© Photo by Carl Waldmeier via Flickr
- ICC: Dominic Ongwen Transferred to Norwegian Prison
- Sweden: Court of Appeals Upholds Life Sentence for Iranian Hamid Nouri in 1988 Mass Execution Case
- Bosnia: Stojan Petrovic Convicted of War Crimes, Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for 1992 Rape
- France: Former Rwandan Doctor Sosthene Munyemana Sentenced to 24 Years for 1994 Genocide Involvement
- Suriname: Court Affirms Ex-President Bouterse’s Conviction for 1982 Executions
- USA: Court Rejects Fast-Tracking Decision on Trump’s Immunity Claim in Election Interference Trial
- USA: Two Colorado Paramedics Convicted in Elijah McClain’s Death
- Belgium: Ex-Militia Leader Receives Life Sentence for 1994 Rwandan Genocide Atrocities
- Germany: Charges Filed Against Two Syrians for Daesh-Linked War Crimes in Damascus
INTERNATIONAL PEACE AND SECURITY SECTION
- Yemen: Oil Giant BP Pauses Shipping in Red Sea After Increased Houthi Attacks Due to Israeli Bombardment of Gaza
- UN: New Political Deal Encouraged to Secure Brighter Future for Libya
- UN: Efforts to Restart Iran Nuclear Deal at a Standstill
- Guinea: Oil Terminal Blast Kills At Least 13
- China: Earthquake Kills Over 100 People
- UNSC: Vote on Gaza Ceasefire Postponed for a Second Time
- EU: New Agreement to Rebuild and Improve Migration System Welcomed by the UNHCR
- HRW: Report Claims Meta Censoring Pro-Palestinian Views Globally
- Liberia: Protest Against Poor Conditions in Prison Intensify Calls for Prison Reform
- UNSC: Resolution Calls for Delivery of Scale Humanitarian Aid into Gaza, US Opposes Ceasefire
INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE SECTION
ICC: Dominic Ongwen Transferred to Norwegian Prison
On 18 December 2023, Dominic Ongwen was transferred to a prison in Norway to serve his 25-year sentence for crimes against humanity and war crimes, as ruled by Trial Chamber IX of the International Criminal Court (ICC). Norway was designated as the State of enforcement on 9 November 2023, under the supervision of the ICC and adherence to international standards for prisoner treatment. This marks the fifth such transfer by the ICC to a willing State. The move was facilitated through close cooperation with Norwegian and Dutch authorities, highlighting the importance of state support for ICC sentence enforcement. Ongwen’s conviction and sentence were confirmed by the Appeals Chamber on 15 December 2022, and efforts for reparations to victims are ongoing.
https://www.icc-cpi.int/news/dominic-ongwen-transferred-norway-serve-his-sentence-imprisonment
Sweden: Court of Appeals Upholds Life Sentence for Iranian Hamid Nouri in 1988 Mass Execution Case
On 19 December 2023, Sweden’s Svea Court of Appeals upheld the Stockholm District Court’s July 2022 decision, affirming Iranian Hamid Nouri’s guilt for “grave breaches of international humanitarian law and murder.” Nouri was sentenced to life in prison for his role in the 1988 mass execution of political prisoners in Iran, with the Court of Appeals emphasising the robustness of the prosecutor’s case. Nouri is accused of direct involvement in the mass execution of political dissidents, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 5 000 or more individuals. This case, tried under the principle of universal jurisdiction, marks the only trial related to the 1988 killings. Nouri maintains his innocence, and his lawyers sought an acquittal or reduced sentence. The use of universal jurisdiction reflects Sweden’s commitment to pursuing justice for crimes, irrespective of the location of their occurrence.
https://www.dw.com/en/sweden-upholds-life-sentence-in-iran-prison-executions-case/a-67771180
Bosnia: Stojan Petrovic Convicted of War Crimes, Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for 1992 Rape
On 19 December 2023, the Bosnian state court in Sarajevo convicted Stojan Petrovic of war crimes against the civilian population, specifically for raping a woman in July 1992 while serving as a de facto member of the Bosnian Serb police force in Brcko. The court found the victim’s detailed testimony convincing and credible, leading to Petrovic’s seven-year jail sentence. The verdict considered Petrovic’s prior murder conviction as an aggravating factor, while acknowledging his act of taking the victim to the hospital as a mitigating circumstance. Petrovic, who did not appear in court for the verdict, had his travel ban extended, and his passport was confiscated. Initially charged with two others, the proceedings against one were halted due to death, and the case against the other was separated as he is outside the country.
https://balkaninsight.com/2023/12/20/bosnian-serb-wartime-policeman-convicted-of-raping-prisoner/
France: Former Rwandan Doctor Sosthene Munyemana Sentenced to 24 Years for 1994 Genocide Involvement
On 20 December 2023, a French court sentenced former Rwandan doctor Sosthene Munyemana to 24 years in prison for his role in the 1994 genocide of Tutsis in Rwanda. The 68-year-old former gynaecologist was convicted of genocide, crimes against humanity, and participating in a conspiracy to prepare these crimes. This trial, occurring three decades after a 1995 complaint in Bordeaux, marked the sixth in France related to the 1994 massacres that claimed around 800 000 lives in 100 days. Munyemana was accused of supporting the interim government through a letter that advocated Tutsi massacres, aiding in setting up roadblocks, and subjecting people to inhumane conditions before their execution. Munyemana’s lawyers plan to appeal, criticising the decision as “unacceptable” and pointing to contradictions in defence testimonies that they argue leave “room for doubt.” The prosecution had sought a 30-year sentence, emphasising Munyemana’s choices as indicative of a “genocidaire.”
Suriname: Court Affirms Ex-President Bouterse’s Conviction for 1982 Executions
On 20 December 2023, a three-judge panel in Suriname upheld the conviction of former President Desi Bouterse for the 1982 execution of 15 people, with no immediate arrest warrant issued. Despite the government urging citizens to accept the verdict as a moment of healing, immediate imprisonment was not mandated. The government pledged compliance with legal provisions in planning the follow-up to the verdict. Bouterse, 78, who dominated Suriname’s politics until 2020, faces a potential 20-year prison term. Having exhausted all appeals, Bouterse, accused of overseeing the abduction and murder of government critics, denies the charges. The court’s 2019 ruling detailed soldiers abducting 16 leading government critics, with 15 murdered at a Paramaribo fortress.
USA: Court Rejects Fast-Tracking Decision on Trump’s Immunity Claim in Election Interference Trial
On 22 December 2023, the US Supreme Court denied a request by the special counsel to expedite a decision on Donald Trump’s immunity from federal prosecution over his 2020 election interference efforts. Trump’s strategy involves delaying the trial, seeking potential dismissal if he wins re-election. The court’s denial returns the case to the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit, where oral arguments are scheduled for January. Trump’s indictment in June alleges conspiracy to impede the peaceful transfer of power, contending he’s immune to actions related to official duties. The decision grants Trump a significant victory, potentially prolonging the case and allowing further appeals, slowing down the federal election interference trial scheduled for March.
USA: Two Colorado Paramedics Convicted in Elijah McClain’s Death
On 22 December 2023, two Colorado paramedics, Peter Cichuniec and Jeremy Cooper, were convicted of criminally negligent homicide in the 2019 death of Elijah McClain. This rare case holds paramedics criminally liable for a civilian’s death in police custody. Cichuniec was also found guilty of second-degree assault, and Cooper, acquitted on assault charges, was part of a group facing prosecution for McClain’s killing. McClain, a 23-year-old massage therapist, was restrained and injected with a high dose of ketamine by the paramedics after police held him down. The incident, captured on body cameras, sparked national outrage. Paramedics’ attorneys blamed the police, while police argued ketamine administration was the cause. McClain, seen pleading for his life, died, and the paramedics, without checking vital signs, diagnosed him with “excited delirium,” a term criticised for justifying police-involved deaths.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/dec/23/elijah-mcclain-death-colorado-trial-paramedics
Belgium: Ex-Militia Leader Receives Life Sentence for 1994 Rwandan Genocide Atrocities
On December 22, 2023, a Belgian court handed a life sentence to Seraphin Twarhirwa, a former Rwandan militia leader, for his role in numerous murders and rapes during the 1994 genocide. Twarhirwa, aged 66, was found guilty of actively participating in or overseeing atrocities committed by the Hutu Interahamwe militia in Kigali. Another defendant, Pierre Basabose, a former associate of President Juvenal Habyarimana, was convicted of “genocide” and “war crimes” for funding the militia. However, due to incurable senile dementia, the 76-year-old Basabose was not imprisoned for health reasons. Both were arrested in Belgium in 2020. This marked the sixth trial in Belgium related to the 1994 Rwandan genocide, revealing challenges in judicial collaboration with Rwandan authorities. The verdict followed France’s recent sentencing of former doctor Sosthene Munyemana to 24 years for his role in the genocide. Despite the guilty verdict, lawyers for Twarhirwa and Basabose expressed their intention to appeal.
https://www.justiceinfo.net/en/126462-belgium-jails-rwandan-for-life-over-1994-genocide.html
Germany: Charges Filed Against Two Syrians for Daesh-Linked War Crimes in Damascus
On 22 December 2023, German federal prosecutors announced charges against two Syrians for “war crimes” linked to their involvement with the Daesh group in Damascus a decade ago. The individuals, identified as Mohammad A. and Asmael K., were arrested in March and face charges including membership in a foreign terror organisation, “hostage-taking resulting in death,” murder, and killing individuals protected by international law. Mohammad A., who became a Daesh commander with 200 fighters around 2013, is accused of abducting and later executing two opponents of the organisation in late 2013. Asmael K., a Daesh fighter since 2013, allegedly participated in the abducting, guarding the prisoners, and shot at least one person. The court in Duesseldorf will determine if the two, currently in custody, will face trial. Germany, utilising universal jurisdiction, has previously prosecuted Syrians for crimes committed during the civil war, with the recent case involving a former Syrian colonel found guilty of crimes against humanity in January 2022.
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2430146/world
INTERNATIONAL PEACE AND SECURITY SECTION
Yemen: Oil Giant BP Pauses Shipping in Red Sea After Increased Houthi Attacks Due to Israeli Bombardment of Gaza
On 18 December 2023, Oil Giant BP temporarily halted all shipments through the Red Sea due to attacks by Iran-aligned Houthi militants on cargo vessels in response to Israel’s bombardment of Gaza. This move, along with similar decisions by seven other shipping companies, including Evergreen and Euronav, has raised oil prices and unsettled energy markets. The United States, in response, announced Operation Prosperity Guardian, a coalition to address Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, involving countries such as Britain, Canada, and France. BP’s decision, prompted by the deteriorating security situation, marks the first major oil firm to suspend shipping in the region. Without access to the Red Sea route, ships may have to circumnavigate Africa, adding 14 days to transit times and potentially causing supply shortages. The price of Brent crude rose over 2%, and natural gas prices in Europe surged after BP’s announcement. Concerns about disruptions in supply chains for various industries are growing as shipping companies, including MSC, Maersk, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, and Evergreen, avoid the Suez Canal due to the attacks. The situation has also led to increased insurance premiums for vessels in the Red Sea.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/12/18/red-sea-bp-houthi-israel-gaza-hamas/
UN: New Political Deal Encouraged to Secure Brighter Future for Libya
On 18 December 2023, the UN Special Representative for Libya, Abdoulaye Bathily, informed the Security Council that the current mood in Libya is conducive to a new political deal and a brighter future. The country has faced a prolonged crisis since the postponement of national elections originally planned for December 2021. The impasse between the Government of National Unity (GNU) in Tripoli and the eastern-based Government of National Stability (GNS) aligned with the House of Representatives and the Libyan National Army has led to political, security, and economic instability. Bathily urged political leaders in the east and west to establish a coordinated national platform for reconstruction, emphasising the need to recall the unity shown during the Derna flooding crisis in September 2023. While a constitutional and legal framework for elections is in place and considered technically implementable, some institutional players set conditions for their participation. Ongoing armed clashes, security incidents, and arbitrary detentions remain concerns, with Bathily stressing the importance of a thriving civic space for meaningful political progress in Libya.
UN: Efforts to Restart Iran Nuclear Deal at a Standstill
On 18 November 2023, UN Political Affairs Chief Rosemary DiCarlo informed the Security Council that diplomatic efforts surrounding the stalled Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) remain at a standstill, despite ongoing appeals to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. The JCPOA, agreed upon in 2015, outlines rules for monitoring Iran’s nuclear program and facilitated the lifting of US sanctions. The US withdrew from the deal in 2018 under former President Donald Trump. DiCarlo emphasised that the JCPOA represents the best option for ensuring Iran’s nuclear program remains exclusively peaceful and urged Iran to reverse steps inconsistent with its nuclear commitments under the plan. Verification and monitoring by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have been seriously affected, with Iran maintaining an enriched uranium stockpile over 20 times the JCPOA limit. DiCarlo highlighted instances of alleged breaches related to ballistic missile activities, transfers, and drone transfers, expressing the UN’s commitment to urging participants to restore the JCPOA through diplomatic avenues. The deal’s success or failure is deemed critical by the UN for global peace and security.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/12/1144917
Guinea: Oil Terminal Blast Kills At Least 13
On 18 December 2023, an explosion at Guinea’s main oil terminal in Conakry killed at least 13 people and injured 178, prompting a response from firefighters to extinguish the blaze. The blast occurred in the Kaloum administrative district, causing windows to shatter and forcing hundreds to evacuate. While Guinea is not an oil producer, it imports refined products stored in the Kaloum terminal for distribution across the country and the extent of damage to the terminal remains unclear. Authorities advised residents to wear face masks, and an investigation will be launched to determine the cause of the incident. Concerns over fuel shortages led to the closure of gas stations, with the government identifying vital fuel needs to prevent shortages in areas relying on coastal deliveries.
China: Earthquake Kills Over 100 People
On 19 December 2023, a first 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck Gansu province and a second quake of 5.5 magnitudes struck Xinjiang, both in north-west China, killing at least 116 people and injuring 220. The quake also affected neighbouring Qinghai. At the time of writing, thousands of rescuers were working in freezing conditions to assist those in the high-altitude area. Gansu, one of China’s poorest regions, faces significant damage, particularly in Jishishan county. President Xi Jinping ordered full rescue efforts, urging search and rescue, timely treatment of the injured, and minimising casualties. Hospitals began receiving patients, and rescuers started navigating rubble from collapsed buildings. Power and water supplies were disrupted, which hindered some rescue efforts. China is prone to earthquakes due to tectonic plate activity, and in September 2022, a 6.6-magnitude quake in Sichuan province killed over 60 people.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-67756228
UNSC: Vote on Gaza Ceasefire Postponed for a Second Time
On 20 December 2023, it was reported that the vote on a Gaza ceasefire resolution was postponed at the UN Security Council (UNSC) for a second time. It has also been reported that the vote has been postponed for a second time due to policy differences in the Biden administration. To avoid a third veto by the US on the resolution, the UN draft resolution has been further changed; the amended text has called for “the urgent suspension of hostilities to allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access, and for the urgent steps towards a sustainable cessation of hostilities.” instead of “the urgent and sustainable cessation of hostilities”. The US Mission in New York has raised new objections to the resolution, including opposition to any mention of “cessation”. They also raised their unease over a clause which has put the UN in charge of monitoring the flow of humanitarian aid without mentioning the role of Israel in checking cargo entering Israel, including no clause condemning Hamas for its attack on 7 October in Israel.
EU: New Agreement to Rebuild and Improve Migration System Welcomed by the UNHCR
On 20 December 2023, Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), welcomed the agreement called New Pact on Migration and Asylum by the members of the European Union (EU) to rebuild their joint migration system, which would distribute migrants more evenly across the bloc while also providing enhanced support and coordination for processing claims. The agreement has been made jointly by the EU and the European Commission, which, according to the latter, is a set of regulations and policies for creating a fairer, more efficient, and sustainable migration and asylum process. Five key areas are covered under the agreement, including regulation concerning identifying non-EU nationals upon arrival, developing common databases, and making efficient procedures for asylum and migration. According to various refugee rights groups, the agreement would create a “cruel system” which is unworkable and would also create prison camps at the EU’s borders. The agreement includes expeditious vetting of irregular arrivals, creating border detention centres and accelerated deportation for rejected asylum applicants so that those deemed ineligible can be directly sent back to their home country or country of transit. According to Amnesty International, the likely outcome of the agreement is that it would make it more difficult for asylum seekers to access safety.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/12/1144987
HRW: Report Claims Meta Censoring Pro-Palestinian Views Globally
On 21 December 2023, a report released by Human Rights Watch (HRW) highlighted that Meta has engaged in a “systemic and global” censorship of pro-Palestinian content since the outbreak of the Israel-Gaza war on 7 October. The report has documented and reviewed over a thousand instances where Meta has removed content suspended or permanently banned accounts on Facebook and Instagram. According to the report, Meta has exhibited “six key patterns of undue censorship” of content in support of Palestine and Palestinians. The patterns include taking down posts, stories and comments; disabling accounts; restricting users’ ability to interact with others’ posts; and “shadow banning”. Meta has acknowledged that it makes errors and urged that the “implication we deliberately and systematically suppress a particular voice is false.” The company has further urged that it is the only company globally that has publicly released human rights due diligence on issues relating to Israel and Palestine.
Liberia: Protest Against Poor Conditions in Prison Intensify Calls for Prison Reform
On 21 December 2023, it was reported that a call for reform of Liberia’s notorious prison system grew after 200 inmates at a facility in northern Nimba County held protests. There have continued to be longstanding complaints about the conditions of prisons in the West African country, as they are severely overcrowded, and inmates suffer from a lack of access to basic medical facilities, sanitary items and uniforms. Rev Sainleseh Kwaidah, Liberia’s national director of prisons, has blamed shortages on several factors, including overcrowding, poor infrastructure, and challenges with budget allocation. A 2021 report by the General Auditing Commission highlighted the budgetary constraints reflecting a decrease in government funding from $1.8 million in 2013 to $311 208 in 2020. To address the constant food shortage, prisoners nationwide have accepted donations of food and sanitary materials from private organisations. The government has also promised to build a new prison to reduce overcrowding, but the construction has yet to begin.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/21/liberia-inmates-protest-reform-prison-system-jails
UNSC: Resolution Calls for Delivery of Scale Humanitarian Aid into Gaza, US Opposes Ceasefire
On 22 December 2023, the Guardian reported that the UN Security Council (UNSC) had voted for a resolution that called for large-scale delivery of aid to Gaza to contain the imminent threat of famine and deadly epidemics. However, the resolution fails to address the suspension of hostilities and a ceasefire, which the United States has opposed. According to the resolution, a call has been made to immediately appoint a UN humanitarian coordinator to increase the present flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza and demand that the parties involved cooperate. The UN Secretary-General hoped that the current UNSC resolution might help improve the delivery of humanitarian aid across Gaza while urging that “the way Israel is conducting this offensive” created obstacles in the distribution of humanitarian aid and assistance within Gaza. As the vote for the ceasefire had been postponed four times before, all council members voted for the resolution again on 22 December, when the US and Russia abstained. According to the US ambassador to the UN, the country overwhelmingly supported the resolution. Still, it abstained as it lacked any condemnation of the Hamas attack, which had caused the current war.