Belgium?s Controversial War Crimes Law Amended

On July 29, 2003 the Belgian Parliament amended a law against serious human rights violation, which gave its courts? jurisdiction over alleged violations around the world and had led to charges against Ariel Sharon, Fidel Castro, and both Bush presidents, among others. The amendment comes after Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld threatened to move NATO headquarters outside of the country, and the law now gives immunity to heads of state and officials while they are still in office and persons that visit Belgium on official business. Although human rights? groups were upset by the decision, it may have little impact with the establishment of the new International Criminal Court.