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International Peace & Security Section
Guinea-Bissau: Military Officers Seize Power, Suspend Election and Arrest Political Leaders
Taiwan: Announces $40 Billion Defence Budget to Counter China
Myanmar: Military Regime Grants Amnesty to Thousands Before December Elections
Nigeria: President Declares Nationwide Emergency as Mass Abductions Mount
Russia: Putin Demands Ukrainian Territorial Concessions and Signals Openness to US Peace Plan
Syria: At Least 13 People Killed in Israeli Raid on Beit Jinn
Yemen: Houthi Court Sentences 17 People to Death in Espionage Case Amid Ongoing Crackdowns
On 23 November 2025, it was reported a court controlled by the Houthi movement in Sanaa, Yemen, convicted 17 individuals of espionage for foreign governments and sentenced them to death by firing squad. This comes amid an ongoing Houthi crackdown on staff from foreign agencies. The Specialised Criminal Court stated that the defendants were part of a “spy network affiliated with the American, Israeli and Saudi intelligence.” A man and a woman also received 10-year prison sentences, while another individual was acquitted. These sentences are part of a broader Houthi campaign, which includes the arrest and prosecution of local staff from foreign embassies and international organisations, including UN staff members. The UN has denied the accusations.
Brazil: Supreme Court Orders Continued Detention of Former President Bolsonaro
On 23 November 2025, Brazilian authorities confirmed that former President Jair Bolsonaro would remain in police custody after a Supreme Court judge denied his request to return to house arrest. The ruling followed a custody hearing in which Bolsonaro acknowledged tampering with his electronic ankle monitor but claimed he had no intention of fleeing. He explained to the court that paranoia and hallucinations, caused by overlapping prescriptions for chronic hiccups, led him to mistakenly believe the device contained listening equipment. This prompted him to briefly use a soldering iron on it before ceasing and notifying officers. Justice Alexandre de Moraes had ordered his detention the day prior, citing a significant flight risk as Bolsonaro awaits final appeals regarding his conviction for plotting a coup. His lawyers renewed their request for “humanitarian house arrest,” but the judge determined that the police had acted lawfully and that continued custody was necessary while proceedings are ongoing.
Malaysia: High Court Advances Ruling Date on Former Prime Minister Najib Razak’s Application for House Arrest
On 25 November 2025, a Malaysian High Court announced that it would expedite its decision regarding former Prime Minister Najib Razak’s request for modified custodial arrangements, rescheduling the ruling to 22 December. Najib, who is currently serving a six-year sentence related to the 1MDB corruption scandal, is seeking to be moved from prison to house arrest. The verdict will now come just four days before the scheduled High Court verdict on 26 December in Najib’s biggest of five trials linked to the multibillion-dollar 1MDB scandal. Prosecutors argue that he should continue to serve his sentence under the existing conditions, asserting there is no legal basis for altering his confinement. The court’s scheduling adjustment does not address the merits of Najib’s request, but it accelerates the timeline for determining whether a temporary relaxation of his detention conditions will be granted.
CJEU: Court Rules Member States Must Recognise Same-Sex Marriages Concluded in Another Member State
On 25 November 2025, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) ruled that EU Member States must recognise same-sex marriages between EU citizens that were legally concluded in another EU country in the exercise of their freedom to move and reside within the Union. Two Polish citizens who married and lived in Germany requested the transcription of their marriage certificate into the Polish civil register when they moved back to Poland in 2018. Their request was denied by the local authorities on the grounds that Polish law does not allow same-sex marriage, and the applicants sought judicial review of that decision. In Case C-713/23, the Polish Supreme Administrative Court, while examining the matter, asked the CJEU whether the relevant provisions of Polish law complied with EU law. The Grand Chamber ruled that refusing to recognise a lawful marriage concluded in another Member State, where the spouses exercised their freedom to move and reside and created or strengthened a family life, is contrary to EU law. Such a refusal violates EU citizens’ rights under Articles 20 and 21(1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), read together with Articles 7 and 21(1) of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. Although Member States are not required to legalise same-sex marriage in their domestic legal systems, the Court clarified that they must recognise such marriages lawfully concluded in another EU country through a procedure that is discretionary but applied on an equal basis.
https://curia.europa.eu/jcms/upload/docs/application/pdf/2025-11/cp250147en.pdf
France: Court Hears Testimony on Former Rebel Leader Roger Lumbala’s Role in Widespread Atrocities in DRC
On 25 November 2025, it was reported that during the second week of Roger Lumbala’s trial (17–21 November 2025) before the Paris Assize Court, witnesses detailed his alleged role in the 2002–2003 Effacer le Tableau military operations in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Experts, journalists, and UN investigators described systematic attacks on Nande and Pygmy communities, including murder, torture, sexual violence, forced labour, looting, and, in some cases, cannibalism. General Jérôme Pichard and Adjudant Julien Blanc from the Office Central de Lutte contre les Crimes de Guerre et les Crimes contre l’Humanité (OCLCH) presented evidence showing Lumbala’s position within the Rassemblement Congolais pour la Démocratie – National (RCD-N) and his coordination with the command of the Mouvement de Libération du Congo (MLC). Blanc confirmed Lumbala’s political and operational authority, presenting photographs, messages, and official documents documenting his involvement and instructions issued even while in detention. UN investigators and expert witnesses highlighted the organised nature of the operations, including logistics, troop movements, and explicit orders authorising violence, portraying Lumbala as exercising political leadership while field commanders carried out atrocities. Journalist Guy Boyoma corroborated evidence of joint RCD-N and MLC operations, the imposition of “war effort” taxes, and widespread abuses causing mass displacement and the collapse of local governance. Civil-party NGOs and UN investigators referenced victims’ accounts collected during field investigations, supporting the portrayal of systematic violence against marginalised communities. Lumbala and his defence team were absent during the trial’s second week.
https://trialinternational.org/latest-post/the-lumbala-trial-week-2/
ICC: Closing Statements Delivered in Said Crimes Against Humanity Case
On 26 November 2025, Trial Chamber IV of the International Criminal Court (ICC) held the closing statements in the case The Prosecutor v. Mahamet Said Abdel Kani. Said is accused of crimes against humanity and war crimes, including imprisonment or other severe deprivation of liberty, persecution and other inhuman acts, torture, and cruel treatment. Allegedly a former Seleka leader, Said was in charge of the Office Central de Répression du Banditisme (OCRB) in Bangui, Central African Republic (CAR) – a police special unit/anti-crime force – where he is accused of abusing supporters of then-President Bozizé who were unlawfully detained. In their closing statements, the Prosecution argued that Said had absolute control over victims arbitrarily arrested on political, ethnic, religious, or gender grounds, and actively participated in their abuse. According to Deputy Prosecutor Niang, most victims were Christian. Said denied all charges against him. Since the trial began on 26 September 2022, 130 hearings have been conducted, with 58 Prosecution witnesses and three Defence witnesses heard. 32 victims have participated in the proceedings, represented by legal counsel Sarah Pellet. Trial Chamber VI is to deliberate and issue a decision on Said’s conviction or acquittal in due course, in accordance with Article 74 of the Rome Statute.
https://www.icc-cpi.int/news/icc-trial-chamber-vi-deliberate-said-case
ICC: Orders Prosecutor Khan to Respond to Israel’s Request to Disqualify Him and Cancel Warrants
On 26 November 2025, the Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Court (ICC) ordered Prosecutor Karim Ahmad Khan to submit written responses to Israel’s request for his disqualification from leading the investigations into the Situation of the State of Palestine (ICC-01/18) and for the annulment of the arrest warrants issued in connection with those proceedings. Israel argued that there is sufficient evidence raising reasonable doubt about Khan’s impartiality in conducting the investigations and in seeking arrest warrants against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Minister of Defence Yoav Gallant. According to Israel, Khan abruptly cancelled a long-planned trip to Israel to conduct field investigations and pressured prosecution staff to request the arrest warrants immediately after becoming aware of serious sexual misconduct allegations against him within the ICC. Israel further claimed that Khan repeatedly attempted to discourage the alleged victim from formally reporting him and intimidated colleagues who were aware of the misconduct and intended to report it. Israel argued that Khan intentionally sought to distract attention from and discredit the sexual misconduct allegations by hastily requesting the arrest warrants, questioning the motives of those accusing him, and retaliating against them, thereby undermining their credibility and fuelling within ICC members the narrative that Israel was behind the allegations. Finally, Israel asserted that the Pre-Trial Chamber’s decision to issue the arrest warrants was compromised by Khan’s impartiality and requested that the warrants be invalidated. Khan is required to submit his written response to Israel’s request by 10 December 2025.
https://www.icc-cpi.int/sites/default/files/CourtRecords/0902ebd180d1fa02.pdf
https://www.icc-cpi.int/sites/default/files/CourtRecords/0902ebd180d13ddb.pdf
https://www.icc-cpi.int/sites/default/files/RelatedRecords/0902ebd180d13ddc.pdf
Peru: Supreme Court Sentences Former President Pedro Castillo for Rebellion and Conspiracy Against the State
On 27 November 2025, Peru’s Supreme Court sentenced former President Pedro Castillo to 11 years and six months in prison after convicting him of rebellion and conspiracy against the state after his attempt in December 2022 to dissolve Congress and extend his powers. Castillo was removed from office at the end of 2022, which triggered protests against the government that succeeded him, resulting in numerous deaths, primarily in poorer regions where Castillo had stronger support. The court also prohibited Castillo from holding public office for an additional two years. Although prosecutors had requested a significantly longer sentence of 34 years, the panel opted for a reduced term while affirming the conviction, stating that his actions posed a threat to constitutional order. Castillo maintains that he did not intend to stage a coup, asserting that his actions were merely symbolic. He retains the right to appeal the ruling. This decision comes a day after former President Martin Vizcarra was sentenced to 14 years in prison for accepting bribes.
ICC: Appeals Chamber Rejects Interim-Release Request by Former Philippine President Duterte
On 28 November 2025, the Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Court (ICC) upheld a previous decision denying interim release to former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. This ruling confirmed that he must remain in detention as proceedings continue. Duterte, who is held under an ICC warrant for alleged crimes against humanity related to his controversial “war on drugs,” argued that his age and medical conditions justified a humanitarian release. However, the Chamber found no errors in the earlier ruling of the Pre-Trial Chamber, which determined that Duterte posed a flight risk and could potentially interfere with witnesses or ongoing investigative efforts if released. The judges emphasised that the grave nature of the alleged crimes necessitated strict custodial safeguards. Prosecutors and representatives of victims opposed the release, highlighting a history of obstruction during Duterte’s presidency.
Ukraine: Launches War Crimes Investigation into Killing of POW by Russian Forces
On 28 November 2025, the Ukrainian Office of the Prosecutor General announced that it had opened a pre-trial investigation into the killing of a Ukrainian prisoner of war (POW) earlier this month in the Donetsk region. Russian forces allegedly captured a member of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, tied his hands, repeatedly struck his head with a rifle stock, and shot him after he lost consciousness. Further circumstances of the war crime, classified under Article 438(2) of Ukraine’s Criminal Code, are still being clarified. The Ukrainian prosecution noted that on 27 November 2025, five other captured Ukrainian officials were executed by Russian forces in the Zaporizhzhia region. The prosecution emphasised that the intentional killing of POWs constitutes a grave violation of international humanitarian law.
Guinea-Bissau: Military Officers Seize Power, Suspend Election and Arrest Political Leaders
On 26 November 2025, military officers in Guinea-Bissau claimed “total control” of the country, a day before the results of a closely contested presidential election were expected. Calling themselves the “High Military Command for the Restoration of Order”, the officers ordered the suspension of the electoral process, imposed an overnight curfew, and closed all land, air, and sea borders. It is reported that Brigadier General Denis N’Canha, who served as the head of the presidential guard and led the coup, has arrested President Embalo and opposition leader Pereira (PAIGC party). The takeover came after both Embalo and his main challenger, Fernando Dias, had declared victory in the tightly contested vote, raising fears of political stalemate. Guinea-Bissau has experienced repeated coups since independence in 1974, and civil society had already questioned the legitimacy of the election, citing the exclusion of the PAIGC party. Regional bodies, including ECOWAS and the African Union, called for the immediate release of detained officials and the restoration of constitutional order, urging all parties to respect the electoral process and the rule of law.
Taiwan: Announces $40 Billion Defence Budget to Counter China
On 26 November 2025, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te announced a special US$40 billion defence budget to be spent between 2026 and 2033 on US weapons and the construction of a new high-capacity air-defence system named Taiwan Dome. The move comes amid growing US pressure on Taipei to sharply increase military spending in response to escalating Chinese military activity around the island. Lai, who has pledged to raise defence expenditures to 5% of GDP, warned that China’s escalating threats, including military intrusions, maritime grey-zone tactics and disinformation campaigns, are heightening regional insecurity from Japan to the Philippines. The US, which has pushed Taiwan to spend up to 10% of GDP on defence, welcomed the announcement and reiterated support for Taiwan’s acquisition of “critical defence capabilities.” Taiwan’s defence minister said the special budget represents an upper limit, intended for precision-strike missiles and joint Taiwan-US development and procurement projects. Lai also highlighted efforts to bolster defences against Chinese psychological warfare and interference, particularly during elections and major political events. Beijing condemned the measures as wasteful and destabilising, insisting Taiwan was “courting foreign powers” and warning of dire consequences. The announcement followed a call between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in which Xi reiterated China’s claim over Taiwan. Beijing also criticised Japan’s growing security role and plans to deploy missiles on Yonaguni Island near Taiwan, warning that Japan was “deliberately heightening regional tensions” and vowed to counter any external interference.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/nov/26/taiwan-extra-40bn-defence-spending-china-threat
Europe: Ukraine Plans Cooperation on Naval Defence Industry Development
On 26 November 2025, European nations intensified efforts to bolster their naval defence capabilities, drawing lessons from Ukraine’s innovative use of unmanned maritime systems against Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy secured several co-production agreements with European leaders, including those in Greece, France, and Spain, focusing on drones, missiles, and Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs). Ukraine is leveraging its battlefield experience, notably the successful deployment of its domestically produced Magura USVs, which achieved military firsts like remotely downing enemy aircraft, to integrate into Europe’s defence fabric. This collaborative rearmament push, backed by substantial funding initiatives like the €150bn RearmEU plan, signals a sharp reversal of the prior indifference of European countries to defence innovation before the Russian war in Ukraine, aiming to rapidly scale production and match the technological advancements being tested in the Black Sea.
Myanmar: Military Regime Grants Amnesty to Thousands Before December Elections
On 27 November 2025, Myanmar’s military rulers announced a mass amnesty, pardoning or dropping charges against 8,665 individuals detained for opposing army rule, in a move widely viewed as a public relations effort ahead of next month’s elections. The order reduced sentences for 3,085 convicted people and dropped charges against another 5,580 who were still at large for offenses like spreading “fake news.” While the military government claimed the measure was designed to ensure eligible voters could cast their ballots in the December polls, critics have described it as a sham process. It remains unclear whether the release would include State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, who remains incarcerated since the military gained power in 2021, and is serving a 27-year sentence. Mark Farmaner, director of the human rights group Burma Campaign UK, said it was “wonderful news for the prisoners,” but warned that the military was exploiting the release of political prisoners to build a false narrative of reform.
Nigeria: President Declares Nationwide Emergency as Mass Abductions Mount
On 27 November, it was reported that Nigerian President Bola Tinubu declared a nationwide state of emergency after two major school abductions and a surge in armed attacks, a crisis also complicated by US political pressure. Tinubu announced the recruitment of 20,000 additional police officers and authorised intelligence services to deploy forest guards in remote areas targeted by armed groups. The escalation comes days after gunmen kidnapped 25 students in Kebbi state and more than 300 in Niger state, the latter group still missing. The domestic shock has been amplified by US President Donald Trump’s accusations that Nigerian Christians are being persecuted and his threat of a potential “guns-a-blazing” intervention. Analysts report that Tinubu’s surge in security personnel may not be enough, warning that Nigeria’s fragmented conflict ecosystem, stretching from jihadist groups to large criminal militias, requires deeper structural reforms addressing governance failures, local grievances, and troop welfare. The nationwide emergency response is Nigeria’s most sweeping since 2013 operations against Boko Haram.
Russia: Putin Demands Ukrainian Territorial Concessions and Signals Openness to US Peace Plan
On 27 November 2025, Russian leader Vladimir Putin said that a draft peace plan proposed by the US “can be the basis for future agreements”, but only if Ukraine agrees to surrender unspecified territories it still controls. Speaking in Kyrgyzstan, he reiterated that Russia will only halt its offensive if Ukrainian forces withdraw from these areas, warning that otherwise Moscow would continue to pursue its objectives militarily. He also again labelled Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as “illegitimate,” arguing that any binding agreement would require broader international recognition of Ukraine’s leadership. Putin also confirmed that US envoy Steve Witkoff, already under scrutiny after a leaked call revealed him advising a Kremlin aide, will visit Moscow next week. Putin’s remarks underscore a familiar Kremlin pattern since Trump’s return to office: expressing openness to negotiation while refusing to soften any core demands. Analysts note that Putin feels emboldened by battlefield dynamics and that, despite European objections, he sees no reason to retreat from the conditions stipulated in the 28-point US plan, which would require Ukraine to cede territory, limit its armed forces’ size, and deny any future deployment of allied troops.
Syria: At Least 13 People Killed in Israeli Raid on Beit Jinn
On 28 November 2025, Israeli forces conducted a raid on the Syrian village of Beit Jinn in the Damascus countryside, killing at least 13 people and injuring more than 25 others, according to Syrian state media. Syrian authorities accused Israel of carrying out a “war crime” and a “horrific massacre”, saying emergency teams were prevented from reaching the wounded due to continued strikes. The Israeli military said the operation targeted members of the Islamic Jemaah group who were allegedly planning attacks on Israeli territory. It confirmed that six soldiers were wounded in an exchange of fire and that all suspects were detained, adding that several fighters were killed. Residents, however, reported that most of the victims were civilians. The raid is the deadliest incident since Israel seized control of a section of southern Syria in late 2024, after the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s government. Since then, Israeli forces have carried out frequent ground incursions and hundreds of airstrikes across the south, expanded their presence inside the UN-monitored buffer zone, and detained dozens of Syrians at new checkpoints. Israel claims these operations aim to prevent armed groups from mobilising near its border, while Damascus and rights groups describe them as unlawful raids and abductions.
https://apnews.com/article/israel-syria-hamas-gaza-a91d1b457d2540e038d01083a76fe696
Weekly News Recap (8 – 14 December 2025) © Photo by Beatrice Murch via FlickrInternational Justice SectionICC: Ali Kushayb Sentenced to 20 Years’ Imprisonment for Crimes Against Humanity in SudanNepal: Corruption Charges Filed Against 55 Former Officials and a Chinese Firm Over Airport Construction KSC: Kilaj Provisionally Released on Bail
Weekly News Recap (1 – 7 December 2025) © Photo by Sébastien Bertrand via Flickr International Justice Section ICC: El Hishri Appears Before Pre-Trial Chamber for Alleged Crimes Against Humanity in Libya IRMCT: Mladić Request for Reconsideration of Release Decision Denied ICC: OTP Opposes Israel’s Request to Disqualify Prosecutor Karim
Weekly News Recap (17 – 23 November 2025) © Photo by Middle East Children’s Alliance via Flickr International Justice Section ICC: Prosecutors Seek Life Sentence for Darfur Militia Leader Ali Kushayb Following Crimes Against Humanity Conviction Germany: Trial Opens in Koblenz Over War Crimes Committed During Siege of Yarmouk France:
