Weekly News Recap (8 – 14 June 2026) © Photo by United Nations Photo via Flickr International Justice Section Italy: Prosecutors Open Investigation into Israeli Minister Over Alleged Abuse of...
Weekly News Recap (2 - 8 September 2024)
© Photo by joiseyshowaa via Flickr
- Brazil: Supreme Court Upholds Suspension of X
- US: Former Aide to New York Governor Arrested for Allegedly Acting as Chinese Government Agent
- Russia: Moscow Court Extends Detention of French Researcher for Violating Foreign Agent Law
- ECtHR: Court Rules That Russia Violated Right to Freedom of Elections By Excluding Opposition Party Candidate
- Lebanon: Former Governor of Central Bank Arrested on Corruption Charges
- South Korea: Constitutional Court Orders Concrete Carbon Reduction Plan
- Taiwan: Former Presidential Candidate Back in Custody for Corruption Investigation
- US: New York Judge Postpones Trump Sentencing in Hush Money Case Until After Presidential Election
International Peace & Security Section
West Bank: Israeli Forces Continue Airstrikes Putting More Lives In Danger
Japan-Vietnam: Agreement Made To Strengthen Cooperation for Regional Peace and Stability
France: At Least 13 Dead After Migrant Boat Capsizes in English Channel
Mongolia: Putin Arrives in Mongolia for State Visit Despite ICC Arrest Warrant
Israel: Netanyahu Increasing Deployment of Troops in Gaza Border with Egypt
Venezuela: Mass Arrests and Crackdowns Following Presidential Election
International Justice Section
Brazil: Supreme Court Upholds Suspension of X
On 3 September 2024, the Supreme Federal Court of Brazil unanimously upheld a lower court’s decision to suspect X in Brazil. This decision comes from the existing conflict between X and Chief Justice De Moraes surrounding X’s violation of Brazilian laws and federal constitution due to the platform’s management of free speech, far-right extremism, and misinformation. Previously, De Moraes and four judges issued a suspension order on 30 August 2024, which included the nation-wide suspension of X and a daily fine of nearly USD$9,000 on persons who use VPN services to bypass the suspension order and access X. This decision was appealed and partially upheld by the Supreme Federal Court. According to the appeal judges, the suspension order was justified based on X’s failure to comply with court directives, namely that it failed to appoint a local legal representative and owes over USD$3 million in fines. However, the provisional order of fining third-party individuals or entities that still use X in Brazil is reserved. Appeals judge Luis Fux suggests only penalising those that misuse X to commit illegal acts. While the suspension order is final, the third-party penalties are still under discussion.
US: Former Aide to New York Governor Arrested for Allegedly Acting as Chinese Government Agent
On 3 September 2024, a former aide to New York Governor Kathy Hochul, Linda Sun, was arrested along with her husband, Chris Hu, on charges of acting as agents for the Chinese government. Sun is accused of advancing Chinese interests through her government positions in exchange for millions of dollars. Her charges include violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act, visa fraud, human smuggling, and money laundering conspiracy, while Hu faces bank fraud and money laundering charges. Their arrest followed a six-week FBI investigation, which included a search of their USD$3.5 million Long Island home. The indictment also accuses Sun of organising unauthorised meetings between Chinese officials and New York authorities and attempting to block Taiwanese officials from engaging with the governor’s office. Sun, who worked in New York state government for over a decade, was dismissed from her role in March 2023 after misconduct evidence surfaced. The case comes amid escalating US-China tensions, highlighted by mutual sanctions over geopolitical issues such as Ukraine, Taiwan, and human rights.
Russia: Moscow Court Extends Detention of French Researcher for Violating Foreign Agent Law
On 3 September 2024, Laurent Vinatier, an advisor to the Geneva-based Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, had his detention extended by the Zamoskvoretsky District Court in Moscow until 21 February 2025. He is charged with violating Russia’s foreign agent laws under Article 330.1.3 of the Russian Criminal Code, for allegedly gathering information on Russia’s military without registering as a foreign agent. Arrested in June 2024 by the Federal Security Service (FSB), Vinatier pleaded guilty, claiming he was unaware of the registration requirement. If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison. Vinatier’s case is part of a broader crackdown on Western nationals in Russia, some of whom have been charged with espionage or similar offences. Notably, Vinatier was excluded from a prisoner exchange in August 2024, during which other high-profile detainees, including Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan, were released. Russia’s foreign agent laws, introduced in 2022, require individuals collecting military-related information to register as foreign agents. These regulations are part of broader restrictions on free speech and dissent, including suppression of anti-war sentiment and limiting access to non-government-approved information.
ECtHR: Court Rules That Russia Violated Right to Freedom of Elections By Excluding Opposition Party Candidate
On 3 September 2024, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) delivered a judgment which ruled that Russia violated the right to the freedom of elections pursuant to Protocol No. 1, Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). This case originated from a 2022 decision by the Moscow City Court, where the Court disqualified Mr Lev Shlosberg, an opposition politician, from fulfilling his candidacy in the lower house of the State Duma elections (the lower house of the Russian Federal Assembly). The Court ruled that Shlosberg’s social-liberal Yabloko Party was ‘extremist’ and ‘Navalny Headquarters’, which disqualified him from the elections via association. Shlosberg filed an application with the ECtHR in June 2022. The ECtHR unanimously determined that Shlosberg’s right to free elections was violated and ordered Russia to pay 5,000 EUR for non-pecuniary damages and 7,500 EUR for legal expenses.
Lebanon: Former Governor of Central Bank Arrested on Corruption Charges
On 3 September 2024, Riad Salameh, the former governor of Lebanon’s central bank (BDL), was arrested on charges of corruption after appearing before the public prosecutor. He is accused of embezzling over USD$40 million in BDL funds, which allegedly occurred through dealings with the company Optimum Invest, a financial services firm. Salameh also faces additional charges, including illicit enrichment, forgery, and theft of public funds. His involvement in multiple financial scandals, both within Lebanon and internationally, has been under investigation, with countries like France and Germany pursuing legal actions against him. Interpol also issued a red notice for his alleged financial crimes. Optimum Invest has stated its cooperation with Lebanese authorities and maintained that its dealings with BDL were legal, as confirmed by a 2023 audit. Salameh remains in police custody as investigations continue.
South Korea: Constitutional Court Orders Concrete Carbon Reduction Plan
On 5 September 2024, South Korea’s Constitutional Court issued its ruling on greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets stemming from four climate litigation cases from 2020. South Korea aims to become carbon neutral by 2049 and has enacted legislation which directly impacts the policies to achieve that target. The Youth 4 Climate Action Group, a group leading the Korean arm of the global school climate strike movement, filed a lawsuit in March 2020, stating that the government’s insufficient GHG reduction targets violated people’s fundamental rights, including those of the future generations. Three additional lawsuits were filed to build on this case. The Court found that the reduction targets were constitutional. However, the judges elaborated that the lack of specific provisions for reduction targets between 2031 and 2049 does indicate the government’s failure to take appropriate and effective measures to protect its citizens’ fundamental rights. The government and National Assembly are thus obligated to strengthen its climate policies by February 2026, in accordance with the ruling.
https://www.ccourt.go.kr/dext5editordata/2024/08/20240829_164950989_18656.pdf
Taiwan: Former Presidential Candidate Back in Custody for Corruption Investigation
On 6 September 2024, Ko Wen-je, former Taiwanese presidential candidate, returned to police custody after a previous order allowing him to stay home was overruled. The criminal investigation against Ko was spurred on by accusations of corruption by Ko and others surrounding new economic developments in May 2024. The criminal investigation unveiled evidence that Ko participated in certain financial arrangements that allowed the Core Pacific Center shopping centre to expand its floor space for leasing during Ko’s term as mayor from 2014 to 2022. This case involves alleged corruption with a network of business people and local politicians, maximising investor profits by bypassing mandatory reviews. Ko denies that he had any knowledge or involvement in the urban development project. Under Taiwanese law, suspects may be held in custody for up to four months during investigations. The Taipei District Court ruled that Ko’s continued detention was necessary due to the gravity of the case, particularly the amount of funds involved and the reasonable suspicion that Ko and his collaborators’ obstruction of justice. Despite the investigation, Ko was the third most popular presidential candidate in the 2024 elections, gathering about 25% of the votes. He was particularly successful among the younger demographic, who are interested in an alternative to Taiwan’s two-party system between the ruling Democratic Progressive Party and the Nationalist Party that founded Taiwan post-1949.
US: New York Judge Postpones Trump Sentencing in Hush Money Case Until After Presidential Election
On 6 September 2024, New York Judge Juan Merchan postponed former President Donald Trump’s sentencing in his hush money case to 26 November 2024, three weeks after the US presidential election. Trump’s attorneys requested the delay to prepare for a potential appeal and avoid any political influence on the election. Although the judge dismissed some of Trump’s defence arguments, he agreed that the original 18 September 2024 date was too close to the election date of 5 November 2024. Merchan emphasised that the court is impartial and not influenced by political considerations. He set a ruling on Trump’s motion to overturn the jury’s guilty verdict for 12 November 2024, which is based on the US Supreme Court’s ruling on presidential immunity. However, a federal judge recently rejected Trump’s immunity defence. Trump was convicted in May 2024 for falsifying business records to conceal hush money payments to Stormy Daniels. In addition to this case, Trump faces three other criminal cases, including charges related to classified documents and alleged election interference in both the 2020 election and Georgia’s presidential vote.
International Peace & Security Section
Gaza: 87,000 Children Now Protected By Polio Vaccine
On 2 September 2024, the second day of the UN-led mass polio vaccination campaign in central Gaza took place. Pauses in fighting made sure 87,000 children received the vaccine out of 156,000 which was the goal. Many parents – who have come from afar – have already shown great interest and support in the campaign asking for their children to be vaccinated. Senior Communications Officer for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Louise Wateridge emphasises the urgent need for a ceasefire for the vaccination campaign to be successful. “What these children need most is a ceasefire now”, she states. The children in Gaza will need to receive two doses of the vaccine at a four-week interval for maximum protection. The UNRWA, WHO, UNICEF and the Palestinian health authorities aim to achieve at least 90 per cent vaccination coverage in each round of the campaign to prevent an international spread of polio. Outbreaks of hepatitis, diarrhoea and other preventable diseases are linked to the heavy bombardment and the UN underscores the need for all warring sides to maintain the agreed eight-hour pause in hostilities while the polio vaccines are distributed. As the WHO Director-General puts it; “ultimately, the best vaccine for these children is peace”.
Türkiye: Military Hits 20 Targets of PKK in Northern Iraq
On 2 September 2024, the National Defence Ministry of Türkiye stated that 20 targets were hit in regions of northern Iraq where leaders of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) terrorist group are based. The targets consisted of caves, bunkers, shelters, warehouses and facilities used by the terrorist group. The Defence Ministry said the airstrike is in line with their right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter, and added that a number of terrorists were killed in the operation. The Defence Ministry stressed all measures were taken to avoid innocent civilians and cultural properties. They also emphasised that Türkiye will continue its fight against terrorism. The PKK has had a 40-year campaign against Türkiye, and is listed as a terrorist organisation by Türkiye, the US and the EU. More than 40,000 people have died since the conflict began.
West Bank: Israeli Forces Continue Airstrikes Putting More Lives In Danger
On 3 September, 2024, the UN reported that Israeli forces continue to employ “lethal war-like tactics in the West Bank, including airstrikes, with people being killed, injured and displaced”. More than 24 fatalities over the past week have been reported, including children. Multiple organisations that were going to carry out assessments in Jenin were denied access by the Israeli authorities, such access which could provide meaningful humanitarian support.
Japan-Vietnam: Agreement Made To Strengthen Cooperation for Regional Peace and Stability
On 3 September 2024, Japan and Vietnam agreed to strengthen their cooperation for regional and global peace and stability. The agreement came during a video teleconference between Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Vietnamese President To Lam. Last year, Japan and Vietnam boosted their relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia and the world. Kishida called for both countries to further develop the bilateral relations, with Lam stating he would work to further strengthen the relations. Both leaders also agreed to enhance economic ties. Kishida declared his wish to continue cooperation with Vietnam, who he says plays a key role in reaching a “free and open Indo-Pacific.”
France: At Least 13 Dead After Migrant Boat Capsizes in English Channel
On 3 September 2024, French maritime authorities confirmed a rescue operation was underway in the English Channel after a boat capsized off the north of France. The boat got into difficulty off Gris-Nez point and was carrying more than 50 migrants, at least 13 are confirmed dead. Boats and an aircraft were deployed for the rescue operation and a first aid post was set up at the port of Boulogne-sur-Mer. It is believed the boat was heading across the Channel to the UK. According to the International Organisation for Migrants (IOM), at least 30 migrants have died or gone missing this year while trying to cross the Channel to the UK. Overcrowded and fragile boats often get into difficulty in the treacherous journey across the Channel, with both the UK and France trying to crack down on the issue. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and France’s President Emmanuel Macron discussed the matter during a meeting in Paris last week. At least 2,109 migrants have attempted to cross the English Channel in the past seven days according to the UK Home Office. Many countries across Europe are struggling to deal with migrant border and sea crossings and with providing safe routes for those trying to enter the continent.
Mongolia: Putin Arrives in Mongolia for State Visit Despite ICC Arrest Warrant
On 3 September 2024, Russian President Vladmir Putin met with Mongolian leader Ukhnaa Khurelsukh for an official State visit despite an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for him nearly 18 months ago on charges of war crimes in Ukraine. Mongolia is a member of the ICC, and members of the ICC are required to detain suspects if an arrest warrant has been issued, however, the court does not have any enforcement mechanism. Mongolia relies on Russia for fuel and energy supply, while it is dependent on China for investment in its mining industry. On Tuesday, Putin and Khurelsukh were present at a ceremony to mark the 1939 victory of Soviet and Mongolian forces over the Japanese army that had gained control of Manchuria in China. The fighting over the disputed border between Manchuria and Mongolia resulted in the deaths of thousands of soldiers. Putin’s invasion of Ukraine has led to international isolation, however, he has maintained ties with some countries, he visited North Korea and Vietnam this year and visited China twice last year.
https://apnews.com/article/russia-mongolia-putin-icc-warrant-b9c04dff1849164010de92b5564f7e60
Israel: Netanyahu Increasing Deployment of Troops in Gaza Border with Egypt
On 4 September 2024, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu reiterated that Israeli forces will not withdraw from the Philadelphi Corridor (the buffer zone) to prevent the smuggling of weapons and hostages across the border. Netanyahu said he was open to considering alternatives as part of a future ceasefire agreement but remained sceptical about the feasibility of any non-military solution. Hamas, in response, criticised Netanyahu’s stance, accusing him of undermining ceasefire negotiations. Amid growing international pressure, Netanyahu insisted that Israel’s security was his priority, and that Hamas was the primary obstacle to a deal. Meanwhile, negotiations on a permanent ceasefire remain stalled, with the U.S pushing for a phased plan that would see Israeli forces withdraw from the border at a later stage. However, disagreements on key issues have complicated the talks.
Ukraine: UN Calls for Civilian Protection Amidst Russian Strikes as Fears Grow Over Safety of Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant
On 4 September, 2024, seven people were killed and 47 injured in Lviv making the UN reiterate the need to protect Ukrainian civilians as Russian attacks continue across the country. The previous weeks have shown the effects on civilians, schools and public infrastructure due to intensifying attacks. Among the areas that have suffered deadly strikes are Kharkiv, the Sumy and Donetsk regions, as well as Kyiv, Dnipro and Zaporizhzhia areas. Furthermore, on Wednesday the UNHCR called for an immediate end to attacks on civilians in Ukraine. The war has displaced over six million people in Europe alone to date, while an estimated 3.6 million people are internally displaced. The immediate support has so far been around shelter, support with evacuations, documentation, psychological support, helping families that have been separated and so on, but these needs are going to rise, especially in terms of providing fuel, energy, shelter, warm clothing and so on. Additionally, a new report by the IAEA International Atomic Energy Agency outlines challenges to protect the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and help prevent a nuclear accident. This is Europe’s largest nuclear power plant and is located on the frontline of the conflict in southern Ukraine. It has been under Russian control since the early days of the full-scale invasion. The situation at the plant remains precarious and very fragile, according to the IAEA.
Venezuela: Mass Arrests and Crackdowns Following Presidential Election
On 4 September 2024, it was reported that, since the 28th July 2024 election when Venezuela’s National Electoral Council (CNE) announced that Nicolás Maduro had been re-elected to become the President, thousands of protesters have taken to the streets to demand a fair counting of the votes. According to the Human Rights Watch, Venezuelan authorities and pro-government armed groups known as “colectivos” have committed widespread abuses, including killings, arbitrary detention and prosecution, and harassment of critics. On 2 September 2024, the opposition candidate Edmundo González was issued a warrant for “conspiracy”, “incitement to disobedience” and other crimes. Venezuelan authorities stated that they arrested over 2,400 people in connection with the protests. The local pro bono group Foro Penal recorded over 1,580 “political prisoners” since 29th July, including 114 children. The victims have been charged with harsh crimes and sentences such as “incitement to hatred,” “resistance to authority,” and “terrorism.”
https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/09/04/venezuela-brutal-crackdown-protesters-voters
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