Dutch state to appeal against Srebrenica liability ruling

The government is to appeal against a lower court decision, holding the Dutch state responsible for the death of three Muslim men during the siege of Srebrenica during the Yugoslavia war in 1995.


The Hague district court ruled last July the Dutch state can be held responsible for the deaths, clearing the way for compensation payments to the families of the men. The families argue Dutch soldiers serving under the UN flag in the Muslim enclave did not do all they could to protect people from the Bosnian Serb army.
Over 8,000 men and boys were murdered and buried in mass graves when the enclave was over-run by Bosnian Serb forces.
Disappointing
Laywer Liesbeth Zegveld, who represents the victims families, said the decision to appeal is disappointing.
The Dutch state is playing the ball back to the UN by arguing that the United Nations, not the Dutch military, was in control of the Dutch troops, she said.
If the High Court rules the UN is responsible, the families will be left with nothing because you cannot sue the United Nations, she pointed out in the Telegraaf.
Who should be held responsible for the deaths? Have your say using the comment box below.

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