<P> Spies and terrorists are only protected by the laws of war if the "power" which holds them is in a state of armed conflict or war, and until they are found to be an "unlawful combatant". Depending on the circumstances, they may be subject to civilian law or a military tribunal for their acts . In practice, they have often have been subjected to torture and execution . The laws of war neither approve nor condemn such acts, which fall outside their scope . Spies may only be punished following a trial; if captured after rejoining their own army, they must be treated as prisoners of war . Suspected terrorists who are captured during an armed conflict, without having participated in the hostilities, may be detained only in accordance with the GC IV, and are entitled to a regular trial . Countries that have signed the UN Convention Against Torture have committed themselves not to use torture on anyone for any reason . </P> <P> After a conflict has ended, persons who have committed any breach of the laws of war, and especially atrocities, may be held individually accountable for war crimes through process of law . </P> <P> The Fourth Geneva Convention focuses on the civilian population . The two additional protocols adopted in 1977 extend and strengthen civilian protection in international (AP I) and non-international (AP II) armed conflict: for example, by introducing the prohibition of direct attacks against civilians . A "civilian" is defined as "any person not belonging to the armed forces", including non-nationals and refugees . However, it is accepted that operations may cause civilian casualties . Luis Moreno Ocampo, chief prosecutor of the international criminal court, wrote in 2006: "International humanitarian law and the Rome statute permit belligerents to carry out proportionate attacks against military objectives, even when it is known that some civilian deaths or injuries will occur . A crime occurs if there is an intentional attack directed against civilians (principle of distinction)... or an attack is launched on a military objective in the knowledge that the incidental civilian injuries would be clearly excessive in relation to the anticipated military advantage (principle of proportionality)." </P> <P> The provisions and principles of IHL which seek to protect civilians are: </P>

When was the law of armed conflict established