Several NGOs gathered outside the Brussels Court of First Instance ahead of a case regarding the monitoring of arms shipments via Antwerp to Israel.
Around 50 demonstrators gathered on Thursday morning. Among those present were members of the League for Human Rights, Intal, Vredesactie, and 11.11.11.
At 9:00, the Brussels court heard the case brought against the Flemish government by the NGOs, in an attempt to prevent a container of potentially military equipment from leaving the port of Antwerp for Israel.
The demonstrators strongly criticised the Flemish executive's passivity regarding controls on arms deliveries and exports to Israel. More specifically, the organisations are targeting a shipment of tapered roller bearings. These parts are used in the production of Merkava tanks and Namer armoured vehicles, which are used daily in the violence in Gaza, the organisations claimed.
The appeal was lodged on 2 July. However, according to the organisations, a convoy left Flanders two days later. The latter hope to permanently immobilise the container, which they believe is due to be received by the defence company Ashot.
