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Justice Initiative Signs Open Letter to the ICC Assembly of States Parties on Prosecutor Elections
The Justice Initiative joins more than a dozen organizations calling on the ASP to ensure a transparent and merit-based election process for the next ICC Prosecutor.
Yenina Esther Martínez Esquivia v. Colombia
Former Colombian delegate prosecutor Yenina Esther Martínez Esquivia has filed a petition before the Inter-American Court of Human Rights concerning her removal in 2004 after Martínez Esquivia ignored her superior’s orders to prematurely close a corruption investigation.
Justice Initiative Continues to Call for Fairness and Transparency in ICC Prosecutor Election Process
In light of indications that International Criminal Court (ICC) states parties are considering late-stage changes to the election process for the court’s next prosecutor, the Justice Initiative has joined more than a dozen civil society groups in an open letter calling for states to ensure that the process remains fair, transparent, and merit-based.
Justice Initiative and Syrian Archive Expose New Information on Syria’s Chemical Weapons Program
After two years of investigations, the Open Society Justice Initiative and the human rights group Syrian Archive have compiled the most comprehensive investigative report to date on Syria’s Scientific Studies and Research Centre (SSRC), the entity at the heart of Syria’s chemical weapons program.
Electing the Next Judges of the International Criminal Court: Principles and Essential Skills
This briefing paper outlines the steps member states should prioritize during the elections of six new judges to the International Criminal Court to ensure the highest caliber candidates are elected.
German Criminal Investigation into Chemical Weapons Attacks in Syria
The Justice Initiative has joined with Syrian groups in filing the first criminal complaint against Syrian government officials for the 2013 and 2017 chemical weapons attacks in Ghouta and Khan Shaykhun. The complaint was filed before the Office of the German Federal Prosecutor.
Open Society Justice Initiative Sues Trump Administration over International Criminal Court Executive Order
The Open Society Justice Initiative has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government over a Trump administration executive order authorizing draconian economic sanctions and severe civil and criminal penalties for those who support the ICC.
Justice Initiative Says Nominees for ICC Prosecutor Need Additional Vetting
The Justice Initiative and Women’s Initiatives for Gender Justice submitted an open letter asking for additional, robust vetting of all candidates nominated for the ICC’s next prosecutor.
Justice Initiative Calls U.S. Sanctions Designations an Unprecedented Assault on ICC
The Open Society Justice Initiative issues a response to the U.S. government's authorization of sanctions and additional visa restrictions against senior International Criminal Court (ICC) officials, Fatou Bensouda and Phakiso Mochochoko.
Cambodia’s Khmer Rouge Tribunal Ends Deadlocked Case against Former Regional Commander
A decision to drop the prosecution of Ao An reflects the entrenched opposition of the Cambodian government to more trials of Khmer Rouge leaders.
Groups Urge State Parties to ICC to Follow Transparent Process for Electing New Prosecutor
In an open letter, the Justice Initiative joins nine organizations in urging state parties to the International Criminal Court to adhere to the existing process of electing its next prosecutor, including refraining from nominating candidates not included in the shortlist released on June 30, 2020.
Justice Initiative Calls for Accountability for Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Syria
The Justice Initiative has co-signed a letter calling on European member states, prosecutors with jurisdiction over crimes committed in Syria, and other decision-makers to ensure access to justice for survivors of systemic sexual and gender-based violence during the Syrian civil conflict.
How NGOs, Journalists, and Courtroom Eyewitnesses can Strengthen Reporting on Atrocity Crimes Trials
Trial monitors play an important role in keeping the public informed of events in the courtroom. The Justice Initiative’s Monitoring Atrocity Crimes Trials: A Guide, offers clear guidance on what to monitor and how to convey important information.
Dead End at Cambodia's Khmer Rouge Tribunal: UN Must Respond
The Open Society Justice Initiative is calling on the United Nations to cease support for three pending cases at Cambodia’s Khmer Rouge tribunal in response to political interference that has made it impossible to complete the cases consistent with applicable law.
Dates Announced for Trial of Anwar R., Syrian Official Accused of War Crimes
The most important Syria atrocity trial to date is scheduled to begin in Germany on April 23, 2020. The accused is Anwar R., a former high-ranking Syrian official who will stand trial for crimes against humanity.
Monitoring Atrocity Crimes Trials: A Guide
This guide provides guidance on observing and reporting on international criminal trials, including guidance on what to monitor, how to convey important information, and how to reach key audiences.
Universal Jurisdiction Law and Practice in Norway
The principle of universal jurisdiction allows national courts to investigate and prosecute international crimes committed on foreign territory by foreign nationals. This briefing paper provides an overview of Norway's legal framework on universal jurisdiction and was produced in partnership with TRIAL International.
Recent Developments at the Extraordinary Chambers of the Courts of Cambodia: January, 2020
A ten-year deadlock over efforts to prosecute former Khmer Rouge senior officials for atrocity crimes is entering its final stages, after the ECCC pre-trial chamber split on whether to proceed with the trial of Ao An.
Building Roads to Justice in Syria
The Open Society Justice Initiative is part of a broad movement of Syrian and international groups that are bringing some of those responsible for atrocity crimes in Syria before courts in Europe.
Swiss Criminal Investigation Targets War Crime of Pillage
Swiss prosecutors are investigating the alleged illegal trade of minerals in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, following a complaint filed by TRIAL International and the Open Society Justice Initiative.