Weekly News Recap (28 September - 4 October 2026)
© Photo by Julien Harneis via Flickr
International Justice Section
Türkiye: Court Convicts Comedian of Insulting President Erdogan
Italy: Court Sentences Three Egyptian Security Officials Over Giulio Regeni’s Abduction
US: Supreme Court Allows Trump Administration to Resume Third-Country Deportations
Kosovo: Court Orders Pre-Trial Detention of Nine Suspects in Zubin Potok War Crimes Case
ICC: Pre-Trial Chamber Declines to Close DRC II Situation
Nigeria: Special Criminal Court Issues Death Sentences in Kidnapping Trial
France: Court Convicts Six of Manslaughter Over Channel Migrant Deaths
US: Federal Court Enjoins Executive Branch from Implementing US$100,000 H-1B Visa Fee
Israel: Supreme Court Panel Advises Withdrawal of Disqualified Arab Parliamentary Candidate
International Peace & Security Section
Ukraine: Russian Drone Strikes Kill Civilians and Damage Civilian Infrastructure
UN: Security Council Extends Gang Suppression Force in Haiti for Six Months
UN: Security Council Hears Fighting Persists in DRC Despite Peace Efforts
UN: Refugee Agency Warns 8.3 Million People at Risk Due to Funding Cuts
Lebanon: UNICEF Warns of Severe Risks to Children Amid Humanitarian Crisis
UN: General Assembly Member States Debate Chinese and Russian Veto on Iran Sanctions Panel
Taiwan: US Sends Fighter Jets Amid Concerns Over Threat from China
Egypt: Authorities Arrest Independent Journalists in Apparent Forced Disappearances
International Justice Section
Türkiye: Court Convicts Comedian of Insulting President Erdogan
On 28 September 2026, a Turkish court convicted comedian Deniz Goktas of insulting President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and inciting hatred and enmity, following his detention since early July over remarks made during a stand-up performance in Istanbul. Goktas was sentenced to 11 months and 20 days for insulting the president and seven months and 15 days for “publicly inciting hatred and enmity”, according to Turkish broadcaster NTV. The court nevertheless ordered his release after he had spent almost three months in custody, with convicts generally eligible for release on licence after serving part of their sentences. Goktas denied the charges. The case arose from a performance that included references to Erdogan, the Koran, and imprisoned Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, and subsequently received more than 15 million views on YouTube. Dozens of supporters gathered outside the Istanbul courthouse calling for his release.
Italy: Court Sentences Three Egyptian Security Officials Over Giulio Regeni’s Abduction
On 28 September 2026, the Rome Assize Court sentenced three Egyptian security officials to 10 years in prison for the aggravated kidnapping of Italian researcher Giulio Regeni, who disappeared in Cairo in January 2016 and was found dead nine days later. The defendants, Hisham Helmi, Athar Kamel Mohamed Ibrahim, and Magdi Ibrahim Abdelal Sharif, were tried in absentia. A fourth defendant, Tariq Sabir, was acquitted. The convictions concerned Regeni’s abduction rather than his death. Sharif had also faced charges relating to Regeni’s injuries and death, but the court did not convict him on those charges. Italian prosecutors have maintained that members of Egypt’s security services abducted, detained, tortured, and killed Regeni, while Egyptian authorities have denied state involvement and disputed the Italian investigation. The proceedings followed years of disputes over evidence, judicial cooperation, and the defendants’ absence from Italy.
US: Supreme Court Allows Trump Administration to Resume Third-Country Deportations
On 29 September 2026, the US Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to resume deportations of immigrants to third countries while litigation over the removals continues. The unsigned order temporarily halted a ruling by a federal judge in Boston, who had required the administration to provide immigrants with a “meaningful” opportunity to raise safety concerns before they were removed to countries with which they had no connection. The lower court had found that some deportees may have been denied the opportunity to challenge their removal on due process grounds. The Supreme Court’s order did not provide an explanation or indicate how the justices voted, although Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Ketanji Brown Jackson, and Elena Kagan stated that they would have denied the administration’s request. The Court scheduled oral arguments in the case for December. The decision follows an earlier Supreme Court order in June 2025 that allowed third-country deportations to proceed, including the removal of nationals of Cuba, Myanmar, and Vietnam to South Sudan. UN human rights experts have urged the US to halt such removals, warning that deportees may face heightened risks of abuse, particularly vulnerable groups including children, trafficking victims, stateless persons, and human rights defenders.
Kosovo: Court Orders Pre-Trial Detention of Nine Suspects in Zubin Potok War Crimes Case
On 29 September 2026, the Basic Court in Pristina ordered one month of pre-trial detention for nine suspects investigated in connection with alleged war crimes against civilians during the 1998–1999 Kosovo war. The suspects were arrested following the discovery of the remains of at least 23 people at three locations in Zubin Potok, in northern Kosovo, believed to be connected to the disappearance of a group of 23 Albanian activists, professionals, and public figures from the Mitrovica area on 19 April 1999. The court found that detention was justified by risks that the suspects could obstruct the investigation, influence evidence or witnesses, evade prosecution, and become inaccessible to the Kosovo justice system. The court also noted that the suspects hold Serbian citizenship and reside in Serbia. The nine detainees bring the total number of suspects held in connection with the mass graves investigation to 13, with four others already in detention. Three of the recovered victims have been identified, while samples from the remains have been sent to the International Commission on Missing Persons in The Hague for DNA analysis. Kosovo authorities continue to investigate other locations linked to persons missing from the war.
ICC: Pre-Trial Chamber Declines to Close DRC II Situation
On 29 September 2026, International Criminal Court (ICC) Pre-Trial Chamber I decided to keep open the situation record concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo II (ICC-01/23), despite a request by the Prosecution to close it. The situation was assigned to the Chamber in June 2023 following a referral by the DRC concerning alleged Rome Statute crimes committed in North Kivu from January 2022. In 2024, the Prosecution determined that alleged crimes covered by the second referral fell within the scope of the ICC’s existing investigation into the DRC, opened in 2004, and would be investigated within that situation. In July 2026, the Prosecution invited the Chamber to close the DRC II situation record after providing information on the scope and progress of its investigation. The Chamber noted that the Prosecution had provided only limited and unspecific information on investigative steps and expressed reservations concerning the Prosecution’s position on the link between the two situations. It found that, under Regulation 66ter(2)(b) of the Court’s Regulations, it was not appropriate at this stage to close the record. The Chamber therefore ordered that the ICC-01/23 situation record remain open and directed the Registry to transfer relevant filings from the original DRC situation record. Future documents concerning the DRC II situation must be filed under ICC-01/23.
https://www.icc-cpi.int/sites/default/files/CourtRecords/0902ebd180f957c5.pdf
Nigeria: Special Criminal Court Issues Death Sentences in Kidnapping Trial
On 29 September 2026, the Edo State Special Criminal Court in Benin City sentenced four defendants to death following their convictions on multiple counts arising from the kidnapping of a woman in June 2026. Justice Aigbona Momodu delivered the court’s first judgment in a kidnapping case since the special court was established. The defendants, Marvellous Isaac, Wisdom Michael, Rufus Emete Michael, and Gift Raphael, had been tried on an 11-count charge involving kidnapping, conspiracy, armed robbery, cultism, and unlawful possession of firearms. The court imposed death sentences on specified counts, with additional prison terms for the defendants. Isaac also received a life sentence on one count, while the others received seven-year terms on the first count. The court ordered the confiscation and destruction of a pump-action firearm and four cartridges presented as evidence.
https://www.channelstv.com/2026/09/29/special-court-sentences-four-to-death-for-kidnapping-in-edo/
ECtHR: Committee Judgment Finds Türkiye Violated Fair-Trial and Legality Principles in Convictions Based on ByLock Evidence
On 29 September 2026, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) delivered a Committee judgment in the case of Parun and Others v. Türkiye, concerning 345 applications arising from criminal convictions for membership of an armed terrorist organisation, based decisively on the use of the “ByLock” encrypted messaging application. The Court found violations of Article 6 §1 of the European Convention on Human Rights, concerning the right to a fair trial, and Article 7, concerning the principle that no one may be convicted for an act that was not criminal under applicable law at the time it was committed. The judgment forms part of a series of ECtHR cases concerning convictions in Türkiye based on the use of ByLock as evidence of membership of an armed terrorist organisation. The Court’s finding concerned the applicants’ Convention rights in the circumstances of their domestic proceedings.
France: Court Convicts Six of Manslaughter Over Channel Migrant Deaths
On 30 September 2026, a Paris court convicted six men of manslaughter over the deaths of more than 30 migrants who drowned while attempting to cross the English Channel from France to the UK in November 2021. The victims, mostly Iraqi Kurds alongside Afghans, Ethiopians, and nationals of several other countries, died after an overloaded dinghy deflated during the crossing. 27 bodies were recovered and at least four victims remain missing; two people survived. The court found the six defendants directly or indirectly responsible for the deaths and sentenced them to between six and 10 years’ imprisonment. Seven other defendants were convicted of lesser offences relating to organised illegal immigration and criminal conspiracy, receiving sentences ranging from six months suspended to four years, while one defendant was acquitted. The victims’ families welcomed the judgment as confirmation of the smugglers’ criminal responsibility. The defendants have 10 days to appeal. Separately, French military personnel are under formal investigation over their alleged failure to assist the migrants. A British inquiry concluded in February 2026 that the deaths were avoidable, citing failures by both French and British responders.
US: Federal Court Enjoins Executive Branch from Implementing US$100,000 H-1B Visa Fee
On 30 September 2026, the US District Court for the Northern District of California blocked the implementation of a US$100,000 fee on new H-1B visa petitions for highly skilled foreign workers. Judge Haywood Gilliam granted the plaintiffs’ request for a preliminary injunction in part, preventing federal agencies from implementing provisions of a presidential proclamation requiring employers sponsoring certain H-1B applicants outside the US to pay the fee. The court found that the plaintiffs were likely to succeed in arguing that the administration had failed to comply with procedural requirements under the Administrative Procedure Act. The injunction will remain in effect until the Department of Homeland Security undertakes notice-and-comment rulemaking and conducts the required analysis of the proposed rule’s impact on small businesses. The ruling marked the second federal court decision blocking enforcement of the fee.
https://www.lawcommentary.com/articles/trump-100000-h1b-visa-fee-blocked-second-judge
Israel: Supreme Court Panel Advises Withdrawal of Disqualified Arab Parliamentary Candidate
On 1 October 2026, Israel’s Supreme Court heard appeals concerning decisions by the Central Elections Committee to disqualify Arab electoral lists and candidates ahead of the 27 October parliamentary election. During the hearing, a nine-justice panel advised Balad party leader Sami Abu Shehadeh to withdraw his candidacy, with Supreme Court President Yitzhak Amit stating that a majority of the judges favoured disqualifying him. Abu Shehadeh was given until Friday to withdraw; otherwise, the court was expected to issue a ruling on his disqualification. The proceedings concerned allegations that Abu Shehadeh had expressed support for armed struggle, which he denied, stating that his remarks had been taken out of context and that he opposed violence.
International Peace & Security Section
Ukraine: Russian Drone Strikes Kill Civilians and Damage Civilian Infrastructure
On 28 September 2026, it was reported that seven people were killed and 80 others were injured following intense Russian drone attacks in the Kyiv region of Ukraine. Among the sites hit were apartments, gas stations, offices, data centres, and the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. The academy is just the latest cultural landmark to be damaged in Kyiv. Russia has launched drone attacks on Ukrainian cities and towns without respite, with the aim of weakening the country’s resilience and economy. Kyiv’s Mayor Vitali Klitschko described Russia’s campaign as one of “pure terror” against civilians. Russia routinely hits civilian areas through airstrikes, although it claims to just target military sites. At the same time, Ukraine claimed it recently recaptured land from the Russians along the eastern front line in the Donetsk region, in the context of otherwise stagnated troop movements on land during the past year of the war. Ukraine has also launched long-range drone strikes on the southwestern region of Russia, targeting fuel depots and industrial plants. The continued fighting comes amid diplomatic attempts to advance peace negotiations at the UN General Assembly in New York.
https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-attack-front-line-d640f7f9862fdd801256f7208eb229d8
UN: Security Council Extends Gang Suppression Force in Haiti for Six Months
On 29 September 2026, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) adopted resolution 2829 (2026), extending the mandate of the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) in Haiti for another six months, until 31 March 2027. The draft was put forward by the US and Panama as the co-penholders on Haiti and was passed with 12 votes in favour and three abstentions from China, Russia, and Pakistan. The extension aims to improve security conditions ahead of Haiti’s constitutional referendum and general elections, scheduled for 13 December 2026. The decision comes amid continued gang violence, including an attack in Kenscoff on 23 August that killed at least 47 people and an attack in the Artibonite region on 28 September in which a gang killed at least 11 residents, reportedly in retaliation for a GSF operation. The force also remains well below its authorised strength, at less than 30% of its intended size. Mr Pierre Ericq Pierre, Haiti’s Permanent Representative to the UN, welcomed the decision and called for the troops, equipment, and operational support the force needs to deploy fully.
https://press.un.org/en/2026/sc16466.doc.htm
https://www.afp.com/en/un-security-council-extends-haiti-anti-gang-force-6-months
UN: Security Council Hears Fighting Persists in DRC Despite Peace Efforts
On 29 September 2026, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) held a briefing regarding the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). James Swan, Head of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), said diplomatic efforts had continued under the Washington, Doha, and African Union-led processes, with the mission helping to monitor the ceasefire. Even so, fighting between government forces and the March 23 Movement (M23) continues in the east, and armed group attacks still threaten civilians, force displacement, and disrupt humanitarian aid. Swan also raised concerns about conflict-related sexual violence and the country’s worst Ebola outbreak on record, which had killed 3,901 people by 26 September. He noted that Kinshasa has announced a voluntary disarmament process for the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR). Rwanda’s representative insisted that the group must be fully neutralised, pointing out that the UN has committed more than US$30 billion to eastern DRC since 1999 without resolving its core security concerns. The DRC’s representative, in turn, condemned a recent Rwandan strike and urged the Council to ensure that all parties implement their commitments. MONUSCO’s mandate is due for renewal in December.
UN: Refugee Agency Warns 8.3 Million People at Risk Due to Funding Cuts
On 29 September 2026, the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, warned that 8.3 million refugees, forcibly displaced people, and stateless people are on the cusp of losing critical life-saving aid due to global funding cuts. Between 2024 and 2025, available funding decreased from US$5.178 billion to US$3.932 billion, a new report by the agency showed. Despite growing needs for its services, UNHCR is facing a considerable funding gap this year, having received only 32% of required funding by July. The funding shortfalls are having severe impacts on people’s ability to receive cash grants in countries like Afghanistan, which has seen over a million people returned in just 2026. People have also been severely affected in countries like Chad and Ethiopia, where refugees are exposed to detention, children risk losing protection, and survivors of sexual violence and gender-based violence could lose safe spaces and critical care. Despite staff cuts and office closures last year, UNHCR said its most urgent services are now impacted by funding shortfalls. It highlighted the importance of flexible funding, which allows the agency to redirect resources where the need is greatest, and urged donors and partners for support at such a critical time.
Lebanon: UNICEF Warns of Severe Risks to Children Amid Humanitarian Crisis
On 30 September 2026, the UN children’s rights agency, UNICEF, alerted to high levels of hunger among children in Lebanon. The agency warned that children in at least one in five households go to bed hungry and similarly high numbers of families lack sufficient drinking water. Moreover, four in five households are struggling to afford basic necessities. Despite the ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel reached on 17 April this year, Israel has continued to launch airstrikes and carry out demolitions in southern Lebanon. Restricted access to humanitarian aid and a worsening economic situation have forced many children into work. The conflict has also damaged or destroyed more than 400 schools, placing some 100,000 children at risk of losing their education. Children are facing severe psychological impacts, as well as reduced prospects, as a result of the conflict and resulting economic crisis. In response, UNICEF has ramped up its humanitarian services since the start of 2026, treating injured children, delivering life-saving supplies, and aiding displaced families. The agency highlighted the urgency of the situation, and the need to act now to protect children from long-term harms that extend beyond childhood. It reiterated the need to protect children’s right to education, health care, protection, and future opportunities.
UN: General Assembly Member States Debate Chinese and Russian Veto on Iran Sanctions Panel
On 1 October 2026, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) met to debate the veto by China and Russia in the Security Council on 17 September, which blocked a US draft resolution that would have extended the mandate of the Panel of Experts monitoring sanctions on Iran until September 2027. The draft received 11 votes in favour, with Pakistan and Somalia abstaining. Under the veto initiative established in 2022, the Assembly must meet within 10 working days of any veto. At the centre of the dispute is whether UN sanctions on Iran are in force at all. In September 2025, France, Germany, and the UK triggered the “snapback” mechanism of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), citing alleged Iranian violations, a move rejected by China and Russia as legally and procedurally flawed. China’s representative stated the veto was intended to preserve diplomatic efforts, while the UK warned that without the panel the Council would find it harder to oversee Iran’s nuclear programme, insisting that the sanctions remain fully in force. The EU’s delegation stressed that no member state should prevent the Security Council from functioning properly.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2026/10/1168505
https://press.un.org/en/2026/sc16455.doc.htm
https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202610/02/WS6abf1716e4b06d4aa056133b.html
Taiwan: US Sends Fighter Jets Amid Concerns Over Threat from China
On 2 October 2026, Taiwan received two F-16V Block 70 fighter jets from the US, as part of a long-standing US$8 billion order for 66 aircraft dating back to US President Trump’s first term. The handover had been delayed for months after Beijing pressed Washington to halt weapons sales to the island, which China regards as its own. Taiwanese defence minister Wellington Koo indicated more jets would follow before year’s end. The delivery came just a week after Trump’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, at a moment when Taipei has been increasingly wary about how committed the US remains to supplying it militarily. In May, Trump announced he was holding off on a further US$14 billion arms package, despite clearing an US$11 billion deal in December 2025. A State Department spokesperson insisted US policy toward Taiwan was unchanged. The upgraded jets bring stronger radar, weapons, and avionics meant to help Taiwan counter Chinese aircraft such as the J-20, though Washington has continued to hold back top-tier fighters like the F-22 and F-35 from Taiwanese hands.
Egypt: Authorities Arrest Independent Journalists in Apparent Forced Disappearances
On 2 October 2026, it was reported that Egyptian authorities arrested and allegedly forcibly disappeared the full editorial team of Matsadaash, one of the few independent media outlets in the country. The government claimed the six members belonged to the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood and received foreign funding to produce false news. Matsadaash’s co-founder, Abdelrahman Mansour, has dismissed these as false accusations and framed the arrests within a broader government crackdown on the free press. The whereabouts of all six journalists remain unknown, and their families and lawyers have been unable to contact them. The arrests spurred more than 80 international and regional human rights groups, civil society organisations, and independent media groups to sign a petition calling for the immediate release of the journalists. The groups called out a deteriorating and stifling environment for independent media in Egypt. The Committee to Protect Journalists ranks Egypt among the countries with the highest number of imprisoned journalists worldwide.