Weekly News Recap (15-21 July 2024)
© Photo by Israel Defense Forces via Flickr
- Russia: Court Sentences Journalist in Absentia to 8 Years over False Information on Armed Forces
- US: Court Dismisses Trump Classified Documents Indictment on Constitutional Grounds
- INTERPOL: Operation Jackal III Targets West African Crime Syndicates, Leading to 300 Arrests and Major Asset Seizures
- KSC: Former KLA Member Pjeter Shala Sentenced to 18 Years for War Crimes
- US: Senator Bob Menendez Convicted of Bribery and Conspiracy to Act as Foreign Agent
- US: Ninth Circuit Upholds Dismissal of Lawsuit Against Biden Administration over Support for Israel
- Serbia: Court Tries Serbian Ex-Fighter for Wartime Rape in Croatia
- HRW: Report Accuses Hamas of Crimes Against Humanity in October 7 Attacks on Israel
- EU: Court Orders Increased Transparency in COVID-19 Vaccine Contracts
- ICJ: Israel’s Occupation of Palestinian Territories Deemed Illegal
International Peace & Security Section
- US: Assassination Attempt Against Former President Donald Trump
- Gambia: Upholds a Law that Bans Female Genital Mutilation
- Armenia: Launches Joint Military Exercise with the US
- EU: Estonian Leader Kaja Kallas Stepping Down to Become New EU Foreign Policy Chief
- HRW: Report Reveals Children Detained, Tortured and Beaten in El Salvador’s Prisons
- Kenya: Anti-Government Protests Continue with Calls for President Ruto to Resign
- Lebanon: Hezbollah Increasing Targets in Israel
- Haiti: More Kenyan Police Officers Deployed to Tackle Violence in Haiti
- China: Stopped New Nuclear-Arms Control Talks with the US
- Bangladesh: Student Protests Escalate Over Government Job Quotas
International Justice Section
Russia: Court Sentences Journalist in Absentia to 8 Years over False Information on Armed Forces
On 15 July 2024, a Moscow court sentenced Russian-American journalist Masha Gessen in absentia to eight years in prison for spreading false information about the Russian armed forces, under Article 207.3 of the Russian Criminal Code. Additionally, Gessen was banned from managing online resources for four years. Russia issued an arrest warrant for Gessen in December 2023, accusing them of discrediting the military during the 2022 Bucha violence in Ukraine. Gessen, who lives in the US, is unlikely to face imprisonment unless they travel to a country with an extradition treaty with Russia, though this could restrict their travel. This case is part of a larger crackdown on dissent in Russia since the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Earlier this year, Russia labelled author Boris Akunin a foreign agent, causing many cultural figures to flee the country.
https://thebarentsobserver.com/en/2024/07/russian-american-journalist-sentenced-8-years-absentia
US: Court Dismisses Trump Classified Documents Indictment on Constitutional Grounds
On July 15, 2024, a US federal court dismissed all charges against Donald Trump in a case alleging mishandling of classified documents after leaving office. The ruling focused on Senior Counsel Jack Smith, whose appointment was ruled unconstitutional. In November 2022, US Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed Jack Smith to oversee two investigations related to Trump. Smith’s appointment aimed to avoid conflict-of-interest issues due to current President Joe Biden being Trump’s political opponent. Smith was investigating Trump’s interference with the 2020 election and mishandling of classified documents found at Mar-a-Lago. Trump moved to dismiss the indictment, arguing Smith’s appointment violated the Appointments Clause of the US Constitution. District Judge Aileen Cannon ruled that Smith’s appointment was invalid, suggesting it required presidential nomination and Senate confirmation. Trump, recently convicted of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, has consistently claimed political persecution. Following the court’s decision, Trump called for the dismissal of all cases against him.
INTERPOL: Operation Jackal III Targets West African Crime Syndicates, Leading to 300 Arrests and Major Asset Seizures
On 16 July 2024, INTERPOL announced the conclusion of Operation Jackal III, an anti-financial crime initiative targeting West African organised crime groups across five continents, which resulted in the arrests of 300 individuals and the seizure of $3 million in illegal assets, including cryptocurrencies, as well as the blocking of 720 bank accounts. Running from early April to July 3, 2024, the operation focused on combating online financial fraud and identified over 400 suspects. Among the targeted groups was Black Axe, a Nigerian-led syndicate involved in cyber fraud, human trafficking, drug smuggling, and violent crimes. Confiscated electronic devices revealed money transfers to Nigerian accounts and money laundering activities. The suspects included nationals from Argentina, Colombia, Nigeria, and Venezuela, with over 160 victims forced into financial distress. Irish law enforcement, participating under Operation Skein, arrested 63 individuals, charged 17, and blocked 17 bank accounts. INTERPOL officials, including Isaac Oginni and Martin Ewi, emphasised the growing threat of financial fraud from West Africa and the necessity of international cooperation to counter transnational organised crime. INTERPOL, with 196 member states, facilitates global police collaboration to combat various illegal activities, including cybercrime and child exploitation.
KSC: Former KLA Member Pjeter Shala Sentenced to 18 Years for War Crimes
On 16 July 2024, the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague sentenced former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) member Pjeter Shala to 18 years in prison for war crimes committed during the 1998-1999 Kosovo War. Shala was found guilty of arbitrary detention, cruel treatment, torture, and murder. The court determined that Shala and his associates detained victims without legal justification, subjected them to inhumane conditions, and inflicted severe physical and psychological abuse. Additionally, Shala continued to assault a severely injured detainee, leading to the victim’s death within 24 hours. Despite pleading not guilty to all charges, Shala was convicted based on evidence of his intent to cause severe suffering for various coercive purposes. Shala was arrested in Belgium in March 2021 and transferred to the Kosovo Specialist Chambers for trial, which began in February 2023 and concluded in April 2024. The Kosovo Specialist Chambers and Specialist Prosecutor’s Office operates under a mandate to prosecute war crimes and crimes against humanity committed between January 1998 and December 2000, as per Article 162 of the Kosovo Constitution and related laws.
https://balkaninsight.com/2024/07/16/kosovos-commander-wolf-convicted-of-war-crimes-by-hague-court/
US: Senator Bob Menendez Convicted of Bribery and Conspiracy to Act as Foreign Agent
On 16 July 2024, US Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) was found guilty of bribery and conspiracy to act as a foreign agent after receiving over $500,000 in cash, $100,000 worth of gold bars, and a Mercedes luxury car from businessmen Wael Hana, Fred Daibes, and Jose Uribe. The month-long trial concluded with the jury deliberating for more than two days, resulting in guilty verdicts for Menendez on all 16 counts, including bribery, wire fraud, extortion, conspiracy, and obstruction of justice. Hana, Daibes, and Uribe were also found guilty. Prosecutors alleged that Menendez facilitated military aid for Egypt, protected Hana’s Egyptian Halal certification monopoly, and influenced legal cases in exchange for bribes. Menendez announced plans to appeal, asserting his innocence regarding acting as a foreign agent. US Attorney Damien Williams and New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy emphasised that Menendez’s conviction highlights accountability, while Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called for his resignation. Menendez, previously tried for corruption in 2017, faces sentencing on October 29.
https://abcnews.go.com/US/sen-bob-menendez-federal-corruption-trial-verdict/story?id=111295557
US: Ninth Circuit Upholds Dismissal of Lawsuit Against Biden Administration over Support for Israel
On 16 July 2024, the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit upheld the dismissal of a lawsuit demanding the Biden administration cease military, diplomatic, and financial support for Israel, ruling the case was “not justiciable under the political question doctrine.” This doctrine, based on the US Constitution’s separation of powers, restricts court decisions to legal “cases and controversies” and prevents judicial involvement in political matters. Plaintiffs argued the administration violated the Genocide Convention by allegedly making the US complicit in genocide through its support for Israel. The Genocide Convention, integrated into US law in 1988, criminalizes genocide and incitement to genocide. A federal judge initially dismissed the case in January, citing the political question doctrine, and the Ninth Circuit panel affirmed this decision, emphasising that foreign policy is exclusively managed by the executive branch and beyond judicial scrutiny.
HRW: Report Accuses Hamas of Crimes Against Humanity in October 7 Attacks on Israel
On 17 July 2024, a report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups of committing numerous crimes against humanity, including summary killings and sexual violence, during their attacks on Israel on October 7. The surprise assault aimed to kill civilians and capture hostages, with HRW documenting these allegations through interviews with 144 witnesses and extensive photo and video evidence. HRW’s report lists war crimes such as deliberate attacks on civilians, inhumane treatment, sexual violence, hostage-taking, and looting. Despite Hamas’s rejection of the report, calling it biassed, HRW emphasised the organised and coordinated nature of the attacks and urged for accountability to end the cycle of violence in the region. The attacks led to an estimated 1,140 deaths in Israel and the capture of about 240 individuals. In response, Israel’s military actions in Gaza have resulted in significant Palestinian casualties, with accusations of war crimes on both sides being investigated by the International Criminal Court.
https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/07/17/october-7-crimes-against-humanity-war-crimes-hamas-led-groups
EU: Court Orders Increased Transparency in COVID-19 Vaccine Contracts
On July 17, 2024, the General Court of the European Union annulled the European Commission’s decision to restrict access to key provisions of its COVID-19 vaccine purchase agreements. The case was brought by several Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) who argued that the Commission’s redactions violated transparency and public interest principles. The EU Commission had negotiated vaccine purchase agreements valued at €2.7 billion for approximately 1 billion doses. These agreements were signed with major pharmaceutical companies, including AstraZeneca, Sanofi-GSK, Johnson & Johnson, BioNTech-Pfizer, CureVac, Moderna, and Novavax. MEPs requested access to the agreements, but the Commission provided only redacted versions, citing the need to protect privacy and commercial interests. The MEPs contended that the public interest in transparency during the pandemic outweighed commercial protections. They also argued that the Commission inconsistently redacted similar information, violating good administration principles. The court found irregularities in the Commission’s decision and ordered the disclosure of certain clauses, ruling that the Commission had not demonstrated how these would concretely harm commercial interests. However, the court upheld the protection of other redacted clauses, rejecting the claim of inconsistent redaction practices.
ICJ: Israel’s Occupation of Palestinian Territories Deemed Illegal
On 19 July 2024, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) declared Israel’s ongoing occupation of Palestinian territories as illegal and called for its immediate cessation. Nawaf Salam, president of the ICJ in The Hague, delivered the non binding advisory opinion, highlighting that Israel is violating the sixth paragraph of Article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention. This article stipulates that an occupying power must not transfer its civilian population into the territory it occupies. Salam emphasised that the Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, along with their associated regimes, are being maintained in breach of international law. He further stated that Israel’s policies amount to the annexation of large parts of Palestinian territories and involve systematic discrimination against Palestinians. This ruling follows a request from the UN General Assembly in 2022. The ICJ, known as the World Court, serves as the highest UN body for adjudicating disputes between states. In a separate case brought by South Africa, the ICJ is examining allegations of genocide by Israel in its conflict with Gaza. A preliminary ruling has already been issued, instructing Israel to prevent and punish incitement to genocide and to enhance humanitarian aid provisions. The court also ordered Israel to cease its offensive on Rafah, citing immense risks to the hundreds of thousands of Palestinians seeking refuge there. Despite the ruling, Israel has continued its attacks on Gaza, including Rafah, defying the UN court’s directive.
International Peace & Security Section
US: Assassination Attempt Against Former President Donald Trump
On 13 July 2024, during a rally in Pennsylvania, the former President, Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt by 20-year-old, Thomas Matthew Crooks, at Bethel Park. Crooks fired an AR-style rifle at a Republican rally from a nearby rooftop (less than 150 metres from where Trump was speaking). One attendee was killed by Crooks and another two were critically injured in the crossfire. The suspect was killed by the Security Service. The former President was injured during the event, with the bullshit hitting the upper part of his right ear. Crooks’ political stances and motive have not been made clear. He previously supported a progressive political action committee in January of 2021 by contributing $15, when President Joe Biden was inaugurated, although he was registered as a Republican voter. According to the two anonymous officials, it was alleged that there were bomb-making materials inside Crook’s vehicle near the Trump rally and at his home.
Gambia: Upholds a Law that Bans Female Genital Mutilation
On 15 July 2024, Gambian parliament decided to uphold a 2015 law which banned female genital mutilation (FGM), rejecting a new bill that who legalise the practice again. The bill was introduced by MP Almameh Gibba, who said female circumcision is a cultural and religious practice, and it is strongly opposed by international rights groups and anti-FGM campaigners. The 2015 ban makes FGM punishable by up to three years in prison. Although the bill passed a second reading in March, it received severe criticisms during the third reading, with lawmakers voting against each clause, leading National Assembly Speaker Fabakary Tombong Jatta to halt the bill’s progress. The World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF highlight the adverse health risks of FGM, noting that Gambia has one of the highest rates of practice, with 73% of women and girls aged 15 to 49 affected. A UN report indicates over 230 million girls and women globally are survivors of FGM.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/7/15/gambias-parliament-upholds-ban-on-female-genital-mutilation
Armenia: Launches Joint Military Exercise with the US
On 15 July 2024, it was reported that Armenia had begun a joint military exercise with the US. The “Eagle Partner 2024” military drill is aimed at preparing forces for participation in international peacekeeping missions, and will run from July 15-24. The drill involves Armenian peacekeeping forces along with soldiers from the US Army Europe and Africa commands, and the Kansas National Guard. Since the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, Russia has been Armenia’s main economic partner. Armenia hosts a Russian military base and is part of a Russian led security alliance, the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO). However, Armenian ties with Russia have become strained since Azerbaijan executed a military campaign last year to take the Karabakh region, ending three decades of ethnic Armenian separatist rule in the region. Russian peacekeepers were deployed to Nagorno-Karabakh after hostilities in 2020, and Armenian authorities have accused Russia of failing to stop Azerbaijan’s onslaught. Russia disputes this claim and insists they did not have a mandate to intervene. Russia has found itself in the middle of a delicate situation, trying to preserve relations with Armenia while also maintaining close ties with Azerbaijan and Türkiye. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s efforts to grow closer ties to the West and distance his country from Russian alliance has angered the Kremlin, particularly Armenia’s decision to join the International Criminal Court (ICC). Armenia has also frozen its participation in the Russian led CSTO, cancelled its participation in joint military drills, and skipped the alliance’s summits. In September 2023, Armenia also held the “Eagle Partner” military drills with the US, in a move Russia described as “unfriendly”.
EU: Estonian Leader Kaja Kallas Stepping Down to Become New EU Foreign Policy Chief
On 15 July 2024, it was reported that Estonian Prime Minister (PM) Kaja Kallas had submitted her resignation in order to take up a new post as the European Union’s Foreign Policy Chief. Since she became PM of Estonia in 2021, Kallas has been a strong critic of neighbour Russia, in what she described as “expansionist aims.” She has encouraged allies in NATO and the EU to provide support for Ukraine in its attempt to fend off the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Under her leadership, the small Baltic republic of 1.4 million people became one of the biggest donors of military aid to Ukraine per capita. Kallas led her liberal Reform party to victory in elections in 2019 and 2023, and has been government leader since 2021. The Reform party has indicated Climate Minister Kristen Michal will become Estonia’s next PM, but Kallas will remain as caretaker leader until the next government is confirmed in early August, with the party expected to elect the new leader in September.
HRW: Report Reveals Children Detained, Tortured and Beaten in El Salvador’s Prisons
On 16 July 2024, a report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) outlined that more than 60 children in El Salvador had been arbitrarily detained, tortured and beaten since the government’s state of emergency was declared over two years ago to battle gang violence. Police have detained 3,319 children and teenagers from March 2022 to April 2024. The report said many children arrested had no apparent connection to gang related violence or criminal activity. HRW interviewed over 90 people and reported that authorities had subjected children in detention to ill-treatment that in some cases amounted to torture. The report found children had been deprived of adequate food, healthcare and contact with family, and in many cases, children were coerced into making false confessions. HRW said “authorities have taken few, if any, steps to protect the children from violence by other detainees, including beatings and sexual assault.” The report outlines 66 cases of minors subjected to arbitrary detention, torture and police harassment, stressing that arrests seemed to be based on physical appearance and socioeconomic conditions rather than reliable evidence. The report also found that over 1,000 minors have been sentenced to terms of up to 12 years for broadly defined and vague crimes in trials with unclear evidence and lack of due process. Over 80,500 people have been arrested under the state of emergency, which has significantly reduced the number of homicides, making El Salvador one of the safest countries in the Americas, gaining President Nayib Bukele strong support. Last week, local rights group Cristosal reported at least 265 people have died in state custody, including four babies.
https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/07/16/el-salvador-rights-violations-against-children-state-emergency
Kenya: Anti-Government Protests Continue with Calls for President Ruto to Resign
On 16 July 2024, it was reported at least one person was killed in renewed anti-government protests across Kenya. The youth-led protests broke out last month against proposed tax hikes and have continued despite President William Ruto withdrawing the controversial legislation and firing almost all of his cabinet. Protesters now want Ruto to step down and are calling for systematic changes to address corruption and poor governance. Protests on Tuesday were reported to be the largest since Ruto withdrew the legislation on June 26, with demonstrations in 23 of the 47 counties in Kenya. In Nairobi’s city centre riot police fired tear gas at protesters, and in Nakuru, a journalist was injured. Ruto has been caught between the demands of debt lenders to cut deficits and the struggling population faced with the rising costs of living. Kenya is spending over 30% of its revenues just paying the interest bills on its debt. One protester described Ruto as “very incompetent” and “a puppet for the IMF.” The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has been a major source of anger for protesters who blame it for the proposed tax hikes. Ruto announced “multi-sectoral” talks to address issues with protesters, but leading activists have rejected the offer and instead called for immediate action on key issues like corruption. The protests have resulted in 50 deaths, 413 people injured, 682 people arbitrarily detained and 59 individuals abducted or are missing in connection with the protests. Ruto said accusations of abuse will be investigated but has broadly defended police conduct. On Monday, Ruto accused the Ford Foundation, an American philanthropic organisation, of sponsoring those causing mayhem in Kenya. The Ford Foundation rejected the allegation, saying it did not fund the protests.
Lebanon: Hezbollah Increasing Targets in Israel
On 17 July 2024, the Secretary General of Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah, warned that it would start attacking new targets if Israel keeps attacking civilians in Lebanon. This raises concern that the low-level conflict between Israel and Iran-aligned groups may escalate towards a full-scale war. Nasrallah, when addressing the mark of a largely Shia holy day Ashurasaid said that, “continuing to target civilians will push the Resistance to launch missiles at settlements that were not previously targeted”. On 16 July 2024, Israeli raids killed five civilians, including three children in Lebanon, and the day before, at least three other civilians were killed. Since the October 7 attack, more than 500 people have died in Lebanon. Although most of whom were Hezbollah fighters, at least a 100 were civilians. Hezbollah attacks in Israel have killed 17 soldiers and 13 civilians.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/7/17/hezbollah-threatens-to-fire-on-new-israeli-targets
Haiti: More Kenyan Police Officers Deployed to Tackle Violence in Haiti
On 17 July 2024, it was reported that a second contingent of 200 Kenyan police officers had arrived in Haiti to join the UN-back Multinational Security Support Mission. This will bring the total number of Kenyan police officers to 400 in the capital Port-au-Prince. The deployment has been unpopular in Kenya, with rights groups raising concerns over the mission, while at the same time Kenyan President William Ruto is dealing with anti-government protests in his own country. More Kenyan police are expected to arrive in the near future along with forces from the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Benin, Chad and Jamaica, which will amount to 2,500 personnel. The deployment was approved by the UN Security Council in October but was delayed by a Kenyan court decision that ruled the mission unconstitutional. The court outlined that Ruto had no authority to send officers abroad without a prior bilateral agreement. The agreement between Kenya and Haiti was signed in March, but a small opposition party, Thirdway Alliance Kenya, has filed a fresh case in an attempt to block the deployment. The US has been supplying the mission with funding and logistical support, but President Joe Biden has ruled out putting US soldiers on the ground in Haiti. Human Rights Watch has raised concerns over the mission, while watchdogs have accused Kenyan police of using excessive force and unlawful killings. Haiti has long suffered violence from criminal gangs, but the situation deteriorated in February when armed groups attacked Port-au-Prince, attempting to overthrow then Prime Minister Ariel Henry. The violence in Port-au-Prince has impacted food security and humanitarian aid access. The capital is now largely controlled by the criminal gangs who are accused of murder, rape, looting and kidnappings.
https://www.aljazeera.com/gallery/2024/7/17/more-kenyan-police-deploy-to-tackle-haiti-violence
China: Stopped New Nuclear-Arms Control Talks with the US
On 17 July 2024, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated that they have halted discussion for the non-proliferation of arms and nuclear with the United States, in protest of American arms sales to Taiwan. China joins Russia in rejecting talks with the US on curbing a nuclear arms race, which could negatively impact global arms-control efforts. Lin expressed China’s willingness to maintain communication on international arms control but called for the US to respect China’s core interests and create favourable conditions for dialogue. The US State Department spokesman countered that the issues will remain unresolved if discussions pause and that it can threaten strategic stability and escalate the risks of an arms race. China’s decision comes shortly after the Biden administration indicated the potential need for more U.S. strategic nuclear weapons to deter threats from China and Russia. The US and China held discussions on nuclear weapons in November, but formal arms-control negotiations were not anticipated, given the US’s concerns about China’s rapid nuclear arsenal expansion. The U.S. estimates China currently has about 500 operational nuclear warheads, which could exceed 1,000 by 2030. In contrast, the U.S. possesses around 3,700 nuclear warheads, with approximately 1,419 deployed, while Russia has around 1,550 deployed and a total of about 4,489 warheads.
Bangladesh: Student Protests Escalate Over Government Job Quotas
On 18 July 2024, clashes between students and police intensified in Dhaka over civil service hiring quotas which student protesters call discriminatory. At least 17 people have died on Thursday in clashes across Bangladesh. Police fired tear gas and rubber bullets to break up protesters who torched vehicles and other establishments in Dhaka. Bangladesh authorities cut some mobile internet services in an attempt to suppress the protests. Students have been protesting for weeks against a quota system for government jobs that they claim favours supporters of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League Party. Under the system, a third of jobs are reserved for family members of veterans who fought for the country’s independence from Pakistan in 1971. Students are pushing for a system based on merit and are angered by high levels of youth unemployment. Of the total population of 170 million in Bangladesh, nearly 32 million people are out of work or education, almost one-fifth of the population. The demonstrations escalated on Monday after violence broke out at Dhaka University. Six people were killed during protests. In response, the government closed all public and private universities indefinitely and sent riot police and Border Guard paramilitary forces to university campuses. On Thursday, the country’s state-run Bangladesh Television station’s head office was attacked by protesters who set the reception on fire. The protests are the first significant challenge faced by Hasina’s government since winning a fourth successive term in January, in an election boycotted by the opposition. Hasina has promised to investigate the deaths and to bring those responsible to justice. In 2018, the government halted the quotas after mass student protests, but last month the High Court reinstated the quotas after relatives of the 1971 veterans filed an appeal. Hasina has asked for patience until the Supreme Court’s verdict next month on the government’s appeal against the High Court decision. The United Nations and other rights groups have urged Bangladesh to protect peaceful protesters from violence.