A Belgian takes Belgium to court to ban the sale of food products from the Israeli colonies

A Belgian citizen of Palestinian origin has taken Belgium to court to ban the sale of products from Israeli occupied Palestinian territories on the Belgian market. In front of the Brussels Civil Court on Monday, the defendant’s lawyers claimed that the Israeli territories are illegal and violate several international conventions. According to them, by importing Israeli products from these colonies, Belgium has made itself an accomplice in the Israeli exploitation of these Palestinian lands. Ramadan Abu Jazar took Belgium to court in July 2013. After waiting several years, the case has finally come before a judge, and was heard by the 11th chamber of the Brussels Civil Court on Monday. A decision is expected to be made on the 12th of May.

The defendant, assisted by Counsels Mehdi Abbes and Isa Gultaslar, hope that the Court will decide Belgium has to ban products made in Cisjordanie and East-Jerusalem.

These two regions are Palestinian territories illegally occupied by the Israelis. The Israelis exploit the natural resources of these lands, which Europe, including Belgium, buys and consumes, according to the defendant. This makes Belgium an accomplice in illegal economic exploitation, he claims. He has asked the judge to decide Belgium will no longer assist what he sees as an injustice.

(Source: Belga)


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