The risk of speaking out: rethinking victim and witness protection in universal jurisdiction proceedings
Universal jurisdiction is often hailed as a last resort for justice, yet victims and witnesses face severe risks when speaking out. Drawing on cases from Liberia, this article examines threats, protection gaps, and the urgent need for stronger, victim-centred safeguards beyond convictions.
International justice in 2025: threatened with death, yet unstoppable
U.S. sanctions against its judges and prosecutors, contempt for its authority: attacks against the International Criminal Court continue relentlessly. National courts, however, have picked up the mantle in prosecuting international crimes and this movement has now become the true flagship of international criminal justice.
Finally criminalizing torture in Switzerland to protect us all
Switzerland, despite its historic role in advancing global anti-torture conventions, still lacks a national law criminalizing torture. Director of Civitas Maxima and laywer Alain Werner urges Parliament to correct this gap, aligning Swiss law with international standards to ensure accountability, justice, and protection for all.
Ignazio Cassis’s reckless remarks on Vladimir Putin in Switzerland
Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis’s suggestion to grant Vladimir Putin immunity for peace talks undermines international justice. Alain Werner, director of Civitas Maxima, warns that such a move, though legally possible, would violate Switzerland’s obligations to the ICC and weaken its credibility as a defender of international law.
Israelis documenting crimes committed in Gaza
Israeli journalists, academics, and rights groups are documenting atrocities in Gaza, exposing mass civilian deaths, deliberate attacks, and use of human shields. Their evidence, corroborated internationally, forms a crucial record against impunity—ensuring these crimes cannot be erased, even amid political pressure to silence accountability.
Stand firm in support of all quests for justice
As war today seems to be the only agenda for some major powers, including a war against justice itself, all those who still uphold the values of international law must unite on the side of all victims, without discrimination, and support any genuine pursuit of justice, writes Alain Werner, director of Civitas Maxima.
The arrest of Rodrigo Duterte, a monumental first for international justice
For the first time, a former head of state will appear before the International Criminal Court in The Hague for crimes against humanity committed against his own citizens during peacetime, notes international lawyer Alain Werner, who follows each month what pushes — or fails to push — justice forward.
The passionate defense of law
The world urgently needs a public mobilization around humanitarian law and the necessity of maintaining minimum standards of humanity in war. Switzerland, as the depository state of the Geneva Conventions, should be at the forefront, actively advocating for all victims of violations of international humanitarian law and defending this law with passion.
International Women’s Day 2025: Civitas Maxima’s tribute to women human rights defenders
As International Women’s Day is celebrated worldwide, Civitas Maxima would like to pay tribute to women lawyers who dedicate their career to international justice and human rights. Among these women, are the many interns we have welcomed, who have kept the memory of a stimulating experience and supportive workplace.
The monumental challenge posed to the Geneva Conventions by the new U.S. Administration
The new U.S. administration is targeting both the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the Geneva Conventions, as evidenced by the new Secretary of Defense’s stance on international humanitarian law. It is time to wake up, writes Alain Werner, director of the NGO Civitas Maxima.
Justice in Syria: the immense challenge facing lawyers
While national courts have been able to address cases of international crimes involving the Syrian state, it now falls to Syrian lawyers to achieve the democratic overhaul of their judicial system and provide justice for the victims—a challenge that deserves all our solidarity, writes Alain Werner, director of Civitas Maxima.
The Sperisen case: model of fair proceedings
The Sperisen case: model of fair proceedings The dramatic fall of the Syrian regime ten days ago has once again highlighted the growing importance of national jurisdictions in prosecuting the most serious international crimes. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has no jurisdiction over crimes committed in Syria, and therefore, should Bashar al-Assad or other senior…
The International Criminal Court facing potential paralysis
The ICC has attracted global attention with its spectacular arrest warrants against Putin and Netanyahu. However, the return of the Republicans in the United States might seal the ICC’s future inability to act, through a law that will sanction anyone collaborating with it.
Lutheran Church massacre: ECOWAS Court disillusions Liberian victims
The ECOWAS Court dismissed claims urging Liberia to investigate the 1990 Lutheran Church massacre, citing jurisdictional limits. This ruling highlights challenges for victims seeking justice for past atrocities in West Africa.
The Pinochet case: Juan Garcés’ fight against impunity
During his visit to Geneva in early October, Civitas Maxima had the honor of welcoming Juan Garcés, a Spanish lawyer and the man behind the arrest, 26 years ago, of former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet. He spoke about this battle, which paved a new path for justice in the pursuit of the gravest crimes.
One year after 7th October: the limited impact of international justice
The tragic events that have unfolded since October 7, 2023, in Israel and Palestine have triggered a historically unprecedented wave of global judicial activity. Although some tangible results have been achieved over the past year, the overall impact remains very limited.
When politics muzzles justice
Anyone working to deliver justice for victims of international crimes knows that the judicial process can be hindered by political considerations at every stage. Recent news has once again reminded us of this harsh truth.
The importance of cleaning up your own backyard
The Statute of the ICC is based on the principle of complementarity. It will only act if the competent state is “unwilling” or unable to investigate or prosecute. Alain Werner highlights that coastal West Africa sets an example for the rest of the continent in terms of transitional justice. The results are more mixed for…
How can we judge those who escape justice?
The International Criminal Court cannot try high-ranking political leaders in their absence, even those for whom it has issued arrest warrants, which limits its actions. However, a recent development could help bring changes to the current system.
International crimes never die (but their perpetrators age)
International crimes are not subject to statute of limitations, but what can be done when their perpetrators, sometimes tried decades after the facts, have become senile, demented, and can no longer understand the proceedings?
Compensation for victims of mass crimes after all?
While he welcomes the intense recent developments in the field of international law, with several cases of states or suspects under judicial scrutiny. Alain Werner, director of Civitas Maxima, warns that one should not raise hopes of compensation for victims of mass crimes without being able to ensure that these compensations can actually be provided.
Is the European Union responsible for crimes against humanity?
“If you think too many people are being killed, perhaps you should provide fewer weapons,” said the EU’s chief diplomat, Josep Borrell. He also needs to clean up his own house, writes Alain Werner, director of Civitas Maxima.
No More “Lack Of Political Will” When It Comes to War-Related Impunity; President Boakai’s Unsaid Words Bring Hope to Liberians
No More “Lack Of Political Will” When It Comes to War-Related Impunity; President Boakai’s Unsaid Words Bring Hope to Liberians “We have decided to set up an office to explore the feasibility for the establishment of War and Economic Crimes Court (WECC) to provide an opportunity for those who bear the greatest responsibility for war…
Towards a greater universality of international law?
South Africa’s request against Israel at the International Court of Justice will have a major impact if provisional measures are ordered, explains Alain Werner, director of Civitas Maxima. Today, more than 100 states are involved in ongoing cases before the ICJ, thereby taking hold of international law.
International crimes never die
Crimes committed in Ukraine and Syria, currently under investigation by judicial bodies, suggest that international justice, though slow, is progressing inexorably, explains Alain Werner, director of Civitas Maxima.
Europe does not have a monopoly on justice for international crimes
In Argentina, it is possible to file complaints for international crimes without the accused being in Argentina or having committed the crimes there; the Colombian Álvaro Uribe has just faced such charges, accused of forced disappearances. A model, according to Civitas Maxima’s director Alain Werner.
Justice in the Central African Republic: a model to follow?
The Special Criminal Court was created in 2015 in Bangui – under the sponsorship of the UN – by the government of the Central African Republic, one of the least developed countries, which plunged into a civil war in 2013, writes Alain Werner, director of Civitas Maxima.
Chopped up with an axe and a heart eaten out: some crimes never die
Not long ago, the appeal trial of Alieu Kosiah, a former rebel leader who committed atrocities during the First Liberian Civil War, took place. The Federal Criminal Court of Bellinzona sentenced him on June 1, 2023, for war crimes and, for the first time, crimes against humanity. Alain Werner, director of Civitas Maxima and lawyer…
For justice in Syria, hope comes from Geneva rather than The Hague
It remains to be seen whether Rifaat al-Assad will ever be tried in Switzerland for his alleged crimes. However, thanks to the persistence of Geneva-based Trial International and the Office of the Attorney General in Bern, an international arrest warrant for him, for war crimes, has now been issued.
Steps forward for international law in Ljubljana and Paris
COLUMN. The new Mutual Legal Assistance Convention of Ljubljana-The Hague is the first significant treaty in international criminal law since the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court in 1998, analyzes Alain Werner, who also sees improvements in Paris.
Benjamin Ferencz, a great man whose words are already missed
He reportedly shouted against Syria’s reintegration into the Arab League and Russia’s presidency of the Security Council. But the vocal advocate for international justice, who served as a prosecutor at Nuremberg, passed away in April at the age of 103. A tribute.
The International Criminal Court is finally at the center of the global game
The International Criminal Court is finally at the center of the global game After the failed prosecutions a few years back against former Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo, then former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, and former Deputy Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo Jean-Pierre Bemba, the International Criminal Court (ICC), based in The Hague,…
One-day judges and mass crimes
One-day judges and mass crimes OPINION. The oral proceedings of French trials surprised our columnist Alain Werner, director of Civitas Maxima, during the trial of Liberian warlord Kunti Kamara, which was just held in Paris. Appearing before a French “Cour d’assises” is a fascinating dive into the principle of orality, with a court that includes both…
Is it necessary to deny everything if one is accused of international crimes?
Is it necessary to deny everything if one is accused of international crimes? OPINION. They are accused – and convicted – of war crimes and crimes against humanity in West Africa, but do not recognize them, even partially, explains lawyer Alain Werner. Unless their lawyer, like François Roux, accompanies them on the path of asking…
What justice for Iran’s international crimes?
What justice for Iran’s international crimes? OPINION. Outside the UN General Assembly, Iran has just reiterated that its national Hamid Nouri, former prosecutor and prison officer, was illegally convicted in Sweden this summer. Thanks to universal jurisdiction, international justice is progressing, but, sometimes, politics twists the law, as our reporter stated. On July 14, 2022,…
GJRP’s Deputy Director Fayah Williams passes away
GJRP’s Deputy Director Fayah Williams passes away It is with great sadness that we communicate that Fayah Williams, Deputy Director of GJRP, passed away on April 12, 2022. Fayah had been part of GJRP since its creation in 2012, and was an integral part of the organization. One always felt seen by Fayah. His care…
Waiting for justice on Martina Johnson’s alleged war crimes in Liberia
Martina Johnson was allegedly involved in mutilations and mass killings during the first Liberian Civil War. Thirty years later, Johnson has yet to stand trial. In October 1992, the National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL) forced hundreds of mostly intoxicated child soldiers to attack Liberia’s Capital Monrovia. They were part of “Operation Octopus”, a four-month-long…
Legitimate military targets in the ongoing Ukraine/Russia conflict
Legitimate military targets in the ongoing Ukraine/Russia conflict The recent events that have occurred in Ukraine raise the issue of legitimate military targets. One should be aware that the conduct of hostilities is framed by rules and principles established by International Humanitarian Law (IHL). IHL aims at minimizing human suffering during armed conflicts by reaching…
Extraterritorial justice: a source of great hope for Yazidi victims
This is the first time that Daesh’s actions against the Yazidi community have been legally recognized as acts of genocide.
The Samson Effect: the Strength of Justice is in the Voices of Victims
The Samson Effect: the Strength of Justice is in the Voices of Victims The legend of Samson is known to many: in the biblical Book of Judges, the secret to Samson’s prodigious strength lay in his hair. When it was cut off, he was powerless and physically unremarkable. In criminal accountability, the voice and role…
Towards A New Crescendo
The plaintiffs were four survivors of the ruthless mass killing at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church on 29 July 1990. The church, adorned with Red Cross and UN flags, served as a shelter while it continued its religious services before it became the site of an inhumane massacre.
In Coppet, A Crime Against Humanity
In Coppet, A Crime Against Humanity The People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI), which played a major role in the opposition to the Shah’s regime, was subjected to a brutal repression organized by the new mullahs’ regime shortly after the fall of the Shah in 1979. Under the aegis of Ayatollah Khomeini, the suppression of…
The Fight Against Impunity at the Heart of Swiss Foreign Policy
The Fight Against Impunity at the Heart of Swiss Foreign Policy Compared to the rather meager efforts of the Federal Prosecutor’s Office in the field of universal jurisdiction, Switzerland has a good foreign policy track record in the area of international criminal law. In light of its longstanding humanitarian tradition, Switzerland has long been committed…
The Trial that Made Swiss Judges Go Down in History
The Trial that Made Swiss Judges Go Down in History On June 18, the Federal Criminal Court issued a judgment convicting Alieu Kosiah, Liberian national arrested in Lausanne, for war crimes committed during the First Civil War in Liberia. How and why were Swiss judges able to pass judgment on a foreign national who has…
Prosecution of crimes under international criminal law: a clarification!
Prosecution of Crimes Under International Criminal Law: a Clarification! By amending the Criminal Code in 2011, in particular from article 264 onwards, following the ratification of the Rome Statute 10 years earlier, the Swiss legislator opened up a new legal field. It entrusted the civil justice system, i.e. the Office of the Attorney General of…
International Justice: the Slowness of Switzerland
International Justice: the Slowness of Switzerland Despite the recent conviction of a Liberian warlord, Switzerland is still struggling to become a leading player in the fight against impunity for the most serious crimes. It is, however, well equipped to follow the lead of many European countries in prosecuting perpetrators of the worst atrocities. The analysis…
How can child soldiers be tried for crimes committed as adults?
This article first appeared on Le Temps on the 6th of May How can child soldiers be tried for crimes committed as adults? On the 6th of May, the judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC) will sentence Dominic Ongwen, a former Ugandan rebel commander and a former child soldier. His guilty verdict has already…
Standing for what is right: consequences of conflict on disability
Standing for what is right: consequences of conflict on disability We must treat every disabled person with equal respect and dignity, without discrimination. Disability doesn’t in any way mean inability. My experience when I became blind was a dramatic one, as I was not born blind. I developed blindness at a very young age but…
The Case of Liberian Child Soldiers
The Case of Liberian Child Soldiers There are a number of international legal instruments intended to safeguard children. These include the UN Declaration on the Rights of Children, stating that “the child, by reason of his physical and mental immaturity, needs special safeguards and care”, as well as the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and the two…
The Massaquoi trial Q&A
The Massaquoi trial Q&A The Finnish trial of Sierra Leonean national, Gibril Massaquoi, started in February in Finland but hearings of victims and witnesses will be conducted by Finnish judges in Liberia and then in Sierra Leone. This trial is spurring a lot of discussion and debate, not only because it sits within the broader…
How far should suspected war criminals who denounce others be protected? Finland has decided
This article first appeared on LeTemps on the 8th of February 2021. How far should suspected war criminals who denounce others be protected? Finland has decided Gibril Massaquoi, who the press has dubbed “the Judas of Sierra Leone”, did not see his own arrest coming, having so masterfully caused the arrest of his former brothers…
Finland has demonstrated its support for the victims and for the fight against impunity
Finland has demonstrated its support for the victims and for the fight against impunity Liberia was the theater of one of Africa’s most brutal conflicts – the first and second civil wars of 1989-1997 and 1999-2003, respectively. The wars not only destroyed the lives of hundreds of thousands of Liberians, but eventually spilled into neighboring…
Justice Delayed, Justice Denied?
Justice Delayed, Justice Denied? By Kelsey Guthrie-Jones, Capacity Building Coordinator and Legal Counsel at Civitas Maxima Civitas Maxima and the GJRP have seen many successes in the eight years since our establishment in 2012. Across Europe and in the U.S., we have contributed to the arrest, and/or conviction of 8 high-ranking former commanders or officials of…
