Weekly News Recap (13 – 19 April 2026) © Photo by U.S. Pacific Fleet via Flickr International Justice Section France: Court Convicts Lafarge of Financing Terrorism in Syria in Landmark...
Weekly News Recap (14 - 20 October 2024)
© Photo by Wasfi Akab via Flickr
- Germany: Court Sentences 80-Year Old Former Stasi-Officer to 10 Years’ Imprisonment
- ECtHR: Court Finds Significant Flaws in Denmark’s Procedural Response to Rape Allegations
- Canada: Human Rights Tribunal Commences Hearing Case Concerning Rights of Deaf Prisoners
- Pakistan: High Court Rejects Petition to Block Controversial Constitutional Amendment
- ECtHR: Russia Found in Violation of Freedom of Expression Rights
- Germany: Court Tries Syrian for War Crimes Linked to Hezbollah
- Saudi Arabia: Cartoonist Receives 23-year Prison Sentence Amidst Freedom of Expression Concerns
- US: Mexico’s Former Chief of Public Security Sentenced to Over 38 years in Drug Cartel Case
International Peace & Security Section
ICC: Investigations To Reopen into Political Violence in DRC’s North Kivu Region
Canada: Indian Diplomats Expelled for Linkage to Criminal Activity
Yemen: UN Special Envoy States That Peace Still Possible Amidst Growing Conflict
Southern Africa: World Food Programme Warns Millions in Southern Africa Region Facing Food Crisis
UK: Security Dialogue with Georgia Halted over Concerns of Democratic Backsliding
Lebanon: Civilian Suffering and Threat to UN Peacekeepers Continues Amidst Further Israeli Strikes
- US: Sanctions Imposed on Chinese and Russian Actors for Weaponry Production in Ukraine-Russian War
International Justice Section
Germany: Court Sentences 80-Year Old Former Stasi-Officer to 10 Years’ Imprisonment
On 14 October 2024, an anonymous former police officer from East Germany’s Stasi secret police force was sentenced to 10 years in prison. The 80-year old man was put on trial in front of the Berlin Regional Court for the murder of Czeslaw Kukuczka in 1974. Based on evidence gathered by German and Polish investigators, it was found that the defendant shot Czeslaw Kukuczka from behind and received a Stasi combat medal for his actions. On 29 March 1974, Kukuczka went to the Polish embassy in East Berlin to demand them to let him pass through the border crossing to West Berlin. This is seen by the Court as part of his attempts to emigrate to the US, as there was a previous instance where Kukuczka threatened officials to let him pass using dummy explosives. Several Stasi officers took Kukuczka to the border crossing, gave him an exit pass, and then the defendant shot him in the back with a firearm. Although he survived the shot, Kukuczka was denied medical treatment and died. Later investigations showed that there were no explosives on his person. This is not the final verdict and the judgement can be appealed.
ECtHR: Court Finds Significant Flaws in Denmark’s Procedural Response to Rape Allegations
On 15 October 2024, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) passed its judgment in the case of Daugaard Sorensen v. Denmark (application no. 25650/22). The Court found, unanimously, that the Danish authorities’ responses to Emma Daugaard Sorensen was fraught with errors, and that it constituted a violation of Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) which deals with prohibition of cruel or inhuman treatment, and Article 8 of the ECHR, the right to respect for private and family life. On 7 June 2021, Daugaard Sorensen filed a police report that she was raped the previous night by her alleged rapist, A. A was put in custody the next day and the police investigated the case and A was subsequently released on 18 June 2021. On 30 July 2021, the Danish prosecution service decided to drop the charges against A due to insufficient evidence. However, the ECtHR noted that the evidence file principally contained ‘two opposing statements and no other evidence to conclusively corroborate the statement of either side’. Daugaard Sorensen filed an appeal. However, due to three consecutive errors by the prosecution service, the required notification of Daugaard Sorensen’s appeal failed to reach A in the mandated time-limit, resulting in the charges against him being dropped once again by a City Court decision on 16 November 2021. Daugaard Sorensen’s lawyer was informed of this two weeks later in an apology letter from the regional state prosecutor, who explained these errors. Daugaard Sorensen’s subsequent court claims for compensation were refused, which led to the ECtHR judgement. Due to the Danish authorities’ significant procedural errors, the Court ruled that Daugaard Sorensen had been ‘deprived of an effective prosecution or judicial review of the decision not to prosecute in respect of the alleged rape that she had reported to the police’, which constitute the aforementioned Articles 3 and 8 violations.
Canada: Human Rights Tribunal Commences Hearing Case Concerning Rights of Deaf Prisoners
On 15 October 2024, the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal began hearing the case of Lidkea v. Correctional Service Canada, involving the rights of deaf individuals in federal prisons. Timothy Lidkea, a deaf Métis inmate, has filed a complaint against Correctional Service Canada, claiming that the lack of accommodations for his disability has led to social isolation and denied him access to basic needs. Lidkea states he has been unable to communicate with family, lawyers, and medical professionals, observe Métis cultural practices, or participate in prison life. He also highlights the absence of clear policies for providing accommodations, including access to ASL interpreters and Video Relay Service (VRS), a tool that allows deaf people to use telephones. Lidkea is represented by Prisoners’ Legal Services, with Executive Director Jennifer Metcalfe arguing that the prison system has a duty to accommodate deaf individuals and should implement these services nationwide. The hearing, taking place from 15 October 2024 to 1 November 2024, could set a legal precedent for the treatment of deaf prisoners in Canada. The case invokes the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Canadian Human Rights Act, which both affirm that people with disabilities have the right to equal protection and non-discrimination under the law.
Pakistan: High Court Rejects Petition to Block Controversial Constitutional Amendment
On 15 October 2024, the High Court of Sindh rejected a petition aimed at blocking the approval of Pakistan’s proposed 26th Constitutional Amendment. The court declined to intervene, citing a Supreme Court precedent that bars courts from interfering with legislation unless it has already been enacted and proven unconstitutional. The petitioners also sought a minimum 60-day public debate on the amendment, but the court found no constitutional basis for this. The proposed amendment seeks to establish new courts at the federal and provincial levels with exclusive authority over constitutional matters. It would also limit the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court to a three-year term and set a retirement age of 68. Critics argue that the amendment would erode the power and independence of the Supreme Court. Former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and lawyer Salahuddin Ahmed warned that the changes could undermine Pakistan’s common law system and threaten judicial independence, while current Prime Minister Imran Khan raised concerns about political influence over judicial appointments. Abbasi also expressed concerns that the bill allows judges to be transferred or disciplined against their will, potentially weakening individual rights by limiting the High Courts’ power over writ petitions. For the amendment to pass, it requires a two-thirds majority in both houses of Parliament and approval from the President.
ECtHR: Russia Found in Violation of Freedom of Expression Rights
On 15 October 2024, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) ruled that Russia infringed on the freedom of expression rights of two individuals, leading to unjust dismissals from their jobs. The case involved Salikh Nabiyevich Gadzhiyev and Nikolay Gostev, a policeman and a metro worker respectively, who were terminated after they publicly criticised practices within their sectors. Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), which guarantees the right to freedom of expression, was central to the court’s judgment. It emphasises the right to hold opinions and to communicate them freely, without interference by public authorities and regardless of borders. Gostev’s dismissal followed his interviews about recurring technical issues in the Moscow Metro, which he argued could impact public safety. The ECtHR found that his intent was to enhance working conditions and that the disclosures were not confidential, thus ruling that the harm to Gostev outweighed any potential damage to his employer. Similarly, Gadzhiyev faced sanctions after voicing concerns about corruption within the police force. The Russian courts had dismissed his claims, citing a lack of evidence and the importance of maintaining police confidentiality. However, the ECHR disagreed, stating that suppressing his viewpoints was not necessary in a democratic society. This ruling aligns with previous cases where the ECHR has condemned Russia for suppressing dissent, such as the Andrey Rylkov Foundation and Others v. Russia, which challenged the classification of the NGO Free Russia Foundation as “undesirable.” Despite Russia’s withdrawal from the European Convention on Human Rights in September 2022, the ECHR continues to process cases filed prior to the withdrawal, reflecting ongoing concerns over Russia’s commitment to human rights standards.
Germany: Court Tries Syrian for War Crimes Linked to Hezbollah
On 16 October 2024, it was reported that a Syrian national known as Ammar A. is currently on trial before a court in Stuttgart, Germany, facing serious accusations of war crimes and crimes against humanity. The German public prosecutor’s office, specialising in terrorism cases, claims that Ammar led a Shia militia affiliated with Hezbollah, supporting Bashar Al-Assad’s regime during the Syrian civil war. The charges detail his alleged involvement in a 2012 assault targeting Sunni Muslims in Busra Al-Sham, Daraa, where he supposedly led attacks that resulted in murder, looting, and arson, and mistreated Sunni civilians, handing them over to Syrian intelligence for torture. This case exemplifies Germany’s use of universal jurisdiction to prosecute severe international crimes, regardless of where they occurred, as part of broader European efforts to address atrocities committed during the Syrian conflict.
Saudi Arabia: Cartoonist Receives 23-year Prison Sentence Amidst Freedom of Expression Concerns
On 16 October 2024, it was reported that Saudi artist Mohammed al-Hazza was sentenced to over two decades in prison for producing political cartoons allegedly critical of Saudi leadership. His arrest in 2018, during a violent raid on his home, and subsequent sentencing reflect concerns about freedom of expression under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Hazza had created cartoons for the Qatari newspaper Lusail and posted on social media, actions seen as hostile to Saudi Arabia during a period of strained relations between Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Initially sentenced to six years, Hazza was close to release when his case was unexpectedly reopened, resulting in a 23-year sentence. His sister, Asrar al-Hazza, expressed shock over the new ruling. Rights group Sanad, which highlighted Hazza’s case, argues that prosecutors provided no evidence of offensive cartoons or pro-Qatar posts, criticising the politicised and non-independent judiciary in Saudi Arabia. The case is emblematic of a broader crackdown on freedom of speech in Saudi Arabia, where critics of the regime, including those expressing views online, have been jailed on terrorism-related charges. Human rights organisations, such as Amnesty International and ALQST, have criticised the growing suppression of dissent.
https://www.voanews.com/a/saudi-cartoonist-gets-23-year-prison-sentence-rights-group/7824085.html
US: Mexico’s Former Chief of Public Security Sentenced to Over 38 years in Drug Cartel Case
On 16 October 2024, Genaro Garcia Luna, Mexico’s former Secretary of Public Security (2006-2012), was sentenced to 460 months (over 38 years) in prison and fined $2 million by a US court for aiding the Sinaloa Cartel in exchange for millions in bribes. Following a four-week trial in February 2023, he was convicted of various charges, including cocaine trafficking and making false statements. Garcia Luna, who once led Mexico’s Federal Police, allowed the cartel to smuggle vast amounts of cocaine into the U.S. and provided sensitive law enforcement information to protect the cartel from investigations. His police force acted as bodyguards for cartel members, and bribes were delivered to him in suitcases and hidden locations. The sentencing underscores the US government’s commitment to holding powerful figures accountable, with federal agencies like the DEA and Homeland Security playing key roles in the investigation. Garcia Luna’s actions led to the importation of over a million kilograms of narcotics into the US, contributing to violence and drug addiction. His sentencing sends a clear message that no one, regardless of rank, is above the law. He also attempted to obstruct justice post-trial by trying to bribe fellow inmates to give false testimony to overturn the verdict.
International Peace & Security Section
ICC: Investigations To Reopen into Political Violence in DRC’s North Kivu Region
On 14 October 2024, the International Criminal Court (ICC) announced its decision to reopen investigations into ongoing political violence in the North Kivu region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This decision follows a formal referral by the DRC government, utilising Article 14 of the Rome Statute, which permits countries under ICC jurisdiction to seek investigations into alleged crimes within their borders. ICC Prosecutor Karim A.A. Khan KC emphasised that the current surge of violence in North Kivu, spanning from January 2022, is linked to persistent patterns of conflict that have affected the region since the ICC’s jurisdiction began on July 1, 2002. The court originally launched investigations here in June 2004, following an earlier referral from the DRC. A recent memorandum of partnership signed in June 2023 between the ICC and the DRC, alongside an implementation mission led by ICC Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang, lays out a strategic approach for addressing the situation. This plan underscores a balance between using ICC’s investigative capabilities and bolstering domestic legal frameworks to handle such crimes effectively. In response to the DRC’s proactive steps, including the creation of a steering committee aimed at establishing a special criminal court, Khan expressed his support. He highlighted his office’s readiness to provide technical assistance to enhance domestic judicial capacities, reiterating the ICC’s commitment to strengthening the fight against impunity for international crimes. This move marks the DRC’s continued reliance on the ICC to address grave offences and reinforces the global effort to uphold international justice.
Canada: Indian Diplomats Expelled for Linkage to Criminal Activity
On 14 October 2024, Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mélanie Joly, announced the expulsion of six Indian diplomats and consular officials from Canada. Upon serving the notices of expulsion, the Indian government announced that it would withdraw its officials. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) found evidence that the aforementioned Indian officials used their positions to collect information for the government of India, and to manipulate or coerce other individuals into collecting information as well. The collected information was then used to target South Asian communities in Canada, particularly threats to life against pro-Khalistan members. The Khalistan movement is an independence, separatist movement where Sikhs advocate for the establishment of the new Khalistan state from Punjab, India. According to the RCMP announcement, they found ‘a significant amount of information about the breadth and depth of criminal activity orchestrated by agents of the Government of India, and consequential threats to the safety and security of Canadians and individuals living in Canada’. The Indian officials were expelled following an unsuccessful communications attempt by Deputy Commissioner of Federal Policing, Mark Flynn, with his Indian counterpart. Canada continues to urge for both countries’ law enforcement agencies to collaborate and address these issues.
Gaza: Israeli Airstrike on Gaza Hospital Complex Kills Four
On 14 October 2024, it was reported that at least four people had been killed and dozens more injured after an Israeli airstrike struck the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital complex in Deir el-Balah where displaced people were sheltering in tents. In the early hours of Monday, flames swept through the tent site, videos on social media showed horrific scenes of rescuers trying to save people in the fire. Volunteer surgeon, Mohammad Tahir, stated they were dealing with victims who had suffered burns on 60 to 80 percent of their bodies, many of whom will not survive. An Israeli military spokesperson said they carried out an attack on a “command and control centre” used by Hamas, without providing evidence. Since the war began, Israeli forces have regularly attacked medical facilities in Gaza, as well as shelters and tent sites, claiming Hamas were using them. The attack on Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital comes after at least 20 people were killed and 80 others injured on Sunday when an Israeli tank shelled a school where displaced people were sheltering in Nuseirat, central Gaza.
Yemen: UN Special Envoy States That Peace Still Possible Despite Growing Conflict
On 15 October 2024, UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, warned the Security Council that Yemen is at risk of being dragged further into the rising conflict in the Middle East. The crisis is unfolding as Yemeni Government forces, backed by a Saudi-led coalition and Houthi rebels, Ansar Allah, continue their nearly decade-long war. The safety of the UN personnel is at further risk amid these escalations, which started due to the war in Gaza. More than 50 UN personnel, civil society members and staff of diplomatic missions, including four women have been held in arbitrary detention by the Ansar Allah since June this year. The rebel group has continued attacks on international ships in the Red Sea and fired missiles and drones at Israel. Grundberg reported that Yemen and its people are already feeling the impact of the escalating regional conflict, and the retaliation is pulling the country deeper into the regional conflict, jeopardising the hope for peace and stability and distracts us from the urgent need to address Yemen’s own internal crisis. Grundberg adds that despite the development in hostilities, a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Yemen is still definitely achievable and the most viable way forward. With that said, the Yemeni people require sustained and unified international support and a collective focus on making peace a reality.
Southern Africa: World Food Programme Warns Millions in Southern Africa Region Facing Food Crisis
On 15 October 2024, World Food Programme (WFP) Spokesperson for Southern Africa, Tomson Phiri, stated millions of people across the region are facing the worst food crisis in decades, with an estimated 21 million children malnourished. Phiri outlined the situation is dire, with failed crops and perished livestock, and called for urgent assistance to prevent unprecedented drought conditions from turning into a humanitarian disaster. Five countries, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe have all declared the ongoing food crisis a state of disaster and appealed for international support. Angola and Mozambique are also severely affected. To date, WFP has received only one fifth of the $369 million needed to provide help to millions in Southern Africa. The funding received so far has allowed the WFP to provide food assistance, but the funding gap worryingly puts at risk plans to assist those who need support up to the end of the lean season in March next year. Phiri stated the plans “now hang in the balance due to massive funding shortfalls.” He also stated that unless the WFP receives additional resources, “millions of people risk going through the worst lean season in decades without assistance.”
https://www.wfp.org/news/millions-people-risk-going-hungry-southern-africa-enters-lean-season
China: Large Scale Military Drills Conducted Around Taiwan
On 15 October 2024, Taiwan Defence Ministry said it detected 153 Chinese military aircrafts surrounding its territory as China’s military launched a large-scale military exercise around Taiwan on Monday as tensions in the region continue to rise. As part of the drills, fighter jets, drones, warships and coastguard ships were deployed to surround Taiwan. In response, Taiwan said it dispatched “appropriate forces” and also placed its outlying islands on high alert. China considers Taiwan part of its territory, and stated the one-day drill, called ‘Joint Sword-2024B’, was a warning against “separatist acts.” The military drill followed a National Day speech by Taiwan President William Lai Ching-te, where he confirmed his pledge to “resist annexation or encroachment.” China criticised Lai Ching-te’s comments and stated the military drill is “punishment” for his independence claims. Taiwan has called on China to cease military provocation and to stop threatening their democracy and freedoms. The US has also expressed concern over China’s intensive military drill. This comes after the US held its own military exercises in the disputed South China Sea with the Philippines, who are also caught in a dispute with China.
UK: Security Dialogue with Georgia Halted over Concerns of Democratic Backsliding
On 15 October 2024, the UK’s Ambassador to Georgia stated the UK has frozen its annual security dialogue with Georgia over concerns of democratic backsliding. Georgia had long been one of the most pro-Western former Soviet Union countries, but this year, relations between the West and Tbilisi have deteriorated. This comes as the country is getting ready for a parliamentary election on 26 October, which will be an indicator of whether Georgia will continue on its European Union integration pathway or move closer to Russia. In May 2024, Georgia passed a controversial law which will require groups who receive funding from abroad to register as foreign agents. Western countries have criticised this new law, which they say will silence opposition. A similar law was passed in Russia in 2012, which is used to stifle Kremlin critics. The UK’s Ambassador to Georgia, Gareth Ward, said the new law triggered the UK to raise “concerns about the decline of democracy and anti-Western rhetoric”. The UK has suspended its annual “Wardrop Dialogue” with Georgia for the first time since the sessions began in 2014 and has also stalled talks on cyber security. Ward stated he hopes after the elections, regardless of the outcome, there will be a “return to the Euro-Atlantic path to rebuild trust and return to a close partnership.” Georgia’s EU membership process was paused after the law was adopted. As of now, Georgia and Russia do not have formal diplomatic relations, the two fought a short war in 2008, but Russia has indicated they want Georgian Dream to remain in office for a fourth term. On Tuesday, the Kremlin outlined they did not interfere in Tbilisi’s internal affairs and claimed Western countries are attempting to influence Georgia’s upcoming election.
Lebanon: Civilian Suffering and Threat to UN Peacekeepers Continues Amidst Further Israeli Strikes
On 16 October 2024, it was reported that further deadly Israeli airstrikes hit targets across Lebanon. This has prompted renewed condemnation from top UN negotiators and humanitarians, who warn that essential services in the south of the country are close to collapse. Five people were killed in the attack and there are reports that the Mayor was among the dead along with a humanitarian first responder. UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert reports that military solutions will not and cannot bring safety or security to either side of the “blue line” of separation between Lebanon and Israel where several peacekeepers have been injured in incidents. On the same day, another serious security incident in southern Lebanon deliberately struck a UN peacekeeping position by the IDF. According to the UNIFIL, peacekeepers near Kafer Kela observed during the early morning an IDF Merkava tank firing at their watchtower. Only two cameras were destroyed and the tower was damaged. In addition, 15 peacekeepers suffered from “smoke effects” on 13 October 2024, after the IDF fired several rounds close to their position. This damaged several UN positions and destroyed cameras and lights. UNIFIL is tasked with monitoring the termination of hostilities following the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah, confirming the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, and assisting the Lebanese government in restoring its authority in the area. In recent weeks, the increasing Israeli airstrikes have caused widespread civilian casualties, mass displacement and extensive destruction across the country. The conflict has exposed healthcare and frontline workers to hostilities, along with civil defence centres and water supply systems, and have been pushed to the brink of collapse.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/10/1155801
Gaza: Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar Killed by Israeli Forces
On 17 October 2024, the leader of Hamas, Yahya Sinwar, was killed by Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) in Gaza. Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, stated Israeli forces killed three militants during a ground operation, with one confirmed as Sinwar. Katz said it was “a significant military and moral achievement for Israel.” According to the IDF, money, documents and weapons were found on the bodies of the three militants. Sinwar was one of the main organisers of the 7 October attack on Israel and has been top of Israel’s wanted list since. Sinwar, who was born in 1962 in a refugee camp in Khan Yunis in Gaza, was an early member of Hamas when it was founded in 1987. He took charge of the group’s security branch and gradually became a powerful figure in the organisation after his release from Israeli prison in 2011. He took over as leader of Hamas in July following the assassination of Ismael Haniyeh who died in an Israeli airstrike in Iran. Haniyeh lived in exile for many years in Qatar, but Sinwar remained in Gaza, and was the group’s leader in the territory since 2017.
US: Sanctions Imposed on Chinese and Russian Actors for Weaponry Production in Ukraine-Russian War
On 17 October 2024, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed sanctions on several entities and individuals under Executive Order 14024, which targets Russia’s harmful foreign interference. Specifically, these sanctions are imposed due to their involvement in the development and production of Russia’s Garpiya series of long-range unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), which contribute heavily to Russia’s war efforts against Ukraine. This marks the first time that Chinese companies are sanctioned due to their role in the Russian Ukraine war. Xiamen Limbach Aircraft Engine Co., Ltd. (Limbach) is a China-based producer of Garpiya engines and the Redlepus Vector Industry Shenzhen Co Ltd (Redlepus) is an intermediary between suppliers of Garpiya-related material. Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Bradley T. Smith states that ‘Russia increasingly relies on the expertise of foreign professionals and the import of sophisticated technologies to sustain its weapons program and advance its military campaign against Ukraine, [and that the US] will continue to disrupt the networks that enable Russia’s acquisition and use of these advanced weapons’.
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