19 June 2019 - NPWJ News Digest on International Criminal Justice

Articles

Notorious Militia Member Arrested in Southern Thailand
Human Rights Watch, 18 Jun 2019

The recent arrest in Yala province of a militia member linked to numerous murders and other crimes raised hopes that the Thai government was finally getting serious about countless abuses carried out by its security forces in Thailand's restive southern border provinces. 

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Navy SEAL Edward Gallagher Goes on Trial for War Crimes
The New York Times, 17 Jun 2019

Wearing a starched white uniform and a chestful of ribbons from years of military service, Special Operations Chief Edward Gallagher walked into a military courtroom in San Diego on Monday to stand trial on war crimes charges. But what prosecutors initially believed would be a straightforward case has looked increasingly troubled in recent months, with delays caused by prosecutorial missteps and with signs that at least one important prosecution witness has changed his story. 

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Saudi Arabia: Decision to spare teenager’s life must be followed by abolition of death penalty for all juveniles
Amnesty International, 17 Jun 2019

Responding to the news that Murtaja Qureiris, the young man from Saudi Arabia arrested at the age of 13, will not face execution and has been sentenced to 12 years in prison instead, Amnesty International's Middle East Research Director Lynn Maalouf said: "The news that Murtaja Qureiris will not face execution is a huge relief for him and his family, but it is utterly outrageous that the Saudi Arabian authorities were seeking the death penalty for someone arrested under the age of 13 in the first place. Use of the death penalty against people under 18 at the time of the crime is a flagrant violation of international law. 

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The Trust Fund for Victims Expresses Solidarity with the Victims of Attacks in Central Mali
International Criminal Court, 17 Jun 2019

In reaction to the horrific assault on civilians on June 9 in Sobame Da village, Mopti region, the Trust Fund for Victims (TFV) at the International Criminal Court (ICC) strongly condemns and expresses extreme concern about the recent series of violent attacks occuring in central Mali. It has been reported that a considerable number of people have been killed and disappeared including children, women, and elderly. The TFV extends its deepest condolences to and solidarity with all the families of victims, the survivors, the affected communities in the region, and the Government of Mali. 

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King of Lesotho visits International Criminal Court
International Criminal Court, 17 Jun 2019

On 17 June 2019, His Majesty Letsie III, King of Lesotho, visited the International Criminal Court (ICC) to meet with high-level officials. The King was decorated with the title of 'Distinguished Honorary Fellow of the International Criminal Court'. ICC President Eboe-Osuji stated: "The Kingdom of Lesotho, as an active participant in the drafting of the Rome Statute, as the first Southern African country to ratify the Rome Statute, and a staunch supporter of the ICC ever since, has made great contributions to international criminal justice to secure justice for the victims of the gravest international crimes. The Court is deeply appreciative of this important role played by Lesotho."

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Egypt: Authorities must order immediate investigation into death of former President Mohamed Morsi
Amnesty International, 17 Jun 2019

The news of Mohamed Morsi's death in court today is deeply shocking and raises serious questions about his treatment in custody. The Egyptian authorities must immediately order an impartial, thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances of his death, as well as his detention conditions and his ability to access medical care. 

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