Each month, Civitas Maxima publishes an overview of what happened in the world of international criminal law, with a focus on stories that did not make the headlines.
Focus on International Justice – December
From the first trial held under the principle of universal jurisdiction for international crimes committed in Gambia under former President Yahya Jammeh, to the first conviction of the Belgian state for crimes against humanity during its colonial rule, December has been full of remarkable developments regarding international justice.
Focus on International Justice – November
November brought key justice developments: Colombia charged ex-FARC commanders for child soldier recruitment; the ICC issued arrest warrants for Myanmar’s army chief and Gaza leaders. Reparations advanced in Ukraine, Norway apologized to Indigenous groups, and courts addressed war crimes in Guatemala, DRC, Peru, and Croatia.
Focus on International Justice – October
October saw significant developments in international justice, including the Netherlands’ first trial addressing Yazidi enslavement, Bangladesh’s charges against ex-PM Hasina, and key war crimes trials and investigations in Belgium, Libya, Uganda, and more.
Focus on International Justice – September
Read about how a Moroccan court will examine an Israeli war crimes case, how a case was filed before the ICJ against the Taliban for gender discrimination, as well as more updates, insights, and key developments in the world of international justice.
Focus on International Justice – August
Read about Bangladesh’s ousted Prime Minister charged with international crimes in Dhaka, how a court in Germany upholds a Nazi conviction, as well as more updates, insights, and key developments in the world of international justice.
Focus on International Justice – July
Read about a Kenyan court that confirmed jurisdiction over crimes against humanity case, how Syrian atrocity suspects arrested in the US and Europe, as well as more updates, insights, and key developments in the world of international justice.
Focus on International Justice – June
Read about how crimes against humanity are under the spotlight in Peru, how Venezuelan victims testified in a universal jurisdiction case in Argentina, as well as more updates, insights, and key developments in the world of international justice.
Focus on International Justice – May
Read about legal advances in corporate accountability, an inquiry into British military abuses in Kenya, as well as more updates, insights, and key developments in the world of international justice.
Focus on International Justice – April
Read about crimes against migrants, a War crimes court to be established in Liberia, as well as more updates, insights, and key developments in the world of international justice.
Focus on International Justice – March
Read about a ground-breaking appeal decision in the Kunti Kamara case, a fact finding mission reports crimes against humanity in Iran, as well as more updates, insights, and key developments in the world of international justice.
Focus on International Justice (FIJ) – February
Read about crimes against humanity conviction for Stroessner-era police officer in Paraguay, 13 former soldiers on trial for wartime crimes against Serbs in Bosnia, as well as more updates, insights, and key developments in the world of international justice.
Focus on International Justice (FIJ) – January
Read about a former rebel commander acquitted on appeal in Finland, investigations moving forward for atrocity crimes in Darfur, as well as more updates, insights, and key developments in the world of international justice.
War crimes round-up: perpetrators of international crimes cannot escape justice
This month, a Belgian court convicted and sentenced five Guatemalan ex-officials in absentia for crimes against humanity during Guatemala’s civil war, marking a historic case for international justice. The officials were responsible for the deaths of Belgian missionaries. The trial highlights the growing trend of prosecuting international crimes outside the perpetrator’s home country.
War crimes round-up: Europe does not have a monopoly on extra-territorial justice
A criminal complaint was filed in Argentina this month against former Colombian President Álvaro Uribe, marking Argentina’s expanding role in international justice. Uribe is accused of crimes against humanity for the “false positives” scandal, where over 6,400 civilians were murdered by the military and falsely presented as guerrilla fighters during his presidency.
War crimes round-up: international justice faces daunting challenges on Gaza
As Gaza’s war intensifies, questions about accountability for war crimes grow. Geneva Solutions, partnering with Civitas Maxima, highlights the challenges of prosecuting such crimes, especially amid political pressures. The ICC’s investigation in Palestine is ongoing, but limited resources and international tensions hinder its progress toward justice.
War crimes round-up: can Central African Republic set an example for justice on the continent?
International justice has seen major developments recently, including France charging alleged Liberian and Rwandan war criminals, and Switzerland’s first-ever enforced disappearance case. The Special Criminal Court in the Central African Republic continues delivering justice despite challenges, showcasing Africa’s potential for prosecuting war crimes locally, rather than relying solely on international courts.
War crimes round-up: Switzerland weighs in on elusive quest for justice over Syria Hama massacre
Switzerland issued an international arrest warrant for Rifaat al-Assad, former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad’s uncle, for war crimes in Hama in 1982. Although Rifaat fled to Syria, the warrant represents a significant step towards accountability, thanks to Geneva-based NGO Trial International’s efforts under universal jurisdiction.
War crimes round-up: victims gain hope as ICC reopens Philippines drug war probe
The International Criminal Court has relaunched its investigation into former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-drug campaign, rejecting the Philippines’ attempt to block the probe. Despite the country’s withdrawal from the ICC in 2019, the court maintains jurisdiction over alleged crimes that occurred beforehand, aiming to bring accountability for thousands of victims.
War crimes round-up: Argentina probes Myanmar’s crackdown on Rohingya, German carmakers hit by Uyghur forced labour complaint
Argentina has begun hearings from Rohingya victims regarding Myanmar’s military atrocities, utilizing universal jurisdiction for accountability. Meanwhile, German carmakers face allegations of forced labor involving Uyghurs, and Rwandan businessman Félicien Kabuga has been declared unfit for trial over his involvement in the 1994 genocide.
War crimes round-up: Swiss court upholds war crimes conviction against Liberian rebel, ‘historic’ crimes treaty adopted
A Swiss court upheld the conviction of Alieu Kosiah, a former Liberian rebel leader, for war crimes, marking the first conviction for crimes against humanity in Switzerland. Meanwhile, a new treaty on international crimes was adopted, and a US arms dealer was convicted for torture in Iraq.
War crimes round-up: Gambian former minister charged in Switzerland, trial against Kosovo ex-president begins
Benjamin Ferencz, the last Nuremberg prosecutor, passed away this month, leaving a legacy of accountability in international law. His work resonates amid significant legal actions, including the Swiss indictment of Gambia’s ex-minister for crimes against humanity and France’s upcoming trial of Syrian officials for war crimes.
War crimes round-up: Putin wanted by ICC, Australian soldier charged for war crimes in Afghanistan
The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova for unlawfully deporting Ukrainian children to Russia. This action highlights Putin’s direct involvement. The warrants, while unlikely to lead to immediate arrests, symbolize accountability for atrocities in Ukraine and restrict their foreign travel.
War crimes round-up: prosecuting Russia’s ‘aggression’ crimes, reparations for ‘colonial crimes’ against Chagos Islanders
Geneva Solutions, in collaboration with Civitas Maxima, highlights the International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression (ICPA) in The Hague, aimed at prosecuting Russian leaders for their actions in Ukraine. These initiatives signal a growing commitment to accountability for international crimes and combatting impunity.
War crimes round-up: Liberian civil war rebels on trial again, survivor testifies against Gambian ‘death squad’
January 2023 highlighted the growing impact of universal jurisdiction, with Switzerland’s first war crimes trial involving Liberian Alieu Kosiah. Meanwhile, former rebels faced charges in Finland, and the trial of Gambian death squad member Bai L. marked a historic moment for accountability. Global efforts against impunity continue to expand.
War crimes round-up: Kosovo war court issues first verdict, Nazi secretary convicted in Germany, Russia pushes for immunity law
As 2022 concluded, significant strides in international justice were made, with the Kosovo Specialist Chambers convicting KLA commander Salih Mustafa. The U.S. expanded its war crimes prosecution powers, while Germany convicted a former Nazi camp secretary. Argentina sentenced ex-policeman Mario Sandoval for crimes during the Dirty War.
War crimes round-up: Liberian rebel convicted in Paris, Kenya’s first crimes against humanity case
The November round-up highlights significant advancements in prosecuting international crimes. Kunti Kamara was convicted in France, marking a historic first for Liberia. Kenya initiated its first crimes against humanity trial. The UN is drafting a treaty on such crimes, while Sweden plans to prosecute a businessman for Sudan war crimes.
War crimes round-up: Liberian ex-rebel tried in Paris, Moscow denies world court jurisdiction
The monthly round-up underscores significant progress in prosecuting international crimes, including the landmark trial of Liberian ex-rebel Kunti Kamara in France. Kenya initiated its first crimes against humanity trial, while TotalEnergies faces accusations of complicity in war crimes in Ukraine. Global efforts continue to hold perpetrators accountable.
War crimes round-up: Guinea opens trials over 2009 massacre, rare case against Myanmar’s junta
This month’s round-up highlights diverse international cases, including the trial of 11 men for a 2009 massacre in Guinea and a groundbreaking petition in Indonesia seeking to hold Myanmar’s junta accountable for human rights abuses. Notable arrests and trials related to war crimes also unfold across various regions.
War crimes round-up: Complaint filed over attack on Swiss journalist in Ukraine; NGOs call for probe into Saudi prince
Geneva Solutions’ monthly “war criminal hunt” highlights significant developments, including a denunciation against Russia following an attack on a Swiss journalist in Ukraine. It also covers the appeal of a Sierra Leonean rebel leader’s acquittal, ongoing Rohingya struggles for justice, and a complaint against Saudi crown prince Mohammed Bin Salman.
War crimes round-up: Iranian prison officer sentenced, Rwandan genocide conviction, Sri Lankan ex-president under fire
The monthly round-up addresses significant international legal developments, including a Swedish court’s life sentence for an ex-Iranian official for 1988 executions, a Rwandan governor’s conviction in France, a complaint against former Sri Lankan president Rajapaksa in Singapore, and coordinated efforts among nations to investigate war crimes in Ukraine.
War crimes round-up: Ukraine begins first rape trial of Russian soldier, Swiss probed for timber trafficking
This monthly update highlights significant international legal actions, including the trial of a Russian soldier for rape in Ukraine, a US indictment of a former Liberian general, and investigations of a Swiss businessman for war crimes. It underscores Geneva’s role in facilitating extraterritorial justice efforts.
War crimes round-up: First Russian soldier convicted, torture probe against Interpol chief, war crime charges upheld against Lafarge
This monthly report highlights significant international crime cases, including Ukraine’s first war crimes conviction of a Russian soldier. Other updates include ongoing investigations of Lafarge in France, allegations against Interpol’s chief, and trials for Rwandan officials and Islamic State members, emphasizing global accountability for war crimes.
War crimes round-up: Swiss firm accused of pillaging, new trials at ICC, Ukraine violations
The report highlights recent developments in international criminal law, including the opening of proceedings against Swiss company Kolmar Group, the arrest of former Liberian rebel leader Sekou Kamara, the trial of Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman at the ICC, and ongoing investigations into war crimes in Ukraine.
War crimes round-up: Karim Khan in Ukraine, Sudanese victims against BNP Paribas, Gambian indicted in Germany
Geneva Solutions, with Civitas Maxima, launches a monthly update on international justice. Key highlights include Karim Khan’s investigation into Ukraine, BNP Paribas’s involvement in Sudan, Germany’s indictment of a Gambian death squad member, and the upcoming trial of Algerian general Khaled Nezzar in Switzerland.
