© Photo by President Of Ukraine via Flickr
US: Judge Blocks Trump-Era Order That Barred 80 Vetted Refugees from Entering US
On 14 July 2025, a US District Court judge in Washington ruled that the Trump administration cannot use a presidential proclamation to deny entry to 80 refugees who were already approved for resettlement under the US Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). The plaintiffs, including “Plaintiff Pacito” and his family, had their travel cancelled despite full clearance. Judge Jamal Whitehead found that Proclamation 10949 explicitly excludes refugees from its scope and affirmed that the administration lacked authority to suspend the statutory USRAP program via Executive Order 14163. That order had argued refugee entry was “detrimental” to U.S. interests. Citing a prior Ninth Circuit clarification, Whitehead ruled that refugees who meet three criteria—approved applications, cleared for travel, and confirmed travel plans—must be immediately processed and admitted. The case is ongoing, with US Magistrate Judge Michelle Peterson appointed to handle case-by-case evaluations, and an appeal is expected.
KSC: Court Upholds Conviction for War Crimes
On 14 July 2025, appeals judges at the European Union‑backed Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague upheld the war‑crimes convictions of former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) member Pjetër “Commander Wolf” Shala. His original 2024 conviction included murder, torture, and arbitrary detention at a makeshift prison in Kukës, Albania, during the 1998–99 Kosovo conflict. Witnesses described beatings, forced humiliation, and one detainee being shot and denied medical care before dying in agony. However, the court reduced Shala’s sentence from 18 to 13 years, finding that several counts lacked sufficient evidence and recognising that he did not hold a command role in the murder case. Judges also determined the original 18-year term was disproportionately harsh compared to similar cases. The tribunal reaffirmed the gravity of the crimes, noting that the reduction “in no way suggests that the crimes […] are not grave”. Shala will receive credit for time already served, and his case illustrates the Specialist Chambers’ continued effort to deliver justice for atrocities committed during Kosovo’s struggle for independence.
https://www.dw.com/en/hague-court-upholds-kosovo-war-crimes-conviction-for-shala/a-73276332
Hong Kong: Appeal Opens in National Security Case Against Pro-Democracy Activists
On 14 July 2025, appeal proceedings commenced regarding 13 individuals in Hong Kong’s high-profile national security case involving 47 pro-democracy activists. Amnesty International called the hearing a “pivotal chance to correct mass injustice.” Twelve of the appellants were convicted in November 2024 for subversion under the National Security Law, while prosecutors are appealing the acquittal of former district councillor Lawrence Lau. The trial, held at West Kowloon Law Courts, is expected to last 10 days. Amnesty’s China Director warned the case exemplifies Hong Kong’s crackdown on dissent. Enacted in 2020, the National Security Law has been widely criticised for criminalising peaceful political activity. Over 80% of those convicted under the law were reportedly unjustly prosecuted, according to Amnesty.
Germany: Court Dismisses Case Over US Drone Strikes via Ramstein Air Base
On 15 July 2025, Germany’s Federal Constitutional Court dismissed a case brought by two Yemeni citizens, Ahmed and Khaled bin Ali Jaber, over the use of a US drone program operated via Germany’s Ramstein Air Base. The plaintiffs claimed Germany violated their constitutional right to life by allowing the US to use German territory for drone strikes, including one that killed their relatives in Yemen in 2012. The court acknowledged Germany’s responsibility to uphold international humanitarian law, but ruled that no specific duty of protection applied here, as the necessary conditions – strong ties to German state power and a serious, systematic legal violation – were not met. Although the case was ultimately dismissed, earlier appeals had partially succeeded. The Higher Administrative Court had previously ruled that Germany must ensure Ramstein’s use complies with international law, but that ruling was overturned by the Federal Administrative Court. Commentators noted the judgment sets a high bar for such cases, but leaves open the possibility of legal challenges to international law violations in the future.
Venezuela: Rights Group Finds Evidence of Crimes Against Humanity
On 15 July 2025, Amnesty International reported its conclusion that enforced disappearances carried out by Venezuelan authorities constituted crimes against humanity under the Rome Statute, as part of a widespread and systematic campaign targeting dissenters since the presidential election of 28 July 2024. The report, “Detentions without a trace,” profiles 15 cases of enforced disappearances between July 2024 and 15 June 2025; 11 individuals remain missing, including foreign citizens from the United States, Spain, France, Ukraine, Colombia, and Uruguay. Amnesty Secretary General, Agnès Callamard, highlighted the extreme harm caused to families deprived of any information about their loved ones, and underscored the intentional concealment and denial of detention by state agents as defining elements of this crime. She demanded that Venezuela end the practice immediately, uphold the rights of victims and families, and that the International Criminal Court and national jurisdictions, especially using universal jurisdiction, proceed with robust investigations and prosecutions.
ICC: Prosecutor Threatened by Israel-Linked Lawyer Over Israel Investigation
On 17 July 2025, it was reported that International Criminal Court (ICC) Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan received a chilling warning from Nicholas Kaufman, a British-Israeli defense lawyer linked to a Netanyahu advisor, during a private meeting in The Hague back in May 2025. Kaufman suggested that Khan should make the ICC’s investigations against Israeli leaders “confidential,” allowing Israel to challenge the evidence privately. He cautioned that if arrest warrants were pursued against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or other senior figures like Yoav Gallant, the ICC “would be destroyed.” The lawyer reportedly claimed he had authorisation from Netanyahu’s legal adviser, though he later said the meeting was his own initiative without government backing. Khan, who had already issued warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant, and Hamas commander Mohammed Deif over alleged war crimes in Gaza, interpreted the statement as a direct threat. The incident aligns with a broader pattern of political pressure, including sanctions from the United States and United Kingdom, aimed at obstructing ICC accountability for Israeli officials.
Russia: Prisoner Sentenced for Anti-War Remarks Captured by Hidden Cameras
On 18 July 2025, it was reported that a Russian military court sentenced inmate Andrey Voronin to an additional six years in prison and fined him 49,000 rubles (approximately US$600) for allegedly calling for terrorism and spreading “war fakes.” The charges stem from private conversations with cellmates, secretly recorded with hidden cameras, in which Voronin criticised Russia’s war in Ukraine and said that “to stop the war, [we] need to shoot Putin.” He pleaded guilty and stated that his family members were killed early in the conflict. This case reflects a growing trend in Russia of punishing prisoners for expressing anti-war sentiments during private conversations. Similar cases include lawmaker Aleksei Gorinov, who received an additional three-year sentence in 2023, and 21-year-old Artem Begoyan, who was sentenced to 20 years in 2024 after being accused of terrorism and treason based on recorded prison conversations. Human rights concerns have been raised, including allegations of coerced legal representation and mistreatment by detention staff.
Somalia: Al Shabaab Captures the Town of Tardo in Somalia
On 14 July 2025, it was reported al Shabaab insurgents had taken control of the town of Tardo in the central Hiiran region of Somalia, as they continued their advance in the country. On Sunday, the al Qaeda affiliated fighters of al Shabaab pushed out government allied forces and seized the town, which is situated at an important crossroads connecting larger urban centres. Since 2007, al Shabaab has been fighting an insurgency in Somalia with the aim of overthrowing the internationally backed central government and establishing its own regime based on a strict interpretation of sharia law. In recent months, al Shabaab’s offensives in the region have increased. Their previous advances got them within 50 km (30 miles) of the capital Mogadishu, although Somali forces were able to reclaim those villages. Major Mohamed Abdullahi said they are working with people of Hiraan to develop a plan to retake the towns from al Shabaab. He added around 100 soldiers had been deployed to support local fighters.
Sudan: At Least 300 Killed by RSF in North Kordofan
On 14 July 2025, activists outlined that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) had killed at least 300 people in attacks in North Kordofan state that began on Saturday. The North Kordofan region has been one of the main frontlines of the civil war, where the Sudanese army has been fighting the RSF since April 2023. The Emergency Lawyers human rights group reported that the RSF had attacked villages around the city of Bara on Saturday. In the village of Shag Alnom, over 200 people were killed. Raids on other nearby villages resulted in another 38 deaths, while dozens are still missing. The RSF also attacked the village of Hilat Hamid, where 46 people were killed, including pregnant women and children. According to the UN, over 3,400 people were forced to flee. Emergency Lawyers said there were no military targets in these villages, “which makes clear the criminal nature of these crimes carried out in complete disregard of international humanitarian law.” The RSF has been accused of committing war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide by the US and other human rights groups. The Sudan civil war has created one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, forcing more than half the population into a state of hunger, while diseases such as cholera are spreading across the country.
UK: Starmer Questioned Over Sanctions Against Israel
On 16 July 2025, during Prime Minister’s Questions, Labour MP Imran Hussain confronted Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, accusing Israel of committing “war crimes” and “genocide” by killing Palestinian children queuing for food. He urged the United Kingdom (UK) government to impose sanctions on Israel, paralleling the thousands levied against Russia over Ukraine. Starmer responded that he was “appalled” by the scenes in Gaza and emphasised that reports of civilian deaths should be “transparently” investigated. He noted that the UK has already halted trade agreement talks with Israel and carried out targeted sanctions, while also considering further measures alongside allies. Starmer stressed the need for an immediate ceasefire, the safe release of hostages, and rapid humanitarian aid delivery. He expressed strong support for increased aid and reiterated calls for accountability and protection of civilians under international law.
France: Ends Permanent Military Presence in Senegal
On 17 July 2025, France completed its military withdrawal from Senegal, returning its last military base to the country during an official ceremony. This marks the end of France’s long military presence in West Africa. The handover was the final phase of the French military’s withdrawal, which began in March when France handed over two other facilities in Dakar. The withdrawal process in Senegal has been more amicable compared to the exit of French troops from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, where military juntas pushed the French military out, instead turning to Russia for assistance in combating jihadist insurgencies. Last year, Chad unexpectedly ended its defence agreement with France, leading to the withdrawal of French troops from the country. Chad had been a key Western ally in the fight against Islamic militants in the region. With its presence in West and Central Africa decreasing, France has indicated it will focus on training, intelligence sharing and assisting countries upon request.
Syria: At Least 321 People Killed in Clashes in Suwayda
On 18 July 2025, the Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that at least 321 people have been killed and over 436 injured in violent clashes between Bedouin tribal forces and armed Druze factions in the province of Suwayda in southern Syria. The casualties include six children and nine women. The fighting started on Sunday as minor clashes between both sides, the Syrian regime forces then intervened, where dozens of soldiers were killed by Druze groups in retaliation. Following the escalation of hostilities, the Syrian regime forces and the Druze groups agreed a ceasefire, however, this deal quickly collapsed. Israel increased its attacks across Syria, citing the need to protect Druze communities. Israel launched airstrikes on four provinces, and on Wednesday, hit the General Staff headquarters and the presidential palace in Damascus. On Thursday, the Syrian presidency announced a new deal mediated by Arab and American parties. Under the agreement, regime forces started withdrawing from Suwayda in an effort to de-escalate tensions.
Nigeria: Six Killed and 100 Abducted by Bandits in Zamfara State in Nigeria
On 18 July 2025, at least six people were killed and more than 100 abducted by gunmen in an attack on the Kairu community in Nigeria’s northwest Zamfara state. Attacks by gangs of young men are rampant across Zamfara. In recent years, the bandits have caused chaos across northwest Nigeria, resulting in hundreds of deaths and the kidnapping of thousands. It was reported by local residents that the bandits invaded Kairu on Friday morning, firing indiscriminately and abducting over 100 people, including women and children. The attackers besieged the town for nearly two hours before departing with their captives. It is also reported that thousands of residents have now fled the village.
South Korea: At Least Four Dead and Thousands Evacuated Following Heavy Rains
On 18 July 2025, it was reported heavy rains in South Korea had resulted in at least four deaths, while authorities also evacuated thousands of people. The deaths occurred in the city of Seosan in the south Chungcheong province, while one person is still missing after being swept away by a river in Gwangju. Local authorities reported they evacuated 5,192 people in 13 different cities and provinces due to the flooding. On Thursday, the South Korean government elevated its weather-related disaster alert to the highest level, “serious,” as the damage from heavy rains continued to escalate. Weather officials reported that Seosan, the most severely hit region, saw up to 344 mm (13.5 inches) of rain since Wednesday evening. The city also recorded 114.9 mm (4.5 inches) of rain in a single hour, the highest hourly rate for July since weather records began there in 1968.
Weekly News Recap (20 – 26 July 2026) © Photo by UNMEER via FlickrInternational Justice SectionECtHR: Finds Switzerland Violated Articles 9 and 13 in Failure to Provide Applicants Vegan Diet While in State CareICC: Constitutes Trial Chamber in El Hishri Case Concerning Alleged Crimes in LibyaSouth Africa: High Court Closes
Weekly News Recap (13 – 19 July 2026) © Photo by USAID U.S. Agency for International Development via Flickr International Justice Section ICC: Prosecution Requests Withdrawal of War Crimes Charges Against Abdallah Banda Sudan: Anti-Terrorism Court Sentences RSF Leadership to Death in Absentia US: Advocacy Groups File Lawsuit Challenging Executive
Weekly News Recap (6 – 12 July 2026) © Photo by U.S. Pacific Fleet via Flickr International Justice Section Austria: Court Sentences Two Former Syrian Security Officials to Eight Years in Prison ECtHR: Communicates Case Concerning Alleged Detention and Abuse of Ukrainian Civilians by Russian Armed Forces Greece: Spyware Victims
