Weekly News Recap (18 - 24 May 2026)
© Photo by Aerous via Wikimedia Commons
International Justice Section
Yemen: Court Sentences 19 to Death for Alleged Collaboration with Saudi-Led Coalition
Bahrain: Court Sentences Man to Life Imprisonment for Alleged Links to IRGC and Hezbollah
Philippines: Supreme Court Rejects Senator Ronald Dela Rosa’s Request to Block ICC Arrest Warrant
ICC: Pre-Trial Chamber Concludes Confirmation of Charges Hearing in El Hishri Case
ICC: Orders Continued Detention of Former Philippines President Duterte
International Peace & Security Section
US: Pauses Joint Defence Board with Canada
Bolivia: Protests Escalate as President Paz Faces Growing Pressure
China-Russia: Deepen Strategic Coordination and Signal United Front Against US During Beijing Summit
Iraq: Authorities Deny Reports of Secret Israeli Military Bases in Western Iraq
UN: General Assembly Adopts Resolution Supporting ICJ Advisory Opinion on Climate Obligations
UN: Security Council Warns of Alarming Scale of Civilian Harm Across 20-Armed Conflicts
International Justice Section
Yemen: Court Sentences 19 to Death for Alleged Collaboration with Saudi-Led Coalition
On 18 May 2026, the Specialised Criminal Court in Sanaa sentenced 19 individuals to death after they were convicted of collaborating with the Saudi-led coalition involved in Yemen’s civil war. The defendants were found guilty in the Houthi-controlled court of establishing an armed group that supported Saudi-led coalition operations between 2015 and 2023, including attacks on Houthi-manned checkpoints and security facilities in Dhale province. The verdicts remain subject to appeal. In a statement, the Houthi-run Justice Ministry said four additional defendants received prison sentences ranging from two to 10 years. Furthermore, the Justice Ministry stated charges against five others were dropped as they had already died before the proceedings concluded. Courts in areas under Houthi control have previously issued death sentences in cases related to alleged collaboration with the Saudi-led coalition, proceedings that rights groups have criticised for not meeting fair trial standards.
https://apnews.com/article/yemen-war-houthis-court-50dbd3ef6b5fe6319336b2492340e219
Bahrain: Court Sentences Man to Life Imprisonment for Alleged Links to IRGC and Hezbollah
On 18 May 2026, Bahrain’s High Criminal Court imposed a life sentence on an individual after finding him guilty of espionage and affiliation with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Hezbollah. Bahrain’s Terrorism Crimes Prosecution reported that the defendant had gathered and passed on sensitive information to a foreign state with the intent of executing hostile and terrorist acts against Bahrain, in addition to endorsing hostile activities. Furthermore, the court mandated the confiscation of seized materials. An investigation from the General Directorate of Criminal Investigation and Forensic Science claimed that Hezbollah recruited the defendant after he allegedly sought to join the group. Authorities claimed that he had been instructed to send photos, videos, and information concerning the aftermath of Iranian attacks on Bahrain to electronic accounts allegedly managed from Iran and overseen by the IRGC and Iranian intelligence. Authorities reported that during questioning, the defendant admitted to the allegations and that the charges were supported by forensic analysis of electronic devices. Bahraini officials also stated that the defendant received legal representation and due process guarantees throughout the hearings.
South Korea: Former Defence Minister Sentenced for Obstruction of Justice in Connection to 2024 Martial Law Declaration
On 20 May 2026, the Seoul Central District Court sentenced former South Korean Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun to three years in prison after finding him guilty of obstruction in relation to former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s 2024 declaration of martial law. The court held that Kim had deceived the Presidential Security Service into issuing a secure phone on 2 December 2024, one day before the declaration of martial law, which was then transferred to Noh Sang-won, a former military intelligence commander. The phone was allegedly used by Noh in activities related to the enforcement of martial law under Yoon’s directive. Additionally, Kim was convicted of destroying evidence, instructing an aide to dispose of documents related to the martial law decree. Prosecutors requested a five-year prison sentence; however, the court opted for a lower sentence, taking into account his lack of prior criminal convictions. The case marked the first indictment by the special prosecutor’s team formed in June 2025 to investigate allegations surrounding Yoon’s attempted martial law declaration. Kim is also facing a separate appellate process in a related martial law case, where he was sentenced to 30 years in prison.
https://en.sedaily.com/society/2026/05/19/breaking-news-ex-defense-minister-kim-yong-hyun-sentenced
Philippines: Supreme Court Rejects Senator Ronald Dela Rosa’s Request to Block ICC Arrest Warrant
On 20 May 2026, the Philippine Supreme Court rejected Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa’s request for a temporary restraining order (TRO) and/or a status quo ante order (SQAO) seeking to prevent his arrest, detention, or transfer in connection with an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant over alleged crimes against humanity during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-drug campaign. The Court denied his petition in a 9-5-1 vote, rejecting the request to temporarily block enforcement of the ICC warrant without a domestic court’s authorisation. The Court clarified that its decision addressed only the request for interim relief, while the substantive issues in the case are still awaiting resolution. The Court said the full resolution and separate opinions will be released on 25 May 2026.
ICC: Pre-Trial Chamber Concludes Confirmation of Charges Hearing in El Hishri Case
On 21 May 2026, Pre-Trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court (ICC) concluded the confirmation of charges hearing in the case The Prosecutor v. Khaled Mohamed Ali El Hishri concerning alleged crimes committed at Mitiga Prison in Tripoli, Libya, between 2014 and 2020. During the proceedings, the judges heard oral submissions from the Prosecutor, the Legal Representatives of Victims, and the Defence. Prosecutors allege that El Hishri, a senior official at the detention facility who oversaw the women’s wing at Mitiga Prison operated by the Special Deterrence Force (Rada), was responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity involving unlawful imprisonment, torture, rape, murder, persecution, enslavement, and other abuses against detainees. The defence told judges that the defendant denied the charges and challenged the Court’s jurisdiction under Article 19 of the Rome Statute. Judges will now begin deliberations and are expected to release a written decision within 60 days determining whether there is sufficient evidence to confirm the charges, in full or in part, and proceed to trial.
https://www.icc-cpi.int/news/icc-concludes-confirmation-charges-hearing-el-hishri-case
https://www.reuters.com/world/icc-prosecutors-say-libyan-suspect-was-notorious-torturer-2026-05-19/
Belgium: Prosecutors Launch Investigation into Possible Involvement of Belgian Citizens in ‘Sniper Safaris’ During Bosnian War
On 22 May 2026, Belgian prosecutors opened an investigation into the potential participation of Belgian citizens in alleged “sniper safaris” during the 1992-1996 war in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The investigation follows proceedings launched in Milan in November 2025 into claims that foreign nationals had travelled to Sarajevo and paid substantial sums of money to take part in the shooting of civilians during the siege. The allegations originate from research conducted by Italian journalist Ezio Gavazzeni, who alleges that individuals from multiple European countries, including Belgium, France, Germany, and Italy, may have engaged in the killing of civilians in Sarajevo. His findings indicate that individuals paid up to €100,000 per person to participate in such activities. Belgian prosecutors said the investigation was initiated based on information in media reports but did not provide any further details. In addition, Austrian authorities have reportedly opened a related investigation into the possible participation of Austrian nationals.
https://sarajevotimes.com/belgium-launches-investigation-into-sniper-safaris-during-bosnian-war/
ICC: Orders Continued Detention of Former Philippines President Duterte
On 22 May 2026, Trial Chamber III of the International Criminal Court (ICC) ordered the continued detention of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, rejecting the defence’s argument for his release. Duterte is accused of crimes against humanity and will remain detained pending trial. The defence argued that the 81-year-old’s declining health and cognitive impairment warranted conditional release, but the Court unanimously rejected the application, finding that the requirements under Article 58(1)(b)(i) and (ii) of the Rome Statute were satisfied, including that Duterte posed a flight risk and could obstruct justice. The Court stated that three court-appointed medical experts previously examined Duterte’s health condition and found no grounds to alter Duterte’s detention. Judges also referred to Duterte’s refusal to attend his confirmation of charges hearing, where he stated, “I do not recognise the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court over my person.” The Court said this demonstrated that Duterte would not comply with orders made if he was granted conditional release. This latest decision upholds multiple previous rulings, with Duterte remaining in ICC custody in The Hague awaiting trial.
https://www.icc-cpi.int/sites/default/files/CourtRecords/0902ebd180e89433.pdf
International Peace & Security Section
US: Pauses Joint Defence Board with Canada
On 18 May 2026, the US announced it would suspend its participation in a joint defence board with Canada dating back to the Second World War, accusing Ottawa of failing to meet its military commitments. US Undersecretary of Defence Elbridge Colby said Washington would halt its involvement in the Permanent Joint Board on Defence in order to “reassess” the forum’s value, arguing that Canada had not made “credible progress” on defence obligations. The decision marks the latest sign of deteriorating relations between the Trump administration and several Western allies over military spending and security responsibilities. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticised allied countries for relying too heavily on US military power, despite recent pledges by most NATO members to increase defence spending. Canada, under Prime Minister Mark Carney, committed to raising defence expenditures while also seeking to reduce the country’s dependence on the US economically and militarily. Relations between Washington and Ottawa have become increasingly strained since Trump returned to office in 2025. Alongside disputes over defence policy, Trump has imposed tariffs on Canadian imports and repeatedly suggested that Canada could become the “51st state” of the US, comments that have fuelled political tensions between the two neighbours ahead of upcoming negotiations over a revised North American free trade agreement.
Bolivia: Protests Escalate as President Paz Faces Growing Pressure
On 18 May 2026, violent clashes erupted in Bolivia as supporters of former President Evo Morales marched on the capital, La Paz, demanding the resignation of President Rodrigo Paz amid the country’s worst economic crisis in decades. After a six-day march through the Andes, thousands of demonstrators confronted riot police in the capital, where security forces used tear gas against protesters armed with dynamite sticks and slingshots. The unrest follows more than two weeks of nationwide roadblocks and strikes that have caused shortages of fuel, food and medical supplies across the country. Paz, Bolivia’s first conservative president after nearly two decades of socialist rule, has struggled to contain growing anger over economic reforms and cuts to fuel subsidies introduced since taking office in November 2025. While the government has reached agreements with some striking groups, including miners and teachers, protests led by Morales-linked organisations have continued to intensify. Authorities say at least 90 people have been arrested as police and military forces attempt to dismantle roadblocks nationwide. Facing mounting pressure, Paz announced on 20 May that he would reshuffle his cabinet in an effort to ease tensions and restore dialogue with protesters. His government has accused Morales of orchestrating the unrest to destabilise the country, while Morales’s allies claim the demonstrations reflect widespread frustration with worsening economic conditions and free-market reforms. The crisis has also deepened regional tensions, with the administration of US President Donald Trump voicing support for Paz and Bolivia expelling the Colombian ambassador after President Gustavo Petro described the protests as a “popular insurrection”.
OHCHR: Report Documents Atrocity Crimes and Large-Scale Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory
On 18 May 2026, Ajith Sunghay, Head of the UN Human Rights Office in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT), presented a comprehensive report at a press conference in Geneva documenting 19 months of large-scale violations of international law, covering the period from October 2023 to May 2025. The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) finds that Palestinian armed groups committed war crimes and possible crimes against humanity in and after October 2023, including the killing of at least 1,124 people in Israel, the taking and holding of hostages, and sustained unguided missile fire into Israel. The report also finds that Israel committed war crimes and possible crimes against humanity in Gaza and the West Bank, and concludes that the totality of Israeli conduct in Gaza raises serious concern about compliance with the obligation to prevent acts within the scope of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. The Israeli military has killed 72,769 Palestinians in Gaza since October 2023, including in hospitals, schools, and places of worship. In the West Bank, 1,096 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers since October 2023, 45 entire communities have been displaced by settler violence, and Israeli settlement expansion has increased by 80% under the current government. Torture and ill-treatment of Palestinian detainees in Israeli custody, including sexual violence, is documented as routine. Despite a ceasefire concluded in October 2025, killings and destruction have continued daily. Sunghay warned that persistent impunity for violations by all parties remains the central driver of recurrence, and called on third states to take all measures at their disposal to end the occupation and ensure accountability.
China-Russia: Deepen Strategic Coordination and Signal United Front Against US During Beijing Summit
On 20 May 2026, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin signalled a united front against the US during talks in Beijing, warning against a return to the “law of the jungle” in global affairs. In a joint statement, China and Russia criticised US President Donald Trump’s proposed US$175bn “Golden Dome” missile defence system, as well as the collapse of the last remaining US-Russia arms control treaty after Washington failed to extend it earlier this year. The summit took place just days after Trump visited Beijing for talks with Xi amid the ongoing US-Israeli war with Iran. Both leaders emphasised deepening strategic coordination and political trust in what they described as an increasingly chaotic and fragmented world order. Xi called for an urgent ceasefire in Iran and warned against renewed hostilities, while Putin said Moscow and Beijing would pursue an “independent and sovereign” foreign policy together. Energy cooperation also featured prominently in the discussions, with Russia seeking to strengthen exports to China as Western sanctions continue to isolate Moscow economically following the war in Ukraine. Although the two sides signed dozens of agreements covering trade, tourism, and education, no final agreement was reached on the long-delayed Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline. The meeting nevertheless underlined the increasingly close relationship between Beijing and Moscow as both countries seek to challenge US influence and promote a more multipolar global order.
Iraq: Authorities Deny Reports of Secret Israeli Military Bases in Western Iraq
On 20 May 2026, Iraqi authorities denied reports that Israel had established covert military bases in western Iraq, while acknowledging that an Israeli force had briefly operated in the desert between Najaf and Karbala during the war with Iran earlier this year. The controversy followed reports by The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal claiming Israel had secretly built makeshift outposts in Iraq to support air operations against Iran, including refuelling, logistics, and search-and-rescue missions for pilots, with one of the sites reportedly being prepared since late 2024. Iraqi officials rejected claims that permanent foreign military camps existed on Iraqi territory, insisting the Israeli presence lasted less than 48 hours and had since been resolved. However, the reports sparked criticism over Baghdad’s ability to protect national sovereignty, with officials facing accusations of failing to detect foreign military activity for several days. Iraqi authorities also reportedly lodged a private protest with the US in March over the alleged operations, which were described as a violation of Iraqi sovereignty. The alleged Israeli activity comes amid heightened regional tensions following the US-Israel war on Iran and growing pressure on Iraq from both Washington and Tehran. Iranian officials accused Israel of seeking to destabilise the region, while Washington has continued pressuring Iraqi authorities to curb the influence and operations of Iran-backed armed groups inside the country. The reports have heightened concerns over Iraq’s sovereignty as regional powers compete for influence across Southwest Asia.
https://english.aawsat.com/arab-world/5275216-authorities-deny-existence-second-israeli-base-iraq
UN: General Assembly Adopts Resolution Supporting ICJ Advisory Opinion on Climate Obligations
On 20 May 2026, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution supporting the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the obligations of states in respect of climate change, which the Court delivered in July 2025. The resolution was tabled by Vanuatu alongside a cross-regional core group and passed with 141 votes in favour, 8 against, and 28 abstentions, with 90 states co-sponsoring the text. The ICJ Advisory Opinion clarified that States have a legal obligation under international law to prevent and remedy harm to the climate system, holding that climate obligations are not limited to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement, but arise from a broader framework of international law. The Advisory Opinion also noted that fossil fuel subsidies, new exploration licences, and unchecked emissions are conduct which may be considered wrongful acts capable of triggering State responsibility. The resolution requests the Secretary-General António Guterres to submit a report outlining ways to advance state adherence to obligations related to the advisory opinion. Pacific Island and small island developing states were the principal drivers of the initiative, with Vanuatu’s Minister of Climate Change Ralph Regenvanu stating that the vote affirmed climate change as a matter of law, justice, and human rights. Secretary-General Guterres welcomed the adoption as an affirmation that the international climate framework remains alive at a moment of acute pressure on multilateralism, noting that the resolution represents the first step in a broader process of implementation and accountability.
https://press.un.org/en/2026/ga12760.doc.htm
https://www.icj-cij.org/sites/default/files/case-related/187/187-20250723-pre-01-00-en.pdf
UN: Security Council Warns of Alarming Scale of Civilian Harm Across 20-Armed Conflicts
On 20 May 2026, the UN Security Council held its annual open debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict, convened under the presidency of China. Edem Wosornu, Director of the Crisis Response Division of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs briefed Council members alongside the International Committee of the Red Cross President Mirjana Spoljaric Egger. Drawing on the Secretary-General’s annual civilian protection report, Wosornu reported that over 37,000 civilian deaths were recorded across 20-armed conflicts in 2025, equivalent to approximately one death every 14 minutes, representing the first annual decline after three consecutive years of sharp increases, though the overall toll remained severe. By May 2026, 144 humanitarian workers had already been killed, injured, abducted, or detained. Wosornu also highlighted the escalating role of new military technologies in intensifying harm, noting that armed drone use across conflicts increased by 4,000% between 2020 and 2024, frequently deployed in densely populated areas with devastating physical and psychological consequences for civilian populations. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Sudan, Ukraine, and the Occupied Palestinian Territory were identified as the principal drivers of the mounting toll. Wosornu characterised these patterns not as inevitable but as choices made by conflict parties to disregard international humanitarian law and to embrace impunity, adding that 147 million people faced acute food insecurity in 2025, driven largely by conflict.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2026/05/1167554
Belarus-Russia: Conduct Joint Nuclear Exercises with Simulated Missile Launches and Munitions Deployment
On 21 May 2026, Russia and Belarus concluded a series of joint nuclear exercises, with President Aliaksandr Lukashenka personally visiting a missile brigade in the Asipovichy District, where the Chief of the General Staff briefed him on the exercise concept, and Lukashenka inspected the brigade’s vehicle fleet and command post. Belarus had commenced the exercises on 18 May 2026, with Russia conducting simultaneous manoeuvres from 19 May. On 20 May, one of Belarus’s missile units moved covertly into its designated area, where combat crews prepared Iskander-M operational-tactical missile systems to receive special munitions, loaded them onto launchers, and simulated missile launches against designated targets. Carrier aircraft also conducted training sorties and simulated bombing using special munitions against a mock enemy. On 21 May, the Russian Defence Ministry announced that nuclear munitions had been delivered to field storage sites in the deployment area of a missile brigade in Belarus, releasing video footage of MAZ trucks transporting and unloading the munitions at night before daylight loading of the Iskander system. The broader Russian exercise involved more than 64,000 personnel, over 7,800 pieces of military equipment, more than 200 missile launchers, approximately 140 aircraft, 73 surface ships, and 13 submarines, including eight strategic missile submarines. Belarus shares borders with Ukraine and with three NATO member states, Poland, Latvia, and Lithuania, underscoring the regional security implications of these exercises.
https://reform.news/en/belarus-simulated-bombing-as-part-of-nuclear-drills