Newsroom
The Open Society Justice Initiative pursues strategic litigation and engages in policy advocacy in Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe. Read our News Releases and Advocacy Updates on our work.
Justice Initiative Calls on Belgian Court to Reject Recommendation to Dismiss Case on Saudi Crackdown on Political Dissidents
The complaint is a first-of-its-kind legal filing to address the full scale of crimes committed by the Saudi regime against detractors since Mohammed bin Salman was appointed crown prince in 2017.
June 21, 2022As Denmark Plans Housing for Ukrainian Refugees, Justice Initiative Renews Calls for Abolishment of “Ghetto Package”
New measures to override Denmark’s “Ghetto Package” to allow Ukrainian refugees to move into government-designated “vulnerable housing” areas adds to justifications for abolishing these discriminatory housing laws and ensuring that better access to housing and education for all refugees, argues the Open Society Justice Initiative.
April 29, 2022ICJ Orders Russia to Cease Military Operations in Ukraine, Sending Strong Signal of International Condemnation
The Open Society Justice Initiative has welcomed a ruling from the International Court of Justice ordering Russia to cease all military operations in Ukraine.
March 18, 2022Justice Initiative Files Complaint against Company Involved in 2020 Belarus Internet Shutdown
The Open Society Justice Initiative has brought a complaint before the OECD against an Austria-based telecommunications company for its role in facilitating internet shutdowns during Belarus’ disputed 2020 presidential elections.
March 16, 2022The Justice Initiative Calls on States to Step Up Efforts to Support ICC Investigations
As part of ongoing discussions led by an expert review panel on how to make the International Criminal Court (ICC) more efficient and effective, the Justice Initiative calls on states to do more to push for multilateral bodies to spur greater cooperation with the Court.
February 28, 2022In a Rebuke to the Brazilian Military, Appeals Court Confirms Acquittal of Torture Survivors
An appeals court in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, has confirmed the acquittal of six individuals who claimed they were tortured after being arrested in 2018 while in military custody. This case was the first time in Brazil a forensic investigation into torture was carried in line with the standards set out in the UN-endorsed Istanbul Protocol.
February 25, 2022Open Society Submits ECSR Complaint Urging Bulgarian Government to Accelerate Vaccinations of Vulnerable Groups
The Open Society Foundations has submitted a complaint before the ECSR against the Bulgarian government for failing to prioritize persons over 65 years old and individuals with underlying conditions in its COVID-19 vaccine rollout.
January 25, 2022First-ever Sentence on Syrian Government's Crimes against Humanity Handed Down by German Court
A former Syrian government official has been found guilty of crimes against humanity for his role in being the co-perpetrator of torture, severe deprivation of liberty, and sexual violence, in addition to other crimes, and sentenced to life in prison by the Higher Regional Court in Koblenz, Germany.
January 13, 2022