Weekly News Recap (11 - 17 March 2024)
© Photo by World Bank Photo Collection
- Switzerland: Attorney General Issues Indictment Against Former Vice President of Syria for Alleged War Crimes
- Bosnia: Verdict Upheld for War Crimes Against Bosniak Civilians
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ECtHR: Violation of Conscientious Objection Rights in Turkish Military Case
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USA: Criminal “Hush-Money” Trial Against Former US President Donald Trump Postponed
- ICJ: Public Hearing Date Set for Nicaragua’s Urgent Request for Provisional Measures Regarding Germany’s Alleged Involvement in Breaches of IHL in Gaza
International Peace & Security Section
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Sudan: Nearly 230 000 Vulnerable Individuals at Risk of Starvation
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Russia: Russia Alleges it Killed 234 Fighters Amid Ukrainian Incursions
- Somalia: Bulk Carrier Seized Off the Coast of Somalia
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China: Journalist Association Upholds Right to Report, Condemns Police Harassment of Journalists
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Yemen: UK and US Call on UN to Inspect Illicit Arms Flow into Houthi Controlled Regions
- Gaza: Rafah Attack Plans Approved by Israeli Prime Minister
- Syria: Protests in North West Syria Mark 13 Years of Civil War
International Justice Section
Switzerland: Attorney General Issues Indictment Against Former Vice President of Syria for Alleged War Crimes
On 11 March 2024, the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland referred Rifaat Al Assad, former Vice-President of Syria and former officer of the Syrian army, to the Federal Criminal Court in Switzerland for trial on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in ordering homicides, acts of torture, cruel treatments, and illegal detentions in Hama, Syria, in February 1982, during the armed conflict between Syrian Armed Forces and the Islamist opposition. The conflict resulted in thousands of deaths, mainly civilians. The indictment follows criminal proceedings initiated in 2013 after a complaint by the non-governmental organisation, Trial International. Al Assad is accused of ordering violations of the laws of war, including executions and torture, during the military operation in Hama. The trial will take place in Bellinzona, where the accused will have the presumption of innocence until the court’s decision.
Bosnia: Verdict Upheld for War Crimes Against Bosniak Civilians
On 11 March 2024, the Bosnian state court upheld the first-instance verdict from last year, confirming the conviction of Milan Djokic, Branislav Trisic, Zoran Tanasic, Zarko Milanovic, and Mladen Krajisnik for committing a war crime against Bosniak civilians. Djokic and Trisic received three-year prison sentences each, while Tanasic, Milanovic, and Krajisnik were sentenced to two years each for torturing civilians in the Janja area from 1992 to 1994. Djokic, as the police station commander, was found guilty of failing to prevent the abuse of detained civilians. Trisic was convicted of physically assaulting three civilians, Tanasic of assaulting two, while Milanovic and Krajisnik were found to have assaulted one each. Three defendants were acquitted, while others were either deceased or unable to stand trial due to illness. The second-instance verdict is final and not subject to further appeal.
https://balkaninsight.com/2024/03/12/five-bosnian-serb-ex-policemen-jailed-for-torturing-civilians/
ECtHR: Violation of Fair Trial Rights in Turkish Case
On 12 March 2024, a Turkish national, Orhan Şahin, born in 1990, residing in Ağri, Turkey, brought a case regarding alleged unfairness in criminal proceedings against him. The Court of Cassation overturned a minor conviction by the initial court, which was later disbanded. The case was transferred to a different court with new judges, excluding original witnesses crucial to the trial. Despite this, Şahin was found guilty of all charges and sentenced to life imprisonment. Citing Article 6 and 1 of the European Convention on Human Rights, Şahin argued he was denied a fair trial due to inability to cross-examine a witness in person. The court ruled in favour of Şahin, acknowledging a violation of Article 6 and 1. The court ordered the respondent State to pay Şahin €1 000 (EUR) for costs and expenses.
ECtHR: Violation of Conscientious Objection Rights in Turkish Military Case
On 12 March 2024, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) delivered a judgment in the case of Kanatli v. Türkiye. Unanimously, the court concluded a violation of Article 9 (freedom of thought, conscience, and religion) of the European Convention on Human Rights. Mr Kanatli, the applicant, contested his conviction for refusing to fulfill one day of military service as a reservist in 2009 based on conscientious objection. The court noted that Turkish legislation mandated compulsory military service without provisions for conscientious objectors to opt for alternative service. It emphasised that a system lacking alternatives or an accessible procedure for examining conscientious objection claims fails to balance societal interests with those of conscientious objectors. As the government failed to provide convincing arguments, the court maintained its stance based on established case law.
Denmark: Human Rights Organisations Initiate Legal Action Against Denmark for Export of Weapons to Israel
On 12 March 2024, it was reported by Amnesty International Denmark that they along with three other prominent human rights organisations in Denmark (Oxfam Denmark, Action Aid Denmark, and Al-Haq) are suing the Danish State to halt arms exports to Israel, citing concerns that Danish weapons could be used in the commission of war crimes and violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza. The lawsuit contends that Denmark, as a signatory to international treaties on arms trade, must ensure that its exports do not contribute to such violations. The organisations initiating the proceedings argue that the documented risk of military equipment being used unlawfully should prompt Denmark to cease exports in accordance with international law. They point to recent rulings and warnings from international bodies, including the International Court of Justice and UN experts, as further justification for their legal action. Despite previous court decisions and expert warnings, arms exports to Israel have continued, prompting civil society organisations to pursue legal recourse. The lawsuit targets Danish involvement in supplying components for F-35 fighter jets used by Israel, with evidence suggesting that these jets have been deployed in Gaza bombardments. The organisations hope that such legal action will compel Denmark to uphold international law and humanitarian rights principles.
Belgium: Former Belgian Parliamentarian and Far Rights Activist Given Prison Sentence for Spreading Hate and Negationist Speech
On 12 March 2024, prominent far-right activist Dries Van Langenhove was sentenced to one year in prison by a Belgian court for leading an organisation that spread racist, hateful, Nazi, and negationist speech. Five members of the extremist group that he led received suspended sentences. The ruling comes amid concerns about rising far-right extremism in Europe. Van Langenhove, a former Belgian parliamentarian, had some of his civil rights suspended for a decade, making him ineligible for office. The case was brought to light by investigative journalists from the VRT public broadcaster, whose documentary exposed the group’s extremist activities. Van Langenhove denied committing any crimes, attributing the charges to mere memes and humour. The court found that the group’s chat conversations included macabre jokes and memes about various topics, including famine in Africa and Holocaust concentration camps. Van Langenhove plans to appeal the ruling. The case underscores the growing concern over right-wing extremism, racism, and antisemitism in Europe, which is expected to be a significant issue in upcoming European Union elections.
https://apnews.com/article/eu-right-belgium-extremism-langenhove-82d44caa76bbada7da99f8c01f7762d2
USA: Criminal “Hush-Money” Trial Against Former US President Donald Trump Postponed
On 15 March 2024, the first criminal trial against former US President Donald Trump was postponed until at least mid-April, following a decision by a judge of a Manhattan District Court. Both Trump’s lawyers and the Manhattan district attorney requested more time after a new batch of documents was released in the so-called “hush-money” case. This delay could affect the timeline of Trump’s other criminal cases, as he seeks to postpone as many trials as possible while considering another run for the White House. The trial concerns allegations of falsifying business records related to hush-money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election, which Trump denies, claiming the case is politically motivated. The last-minute release of tens of thousands of pages of documents prompted the delay request, with Trump’s team seeking a 90-day delay, eventually settling for 30 days. The judge cited significant unresolved questions and set a hearing for 25 March 2024 to discuss the discovery process and potentially set a new trial date.
ICJ: Public Hearing Date Set for Nicaragua’s Urgent Request for Provisional Measures Regarding Germany’s Alleged Involvement in Breaches of IHL in Gaza
On 15 March 2024, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) announced that it will hold public hearings on 8 and 9 April 2024 in the Hague to hear Nicaragua’s request for provisional measures. Nicaragua seeks urgent measures pending the Court’s final decision regarding Germany’s alleged involvement in ongoing violations of international humanitarian law (IHL) and other norms in the Gaza Strip. Nicaragua initiated proceedings against Germany on 1 March 2024, alleging violations of international law in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory, particularly the Gaza Strip.
https://www.icj-cij.org/sites/default/files/case-related/193/193-20240315-pre-01-00-en.pdf
International Peace & Security Section
UN: Urgent Ceasefire Needed in Gaza
On 11 March 2024, UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged for an immediate Ramadan ceasefire in Gaza to halt ongoing violence and facilitate aid delivery, however, Israeli attacks continued. He also demanded the release of remaining hostages from Hamas-led attacks in Israel and emphasised the plea from victims’ families for urgent action. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) expressed concern over the lack of aid reaching northern Gaza, while efforts to establish a maritime corridor for humanitarian aid saw support from various countries and NGOs. Despite a World Food Programme (WFP) aid delivery for 25 000 people successfully reaching North Gaza on 12 March 2024, attempts to deliver aid have largely been unsuccessful and access remains limited due to Israeli authorities’ restrictions, exacerbating critical needs, especially in northern Gaza where hospitals lack essential supplies. Malnutrition rates, particularly among children and pregnant women, are escalating, underscoring the dire humanitarian situation in the enclave.
Sudan: Nearly 230 000 Vulnerable Individuals at Risk of Starvation
On 11 March 2024, Save the Children warned of a looming humanitarian catastrophe in Sudan, where nearly 230 000 vulnerable individuals, including children, pregnant women, and new mothers, face the threat of starvation unless urgent funding is secured. Over 2.9 million Sudanese children suffer from acute malnutrition, with 729 000 under five experiencing severe acute malnutrition, putting them at high risk of death without immediate intervention. The current emergency feeding program in Sudan is only 5.5 per cent funded, leaving a vast gap in resources needed to address the crisis. Without increased funding, over 222 000 severely malnourished children and 7 000 new mothers are at risk of dying in the coming months. The situation is exacerbated by conflict, which has disrupted food production, led to soaring food prices, and hindered humanitarian access. Save the Children urged the international community to provide essential resources and access to conflict areas to prevent further loss of life.
Russia: Russia Alleges it Killed 234 Fighters Amid Ukrainian Incursions
On 12 March 2024, Ukrainian long-range drones conducted attacks on two oil facilities inside Russia, showcasing Kyiv’s expanding technological capabilities in the ongoing conflict, now entering its third year. The assault coincided with an armed incursion into Russian territory, purportedly by Russian opponents of the Kremlin based in Ukraine. Russian authorities claim to have repelled the attack, resulting in the deaths of 234 Ukrainian fighters and the destruction of several tanks and armoured vehicles. However, reports from border regions remain murky, with conflicting narratives from both sides. Alleged Russian volunteers fighting for Ukraine claim to have crossed into Russian territory, expressing a desire to overthrow Putin’s regime. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Zelensky asserts that recent Russian advances have been halted, though challenges persist due to a lack of military supplies and the intensity of Russian drone activity. The situation further escalated with a Russian missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih, resulting in casualties and property damage. Additionally, a Russian military plane crashed during takeoff, with the cause attributed to an engine fire.
https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-drone-attacks-27e3f102dfb361e39b979f030db17f8f
UN: High Risk of Famine in Haiti
On 12 March 2024, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) issued a stark warning about Haiti’s dire hunger crisis, exacerbated by political turmoil and escalating violence. Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s resignation, combined with gang control over the capital, Port-au-Prince, has severely hindered aid operations, pushing the country to the brink of famine. Displacement due to gang violence has surpassed 362 000, with thousands fleeing their homes in 2024 alone. Despite agreements between Haiti and Kenya to deploy a support mission, the humanitarian situation remains critical, with WFP’s operations severely underfunded. The country, heavily reliant on food imports, faces skyrocketing prices and acute malnutrition rates. WFP is struggling to reach vulnerable populations, providing assistance to over 280 000 individuals but recognising the need for broader support. The agency emphasised that restoring security alone will not suffice; a robust humanitarian response is imperative. With 1.4 million people on the verge of famine, urgent action is needed to prevent a catastrophic food crisis in Haiti.
Somalia: Bulk Carrier Seized Off the Coast of Somalia
On 12 March 2024, pirates seized the MV Abdullah, a Bangladesh-flagged bulk carrier, off the coast of Somalia, taking its 23-member crew hostage. The vessel, owned by Kabir Steel Re-Rolling Mills, was en route from Maputo, Mozambique, to the United Arab Emirates with a cargo of coal when it was attacked. Meherul Karim, CEO of the owning company, reported that 15-20 Somali pirates hijacked the ship. Maritime security firm Ambrey confirmed the incident, which occurred 600 nautical miles east of Mogadishu. United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations advised caution to vessels in the area and is investigating. Concerns are raised over a resurgence of piracy in the Indian Ocean, coinciding with attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. International naval forces’ diversion northwards has created a security gap, potentially exploited by pirates. Since November, over 20 hijackings or attempted hijackings have been recorded in the Gulf of Aden and Somali Basin.
UNHCR: Joint Response Plan of $ 852.4 Million Launched to Provide Aid and Assistance to Rohingya Refugees in Bangladesh
On 13 March 2024, the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) called for more donations to aid Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh and appealed for $ 852.4 million to provide food and other aids. The UNHCR made a similar appeal in 2023 for $876 million, but only $ 440 million had been provided. The UNHCR is launching a 2024 Joint Response Plan for the Rohingya Humanitarian Crisis under the leadership of Bangladeshi authorities. The plan’s funding would aid 1.35 million people, including Rohingya refugees and host communities. The response plan would bring together 117 partners, half being Bangladeshi organisations. 95 per cent of Rohingyas continue to remain vulnerable and dependent upon humanitarian aid and assistance, with women and children constituting 75 per cent of the targeted refugee population in need of sustained assistance.
China: Journalist Association Upholds Right to Report, Condemns Police Harassment of Journalists
On 14 March 2024, the Guadian reported that a statement has been issued by the All-China Journalists Association (AJCA), a Communist-backed party group condemning police harassment after videos emerged of state media journalists being pushed from the site of a deadly explosion in the northern province of Hebei. Seven people were killed in the blast, while 27 were injured and the explosion was triggered by a suspected gas leak in a restaurant. The group urged that “legitimate interviews are a journalist’s right” while adding that media journalists should not be “brutally” obstructed from performing their duties. The statement has been supported on Chinese social media, stating that journalists’ rights to report should be protected. David Bandurski, director of the China Media Project, highlighted that the AJCA’s statement is “upholding the right to protect”, which is unusual, especially under the rule of China’s president, Xi Jinping. However, the statement on the morning of 14 March has been deleted from the association’s website.
Yemen: UK and US Call on UN to Inspect Illicit Arms Flow into Houthi Controlled Regions
On 14 March 2024, the United States and the United Kingdom made calls on the United Nations maritime inspectorates to block the Iranian supply of missiles to Houthis in the west of Yemen. The move comes as a result of a missile believed to have been launched by Yemen’s Houthi militia, which struck a vessel in the southern city of Aden, with US forces firing missiles onto the Hodeidah International Airport. James Kariuki, the UK deputy ambassador, reiterating the US’s call, urged that the “inspection of the vessel is fundamental” for preventing the supply of illicit arms to Houthi-controlled areas while continuing to preserve the flow of goods within the region. Hans Grundberg, the UN special envoy, admitted that Houthi attacks were reducing any chances of peace in Yemen due to continued escalations. Dmitry Polyanskiy, the Russian deputy envoy, highlighted that “the crisis in the Red Sea was, to a greater or lesser extent, provoked by the brutal actions of Israel against hundreds of thousands of innocent Palestinians in the Strip.”
Gaza: Rafah Attack Plans Approved by Israeli Prime Minister
On 15 March 2024, the Guardian reported that Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister, approved plans for conducting an attack on Rafah, where currently more than a million Palestinians have been displaced. The decision was made after a meeting of Israel’s war cabinet to discuss a new proposal from Hamas for a ceasefire. The Israeli army is “preparing operationally and for the evacuation” of about 1.5 million Palestinians trapped in Rafah. According to observers, the new announcement about plans to attack Rafah may be intended to put pressure on Hamas during any talks about the ceasefire. Netanyahu’s office has called Hamas’s demands for the release of hostages as ‘unrealistic’ but stated that an Israeli delegation would be sent to Qatar to discuss Israel’s position on a potential agreement. Joe Biden, the US president, has stated that an attack on Rafah would be a “red line” if undertaken without any sufficient precautions to protect civilians. Anthony Blinken, US Secretary of State, told reporters that the US had to see a clear and implementable plan from Israel for Rafah, which included protecting and evacuating civilians.
Syria: Protests in North West Syria Mark 13 Years of Civil War
On 15 March 2024, it was reported that thousands of people took to the streets in northwest Syria to mark 13 years since the start of the fight for democracy. As the former al-Qaida affiliate Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) is in control of significant north-west Syria, hundreds have protested against its leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani in recent weeks. The protestors chanted against President Bashar al-Assad and the region’s jihadist rulers and paraded through the city of Idlib holding placards that read “Down with Jolani…Assad”. In south Syria, in the government-held city of Sweida, hundreds took to the streets to protest and mark the anniversary. One of the protestors stated that “it is a revolution against everyone”. Britain, France, Germany and the US, in a joint statement, highlighted that the protests in Sweida “show that the demands for peace, freedom and dignity that led to protests 13 years ago endure.” However, Geir Pedersen, UN special Envoy for Syria stated that the country even after 13 years of civil war was “without a political solution in sight” urging that peace must be prioritised.