of responsibility for the Sabra and Shatila massacres. The three-judge panel ruled that a Belgian court has no jurisdiction on charges of this nature as Sharon is not physically in the country. Israeli lawyers in Belgium were particularly pleased with the ruling, in that it was not based on Sharon\'s immunity as head of state and therefore clears other Israelis charged on similar grounds. These include then-IDF Chief of Staff Rafael Eitan.
About 900 Moslems were slaughtered by Christian Phalangists in southern Lebanon 20 years ago, and Israel was assigned indirect responsibility because of its alliance with the Christians. Sharon was Israel\'s Defense Minister at the time. Family members of the victims brought suit against Sharon, and though they may theoretically appeal today\'s decision to the Belgian Supreme Court, Israeli lawyers were very satisfied in today\'s \"closing of the door\" on the case.
About 900 Moslems were slaughtered by Christian Phalangists in southern Lebanon 20 years ago, and Israel was assigned indirect responsibility because of its alliance with the Christians. Sharon was Israel\'s Defense Minister at the time. Family members of the victims brought suit against Sharon, and though they may theoretically appeal today\'s decision to the Belgian Supreme Court, Israeli lawyers were very satisfied in today\'s \"closing of the door\" on the case.