London: Britain has amended a law to make it tougher for ordinary citizens or activist groups to get arrest warrants against suspected war criminals or torturers, a move that angered some human rights lawyers and activists.
Britain's universal jurisdiction law allows British courts to prosecute foreigners accused of crimes against humanity, no matter where the alleged crimes were committed.
The principle of the law is rooted in the belief that certain crimes, such as genocide, hostage-taking and torture, are so serious that they must be addressed wherever a suspect can be detained.
Under the new amendment ratified on Thursday, private citizens can still pursue arrest warrants, but the government's chief prosecutor must approve them.
Justice Secretary Kenneth Clarke said the change will ensure that "the balance is struck between ensuring those who are accused of such heinous crimes do not escape justice and that universal jurisdiction cases are only proceeded with on the basis of solid evidence."
In the past, attempts have been made to obtain warrants to arrest visiting foreign dignitaries such as Henry Kissinger, Chinese Trade Minister Bo Xilai and Tzipi Livni, former foreign minister and now leader of the opposition in Israel.
The threat of arrest has strained diplomatic relations between Britain and Israel.
Last year, both Deputy Israeli Prime Minister Dan Meridor and Livni canceled trips to Britain, fearing arrest. While in 2009, Palestinian activists tried unsuccessfully to have Defense Minister Ehud Barak arrested during a visit to
Britain.
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