Weekly News Recap (8 – 14 December 2025) © Photo by Beatrice Murch via Flickr International Justice Section ICC: Ali Kushayb Sentenced to 20 Years’ Imprisonment for Crimes Against Humanity...
Weekly News Recap (21 - 27 October 2024)
© Photo by simona Blue via Flickr
- Albania: Former Prime Minister Arrested for Corruption Charges
- UK: Class Action Lawsuit Initiated Over Brazil Dam Collapse
- ECtHR: Russia’s ‘Foreign Agent’ Law Violates Rights To Freedom of Expression and Association
- ECtHR: Malta’s Treatment of Detained Unaccompanied Minors Violates Convention Rights
- ECtHR: Türkiye Violated Detained Political Activist’s Right to Liberty and Freedom of Expression
- India: Supreme Court Affirms Constitutional Right To A Pollution-Free Environment
- ICC: Mongolia Receives Ruling for Non-Compliance with Arrest and Surrender of Vladimir Putin
International Peace & Security Section
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EU: European Parliament Approves €35 Billion Loan To Ukraine From Frozen Russian Assets
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Moldova: Narrow Majority Vote for EU Membership Amidst Russian Interference Claims
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UK-Germany: New Defence Agreement Signed Aimed at Improving European Security
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Russia: Evidence Suggests 3,000 North Korean Troops Training in Russia
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Lebanon: UN Urges For Ceasefire as Country Stands at the Brink of Humanitarian Collapse
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Bangladesh: Humanitarian Situation of Rohingya Refugees Worsens
- Martinique: Protests Escalate Over Cost of Living Crisis
International Justice Section
Albania: Former Prime Minister Arrested for Corruption Charges
On 21 October 2024, former Albanian Prime Minister Ilir Meta was arrested on charges of passive corruption, money laundering, and failure to file an asset declaration. The Albanian Special Anti-Corruption Structure launched this legal action against Meta for his “passive corruption”. Meta was involved in a scandal in 2011 when a videotape of his conversation with Economy Minister Dritan Prifti was broadcast, discussing illegal appointments of public institution positions and a notable request from Meta to Prifri to intervene in a hydro plant tender in return for EUR 700,000. Meta’s political party, the Freedom Party, condemned the arrest as an act of terrorism and criticised the ruling Socialist Party as dictatorial. On the other hand, former European Union ambassador to Albania, Romana Vlahutin, praised the arrest as a sign of justice reform.
UK: Class Action Lawsuit Initiated Over Brazil Dam Collapse
On 21 October 2024, an estimated 620,000 individual victims, 46 municipalities, 1500 companies, and several indigenous communities launched a class action lawsuit against BHP in England. The claimants are seeking damages for the collapse of a tailings pond dam in Brazil in 2015. The collapse, allegedly caused by the Anglo-Australian mining company BHP, caused 19 deaths and released 50 million cubic metres of toxic waste. This class action lawsuit comes following ongoing lawsuits in Brazil, the Netherlands, and Australia. A preliminary settlement agreement in Brazil is expected to cost around US$31.7 billion. BHP argues that the lawsuit should be dismissed, while Pogust Goodhead, the law firm representing the victims, claims the settlement is irrelevant and provides no adequate remedy.
https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/10/class-action-suit-over-brazil-dam-collapse-begins-in-england/
ECtHR: Russia’s ‘Foreign Agent’ Law Violates Rights To Freedom of Expression and Association
On 22 October 2024, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) ruled that Russia’s “foreign agent” law violates key rights under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), ordering compensation of 5,500 to 10,000 euros for affected applicants. The court found that the law, enacted in 2012 and amended in 2022, unjustifiably interferes with freedom of expression and association, violating Articles 10 and 11 of the ECHR respectively. It allows authorities to label individuals or entities as foreign agents based solely on foreign funding, leading to arbitrary penalties for minor donations. The court criticised the harmful stigma associated with the “foreign agent” label, noting it negatively impacts applicants’ social and professional lives and also breaches Article 8 of the ECHR. The law’s scope has expanded to include media and individual journalists, imposing extensive restrictions, such as mandatory labelling of content and bans on state funding. The ECtHR has pledged to continue reviewing cases against Russia regarding actions prior to its withdrawal from the Convention in September 2022.
https://hudoc.echr.coe.int/eng-press?i=003-8072151-11283508
ECtHR: Malta’s Treatment of Detained Unaccompanied Minors Violates Convention Rights
On 22 October 2024, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) ruled that Malta mistreated six Bangladeshi minors in detention centres, violating the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). The court awarded compensation for non-pecuniary damages and urged Malta to implement laws protecting the rights of detained unaccompanied minors. The case involved minors aged 16 to 17, who were rescued at sea in November 2022 and placed with adult migrants. They reported overcrowded conditions, lack of outdoor access, inadequate clothing, and no educational support. After failing to obtain relief from the Immigration Appeals Court, they brought their complaint to the ECtHR in 2023, citing violations of multiple Convention articles. The ECtHR found that placing the minors with adults for two months constituted inhuman and degrading treatment, violating Articles 3 and 13 of the ECHR. The court criticised Malta for failing to relocate them to suitable facilities despite interim measures. The court also determined their detention lacked legal justification, violating their rights under Articles 5(1) and 5(4), as they were not informed of the reasons for their detention and lacked access to legal safeguards. The ECtHR urged Malta to establish laws ensuring the independence of the Immigration Appeals Board and procedures for detainees to report their treatment.
ECtHR: Türkiye Violated Detained Political Activist’s Right to Liberty and Freedom of Expression
On 22 October 2024, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) ruled that Türkiye’s pre-trial detention of political activist Kamuran Yüksek violated his right to liberty, security, and freedom of expression. Yüksek claimed that Turkey violated Article 5(1) and (3) (right to liberty and security) and Article 10 (freedom of expression) of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Yüksek was convicted for membership of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) in 2017 and sentenced to eight years and nine months imprisonment. The court found that Yüksek had called for civil disobedience and called for the people to take to the streets in accordance with the aims of the PKK, which is a designated terrorist organisation under the current Turkish regime. The ECtHR ruling concerns the 4-month long pre-trial detention that Yüksek was put under prior to his trial and conviction, which the Court found to be a violation of his rights due to a lack of evidentiary link between Yüksek’s actions and detention as well as the lack of the “persistence of a reasonable suspicion” necessary for continued pre-trial detention under the Convention. Therefore, the Court ordered Türkiye to pay €1,500 (US$1,615) for costs and expenses.
India: Supreme Court Affirms Constitutional Right To A Pollution-Free Environment
On 23 October 2024, the Supreme Court of India affirmed that all citizens have a fundamental right to a pollution-free environment under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which protects the rights to life and personal liberty. This decision underscores the need for strict enforcement of environmental laws and a collaborative effort between federal and state governments to combat pollution and ensure citizens’ right to clean air. The court criticised the weak enforcement of anti-pollution laws, especially in relation to stubble burning, which significantly contributes to air pollution in Delhi and surrounding areas. Each autumn, pollution spikes as cold air traps emissions from vehicles, industries, construction, and agricultural burning, particularly in Punjab and Haryana, where farmers burn crop residue after harvest. Despite previous court orders and fines, enforcing bans on stubble burning has been challenging, partly due to farmer resistance and limited state resources. The ruling aligns with international standards, recognising a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment as a fundamental human right, with obligations on states to enforce environmental laws effectively. The court’s mandate for immediate action aims to protect citizens’ environmental rights and dignity.
ICC: Mongolia Receives Ruling for Non-Compliance with Arrest and Surrender of Vladimir Putin
On 24 October 2024, the International Criminal Court (ICC) ruled that Mongolia violated the Rome Statute by failing to arrest and surrender Russian President Vladimir Putin during his visit to the country. The ICC has referred this non-compliance to the Assembly of State Parties (ASP). Pre-Trial Chamber II found that Mongolia did not cooperate with the ICC’s request, rejecting its argument that a consultation under Article 97 of the Rome Statute was sufficient. The chamber emphasised that Mongolia’s request, made just days before Putin’s visit, lacked adequate time for the ICC to respond. Mongolia also claimed that Putin, as head of state, enjoys immunity unless waived by Russia. The chamber dismissed this, citing Article 27 of the Rome Statute, which eliminates immunities for those charged with serious crimes. It ruled that Mongolia’s obligations to the ICC supersede any personal immunity considerations. The ASP may convene to address the situation following the chamber’s decision. Mongolia had previously invited Putin to commemorate a historic event, while the ICC renewed its request for cooperation regarding the arrest warrant issued earlier in the year.
International Peace & Security Section
NATO: New Naval Command Centre Opens in Germany
On 21 October 2024, NATO opened a new naval command centre in Rostock, northern Germany, that will coordinate the alliance’s operations in the Baltic Sea. German Defence Minister, Boris Pistorius, stated the Commander Task Force Baltic “will direct NATO’s naval operations in a time of peace, crisis and war.” He added the area is of great geopolitical significance and is at the forefront of the alliance’s collective defence strategy. Pistorius stated the command centre will be essential in the preparation of military situation reports, reacting to challenges that arise in the region, and the protection of NATO member states against acts of aggression. The Commander Task Force Baltic will be headed by a German commander, with deputies from Poland and Sweden. The centre will be operated by 60 military personnel in peacetime, and in the event of a crisis or conflict, the number will increase to 240 personnel. The command centre will aim to improve interoperability among NATO members and ensure rapid response to conflicts if necessary. Further to this, the centre will be used in joint exercises with allies and partner nations.
EU: European Parliament Approves €35 Billion Loan To Ukraine From Frozen Russian Assets
On 22 October 2024, the European Parliament approved a €35 billion loan for Ukraine using frozen Russian assets as repayments. The plan received strong support from Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), with 518 votes in favour, 56 against, and 61 abstained. Ukraine will be able to spend the €35 billion loan in any way it chooses, including on weapons. The loan received support from numerous far-right MEPs, with over 20 from the Patriots for Europe (PfE) voting in favour, while the group’s president, Jordan Bardella, abstained along with 40 others from the group. However, the Europe of Sovereign Nations (ESN), the most radical right-wing group, voted against the proposed loan. A large majority of the hard-right European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) group, including Giorgia Meloni’s Brothers of Italy and Poland’s Law and Justice, approved the initiative. The €35 billion agreement is the EU’s contribution to a broader G7 plan to deliver a €45 billion loan (US$50 billion) in financial support to Ukraine. The frozen Russian assets will be leveraged to cover the repayments. The final amount the EU will give will depend on contributions from other G7 members. The US has indicated it will provide €18 billion (US$20 billion), which could bring the EU’s share down from €35 billion to €18 billion, with both sides contributing equal amounts. The UK, Japan and Canada have announced they will provide the rest of the money.
Moldova: Narrow Majority Vote for EU Membership Amidst Russian Interference Claims
On 22 October 2024, a referendum on Moldova’s EU membership bid was narrowly passed. Results indicated a slim majority of 50.4% in favour of EU accession to 40.6% against. The referendum was overshadowed by allegations of Russian interference. Moldova President, Maia Sandu, said there was “clear evidence” criminal gangs backed by foreign powers had aimed to buy off 300,000 votes. The result means the Moldavian constitution will be updated to add a commitment to EU accession. Moldova began the process of formal accession talks in June. Sandu stated the people of Moldova had spoken and the country’s EU future will now be secured in the constitution. She added, “we fought fairly in an unfair fight – and we won.” In early October, Moldovan authorities said they had evidence of voting interference attempts led by Ilan Shor, an exiled pro-Russia oligarch who currently resides in Russia, which included paying 130,000 individuals to vote “no”. Shor has denied involvement. Last year, Shor was convicted in absentia of fraud and money laundering and sentenced to 15 years in prison. In a presidential election happening alongside the referendum, Maia Sandu won 42.45% of the vote, which is short of the 50% needed to win outright. It now looks likely there will be a runoff on 3 November against Alexandr Stoianoglo, who won 25.98% of the vote.
UK-Germany: New Defence Agreement Signed Aimed at Improving European Security
On 23 October 2024, the UK and Germany signed a defence agreement aimed at improving European security amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, highlighted new evidence which suggests North Korea is providing troops to Russia, and called on allies to address this security concern. German Defence Minister, Boris Pistorius, outlined how international conflicts were becoming increasingly interlinked, making them more difficult to de-escalate. UK Defence Secretary, John Healey, said this agreement was the first “fully-fledged” defence pact between the UK and Germany. Under the agreement, both countries will work together to develop new weapons, such as drones and missiles with greater range and accuracy. Germany will periodically station planes in Scotland to monitor the north Atlantic Ocean. Also, Rheinmetal will open a new factory in the UK that will manufacture artillery gun barrels. Healey stated that European allies need to take responsibility for Europe’s security and described the UK’s approach as a “NATO first” defence strategy. Healey added, “allies are our strategic strength, and we must do more together.”
Russia: Evidence Suggests 3,000 North Korean Troops Training in Russia
On 23 October 2024, the US National Security Advisor, John Kirby, stated that evidence indicates that at least 3,000 North Korean soldiers are training in eastern Russia ahead of possible deployment to Ukraine. Declassified US intelligence suggests that the soldiers reached Russia in October by boat and were then transported to three Russian military facilities for training. It is still unclear if the soldiers will join Russia on the frontline against Ukraine. Kirby said the US has briefed Ukraine on the matter, and they will continue to closely monitor the situation with other allies. He stated that the exact details of what the training involves are not known, but it is thought to involve combatant training. Kirby warned that if North Korean troops join Russia’s war in Ukraine, “they will become legitimate military targets.” Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, outlined they have information that two units of military personnel from North Korea are being trained by Russia. Zelenskyy expressed concern over the issue, but said it is crucial their allies “do not shy away from this challenge.”
Lebanon: UN Urges For Ceasefire as Country Stands at the Brink of Humanitarian Collapse
On 24 October, 2024, the UN Deputy Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, urged the international community to push harder for a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah warning that the country is on the brink of a humanitarian collapse. Hennis-Plasschaert reminds the international community that the UN has already launched billion dollar response plans and flash appeals, but without a ceasefire, needs in Lebanon will only continue to grow. The ongoing violence in the country has resulted in the displacement of over 1.2 million people internally and over 2,300 people have been killed in Lebanon. Many of those killed were children and women.
UN: More Women’s Equal Participation In Peace Processes
On 24 October, 2024, the UN launched the “Common Pledge” initiative, designed to bring mediators, governments and civil society together to ensure full, equal and meaningful engagement of more women in peace processes. UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, emphasises that women’s rights are being eroded while they are being denied an equal voice in decision making. Mohammed iterates that the worsening crises in Gaza, Sudan, Afghanistan and Yemen are declining women’s rights significantly and “it is imperative that we reinforce our resolve to support women advocating for their rights, agency and inclusion at every opportunity”. She further emphasises that no single mediator can make a difference. Collective action and solidarity are crucial in today’s broader global mediation landscape. The Common Pledge brings together UN member-states, regional organisations and non-governmental organisations to take voluntary but concrete actions towards equal participation in all peace processes.
US: Trump Campaign Files Complaint Against Harris and UK Labour Party Over Alleged Foreign Contributions
On 22 October 2024, the Trump campaign filed a formal complaint against the Harris for President campaign and the UK Labour Party, alleging illegal foreign contributions and interference in the upcoming 2024 US presidential election. The complaint requests an immediate investigation by the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to address potential foreign influence on U.S. democracy. The complaint highlights a LinkedIn post by a UK Labour Party official stating plans for nearly 100 staff members to travel to key battleground states in the US to support Harris, raising concerns about the legality of these activities. Reports also indicate that UK Labour Party representatives have been advising Harris’s campaign, aiming to enhance her appeal to disillusioned voters. In a newsletter, the Trump campaign criticised the UK Labour Party for allegedly influencing Harris’s policies and sending activists to the US. Despite the serious allegations, the Harris campaign has not yet issued a formal response. As the FEC reviews the complaint, this situation could significantly impact the electoral landscape as the election approaches.
Bangladesh: Humanitarian Situation of Rohingya Refugees Worsens
On 24 October 2024, Amnesty International reported on the severe humanitarian crisis for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, who lack essential services such as food, shelter, and healthcare, and face security threats within the camps. The rights group highlighted that Rohingya refugees fear forced recruitment by Myanmar’s military or the rebel Arakan Army, which have been forcibly conscripting Rohingya men amidst intensifying conflicts. The humanitarian situation has worsened both in Myanmar and in refugee camps in Bangladesh due to escalating violence between Myanmar’s military and the Arakan Army, which began clashing after the military coup in 2021. In Bangladesh, border authorities reportedly violated international non-refoulement laws by forcibly returning over 300 Rohingya refugees to Myanmar. Amnesty is calling for the international community to increase humanitarian support for Rohingya refugees and urges referral of Myanmar’s situation to the International Criminal Court. It also demands that all parties in the Myanmar conflict respect international humanitarian law. The Rohingya, a Muslim ethnic group from Myanmar’s Rakhine State, face compounded persecution and displacement due to the ongoing conflict, which has led to air strikes and forced mass displacement.
Martinique: Protests Escalate Over Cost of Living Crisis
On 23 October 2024, protests over the high cost of living in Martinique escalated, with demonstrators resorting to armed resistance, according to local authorities. Protesters set up barricades across the island and reportedly fired automatic rifles at firefighters and police as they tried to clear the roadblocks. Molotov cocktails and other projectiles were also used, though no injuries have been reported. The protests began in September 2024, led by two unions representing transportation and health workers. Demands include raising the minimum wage, increasing pensions, and setting price controls on essential goods. In response, the French government deployed special anti-riot police to the island and imposed a curfew. Recently, Martinique’s government arranged with local distributors to cut some food prices by 20 percent, but the Assembly for the Protection of Afro-Caribbean Peoples and Resources (RPPRAC) rejected this as insufficient.
https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/10/martinique-protesters-take-up-arms-over-cost-of-living/
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