TWO Israeli soldiers have been arrested at a music festival in Belgium over war crimes allegations, a campaign group has said.
The Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF) said in a statement that the two soldiers were attending the Tomorrowland festival in Boom, near Antwerp when they were arrested "with a clear show of force" by Belgian federal police.
After the soldiers were taken into custody, they were formally interrogated and released.
HRF said the Belgian Federal Prosecutor's Office has confirmed that a criminal investigation is now underway.
The complaint was filed last week by HRF and the Global Legal Action Network (GLan).
In a statement, the two groups said the action was "a significant step forward" which signals that Belgium has "recognised its jurisdiction under international law and is treating the allegations with the seriousness they deserve".
"At a time when far too many governments remain silent, this action sends a clear message: credible evidence of international crimes must be met with legal response – not political indifference," the statement said.
"The Hind Rajab Foundation and GLan welcome this breakthrough with determination and humility. We will continue to support the ongoing proceedings and call on Belgian authorities to pursue the investigation fully and independently.
"Justice must not stop here – and we are committed to seeing it through."
