The International Criminal Law blog

Toby Cadman of 9 Bedford Row International appeared on behalf of the Requesting Judicial Authority of Malta

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 14:24:00 +0000

Toby Cadman of 9 Bedford Row International appeared on behalf of the Requesting Judicial Authority of Malta in an extradition appeal before the Administrative Court.

Libya: Arab League Support, and the Targeting of Gaddafi

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 14:36:00 +0000

Yesterday the Arab League met in Cairo for an emergency session to discuss recent developments in Libya. The support of the Arab League was crucial to the passing of UN resolution 1973, and remains vital to the legitimacy of the ongoing Western-led military offensive in Libya that followed that resolution. However, on Sunday, the League’s Secretary-General Amr Moussa expressed concerns ...

ICT seems to be a political tool

Mon, 9 May 2011 14:41:00 +0000

International expert on war crimes issue Toby Cadman, now visiting Dhaka, has said all parties involved in the 1971 Liberation War, whether they are freedom fighters or pro-Pakistani elements, should face prosecution in case of committing crimes against international humanitarian law.

Media speculation rife in international cases in acquittal of Cermak

Mon, 9 May 2011 14:49:00 +0000

Media speculation is often rife in international cases as I have recently experienced following the acquittal of Cermak at the ICTY. The Croatian media has asserted as fact many ridiculous and frankly stupid stories ranging from the interference of British Intelligence Services (it was at one stage the French!) to any other conspiracy theory you care to name. An interesting decision from the Pre-Trial Chamber in Muthaura, Kenyatta and Ali at the ICC has arisen which recognizes that an Application by the Defence for Muthaura concerning media comment by the Prosecutor, raises issues which are of legitimate concern to the Defence.

Ratko Mladic makes his first appearance at the ITCY

Thu, 9 Jun 2011 14:55:00 +0000

On 3 June 2011, Ratko Mladic, the former commander of the Bosnian Serb army, made his first appearance at the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia. It is alleged that Mladic, who has been charged with genocide, crimes against humanity and violations of the laws and customs of war, is responsible for the massacre of thousands of Muslim boys and men in Srebrenica in 1995.

ICC Issues Arrest Warrants in Libya Situation

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 14:58:00 +0000

The Pre-Trial Chamber (PTC) of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has today issued warrants of arrest for Muammar Mohammed Abu Minyar Gaddafi, Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi and Abdullah Al-Senussi for crimes against humanity allegedly carried out across Libya.

Electing the ICC’s Next Prosecutor: The Criteria

Fri, 1 Jul 2011 15:00:00 +0000

The term of the ICC’s first Prosecutor, Luis Moreno-Ocampo, is slowly, albeit dramatically, drawing to a close. In December 2011 the members of ICC’s Assembly of State Parties will convene to choose the Court’s next Prosecutor. He or she will officially replace Moreno-Ocampo in June 2012. Every member-state of the Court will have one vote in deciding the ICC’s second prosecutor. In early February, the ICC set up a search committee to identify some potential candidates.

Cambodia: Bringing the Surviving Leaders of the Khmer Rouge to Justice

Fri, 1 Jul 2011 15:23:00 +0000

Four of the most senior Khmer Rouge leaders deemed ‘most responsible’ for the deaths of 1.7 million people have gone on trial at the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia.

Interrogations in 'Safe Home'

Mon, 4 Jul 2011 15:26:00 +0000

By now, we all must have heard about the War Crime Tribunal in Bangladesh that is formed to put war criminals of 1971 into trial. The whole nation had been waiting for the trial to begin for almost 40 years and to everyone’s comfort, current Awami League led Government initiated the process. The comfort soon turned out be a disgust as the whole nation experienced various national and international expatriate and war crime specialist started to question the process of the trial. The latest addition to the debate was the ‘Safe Home’ issue, which, according to the lawyer of the accused is intended to torture the accused.

International Crime Conference, 1 October 2011 - Sergei Magnitsky

Wed, 6 Jul 2011 15:28:00 +0000

The tragic death of Sergei Magnitsky who was falsely accused by Russian Police and held in custody by Russian Judges for no good reason as being a suspect in a crime the Police had in fact committed in a conspiracy with the Russian Tax authorities, is to be covered in one of the sessions at the 9 Bedford Row International Conference on 1 October 2011. The police who committed the crime of which Magnitsky complained were appointed to investigate the case against them!

9 Bedford Row International Annual Conference

Wed, 6 Jul 2011 15:31:00 +0000

The 9 Bedford Row International Annual Conference is on Saturday 1st October 2011 in London.
Steven Kay QC, John Cammegh, Gillian Higgins and Toby Cadman will be reviewing some of the cases and situations that the 9BRi international criminal law team have dealt with in the last year at the ICC, ICTY, STL and Bangladesh Courts.

Dutch Blamed for Srebrenica Deaths

Wed, 6 Jul 2011 15:33:00 +0000

Yesterday a court in the Netherlands ruled that the Dutch state was responsible for the deaths of three Bosniaks killed during the Srebrenica massacres. The court ordered the government to pay compensation to the dead men's relatives.

Human Rights Watch: ICT Amendments Fail to Meet International Fair Trial Standards

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 15:37:00 +0000

In a statement released on Tuesday, Human Rights Watch recognised that the recent amendments to the rules of procedure for the Bangladesh International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) fail to bring the tribunal in line with international fair trial standards.

Steven Kay QC has been asked with Eeva Heikkila to represent the Mothers of Beslan against the State

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 15:40:00 +0000

Steven Kay QC has been asked with Eeva Heikkila to represent the Mothers of Beslan against the State of Russia in their action at the European Court of Human Rights for damages as a result of the large number of deaths of school children in the assault by Russian forces against terrorists who had taken the school in Beslan

Anders Behring Breivik to be charged with crimes against humanity?

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 15:42:00 +0000

Norwegian police are considering charging Anders Behring Breivik, the man who admitted killing 76 people in Friday's attacks in Norway with crimes against humanity, prosecutor Christian Hatlo has said.

Confirmation Hearings at the ICC - Paper Exercise or Substantial Contest?

Mon, 1 Aug 2011 15:45:00 +0000

An interesting Decision has been issued in the Ruto et al half of the Kenya case at the ICC. The Pre-Trial Chamber has restricted viva voce defence witnesses for the Confirmation Hearing to only two for each suspect.

Goran Hadzic’s First Appearance at The Hague

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 16:04:00 +0000

Goran Hadzic, the last remaining fugitive of the 161 suspected persons indicted by the International Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), made his initial appearance before Judge Kwon O-gon on Monday 25 July 2011. At the hearing, Hadzic declined to enter a plea and waived reading of the 14-count indictment. In accordance with the rules of the ICTY, he has been allowed 30 days to reflect on the contents of the indictment prior to entering a plea.

Lord Avebury Confronts Law Minister Over Bangladesh War Crimes Tribunal

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 16:07:00 +0000

Statement by Lord Avebury, Chairman of the International Bangaldesh Foundation and Co-Chair of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Commission.

4 Lebanese Named As Accused By Special Tribunal for Lebanon

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 16:10:00 +0000

In a surprise announcement by the STL today 4 Lebanese accused were named as those suspected of being involved in the assassination of ex Lebanese Premier Rafik Hariri and/or related terrorist explosions.

Lebanon: UK Tribunal identifies names of four men accused of Hariri murder

Sat, 30 Jul 2011 16:12:00 +0000

The press release for the 4 terrorist suspects in the Hariri assassination reveals that the confidentiality has been lifted in case any member of the public should see them and recognise them.

International Seminar on Independence of Judiciary and the Criminal Justice System of Bangladesh

Sun, 31 Jul 2011 16:15:00 +0000

Toby Cadman will be speaking at the International Seminar on Independence of Judiciary and the Criminal Justice System of Bangladesh to be held on 5th August 2011 at Hotel Purbani, Dhaka.

"The Bangladesh War Crimes Tribunal: Justice or Betrayal?"

Sun, 31 Jul 2011 16:17:00 +0000

John Cammegh has been invited to speak to an inter-collegiate audience at St Antony's College, Oxford in October 2011 on 'The Bangladesh War Crimes Tribunal: Justice or Betrayal?'.

John Cammegh addresses the American Society of International Law on the Bangladesh ICT

Sun, 31 Jul 2011 16:20:00 +0000

John Cammegh addresses the American Society of International Law on the Bangladesh International CrimesTribunal.

Syria: Is Now the Right Time for Bashar al-Assad to Face Justice?

Mon, 8 Aug 2011 16:23:00 +0000

The use of lethal force to disperse demonstrations is within a government’s prerogative and is not an international crime. But months of a persistent and brutal crackdown, the likes of which are occurring in Syria, which, according to US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, has left some 2,000 people dead since anti-government protests began in March, does amount to a crime against humanity. This is contrary to Article 7 of the ICC Treaty, if multiple acts of murder or persecution are committed, pursuant to state policy, “as part of a widespread or systematic attack against any civilian population.” The deliberate decision to use tanks, machine guns, and snipers against unarmed crowds repeatedly over the last few months is clear evidence of exactly such a crime. But the question remains - is now the time for the Security Council to refer Bashar al-Assad and certain members of his family to the International Criminal Court?

The International Crimes Tribunal in Bangladesh

Mon, 8 Aug 2011 16:26:00 +0000

The International Crimes Tribunal in Bangladesh is attempting to obscure its accountability by refusing to provide written copies of its oral orders.

Senior Lawyer Visits Bangladesh War Crimes tribunal

Tue, 9 Aug 2011 16:28:00 +0000

A senior war crimes lawyer, is visiting the Bangladesh War Crimes Tribunal in Dakhar today. Nicholas Koumijan is an emissary of US War Crimes Ambassador Stephen Rapp and his visit is at time of mounting concern as to the nature and quality of this tribunal.

Professor William Schabas discussed with Steven Kay QC and Toby Cadman at the Salzburg Summer School

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 16:32:00 +0000

Professor William Schabas discussed with Steven Kay QC and Toby Cadman at the Salzburg Summer School International Criminal Law Conference the point relating to the issue of ‘state or organisational policy" in the Kenya case at the ICC.

Syria and the International Criminal Court

Sun, 21 Aug 2011 18:09:00 +0000

The steps being taken in the UN and ICC to take international legal measures against Syria were predictable.
Syria was warned that the recent outbreaks of violence would be an opportunity for those opposed to its government to make moves to destabilise its regime and prosecute its leadership.

ICC Prosecutor seeks to narrow Nature and Scope of the Confirmation Hearing

Thu, 8 Sep 2011 18:11:00 +0000

In this blog a few weeks ago I mentioned the paper exercise which seemed to be emerging as a practice of the Prosecution at the ICC, to reduce the effectiveness in the process of the Confirmation Hearing.
It seems my concerns have been realised in the Kenya 1 case where the Prosecutor has filed a motion containing observations to restrict the nature and scope of the Confirmation hearing.

The STL President, Judge Antonio Cassese process to initiate trials in absentia

Fri, 9 Sep 2011 18:15:00 +0000

The STL President, Judge Cassese, convenes the Trial Chamber for the first time

The Confirmation Hearing in Kenya 2 is to start on 21 September 2011

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 18:16:00 +0000

The Confirmation Hearing in Kenya 2 is to start at the ICC in The Hague on 21 September 2011.

Momcilo Perisic Convicted for Crimes in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 18:18:00 +0000

The International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) has convicted Momcilo Perišic, former Chief of General Staff of the Yugoslav Army from August 1993 to November 1998, for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia and sentenced him to 27 years’ imprisonment.

Steven Kay QC to address The European Parliament Human Rights Committee for the Voice of Beslan

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 18:22:00 +0000

Steven Kay QC the lawyer representing Voice of Beslan in front of the European Court of Human Rights, where they have filed a lawsuit concerning the government's investigation of the attack, will update members on the court case.

Steven Kay QC at Sri Lankan Lawyers Association Conference

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 18:24:00 +0000

Steven Kay QC will be presenting a speech upon the principles of complementarity at the ICC for the Sri Lankan Lawyers Association Conference on “Challenges to Reconciliation”

Steven Kay QC and Gillian Higgins file challenge to the jurisdiction in ICC Kenya case

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 18:26:00 +0000

The legal argument contesting jurisdiction at the ICC in the Kenya case has been filed by Steven Kay QC and Gillian Higgins of the ICLB and 9 Bedford Row International as counsel acting for Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta.

Steven Kay QC ICC opening statement in the confirmation hearing of Uhuru Kenyatta

Sun, 25 Sep 2011 18:27:00 +0000

Video of opening statement in ICC confirmation hearing.

Sergei Magnitsky’s mother demands justice against Russian authorities

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 18:31:00 +0000

Sergei Magnitsky's mother demands justice for the death of her son.
Bill Browder, CEO of Hermitage, will be speaking later this year at the 9 BRi conference and will tell the audience the chilling details of the death of this courageous lawyer at the hands of the Russian authorities

John Traversi visit to Mexico to investigate human rights abuses

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 18:32:00 +0000

John Traversi returns from a visit to Mexico where he formed part of a Bar Human Rights Committee delegation, investigating reported abuses of human rights in that country.

Bangladesh War Crimes Tribunal first day of charging process

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 18:33:00 +0000

The first day of the process known as framing of the charges at the Bangladesh War Crimes tribunal has ended in the Sayedee case.

Toby Cadman presents a statement on behalf of the Syrian Emergency Task Force and Syrian Revolution

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 18:36:00 +0000

Toby Cadman presents a statement on behalf of the Syrian Emergency Task Force and Syrian Revolution General Commission to the world's media in Washington, D.C.

International Crisis Group - Policy Briefing or Legal interference?

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 18:37:00 +0000

The International Crisis Group working out of Nairobi and Brussels has produced a report on the Kenya proceedings just before the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber II is due to return its decision on the confirmation of charges hearing. I can not let it pass without criticism but read it for yourselves.

9BRi Annual Conference on International Criminal Law

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 18:39:00 +0000

The 9 Bedford Row International Annual Conference has been rescheduled for 19 November 2011.

John Cammegh to Deliver Address to St Anthony’s College Oxford on Bangladesh ICT

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 18:41:00 +0000

On Tuesday 18 October, John Cammegh of 9BRi is to appear at St Anthony's College, Oxford, to deliver an address on the Bangladesh War Crimes Tribunal (the “Tribunal”) and international law in South Asia.

The Bangladesh ICT - Public Statement by the Defence

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 18:44:00 +0000

The International Crimes Tribunal Bangladesh: International Standards and Fundamental Freedoms

Public Statement by the Defence Team

The Death of Gaddafi

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 18:47:00 +0000

Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, who was killed in Sirte yesterday by rebel Libyan forces, will now join Saddam Hussein, Ben Ali of Tunisia and Egypt's Hosni Mubarak as another fallen dictator of the 1960s generation. A number remain, including Syria’s Bashar al-Assad in Syria.

David Young appointed counsel in case at Lebanon Tribunal

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 18:49:00 +0000

On the 26th October 2011 the Head of the Defence Office at the Special Tribunal for the Lebanon appointed David Young, as lead Counsel to defend Assad Hassan SABRA, one of the four accused in the Rafik Hariri assassination case.

ICLB Receives Lexis Nexis Blog of the Year Nomination

Wed, 2 Nov 2011 18:51:00 +0000

The International Criminal Law Bureau has been nominated for the Lexis Nexis Top International & Foreign Law Blog of the Year.

Human Rights Watch Concern At Bangladesh War Crimes Tribunal Intimidation

Mon, 7 Nov 2011 18:52:00 +0000

Human Rights Watch has raised concerns over intimidation of the Defence that has been taking place at the Bangladesh War Crimes Tribunal. The lack of protection measures for Defence witnesses is apparent as this Tribunal which has been structured to be skewed against the Defence.

The Arab Spring and Attempts to Re-imagine Sovereignty

Mon, 7 Nov 2011 18:53:00 +0000

A guest blog by Richard Cashman

Toby Cadman Interviewed by Al Jazeera on Syrian Crisis

Wed, 9 Nov 2011 18:55:00 +0000

Al Jazeera interview with Toby Cadman of 9 Bedford Row International on the current crisis in Syria

The Bangladesh War Crimes Tribunal: Reconciliation or Revenge?

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 18:56:00 +0000

The steady development of international criminal law and of war crimes tribunals in particular over the past 20 years has owed much to the maxim ‘No Peace Without Justice’. But there can be no peace without a winner; and in the aftermath it is the winner who gets to dispense the justice and write the history. All too frequently, the international judicial process has drawn accusations of providing a means of revenge rather than reconciliation.

In Bangladesh: Reconciliation or Revenge?

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 19:00:00 +0000

Over the last 20 years, international criminal justice has developed rapidly, and most people see this as a change for the better. Thanks to the labors, however imperfect, of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, and of ad-hoc tribunals from Sierra Leone to Cambodia, it has been established that politicians and warlords who commit terrible crimes against the vulnerable can no longer count on impunity.

But a trial now starting in Bangladesh risks making a mockery of that principle.

Former Khmer Rouge Leader 'Unfit to Stand Trial'

Sat, 19 Nov 2011 19:01:00 +0000

On Thursday, the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC), declared that Ieng Thirith, the 78-year-old former minister of social affairs in the Khmer Rouge regime, was "not fit to stand trial” on the grounds of her dementia.

9 Bedford Row International Annual Conference – Materials

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 19:03:00 +0000

On 19 November, 9BRi held its annual conference on international law. The speakers addressed the audience on current topics in international law, including the ICC Confirmation of Charges Hearing in the case of Muthaura et al; the death and torture of Sergei Magnitsky; the International Crimes Tribunal, Bangladesh; and the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.

The Queen on the Application of Kolanowski v Circuit Court of Zielona Gora Poland

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 19:06:00 +0000

Toby Cadman of 9 Bedford Row International appeared on behalf of the Requesting Judicial Authority of Zielona Gora Poland in an extradition appeal before the Administrative Court

Access to the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 19:07:00 +0000

Under Article 5(1) of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights on the Establishment of an African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights (the “Protocol”), the following are entitled to submit cases to the ACHPR

Femi Falana v African Union - The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights

Thu, 1 Dec 2011 19:09:00 +0000

Soufiane Ababou v People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, The ACHPR

Thu, 1 Dec 2011 21:00:00 +0000

On 20 February 2011, an application was received by the Registry of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) submitted by Mr Youssef Ababou who alleged that his son, Mr Soufiane Ababou, (the “Applicant”) had been forced to join the military in Algeria against his will. The details of the application as summarised by the ACHPR can be found here.

End of the argument? Some may beg to differ…

Sun, 4 Dec 2011 21:02:00 +0000

Writing in Foreign Policy Magazine last week, Gareth Evans, former Australian foreign minister and currently president emeritus of the International Crisis Group, declared the ‘end of the argument’ in the debate about stopping genocide and other state-committed atrocities.

“Africa’s Pinochet”, Hissène Habré and the first judgment of the African Court on Human and Peoples’

Mon, 5 Dec 2011 21:05:00 +0000

In a week where the UN Committee against Torture has called on Senegal to comply with its obligation to prosecute or extradite Chad’s exiled dictator, Hissène Habré (see here), in this post I take a look back at the first judgment of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (“ACHPR”), Yogogombaye v. Senegal, which concerned a petition filed by Michelot Yogogombaye calling for the dismissal of the charges pending in Senegal against Mr. Habré

New ARC Project Website Goes Live

Thu, 8 Dec 2011 21:08:00 +0000

ARC hopes to assist in developing a vibrant and meaningful practice before the Court for the benefit of all concerned.

The Geopolitics of International Criminal Justice

Fri, 9 Dec 2011 21:10:00 +0000

‘The International Criminal Court is being used as an instrument to carry out regime change with a smoke screen of human rights protection’. This is an extract from the Russia Today article above about Western policy in Syria possibly igniting WWIII.

Gbagbo’s Case Dismissed for Lack of Jurisdiction

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 21:12:00 +0000

Last week, Laurent Gbagbo made history. He became the first former president to appear before the International Criminal Court (ICC), following the issuance of a sealed indictment on 23 November 2011.

Meet the ARC Team

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 21:23:00 +0000

Arc’s project director, Gillian Higgins, is being assisted by Barrie Sander, Ben Joyes, Marie O’Leary and Andrew Smith.

French Parliament Passes WWI Bill

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 21:24:00 +0000

The French parliament has passed a bill to criminalise denial of the mass killing of Armenians by Ottoman Turks during the First World War.

Tanganyika Law Society et al & Reverend Christopher Mtikila v The United Republic of Tanzania

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 21:27:00 +0000

On 2 June 2011, the Tanganyika Law Society (“Tanganyika”) and the Legal and Human Rights Centre (the “LHRC”) submitted an application to the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (“ACtHPR”).

Youssef Abadou v Kingdom of Morocco

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 21:29:00 +0000

On 18 May 2011, the African Court on Human and People’s Rights (“ACHPR”) received an application from Mr. Youssef Abadou brought against the Kingdom of Morocco

ICDL – Defence Counsel at the International Criminal Tribunals

Wed, 4 Jan 2012 21:31:00 +0000

ICDL Annual Meeting – "Defence Counsel at the International Criminal Tribunals".

The ACHPR Flexes its Muscles in respect of the Situation in Libya

Wed, 4 Jan 2012 21:34:00 +0000

In an unprecedented move, on 25 March 2011 the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the “ACtHPR”) ordered provisional measures against Libya in the case of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights v. Great Socialist People’s Libyan Arab Jamahiriya.

SOAS Panel Discussion: "Between Impunity and Show Trials"

Thu, 5 Jan 2012 21:36:00 +0000

On 3 February, in anticipation of the cases against Saif Gaddafi and Laurent Gbagbo, the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, presents a panel discussion with Jacques Verges, Martti Koskenniemi, Nabila Ramdani, Robert Murtfield and Polina Levina.

Managing Expectations: The African Court of Human and Peoples’ Rights and two failed applications

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 21:37:00 +0000

The applications by Urban Mkandawire and Prof Efoua Mbozo’o to the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACtHPR) both concerned complaints by public servants regarding the termination of their employment contracts.

The Future of the ACtHPR

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 21:39:00 +0000

In July 2004, just months after the Protocol for the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACtHPR) entered into force, the African Union initiated procedures to merge this court with its newly adopted African Court of Justice (ACJ). However, the Protocol and Statute of the combined court – adopted as the African Court of Justice and Human Rights (ACJHR) – cannot enter into force until 30 days after the deposit of the instrument of ratification by 15 Member States. To date only 3 of the 53 Member States have ratified the ‘merged court’ ACJHR Protocol. Meanwhile, the separate courts of the ACtHPR and the ACJ continue to develop slowly as individual entities.

The ACtHPR: Case Progression from the Commission to the Court

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 21:41:00 +0000

The Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Establishment of an African Court of Human Peoples’ Rights (the “Protocol”) states that the attainment of the objectives of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights (the “Charter”) requires the establishment of an African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights (the “Court”) to complement and reinforce the functions of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (the “Commission”).

Why Does Promotion of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights Matter?

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 21:44:00 +0000

In the heart of Africa, the African Court of Human and Peoples’ rights sits in relative obscurity. Few know how to use it and it is in serious danger of being marginalised. At some point in the future, the court will be merged with the Court of Justice of the African Union, in order to form the permanent African Court of Justice and Human Rights

Law Minister Threatens Action Against ICT Critics

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 14:17:00 +0000

The Bangladesh Law Minister in a desperate attempt to prevent criticism of his International Crimes Tribunal, is trying to silence national and international criticism by threatening legal action against those brave enough to try and seek fair trials.

David Scheffer Book Launch at 9BRi - 13.3.12

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 15:36:00 +0000

On Tuesday 13 March at 12.00 pm, 9 Bedford Row International in association with the University of Middlesex School of Law will host the launch of David Scheffer’s new book: “All the Missing Souls – A Personal History of the War Crimes Tribunals”.

Steven Kay QC lecture at SOAS 20 February 2012

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 16:21:00 +0000

Steven Kay QC lecture at SOAS 20 February 2012

HPCRP Syria Web Seminar

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 10:34:00 +0000

On 15 March 2012, Harvard University will host a live web seminar as part of its Humanitarian Policy and Conflict Research Programme.

Steven Kay QC Addresses European Parliament

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 17:06:00 +0000

On Tuesday 28 February, Steven Kay QC addressed the Subcommittee on Human Rights of the European Parliament during its hearing on the situation of human rights in Russia, focusing on discrimination, freedom of association and the rule of law.

International Justice Tribune Magazine

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 17:39:00 +0000

International Justice Tribune, Radio Netherlands Worldwide’s independent fortnightly magazine.

ADC-ICTY Newsletter, Issue 26

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 17:42:00 +0000

The latest issue of the ADC-ICTY Newsletter includes submissions on the rejection of the amicus curiae brief in Gotovina and Markac, the Appeal Judgment in Duch, the UN Human Rights Office’s call for Syrian Officials to be sent to the ICC, and Garzón’s conviction.

Amendments to STL Rules

Thu, 1 Mar 2012 09:24:00 +0000

Judges of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon have recently approved amendments to the Tribunal’s Rules of Procedure and Evidence

Sri Lanka and the UN: Unslayable ghosts

Thu, 1 Mar 2012 14:15:00 +0000

UK Government Seeks to Reform ECHR

Thu, 1 Mar 2012 16:01:00 +0000

The UK Government has circulated proposals to reform the European Convention on Human Rights to limit the cases going to Strasbourg.

Taylor war crimes verdict set for April

Thu, 1 Mar 2012 11:39:00 +0000

First Defence Filings at the STL

Thu, 1 Mar 2012 13:01:00 +0000

Counsel for Assad Sabra, led by David Young of 9 Bedford Row, have filed the first Defence Motions at the STL.

Syria Rebels in "Tactical Withdrawal" from Homs

Thu, 1 Mar 2012 15:15:00 +0000

Syria crisis: UN demands Valerie Amos let into country

Thu, 1 Mar 2012 18:49:00 +0000

The UN Security Council is demanding immediate access to Syria for its humanitarian chief, Valerie Amos.

ICC Issues Warrant of Arrest Against Abdel Raheem Muhammad Hussein

Thu, 1 Mar 2012 18:53:00 +0000

The International Criminal Court has issued a warrant of arrest against Sudanese Minister Mr Abdel Raheem Muhammad Hussein.

El Salvador's brutal civil war: What we still don't know

Mon, 5 Mar 2012 10:02:00 +0000

From 1980 to 1992, civil war ravaged the Central American state of El Salvador, claiming the lives of approximately 75,000 Salvadorans. The two primary actors were the government of El Salvador, which received support from the United States, and a Marxist-Leninist guerrilla group called the Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front (FMLN), which was supported by Nicaragua, Cuba, and indirectly the Soviet government. The Salvadoran armed forces were responsible for the majority of human rights violations committed during the conflict, including a number of massacres during the early 1980s.

Book Review: Interpreting the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty by Daniel H Joyner, published by Oxford University Press

Mon, 5 Mar 2012 09:55:00 +0000

This week, Gillian Higgins takes a break from international criminal law and reviews a new book on the 1968 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) by Daniel Joyner.

EU “candidate status” granted to Serbia - a catalyst for positive change in the Western Balkans region?

Mon, 5 Mar 2012 11:30:00 +0000

In a significant advance for the nation, European Union leaders, endorsing the Council’s Conclusions of 28 February 2012 on Enlargement and the Stabilisation and Association Process, have granted EU "candidate status" to the Republic of Serbia at a summit in Brussels on 1 March 2012.

Further Steps in ECCC Cases 003 and 004?

Tue, 6 Mar 2012 09:44:00 +0000

The Phnom Penh Post has reported that the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia has taken steps to inform suspects of the charges against them in the controversial Cases 003 and 004.

War crimes were committed by both sides in Libya, finds International Commission of Inquiry on Libya

Tue, 6 Mar 2012 12:16:00 +0000

War crimes were committed by both sides in the war in Libya, according to the latest Report of the International Commission of Inquiry on Libya. The advanced unedited version of the Report, which details the results of an investigation by a three-member commission on human rights and international law violations during the war in Libya, was published on 2 March 2012.

DR Congo - fresh attacks by the Lord’s Resistance Army, reports the UNCHR

Wed, 7 Mar 2012 13:04:00 +0000

Since the beginning of the year, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has seen 3,000 people displaced following 20 new attacks by the Ugandan rebel Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), in which one person was killed and 17 others have been abducted, according to Fatoumata Lejeune-Kaba, spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

David Scheffer Book Launch

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 10:53:00 +0000

Today at 12.00 pm, 9 Bedford Row International in association with the University of Middlesex School of Law will host the launch of David Scheffer’s new book: “All the Missing Souls – A Personal History of the War Crimes Tribunals”

Thomas Lubanga found guilty of war crimes in the first verdict delivered by the ICC.

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 12:07:00 +0000

In an historical moment for international criminal law, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has handed down its first verdict since the Court opened in July 2002, in the war crimes trial of the Prosecutor v. Thomas Lubanga Dyilo.

Try Afghan Massacre Soldier in Afghanistan, suggests Mark McDonald

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 12:24:00 +0000

In an interesting post on the International Herald Tribune’s “IHT Rendevous” site, Mark McDonald asks, “Why Not a Massacre Tribunal in Afghanistan?“

The Majalla – The Other Side of Justice in Afghanistan

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 10:11:00 +0000

On Wednesday 14 March, Arab magazine The Majalla published an article entitled “The Other Side of Justice in Afghanistan – Has Time Run Out for Afganistan and the US?”

Mugabe's Campaign of Indigenisation Gains Pace

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 10:35:00 +0000

The world's second-largest platinum miner, Impala, last week agreed to cede 51 per cent of its Zimbabwean arm, Zimplats, under Robert Mugabe’s indigenisation programme; the corporate version of the farm invasions which have seen white African farmers in Zimbabwe have their land taken off them, often violently, over the past decade.

Human-rights charges against Haiti's former leader, "Baby Doc", are dismissed

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 09:58:00 +0000

Charges of grave human-rights crimes including torture and political assassination against Jean-Claude Duvalier, who ruled Haiti from 1971 to 1986, have been dismissed by investigative magistrate Carvès Jean, on the grounds that the ten-year statute of limitations had expired.

Zimbabwe Torture Case Postponed

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 16:05:00 +0000

The North Gauteng High Court was today forced to postpone the landmark case brought to compel South Africa to investigate and prosecute high-level Zimbabwean officials accused of crimes against humanity.

Event: KONY 2012 - A force for good?

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 16:09:00 +0000

On Wednesday 4 April, at 7pm, London’s Frontline Club will host a debate asking whether the KONY 2012 campaign is a force for good or a worrying development in campaigning.

Former Libyan Dissident Starts Legal Proceedings against Former UK Foreign Secretary Jack Straw

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 12:25:00 +0000

Libyan commander and former dissident, Abdel Hakim Belhaj, has commenced legal proceedings against former Foreign Secretary Jack Straw alleging complicity in torture and misfeasance in public office.

Direct Action Continues by William Browder against Russians Involved in Magnitsky Death

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 12:27:00 +0000

The Moving Judge and the Replacement Judge - Bangladesh International Crimes Tribunal and Interference by the Government with the Legal Process

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 11:25:00 +0000

On 2 March 2012 the Bangladesh Law Minister Shafique Ahmed announced the need for a second war crimes tribunal to be established so Ã¢â‚¬Å“War criminals from other parts of the country will be brought to justiceÃ¢â‚¬Â.

Salzburg 2012 Summer Law School

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 10:13:00 +0000

The Salzburg Law School on International Criminal Law, Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Law (SLS) welcomes applications for its Fourteenth Summer Session, Sunday 5 to Friday 17 August 2012, under the draft title:

â€œEnforcing International Criminal LawThrough the Complementarity Regime of the Rome Statute! Demand and Realityâ€

Palestinian Prisoners Hunger Strike Continues in Israel

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 16:01:00 +0000

On 17 April 2012 more than 1,200 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails began a hunger strike to protest against what they say is the harsh and degrading treatment received by detainees in Israel.

Seselj Pleads Not Guilty to Contempt

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 16:06:00 +0000

Serbian nationalist politician Vojislav Seselj appeared before the Hague tribunal this week in the third contempt case brought against him.

He entered a not guilty plea and demanded that judges let him address the Serbian public via a video link from his detention unit, ahead of presidential and parliamentary elections in the country on May 6.

Karadzic had "Detailed Information" on Srebrenica

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 16:10:00 +0000

The trial of former Bosnian Serb president Radovan Karadzic continued this week with testimony from an American military analyst about events in eastern Bosnia in 1995.

Judgment in the Charles Taylor Case

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 09:22:00 +0000

50th Anniversary Of Eichmann Trial

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 15:48:00 +0000

On Monday, the United Nations marked the 50th anniversary of the Adolf Eichmann trial. Eichmann was a Nazi officer and one of the leading organizers of the mass deportation as well as the murder of Jews during the Holocaust.

Endowing the African Court of Justice and Human Rights with Jurisdiction over International Crimes: A More Legitimate Form of Justice for Africa or a Recipe for Disaster?

Tue, 1 May 2012 10:06:00 +0000

Book Launch: Unimaginable Atrocities, by William Schabas

Tue, 1 May 2012 11:07:00 +0000

Professor William A. Schabas will today launch his book â€˜Unimaginable Atrocities: Justice, Politics, and Rights at the War Crimes Tribunals.â€™ The book launch will be hosted by Sir Geoffrey Nice at Middlesex Universityâ€™s Hendon campus at 5.30 pm.

Beslan Case Communicated to Russian Government for Observations

Thu, 3 May 2012 14:01:00 +0000

Steven Kay QC and Eeva Heikkila of 9 Bedford Row International have received notification that the European Court of Human Rights has communicated the case of the siege at the school in Beslan by Chechen terrorists in September 2004 to the Russian Government for observations.

STL Defence Teams Challenge Legality of the Court

Wed, 16 May 2012 09:20:00 +0000

Defence teams for the accused in the case of Ayyash et al have filed preliminary motions challenging the jurisdiction of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.

Ratko Mladic Trial Starts

Wed, 16 May 2012 10:56:00 +0000

General Mladic faces 11 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including two counts of genocide. He is charged on the basis of individual criminal responsibility and superior criminal responsibility.

Academy of European Law Annual Conference on EU Criminal Justice 2012

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 10:40:00 +0000

9BRi to Host Conference at Chatham House

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 16:42:00 +0000

Steven Kay QC will present a lecture on the International Criminal Court and International Justice at the offices of the leading London law firm Field, Fisher, Waterhouse LLP, 35 Vine Street, London at 17.30 on Tuesday 10 July 2012.

Tue, 10 Jul 2012 11:03:00 +0000

Steven Kay QC Addresses the European Academy of Law

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 12:01:00 +0000

Steven Kay QC will speak today at the European Academy of Law (ERA) in Trier, on the topic of "Liturgy or Rites? Defence rights in the international context: some lessons learned before the International Tribunals". He will detail defence issues including restrictions placed on the defence when challenging the prosecution case. Such restrictions have included those faced by the Kenyan Defence teams at the ICC, who received disclosure only 30 days before the commencement of the confirmation of charges hearing; an inadequate timeframe within which to properly respond to the case.

Steven Kay QC Visits Bahrain

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 20:28:00 +0000

At the invitation of the Bahrain Minister of Justice Sheik Khalid and through the offices of the American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative, Steven Kay QC is visiting Bahrain between 20-24 October 2012.

ICLB and 9BRi Contribute to 100 Series Rules on Use of Force at Sea

Wed, 7 Nov 2012 10:56:00 +0000

Yesterday, Quadrant Chambers Barrister David Hammond, speaking on the global shipping community website Lloydâ€™s List, stated that the advanced draft of the 100 Series Rules for the Use of Force (100 Series Rules) provides a legal basis for acts of self-defence in respect of acts of piracy in territorial waters.

Revolution in the Air - 9BRi Annual Conference

Wed, 7 Nov 2012 17:08:00 +0000

On 2 November 2012, 9 Bedford Row International, Middlesex University and BCL Burton Copeland held a conference - Revolution in the Air - to discuss important issues regarding international criminal and humanitarian law, policy and the role of third party states, the EU and the UN, and the rise of new legal principles such as the Responsibility to Protect (R2P).

Piracy: Self Defence is a Universal Concept of Law

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 15:08:00 +0000

Steven Kay QC and Peter Glenser Review of the 100 Series Rules for the Use of Force

Legal Review of the 100 Series RulesÂ©

1. Introduction

1.1 The threat to the seas and specifically international maritime trade posed by piracy that has necessitated the private sector to protect their right to trade can only be addressed by measures that are lawful. The need to employ security personnel with arms to protect commercial interests and persons on board requires that employers and all others with concurrent responsibility operate within an internationally recognized legal standard so as to prevent themselves from being held liable in criminal law or civil law for any acts carried out on their behalf. Privately Contracted Armed Security Personnel (PCASP) given the responsibility to protect must follow internationally recognized laws to ensure that the steps taken by them do not also expose them to criminal or civil liability.

Draft Standard for Private Maritime Security Companies Discussed at European Commission in Brussels

Sat, 17 Nov 2012 19:41:00 +0000

Last week, the European Commission in Brussels hosted the International Organization for StandardizationÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s second meeting on ISO PAS 28007, its draft standard for private maritime security companies.

The meeting was chaired by Robin Townsend of LloydÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s Register, the ISO project leader for piracy. Attendees included senior representatives from the Commission, the International Maritime Organization secretariat, Nato, the Security Association for the Maritime Industry, BIMCO, the African Maritime Safety and Security Agency, marine insurers and specialist lawyers.

Insurance for Private Maritime Security Companies: Liability Relating to Misuse of Lethal Force Remains Unclear

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 09:48:00 +0000

As the International Organization for Standardization reviews the issue of insurance for private maritime security companies, liability in key circumstances such as the misuse of lethal force remains unclear and untested.

Bangladesh ICT: Meeting with Lord Avebury at the House of Lords

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 18:54:00 +0000

Steven Kay QC on Tuesday 20 November 2012, presented to Lord Avebury in the House of Lords a review of recent events at the International Crimes Tribunal on behalf of a Bangladesh delegation present at the Parliament to demonstrate against its lack of fairness and the interference by the Awami League Government in its affairs. The main subject of the presentation was the abduction by Bangladesh Government agents of a key Defence witness named Bali who was due to give evidence concerning the false practices of the Prosecution during the investigation. The abduction was designed to prevent other witnesses coming forward who were due to testify upon the same matter.

Swiss Money Laundering Investigation in the Magnitsky Case Widens With New Requests Sent to Multiple Swiss Financial Institutions and Accounts Frozen

Wed, 9 Jan 2013 10:25:00 +0000

UK Govt Supports ISO for PSCs

Wed, 9 Jan 2013 10:26:00 +0000

Magnitsky's Mother Appeals to Moscow Bar Association For All Lawyers To Boycott the Posthumous Trial of Her Son

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 10:27:00 +0000

Sri Lankan Bar Association Calls For Strike to Protect LCJ

Wed, 9 Jan 2013 19:38:00 +0000

Ousted Sri Lankan Chief Justice issues leaving statement

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 19:50:00 +0000

Hamburg Conference Combating Piracy 22-25 April 2013

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 19:59:00 +0000

9 Bedford Row International to hold Counter Piracy Conference 8 February 2013

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 20:03:00 +0000

"Bangladesh: Find Abducted Witness", Human Rights Watch

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 23:49:00 +0000

Steven Kay QC issues further Legal Review of the 100 Series RUF to counter piracy.

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 23:57:00 +0000

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights expresses deep concern for Sri Lanka following removal of Chief Justice

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 23:19:00 +0000

Lithuania Freezes Bank Accounts and Joins Three Other European Countries in Launching Investigation into Magnitsky Case

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 23:12:00 +0000

Estonian Authorities Have Traced $10 Million of Stolen Russian Government Money Uncovered by Sergei Magnitsky

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 17:47:00 +0000

Bangladesh War crimes blog: Adequacy of Azad's trial examined

Sat, 26 Jan 2013 19:43:00 +0000

ICCSN Speaker Series

Sat, 26 Jan 2013 19:49:00 +0000

Experienced Bangladesh Journalist Responds to Foreign Minister's Statement on First Conviction at ICT

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 20:41:00 +0000

UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention Condemn Bangladesh ICT

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 19:58:00 +0000

Amnesty International Demands the Russian Government Halt the Unprecedented Posthumous Prosecution of Sergei Magnitsky Which Starts Today

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 20:09:00 +0000

Kremlin Opens New Posthumous Case Against Magnitsky Holding him Responsible for Russian Default in 1998

Fri, 1 Feb 2013 22:05:00 +0000

20 Mar 13: David Hammond is made an Honorary Research Associate to the Greenwich Maritime Institute, London by Professor Christopher Bellamy.

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 10:18:00 +0000

9 Bedford Row International instructed to advise the Defence at the Military Commission, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba

Fri, 22 Nov 2013 13:03:00 +0000

Fourth edition of ‘Abuse of Process in Criminal Proceedings’ now covers international criminal proceedings

Wed, 19 Nov 2014 11:10:00 +0000

The new edition of the leading textbook, ‘Abuse of Process in Criminal Proceedings’, now includes a chapter analysing the application of the abuse of process doctrine in international criminal law proceedings.