Weekly News Recap (1-7 April 2024)
© Photo by Sweveler via Flickr
- Pakistan: Former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Prison Sentence Suspended
- Russia: Russian Court Extends Pre-Trial Detention of Russian-American Journalist until June
- Serbia: Belgrade Court Proceedings on Yugoslav Army Soldiers’ Alleged War Crimes
- USA: January 6 Capitol Riot Leader Sentenced to More Than Seven Years in Prison
- Malaysia: Former Malaysian Prime Minister Seeks Permission to Serve his Six-Year Sentence Under House Arrest
- USA: Judges Deny Trump’s Request To Have Two Criminal Cases Dismissed
- South Africa: National Assembly Speaker Arrested on Charges of Corruption and Money Laundering
- ICJ: Colombia Submits ICJ request to Join South Africa’s Case Against Israel Regarding Gaza Genocide
International Peace & Security Section
- Gaza: 7 Aid Workers Killed in Attack on Convoy
- Syria: Tehran Vows Response After Alleged Israeli Strike on Iranian Consulate in Syria
- North Korea: North Korea Launches Suspected Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missiles
- Finland: 12 Year Old Arrested For School Shooting That Killed One
- South Sudan: At Least 12 Killed and 15 Missing in South Sudan Attack
- UN: Temporary Halt in Humanitarian Operations Due to Killing of Aid Workers by Israeli Airstrikes
- Myanmar: Opposition Carries Out Drone Attacks on Military Junta Bases
- Ethiopia: Armed Forces Accused of War Crimes Against Civilians in Amhara Region
- Somalia: New Amendments to Constitution Increase Fear of Violence
- Israel: Human Rights Council Passes Resolution to Hold Israel Accountable for War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity
International Justice Section
Pakistan: Former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Prison Sentence Suspended
On 1 April 2024, the Islamabad High Court granted former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s appeal, postponing his 14-year sentence for illegal selling of state gifts in the Toshakhana corruption case, as announced by his political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. Khan’s party has constantly denied the claims and voiced confidence that justice will be served in higher tribunals. Zulfiqar Bukhari and Naeem Haider Panjutha, spokespersons for Khan’s party, reiterated their trust in Khan and congratulated the nation for the suspension of his sentence. Despite this legal breakthrough, Khan remains incarcerated due to previous convictions, including the “cypher” case and a violation of a marriage waiting period. The impartiality of judicial proceedings involving Khan’s charges has come under examination, particularly when six judges from the Islamabad High Court accused intelligence agencies of interfering with judicial responsibilities, prompting requests for an independent probe by the Supreme Judicial Council.
Russia: Russian Court Extends Pre-Trial Detention of Russian-American Journalist until June
On 1 April 2024, a Russian court prolonged the pre-trial detention of journalist Alsu Kurmasheva until 5 June, according to her employer Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL). Kurmasheva, who was arrested in Kazan last year, faces charges for failing to register as a “foreign agent” and spreading “false information” under new censorship laws following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Despite having both US and Russian passports, Kurmasheva was detained at an airport in June 2023, and her passports were confiscated. She was fined in October 2023 for not registering her US passport with Russian authorities. RFE/RL, funded by the US Congress, is labeled as a foreign agent by Russia due to receiving foreign funding for perceived political activities. Kurmasheva’s imprisonment has been criticized by RFE/RL as unjust, with the organisation calling for her immediate release. Critics argue that Russia’s legislation targets Kremlin critics and independent journalists. Kurmasheva is the second US journalist arrested in Russia since the Ukraine conflict began. The first, Evan Gershkovich of The Wall Street Journal, faces espionage charges. Both Gershkovich and Paul Whelan, an American convicted of spying in 2020, have been designated as “wrongfully detained” by the US government, indicating the charges against them are considered baseless. Kurmasheva’s arrest has prompted lobbying efforts for similar recognition by the US State Department.
Serbia: Belgrade Court Proceedings on Yugoslav Army Soldiers’ Alleged War Crimes
On 3 April 2024, during proceedings at the Belgrade Higher Court, prosecutor Bruno Vekaric asserted that nine former soldiers of the Yugoslav Army ought to be imprisoned for their involvement in the forcible displacement and killings of ethnic Albanian civilians during attacks on four villages near Peja/Pec in April and May 1999. Vekaric presented the prosecution’s closing arguments, contending that the defendants’ culpability in the crimes committed in Qyshk/Cuska, Pavlan/Pavljan, Zahaq/Zahac, and Lubeniq/Ljubenic during the Kosovo war had been substantiated through evidence, testimonies, and documentation, citing aggravating factors such as the defendants’ demeanour throughout the protracted proceedings. He advocated for 20-year sentences for Toplica Miladinovic, Lazar Pavlovic, Abdulah Sokic, Sinisa Misic, and Predrag Vukovic, while recommending five-year, three-year, and separation of cases for Slavisa Kastratovic, Boban Bogicevic, Veljko Koricanin, and Milan Ivanovic respectively. Defence lawyers, however, emphasised their clients’ innocence during their closing statements, with Bogicevic’s lawyer questioning the credibility of prosecution witness Zoran Raskovic and others contesting the evidence presented against their clients. The former soldiers were previously convicted in 2014 but saw the verdict reversed in 2015, leading to a retrial marked by delays and postponements. Closing arguments are set to continue on Friday.
https://balkaninsight.com/2024/04/03/serbian-prosecutor-urges-prison-sentences-for-kosovo-killings/
USA: January 6 Capitol Riot Leader Sentenced to More Than Seven Years in Prison
On 3 April 2024, the US District Court District of Columbia sentenced Taylor James Johnatakis from Washington State to more than seven years in prison for his significant role in orchestrating a mob attack on police officers guarding the US Capitol during the January 6 riot. Videos showed Johnatakis leading the charge against police lines, issuing commands through a megaphone, and providing step-by-step directions for overpowering officers. Johnatakis, who represented himself during the court proceedings with an attorney on standby, expressed rhetoric aligned with the anti-government “sovereign citizen” movement during his trial. Despite his inquiries about repentance, the judge dismissed them as irrelevant. Prosecutors recommended a nine-year prison sentence, highlighting Johnatakis’s leadership and organisation in the assault on Capitol officers. During the riot, he was among the first to pursue police officers retreating up stairs outside the Capitol, urging other rioters to prepare for attack. Johnatakis was arrested in February 2021, and jurors convicted him in November of multiple counts related to the riot, including three felonies. Over 1,350 people have been charged with Capitol riot-related federal crimes, with more than 800 sentenced to prison terms ranging from several days to 22 years.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/apr/03/jan-6-megaphone-rioter-prison
Malaysia: Former Malaysian Prime Minister Seeks Permission to Serve his Six-Year Sentence Under House Arrest
On 3 April 2024, former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak filed a judicial review application seeking an addendum order from the former King Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah to serve his six-year sentence under house arrest. Najib claims the order was issued on January 29, alleging government contempt for not executing it. Despite writing to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, there has been no response. Previously granted a royal pardon on January 31, halving his 12-year sentence for corruption, Najib still faces other criminal cases. The court will hear his application on April 17.
https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2024/04/03/najib-files-legal-bid-for-house-arrest/
USA: Judges Deny Trump’s Request To Have Two Criminal Cases Dismissed
On 4 April 2024, former US President Donald Trump faced legal setbacks in two criminal cases against him, as judges in the United States rejected his attempts to dismiss charges related to his actions regarding the 2020 election and handling of classified documents. In Florida, US District Judge Aileen Cannon denied Trump’s motion to dismiss the case concerning mishandling of secret government files, ruling against his argument that the Presidential Records Act permitted him to retain such documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate. Prosecutors contended that he was not authorised to possess sensitive information pertaining to national security. Similarly, in Georgia, the judge overseeing the election interference case dismissed Trump’s argument that the indictment violated his First Amendment rights, stating that the charges did not merely involve false statements but alleged willful and knowing actions to harm the government. Despite Trump’s pleas of not guilty and charges of a politically motivated “witch hunt,” it is believed a potential conviction will have an impact on his 2024 presidential campaign. However, uncertainty remains regarding the timing of verdicts as Trump’s legal team seeks delays, potentially causing scheduling conflicts with the upcoming election season.
South Africa: National Assembly Speaker Arrested on Charges of Corruption and Money Laundering
On 4 April 2024, South African National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula was arrested on corruption charges following her resignation amidst an ongoing investigation into alleged misconduct during her tenure as defense minister. Charged with 12 counts of corruption and one count of money laundering, she was granted bail and released by the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Pretoria. Mapisa-Nqakula is accused of accepting bribes totaling four million South African Rand during her time as defence minister. She took special leave and later resigned from her parliamentary role, asserting her innocence while emphasising the decision’s necessity given the allegations’ seriousness. The African National Congress (ANC) supported her stance, emphasising organisational renewal and proactive responsibility-taking. The ANC appointed Lechesa Tsenoli as the acting speaker, and Mapisa-Nqakula’s case has been postponed to 4 June next.
ICJ: Colombia Submits ICJ request to Join South Africa’s Case Against Israel Regarding Gaza Genocide
On 5 April 2024, Colombia invoked Article 63 of the Statute of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to intervene in the case between South Africa and Israel regarding the Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip. This article allows states that are parties to a relevant convention but not involved in the case to intervene if the interpretation of the convention is at stake. Colombia, being a party to the Genocide Convention, believes that the case raises important issues related to the interpretation and application of this convention, which has obligations towards both the international community and individual states. By intervening, Colombia aims to contribute to ensuring the prevention, suppression, and punishment of genocide, and to assist the Court in determining the responsibility of any state party to the convention for failing to fulfill its obligations. South Africa and Israel have been asked to provide written observations on Colombia’s intervention.
https://www.icj-cij.org/sites/default/files/case-related/192/192-20240405-pre-01-00-en.pdf
International Peace & Security Section
Gaza: 7 Aid Workers Killed in Attack on Convoy
On 1 April 2024, the Israeli military killed seven aid workers from the World Central Kitchen (WCK) charity in Gaza, sparking international outcry. The victims, including citizens from Australia, the UK, Poland, Palestinians, and a dual US-Canadian citizen, were targeted while travelling in a convoy marked with the charity’s logo, which had coordinated its movements with the Israeli military. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu termed the attack unintentional and pledged an independent inquiry, attributing it to the nature of warfare. The convoy, consisting of two armoured cars and another vehicle, was hit after unloading humanitarian aid in Gaza. WCK, founded by chef José Andrés, expressed shock and grief, suspending operations in Gaza to assess safety concerns. Other humanitarian organisations also halted activities in the region. The incident occurred amidst an ongoing genocide case brought by South Africa against Israel, with the International Court of Justice (“ICJ”) issuing provisional measures to ensure food supplies reach Gaza’s civilian population. Israel’s allies, including the UK and the US, condemned the attack. US President Joe Biden expressed outrage, urging Israel to conduct a thorough investigation. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasised the need for impartiality and swift action. However, critics, including US politicians Bernie Sanders and Pramila Jayapal, denounced the incident, calling for a halt to US military aid to Israel and condemning Netanyahu’s actions in Gaza. The attack reignited debates about the morality of arms shipments to Israel and the treatment of Palestinians in the region.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/4/2/netanyahu-admits-israeli-forces-killed-ngo-workers-in-gaza
Syria: Tehran Vows Response After Alleged Israeli Strike on Iranian Consulate in Syria
On 1 April 2024, an airstrike, widely attributed to Israel, destroyed the Iranian consulate in Damascus, killing 12 people, including two Iranian generals and a Hezbollah member. Iran subsequently announced that it decided upon a response to the attack, and their military proxy Hezbollah promised “punishment and revenge” on Israel. Israel did not confirm the attack and the U.S. denied involvement, urging de-escalation. The Syrian Prime Minister expressed condolences to Iran for the strike that targeted Iranian Revolutionary Guard officers and pro-Iran militia members. Amidst fears of escalation, global condemnation ensued, with calls for restraint in the region, as the incident underscores heightened tensions in the Middle East, with the risk of broader conflict looming. UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the attack, emphasising “the principle of the inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises” and stated that diplomatic personnel “must be respected in all cases in accordance with international law.”
North Korea: North Korea Launches Suspected Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missiles
On 2 April 2024, North Korea launched a suspected intermediate-range ballistic missile into the sea off the country’s east coast. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff detected the launch from Pyongyang at 6:53 am local time, heightening monitoring and sharing information with the US and Japan. Tokyo confirmed the launch, urging vigilance among vessels. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida condemned North Korea’s repeated missile launches, calling them a threat to regional security. This marks North Korea’s third ballistic missile launch in 2024, testing a new intermediate-range hypersonic missile. The launch coincides with the end of UN expert monitoring of North Korean sanctions violations due to a Russian veto to renew the UN panel monitoring sanctions compliance. It also precedes South Korea’s general elections by a week. Despite international sanctions, Pyongyang continues to enhance its military capabilities, branding South Korea as its “principal enemy.” Amidst these tensions, Seoul remains a key ally of Washington, hosting around 27,000 US soldiers.
Finland: 12 Year Old Arrested For School Shooting That Killed One
On 2 April 2024, a school shooting in Vantaa, Finland, resulted in the death of a 12-year-old child and left two others severely injured. The suspect, also 12 years old, used a licensed handgun owned by a relative. The incident occurred at Viertola school, shocking the usually calm neighbourhood and prompting national mourning. Finnish leaders, including Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and President Alexander Stubb, expressed condolences and pledged support for the victims’ families and the school community. The shooting reignited discussions about gun policy in Finland, known for previous school shootings in 2007 and 2008. While the country tightened its gun legislation in 2010, recent plans to expand shooting ranges raised concerns. The tragedy underscores the need for societal reflection and preventative measures. Authorities responded swiftly, providing support to affected students and families and initiating investigations into the incident.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/02/finland-school-shooting-children-vantaa
South Sudan: At Least 12 Killed and 15 Missing in South Sudan Attack
On 2 April 2024, officials announced that a youth attack on Ajwara village in Pibor’s Pochalla county, eastern South Sudan, two days before, killed at least 12 people and injured 10 others. Abraham Kelang, the Information Minister of Greater Pibor Administrative Area, reported that most victims were elderly, with several cattle raided during the attack. The assailants, believed to be from the Murle ethnic group, also abducted 15 children, leaving their whereabouts uncertain. Pochalla County, inhabited mostly by the Anyuak ethnic group, has a history of clashes with the Murle, often driven by cattle theft. These conflicts have intensified amid preparations for upcoming elections, as the transitional government faces challenges in maintaining peace. In late March 2024, 15 people were shot dead in Pibor, including government officials and security personnel, adding to a series of violent incidents in the region. Earlier in 2024, over 150 people were killed in conflicts between rival groups in northern and western South Sudan. The violence underscores ongoing tensions and the fragile security situation in the country, even after the cessation of the civil war in 2018.
UN: Temporary Halt in Humanitarian Operations Due to Killing of Aid Workers by Israeli Airstrikes
On 3 April 2024, it was reported that humanitarian operations had been suspended in Gaza for 48 hours as a response to the killing of seven aid workers from the NGO World Central Kitchen. According to Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN, the halt would allow further evaluation of security issues that impact personnel on the ground and people trying to serve in the region. According to the UN World Food Programme (WFP), daytime operations have continued, which includes delivering food aid convoys into northern Gaza. The staff from the World Central Kitchen were killed in multiple Israeli airstrikes on their convoy while they were departing the warehouse in Deir al Balah in central Gaza. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), expressed grave concern over the attacks and highlighted the need for safe humanitarian access by establishing “an effective and transparent mechanism for deconfliction”. He further urged that the incident highlighted “the extreme danger” under which WHO workers and partners were working in the region and would continue to work.
Myanmar: Opposition Carries Out Drone Attacks on Military Junta Bases
On 4 April 2024, it was reported that the National Unity Government (NUG) Myanmar’s opposition had carried out drone attacks against two junta sites in the capital Naypyidaw. According to a statement released by NUG, the drone attacks had been carried out simultaneously, which targeted both the “headquarters of the terrorist military and Alar airbase”. According to the junta, it had shot down seven drones, and no casualties were reported. A senior official, in an interview uploaded on the NUG’s media channel, stated that the home of Min Aung Hlaing had also been targeted with 30 drones.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/04/myanmar-opposition-carries-out-drone-attack-on-capital
Ethiopia: Armed Forces Accused of War Crimes Against Civilians in Amhara Region
On 4 April 2024, Human Rights Watch stated that Ethiopia’s army had “summarily executed several dozen civilians” and committed other war crimes in the northwestern Amhara region earlier this year. The organisation had also called upon the United Nations to investigate the violations independently. According to a separate investigation conducted by the state-appointed Ethiopian Human Rights Commission, at least 45 people have been estimated to have been killed by the government forces in Merawi. HRW has stated that it has been unable to determine how many civilian killings occurred in Merawi and has estimated the figure to be more than 80. The organisation has urged the UN High Commissioner to lead an investigation into the alleged abuses and violations while also calling upon the African Union to suspend all deployment of Ethiopia’s federal forces’ two peacekeeping missions until those who are responsible for the “grave abuses” are held accountable.
Somalia: New Amendments to Constitution Increase Fear of Violence
On 5 April 2024, the Guardian reported that the amendments to the constitution of Somalia threaten fears of violence in the region, as the amendments have scrapped the country’s power-sharing system and also given increased control to the president. The amendments had received a majority vote in the parliament, with Adan Mohamed Nuur Madobe, parliamentary speaker, calling the move “historic”. Mohamud Aidid Dirir, information minister from the semi autonomous state of Puntland, highlighted that “almost a totally new constitution” had been introduced without consulting the state leaders and also accused the Somali president of making use of parliament to “gather authority into his hands”. He also emphasised that that country could “go back to civil war” if power is given fully to one person. The country’s current constitution has been in place since 2012 and was supposedly a provisional document that had been under review for a long time. Creating a new constitution was one of the key election pledges in 2022 of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2024/apr/05/fears-violence-somalia-constitution
Israel: Human Rights Council Passes Resolution to Hold Israel Accountable for War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity
On 5 April 2024, the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) adopted a resolution calling for holding Israel accountable for possible war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in the Gaza Strip. 28 countries voted in favour of the resolution, with 13 abstaining and six voting against it, which included the US and Germany. The resolution comes in the aftermath of Israel opening new food corporations into Gaza for the delivery of humanitarian aid after increased US pressure. The resolution highlights and emphasises the need to “ensure accountability for all violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law in order to end impunity”. The resolution expressed grave concern over the reports of “serious human rights violations and grave breaches of international humanitarian law”. Meirav Eilon Shahr, Israel’s permanent representative to the UN in Geneva, accused the UNHRC of defending Hamas and abandoning the Israeli people.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/05/un-human-rights-council-israel-gaza-biden-netanyahu