Weekly News Recap (26 January – 1 February 2026) © Photo by United Nations Photo via Flickr International Justice Section ICC: Pre-Trial Chamber Rules Duterte Fit to Stand Trial ICC:...
Weekly News Recap (9 - 15 December 2024)
© Photo by EU Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid via Flickr
- KSC: Two Deny Witness-Tampering Charges in Kosovo’s Thaci Trial
- ICJ: DRC Files Declaration of Intervention in Case between Gambia and Myanmar Concerning Application of the Genocide Convention
- US: Two Former Syrian Air Force Intelligence Officials Charged With War Crimes
- Zambia: Constitutional Court Declares Former President Ineligible to Run for Re-Election
- ECtHR: Armenian Legislation’s Domestic Violence Recourse Gap Amounts to Article 3 Violation
- US: President Biden Grants Historical Clemency To Almost 1,500 Individuals
- ECtHR: Russian Legislative and Law Enforcement Framework Gaps Amount to Article 4 Violation
- Hong Kong: Seven Protesters Including Former Lawmaker Convicted For Rioting and Provoking Gang Violence
International Peace & Security Section
-
Kenya: Police Fire Tear Gas at Protesters Rallying Against Femicide
-
Brazil: Police Seize Illegal Gold Mining Scheme on Indigenous Lands worth US$166 Million
-
UN: General Assembly Passes Resolutions Calling for Gaza Ceasefire and Reaffirming Support for UNRWA
-
Italy: More Than 40 Migrants Missing in Shipwreck in Mediterranean
-
Afghanistan: Minister for Refugees and At Least 6 Others Killed in Kabul Blast
-
Somalia-Ethiopia: Joint Declaration Agreed to Resolve Somaliland Dispute
- Mali: Human Rights Group Reports on Increasing Violence and Civilian Casualties
International Justice Section
KSC: Two Deny Witness-Tampering Charges in Kosovo’s Thaci Trial
On 9 December 2024, Hajredin Kuci and Isni Kilaj, both accused of witness interference in the ongoing war crimes trial of former Kosovo President Hashim Thaci and others, pleaded not guilty at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague. Kuci, a former justice minister and deputy prime minister, called the charges a violation of his dignity and denied any involvement with witnesses during his role in the defense team for Kadri Veseli, one of Thaci’s co-defendants. Kilaj, a former mayor, also pleaded not guilty and offered €40,000 for bail, which the court rejected, citing risks of flight, further interference, and crime repetition. Both men, along with Bashkim Smakaj and Fadil Fazliu, were arrested on 5 December 2024 for allegedly obstructing justice in Thaci’s trial for war crimes and crimes against humanity during the 1998–99 Kosovo war. Smakaj and Fazliu were given two months of detention, with only Fazliu entering a non-guilty plea. Thaci remains in detention for his ongoing trial. Kuci is the only one not detained, though the prosecution has requested restrictions on his communication with the other defendants. The Kosovo Specialist Chambers, based in The Hague, were established to prosecute Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) fighters for war crimes, amid concerns over Kosovo’s judicial capacity to handle such cases and protect witnesses. While Western allies backed the court’s creation, many Kosovo Albanians view it as biased and critical of the KLA’s fight against Serbian repression.
ICJ: DRC Files Declaration of Intervention in Case between Gambia and Myanmar Concerning Application of the Genocide Convention
On 10 December, 2024, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) filed a declaration of intervention in the case concerning the application of the Genocide Convention (The Gambia v. Myanmar) at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). This move was made under Article 63 of the ICJ Statute, which allows states that are parties to a convention under interpretation in a case to intervene, as the Court’s judgment will also bind them. The DRC invoked its status as a party to the 1948 Genocide Convention and expressed its interest in the interpretation of Articles I, II, and III of the Convention, presenting its views on these provisions in its declaration. The ICJ has requested The Gambia and Myanmar to submit written observations on the DRC’s intervention.
https://www.icj-cij.org/sites/default/files/case-related/178/178-20241212-pre-01-00-en.pdf
US: Two Former Syrian Air Force Intelligence Officials Charged With War Crimes
On 10 December 2024, two former Syrian Air Force Intelligence officials, Jamil Hassan and Abdul Salam Mahmoud, were charged with war crimes, including the torture of detainees, some of whom were US citizens. Filed in the US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, the indictment accuses the two of violating laws prohibiting war crimes, including cruel and inhuman treatment. If convicted, they face up to life in prison. Hassan, the former director of Syrian Air Force Intelligence, and Mahmoud, a brigadier general under his command, are alleged to have overseen systemic torture at facilities like the notorious Mezzeh Prison during Syria’s civil war. Detainees, including political protesters, aid workers, journalists, and defectors, were subjected to severe abuse, such as beatings, electrocution, toenail removal, and mental torment. Victims also witnessed other detainees being tortured or killed, creating an atmosphere of terror. The indictment also accuses the defendants of covering up these abuses, which were part of a broader campaign by the Assad regime to crush dissent during the conflict. This marks a significant legal step in holding high-ranking officials accountable for human rights violations in Syria.
Zambia: Constitutional Court Declares Former President Ineligible to Run for Re-Election
On 11 December 2024, Zambia’s Constitutional Court ruled that former President Edgar Lungu is ineligible to run for another term in office. The decision follows Lungu’s announcement of his return to active politics last year, sparking debate over his eligibility under Zambia’s constitutional term limits. The court found that Lungu, president from 2015 to 2021, had already completed the maximum two terms allowed under Zambia’s constitution. The judgment underscores the constitutional principle of limiting executive terms to ensure democratic accountability and prevent the concentration of power. Central to the court’s decision was its interpretation of transitional provisions and amendments introduced by the 2016 constitution. The petitioner contended that Lungu’s first term, served under the repealed 1991 constitution, should be counted towards the two-term limit prescribed by the current constitutional framework. The court agreed, holding that the transitional provisions did not retroactively alter the definition of a presidential term, thereby confirming that Lungu’s tenure from 2015 to 2016, followed by his subsequent term from 2016 to 2021, constituted two full terms. Lungu had contended that his initial term, which began after his predecessor’s death, should not count toward the limit. According to Lungu, he did not win a general election for that term but assumed office through succession. However, the court clarified that the two terms he served, regardless of their length, constituted full tenure under the constitution. In rejecting other counterarguments from Lungu’s legal team, the court addressed claims that the matter was res judicata, asserting that the current case involved new legal issues not previously resolved, particularly the combined interpretation of transitional clauses in the 2016 Constitution. Additionally, the court noted that the principle of judicial review allows it to revisit and clarify constitutional ambiguities, especially when fundamental democratic principles are at stake.
ECtHR: Armenian Legislation’s Domestic Violence Recourse Gap Amounts to Article 3 Violation
On 12 December 2024, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) delivered its judgment on the case of Hasmik Khachatryan v. Armenia (application no. 11829/16). Ms. Khachatryan suffered from severe domestic violence from her common-law husband, despite her reporting him and seeking protection from law enforcement. Eventually, her husband was convicted on domestic violence charges in front of domestic courts, though the sentence was overturned. The ECtHR ruled that there was a violation of Article 3 of the Convention, the prohibition of torture, which is interpreted to include the positive State obligation to respond adequately to domestic violence allegations and to carry out an effective investigation. The violation was due to inadequacies in Armenia’s legislative and regulatory frameworks in addressing domestic violence, particularly the failure of existing laws to provide a proper system of punishment for domestic violence and support victims. Additionally, the Court stated that victims should have the right to seek compensation for both physical and psychological harm from their aggressors.
US: President Biden Grants Historical Clemency To Almost 1,500 Individuals
On 12 December 2024, US President Joe Biden granted clemency to nearly 1,500 individuals, marking the largest single-day use of this power in modern history. This included sentence reductions for the entire group, who served at least one year of home confinement due the COVID-19 pandemic and whose behaviour indicated successful rehabilitation. Additionally, 39 individuals convicted of non-violent crimes were pardoned. Biden reaffirmed his commitment to addressing sentencing disparities for non-violent offenders and plans to continue reviewing clemency petitions before the upcoming transition to President-elect Donald Trump.
https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/12/biden-grants-largest-single-day-clemency-in-modern-us-history/
ECtHR: Russian Legislative and Law Enforcement Framework Gaps Amount to Article 4 Violation
On 12 December 2024, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) delivered its judgment on the case of F.M. and Others v. Russia (application nos. 71671/16 and 40190/18). The judgment found joint violations of Article 4, which prohibits slavery and forced labour, and Article 14, which prohibits discrimination. The case involved human trafficking and labour exploitation against three Kazakh and two Uzbek nationals in Moscow shops. The ECtHR noted that Russian authorities had credible reports suggesting the applicants were victims of cross-border trafficking since 2010. Moreover, the Russian authorities repeatedly sided with the abusive shop owners and curtailed the victims’ escape attempts, thus failing to protect the applicants. Judicial authorities also denied the opening of a criminal trial after Kazakh authorities intervened and demanded a police investigation. Therefore, the ECtHR ruled that there were multiple Article 4 and Article 14 violations committed by Russia, due to (i) ineffective criminalisation of human trafficking and forced labour, (ii) the lack of protection for victims of those crimes, (iii) the authorities’ failure to conduct a proper criminal investigation, and (iv) the authorities’ failure to protect the applicants during their search for protection.
Hong Kong: Seven Protesters Including Former Lawmaker Convicted For Rioting and Provoking Gang Violence
On 12 December 2024, the Hong Kong District Court convicted seven protesters, including ex-lawmaker Lam Cheuk-ting, of rioting in connection with a violent clash at Yuen Long subway station during the 2019 anti-extradition protests. The incident involved confrontations between a “white-clad gang,” believed to be anti-protesters armed with poles and rods, and black-clad demonstrators, who were accused of provoking the gang by throwing objects and using fire hoses. Judge Stanley Chan ruled that the protesters’ assembly was unlawful and escalated into a riot. Lam was criticised for live-streaming the incident, which the court interpreted as a political move that drew more protesters. Despite claims of self-defence, the court emphasised that the key issue was whether the defendants gathered with a common unlawful purpose that led to the riot. This ruling follows a similar case in April 2024, where another individual was sentenced for actions against the white-clad group during the same event. The court’s decision underscores its focus on the initial intent of the gatherings rather than subsequent claims of defensive actions.
International Peace & Security Section
Syria: Ousted President Assad Granted Asylum in Russia
On 9 December 2024, the Kremlin said President Vladimir Putin had granted ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad asylum in Russia. Assad’s fall is a blow to both Iran and Russia, who backed the President and intervened in Syria’s 13-year civil war as he clung on to power despite pressure from Western countries for him to leave. The removal of Assad means Russia has lost a loyal supporter in the Middle East. Assad’s father, Hafez al-Assad, aligned himself with the Soviet Union during the Cold War to try to achieve political parity with US-backed Israel. Russia has two key military bases in Syria, the Hmeimim airbase in Latakia province and a naval base at Tartus, as of yet the future of those bases is unclear. On Sunday, 8 December, the Syrian government collapsed after rebels declared the capital Damascus “free.” They entered the city with little opposition from forces of the Assad regime, whose decades-long reign is now over after a rapid offensive by the rebels. Assad had been in power since 2000, and his family ruled Syria for more than half a century. His government brutally curtailed and repressed human rights and used chemical weapons against civilians during the civil war. The rebels are a complex alliance with a prominent section being an al Qaeda breakaway called Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), and groups of Turkish-backed militias called the Syrian National Army. The group is led by Abu Mohammed al Jolani. Syrian Prime Minister, Mohammed Ghazi Jalali, said the government was ready to turn its role over to a transitional government.
https://www.reuters.com/world/kremlin-says-discuss-russian-bases-with-syrias-new-rulers-2024-12-09/
https://www.politico.eu/article/syrian-rebel-forces-storm-into-damascus-claim-assad-has-fled/
Kenya: Police Fire Tear Gas at Protesters Rallying Against Femicide
On 10 December 2024, police in Kenya fired tear gas at protesters marching against femicide. While at least three people were arrested, several hundred people marched in the capital Nairobi, and chanted “stop killing women.” Police attempted to disperse the protesters and used teargas. Demonstrations also took place in the cities of Mombasa and Lodwar. The protesters in Nairobi were peaceful and it is unclear why the police interfered. Among the people arrested was Irungu Houghton, executive director of Amnesty International Kenya, and in a statement, Amnesty stated the protest was “a courageous stand against the killing of women, a demand for urgency in investigating these murders and a call for perpetrators to be held accountable.” They went on to describe the violent intervention by the police as a “direct attack on Kenya’s democratic principles and the human rights of its citizens.” According to figures from the National Police Service, between August and October, at least 97 women in Kenya were killed in femicides – intentional gender-based murder. According to figures compiled by the Africa Data Hub, there were at least 75 femicides in 2022 and 46 in 2021. Researchers point to patriarchal views and insufficient legal protections as factors behind the high rates of femicides and gender-based violence in Kenya.
China: Military Drills Conducted Around Taiwan
On 11 December 2024, Taiwan’s Defence Ministry said it detected 53 Chinese aircrafts and 19 vessels near the island over a 24-hour period. The Ministry said 23 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern, southwestern, and eastern air defence identification zone. The Ministry accused China of being a “troublemaker” for staging the drills. The Ministry stated Taiwan demands that China “immediately stop military intimidation and all irrational activities that endanger regional peace and stability.” US Defence Secretary, Lloyd Austin, said the US was monitoring developments, and added they would support Taiwan to secure the means to defend itself. Earlier this week, Taiwan reported China had deployed around 90 vessels along the first island chain, which links Okinawa, Taiwan, and the Philippines, making it China’s largest maritime exercise in regional waters in decades. France’s AFP news agency cited a Taiwanese security official who stated the main objective of the exercise seems to be obtaining “control within the first island chain and establishing strategic deterrence ahead of the US presidential transition.” China views self-governed Taiwan as part of its territory and has not ruled out using force to bring the island under its control. Taiwan rejects this claim and sees itself independent from China.
https://www.dw.com/en/china-expands-major-military-drills-around-taiwan/a-71018389
Brazil: Police Seize Illegal Gold Mining Scheme on Indigenous Lands worth US$166 Million
On 11 December 2024, Brazil’s Federal Police said they took down a scheme that illegally mined gold worth 4 billion reais (US$166 million) from Indigenous lands. The police investigation discovered that the scheme hired foreign nationals, mostly from Venezuela, to transport the illegal gold in luggage on commercial flights to Venezuela and Guyana. The Brazilian Police issued nine arrest warrants and 19 search and seizure warrants across six states. This included the seizure of more than 615 million reais in assets. This latest investigation follows a major operation in November which was launched to abolish miners from the Munduruku Indigenous Land. The operation found that the involvement of Indigenous people in illegal gold extraction has made it difficult to crack down on mining in the Amazon. The Munduruku territory, a reservation with 140 villages, is home to 9,000 Indigenous people and has become a hot spot for illegal gold mining. Under Brazilian law the practice is banned on Indigenous lands.
UN: General Assembly Passes Resolutions Calling for Gaza Ceasefire and Reaffirming Support for UNRWA
On 11 December 2024, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) convened an urgent session, addressing the escalating crisis in Gaza. In a decisive move, the assembly adopted two resolutions aimed at halting the violence and supporting critical humanitarian efforts. The first resolution was a call for an immediate, unconditional, and lasting ceasefire in Gaza. It demanded the release of all hostages and adherence to international laws designed to protect civilians. With overwhelming support—158 nations voting in favour—it reflected a global push for peace, though nine nations, including Israel and the United States, opposed it. The resolution also reinforced the implementation of prior Security Council directives, urging Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza and advocating for the return of displaced Palestinians and the exchange of prisoners. The second resolution focused on bolstering the work of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). It came in response to new Israeli legislation aimed at restricting UNRWA’s operations in areas under Israeli control. UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that such measures could have devastating consequences for Palestine refugees, who are already grappling with dire conditions. The resolution demanded that Israel allow unhindered humanitarian access and respect the agency’s operations. Despite these efforts, Israel’s Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, strongly criticised the resolutions, particularly UNRWA’s role. Danon accused the agency of harbouring Hamas within its facilities, a claim disputed by human rights organisations and the European Union. Amnesty International condemned the Israeli restrictions, calling them a dangerous move that criminalises humanitarian aid. The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains critical. A recent UNRWA report revealed that 1.9 million people have been displaced, with only seven of its 27 health centers operational. As the international community debates solutions, the people of Gaza continue to endure immense hardship, their plight serving as a somber reminder of the urgent need for peace and humanitarian action.
Italy: More Than 40 Migrants Missing in Shipwreck in Mediterranean
On 11 December 2024, it was reported that more than 40 migrants were missing and feared dead after the boat they were in capsized off Italy’s Lampedusa. An 11-year-old girl was rescued, she was the sole survivor found by rescuers. The 11-year-old girl, originally from Sierra Leone, had been floating in the water after spending three days at sea. She was believed to be in the sea for about 12 hours. The boat left from Sfax, Tunisia, but got into difficulty and sank in a storm. Compass Collective, who assists in migrant rescue missions in the Mediterranean, said the girl had no drinking water or food and was hypothermic when found and is now recovering in hospital. On Wednesday, the Italian coast guard and police searched the area but have not yet found bodies or traces of clothing.
Nicaragua: Report Reveals Over Seven Years of Torture and Crimes Against Humanity Committed Against Political Detainees
On 11 December 2024, the Nicaraguan Human Rights Collective “Nunca Más” reported that at least 229 political detainees in Nicaragua have suffered torture and other potential crimes against humanity over the past seven years. The alleged abuses include physical and psychological torture, forced disappearances, arbitrary detention, sexual violence, and prolonged solitary confinement, targeting individuals linked to anti-government protests and opposition activities. Based on victim and witness testimonies, the report accuses Nicaraguan security forces and intelligence agencies of systemic repression to silence dissent. The NGO called for international accountability measures and highlighted the broader decline in civil liberties in Nicaragua and Latin America. While the Nicaraguan government denies such accusations, the UN, IACHR, and other organisations have condemned the ongoing suppression of opposition, urging the release of political prisoners and an end to rights violations.
Afghanistan: Minister for Refugees and At Least 6 Others Killed in Kabul Blast
On 11 December 2024, a bombing in Kabul killed Khalil Rahman Haqqani, the Taliban’s acting minister for refugees and repatriation, along with at least six others. The explosion, occurring at the ministry building after afternoon prayers, was attributed by Taliban officials to the Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K), though no group has claimed responsibility. Haqqani is the first Taliban cabinet member killed since their return to power in 2021. Haqqani was a key figure in the Haqqani network, known for attacks on US and Afghan forces during the post-2001 conflict and classified as a terrorist organisation by several nations. He had also been involved in refugee repatriation efforts. The attack highlights ongoing instability in Afghanistan, where the Taliban have imposed harsh restrictions, particularly on women and girls. Recently, the Taliban banned female medical training, drawing international condemnation.
https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/12/afghanistan-acting-refugees-minister-killed-in-kabul-explosion/
Somalia-Ethiopia: Joint Declaration Agreed to Resolve Somaliland Dispute
On 12 December 2024, Somalia and Ethiopia agreed to cooperate and resolve a dispute over Ethiopia’s plan to build a port in Somalia’s breakaway region of Somaliland. Turkish President, Tayyip Erdogan, mediated talks between the two leaders, where they agreed to find viable measures to allow landlocked Ethiopia “reliable, secure and sustainable access to and from the sea.” The two nations were locked in a dispute since January when Ethiopia signed an agreement with Somaliland to lease a port in exchange for recognition of their independence. Somalia rejected the deal and threatened to expel Ethiopian troops stationed in Somalia fighting Islamist insurgents. Somalia opposes international recognition of Somaliland, which has been self-governed since declaring independence in 1991. In a joint statement, Somalia and Ethiopia said they had agreed to begin technical negotiations by the end of February 2025, and to conclude them within four months. Somalia’s President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, said he was ready to cooperate with Ethiopia. While Ethiopian Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, said the “joint declaration focuses on the future, not the past.” Both leaders acknowledged Türkiye’s role in resolving the issue. The dispute had drawn Somalia closer to Egypt, due to its anger with Ethiopia for building a dam on the Nile River, and also to Eritrea, another rival of Ethiopia. Meanwhile, Türkiye has close ties with both Ethiopia and Somalia, training Somalia’s security forces while gaining a foothold on a key global shipping route.
Mali: Human Rights Group Reports on Increasing Violence and Civilian Casualties
On 12 December 2024, Human Rights Watch (HRW) reported severe human rights abuses in Mali following the withdrawal of the UN peacekeeping mission in late 2023. The report accuses Mali’s armed forces, in collaboration with Russian mercenaries from the Africa Corps (formerly Wagner Group), of intentionally killing 32 civilians, destroying over 100 homes, and committing abductions since May 2024. Extremist groups in the region are also implicated, having executed at least 47 civilians and displaced thousands while destroying over 1,000 homes and stealing livestock. HRW calls for Mali’s government to work with the National Human Rights Commission and UN experts to create mechanisms for monitoring and addressing these abuses. Mali’s conflict, fueled by jihadist insurgencies linked to Al-Qaeda and ISIS, has worsened after the expulsion of French troops and the arrival of Russian mercenaries. The violence has escalated since the UN peacekeepers’ departure, leaving civilians vulnerable and highlighting the government’s failure to ensure accountability for rights violations.
https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/12/12/mali-atrocities-army-and-wagner-group
Weekly News Recap (19 – 25 January 2026) © Photo by Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan via Wikimedia Commons International Justice Section Greece: 24 Aid...
Weekly News Recap (12 – 18 January 2026) © Photo by Phillip Pessar via Flickr International Justice Section Austria: Rights Group Files Criminal Complaint in Austria Over Gaza War Crimes...
Weekly News Recap (5 – 11 January 2026) © Photo by Kurdishstruggle via Flickr International Justice Section Nigeria: Former Justice Minister Granted Bail in Graft Case Bosnia and Herzegovina: New...