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.
Spanish businessman arrested on first case opened in Spain on crimes committed during the Sierra Leonean civil war
English version Spanish businessman arrested on first case opened in Spain on crimes committed during the Sierra Leonean civil war Madrid, Spain: On 2 July, a Spanish businessman living in Brazil, was arrested in Málaga for his alleged participation in the illegal trade of so-called blood diamonds and for his alleged complicity in crimes committed during the civil war that ravaged Sierra Leone […]
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 (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.
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 […]
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 the plaintiffs in the trial, shares his thoughts on this unprecedented verdict.
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.
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 […]
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.
