Belgian court dismisses complaints against Prime Minister Sharon

The Belgian Court dealing with the appeals to hold Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon on trial, in order to decide on his participation in the murders of Sabra and Shatila, has decided dismiss the claim - saying they do not have authority over the case because it occurred off of Belgian territory.

CNN called the Belgian law from 1993, which allows the state courts to prosecute foreigners - a legal trap for world leaders. This law is now questionable.

The case as been brought against Sharon by 23 survivors of the massacre, who claim he carries responsibility for it. Sharon has claimed since that he had no knowledge of the massacre until after it occurred. The survivors don't believe it, though they have yet to present proof against Sharon personally.

The massacre was carried out by a Christian militia allied with the IDF, and Sharon has pointed out that he was not in charge of the forces directly.

Israeli officials were happy with the decision, saying they felt previous decisions in the Hague court have put the Belgian jurisdiction in question.

The plaintiffs may appeal to the grand Belgian court in order to turn over the decision

Gil Eyal PRAVDA.Ru Israel