In fact, the four Geneva Conventions of 1949 authorize Belgium to open an
investigation for grave breaches of humanitarian law regardless of the
location of the suspect and to seek the extradition of any person suspected
of grave breaches with a view to exercising universal jurisdiction even if
that person has never been in that country.

The next step in this case is an appeal to the Court of Cassation. If this
unfortunate decision is upheld on appeal, Amnesty International will seek
an amendment of the Belgian law to ensure that Belgium can continue to act
on behalf of the international community in investigating and prosecuting
the worst possible crimes in the world when states where the crime occurred
have failed to fulfil their responsibilities under international law.

"The massacres of Sabra and Shatila refugee camps were war crimes and need
to be fully and impartially investigated," said Amnesty International.

"International law to combat impunity must not be undermined, especially as
the International Criminal Court will enter into force on 1 July."

Amnesty International is awaiting the full text of the judgement.