FREDERICK K. COX
INTERNATIONAL LAW CENTERFounder/Advisor
Michael P. ScharfWar Crimes Prosecution Watch Volume 11 – Issue 10
July 25, 2016
Editor-in-Chief
Kevin J. VogelTechnical Editor-in-Chief
Jeradon Z. MuraManaging Editors
Dustin Narcisse
Victoria SarantWar Crimes Prosecution Watch is a bi-weekly e-newsletter that compiles official documents and articles from major news sources detailing and analyzing salient issues pertaining to the investigation and prosecution of war crimes throughout the world. To subscribe, please email warcrimeswatch@pilpg.org and type “subscribe” in the subject line.
Opinions expressed in the articles herein represent the views of their authors and are not necessarily those of the War Crimes Prosecution Watch staff, the Case Western Reserve University School of Law or Public International Law & Policy Group.
CENTRAL AFRICA
- Voice of America: Ugandan–led Rebel Group Steps Up Attacks in Central Africa
- Al Jazeera: Healing Central African Republic’s traumatised children
- Thomson Reuters Foundation: U.N. powerless to stop South Sudan’s explosion into war in 2013, says former mission head
- Sudan Tribune: UN chief warns over escalation of S. Sudan violence
- Independent: South Sudan ceasefire holds as UN warns that attacks may constitute war crimes
- Reuters: ICC refers Uganda, Djibouti to U.N. for failure to arrest Sudan’s Al–Bashir
Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Reuters: UN demands release of political prisoners in Congo
- UN News Centre: As DR Congo polls approach, UN rights chief warns of threats to free speech, public assembly
WEST AFRICA
Lake Chad Region — Chad, Nigeria, Niger, and Cameroon
- Vanguard: Military Has Defeated Boko Haram Insurgents
- News 24: Nigerian Military Rescues 80 Children, Women From Boko Haram
- AllAfrica: Mali: UN Mission Deplores Violence, Loss of Life Following Protests in Mali’s Northern City of Gao
- Al Jazeera: Armed Groups Kill 17 Soldiers At Mali Base
- Bangor Daily News: Surge In Violence Hits Aid Delivery To Millions In Mali
EAST AFRICA
- AllAfrica: The Observer (Kampala): Ugandan Sues Govt Over Omar Al–Bashir
- AllAfrica: The Monitor: Uganda: DPP Calls for Law to Protect Sexual Offence Witnesses
- ABC News: ICC Reports Djibouti, Uganda for Failing to Arrest Al–Bashir
- UNHCR: The UN Refugee Agency: Thousands flee to Uganda from South Sudan following latest violence
- AllAfrica: The Monitor: Uganda: Lawyers Protest Trial of Clerics in Crimes Court
- AllAfrica: The Monitor: War crimes court refers Djibouti and Uganda to UN
- Mail and Guardian Africa: Mungiki sect casts long, dark shadow ahead of Kenya’s 2017 Elections
- The Star: ICC judges refuse to consider victims compensation request in Ruto, Sang case
- Africa News: Kenyan police charged with murder over human rights lawyer’s death
Rwanda (International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda)
- AllAfrica: The New Times: Rwanda: Prosecution Names Indicted Genocide Suspects in New Zealand
- Africanews: Rwandan refugees status to end by December 31
- Human Rights Watch: Rwanda: Locking Up the Poor: New Findings of Arbitrary Detention, Ill–Treatment in “Transit Centers”
- allAfrica: Somalia: Hundreds Flee Somali Town to Escape Violence
- Garowe Online: Somalia: MAP Files a Complaint Against Puntland Minister of Information, While Gov’t Double Up Media Crackdown
NORTH AFRICA
- The New York Times: Sirte Battle Risks Widening Libya Political Splits
- The New York Times: Shelling, Air Strikes in Libya Siege on Islamic State in Sirte
- The New York Times: Libya Militia Downs Helicopter, Killing 2 French Troops
- The New York Times: UN: Islamic State Fighters Face Possible Defeat in Libya
EUROPE
Court of Bosnia & Herzegovina, War Crimes Chamber
- The Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina: Trial Judgment upheld in the case v. Mato Čondrić
- The Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina: Trial Verdict modified in the Gligor Begović case
- The Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina: Goran Vujović sentenced to 6, Miroslav Duka to 12, Željko Ilić to 5 years in prison
- Balkan Insight: Srebrenica Prison Sentences: 637 Years and Counting
MIDDLE EAST AND ASIA
Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia
- VOA Khmer: Genocide Memorials Provide Insight into Khmer Rouge Regime
- VOA Khmer: Duch Says Was Ordered to ‘Exterminate Everbody’ at Security Center
- Khmer Times: Has the Khmer Rouge Tribunal Taken Too Long?
- BBC News: Iraq shrine attack: IS kills dozens in Balad
- Reuters: Baghdad bombing death toll rises to 281
- Reuters: U.S. says hopes to raise in excess of $2 billion in aid for Iraq
- The New York Times: &ISIS Shoots Down Helicopter in Syria, Killing 2 Russians
- The New York Times: U.S. and Russia Agree on Steps to Combat ISIS in Syria
- The New York Times: Dozens of Civilians Reported Dead in U.S.–Led Syria Airstrike
- The New York Times: Group Backed by U.S. Gives ISIS 48 Hours to Leave Syrian City
- An–Nahar: STL halts proceedings against slain Hezbollah commander
- The Daily Star: Special Tribunal resumes hearings after three week suspension
- Source: STL cross–examines investigator for prosecution further
- The Daily Star: STL sets sentencing hearing for Akhbar, chief editor August 29
Bangladesh International Crimes Tribunal
- Daily Sun: Charge framing over Maheskhali war crimes Aug 31
- bdnews24.com: Bangladesh moves to revoke plots awarded to four 1971 war criminals
- bdnews24.com: Ganajagaran Mancha unhappy with ‘soft sentences’ for five war criminals
- Arab News: 3 get death penalty for Bangladesh war crimes
- Dhaka Tribune: Jamaat leader kicked out of House of Commons
AMERICAS
TOPICS
Truth and Reconciliation Commission
- Telesur: El Salvador Finally Paves Way to Justice for Civil War Victims
- IndiaTV News: Over 54,000 cases of human rights abuses filed in Nepal
- New York Times: Turning the Call for Racial Reckonings Back on the U.S.
- Solomon Star News: Sikua hits back at DPM
- Inside Indonesia: Justice Denied?
- Toronto Metro: Government supports indigenous declaration without reservation: Wilson–Raybould
- CNN: Gunmen launch deadly attack near Bangladesh Eid gathering
- NBC News: Arizona Terror Suspect Sought Guns, Bomb Instructions: Court Docs
- ABC News: Terror Attack on Nice: 84 Dead After Grenade–Filled Truck Plows Into Crowd
- The Guardian: Turkey coup attempt could destabilize ally in region reeling from terrorism
- Bloomberg: Kazakhstan Declares Terrorism Alert After Attacks Kill Five
- The Wall Street Journal: European Terrorism Arrests Rise as Jihadist Groups Focus on Urban Attacks
- The Wall Street Journal: German Officials Seek to Calm Terrorism Fears After Ax Attack on Train
- CNN: Indonesia most–wanted terrorist killed in a gunfight with police
- CNN: Nice attack: Ties to ISIS not yet established, official says
- Maritime Executive: Two Pirate Attacks Thwarted off West Africa
- Times of India: Bandits attack Amazon tourist boat of foreigners in Peru
- Maritime Executive: Another Twelve Pirates Convicted
- Strategy Page: Murphy’s Law: Chinese Pirates Have A Powerful Patron
- Maritime Executive: Piracy Incidents Drop to Four–Year Low
- Identities.Mic: Deeniquia Dodds, Transgender Woman, Dead After Being Shot in Washington, DC
- All Africa: Tanzania: Police Enlightened On Gender Based Violence
- The Toronto Star: Many damning truths but no justice in the “war on terror”
- Human Rights Watch: Dispatches: El Salvador Court Sends a Message to Proponents of Impunity
- Concord Monitor: Jonathan P. Baird: Justice for Victor Jara
- The Japan Times: China takes lesson from U.S.
- Time Magazine: Indonesia’s Mass Killings of 1965 Were Crimes Against Humanity, International Judges Say
150 Arrested at Mixed-Gender Party in Iran
by Zachary Lucas
Impunity Watch Reporter, Middle East
TEHRAN, Iran — Authorities in Iran have arrested over 150 young men and women at a mixed-gender birthday party in Tehran. Police vow to keep a close watch on locations where such illegal parties might take place as they step up enforcement over the summer.
After receiving a tip-off from local residents in Tehran, police raided a garden next to an illegal music recording studio. The Iranian police arrested over 150 young men and women that were at the party. Since the arrests were made, Iranian officials have not stated whether those arrested are still in custody or will have charges brought against them.
Authorities commented that some of the women were “half-naked” or not wearing the traditional Islamic garb that is required under Iranian law. They also said that people at the party were “mingling.” Following the incident, Iranian police said they will continue to closely monitor locations, such as gardens, that might host such gatherings. Before the summer started, about 7,000 plain-clothes officers were hired to help crackdown these type of gatherings and other examples of “immorality.”
Mixed-gender parties are illegal in Iran. Penalties for violating theses “morality” laws could potentially be lashes or prison time. Iranian laws also bans women from wearing anything other than the traditional Islamic garb which, under Iranian law, means headscarves and long coats. Iranian law also bans the possession and consumption of alcohol.
Iranian authorities’ crackdown on “immorality” has risen over the past few months as social attitude towards these laws has worsened, especially among younger Iranians who see it as an invasion of privacy. In Qazvin province, 35 students were detained and flogged following a similar party. Recently in May, 70 students at a mixed gender party were detained and flogged.
The “morality” police, as they are sometimes called, also enforce other violations such as loose-fitting headscarves, tight overcoats, and “glamorous” hairstyles for men. Authorities are also removing illegal satellite dishes on houses. The police are also known to stop people from walking their dogs.
These laws were introduced after the 1979 Islamic Revolution that ousted the pro-western government. President Hassan Rouhani, a moderate, has opposed these type of crackdowns and argued for more social freedom among Iranians. The police and judiciary, however, act independent of his authority and answer to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran. The Supreme Leader in Iran holds more power and authority than the President. Despite this, many have argued President Rouhani should do more to enhance freedoms.
For more information, please see:
Guardian — Up to 150 men and women detained at party in Iran — 26 July 2016
Middle East Eye — 150 people arrested at mixed-gender party in Tehran — 28 July 2016
NBC News — Iran Arrests 150 People at Mixed-Gender Party: Report — 27 July 2016
Syrian Network for Human Rights: The Killing of 1557 Civilians in July 2016
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TIME: Heinrich Himmler’s Lost Diaries Reveal Everyday Horrors of the Holocaust
Extracts published from Heinrich Himmler’s gruesome diaries
Extracts from Heinrich Himmler‘s newly-discovered diaries have revealed the grisly everyday routine of the mastermind of the Holocaust in the depths of World War 2.
The diaries were thought to have been lost after they were seized by the Red Army, The London Timesreports. They document the horrific activities of the Nazi head of the SS, responsible for the systematic murder of millions of Jews in the Holocaust, as he went about his daily business.
The documents include details such as Himmler ordering the murder of thousands following a massage from his doctor and nearly fainting when he was splattered with the brains of a Jewish victim killed in a mass shooting near Minsk, are documented, MailOnline reports.
Himmler’s diaries were discovered in the archive of the Russian ministry of defence in Podolsk near Moscow earlier this year, where they had remained for seven decades. Extracts from the service diaries – which were written in 1938, 1943 and 1943 and contain more than one thousand pages – have been published for the first time in the German newspaperBild as part of a serialization.
The discovery of the diaries come two years after photographs, love letters and even a recipe book belonging to Himmler were found in Israel.
[London Times]Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect: R2P in Focus, UN Secretary-General’s 8th Report on R2P
R2P in Focus, No. 4
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R2P in Focus
R2P in Focus is a monthly publication from the Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect designed to highlight recent events and political developments concerning the Responsibility to Protect (R2P).
UN Secretary-General’s 8th Report on R2P
UN Photo/Mark Garten
On 25 July the UN Secretary-General, H.E. Mr. Ban Ki-moon, released an advanced copy of his annual report on the Responsibility to Protect entitled: Mobilizing collective action: The next decade of the responsibility to protect. The report highlights the undeniable progress made by the international community in upholding R2P, but argues that protecting populations remains dependent upon the willingness of member states to live up to the commitment made in 2005.
In particular, the Secretary-General notes that with 65 million civilians displaced by conflict, persecution and atrocities, “it is now up to Member States of the United Nations, in cooperation with other international actors, to take the principled and practical steps necessary to arrest the erosion of respect for norms of protection and put an end to serious violations of international humanitarian, human rights and refugee law.”
The Secretary-General addresses the need for enhanced information sharing and a more successful translation of R2P principles into concrete support for structural and proximate prevention. The Secretary-General also calls upon UN member states to prioritize the protection of vulnerable populations by adhering to a Security Council Code of Conduct for mass atrocity situations. Additionally, the report highlights how member states have reinforced their institutional capacity for atrocity prevention, including through global and regional networks, such as the Global Network of R2P Focal Points.
This is the eighth and final report on the Responsibility to Protect issued by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. The first annual report was released in 2009 and established R2P’s three pillars. Subsequent reports have focused on various areas, including the role of regional arrangements, timely and decisive response to mass atrocities, state responsibility and prevention, international assistance and early warning. Last year’s report observed the 10th anniversary of the adoption of R2P by taking stock of the progress made in implementation while highlighting key priorities for the next decade. For more information on the previous reports of the Secretary-General, please see our website.
Next UN Secretary-General
On 12 July the President of the UN General Assembly, H.E. Mogens Lykketoft, hosted a “Global Town Hall with UN Secretary-General Candidates.” The event, broadcast live by Al Jazeera, was a chance for the candidates to interact with UN member states and civil society. The Global Centre was invited to attend the historic debate.
The following day, the Ralphe Bunche Institute of International Studies co-hosted a debate with Global Citizen and the United Nations Association-UK at the CUNY Graduate Center for three of the UN Secretary-General candidates. During the debate, the Global Centre’s Executive Director, Dr. Simon Adams, asked the candidates how they would uphold R2P if they were chosen for the position.
On 21 July the UN Security Council held its first round of “straw polls” to signal the level of support for candidates to become the next Secretary-General. The next round of straw polls is expected to take place on 5 August. To date, the Global Centre has met with 11 of the 12 candidates to discuss R2P and ensure the next UN Secretary-General will prioritize mass atrocity prevention throughout their term. Additionally, the Global Centre jointly released a “Human Rights Agenda for the next UN Secretary-General” with our colleagues at Amnesty International, CIVICUS, Human Rights Watch, International Federation for Human Rights and the World Federalist Movement-Institute for Global Policy.
Any Other Business
- Statement by the UN Secretary-General’s Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide on the situation in South Sudan. On 11 July the UN Secretary-General’s Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Mr. Adama Dieng, released a statement on the deteriorating situation in South Sudan. Mr. Dieng called for all parties to de-escalate the situation or “South Sudan could be plunged back into civil war, at unimaginable human cost.” View the full statementhere. For more background on the situation in Juba, please see our website.
- Joint NGO letter to the UN Security Council regarding an arms embargo for South Sudan. On 21 July the Global Centre joined 29 other organizations in urging the UN Security Council to impose an immediate arms embargo on South Sudan following the outbreak of violence in Juba. View the letter here.
Calendar Highlights
19 August 2016
World Humanitarian Day
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