Today, the Court began hearing oral testimonies, while outside there were large demonstrations by those for and against “The Wall”. Both sides were kept well apart – and far enough away from the Peace Palace, home of the World Court, so that official procedures were not disturbed.
To date, there were no serious confrontations, except when a young Moroccan woman was attacked by a group of French Israeli “sympathisers”, outside the Peace Palace. Fortunately, the large police presence prevented serious injury and the would-be assailants were simply dispersed, allowing the young woman to go her way.
To date, there were no serious confrontations, except when a young Moroccan woman was attacked by a group of French Israeli “sympathisers”, outside the Peace Palace. Fortunately, the large police presence prevented serious injury and the would-be assailants were simply dispersed, allowing the young woman to go her way.
The Hague Police appear to have the situation well in hand, offending few and allowing both sides to have their say.
The heightened security, however, does provide an annoyance, since the entire area surrounding the World Court is cordoned off by police barriers. Trams have been rerouted and other traffic is slowed by detours.
Although the demonstrators are gaining some publicity for their respective positions, this will have no bearing on the World Court Decision. The Justices of the World Court will base their decision purely on the requisites of International Law and not upon political or emotional arguments.
The heightened security, however, does provide an annoyance, since the entire area surrounding the World Court is cordoned off by police barriers. Trams have been rerouted and other traffic is slowed by detours.
Although the demonstrators are gaining some publicity for their respective positions, this will have no bearing on the World Court Decision. The Justices of the World Court will base their decision purely on the requisites of International Law and not upon political or emotional arguments.
That is their sole purpose and function - to provide a venue where only legal arguments matter.
The procedings of the International Court of Justice can now be seen at: http://www.icj-cij.org
We will be presenting a summary of the Hearings, at their conclusion and a live video link, on our website, tomorrow.
Please continue for related articles ...
The procedings of the International Court of Justice can now be seen at: http://www.icj-cij.org
We will be presenting a summary of the Hearings, at their conclusion and a live video link, on our website, tomorrow.
Please continue for related articles ...