Latest news with #CourtofFirstInstance
Saudi Gazette
2 days ago
- Politics
- Saudi Gazette
Belgian court prohibits transit of military equipment to Israel
BRUSSELS — A court in Belgium has ordered the Flemish government to stop the transit of military equipment to Israel, following the discovery of hardware in the port of Antwerp earlier this year. The Court of First Instance in Brussels ordered the regional government to block the Antwerp shipment and prohibit any future transit of military equipment to Israel, which faces growing criticism in the West for its handling of the war in Gaza. The judge also imposed a fine of €50,000 for any arms shipment sent to Israel. The judgement came in response to a complaint lodged in June by four Flemish associations. Speaking to Euronews, Lichen Ullmann, the coordinator of the Vredesactie movement, which was involved in the complaint, explained that the containers found in Antwerp "included pallets of tapered roller bearings, which are something used in tanks and armoured vehicles." "They are shipped specifically to a company called Ashot Ashkelon in Ashdod in Israel, which is an exclusive supplier to the Israeli army of Merkava tanks, which are used in Gaza in the genocide," Ullmann added. Belgium has banned arms exports to Israel since 2009, with the country's regions responsible for controlling the transit of weapons and their components. However, the hearing in Brussels revealed that the Flemish government only controlled arms when transport companies requested it. Ullmann said the judge cited the Geneva Convention and the Arms Trade Treaty, which prevent countries from exporting military equipment that could be used to commit war crimes or genocide. "So there is a very broad basis for this case and it has been confirmed on all sides, including the ban on the specific container, but also on all other shipments of military equipment to Israel that could potentially be used in genocide," Ullmann noted. Contacted by Euronews, the Flemish government, which can still appeal the decision, did not respond to questions. The Brussels court judgement comes as an increasing number of Israel's allies, including the UK, have expressed concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza after almost two years of Israeli military action. Experts have said that the enclave is experiencing famine, with dozens of people known to have died from malnutrition. The war began when Hamas militants attacked southern Israel on 7 October 2023, killing around 1,200 people, most of them civilians. Hamas took 251 people as hostages, and is currently holding 50, of whom 20 are believed to be alive. A subsequent Israeli offensive has to date killed 61,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry whose figures do not distinguish between fighters and civilians. — Euronews
Arab Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Arab Times
Man Pays KD105,000 For Property—Gets Nothing Until Court Steps In
KUWAIT CITY, Aug 7: The Civil Division in the Court of First Instance has ruled in favor of a citizen in a real estate dispute, ordering the annulment of a preliminary sale contract signed in June 2013 between the plaintiff and the defendant for a residential unit under construction in Hawally. The court ordered the defendant to return the full contract amount of KD105,000 to the plaintiff, along with moral compensation of KD5,001. It also instructed the defendant to pay legal expenses and KD200 in attorney fees. The plaintiff was represented by Attorney Mishari Al-Shammari, who argued that his client honored all contractual obligations by paying the agreed amount in full, with the expectation that the unit would be delivered upon completion of construction. However, the defendant breached the contract by refusing to register the agreement or hand over the property; causing substantial financial loss and psychological distress to the plaintiff. Al-Shammari submitted official documents to the court, including a copy of the preliminary sales contract and receipts proving full payment. The defendant, despite being formally notified, failed to appear at any of the trial sessions. The court referred the case to the Department of Experts at the Ministry of Justice. The report of the department confirmed that the defendant is liable for the full amount of KD105,000. The court further affirmed that the plaintiff met all contractual obligations, while the defendant's refusal to fulfill his responsibilities is a clear breach. Citing established legal principles and jurisprudence, the court ruled to annul the contract and award financial restitution and compensation to the plaintiff; in accordance with the legal provisions governing binding contracts. These provisions entitle the aggrieved party to seek contract cancellation and damages when the other party fails to meet their obligations without justification.
Euronews
2 days ago
- Politics
- Euronews
Belgian court prohibits transit of military equipment to Israel
A court in Belgium has ordered the Flemish government to stop the transit of military equipment to Israel, following the discovery of hardware in the port of Antwerp earlier this year. The Court of First Instance in Brussels ordered the regional government to block the Antwerp shipment and prohibit any future transit of military equipment to Israel, which faces growing criticism in the West for its handling of the war in Gaza. The judge also imposed a fine of €50,000 for any arms shipment sent to Israel. The judgement came in response to a complaint lodged in June by four Flemish associations. Speaking to Euronews, Lichen Ullmann, the coordinator of the Vredesactie movement, which was involved in the complaint, explained that the containers found in Antwerp "included pallets of tapered roller bearings, which are something used in tanks and armoured vehicles." "They are shipped specifically to a company called Ashot Ashkelon in Ashdod in Israel, which is an exclusive supplier to the Israeli army of Merkava tanks, which are used in Gaza in the genocide," Ullmann added. Belgium has banned arms exports to Israel since 2009, with the country's regions responsible for controlling the transit of weapons and their components. However, the hearing in Brussels revealed that the Flemish government only controlled arms when transport companies requested it. The judge concluded in July that Flanders was in breach of its obligations. Ullmann said the judge cited the Geneva Convention and the Arms Trade Treaty, which prevent countries from exporting military equipment that could be used to commit war crimes or genocide. "So there is a very broad basis for this case and it has been confirmed on all sides, including the ban on the specific container, but also on all other shipments of military equipment to Israel that could potentially be used in genocide," Ullmann noted. Contacted by Euronews, the Flemish government, which can still appeal the decision, did not respond to questions. The Brussels court judgement comes as an increasing number of Israel's allies, including the UK, have expressed concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza after almost two years of Israeli military action. Experts have said that the enclave is experiencing famine, with dozens of people known to have died from malnutrition. The war began when Hamas militants attacked southern Israel on 7 October 2023, killing around 1,200 people, most of them civilians. Hamas took 251 people as hostages, and is currently holding 50, of whom 20 are believed to be alive. A subsequent Israeli offensive has to date killed 61,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry whose figures do not distinguish between fighters and civilians.
Zawya
23-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
DIFC Courts reports increase in number of claims in H1 2025
The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts today reported statistics for the first six months of 2025. Claim numbers grew 38 percent year-on-year as parties sought swift, independent justice in domestic and international commercial and civil disputes. From January-June 2025, 650 claims were filed across all Court divisions, with a total average claim value of AED13.2 million. The main Court of First Instance (CFI) and its specialised divisions recorded 61 claims, with an average claim of AED117.7 million and a total of AED6.7 billion. The steady increase in claims demonstrates the Courts' status as the jurisdiction of choice for delivering efficient and reliable judicial services to both corporate and individual users and underpins Dubai's status as an international business hub. Wayne Martin, Chief Justice at DIFC Courts, said, 'The first half of 2025 reflects a sustained pattern of growth, particularly in opt-in matters and higher-value claims. These developments reinforce the DIFC Courts' position as a trusted forum for resolving complex commercial disputes, supported by experienced judges, and international enforceability." He added that the new DIFC Courts Law, introduced in early 2025, represents a forward-looking step by the Government of Dubai allowing the DIFC Courts to further streamline procedures and enhance judicial practice. Over the first half of 2025, the Civil & Commercial Division (CCD) recorded an 85 percent year-on-year growth in claims (from 33 to 61), with a total claim value of AED2.3 billion. Strong demand for the Courts' Arbitration Division (ARB) continued as 23 claims were registered, an increase of 92 percent year-on-year, with a combined value of AED4.5 billion. The Small Claims Tribunal (SCT) dealt with 458 claims (a 73 percent year-on-year increase), representing an AED43.2 million total claim value and an average claim value of AED95,000. The increases in caseload in the commercial and arbitration divisions and the Small Claims Tribunal were offset to some extent by a decrease in enforcement cases, so that total new cases increased by 38 percent to 650, as compared to 470 in the corresponding period last year. The statistics also highlight strong uptake of 'opt-in' claims, with parties outside the DIFC jurisdiction contractually selecting the DIFC Courts to resolve their disputes. In the Court of First Instance, 38 percent of claims were opt-in; 39 percent in the Small Claims Tribunal (SCT); and 18 percent in the Arbitration Division (ARB). The DIFC Courts Wills Service also recorded increased activity. In the first six months of 2025, 922 Wills were registered - a 14 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024 - and 27 Probate Orders were issued. Since its inception, the service has registered over 13,400 Wills, offering a secure mechanism for non-Muslim residents and investors to plan their estates in the UAE. The Courts' Pro Bono Programme also assisted more than 524 individuals, supported by 39 volunteer firms, and 51 volunteer lawyers. The DIFC Courts' Pro Bono Programme is the first-of-its-kind in the Middle East and was implemented in 2009. Justice Omar Al Mheiri, Director, DIFC Courts, said, 'This period has seen continued uptake across all our services, from civil and commercial claims to ancillary services. The consistent increase in users choosing to bring their disputes to the DIFC Courts is a strong reflection of the value placed on our legal framework by businesses and individuals alike. "Serving as the region's leading common law commercial court for over 20 years, our continued growth is a testament to our mission to adapt, innovate, and expand access to justice through our core and ancillary court service offerings to the public.'
Emirates 24/7
23-07-2025
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
DIFC Courts reports increase in number of claims in H1 2025
The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts today reported statistics for the first six months of 2025. Claim numbers grew 38 percent year-on-year as parties sought swift, independent justice in domestic and international commercial and civil disputes. From January-June 2025, 650 claims were filed across all Court divisions, with a total average claim value of AED13.2 million. The main Court of First Instance (CFI) and its specialised divisions recorded 61 claims, with an average claim of AED117.7 million and a total of AED6.7 billion. The steady increase in claims demonstrates the Courts' status as the jurisdiction of choice for delivering efficient and reliable judicial services to both corporate and individual users and underpins Dubai's status as an international business hub. Wayne Martin, Chief Justice at DIFC Courts, said, 'The first half of 2025 reflects a sustained pattern of growth, particularly in opt-in matters and higher-value claims. These developments reinforce the DIFC Courts' position as a trusted forum for resolving complex commercial disputes, supported by experienced judges, and international enforceability." He added that the new DIFC Courts Law, introduced in early 2025, represents a forward-looking step by the Government of Dubai allowing the DIFC Courts to further streamline procedures and enhance judicial practice. Over the first half of 2025, the Civil & Commercial Division (CCD) recorded an 85 percent year-on-year growth in claims (from 33 to 61), with a total claim value of AED2.3 billion. Strong demand for the Courts' Arbitration Division (ARB) continued as 23 claims were registered, an increase of 92 percent year-on-year, with a combined value of AED4.5 billion. The Small Claims Tribunal (SCT) dealt with 458 claims (a 73 percent year-on-year increase), representing an AED43.2 million total claim value and an average claim value of AED95,000. The increases in caseload in the commercial and arbitration divisions and the Small Claims Tribunal were offset to some extent by a decrease in enforcement cases, so that total new cases increased by 38 percent to 650, as compared to 470 in the corresponding period last year. The statistics also highlight strong uptake of 'opt-in' claims, with parties outside the DIFC jurisdiction contractually selecting the DIFC Courts to resolve their disputes. In the Court of First Instance, 38 percent of claims were opt-in; 39 percent in the Small Claims Tribunal (SCT); and 18 percent in the Arbitration Division (ARB). The DIFC Courts Wills Service also recorded increased activity. In the first six months of 2025, 922 Wills were registered - a 14 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024 - and 27 Probate Orders were issued. Since its inception, the service has registered over 13,400 Wills, offering a secure mechanism for non-Muslim residents and investors to plan their estates in the UAE. The Courts' Pro Bono Programme also assisted more than 524 individuals, supported by 39 volunteer firms, and 51 volunteer lawyers. The DIFC Courts' Pro Bono Programme is the first-of-its-kind in the Middle East and was implemented in 2009. Justice Omar Al Mheiri, Director, DIFC Courts, said, 'This period has seen continued uptake across all our services, from civil and commercial claims to ancillary services. The consistent increase in users choosing to bring their disputes to the DIFC Courts is a strong reflection of the value placed on our legal framework by businesses and individuals alike. "Serving as the region's leading common law commercial court for over 20 years, our continued growth is a testament to our mission to adapt, innovate, and expand access to justice through our core and ancillary court service offerings to the public.'
