Platform for Peace and Humanity
Weekly News Recap (8 - 14 April 2024)
© Photo by Kanika Ting Taylor via Flickr
- Brazil: Supreme Court Launches Criminal Probe into Elon Musk’s Alleged Obstruction of Justice
- ICJ: Nicaragua Accuses Germany of Complicity in Genocide in Gaza
- USA: New York Appeal Court Rejects Trump’s Trial Delay Request
- Spain: Supreme Court Summons Issued for Exiled Catalan Leader in Terrorism Investigation
- ECtHR: Russia Guilty of Multiple Human Rights Violations in Georgia during 2008 Armed Conflict
- Hong Kong: Former Leader of Dissolved Hong Kong Political Group Sentenced to Five-Year Prison Term
- ICJ: Mexico Initiates Legal Proceedings against Ecuador and Requests Provisional Measures
International Peace & Security Section
- Mexico: Protesters Set Fire to Government Buildings
- Sudan: Over 100 Killed in South Kordofan Attack
- Mozambique: 100 Dead in Ferry Incident
- UN: Security Council to Convene over UN Membership for Palestine
- Dijbouti: At Least 38 Migrants Die in Shipwreck
- Russia: Protestors Gather to Demand Compensation Following Dam Collapse
- Taiwan: Past Improvements Limited the Impact of Taiwan Earthquake
- Ukraine: Deadliest Month For Children Since July 2023
- Haiti: Increase in WFP Food Assistance Efforts
- UN: Russian Attacks on Ukraine Continue to Include Destruction of Energy and Civilian Infrastructure
International Justice Section
Brazil: Supreme Court Launches Criminal Probe into Elon Musk’s Alleged Obstruction of Justice
On 8 April 2024, Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes initiated a criminal inquiry against Elon Musk, owner of X (formerly Twitter), for allegedly obstructing justice and inciting behaviour that undermines democracy, after Musk refused to comply with a court order to block certain accounts. This move comes amid investigations into disinformation and accusations against former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro for attempting a post-2022 elections coup. Judge de Moraes blames social media for aiding anti-democratic actions and warns of legal consequences for platforms enabling such behaviour. Musk’s defiance has led to inclusion in ongoing investigations and new criminal probes, with financial penalties potentially imposed on X for non-compliance. Musk criticises these measures, calling them excessive and challenging their legality.
ICJ: Nicaragua Accuses Germany of Complicity in Genocide in Gaza
On 8 April 2024, Nicaragua presented its case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against Germany, alleging the aiding of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza in coordination with Israel. Nicaragua urged the court to instigate emergency measures to halt German support for Israel, arguing serious breaches of international humanitarian law are occurring in Palestine. Nicaragua accused Germany of violating the UN Genocide Convention by supplying military equipment to Israel while defunding The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), and requests temporary measures to halt military aid and overturn the UNRWA funding suspension. Germany has dismissed Nicaragua’s assertions as biased and affirms its adherence to its responsibilities, pending an opportunity to refute the allegations.
https://www.icj-cij.org/sites/default/files/case-related/193/193-20240409-pre-01-00-en.pdf
USA: New York Appeal Court Rejects Trump’s Trial Delay Request
On 9 April 2024, a New York Appeal Court denied former US President Donald Trump’s request to postpone the start of his upcoming “hush money” criminal trial where he is charged with the falsification of official documents. Trump had filed various objections against Judge Juan Merchan, who is overseeing the trial, including requests to amend a gag order, challenging Judge Merchan’s authority under an Article 78 procedure, and requesting transfer of the trial due to alleged bias in the Manhattan jury pool. Despite arguments from Trump’s legal team and the Manhattan District Attorney’s office, Judge Lizbeth González dismissed all objections, denying Trump’s request for a trial delay in a brief order.
Spain: Supreme Court Summons Issued for Exiled Catalan Leader in Terrorism Investigation
On 9 April 2024, Spain’s Supreme Court summoned Catalan separatist leader Carles Puigdemont to testify remotely in June regarding his alleged involvement with a group accused of breaching terrorism laws during protests following Catalonia’s unsuccessful bid for independence in 2017. Puigdemont, who resides in Belgium to evade Spanish charges, denies any connection to the group, Democratic Tsunami, which organised peaceful mass demonstrations causing disruptions. The court also summoned Ruben Wagensberg, another separatist figure, who resides in Switzerland. Puigdemont faces separate prosecution over the 2017 independence referendum and subsequent declaration of independence, but he has expressed intentions to return to Spain if elected to lead Catalonia again. There is speculation that charges against him might be dropped through an amnesty proposed by Spain’s Socialist Party in exchange for support from separatist lawmakers. The Supreme Court, through its Criminal Chamber, unanimously claims jurisdiction to investigate and potentially prosecute Puigdemont and Wagensberg for terrorism crimes, considering Tsunami Democràtic’s actions as falling under terrorism with a view to destabilising Spain’s constitutional order. Criticism from human rights organisations argues that these charges violate international human rights standards and EU law.
ECtHR: Russia Guilty of Multiple Human Rights Violations in Georgia during 2008 Armed Conflict
On 9 April 2024, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) unanimously ruled in the Georgia v. Russia (IV) (application no. 39611/18) case that Russia’s actions in occupying two regions in Georgia during the 2008 armed conflict between the two regions, violated multiple human rights, including the right to life, prohibition of torture, and freedom of movement. Georgia originally filed the case against Russia in 2018, citing a decade of Russian presence in the country. In its judgment this week, the ECtHR agreed with Georgia, highlighting the occurrence of a systematic pattern of abuses, including harassment and unlawful detention. Amnesty International reported the toll of “borderization” on local communities, with displacement and loss of resources. This ruling follows a previous order for Russia to compensate Georgia for human rights violations. The Georgian Minister of Justice praised the decision as a step towards ending the occupation.
Hong Kong: Former Leader of Dissolved Hong Kong Political Group Sentenced to Five-Year Prison Term
On 11 April 2024, Joseph John, a UK resident with Portuguese nationality and former president of now disbanded British based Hong Kong Independence Party, was sentenced to five years in prison under Beijing’s security law by a Hong Kong District Court for conspiring to incite others to commit secession by promoting the city’s independence through online posts. Hong Kong District Court Judge Ernest Lin criticised John for distorting history, vilifying the Chinese government, and advocating for actions such as fundraising for mercenaries and abolishing the Sino-British Joint Declaration, which facilitated Hong Kong’s return to Chinese sovereignty. The judge deemed John’s suggestions historically inaccurate, unreasonable, and indicative of his ignorance of the international political landscape.
ICJ: Mexico Initiates Legal Proceedings against Ecuador and Requests Provisional Measures
On 11 April 2024, Mexico filed a case against Ecuador at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over an incident where Ecuadorian agents forcibly entered the Mexican Embassy in Quito and removed Jorge David Glas Espinel, a former Vice-President of Ecuador, who was seeking asylum. Mexico alleges that this incident, following Glas’s arrival at the embassy and subsequent asylum request, is part of a pattern of intimidation and harassment. Mexico claims Ecuador violated its rights under international law and seeks remedies including full reparation and suspension of Ecuador’s UN membership. Mexico also requests provisional measures to protect diplomatic premises and agents, allow clearance of the embassy, and prevent actions prejudicing Mexico’s rights during the case. The request for provisional measures takes precedence over other cases according to court rules.
https://www.icj-cij.org/sites/default/files/case-related/194/194-20240411-pre-01-00-en.pdf
Germany: Police Execute Federal Court Arrest Warrant against Alleged Islamic State Affiliate on War Crimes Charges
On 10 April 2024, the German Federal Criminal Police arrested Sohail A on suspicion of being a member of terrorist organizations Liwa Jund al-Rahman and the Islamic State. The Prosecutor General obtained an arrest warrant from the Federal Court on 20 March last, citing Sohail A’s alleged involvement with these groups and his purported role in committing war crimes. Sohail A is accused of forcibly transferring individuals to another state, a violation of the International Criminal Code. He is also said to have led the media department of these organizations, responsible for their propaganda. Liwa Jund al-Rahman, the group Sohail A is associated with, is known for its armed rebellion against the Syrian regime and has engaged in violent acts, including a “cleansing operation” in Hatlah village. Sohail A allegedly glorified this incident on social media. The crackdown on these organizations by German authorities began last year with the arrest of Amer A, the group’s founder, and Basel O, a prominent commander. Currently, Sohail A, Amer A, and Basel O are all in pre-trial detention.
International Peace & Security Section
Mexico: Protesters Set Fire to Government Buildings
On 8 April 2024, protesters in Chilpancingo, Mexico, set fire to the state government building and torched vehicles in demand for answers regarding the disappearance of 43 students from a rural teachers college in 2014. The 43 students were abducted and presumably killed by municipal police, allegedly collaborating with a drug gang. The state government of Guerrero condemned the violence and noted the resignation of the interior secretary following a recent confrontation with students. Students from the Ayotzinapa teachers’ college are known for violent protests, including hijacking buses, and in March 2024, they commandeered a truck to breach Mexico City’s National Palace doors. A government truth commission implicated authorities in a cover-up, labelling it a “state crime.”
Sudan: Over 100 Killed in South Kordofan Attack
On 8 April 2024, armed militias, allegedly linked to the Rapid Support Forces, launched attacks on villages in South Kordofan’s Qurdud Nyama region, resulting in at least 100 deaths, including women and children. Eyewitnesses describe chaotic scenes of devastation as the militants set homes ablaze and residents resisted looting attempts. The violence left many wounded, straining medical resources at El Abbasiya Hospital. The attacks targeted villages controlled by the SPLM-N El Hilu, leading to condemnation and accusations of failure from displaced residents towards both the SPLM-N El Hilu and the Sudanese Armed Forces for inadequate protection. Urgent calls for assistance are made to end displacement and provide aid to the vulnerable. However, documenting the atrocities is hindered by communication disruptions, leaving residents reliant on satellite internet for information. As Sudan approaches a year of conflict, the events in South Kordofan underscore the region’s fragile peace amidst simmering tensions and widespread fear.
https://reliefweb.int/report/sudan/sudan-over-100-dead-south-kordofan-attacks
Mozambique: 100 Dead in Ferry Incident
On 8 April 2024, President Filipe Nyusi of Mozambique announced that a ferry boat sank off Mozambique’s northern coast, resulting in over 100 deaths, with nearly 20 people still missing. The vessel, carrying 130 passengers, was overloaded and not licensed for passenger transport, according to officials from the Maritime Transport Institute. Reports suggest it was hit by a tidal wave while transporting passengers from Lunga to Mozambique Island, who were reportedly fleeing a cholera outbreak. Ten people were rescued, but videos showed numerous bodies on a beach. President Nyusi expressed sadness and directed the transport minister to investigate. The Mozambican government stated they plan to assess the situation and take necessary measures. Cholera outbreaks have plagued Mozambique and neighbouring countries, with the country recording 15,051 cases and 32 deaths since October 2023, with Nampula province reporting 5,084 cases and 12 deaths.
UN: Security Council to Convene over UN Membership for Palestine
On 8 April 2024, the UN Security Council prepared to convene to discuss a Palestinian request for UN membership amidst deep concerns about Israel’s planned invasion of Rafah and the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. Aid officials warned of a potential crisis as former residents returned to the devastated city of Khan Younis, lacking adequate supplies, after Israeli troops withdrew on 7 April 2024. Humanitarian Coordinator Jamie McGoldrick highlighted the struggle to preposition essential items and stressed the urgent need for increased aid access. Meanwhile, the International Court of Justice began proceedings on Nicaragua’s petition to halt Germany’s military aid to Israel, alleging violations of international law. South Africa had previously petitioned the ICJ to protect Palestinians in Gaza, while a UN mission revealed the devastation at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City following an Israeli seige that lasted two weeks. The hospital’s vital departments were destroyed, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation in the region. On 8 April 2024, nine countries participated in the largest aid drop over Northern Gaza since 7 October 2023.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/04/1148341
Dijbouti: At Least 38 Migrants Die in Shipwreck
On 8 April 2024, at least 38 migrants, including children, died in a shipwreck off the coast of Djibouti, according to the United Nations migration agency, IOM. The incident occurred about 200 metres off the coast of Djibouti, with the boat sinking two hours after leaving Yemen. Of the 66 people on board, predominantly from the Horn of Africa, 22 survivors have been assisted by the IOM and local authorities. Yvonne Ndege, the IOM’s regional spokesperson, noted that many migrants from the Horn of Africa, particularly Ethiopia and Somalia, attempt to reach Gulf nations each year, but thousands are stranded in Yemen. It is presumed that the migrants involved in the tragedy were trying to return to Djibouti for another attempt or to go back home.
Russia: Protestors Gather to Demand Compensation Following Dam Collapse
On 8 April 2024, Russians in the city of Orsk protested, demanding compensation following the collapse of a dam and subsequent flooding in the Orenburg region near the Kazakhstan border. Around 10,000 homes in Russia’s Orenburg region were flooded due to rising water levels. Protests are rare in Russia, but hundreds gathered in Orsk, chanting appeals for help and expressing discontent. Over 4,000 people, including 885 children, were evacuated in the region, with about 7,000 homes flooded in Orsk alone. The Russian government declared a federal emergency in the affected areas, with preparations for potential flooding in three other regions. Following the protest, the governor of Orenburg region promised compensation payments of around EUR 100 (10,000 rubles) per month for six months to those displaced by the flood. The total damage is estimated at about EUR 210 million (21 billion rubles) in the region.
https://www.euronews.com/2024/04/09/rare-protest-rocks-russia-after-dam-bursts-near-kazakh-border
Taiwan: Past Improvements Limited the Impact of Taiwan Earthquake
On 10 April 2024, Al Jazeera reported, one week after Taiwan’s east coast was struck by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake, on how improvements to buildings and emergency response helped limit the impact. The death toll from the earthquake stands at 13, with over 1,160 injured, however, despite initial concerns, much of the island has returned to normalcy, with minimal damage reported. This contrasts sharply with the devastation of the 1999 Chi-Chi quake which killed 2,400 and injured over 11,000. Lessons learned from the Chi-Chi quake prompted significant improvements in earthquake mitigation strategies, including enhanced building codes, earthquake warning systems, and public education campaigns. Today, a network of sensors and monitoring stations enables real-time assessment of seismic activity, facilitating targeted rescue operations and early warnings. While Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration issued timely alerts during the recent earthquake, some adjustments to alert algorithms are being considered. Extensive public education and annual earthquake drills have equipped the population with the knowledge to respond effectively to seismic events. Changes in building regulations, including seismic damping elements, have contributed to minimising damage, with newer constructions designed to withstand earthquakes more effectively. The government’s identification of high-risk areas and enforcement of stricter building standards reflect Taiwan’s commitment to earthquake resilience and safety.
Ukraine: Deadliest Month For Children Since July 2023
On 11 April 2024, Save the Children reported that March 2024 was the deadliest month for children in Ukraine since July of the previous year, with 11 children killed and 46 injured. UN data indicates that at least 57 children were killed or injured in Ukraine during March 2024, double the number from February and the highest since July 2023. In the first three months of 2024, 125 children have been killed or injured, averaging more than one per day, representing a 20% increase from the same period in 2023. Among the casualties are four children, the youngest being a three-month-old baby, injured in a single attack in Kharkiv on March 27. The rise in casualties corresponds with an increase in attacks by guided and unguided aerial bombs, according to the UN. Explosive weapons such as missiles, drones, bombs, artillery, and rockets have accounted for 87% of the total 1,957 children killed or injured since the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine in February 2022.
https://reliefweb.int/report/ukraine/ukraine-march-most-dangerous-month-children-last-summer
Haiti: Increase in WFP Food Assistance Efforts
On 11 April 2024, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) announced it has significantly expanded its food assistance efforts in Haiti amidst ongoing violence, reaching over 500,000 people since March. This aid includes hot meals for those in temporary shelters in Port-au-Prince, cash disbursements, and school meals. However, WFP is concerned about food stocks depleting by the end of April 2024 due to the closure of Haiti’s main port and airport, disrupting the supply chain. Jean-Martin Bauer, WFP’s Country Director in Haiti, emphasised the need for the port to reopen to bring in fresh supplies and ensure continuity of programs. WFP’s operations since 1 March 2024 include distributing 560,000 hot meals, providing hot meals to 290,000 children in schools, and delivering cash to 80,000 people in the Grand Anse Department. WFP also purchased over 520 metric tons of food from local producers, valued at approximately USD 1 million. The organisation has a five-year roadmap to address hunger in Haiti by engaging local farmers, providing cash transfers, and building social safety nets. Rising food prices and violence have exacerbated food insecurity, with millions of families unable to afford meals and hundreds of thousands of children facing acute malnutrition.
UN: Russian Attacks on Ukraine Continue to Include Destruction of Energy and Civilian Infrastructure
On 11 April 2024, a senior UN official told the Security Council that Russian attacks on cities and towns across Ukraine, particularly targeting energy infrastructure, have intensified in recent weeks, posing a direct threat to international security. The escalation has led to a significant increase in civilian casualties, with at least 126 civilians killed and 478 injured in March 2024 alone, according to the UN human rights office. Children have been particularly affected, with double the number killed or injured compared to the previous month. The attacks continue to target critical civilian infrastructure, including energy facilities, with devastating consequences for the population. The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europe’s largest, was directly targeted for the first time since November 2022, raising fears of a major nuclear accident. The UN has called for an immediate cessation of such attacks to avoid further catastrophe. Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Ukraine continues to deteriorate, with millions in need of assistance and food insecurity worsening. Humanitarian efforts are hampered by the escalating violence, with attacks often targeting first responders and emergency services, violating international humanitarian law. The attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure have also raised concerns about global food security, as the country’s Black Sea ports play a crucial role in global grain supply chains. Despite ongoing humanitarian needs, funding for aid efforts remains insufficient. The conflict shows no signs of abating, with Russia continuing its relentless assault on civilian infrastructure, exacerbating the suffering of the Ukrainian people.