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3 June 2013 – NEWS ABOUT THE COURTS
Posted in Crimes against Humanity, Gaddafi, ICC, Investigations, Kenya, Libya, Other domestic courts, Post-Election Violence, Sudan, War Crimes on June 3, 2013
Libya will appeal ICC’s admissibility decision regarding Saif: Libya announced this week that it would file an official appeal against the International Criminal Court’s decision of 31 May 2013 which rejected Libya’s admissibility challenge and reminded Libya of its obligation to surrender Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi to the ICC. At a joint news conference on Sunday 2 June, Libya’s Prime Minister Al Zeidan and Justice Minister Salah al-Marghani stated that an official appeal would be lodged with the ICC and that ”a team of Libyan and international experts are discussing the preparation of the appeal.” The ICC, in its admissibility decision, said Libya had not shown sufficient capacity to investigate and prosecute the son of ousted dictator Muammar Gaddafi for war crimes and crimes against humanity. (For additional information on this topic, please 1. click here and 2. click here)
Ruto trial delayed at ICC: On Monday, 3 June, judges at the International Criminal Court scheduled the trial start date for Kenyan President-elect William Ruto for 10 September. The original start date of 28 May was postponed to allow prosecutors and defence attorneys the opportunity to prepare witnesses and conduct further evidence investigations. Judges presented their decision to delay trial for Ruto and co-accused Joshua Arap-Sang with recommendations that portions of the trial be conducted in Kenyan courts or neutral Tanzania. (For additional information on this topic, please click here)
HRW report identifies ICC suspect Kushayb in April attack: Human Rights Watch released a report this week, detailing how Sudanese militia leader Ali Kushayb was involved in an attack on a central Darfur town earlier this year. Kushayb and other members of pro-Sudanese Government Janjaweed fighters reportedly travelled to Abu Jeradil and attacked a rival tribe in early April. Kushayb was indicted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes he allegedly committed during 2007 Janjaweed attacks in the Darfur Region. (For additional information on this topic, please click here)
27 May 2013 – NEWS ABOUT THE COURTS
Posted in AU, Balkans, Crimes against Humanity, ECCC, ICC, ICT of Bangladesh, ICTY, ICTY Residual Mechanism, Kenya, Other domestic courts, Post-Election Violence, UN Security Council, Victims, War Crimes on May 27, 2013
AU leaders request Kenyatta transfer; suggest ICC bias: Leaders of the African Union congregated Friday to pass a resolution urging the International Criminal Court to send the case of Uhuru Kenyatta back to domestic Kenyan Courts. Kenyatta, along with Vice President William Ruto, faces trial 9 July. He was reelected to Kenya’s Presidency in March. Delegates at the AU summit suggested they would take their concerns over Kenyatta’s case to the United Nations, citing the high number of ICC indictees who hail from or are leaders of African countries. (For additional information on this topic, please 1. click here and 2. click here).
ICTY recognizes 20 years since inception: The International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia marked its twentieth anniversary on Saturday, prompting ICTY and UN officials to reflect on the service of the Tribunal. President and Judge Theodor Meron acknowledged the significant contributions to international jurisprudence and individual accountability the Tribunal has made. The Security Council, who authorized the creation of the tribunal through Resolution 827 in May 1993, released a statement commending the work of the Tribunal and welcoming the start of the ICTY Residual Mechanism. The Mechanism will carry out the mandate of the court, to try the remaining individuals most responsible for atrocities committed in the former Yugoslav Territory after 1991. (For additional information on this topic, please click here).
ICT of Bangladesh to try two accused in absentia: The International Crimes Tribunal-2 of Bangladesh on Monday decided to try two of its accused in absentia. After appealing to two members of the Pakistani Occupation Army via newspaper, the ICT-2 opted to proceed with the trial of Chowdhury Mueen-Uddin and Ashrafuzzaman Khan, without them present. Prosecutors filed war crimes charges against the two high-ranking members in late April and arrest warrants were issued 2 May. Mueen-Uddin and Khan were appointed state counsel to represent them in their absence.
Khmer Rouge victims to testify this week: In what is being called a “key moment” in the trial of two accused Khmer Rouge leaders, civilians will have the opportunity to testify before the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia. Victims will present their experience of the Khmer Rouge regime before judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys in the cases of Nuon Chea and Khieu Samphan, as an effort at national reconciliation. Attorneys for the victims pursued this opportunity for their clients to testify against the accused so that the Court could consider their experiences in its judgment, its allocation of reparations, and also for the public to hear first hand accounts of the atrocities.
20 May 2013 – NEWS ABOUT THE COURTS
Posted in CAR, Crimes against Humanity, DRC, Human Rights Violations, ICC, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Post-Election Violence, Victims on May 20, 2013
Alleged Ouattara supporter apprehended in Ivory Coast: On Saturday, authorities in Cote d’Ivoire announced that they had a former member of Alassane Ouattara’s military regime in custody. Amade Oueremi allegedly ordered attacks against supporters of Laurent Gbagbo during violent post-election protests in 2011. Then-outgoing President Gbagbo refused to leave office after national elections declared Ouattara the victor. Authorities suggest Oueremi will be transferred to Abidjan, where he will face charges. Gbagbo was arrested shortly after the riots and transferred to The Hague, where he is awaiting trial at the International Criminal Court.
UN Human Rights Office indicates CAH may have been committed in Nigeria: A spokesperson for the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights said this weekend that Boko Haram’s recent violent attacks could constitute crimes against humanity. Rupert Colville said Friday that the hundreds of civilian deaths in Nigeria, largely accredited to the militant group Boko Haram, were of great concern to the international community. Anything amounting to widespread and systematic attacks or ethnic cleansing against the population could be prosecuted. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon echoed these sentiments.
LRA casualties surpass 100,000 according to UN: On Monday the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights released a key figure from its report on the impact of the Lord’s Resistance Army and civilian welfare in Central Africa. It concluded that over 100,000 individuals had been killed since 1987, during which time the LRA had also committed atrocities including child abduction and forced displacement. The LRA’s current leader, Joseph Kony, reportedly led the group in attacks against civilians in Uganda, and is thought to be on the run in neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, or other speculated locations. He is wanted by the International Criminal Court for these crimes.
18 December 2012 – NEWS ABOUT THE COURTS
Posted in Crimes against Humanity, DRC, ICC, News about the Courts, Ocampo, Victims, War Crimes, Witnesses on December 18, 2012
ICC Judges find alleged Congolese warlord Chui not guilty of war crimes, crimes against humanity:
In the second judgment since its inception in 2002, the International Criminal Court acquitted Mathieu Ngudjolo Chui of allegedly committing crimes against humanity and war crimes. Trial Chamber II decided unanimously that the prosecution failed to show that Chui was individually criminally responsible for crimes committed by Lendu combatants during a conflict that ravaged Ituri Province in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Specifically, judges considered the February 2003 attack by Lendu militants on Bogoro Village, which Chui allegedly commanded, and which prosecutors said established liability for three counts of crimes against humanity and seven counts of war crimes. Trial Chamber II suggested that, while it found Chui not guilty of the ten counts, its judgment was not a proclamation of innocence, nor could its judgment diminish the suffering that the citizens of Bogoro endured during the attack.
A subsequent hearing was scheduled to discuss the release of Chui from ICC detention, while prosecutors prepared to appeal the acquittal. Chui’s case was joined with that of Congolese leader Germaine Katanga in 2008, but earlier this fall Trial Chamber II opted to deliver its judgment against Katanga at a later date.
(For additional information on this topic, please 1. click here and 2. click here)
31 October 2012 – NEWS ABOUT THE COURTS
Posted in Human Rights Violations, ICTY, Kenya, Libya, War Crimes on October 31, 2012
Kenya riots persist following politician’s murder: Violent protests continued in the Western Kenyan city of Kisumu on Wednesday, following the killing of a local politician and businessman, Shem Kwega. Kwega and his wife were murdered in Kisumu early this week, inspiring protests throughout the city that quickly turned violent. Kwega was running for a Parliamentary seat and was a member of the Orange Democratic Movement, of which Raila Odinga is also a member. (For additional information on this topic, please click here)
Perisic Appeal begins at ICTY: Tuesday marked the start of the appeal case for Momcilo Perisic, who was earlier convicted for aiding and abetting war crimes in Bosnia and Serbia during the Balkan War, and sentenced to 27 years in prison. Perisic argued Tuesday that he cannot be convicted for crimes committed by an army operating in an entirely different country. Prosecutors are also appealing the earlier acquittal for Perisic’s direct role as leader of the Yugoslav Army. (For additional information on this topic, please click here)
New Libyan Government approved; protests reported: On Wednesday, the Libyan Assembly met and agreed to terms for a new government, after adjourning its session Tuesday in an attempt to quell increasing civilian protests. The new administration was proposed by Prime Minister Ali Zeidan, and incorporated members from various parties. While some members expressed concern, they indicated that a new government framework was crucial for Libyan progress. Protesters hindered the vote Tuesday when they entered the voting venue; after security removed the dissidents, protests were said to continue outside.
5 September 2012 – NEWS ABOUT THE COURTS
Posted in Crimes against Humanity, Fair trial/Accused's rights, Gaddafi, ICC, Libya, News about the Courts, Responsibility to Protect, Uganda, UN General Assembly, Victims, War Crimes on September 5, 2012
Mauritania Sends Senussi to Libya: On Wednesday, the former Chief Intelligence Officer of Muammar Gaddafi’s regime, Abdullah al-Senussi, was transported to Libya from Mauritania. It is expected that he will face trial in Tripoli, for crimes and human rights violations he perpetuated under the Gaddafi regime. The International Criminal Court also seeks to try al-Senussi for crimes against humanity, while France already delivered a sentence against al-Senussi for his part in a 1989 airline bombing over Niger. (For additional information on this topic, please click here)
R2P Discourse Renewed at UN: In a follow-up to the 2005 World Summit of the United Nations General Assembly, this week international parties called for a clear and united stand on the issue of “Responsibility to Protect,” or R2P. Since 2009, international leaders and UN policy makers have met to discuss the definition and scope of R2P, and Wednesday Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon implored the international community to accept the principle. R2P would hold states accountable for atrocities committed within their borders, and in extreme circumstances, provide for scenarios of humanitarian intervention where states fail to protect their citizens.
Uganda captures LRA fighters: In its quest to locate and apprehend Lord’s Resistance Army Leader Dominic Ongwen, members of the Ugandan Army reported Wednesday that they had apprehended and killed two top men within the rebel group. Ongwen, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes, allegedly reports directly to LRA leader Joseph Kony, also wanted by the ICC. According to reports, Ongwen escaped capture and the Ugandan Army continues its hunt. (For additional information on this topic, please click here)
6 August 2012 – NEWS ABOUT THE COURTS
Posted in Crimes against Humanity, Genocide, Human Rights Violations, ICC, Ivory Coast, Libya, News about the Courts, Other domestic courts, Syria, Torture, UN General Assembly, UN Security Council, War Crimes on August 6, 2012
Gbagbo confirmation of charges hearings delayed over health concerns: On Friday, the International Criminal Court announced that it would delay the start of the confirmation of charges hearing against Laurent Gbagbo. Following reports by Gbagbo’s defense counsel that the former Ivory Coast President was not well enough to sit through the proceedings, judges indicated they would allow three doctors to examine Gbagbo, and resume trial after a formal report was submitted. Gbagbo is charged with four counts of crimes against humanity, including murder and persecution, for refusing to relinquish power after the 2010 National elections.
UN condemns torture; deplores SC for inaction on Syria: The United Nations General Assembly voted to condemn the Syrian regime for increasing violence, during a special session held last Friday. The measure, introduced by Saudi Arabia and co-sponsored by several other states, also condemned the Security Council for its failure to take meaningful steps to end the violence. Russia and China have continued to deny any Security Council initiatives, and the two veto-wielding powers voted against the GA resolution Friday. The resolution called on the Council to ensure that Syria acts in accordance with international resolutions, and also to oversee a transition of political power. (For additional information on this topic, please 1. click here and 2. click here)
Palestine to renew state bid before UNGA in coming months: Palestinian leaders announced that President Mahmoud Abbas would likely renew the Palestinian bid for statehood before the United Nations General Assembly this September. Rather than apply before the UN Security Council, as the Palestinian Authority did last year, the PA will apply before the General Assembly to attain non-member observer state status. The application is more likely to be successful before the GA, and would present the opportunity to participate at the International Criminal Court.
Senussi will face trial before extradition, Mauritania declares: On Sunday the President of Mauritania announced that Abdullah al-Senussi, wanted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes committed during his tenure as Libyan chief of military intelligence. President Ould Abdel Aziz said Senussi would be tried for his illegal entry into Mauritania, before he would be transferred to the ICC, France, or Libya, where he is wanted on further criminal counts.
18 July 2012 – NEWS ABOUT THE COURTS
Posted in Crimes against Humanity, Fatuo Bensouda, Genocide, Human Rights Violations, ICC, ICTR, Investigations, Other domestic courts, Victims, War Crimes on July 18, 2012
Mali asks ICC to begin investigations: On Wednesday the Justice Minister of Mali appealed to the International Criminal Court, to investigate war crimes and other abuses committed during the coup d’etat last year. The Chief Prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, confirmed that Mali asked the ICC to pursue this inquiry, and to determine those individuals who should be charged in association with the coup violence. Crimes that were reported during the government instability last year include rapes, killings, and conscripting of child soldiers.
Secretary General appoints Senegalese genocide adviser: The United Nations Secretary General appointed a new Special Adviser for the Prevention of Genocide, to replace the current adviser. Ban Ki-Moon selected Adama Dieng to take the post, stating that Dieng has extensive human rights and advocacy experience. Dieng is the current Registrar for the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, and has previous experience with several other international organizations. The position of Special Adviser was introduced in 2004, to help combat international crimes, and to recognize past tragedies.
Nazi genocide suspect arrested in Hungary: A 97-year-old man was arrested in Budapest this week, accused of sending thousands of Jewish victims to Nazi concentration camps in 1944. The accused, Laszlo Csizsik-Csatary, was said to have commanded a ghetto during Nazi rule in Hungary, and presided over the transport of over 15,000 Jews from an area in then-Hungary to Auschwitz. Csizsik-Csatary lived in Canada for a short time, before he was investigated for immigration concerns. He left Canada in the late 1990s and lived in Budapest since then. The Simon Wiesenthal Center, which prompted the investigation, said he was its “most-wanted” Nazi-era suspect.
9 July 2012 – NEWS ABOUT THE COURTS
Posted in Balkans, Crimes against Humanity, ECOWAS, Genocide, ICC, ICTY, Investigations, Kenya, UN Security Council, Victims, War Crimes on July 9, 2012
ICC to try four Kenyans involved in PEV next Spring: The International Criminal Court announced that it would commence trials against four Kenyan indictees, accused of perpetuating post-election violence in 2007 and 2008, in April 2013. The two parallel trials of William Ruto and Joshua Arap Sang, and Francis Muthaura and Uhuru Kenyatta, will begin on 10 April and 11 April, respectively. The four men, who have each pleaded guilty to the charges against them, are being prosecuted for their involvement in the outbreaks of violence following the 2007 Presidential elections. (For additional information on this topic, please click here)
Mladic trial hears testimony of mass execution: On Monday, the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia heard testimony against Ratko Mladic, who is charged with eleven counts of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. The first witness for the prosecution, a Bosnian Muslim, described how he and his family were captured and imprisoned by the Bosnian Serb Army, which Mladic formerly commanded. He said he was separated from male members of his family and never saw them again; evidence suggested that they succumbed to the executions in Grabovica in November 1992. (For additional information on this topic, please click here)
ECOWAS urges Mali war crimes probe: Prominent leaders among the Economic Community of West African States asked the International Criminal Court to initiate an investigation into potential war crimes committed in Mali during the recent violence. The request came after the recent ECOWAS summit in Burkina Faso, where leaders of the regional countries discussed the interim government in Mali, a potential United Nations-backed military intervention, and war crimes committed during the recent instability.
2 July 2012 – NEWS ABOUT THE COURTS
Posted in Crimes against Humanity, Gaddafi, ICC, ICT of Bangladesh, Libya, Rome Statute, War Crimes on July 2, 2012
ICC Team released in Libya, returns to The Hague: An International Criminal Court delegation was released this weekend and subsequently returned to The Hague. The team, including an attorney, translator, and diplomats, was accused of spying when it met with ICC indictee Saif al-Islam Gaddafi last month. The four ICC members face a final trial in Tripoli on 23 July, and domestic authorities indicated that they would advance the case in absentia if the defendants did not appear. The team’s release came after weeks of talks and negotiations between the ICC, Libyan authorities, and Australian authorities. (For additional information on this topic, please 1. click here and 2. click here)
Tenth anniversary of ICC commemorated: International organizations and governments recognized the tenth anniversary of the International Criminal Court on Sunday, reflecting on its past achievements and looking toward its future objectives. 1 July 2002 was the day on which the Rome Statute took effect, and since then the ICC has seen investigations, prosecutions, and its first conviction. While recognizing past and present obstacles, international commentators said the ICC was critical to raising accountability throughout the globe.
ICT of Bangladesh hears testimony against Azam: On Sunday the International Crimes Tribunal-1 heard the first witness in the case against Ghulam Azam. A former student of Dhaka University and current historian, Moontassiruddin Khan Mamun described the hierarchy of the Jamaat e-Islami group, accused of perpetrating vicious crimes against separatist groups in 1971. Azam, the former leader of the Jamaat e-Islami group, is accused of several crimes including inciting and planning massacres committed during the 1971 War.
