Topic: International Crimes
Why Violence in Africa Presents an Existential Threat
Advocates seeking a more open and democratic society in Africa have mostly failed to grasp the extent of the threat posed by violence.
Globalizing Torture: CIA Secret Detention and Extraordinary Rendition
The most comprehensive account yet assembled of the human rights abuses associated with CIA secret detention and extraordinary rendition operations.
20 Extraordinary Facts about CIA Extraordinary Rendition and Secret Detention
After the 9-11 attacks against the United States, the CIA conspired with dozens of governments to build a secret extraordinary rendition and detention program that spanned the globe.
New Report Delivers Unprecedented Account of CIA Torture Program
More than 50 countries have been implicated in kidnapping, detention, and torture as part of the CIA’s secret detention and extraordinary rendition programs, according to the Open Society Justice Initiative.
Only in America? The Kiriakou Affair and the Public’s Right to Know
The U.S. will sentence John Kiriakou, a former CIA agent, to 30 months in jail for breaching official secrecy laws. Most European countries would have responded less harshly.
Towards Global Principles on National Security and the Right to Information: An Update
The Open Society Justice Initiative has been working to win European support for a draft set of principles that would establish guidelines for public access to information about national security issues.
Timeline: The Khaled El-Masri Case
A summary of the main events in a nine year search for justice by Khaled El-Masri, the victim of a mistaken CIA counterterrorism operation.
European Court Vindicates Rendition Claims, Finds CIA Engaged in Torture
The European Court ruling said Khaled El-Masri's story of mistaken rendition and torture by the CIA was established "beyond reasonable doubt."
El-Masri and CIA 'Capture Shock'
Violence used in the extraordinary rendition of Khaled El-Masri followed guidelines developed by the CIA for intimidating suspects before interrogation.
European Court Schedules Landmark Ruling on CIA Rendition Case
The European Court of Human Rights will deliver its judgment on December 13 in a landmark case addressing Macedonia's role in the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency's programe of extraordinary rendition.
New Report Documents Counterterrorism and Human Rights Abuses in Kenya and Uganda
Civil society groups in East Africa have joined the Open Society Justice Initiative in calling on the governments of Kenya and Uganda to end a pattern of human rights abuses associated with their counterterrorism efforts.
Counterterrorism and Human Rights Abuses in Kenya and Uganda: The World Cup Bombing and Beyond
In 2010, more than 70 people were killed in two bomb attacks in Kampala, Uganda. The subsequent counterrorism response has included unlawful renditions, arbitrary detention and the physical abuse of suspects.
Investigations into CIA Renditions
A summary of inquiries into human rights abuses linked to the CIA’s program of “extraordinary renditions” of terrorism suspects, launched after September 11, 2001.
European Court Once Again Demands Answers on CIA Black Sites, This Time from Romania
Romania is the second European country to face scrutiny from the European Court of Human Rights for hosting a secret CIA prison.
Case Watch: Untangling UN Anti-Terrorism Sanctions and Human Rights
A ruling from the European Court of Human Rights considers the impact of a UN terrorism sanction list on the rights of an individual in Switzerland.
Assassinations, Disappearances, and Riots: What’s Happening in Mombasa?
Days after a controversial Muslim cleric was gunned down, violent protests have engulfed the streets of the Kenyan city of Mombasa. We asked a local human rights activist to help us understand the volatile situation.
Time for Romania to Face the Truth over Secret CIA Prison
For the sake of its future, Romania must face up to its role in enabling abuses at a secret basement prison that the CIA codenamed "Bright Light".
UK Veto on Iraq Papers a Setback for the Public’s Right to Know
The veto of a freedom of information request for details of government discussions on the 2003 invasion of Iraq favors the principle of cabinet confidentiality.
Avoiding Civilian Casualties: the U.S. Army Lays Out its Guidelines
The new guidelines are welcome, yet they present the avoidance of civilian casualties more as an optional doctrine to achieve better military results, rather than a legal obligation that soldiers must obey.
Living in a Shadow of Perpetual Suspicion
Rizwaan Sabir was treated as a terrorism suspect for downloading a document for his academic research in 2008. His story highlights concerns about how anti-terrorism powers are being used by UK police.