New York/USA (October 6, 2011): Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) a human rights groups spearheading prosecution of those responsible for November 1984 Genocide of Sikhs, has sought criminal prosecution and arrest warrant of Kamal Nath during his upcoming visit to Belgium for his role in massacre of Sikhs in November 1984.
Kamal Nath, India’s Minister for Urban Development is scheduled to attend and address the 5th EuroIndia Summit on October 13, 2011 in Leuven, Belgium. Taking the opportunity of Kamal Nath’s upcoming visit to Belgium, victims of November 1984 Sikh Massacre has approached Belgian government to initiate criminal prosecution and arrest Nath for his role in organizing killing of Sikhs.
Belgium’s law provides for “extra territorial jurisdiction” to criminally prosecute individuals for crimes against humanity and genocide committed outside Belgium. Belgium law of extra territorial jurisdiction does not provide immunity to any head of the states or dignitaries. Under this law, criminal prosecution was initiated against Ariel Sharon, former Prime Minister of Israel for his role in the 1982 Sabra-Shatila massacre in Lebanon.
Letter by Sikhs for Justice to PM of Belgium (Page 1/2)
Letter by Sikhs for Justice to PM of Belgium (Page 2/2)
According to attorney Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, SFJ is committed to prosecute to the fullest extent of law, civilly and criminally, those responsible for killing of Sikhs in November 1984. In April 2010, SFJ initiated civil proceedings against Nath in US Federal Court resulting in issuance of Summons. Since Belgian law provides for criminal prosecution of those involved in crimes against humanity, SFJ is seeking prosecution of Kamal Nath in Belgium during Nath’s upcoming visit. This criminal prosecution can result in issuance of arrest warrants for Kamal Nath by the Belgium Court, added attorney Pannun.
Sikhs have approached Belgium Prime Minister Honorable Yves Leterme apprising him of Kamal Nath’s role in massacre of Sikhs and urging to ban Nath’s entry into Belgium. “Nath’s entry will become a black spot on Belgium’s impeccable record of commitment to human rights and will violate Belgium’s long held position on “Crimes Against Humanity”. A killer like Kamal Nath has no place alongside Belgian leaders and citizens who have always carried the flag of human rights”, states the letter sent to the Belgium Premier.
SFJ announced that on October 13, 2011, Sikh community will hold a protest rally in Leuven, Belgium where Kamal Nath will be attending and addressing the 5th EuroIndia Summit.