Weekly News Recap (18 - 24 March 2024)
© Photo by Esin Ustin
Germany: Federal Court Upholds Sentence for Woman in ISIS Enslavement Case
Netherlands: Former Kosovo President Faces War Crimes Allegations in the Hague
Israel: Supreme Court Halts Government’s Palestinian Patient Relocation Plan
- Liberia: Court Hears Appeal of War Criminal Kunti Kamara
International Peace & Security Section
Cuba: Protests Over Ongoing Food Shortages and Power Outages
Armenia: Prime Minister States Disputed Areas Must be Returned to Ensure Peace
China: New National Security Legislation Passed by Hong Kong Attracts International Criticism
Indonesia: 75 Rohingya Refugees Rescued from Capsized Boat in the Indian Ocean
UN: Russia and China veto Resolution Tabled by US for Ceasefire in Gaza
International Justice Section
ECtHR: Court Rules on North Korean Citizens’ Case Against Russia
On 19 March 2024, the European Court of Human Rights delivered a judgment regarding the case of K.J. and Others v. Russia, concerning the removal orders of three North Korean citizens to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) by Russian authorities, as well as the detention of two of them, C.C. and K.J., within Russia. The Court unanimously found violations of the right to life, prohibition of torture, and right to liberty and security under the European Convention on Human Rights. S.K. was at a risk of torture or death if returned to DPRK, and his transfer by Russian authorities constituted a violation. K.J.’s prolonged detention pending expulsion without proper review and S.K.’s unlawful apprehension also violated their rights. The Court ordered Russia to pay compensation to the applicants. Additionally, it discontinued interim measures for K.J. and C.C. but maintained measures for S.K. until the judgment becomes final.
Russia: Court Orders Detention in LGBTQ+ Extremism Case
On 20 March 2024, in a notable development indicative of Russia’s escalating crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights, a Russian court ordered the detention of two bar employees over accusations of involvement in an “extremist organisation” associated with the LGBTQ+ community, in line with recent legislation criminalising LGBTQ+ activities. This marks the first criminal case of its nature since Russia prohibited what it labelled the “international LGBT movement” in November. The court has ordered the detention of the art director and administrator of the Pose bar until May 18, with the possibility of a maximum 10-year prison sentence upon conviction, citing their alleged promotion of non-traditional sexual relationships among individuals. This legal proceeding, accompanied by circulating recordings depicting humiliating detentions, underscores Russia’s ambiguous delineation of the “international LGBT movement,” allowing for the prosecution of individuals advocating for LGBTQ+ rights or affiliating with the community. Notably, Ekaterina Mizulina, the director of the League of the Safe Internet, praised the proceedings as the first since the Supreme Court classified LGBTQ+ as an extremist movement. Amnesty International has expressed concern, urging the international community to compel Russian authorities to reconsider the Supreme Court’s homophobic ruling and end the persecution of LGBTQ+ people, following a series of legislative measures that have increasingly restricted LGBTQ+ rights since 2013.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/20/russia-two-detained-under-new-anti-lgbtq-law
India: Government Asserts Legal Stance on Rohingya Refugees
On 20 March 2024, the Indian Government notified the Supreme Court that Rohingya Muslim migrants living illegally in the country do not have a fundamental right to settle and that India does not accept UNHCR refugee cards. Emphasising the separation of powers, the government stated that judicial interference in legislative and policy matters, which fall under the purview of the parliament and executive, is unwarranted. While acknowledging foreign nationals’ right to life and liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution, the affidavit affirmed that the right to reside and settle in India is exclusively for Indian citizens. The government raised alarm about the security implications of continuous Rohingya migration, including cases of obtaining fraudulent Indian identification cards and engaging in subversive activities. This stance was presented in response to a petition filed by Priyali Sur, founder of ‘The Azadi Project, seeking the release of detained Rohingyas under the Foreigners Act. Moreover, the government clarified that India is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention and its Protocol, it will address Rohingya issues according to domestic laws, asserting that decisions on refugee recognition are solely within the policy realm.
Germany: Federal Court Upholds Sentence for Woman in ISIS Enslavement Case
On 21 March 2024, a German federal court upheld the 14-year sentence of a woman who let a 5-year-old Yazidi girl die of thirst in Iraq while they were members of the Islamic State group. The defendant, Jennifer W., a German convert to Islam, was initially sentenced to 10 years, which was later increased due to errors in the previous sentencing. She was convicted of crimes against humanity for enslavement and membership in a terrorist organisation abroad. The court dismissed her appeal as “manifestly unfounded,” without specifying the grounds. The girl died in Fallujah in 2015, while the defendant did nothing to help despite it being possible and reasonable. Jennifer W. was arrested in 2016 and deported to Germany. Her former husband, Taha Al-J., an Iraqi citizen, was sentenced to life imprisonment for similar crimes by a Frankfurt court in November 2021.
Netherlands: Former Kosovo President Faces War Crimes Allegations in the Hague
On 21 March 2024, the trial for war crimes and crimes against humanity involving former Kosovo President Hashim Thaci and three other defendants proceeded in the Hague, with four witnesses testifying about alleged violent acts during and after the 1998-99 Kosovo war. Claude Cahn, the 50th prosecution witness, recounted human rights violations against the Roma community following the Serbian forces’ withdrawal from Kosovo in July 1999. Describing the post-war situation as chaotic, Cahn highlighted instances of armed individuals and people seeking protection. He noted differing perspectives among Kosovo Albanians and Roma regarding the Roma community’s role in the conflict. Three other witnesses shared personal experiences during the war, including alleged murders and disappearances involving the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA). Defendants Thaci, Krasniqi, Veseli, and Selimi, all former KLA leaders turned politicians, face charges of individual and command responsibility for crimes against prisoners, including 102 murders, committed during and after the war. They have pleaded not guilty.
USA: Mississippi Deputy Convicted on Brutal Torture Case
On 21 March 2024, Daniel Opdyke, a member of the Mississippi deputy group known as the “Goon Squad,” was sentenced to 17 and a half years in federal prison for his role in the severe torture of two African American men during an incident in January 2023. Opdyke’s sentencing, the third among the group, reaffirmed the court’s determination to address abuses of power within law enforcement nationwide. The assault involved six officers unlawfully entering Michael Jenkins and Eddie Parker’s residence without a warrant, subjecting them to handcuffing, racial slurs, physical assaults, tasings, forced ingestion of liquids, and even discharging a firearm. Attorney General Lynn Fitch criticised the police’s behaviour, emphasising the breakdown in confidence between law enforcement and the community. All six officers pleaded guilty to charges of civil rights conspiracy, deprivation of rights, discharge of a firearm during a violent crime, and obstruction of justice. Despite allegations of a corrupt culture within the sheriff’s office, Sheriff Bryan Bailey did not address institutional accountability, and his unopposed re-election raised lingering concerns regarding the department’s response to the officers’ misconduct.
https://apnews.com/article/mississippi-goon-squad-sentencing-d2eb6ba7e2f337ac1f17035cc97f2934
Israel: Supreme Court Halts Government’s Palestinian Patient Relocation Plan
On 21 March 2024, the Israeli Supreme Court intervened to halt the government’s plan to relocate a group of Palestinian patients, primarily cancer patients, from East Jerusalem and Tel Aviv to Gaza, after a petition was filed by a non-profit organisation Physicians for Human Rights—Israel (PHRI). The patients faced uncertainty and fear about returning to Gaza, especially amid the ongoing conflict and devastation in the territory. Israeli hospital officials expressed frustration over government pressure to discharge patients, highlighting the dire situation in Gaza exacerbated by the conflict. Human rights groups and Palestinian leaders have condemned Israel’s actions, alleging war crimes and genocide, while Israel denies these claims and insists on its security concerns regarding Hamas’s presence in civilian areas.
Liberia: Court Hears Appeal of War Criminal Kunti Kamara
On 23 March 2024, Kunti Kamara, a convicted war criminal appealing his 2022 conviction in a French court, asserted that his rebel faction, United Liberation Movement of Liberia for Democracy (ULIMO), received substantial support from the Guinea government during the Liberian wars. Despite denying direct involvement in atrocities in Foya, Lofa County, he admitted to looting from rival factions and orchestrating killings. Kamara also confessed to forging documents to bring a woman he claimed as his wife to Holland, causing confusion in court. Testimonies from victims and witnesses depicted harrowing details of Kamara’s actions. Meanwhile, his defence lawyers argued that Kamara’s charges should be dismissed due to France’s ten-year statute of limitations and claimed he was underage during the crimes, suggesting a trial under juvenile justice. Prosecutors countered citing the ongoing conflict in Liberia and advocated for trial continuation in France due to the lack of a functioning judicial system in Liberia. The trial continued with further testimonies, including from another ULIMO commander, with a verdict anticipated next week.
International Peace & Security Section
Cuba: Protests Over Ongoing Food Shortages and Power Outages
On 18 March 2024, in Santiago de Cuba, residents protested over severe shortages of food and electricity. Amidst a wave of blackouts since March 2024 due to maintenance issues at the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant. The situation worsened over the weekend due to fuel shortages for power generation. President Miguel Diaz-Canel attributed the discontent to external influences, accusing “enemies of the Revolution” based in the US of inciting unrest. The US embassy acknowledged reports of peaceful protests and urged the Cuban government to respect human rights. However, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez warned against US interference in internal affairs. Cuba’s energy infrastructure relies on outdated thermoelectric plants and leased generators from Turkey, all impacted by the fuel shortage. The crisis is compounded by a more-than-400-per cent fuel price hike, exacerbating an already dire economic situation worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic and tightened US sanctions. The economy contracted by two per cent in 2023, with inflation soaring to 30 per cent, leading to chronic shortages and government subsidies for most goods and services consumed by Cubans.
Nigeria: Unknown Bandits Kidnap at Least 87 People
On 18 March 2024, gunmen in Nigeria kidnapped at least 87 people in the Kajuru area of Kaduna state, following a recent abduction of 286 students and staff from a school. The attackers, often identified as bandits, target villages for looting and mass kidnappings, displacing approximately one million people. Despite the frequent attacks, authorities struggle to halt the violence, placing pressure on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In the latest incident, armed men dressed in army uniforms ambushed the village, capturing residents at gunpoint. The kidnapped individuals include women and children. Although some victims have been released, many remain missing, tearing families and communities apart. Kidnappings, once associated with Boko Haram, are now perpetrated by criminal gangs seeking ransom payments. Despite a ban on ransom payments, negotiations often lead to the victims’ release. According to Nigerian risk consultancy SBM Intelligence, since President Tinubu assumed office, nearly 4 777 people have been abducted.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/3/18/gunmen-in-nigeria-kidnap-at-least-87-people-in-new-attack
Haiti: 12 Bodies Discovered in Upscale Neighbourhoods
On 18 March 2024, gangs targeted two upscale neighbourhoods in Haiti’s capital, resulting in at least a dozen deaths in surrounding areas. Gunmen raided homes in Laboule and Thomassin, prompting residents to flee and call for police assistance. Despite these attacks, these neighbourhoods had previously remained relatively peaceful amidst a surge in gang violence across Port-au-Prince since 29 February 2024. The aftermath revealed the scene of at least 12 bodies scattered on the streets of Pétionville, with bystanders gathering around in shock. Some victims were found amidst scattered playing cards, while others were found inside a pickup truck.
https://apnews.com/article/haiti-killed-gangs-laboule-thomassin-c1f4d1b367b15253cbd28ae9be886440
Afghanistan – Pakistan: Escalation in Border Conflicts
On 18 March 2024, tensions escalated between Pakistan and Afghanistan as both sides engaged in cross-border military actions. Pakistan launched overnight air attacks targeting Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) hideouts in retaliation for alleged recent terrorist activities. The Taliban claimed that Pakistani airstrikes killed eight women and children, prompting Afghan authorities to fire across the border. Afghanistan accused Pakistan of violating its territory and causing civilian casualties. The incident reflects growing animosity since the Taliban’s takeover in 2021. Analysts link the airstrikes to a recent suicide attack in Pakistan claimed by a faction led by Hafiz Gul Bahadur. Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of harbouring militants who launch attacks on its soil, while the Taliban denies this. Last year, Pakistan witnessed numerous attacks, primarily by the TTP, resulting in significant casualties. Observers warn of further escalation and retaliation unless diplomatic efforts are pursued to defuse tensions between the neighbouring countries.
Armenia: Prime Minister States Disputed Areas Must be Returned to Ensure Peace
On 18 March 2024, Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan warned of a potential war with Azerbaijan if Armenia does not compromise and return four Azerbaijani-held villages, strategically located near the Yerevan-Georgia route. Azerbaijan insists on the return of these villages, along with other territories, as a condition for a peace deal following their retaking of Nagorno-Karabakh in September. Pashinyan’s caution of impending conflict came during a meeting with residents in Armenia’s Tavush region. Armenia, although facing international recognition of Azerbaijani ownership over Nagorno-Karabakh, had controlled the region since the early 1990s. Pashinyan hinted at willingness to return Azerbaijani territory controlled by Armenia and suggested altering Armenia’s road network to circumvent Azerbaijani land. Azerbaijan’s President Aliyev expressed optimism for peace talks, indicating progress towards reconciliation. Meanwhile, Armenia’s shifting foreign policy towards the West, away from its traditional Russian alignment, has strained relations with Moscow. Russia suggested Armenia’s concessions to Azerbaijan were influenced by its Western overtures.
China: New National Security Legislation Passed by Hong Kong Attracts International Criticism
On 20 March 2024, Al-Jazeera reported that China called out the United Kingdom and the European Union for criticising the latest national security law passed by Hong Kong legislators on 19 March 2024 and accused them of “slandering and smearing”. Article 23 in the latest national security law gives the government new powers to crack down on dissent. It provides punishment for a range of offences, which includes treason, sabotage, sedition, theft of state secrets and espionage, in which the punishment ranges from several years to life imprisonment. According to John Lee, Hong Kong’s leader, the legislation would fill gaps within the China-imposed national security law, which has attracted widespread criticism from the international community due to the effects it may have on fundamental freedoms in the region. David Cameron, Britain’s foreign secretary, raised concerns about the new legislation and highlighted that it would have far-reaching effects and “further damage the rights and freedoms” in the region. Volker Turk, UN human rights chief, called the law “rushed” and urged that the adoption of the law was a “regressive step for the protection of human rights.”
Syria: Political Stalemate Continues in the Region, as UN Special Envoy Calls for Renewed Commitment to a Political Solution
On 21 March 2024, Geir Pedersen, UN Special Envoy for the country, while briefing ambassadors in the UN Security Council (UNSC), highlighted the escalation in violence in the region and urged for a political solution. He highlighted that “there was no military route resolving these myriad challenges.” The continued political stalemate in the region has hindered the efforts to bring peace to the region and also prolonged the suffering of millions. Joyce Msuya, UN Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, informed that the funding for humanitarian appeals in the region had also fallen short. UN humanitarians recalled the $20 million allotment to Syria through the organisation’s Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF). She further highlighted that this would allow them to provide life-saving relief, protection, and health and education services while stressing the need for cross-border aid deliveries to the region. She further emphasised the need for unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid and assistance. She called for a renewal of commitment to reach a political solution to the conflict in the region.
Indonesia: 75 Rohingya Refugees Rescued from Capsized Boat in the Indian Ocean
On 21 March 2024, the Guardian reported that dozens of Rohingya refugees were rescued from the Indian Ocean on the coast of Indonesia, with 75 people having been rescued from the stricken boat. 42 men, 18 women and nine children had been rescued from the boat. The Rohingya refugees spent the night balanced on the hull of the overturned boat and were spotted by an Indonesian search and rescue ship. According to survivors, the boat capsized on 20 March 2024 and was carrying 151 on board. According to reports, when fishing vessels had reached the scene, refugees climbed up onto the boat, overloading it in the process and causing it to capsize. Indonesian authorities were informed by fishers about the incident, with an official search and rescue team having been set off from Banda Aceh city. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the International Organisation on Migration (IOM) have deployed teams in West Aceh to assist local authorities in providing aid and assistance to the survivors of the tragic incident.
UN: Russia and China veto Resolution Tabled by US for Ceasefire in Gaza
On 22 March 2024, it was reported that a draft resolution tabled by the United States in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for “an immediate and sustained ceasefire to protect civilians on all sides”, was vetoed by China and Russia, where eleven members were in favour of the resolution, with three against and one abstention. The draft resolution also aimed at the facilitation of the delivery of essential humanitarian aid and also supported ongoing talks between Israel and Hamas militants to put an end to the hostilities. Vasily Nebenzya, the Russian envoy to the UN, pointed out before the vote that the US, having used its veto four times on Gaza since the start of the war on 7 October 2024, had not directly demanded a ceasefire in the latest resolution but only for determining “the imperative” of a ceasefire. Sherne Tadros, head of the New York office of Amnesty Internation highlighted that the resolution tabled by the US was an attempt by the country “to absolve themselves of the abysmal record Biden has had so far on Gaza, and submit a resolution that is not going to end the war”. An alternative resolution is also in the works, upon which the US has warned that it would veto such a resolution because it does not support negotiations underway in Doha on a deal which would establish a ceasefire in return for the deal with Hamas to release hostages.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/03/1147856
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/22/gaza-ceasefire-vetoed-un
IOM: Mass Grave of 65 Bodies Discovered in Libya
On 22 March 2024, the International Organisation on Migration (IOM) reported that a mass grave containing 65 bodies had been discovered in southwest Libya and had been uncovered by Libyan security forces. The IOM expressed it was “profoundly shocked and alarmed” while adding that the circumstances surrounding the deaths remain unknown. Still, they believe that the people died “in the process of being smuggled through the desert.” They further commended the Libyan authorities for launching a prompt investigation into the mass graves. The Missing Migrants Project has recorded at least 3 129 deaths and disappearances in 2023 alone along the Mediterranean route. They called upon them to “ensure a dignified recovery, identification and transfer of the remains of the deceased migrants.” The IOM called upon governments and authorities to enhance regional cooperation to ensure the safety and protection of migrants.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/22/mass-grave-libya-un-migration-agency
https://www.iom.int/news/discovery-mass-grave-65-migrants-bodies-libya