Szczesniak v. Backer and Others

Abstract

Sovereign immunity — Public ships — Merchant vessel operated by foreign State-owned corporation — Claim by seamen against operators of vessel — Immunity from attachment — Arrest — Whether such vessel immune from arrest — Activities iure gestionis — Attest as safeguarding measure — Whether Belgian courts have jurisdiction to order arrest where jurisdiction to decide merits of claim is doubtful — Whether a safeguarding measure constitutes forcible execution — The law of Belgium