Weekly News Recap (27 May - 2 June 2024)
© Photo by RafahKid Kid via Flickr
- Egypt: Appeal Court Sentences Former Presidential Candidate Ahmed Tantawy to One Year in Prison
IACtHR: Hearings Held Regarding State Obligations in Climate Crisis
USA: Former President Donald Trump Convicted on 34 Felony Counts in New York Hush Money Case
Hong Kong: Court Convicts 14 Democracy Activists of Subversion
Netherlands: Public Prosecution Service Prosecutes Teenager for Assaulting Far-Right Wing Politician
International Justice Section
Egypt: Appeal Court Sentences Former Presidential Candidate Ahmed Tantawy to One Year in Prison
On 27 May 2024, the Matareya Misdemeanour Court of Appeal upheld a one-year prison sentence for former Egyptian presidential candidate Ahmed Tantawy. Tantawy was convicted of incitement and aiding in the illegal printing and distribution of electoral papers. His electoral campaign director, Mohamed Abu El-Diya, received the same sentence. Both had initially been granted bail pending appeal in February, each paying 20,000 Egyptian pounds. Tantawy is also banned from running for parliamentary elections for five years. Additionally, 21 campaign members were sentenced to one year in prison. Tantawy, in a statement on his social media, claimed full responsibility for the campaign activities and urged the court to release all involved defendants. Human Rights Watch (HRW) condemned the charges, calling them retaliatory actions against Tantawy’s peaceful challenge to President Sisi. HRW criticised the Egyptian authorities for barring Tantawy from future elections, suggesting it was an effort to stifle serious political opposition. The charges were based on Decree-Law 45/2014, which criminalises the unauthorised printing and distribution of electoral materials, carrying a minimum one-year prison sentence. HRW highlighted the law’s incompatibility with international human rights standards, particularly concerning freedom of expression and association.
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/egypt-detains-opposition-leader-ahmed-tantawy-sisi-challenger
IACtHR: Hearings Held Regarding State Obligations in Climate Crisis
On 27 May 2024, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACtHR) commenced public hearings in Brazil, focusing on state obligations related to the climate crisis under the American Convention on Human Rights. These hearings, the second set following initial ones in Barbados in April 2024, are part of an Advisory Opinion requested by Chile and Colombia. Chile and Colombia’s request highlighted the severe impacts of the climate emergency in their countries, including droughts, floods, landslides, and fires. They called for the IACtHR to clarify human rights obligations affected by the climate crisis, referencing the right to health recognised by the court in a 2017 advisory opinion. Their request was backed by climate science and Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports. The hearings addressed several questions posed by Chile and Colombia, including state obligations to prevent and ensure human rights, the right to life, the rights of children and future generations, consultation procedures, judicial proceedings, protection of environmental defenders, and states’ shared and differentiated responsibilities. The advisory opinion on foot of the hearings is expected by the end of the year. While advisory opinions are authoritative interpretations for member states, they are not legally binding.
Germany: Former German Army Officer Sentenced to Three Years and Six Months in Prison for Working as Russian Agent
On 27 May 2024, a former German Army officer was sentenced to three years and six months in prison by the Düsseldorf Higher Regional Court for espionage on behalf of the Russian government. The defendant, a former military captain, passed official secrets to the Russian secret service, which he obtained while working at the Bundeswehr Procurement Office in Koblenz. He sent documents, meant for official use only, to the Russian Embassy in Berlin and the Consulate General in Bonn starting from May 2023. These documents contained information about military equipment and were deemed detrimental to the security of Germany. The defendant was detected during surveillance of Russian facilities by Germany’s Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, leading to his arrest after a search of his house in Koblenz in December 2023, conducted by the Federal German Police Office (BKA) in cooperation with the Military Counterintelligence Service (MAD). During the trial, the defendant confessed to spying for Russia, citing fear of nuclear war due to the War in Ukraine and concern for his family’s safety as motives. He expressed regret for his actions and acknowledged his mistake. The German Federal Prosecution Office requested a sentence of three years and six months in prison, which was agreed upon by the Düsseldorf Higher Regional Court. The verdict is subject to appeal by both the defendant and the Federal Prosecutor General, which would be adjudicated by the German Federal Court of Justice.
https://www.dw.com/en/germany-ex-military-officer-sentenced-for-russia-spying/a-69191256
Palestine: Legal Complaint Filed with ICC Alleging War Crimes against Palestinian Journalists in Gaza
On 27 May 2024, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) announced that it submitted a complaint to the International Criminal Court (ICC) concerning the killing or injury of Palestinian journalists in Gaza. The complaint urges the ICC to investigate alleged crimes against at least nine Palestinian reporters since 15 December 2023, and the deaths of over 100 journalists since 7 October 2023, purportedly at the hands of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF). RSF claims there are reasonable grounds to suspect that some journalists were deliberately targeted, while others were victims of attacks on civilians. RSF’s assistant director, Antoine Bernard, emphasised the importance of protecting journalists’ right to provide information, especially during times of conflict. This marks the third complaint RSF has lodged with the ICC concerning attacks on Palestinian journalists in Gaza since 7 October 2024. On 5 January 2024, the ICC Prosecutor’s Office confirmed to RSF that crimes against journalists are part of its investigation into the situation in Palestine. Recently, the ICC Prosecutor sought arrest warrants for Israel’s prime minister, defence minister, and three senior Hamas leaders for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the ongoing conflict. Earlier this month, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reported that at least 98 journalists were killed during the Israel-Hamas War. Almost precisely nine years ago, on 27 May 2015, UN Security Council Resolution 2222 was adopted, affirming the protection of journalists in conflict zones and emphasising the critical role of a free, independent, and impartial media in democratic societies.
https://rsf.org/en/rsf-files-third-complaint-icc-about-israeli-war-crimes-against-journalists-gaza
USA: Former President Donald Trump Convicted on 34 Felony Counts in New York Hush Money Case
On 30 May 2024, a Manhattan jury convicted former US President Donald Trump on all 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in the first degree, related to his New York hush money criminal trial. Prosecutors argued that Trump falsified these records to hide hush money payments intended to unlawfully influence the 2016 presidential election. The Manhattan District Attorney’s office claimed that Trump, through his former attorney Michael Cohen, made payments to individuals, including adult film actress Stormy Daniels, as part of a “catch-and-kill” scheme to suppress damaging stories. The prosecution’s case heavily relied on Cohen’s testimony, despite the defence challenging Cohen’s credibility due to his previous conviction for lying to Congress. Nonetheless, the jury found sufficient evidence to convict Trump. Following the verdict, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg emphasised the impartiality of the legal process, highlighting the jury’s decisive voice. Trump denounced the trial as rigged and politically motivated, vowing to continue his fight. The sentencing is scheduled for 11 July 2024, just days before the Republican National Convention where Trump is expected to be nominated for the 2024 presidential election. Notably, Trump is the first former US president to be convicted of a felony, but this conviction does not bar him from running for office.
https://edition.cnn.com/politics/live-news/trump-hush-money-trial-05-30-24/index.html
Thailand: Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra Indicted for Monarchy Insult in 2015 Interview
On 30 May 2024, Thailand’s attorney general announced the indictment of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra for allegedly insulting the monarchy in a 2015 interview with a foreign media outlet. The case originated from a complaint by Deputy Defence Minister Gen Udomdej Sitabutr over Thaksin’s comments in a South Korean newspaper, leading the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) to file a lawsuit for violating Article 112 of the criminal code (lese-majeste law) and the Computer Crime Act. Thaksin, unable to attend the hearing due to a COVID-19 infection, has been rescheduled to appear in court on 18 June 2024. His lawyer, Winyat Chartmontri, plans to contest the charges, questioning the authenticity of the interview video used as evidence. Thaksin, Thailand’s prime minister from 2001 to 2006, was ousted by a coup and lived in exile until his 2023 arrest and subsequent release on parole in 2024. The lese-majeste law, criminalising insults to the monarchy with penalties up to 15 years in prison, has recently seen stringent enforcement, including a 50-year sentence for a social media post and a four-year sentence for an activist musician.
Hong Kong: Court Convicts 14 Democracy Activists of Subversion
On 30 May 2024, The Hong Kong Court of First Instance convicted 14 out of 16 democracy activists for conspiring to commit subversion under Article 22(3) of the China-imposed National Security Law for their roles in attempting to gain a controlling majority in the 2020 Legislative Council election and force then-Chief Executive Carrie Lam to resign. The prosecution argued that the activists planned to veto government budgets to pressure Lam into addressing demands, including repealing the extradition bill and resigning. Despite defence claims that subversion requires the use of force, the court cited HKSAR v. Tam Tak Chi, stating that non-violent acts can constitute sedition under the National Security Law. The court found that the term “unlawful” in Article 22 referred to the nature of the act rather than the defendant’s knowledge of its legality. Lau Wai-chung and Lee Yue-shun were acquitted due to insufficient evidence of their intent to subvert state power, marking the first acquittals under the National Security Law. The Department of Justice plans to appeal these acquittals under new provisions allowing appeals against acquittals by professional judges, introduced in May 2023 to prevent failure of justice and safeguard national security.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c100mjqrm6zo
Netherlands: Public Prosecution Service Prosecutes Teenager for Assaulting Far-Right Wing Politician
On 29 May 2024, it was reported in local media that the Dutch Public Prosecution Service (OM) will proceed with prosecuting a 16-year-old boy for attempted serious assault after attacking Thierry Baudet, the leader of the far right political party, Forum voor Democratie (FvD), last year. At the time of the incident, the boy was 15 and struck Baudet with a beer bottle at a café in Groningen, resulting in Baudet’s hospitalisation. The boy’s twin brother was also arrested, but it is unclear if he will face prosecution. The assault, which occurred during a photo opportunity after an election event, was condemned by various politicians as “unacceptable.” The trial for the boy will commence in the autumn and will be held in private due to his age. The Public Prosecution Service has stated that no further details will be disclosed until the trial. In the Netherlands, minors aged 12 to 17 who commit minor offences can participate in a crime prevention program involving apologies and restitution. However, the Public Prosecution Service’’s decision to charge the boy indicates the seriousness of the offence. Under Dutch law, juveniles can be prosecuted under the Youth Act, and young offenders aged 16 to 22 may be subject to the adolescent criminal law, which allows for alternative sanctions like unpaid work or training projects.
https://nltimes.nl/2024/05/27/teen-boy-will-prosecuted-hitting-far-right-leader-baudet-beer-bottle
International Peace & Security Section
Palestine: Israeli Strikes on Rafah Displacement Camp Condemned as Death Toll Rises to 45
On 27 May 2024, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched an airstrike on a displacement camp in the city of Rafah, tragically increasing the death toll to 45. The attack, which occurred near the United Nations (UN) headquarters designated as a humanitarian zone, was swiftly condemned by several nations including France, Turkey, and Egypt. The Palestinian Red Crescent reported that the strikes targeted tents housing displaced persons, a claim that has intensified international scrutiny. The IDF, while acknowledging the strike, stated that it was aimed at a Hamas compound in the Tel es-Sultan area, where high-level terrorists were allegedly present. Despite the military’s assertion that the operation adhered to international law, the aftermath was devastating, with the majority of casualties reported to be women and children. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed regret over the incident, emphasising the tragedy for Israel and calling it a “strategy” for Hamas. The global reaction was one of outrage and calls for accountability. French President Emmanuel Macron and Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan voiced their strong opposition to the actions, with Macron advocating for an immediate ceasefire and Erdogan labelling the incident a “massacre.” The United Nations Agency for Palestinian Refugees described the conditions in Gaza as “hell on earth,” highlighting the severe impact on families seeking shelter. Amidst ongoing violence, the situation in Rafah remains dire, with international efforts focusing on mediating further escalations and pursuing peace.
https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2024/05/27/Gaza-Rafah-airstrike/
Yemen: Ship Damaged by Missile Attack in the Red Sea
On 28 May 2024, a Marshall Islands-flagged, Greek-owned bulk carrier ship was damaged during two missile attacks in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen. Yemen’s Houthi rebels are accused of the incident following similar attacks on ships launched by the group over Israel’s war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Center (UKMTO) asserted that the first missile attack involving the ship occurred in the port city of Hodeida in the Southern Red Sea, near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait that links it to the Gulf of Aden, and the second missile attack occurred near Mokha in the Bab el-Mandeb. The ship sustained damage on foot of the two attacks but it was reported that its crew remained unharmed. The vessel was reported as being headed to Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates. The Greek ship management authorities refused to comment upon the incident.
https://apnews.com/article/yemen-red-sea-ship-attack-c47710540383198ba1acb41b07f14751
Haiti: Kenya Set to Deploy Security Mission in Haiti
On 28 May 2024, Human Rights Watch (HRW) reported that a delegation from Kenya arrived in Haiti to prepare the deployment mission. The mission was authorised in 2023 by the UN Security Council, and aims to secure key infrastructure and combat the criminal groups involved in violence and who control nearly half of Port au Prince, the capital of Haiti. Kenyan President William Ruto met with US President Joe Biden and agreed more support to the Multinational Security Support (MSS). There are concerns whether the countries involved are ensuring the MSS respects human rights. The US is vetting all MSS employees and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is assisting with the drafting of the regulatory framework. The Haitian police will manage the MSS operation that will be overseen by the national security council. However, the UN Security Council has not yet received the rules of engagement, human rights due diligence and safeguards, or accountability mechanisms from the MSS. The MSS also faces legal and funding issues. The Kenyan High Court found the deployment order unconstitutional, an appeal is pending, and a new case is scheduled for June 2024. The mission’s trust fund is far below what is needed, with only US$21 million received and an estimated operational cost of US$600 million. Haiti needs urgent international support to restore security. Governments, particularly from the US, France, Latin America and the Caribbean are called upon to support the mission, and ensure it has sufficient funding and resources.
https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/05/28/kenya-led-security-mission-prepares-deployment-haiti
Papua New Guinea: Recovery Efforts Continue Following Landslide Disaster
On 28 May 2024, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) reported that they, along with the local authorities and United Nations (UN) are rallying to address the humanitarian crisis in Papua New Guinea following a devastating landslide. The country’s National Disaster Centre has indicated that over 2,000 people are buried under rubble. The IOM Chief of Missions in Papua New Guinea, Serhan Aktoprak, described the disaster as “truly heartbreaking” and stated thousands of people have lost their homes and belongings. So far, only six bodies have been found. Authorities have estimated over 7,840 people are affected, including those missing or confirmed dead, with 1,650 people displaced. Many of the displaced were seeking refuge in the area due to tribal conflict, highlighting the vulnerability of the people. Many bodies are yet to be recovered from the rubble, with growing concerns of serious health risks due to water contamination because of underground water flowing down the mountain. In addition, a bridge collapsed that connected the Enga province to the Western Highlands province, causing difficulties with aid supply. The National Disaster Centre has appealed for assistance from the UN, including food, shelter, water, sanitation and logistic and security support.
EU: Several European Countries Take Steps to Recognise Palestinian Statehood
On 28 May 2024, it was reported that Spain, Ireland and Norway have formally recognised Palestine as a state. This decision may create momentum for other EU countries to follow suit and encourage the United Nations (UN) to act. Prior to Spain, Ireland and Norway, seven members of the 27 EU nations had recognised Palestine statehood. Similarly, on 30 May 2024, the Slovenian government endorsed a motion for the recognition of the Palestinian state, issuing the motion to the Slovenian parliament for approval. The US, UK, and other Western countries have supported the idea of an independent Palestinian state existing alongside Israel, but insist it should come as part of a negotiated resolution. The symbolic recognition by the three countries helps Palestine’s international standing and puts pressure on Israel to negotiate an ending to the war. Also, the timing places the Middle East issue to the forefront ahead of the June elections to the European Parliament. Following the decision Israel recalled its ambassadors to Ireland, Norway and Spain. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the move as “a reward for terrorism”, that will strengthen the Palestinian position and undermine the negotiating process. 140 countries have recognised Palestine as a state, over two-thirds of the UN membership. Some countries may be changing their stance following Israel’s actions in Gaza, which has resulted in more than 36,000 Palestinian deaths. The UK and Australia stated they are considering recognition. While France indicated that the timing is not right, Germany and the US have also rejected a unilateral approach, insisting a two-state solution can only be achieved through dialogue.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/spain-ireland-and-norway-recognized-palestinian-state-why-it-matters/
Taiwan: Government to Reject Controversial Legislation Initiating Parliamentary Reform
On 29 May 2024, it was reported that Taiwan’s government will reject the recent parliamentary reforms and send it back for review. The controversial reforms passed by the opposition led to protests outside the parliament. There are growing concerns over the influence of China, which views Taiwan as part of its own territory. China’s influence in the island’s politics splits public opinion in Taiwan. In January 2024, Lai Ching-te of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) won the presidency, but the party lost its majority in parliament. The main opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), along with the small Taiwan People’s Party have the most combined seats. The reforms could provide lawmakers with the power to request military, private companies or individuals to disclose information thought to be relevant by politicians. The new legislation also aims to criminalise the disrespect of parliament by government officials, and requires the president to give reports and answer questions in parliament. The government stated the reforms could “breach the constitution and separations of power between the executive and the legislative branches”. The reforms will be reconsidered in parliament, which will likely be rejected, but the government states it is “duty bound” to act. The DPP stated that the reforms were an “overreach of power”. The KMT have been accused of links with China, and this year several KMT senior leaders visited Beijing. China does not speak to the DPP or President Lai, referring to them as “separatists”. The KMT denies being pro-Beijing, outlining the reforms are aimed to improve governmental accountability.
UN: Algeria Submits Resolution Proposal to End Israeli Offences in Rafah
On 29 May 2024, it was reported that Algeria had submitted a draft resolution to the UN Security Council demanding an end to Israel’s military offensive in Rafah. The draft proposal references a recent ICJ ruling and calls for Israel to stop its military actions, for an immediate ceasefire respected by all parties, as well as the release of all hostages. Algeria requested an urgent Security Council meeting after an Israeli strike killed 45 people at a safe camp in Rafah. Algeria’s UN Ambassador Amar Bendjama has not yet set a date for the vote. French UN Representative, Nicolas de Riviere, stated the need for the vote to happen soon as “this is a matter of life and death. This is a matter of emergency”. The Council has struggled to find a collective stance on the conflict since it escalated following Israel’s retaliation after the 7 October Hamas attack. After two passed resolutions on humanitarian aid in Gaza, the Council passed a resolution calling for a ceasefire in March 2024, a move previously blocked by the US, but they had grown frustrated with Israel’s conduct and abstained from the vote. But the White House has stated that Israel has not yet crossed US President Biden’s “red lines” and has no plans to change its policy towards Israel. The US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield has said she will await reviewing the Algerian draft resolution before responding to it.
Kenya: Parliament Investigates Human Rights Violations by UK Troops Through Public Hearings
On 29 May 2024, the Kenyan Parliament’s Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations initiated four public hearings to investigate alleged human rights violations by UK troops stationed in Kenya. The public parliamentary hearings began in Laikipia County on Tuesday, continued in Samburu County on Wednesday, and concluded on Thursday morning back in Laikipia. These hearings stem from the 2012 murder of Agnes Wanjiru, a 21-year-old mother, whose body was found in a septic tank in Nanyuki. Despite a British soldier reportedly confessing to the murder in 2021, the case has faced delays and will not be heard by the High Court until 10 July 2024, primarily due to jurisdictional disputes over whether UK troops should be tried under British or Kenyan law. The British High Commissioner has expressed condolences to Wanjiru’s family and affirmed the UK’s commitment to cooperating with the Kenyan investigation. The public hearings aim to address various allegations including corruption, human rights abuses, and the integrity of the British Army Training Unit in Kenya (BATUK), leveraging constitutional provisions that mandate public participation and parliamentary oversight of national defence.
Israel: Strategic Area of Gaza’s Border with Egypt Seized by Israeli Forces
On 30 May 2024, it was reported that Israel’s military took control of a tactical area along Gaza’s border with Egypt, in order to cut off smuggling tunnels in which it is believed that weapons and other goods were being transported for Hamas. Israel’s military chief spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari mentioned that 20 tunnels and 82 access points to the tunnels were discovered. The corridor is demilitarised and operates under the 1979 peace accord. A neighbouring region of Rafah, Tel es-Sultan, is also under the control of the Israeli military. Meanwhile, the attacks in the Southern Gaza city of Rafah heightened in recent days, killing dozens and displacing thousands of Palestinians.
USA: President Biden Eases Ban of US Weapon Usage in Ukraine
On 31 May 2024, it was reported that US President Joe Biden authorised permission to Ukraine to deploy US weapons on the border of the Kharkiv region to defend against Russian attacks. This decision represents a change in policy by President Biden who prohibited such usage of US weapons at the Kharkiv border before. France and other European nations such as Germany are similarly granting permission to Ukraine to utilise their weaponry against military targets within Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin cautioned that there would be “serious consequences”, highlighting Russian nuclear power. Senior Russian Security Official Dmitry Medvedev also warned of the escalation of the tensions with the Ukraine allied Western nations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been requesting ally permission for Ukrainian troops to deploy longer-range weaponry to hit Russian targets.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/5/31/biden-eases-ban-on-ukraines-use-of-us-weapons-inside-russia