Belgian authorities have interrogated two Israeli men after they attended the renowned Tomorrowland festival, which occurred last Friday, drawing thousands despite a fire that destroyed the main stage just two days prior. The inquiry was initiated following claims by two pro-Palestinian organizations—the Hind Rajab Foundation and the Global Legal Action Network—who alleged the men were waving flags from the Givati Brigade, a unit within the Israel Defense Forces.
The pair were briefly detained but released after interviews with prosecutors. This incident came to light when the group of Israeli attendees displayed the purple-and-white flag of the Givati Brigade during a performance by the Israeli DJ duo Vini Vici. The organizations claim that this act amounted to support for actions in Gaza, which they consider war crimes.
Authorities indicated that specifics of the investigation would remain undisclosed for now. The Hind Rajab Foundation described the questioning of the Israelis as a "significant step forward" in their campaign. The men are believed to have been free to leave Belgium without any restrictions following their release.
The Israeli embassy in Brussels refrained from extensive remarks, only confirming the release of the individuals involved. Belgian authorities cited universal jurisdiction laws that empower them to pursue cases linked to alleged international crimes, a provision recently bolstered to allow easier evidence gathering by local police.
In response to the event, the European Jewish Association expressed profound concern regarding how the Belgian authorities managed the situation, asserting that the actions of the Israeli soldiers at the festival were within the bounds of their legal and national duties, akin to those of soldiers in any democratic nation.
The Tomorrowland festival continues to be a highlight of the summer music scene, with numerous top artists, including David Guetta and Lost Frequencies, performing, despite the previous disruption caused by the fire.
The pair were briefly detained but released after interviews with prosecutors. This incident came to light when the group of Israeli attendees displayed the purple-and-white flag of the Givati Brigade during a performance by the Israeli DJ duo Vini Vici. The organizations claim that this act amounted to support for actions in Gaza, which they consider war crimes.
Authorities indicated that specifics of the investigation would remain undisclosed for now. The Hind Rajab Foundation described the questioning of the Israelis as a "significant step forward" in their campaign. The men are believed to have been free to leave Belgium without any restrictions following their release.
The Israeli embassy in Brussels refrained from extensive remarks, only confirming the release of the individuals involved. Belgian authorities cited universal jurisdiction laws that empower them to pursue cases linked to alleged international crimes, a provision recently bolstered to allow easier evidence gathering by local police.
In response to the event, the European Jewish Association expressed profound concern regarding how the Belgian authorities managed the situation, asserting that the actions of the Israeli soldiers at the festival were within the bounds of their legal and national duties, akin to those of soldiers in any democratic nation.
The Tomorrowland festival continues to be a highlight of the summer music scene, with numerous top artists, including David Guetta and Lost Frequencies, performing, despite the previous disruption caused by the fire.
