Filmmaker Loach hits back at Belgian premier in anti-Semitism row
BRUSSELS - British film director Ken Loach accused Belgium's prime minister on Thursday of ignoring "flagrant breaches of international law" by Israel in a row over alleged anti-Semitism and the filmmaker's long-time support of Palestinians.
Speaking after being awarded an honorary doctorate at one of Belgium's leading universities, Loach said he was shocked that premier Charles Michel had chosen to criticise the institution for giving him the award.
"Now, he's a lawyer, Mr. Michel ... Did he I wonder, ask about the breaches of international law committed by Israel? Did he ask about the illegal occupation of Palestinian lands?" said Loach, the 81-year-old director of 2016 Palme d'Or winner "I, Daniel Blake".
Michel, 42, studied law at the Free University of Brussels and chided it on Wednesday for plans to award Loach an honorary doctorate. Loach denies accusations that his support for Palestinians is anti-Semitic.
