Weekly News Recap (23 – 29 March 2026) © Photo by EU Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid International Justice Section China: Court Sentences Human Rights Lawyer Xie Yang to Five...
Weekly News Recap (4 - 10 November 2024)
© Photo by United States Mission Geneva via Flickr
- Israel: Military Court Rules That Intelligence Leak Endangered Hostage Rescue Efforts
- India: Supreme Court Eases Bail Conditions for Journalist Siddique Kappan
- Lebanon: Military Court Fails to Find Security Forces Accountable in Syrian Refugee Torture Case
- ECtHR: Bosnia Ignores Lawyer-Client Privilege and Violates Right to Privacy
- Mexico: Supreme Court Denies Challenge to Controversial Judicial Reforms
- Bosnia & Herzegovina: Man Sentenced to 18 Months Imprisonment for Anti-Semitic Terrorism Threat on Social Media
- ICC: Pre-Trial Chamber II Unseals Arrest Warrant for Edmond Beina For Alleged Crimes Against Humanity in Central African Republic
- US: Department of Justice Announces Federal Charges Over Iranian Trump Assassination Plot
International Peace & Security Section
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Germany: Eight Arrested For Suspected Membership in Neo-Nazi Terrorist Organisation
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Lebanon: Red Cross Launches International Appeal for Emergency Resources
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Interpol: Thousands of Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Suspects Arrested in Global Operation
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Greece: Four Dead After Migrant Smuggler Allegedly Forces Passengers Off Boat
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EU: Defence Commissioner Warns EU Facing Many Existential Threats
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UN: Cyberattacks on Healthcare Systems Causing Distrust and Contributing to Patient Deaths
- Gaza: UN Health Agency Facilitates Evacuation Orders To Give Patients Medical Attention
International Justice Section
Israel: Military Court Rules That Intelligence Leak Endangered Hostage Rescue Efforts
On 4 November 2024, it was reported that the Rishon Le-Zion Magistrates’ Court in Israel revealed details about an investigation into an alleged unauthorised leak of sensitive military intelligence from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office, which was then reportedly shared with foreign media. The leak is suspected of endangering national security and disrupting efforts to secure hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. Eliezer Feldstein, a senior aide to Netanyahu hired after the Israel-Hamas conflict escalation, is accused of accessing and leaking classified information on Israel’s military strategy, including defence posturing, missile response plans, and air force manoeuvres. This case, resulting in multiple arrests, is seen by critics as potentially politically motivated, possibly intended to influence public opinion amid the crisis and ongoing ceasefire negotiations. Israel’s security agencies, including the Shin Bet, continue to investigate the leak’s implications for military operations and national security.
India: Supreme Court Eases Bail Conditions for Journalist Siddique Kappan
On 4 November 2024, the Supreme Court of India eased a key bail condition for Kerala journalist Siddique Kappan, lifting the requirement to report weekly to a police station in Uttar Pradesh. This condition was part of the bail terms imposed in connection with the 2020 Hathras conspiracy case, where Kappan was accused of inciting unrest following the death of a Dalit woman. A bench of Justices P.S. Narasimha and Sandeep Mehta modified the bail terms after Kappan filed an application seeking relief. While the weekly reporting obligation has been removed, other conditions, such as restrictions on travel outside Delhi and surrendering his passport, remain in place. Kappan was arrested in October 2020 alongside three others while travelling to report on the Hathras incident. Initially held on charges of disturbing public peace, he was later charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and Indian Penal Code (IPC) for alleged links to the Popular Front of India (PFI). The court’s decision grants Kappan greater flexibility while ensuring judicial oversight as the case proceeds.
Lebanon: Military Court Fails to Find Security Forces Accountable in Syrian Refugee Torture Case
On 5 November 2024, Amnesty International issued an announcement condemning Lebanon’s use of military courts in the case of Bashar Abd Saud, a Syrian refugee who died after allegedly being tortured in custody. Saud, arrested in August 2022 on suspicion of possessing a fake US$50 bill, was returned to his family dead and severely injured, with a forensic report confirming torture as the cause of death. Though five security officers were charged, the case was controversially referred to Lebanon’s military court, which lacks independence since judges are appointed by the defence minister. Human rights advocates argue this violates Lebanon’s 2017 Anti-Torture Law, which mandates that civilian courts handle torture cases to ensure impartiality. The family’s lawyer, Mohammad Sablouh, reported significant challenges, including pressure to withdraw the complaint and the court’s refusal to admit video evidence of the torture. On 1 November 2024, all defendants were sentenced to time served after the court downgraded their offence from a felony to a misdemeanour. The court dismissed charges under the anti-torture law, instead applying Article 166 of the Code of Military Justice, which addresses violations of regulations, orders, and general instructions. Amnesty International and other groups argue that Lebanon’s military courts protect security forces from accountability, fostering a system of impunity. They demand the case be transferred to a civilian court to uphold Lebanon’s anti-torture commitments and ensure justice for victims of abuse by security forces.
ECtHR: Bosnia Ignores Lawyer-Client Privilege and Violates Right to Privacy
On 5 November 2024, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) ruled that Bosnia violated the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) by not having adequate data protection laws to satisfy legal professional privilege. This was a violation of Article 8 of the Convention, which protects the right to privacy and family life, and is being extended to lawyer-client confidentiality from the right to respect for correspondence. Sanel Nezirić, a lawyer, had his phone data collected and used in a criminal trial without his consent. The Bosnian authorities seized his phone, transferred all data onto a DVD, and examined his call history and messages without any representatives present. All evidence obtained was used in court, and despite Nezirić’s appeal, the decision stood. The ECHR found that Bosnia failed to enforce existing privacy safeguards, which led to insufficient measures to protect lawyer-client confidentiality during searches.
https://hudoc.echr.coe.int/eng?i=001-237816
Mexico: Supreme Court Denies Challenge to Controversial Judicial Reforms
On 5 November 2024, the Mexican Supreme Court narrowly upheld a set of recent judicial reforms that mandate the popular election of all judges and the creation of an elected judicial disciplinary court to oversee judicial conduct. These reforms, introduced in September 2024, also reduce the Supreme Court’s size from 11 to 9 justices, shorten their terms from 15 to 12 years, and eliminate re-election. The transition to elected judges will occur in two phases: in 2025, elections for the Supreme Court and half of federal circuit and district judges will be held, along with elections for the new five-member disciplinary court. The remaining positions will be filled in 2027. Although seven judges supported a challenge to these reforms, they fell one vote short of the eight needed to declare them unconstitutional. The government argues that these changes aim to combat judicial corruption and ensure greater accountability. However, the reforms have sparked significant protests and strikes by federal judges, with many critics arguing that electing judges politicises the judiciary and jeopardises its independence. US officials, including the American Ambassador to Mexico, have expressed concerns, warning that the reforms could harm the judiciary’s integrity and Mexico’s democratic stability.
Bosnia & Herzegovina: Man Sentenced to 18 Months Imprisonment for Anti-Semitic Terrorism Threat on Social Media
On 5 November 2024, Bosnia’s state court sentenced Edin Podgora to 18 months in prison after he posted a video on social media in April showing a firearm and a knife, along with Anti-Semitic messages and threats to stage a terror attack on “non-believers.” The video, which he planned to livestream, was viewed hundreds of times. Podgora accepted a plea deal, admitting guilt, and expressed remorse for his actions. In addition to the prison term, Podgora will undergo mandatory psychiatric treatment during and after his sentence, due to evidence of minor mental instability at the time of the crime. The court also confiscated his mobile phone, flare gun, and knife. Given his financial situation, Podgora was exempt from paying court costs, and the time he spent in custody since 19 April 2024 will count toward his sentence. The verdict is final and cannot be appealed.
https://balkaninsight.com/2024/11/05/bosnian-jailed-for-making-terror-threats-on-social-media/A
ICC: Pre-Trial Chamber II Unseals Arrest Warrant for Edmond Beina For Alleged Crimes Against Humanity in Central African Republic
On 7 November 2024, the International Criminal Court (ICC) unsealed an arrest warrant issued in December 2018 for Edmond Beina in connection with alleged crimes in the Central African Republic. Beina faces charges of crimes against humanity—including murder, extermination, forced displacement, imprisonment, rape, and persecution—and war crimes, such as attacks on civilians, pillaging, and property destruction. These crimes allegedly occurred in Guen, Central African Republic, from February to early April 2014.
US: Department of Justice Announces Federal Charges Over Iranian Trump Assassination Plot
On 8 November 2024, the US Department of Justice unsealed criminal charges related to an Iranian plot to assassinate President-elect Donald Trump ahead of this week’s presidential election. A complaint filed in the Southern District of New York alleges that Farjad Shakeri, 51, an Iranian national, was directed in September 2024 by an Iranian Revolutionary Guard official to devise a surveillance and assassination plan targeting Trump. Shakeri, based in Tehran, allegedly used a network of associates in the US, including individuals he met during a previous prison sentence, to assist in the operation. In addition to Trump, Shakeri was tasked with targeting another US citizen who had publicly criticised the Iranian regime. The plot was uncovered through a joint investigation by the FBI, US Customs and Border Protection, and the DEA in New York. Two of Shakeri’s associates, Carlisle Rivera, 49, and Jonathon Loadholt, 36, were arrested in New York earlier this week. They allegedly conducted months of surveillance on the intended target and were promised US$100,000 for their efforts. Shakeri remains at large and is believed to be in Iran. The charges highlight the ongoing threat posed by Iranian intelligence operations in the US, with law enforcement officials emphasising the need for vigilance against foreign plots targeting American citizens and interests.
International Peace & Security Section
Africa: Charter on the Rights of Older Persons Enters into Force, Aimed at Eradicating Abuse and Discrimination
On 4 November 2024, the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Older Persons officially came into effect, as it has been ratified by 15 Member States of the African Union. Adopted in January 2016, this protocol aims to protect and uphold the rights of the elderly in Africa by recognising their contributions to society and addressing their specific needs and vulnerabilities. It highlights the importance of eradicating abuse and discrimination against older individuals as the elder population in Africa is projected to reach 215 million by 2050. It guarantees various rights such as access to justice, protection from discrimination in employment, autonomy in decision-making, and protection from harmful practices. One critical aspect of the protocol is providing priority protection and assistance to older persons in conflict and disaster situations, particularly relevant in regions experiencing ongoing conflicts like Ethiopia, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This provision is essential considering the refugee crisis in Africa, which has led to rights violations impacting older individuals as well.
Germany: Eight Arrested For Suspected Membership in Neo-Nazi Terrorist Organisation
On 5 November 2024, the German Federal Prosecutor’s Office arrested eight people for their suspected membership in a neo-Nazi group called “Sächsische Separatisten” or “Saxon Separatists”. This group was founded in 2020 and has 15 to 20 members, engaging in paramilitary training with weaponry and military gear. Over 450 police officers in Germany and Poland were mobilised to perform the arrests. One of the arrested suspects, Jörg S., is believed to be the leader of the organisation and could face at least three years in prison if found guilty. Although eight members have been arrested, seven more are currently being pursued.
Lebanon: Red Cross Launches International Appeal for Emergency Resources
On 5 October 2024, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) launched an international emergency appeal for Lebanon for resources during the Israel-Hezbollah war. The IFRC has appealed for 100 million Swiss Francs (US$115.8 million) to help the Lebanese Red Cross through the crisis. They have also called on all parties to the conflict to protect paramedics in the conflict. The war between Israel and Hezbollah, ongoing now for 13 months, has left over 3,000 people dead, and over 13,000 people injured in Lebanon. Jagan Chapagain, the Secretary General of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, stated hundreds of thousands are displaced and seeking shelter in community centres around the country and need hygiene kits, blankets and heaters as winter approaches. He added, it will take time for things to return to normal in Lebanon and that is why the IFRC’s emergency appeal runs for two years. Chapagain stated more than 30 IFRC staff globally have been killed this year, with dozens more injured, while other organisations have also lost staff members. Chapagain added, “this is something unheard of many years ago.” Among the countries where paramedics suffered the most are Lebanon, the Gaza Strip and Sudan. Chapagain stated that during conflicts “the Red Cross and Red Crescent emblems are protected.”
Interpol: Thousands of Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Suspects Arrested in Global Operation
On 6 November 2024, the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) announced that Operation Liberterra II, the largest anti-human trafficking and migrant smuggling operation to date, rescued 3,222 potential trafficking victims and identified 17,793 irregular migrants. The operation took place from 29 September 2024 to 4 October 2024, with coordination units set up in Argentina, Senegal, the Philippines and North Macedonia and with support from across Interpol, partner organisations, national intelligence and law enforcement agencies, and NGOs. Out of the 2,517 arrests made worldwide, 850 of which were related to trafficking or smuggling. During the investigative and enforcement process, Interpol and partner authorities conducted raids, set up border monitors, deployed officers to known trafficking and smuggling hotspots, and recorded approximately 24,000 flights. Up to 8 million checks were carried out against Interpol’s databases.
Greece: Four Dead after Migrant Smuggler Allegedly Forces Passengers Off Boat
On 6 November 2024, Greek authorities confirmed they had recovered the bodies of four people in the water off the coast of the eastern Aegean Island of Rhodes. The bodies of three men and one woman were recovered by the Greek coastguard. Another 25 people have been rescued after being found alive on land after a migrant smuggler driving the boat allegedly forced the passengers overboard into the water and left while transferring them from Turkey to Greece. A search and rescue operation in the area was called off on Wednesday once authorities determined from survivors that there were no further missing people. This is the latest tragic case involving migrants attempting to travel into the EU by sea either from the Turkish coast or the longer treacherous journey across the Mediterranean from North Africa. Greece lies on a popular passageway into Europe for people fleeing war and poverty in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Greek Migration Minister, Nikos Panagiotopoulos, said the government wants stricter EU migration policies and is considering setting up detention facilities on the island of Rhodes and Crete after the rate of arrivals by sea has more than doubled in the past year. However, rights groups have stated such detention facilities would abuse the rights of people seeking refuge and would amount to prison camps along EU borders.
EU: Defence Commissioner Warns EU Facing Many Existential Threats
On 7 October 2024, Andrius Kubilius, the EU Defence Commissioner, warned of the existential threats facing the EU. During his confirmation hearing by the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs and Industry, Research and Energy committees, Kubilius referred to conventional warfare, hybrid attacks and the militarisation of space as risks facing the EU. He warned China and Russia had overtaken the EU in defence spending and expressed the need for the EU to develop the capabilities and resources to implement NATO’s military deterrence and defence plans. Kubilius indicated the need to “spend more, spend better, spend together and spend European” on ramping up EU defence equipment production and demand. With regard to space, he stated Europe must be part of the “space revolution,” by advancing its space flagship programs and working to ensure European autonomous access to space. He also stated the European Investment Bank’s lending policies should have larger spending lines for defence.
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/eu-faces-many-existential-threats-defense-chief/3386646
Myanmar: Two Million People Facing Famine
On 8 November 2024, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) issued a report warning that Myanmar’s war-torn Rakhine state could face imminent famine, with more than two million people at risk of starvation. Rakhine in western Myanmar faces a real crisis as rice production has been affected due to shortages of seeds and fertilisers, severe weather and the displacement of people meaning they can no longer farm. The report stated that Rakhine is close to an “unprecedented disaster.” With the cease of nearly all trade, over two million people are at risk of starvation. The report indicated the number of internally displaced people has risen sharply by more than 60% from October 2023 to August this year. There are now more than 500,000 people relying solely on aid. The Red Cross and other agencies have faced challenges in assessing the humanitarian needs due to restrictions imposed by Myanmar’s military government. In 2021, the military removed the government of Aung San Suu Kyi from power, which escalated into an armed conflict. Last November, the conflict intensified in Rakhine following the breakdown of a ceasefire between the Arakan Army (AA) and the military. The military has since lost control over large areas of the country. For many years, the military has been accused of persecuting the Rohingya community, a Muslim minority in Rakhine. The AA has also been accused of targeting the Rohingya people and has denied the claims. However, the fighting has resulted in a surge of Rohingya refugees fleeing into Bangladesh, where over a million Rohingya people live in refugee camps.
UN: Cyberattacks on Healthcare Systems Causing Distrust and Contributing to Patient Deaths
On 8 November, 2024, the UN World Health Organisation (WHO) reported that the world’s healthcare infrastructure is being put at risk due to a massive surge in ransomware attacks, endangering patient safety and destabilising health systems. The UN Security Council (UNSC) has convened to discuss strategies to counter the growing threat. Ransomware attacks are a form of cyberattacks where an actor “takes over” or “locks” files on a single computer or an entire internal system or network, demanding payment in return for access. Attacks like these have grown in numbers, scale and sophistication over the years, with the ransom now in the tens of billions each year. According to the WHO Director-General, these attacks are not just issues of security and confidentiality, they can be issues of life and death, too. At best, they can cause financial loss. At worst, they can undermine trust in health systems people are dependent on, and even cause harm and death. The Director-General is urging the Security Council to use its mandate to strengthen global cybersecurity and ensure accountability.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/11/1156751
Sudan: Internally Displaced People Enduring Brutal Psychological and Physical Abuse in their Search for a New Life
On 8 November 2024, UN Humanitarians warned that more than three million people have now been forced to flee Sudan in search of safety, since the conflict broke out nineteen months ago. The displaced are now enduring “unimaginable suffering”, being targeted on the basis of their ethnicity, having watched their families being murdered. Men and boys are killed and their bodies are burned or abandoned, women are being raped while fleeing. The UNHCR has relocated 370,000 refugees to Chad, but tens of thousands of families are still waiting for their opportunity to start a new life.
Gaza: UN Health Agency Facilitates Evacuation Orders To Give Patients Medical Attention
On 8 November 2024, it was reported that children are continuously being targeted, brutally injured and killed in Palestine. A young boy was severely injured in a bomb blast. Another is battling cancer. Several children face medical emergencies resulting from the 13-month-old war in the Gaza Strip. By facilitating evacuations from the Gaza Strip and sending them to Bucharest, Romania, the UN health agency has been helping the injured get the medical attention they need.
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