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<title>Rwanda denies claims defense forces attacked DRC internally displaced persons camp</title>
<link>https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/rwanda-denies-claims-defense-forces-attacked-drc-internally-displaced-persons-camp/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Salma Ben Souissi | The University of Law, GB]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 06 May 2024 00:33:10 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Africa]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[democratic republic of congo]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[drc]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[International]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[ROL - war crimes/humanitarian law]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Rwanda]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[us]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.jurist.org/news/?p=242904</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Rwanda denied on Saturday claims made by US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller accusing its forces of an attack targeting the Mugunga camp for internally displaced persons (IDP) in Goma, a city in east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Rwandan government released a statement arguing the accusations, made without any investigation, are […]
The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/rwanda-denies-claims-defense-forces-attacked-drc-internally-displaced-persons-camp/">Rwanda denies claims defense forces attacked DRC internally displaced persons camp</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Rwanda <a href="https://www.gov.rw/blog-detail/rwanda-rejects-blame-for-idp-camp-bombing-in-goma-drc">denied</a> on Saturday <a href="https://www.state.gov/on-condemning-the-attack-on-an-internally-displaced-persons-camp-in-the-democratic-republic-of-the-congo/">claims</a> made by US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller accusing its forces of an attack targeting the Mugunga camp for internally displaced persons (IDP) in Goma, a city in east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The Rwandan government released a statement arguing the accusations, made without any investigation, are “unjustified.” It also said proper investigations must be carried out beforehand in order to unveil the causes behind the attacks. It accused the US government of using Rwanda as a scapegoat for “the shortcomings and wrongdoing of the DRC.” Rwanda government spokesperson Yolande Makolo stated in a <a href="https://twitter.com/YolandeMakolo/status/1786546577189839110">post</a> on X (formerly Twitter) that “[t]he RDF, a professional army, would never attack an IDP camp. Look to the lawless FDLR & Wazalendo supported by the FARDC, for this kind of atrocity.”
The bomb attacks on displacement camps in Mugunga, Lac Vert and Lushagala damaged crucial humanitarian structures, killing at least 12 people and injuring around 30 more, including children on Friday. The UN <a href="https://twitter.com/Refugees/status/1786729878449946926">condemned</a> the attack, with UNICEF Representative to the DRC Grant Leaity <a href="https://www.unhcr.org/news/press-releases/unhcr-and-unicef-condemn-bombardment-displacement-camps-eastern-democratic">stating</a>:
<blockquote>The civilian population of North Kivu province has witnessed the worst humanitarian violations for over two years in this bloody attrition. UNHCR calls for all actors to halt this senseless violence and to respect the sanctity of protected humanitarian sites. We also echo the calls by displaced families themselves for peace, which is urgently needed in eastern DRC.</blockquote>
The US State Department released a <a href="https://www.state.gov/on-condemning-the-attack-on-an-internally-displaced-persons-camp-in-the-democratic-republic-of-the-congo/">statement </a>in the aftermath of the deaths accusing the Rwanda Defense Forces (RDF) and March 23 Movement (M23), a rebel military group allegedly backed by Rwanda in Congo, of having perpetrated the attacks. It expressed its concerns over the expansion of both parties in the DRC, which resulted in the displacement of millions, and called on both to respect human rights and international humanitarian law.
Violence in the eastern region of the DRC has <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2023/11/fighting-between-rebels-and-army-cuts-power-to-city-in-democratic-republic-of-congo/">increased</a> and caused the internal displacement of more than <a href="https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/06/1137722" target="_blank" rel="noopener">6.1 million</a> people. In <a href="https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/06/13/dr-congo-killings-rapes-rwanda-backed-m23-rebels" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a 2023 report</a>, Human Rights Watch reported M23 has been responsible for unlawful killings, rapes and other apparent war crimes since late 2022. The UN began <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/02/un-mission-transfers-control-of-base-of-operations-to-drc-government-as-withdrawal-starts/">withdrawing</a> its mission known as the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) by transferring control of its first base of operations in February to the Congolese government as part of the its plan to end its current humanitarian operations within the African country by the end of the year.
The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/rwanda-denies-claims-defense-forces-attacked-drc-internally-displaced-persons-camp/">Rwanda denies claims defense forces attacked DRC internally displaced persons camp</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.
]]></content:encoded>
</item>
<item>
<title>Israel shutters Al Jazeera operations and begins raiding news organization’s offices</title>
<link>https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/israel-shutters-al-jazeera-operations-and-begins-raiding-organizations-offices/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Daniela Pulido | Facultad de Derecho PUCP, PE]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Sun, 05 May 2024 21:54:34 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[#freedomofpress]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[#Israel #Gaza]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Al Jazeera]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Benjamin Netanyahu]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[International]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Israel]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[israel-hamas war]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[palestine]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[rol - freedom of press]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[rol - press freedom]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.jurist.org/news/?p=242873</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Sunday that his cabinet had unanimously voted to shut down operations of Al Jazeera in Israel. Authorities started raiding the news organization’s offices soon after. Israel has long had a strained relationship with Al Jazeera, accusing it of anti-Israel bias and collaborating with Hamas. The decision was enabled by […]
The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/israel-shutters-al-jazeera-operations-and-begins-raiding-organizations-offices/">Israel shutters Al Jazeera operations and begins raiding news organization’s offices</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu <a href="https://twitter.com/netanyahu/status/1787060542168862763?s=46&t=RjLOy6ODHX-XwZ3NkxcPsQ">announced</a> Sunday that his cabinet had unanimously voted to shut down operations of Al Jazeera in Israel. Authorities started <a href="https://x.com/shlomo_karhi/status/1787106864808784243">raiding</a> the news organization’s offices soon after.
Israel has long had a strained relationship with Al Jazeera, <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/05/05/benjamin-netanyahu-orders-al-jazeera-to-shut-israel-offices/">accusing </a> it of anti-Israel bias and collaborating with Hamas. The decision was enabled by a <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2024/04/01/middleeast/israel-al-jazeera-media-law-intl-hnk/index.html">law</a> granting the government the authority to close down foreign news outlets operating in Israel if deemed a threat to national security.
Israel’s Communications Minister, Shlomo Karhi, <a href="https://twitter.com/shlomo_karhi/status/1787060688805912737?s=46&t=RjLOy6ODHX-XwZ3NkxcPsQ">announced </a>on X (formerly Twitter) that he had issued orders against Al Jazeera which would take effect right away. Karhi described Al Jazeera’s operations as well-orchestrated incitement efforts that jeopardize the nation’s security. He vowed to do everything in his power over the coming months to ensure Al Jazeera could no longer operate within Israel’s borders.
In a separate post, Karhi shared video <a href="https://twitter.com/shlomo_karhi/status/1787106864808784243">footage </a>depicting Communications Ministry inspectors, backed by Israeli police forces, conducting a raid on Al Jazeera’s Jerusalem offices. The video showed them <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/5/5/netanyahu-government-votes-to-close-al-jazeera-channel-in-israel">confiscating</a> various equipment belonging to the channel, such as editing systems, cameras, microphones, servers, laptops, wireless transmission gear and some mobile phones.
Al Jazeera <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJBK5crYTfA">released </a>a pre-recorded final report from their correspondent Imran Khan in Israel. Khan recorded his last report from occupied East Jerusalem, ahead of the Netanyahu government’s unanimous decision to shut down Al Jazeera’s operations in Israel. In the report, Khan explained that according to the recently passed law, the ban on Al Jazeera encompasses blocking their website and prohibiting the use of any device to provide their content. Additionally, internet service providers risk being fined if they host Al Jazeera’s website. The law’s provisions also impose a complete ban on broadcasting the Al Jazeera channel itself, prohibiting any transmission of their content by providers. Furthermore, the channel is barred from maintaining offices or conducting any operations within Israeli territory. Khan stated that this wide-ranging ban leaves uncertainty over how long these restrictions will remain in place.
Jonathan Dagher, who heads the Middle East desk at Reporters Without Borders (RSF), condemned Israel’s actions and <a href="https://rsf.org/en/al-jazeera-be-banned-soon-israel-unprecedented-censorship-after-months-persecution">stated</a>:
<blockquote>Israel is using every possible method to try to silence Al Jazeera for its coverage of the reality of the fate of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza since October 7th. The Israeli parliament’s vote to censor Al Jazeera, and Benjamin Netanyahu’s defamatory remarks about its journalists are unacceptable. RSF demands that the Israeli authorities end their aggressive harassment of Al Jazeera. Such censorship legislation, under the guise of democratic regulation, implicitly targeting a specific media outlet, creates a precedent fraught with dangers for journalism in Israel.</blockquote>
Last month, after the Israeli parliament <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/4/1/israeli-pm-netanyahu-revives-push-to-shut-down-al-jazeera">approved</a> a law granting senior ministers the power to shut down foreign news networks, Netanyahu <a href="https://twitter.com/netanyahu/status/1774827092544233627">said</a> that he would take immediate action to stop operations of Al Jazeera in Israel. Calling it a terrorist channel, he also <a href="https://x.com/netanyahu/status/1774827092544233627">accused</a> the network of harming Israel’s security and actively participating in the October 7th <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2023/10/israel-dispatch-war-is-officially-declared-against-hamas-after-israel-suffers-the-largest-single-day-death-toll-in-its-history/">attacks</a>. The new legislation, passed on April 1, 2024, <a href="https://www.ifj.org/media-centre/news/detail/category/middle-east-arab-world/article/israel-new-law-allows-government-to-temporarily-shut-down-al-jazeera">authorized</a> the prime minister and communications minister to temporarily close foreign media outlets operating in Israel and confiscate their equipment if they are found to be “doing actual harm to state security.” Closure orders issued under this law are valid for an initial 45-day period, with the option to renew for additional 45-day extensions. However, the law itself is a <a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahu-urges-knesset-to-pass-law-allowing-shuttering-of-al-jazeera/">temporary measure</a> set to expire on July 31, 2024, or earlier if the government lifts the declared state of emergency situation that prompted its passage.
Shutting down Al Jazeera is not the first attack on press freedom in Israel in recent years. RSF says that more than 100 journalists have been <a href="https://rsf.org/en/country/israel">killed </a> in Gaza by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and that pressure on journalists within Israel has escalated since the country invaded Gaza after Hamas’s October 7 attacks. Last December, Al Jazeera <a href="/news/2023/12/al-jazeera-to-file-war-crimes-complaint-with-icc-against-israel-after-death-of-photographer/">announced </a>plans to file a war crimes complaint against Israel with the International Criminal Court (ICC) after the death of their photojournalist Samer Abu Daqqa in Gaza, who was killed by an alleged IDF drone strike.
Israel’s actions threaten to heighten tensions with <a href="https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2024-04-30/qatars-gaza-mediation-effort-in-the-israel-hamas-war-comes-under-fire">Qatar</a>, which partially funds the operations of Al Jazeera, at a time when Qatar is playing a key mediating role in efforts to halt the war in Gaza.
The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/israel-shutters-al-jazeera-operations-and-begins-raiding-organizations-offices/">Israel shutters Al Jazeera operations and begins raiding news organization’s offices</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.
]]></content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Germany accuses Russia of 2023 cyber attack and promises ‘consequences’</title>
<link>https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/germany-accuses-russia-of-2023-cyber-attack-and-promises-consequences/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Aimee Woodmass | Newcastle Law School, GB]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Sun, 05 May 2024 21:10:38 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[cyberattack]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[europe]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[germany]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[International]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[rol - state sovereignty]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[rol - tech/ai]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Russia]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.jurist.org/news/?p=242903</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has accused Russia of a cyber attack that occurred in 2023. In a Friday press conference, Baerbock said the attack was “completely unacceptable and will not remain without consequences.” Baerbock, in a speech at a press conference with the Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs, declared that the “serious cyber attack […]
The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/germany-accuses-russia-of-2023-cyber-attack-and-promises-consequences/">Germany accuses Russia of 2023 cyber attack and promises ‘consequences’</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has <a href="https://x.com/GermanyDiplo/status/1786388627091501513">accused</a> Russia of a cyber attack that occurred in 2023. In a Friday press conference, Baerbock said the attack was “completely unacceptable and will not remain without consequences.”
Baerbock, in a speech at a press conference with the Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs, declared that the “serious cyber attack against the members of the Social Democratic Party” in 2023 was carried out by the APT28 group. The Federal Government, under leadership of the Federal Foreign Office, investigated the attack and attributed it to this group, who are controlled by the Russian military intelligence service GRU.
The Russian embassy in Berlin <a href="https://x.com/RusBotschaft/status/1786387652964479384">denied</a> these accusations. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), the Russian embassy stated that their ambassador was summoned to the federal foreign office on May 3rd, where they were accused of the 2023 cyber attack. The Russian embassy emphasized that they “strongly denied these allegations” and said that they lacked evidence. They further stated that “the embassy views this as yet another unfriendly step aimed at creating anti-Russian sentiment in Germany, which will lead to a deterioration of Russo-German relations.”
The attacks were <a href="https://www.state.gov/the-united-states-condemns-malicious-cyber-activity-targeting-germany-czechia-and-other-eu-member-states/">condemned</a> by the US State Department as “malicious.” The US have previously sanctioned actors associated with APT28 for their involvement in a “range of malign cyber activity.” They criticized Russia’s disregard of the UN Framework for Responsible State Behavior in Cyberspace and expressed their support for Germany:
<blockquote>The United States is committed to the security of our allies and partners and upholding the rules-based international order, including in cyberspace. We call on Russia to stop this malicious activity and abide by its international commitments and obligations. With the EU and our NATO Allies, we will continue to take action to disrupt Russia’s cyber activities, protect our citizens and foreign partners, and hold malicious actors accountable.</blockquote>
Recent cyber attacks on Czechia have also been attributed to APT28. NATO <a href="https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/official_texts_225229.htm">affirmed their solidarity</a> with both countries in a statement from the North Atlantic Council. They noted that Russian military organizations had also conducted cyber attacks on Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, and Sweden and condemned these “malicious cyber activities intended to undermine our democratic institutions, national security and free society.” NATO affirmed they are dedicated to “countering the substantial, continuous and increasing cyber threat” and called on all states to “respect their international obligations and commitments to uphold international law.”

The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/germany-accuses-russia-of-2023-cyber-attack-and-promises-consequences/">Germany accuses Russia of 2023 cyber attack and promises ‘consequences’</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.
]]></content:encoded>
</item>
<item>
<title>British-Palestinian doctor denied entry to France ahead of meeting on Gaza war</title>
<link>https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/british-palestinian-doctor-denied-entry-to-france-ahead-of-meeting-on-gaza-war/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Samara Baboolal | U. Nottingham School of Law, GB]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Sun, 05 May 2024 20:52:31 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[europe]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[France]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[germany]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[International]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Israel]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[israel-hamas war]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Middle East and North Africa]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[palestine]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[rol - freedom of expression/speech]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[ROL - war crimes/humanitarian law]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.jurist.org/news/?p=242849</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Dr. Ghassan Abu Sitta, a British-Palestinian doctor, said on X (formerly known as Twitter) on Saturday that French authorities denied him entry ahead of a French Senate meeting where he was providing testimony about his experience in Gaza.. The authorities told him that German authorities placed a ban on him entering Europe. Dr. Abu Sitta […]
The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/british-palestinian-doctor-denied-entry-to-france-ahead-of-meeting-on-gaza-war/">British-Palestinian doctor denied entry to France ahead of meeting on Gaza war</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Dr. Ghassan Abu Sitta, a British-Palestinian doctor, <a href="https://twitter.com/GhassanAbuSitt1/status/1786673587673239605?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet">said on X</a> (formerly known as Twitter) on Saturday that French authorities denied him entry ahead of a French Senate meeting where he was providing testimony about his experience in Gaza.. The authorities told him that German authorities placed a ban on him entering Europe.
Dr. Abu Sitta is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon who spent 43 days in Gaza City as a volunteer with <a href="https://doctorswithoutborders-apac.org/en/about-us/who-are-we">Doctors Without Borders</a>, where he provided medical care to the wounded at the al-Ahli and al-Shifa hospitals. In an<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/12/15/gaza-ghassan-abu-sitta-recollections/"> interview</a> with the Washington Post in December 2023, Dr. Abu Sitta described his experiences during those 43 days, which he called a “massacre” which included the use of white phosphorus munitions by Israel and deaths and injury of Palestinian children.
Dr. Abu Sitta’s post on X says, “I am at Charles De Gaule airport. They are preventing me from entering France. I am supposed to speak at the French Senate today. They say the Germans put a 1 year ban on my entry to Europe.”
Dr. Abu Sitta was able to deliver his talk via video conference link, <a href="https://twitter.com/PoncetRaymonde/status/1786749190653042819">according</a> to Raymonde Poncet Monge, the senator behind the conference, who expressed outrage that he was unable to attend in person. Abu Sitta was barred from entering France due to a Schengen-wide visa ban placed on him by Germany, which prohibited his entry into Schengen European countries. He was refused entry at the airport and <a href="https://twitter.com/GhassanAbuSitt1/status/1786736733091938337">put on a return flight</a> to London. Abu Sitta was invited by the French Green Party to<a href="https://twitter.com/PoncetRaymonde/status/1786704079609024712"> speak about his experiences</a> in Gaza and the realities of the situation there.
The <a href="https://www.icjpalestine.com/2024/05/04/dr-abu-sitta-barred-from-europe/">International Centre for Justice for Palestinians</a> (ICJP) said that lawyers in Germany have been instructed to take legal action in the German courts. Tayab Ali, director of the ICJP<a href="https://twitter.com/tayab_ali_/status/1786679418212982874"> said on X </a>that the ban is an act of unacceptable “silencing and harassment of a witness to Israeli war crimes.”
Tayab Ali <a href="https://www.icjpalestine.com/2024/05/04/dr-abu-sitta-barred-from-europe/#:~:text=Tayab%20Ali%2C%20Director,testimony%20won%E2%80%99t%20stand.%E2%80%9D">said</a>:
<blockquote>German politicians have repeatedly claimed that Israel’s security is Germany’s “reason of state”. They are behaving as such: to shield Israel from criticism, they are denying the rights to speech and movement of a renowned doctor, who experienced first-hand Israel’s attack on Gaza’s healthcare system. ICJP are instructing lawyers in France and Germany to see that the German’s authoritarian crackdown on free speech and witness testimony won’t stand.</blockquote>
The German government is a staunch supporter of Israel. International Court of Justice (ICJ) proceedings were <a href="https://www.icj-cij.org/sites/default/files/case-related/193/193-20240301-app-01-00-en.pdf#page=29">formally launched</a> by <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/03/nicaragua-launches-icj-proceedings-against-germany-for-aiding-israel-in-ongoing-gaza-war/">Nicaragua against Germany</a> accusing the country of complicity in genocide by supplying arms and munitions to Israel. However, the ICJ <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/04/icj-declines-to-halt-german-military-aid-to-israel-in-nicaragua-genocide-prevention-dispute/">recently denied</a> Nicaragua’s request for provisional measures to halt Germany’s arms aid to Israel. In April, <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/04/germany-police-interrupt-and-shut-down-pro-palestine-event/">German police shut down a pro-Palestine event</a> and issued a ban to prevent the group from meeting again after it accused speakers of allegedly making antisemitic remarks.
The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/british-palestinian-doctor-denied-entry-to-france-ahead-of-meeting-on-gaza-war/">British-Palestinian doctor denied entry to France ahead of meeting on Gaza war</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.
]]></content:encoded>
</item>
<item>
<title>UK asylum charity launches legal action against government Rwanda plan</title>
<link>https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/uk-asylum-charity-launches-legal-action-against-government-rwanda-plan/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Salma Ben Souissi | The University of Law, GB]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Sun, 05 May 2024 18:29:30 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[International]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[rol - immigration/migration/refugees/asylum]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[rwanda plan]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[uk]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.jurist.org/news/?p=242852</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Asylum Aid, a leading UK charity providing free legal advice and representation to asylum seekers and refugees, announced on Friday that it was launching legal action against the Home Office’s Safety of Rwanda plan to “ensure that all individual cases against removal to Rwanda are properly considered.” The charity said its legal action against the […]
The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/uk-asylum-charity-launches-legal-action-against-government-rwanda-plan/">UK asylum charity launches legal action against government Rwanda plan</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Asylum Aid, a leading UK charity providing free legal advice and representation to asylum seekers and refugees, <a href="https://x.com/AsylumAid/status/1786373561910710312">announced</a> on Friday that it was launching legal action against the Home Office’s Safety of Rwanda plan to “ensure that all individual cases against removal to Rwanda are properly considered.”
The charity said its legal action against the Rwanda plan aims to ensure the government does not overlook “evidence of individual risk in Rwanda cases,” and to prevent cases from being unlawfully blocked from being admitted into the asylum system. It further said it intends to proceed with a judicial review if the government refuses to make amendments to its policy.
The charity initially <a href="https://asylumaid.org.uk/what-we-do/rwanda-litigation">challenged</a> the Rwanda plan at the UK High Court in October 2022, where they argued the plan was “unfair” because it limits the time for those seeking asylum to make their case and get to court. Moreover, they argued the policy does not give applicants the right to make representations on the general safety of Rwanda. The court eventually ruled the timescale was not unfair and that people have no right to argue that Rwanda is generally unsafe. It further found applicants don’t need to have a lawyer to make their case.
The Rwanda deal has been a topic of intense debate in the UK since its introduction in 2022. After the Supreme Court <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2023/11/uk-supreme-court-finds-rwanda-plan-is-unlawful/">ruled</a> that the plan was unlawful in December, the government introduced its <a href="https://bills.parliament.uk/bills/3540">Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Act 2024 </a> which recently received <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/04/uk-rwanda-bill-becomes-law-with-royal-assent/">royal assent</a>. The Act received widespread criticism, notably from the <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/03/un-calls-on-uk-to-withdraw-rwanda-bill/">UN</a>, urging its withdrawal.
UK authorities began last week <a href="https://twitter.com/ukhomeoffice/status/1785635671316537510">detaining</a> migrants it plans to deport. Police also <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/london-police-arrest-45-protestors-during-attempt-to-stop-asylum-seekers-being-moved-to-barge/">arrested</a> 45 protestors attempting to prevent the removal of asylum seekers from a London hotel to the Bibby Stockholm barge. Protesters aimed to block the coach which was sent to transfer asylum seekers to the barge, as it was criticized for being unsuitable for housing people. Three people have been <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/protesters-charged-bibby-stockholm-barge-b2539556.html">charged</a> with obstruction of the highway.
The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/uk-asylum-charity-launches-legal-action-against-government-rwanda-plan/">UK asylum charity launches legal action against government Rwanda plan</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.
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<title>UN food official urges unrestricted access for Sudan aid delivery amid starvation crisis</title>
<link>https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/un-food-official-urges-unrestricted-access-for-sudan-aid-delivery-amid-starvation-crisis/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Daniela Pulido | Facultad de Derecho PUCP, PE]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Sun, 05 May 2024 18:19:58 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Africa]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[armed conflict]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[FAO]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[humanitarian aid]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[hunger]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[International]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[international humanitarian law]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[ROL - war crimes/humanitarian law]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[starvation]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[sudan]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[United Nations]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[WFP]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[World Food Programme]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.jurist.org/news/?p=242868</guid>
<description><![CDATA[World Food Programme (WFP) spokesperson in Sudan, Leni Kinzli, called Friday for unrestricted access and security assurances to deliver aid to families struggling to survive amid devastating violence in Darfur and other conflict zones across Sudan, saying “time is running out to prevent starvation.” Kinzli underscored the critical need for WFP to use the Adré […]
The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/un-food-official-urges-unrestricted-access-for-sudan-aid-delivery-amid-starvation-crisis/">UN food official urges unrestricted access for Sudan aid delivery amid starvation crisis</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.
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<content:encoded><![CDATA[World Food Programme (WFP) spokesperson in Sudan, Leni Kinzli, <a href="https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1c/k1c5tuphup">called </a>Friday for unrestricted access and security assurances to deliver aid to families struggling to survive amid devastating violence in Darfur and other conflict zones across Sudan, saying “time is running out to prevent starvation.”
Kinzli underscored the critical need for WFP to use the Adré border crossing to transport aid across the front lines into Darfur, where she previously said at least 1.7 million people face emergency levels of hunger, a figure WFP now expects to be significantly higher. The spokeswoman also sounded the alarm that hunger is expected to spike as the lean season arrives before the next harvest and food supplies dwindle.
During a <a href="https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1c/k1c5tuphup">UN press conference</a>, Kinzli said that intensifying clashes in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, are hampering WFP’s efforts to deliver desperately needed food aid to the region. While civilians in El Fasher and greater Darfur are already facing severe hunger, Kinzli said aid deliveries have been sporadic due to the ongoing fighting and bureaucratic hurdles. She said the recent upsurge in violence around El Fasher has “halted aid convoys” from the El Tina border crossing in Chad, which recently opened as a humanitarian corridor. Kinzli reported that WFP is also being prevented from transporting aid through the Adré humanitarian corridor from Chad, “the only other viable cross-border corridor.”
These restrictions, she warned, “are jeopardizing our [WFP’s] plans to deliver vital assistance to over 700,000 people ahead of the rainy season, when many of the roads across Darfur become impassable.” While the program currently has 8,000 metric tons of food ready to move from Chad into Sudan, Kinzli said it cannot proceed because of the access restrictions. The dire situation is forcing desperate measures, as Kinzli reveals, “People are resorting to eating grass and peanut shells.”
<a href="https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/015d7cac-efbc-4b49-88a6-c1c74cd3cb3e/content">Agriculture</a> forms the economic backbone of Sudan, with around 65 percent of the population engaged in this sector. However, according to the UN’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the ongoing conflict has severely <a href="https://www.fao.org/newsroom/detail/sudan-fao-issues-stark-warning-over-deeply-concerning-scale-of-hunger/en">restricted </a>agricultural production, caused major damage to infrastructure and livelihoods, disrupted trade flows and driven up prices significantly. Alarmingly, the conflict has now spread to the state of Al Jazirah, which accounts for approximately 50 percent of the country’s wheat production and 10 percent of its sorghum output, both essential crops. Save the Children <a href="https://www.savethechildren.org/us/about-us/media-and-news/2024-press-releases/sudan-children-mothers-die-from-hunger-without-critical-action">warns </a>that unless urgent life-saving funding and aid address the needs arising from Sudan’s worsening crisis, nearly 230,000 children, pregnant women, and new mothers could perish from hunger in the coming months.
The current crisis in Sudan erupted in April 2023, when the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF)—former allies who jointly toppled long-time dictator Omar al-Bashir in 2019—turned against each other through <a href="/news/2024/02/sudan-armed-forces-to-investigate-alleged-beheadings-of-paramilitary-group-members/">armed conflict</a>. Tensions have been simmering since 2021 over disputes surrounding the transition process, reforms in the security sector, lines of command and control, as well as the proposed integration of the RSF paramilitary group into Sudan’s national army.
At present, the RSF forces have managed to seize control over most areas of the Darfur region, and they have <a href="https://reliefweb.int/report/sudan/rsf-siege-north-darfur-capital-leads-food-and-medical-supply-shortages">El Fasher</a>—the sole remaining provincial capital not under their authority—under siege. According to Kinzli, <a href="https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1c/k1c5tuphup">ground reports</a> from WFP partners paint an “extremely dire” picture in El Fasher, where an estimated 500,000 civilians have sought refuge but face immense struggles trying to escape the reported RSF bombings and artillery shelling still raining down on the city.
The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/un-food-official-urges-unrestricted-access-for-sudan-aid-delivery-amid-starvation-crisis/">UN food official urges unrestricted access for Sudan aid delivery amid starvation crisis</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.
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<title>Germany chancellor and EU leaders denounce attacks on politicians</title>
<link>https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/germany-chancellor-and-eu-leaders-denounce-attacks-on-politicians/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Elisabeth Driscoll | U. Bristol Law School, GB]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Sun, 05 May 2024 18:08:43 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[EU]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[germany]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[International]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[ROL- political violence]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.jurist.org/news/?p=242875</guid>
<description><![CDATA[German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and European Union leaders condemned the recent series of attacks on politicians in Germany on Saturday. This included the recent assault on European Parliament candidate Matthias Ecke, who was hospitalized on Friday. One of his attackers surrendered to police custody on Sunday. Ecke, 41, is a European Parliament member for the […]
The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/germany-chancellor-and-eu-leaders-denounce-attacks-on-politicians/">Germany chancellor and EU leaders denounce attacks on politicians</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.
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<content:encoded><![CDATA[German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and European Union leaders <a href="https://youtu.be/ERHdDLxO7kk?si=WSxh5pLv8dJA2iUK&t=70">condemned</a> the recent series of attacks on politicians in Germany on Saturday. This included the <a href="https://www.dw.com/en/germany-spds-eu-election-candidate-attacked-in-dresden/a-68996965">recent assault</a> on European Parliament candidate Matthias Ecke, who was hospitalized on Friday. One of his attackers <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-68957178">surrendered</a> to police custody on Sunday.
Ecke, 41, is a European Parliament member for the Social Democrat Party (Sozialdemokratische Partei Deutschlands). He <a href="https://www.medienservice.sachsen.de/medien/news/1075269">was attacked</a> on Saturday while hanging up posters ahead of June’s European Parliament elections by four men and was seriously injured, requiring surgery. Investigators said a political motive was suspected. A 17-year-old turned himself early Sunday morning, confessing to the crime.
Scholz spoke out against the violence <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERHdDLxO7kk">in a press conference</a>, saying, “We must never allow ourselves to become comfortable with acts of violence like these.” He continued, “Democracy is threatened by acts like these, which is why shrugging them off is never an option. We must stand up together.” Many other European Parliament candidates and members have also <a href="https://auf-gruen-kommts-an.de/aktuelles/wir-lassen-uns-nicht-einschuechtern/">expressed</a> sympathy and outrage, <a href="https://twitter.com/EP_President/status/1786736272339259753">including</a> Roberta Metsola, the President of the European Parlaiment.
This was only the most recent in a series of attacks on politicians in Germany. The police have <a href="https://www.medienservice.sachsen.de/medien/news/1075269">confirmed</a> that a 28-year-old man had been “punched” and “kicked” while putting up posters earlier in the day on the same street that Ecke was attacked on. It is believed that this attack was by the same group.
Several commentators have noted that the attacks have primarily targeted left-wing politicians and suspect a far-right motive. Extremist parties, primarily the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, have risen in popularity in recent years. They are now the second most popular party in Germany after the Christian Democrats. The Saxony Social Democrat branch <a href="https://twitter.com/SPDSachsen/status/1786697175478513868?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1786697175478513868%7Ctwgr%5E426e38fb555e222c927da31916d9d34fba4974f7%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spiegel.de%2Fpolitik%2Fspd-politiker-matthias-ecke-in-dresden-zusammengeschlagen-a-4dc8af41-ce03-4906-86f4-d0fa5f2628dd">has blamed</a> the AfD for the attacks: “Their supporters are now completely disinhibited and apparently see us democrats as fair game.” The AfD <a href="https://www.voanews.com/a/germany-denounces-attacks-on-politicians-recalling-darkest-era-of-its-history-/7598121.html?utm_source=ground.news&utm_medium=referral">have responded</a> that they are the victim of a hate campaign by the media and political establishment.
The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/germany-chancellor-and-eu-leaders-denounce-attacks-on-politicians/">Germany chancellor and EU leaders denounce attacks on politicians</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.
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<title>Former Vietnam government official arrested for abuse of power</title>
<link>https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/former-head-of-government-office-of-vietnam-arrested-for-abuse-of-power/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jiahang Li | JURIST Staff, CN]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Sun, 05 May 2024 16:49:42 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Asia]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[rol - corruption/official misconduct]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Vietnam]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.jurist.org/news/?p=242871</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security said Saturday that the Police Investigation Agency issued a decision to prosecute and arrest Mai Tien Dung, who served as head of the government office of Vietnam, for the offense of abusing power or position while performing official duties. The charges are in relation to a bribery case and abuse of […]
The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/former-head-of-government-office-of-vietnam-arrested-for-abuse-of-power/">Former Vietnam government official arrested for abuse of power</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.
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<content:encoded><![CDATA[Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security<a href="https://www.facebook.com/mps.gov/posts/pfbid02S17duuEuFYu7L2rRPo3N9qSkWZr3NvRPN5SqjMrRmtpD8HK2LJB2Qbk24azjao7Ql"> said</a> Saturday that the Police Investigation Agency issued a decision to prosecute and arrest Mai Tien Dung, who served as head of the government office of Vietnam, for the offense of abusing power or position while performing official duties. The charges are in relation to a bribery case and abuse of power that occurred in the Central Highland province of Lam Dong Province and some related localities.
Article 356 of the Criminal Code of Vietnam <a href="https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/legislation/details/17225">stipulates</a> that abuse of power or position in the performance of official duties shall face a penalty of up to three years’ community sentence or from one to five years’ imprisonment. Furthermore, if the offense has been committed more than once, the defendant shall carry a penalty of five to ten years’ imprisonment.
The charges comes as Vietnam continues to ramp up its anti-corruption campaign. The campaign, which is called “Blazing Furnace,” has <a href="https://fulcrum.sg/cooling-the-blazing-furnace-of-vietnams-anti-corruption-drive/">achieved</a> remarkable results, leading to 60,000 resignations between 2021 and 2023. On May 2, 2024, the Central Executive Committee <a href="https://vietnamnet.vn/dong-y-de-ong-vuong-dinh-hue-thoi-uy-vien-bo-chinh-tri-chu-tich-quoc-hoi-2274528.html?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3yUHSptLia6TOmesvHjOE2wfPUtPSPGLb4RMddsAqiwdL7q8Ag_XvUe1U_aem_AQTM326rrE-JHeMW1rY_6v5UO9yR7fU6QMzjeK91UXp6N1nilzA42BfUNYHEKIggm6PuoSDjSBOLmC6oB7Tu8bQg">accepted</a> Vuong Dinh Hue’s resignation from the position of Chairman of the National Assembly. Vuong Dinh Hue was also accused of violating regulations on the responsibility of officials to set an example and regulations regarding what party members are not allowed to do.
The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/former-head-of-government-office-of-vietnam-arrested-for-abuse-of-power/">Former Vietnam government official arrested for abuse of power</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.
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<title>HRW: France should press China on alleged crimes against humanity during Xi visit</title>
<link>https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/hrw-france-should-put-pressure-on-china-for-alleged-crimes-against-humanity/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Nova Kruijning | Maastricht U. Faculty of Law, NL]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Sun, 05 May 2024 10:43:22 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[amnesty international]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[China]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[China Taiwan relations]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[China-EU relations]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[EU]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[europe]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[hrw]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[human rights]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[International]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[rol - human rights]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[United Nations]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Uyghur Genocide]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[war crimes]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.jurist.org/news/?p=242850</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Friday issued a statement urging French President Emmanuel Macron to speak out against the Chinese government’s alleged crimes against humanity and increasing human rights repression during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Paris, which is scheduled to take place between May 6-7. Maya Wang, acting China director at HRW argued […]
The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/hrw-france-should-put-pressure-on-china-for-alleged-crimes-against-humanity/">HRW: France should press China on alleged crimes against humanity during Xi visit</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.
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<content:encoded><![CDATA[Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Friday issued a <a href="https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/05/03/france-macron-should-stand-firm-rights-china">statement</a> urging French President Emmanuel Macron to speak out against the Chinese government’s alleged crimes against humanity and increasing human rights repression during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s <a href="https://english.www.gov.cn/news/202405/05/content_WS66371531c6d0868f4e8e6bc7.html">visit</a> to Paris, which is scheduled to take place between May 6-7.
Maya Wang, acting China director at HRW argued that France’s silence and inaction would fuel the Chinese government’s repression of human rights. On this ground, HRW <a href="https://twitter.com/hrw/status/1786995518884688150">contended</a> that French President Emmanuel Macron should make it clear to Xi Jinping that Beijing’s crimes against humanity come with consequences for the China-France relations. Wang added that demonstrating the French government’s commitment to addressing Xi’s assault on rights inside and outside China is crucial.
HRW previously called upon Macron to speak out against China’s human rights violations when Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen <a href="https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/03/30/france-eu-raise-rights-during-top-level-china-visit">visited</a> Beijing in April 2023. Encouraging the two politicians to establish a bilateral rights framework between the EU and China, HRW also demanded Macron and von der Leyen publicly call for the release of all political prisoners and detainees – including Ilham Tohti, a Uyghur economist serving a <a href="https://www.hrw.org/news/2014/11/21/china-xinjiang-verdict-upholds-unjust-life-sentence">life sentence</a> in China on charges of separatism, as well as 7 of his <a href="https://www.hrw.org/news/2022/03/31/china-free-uyghur-scholars-students">students</a>.
However, Macron and von der Leyen did not publicly address the human rights situation in the country during their visit last year. HRW maintained that Xi’s upcoming visit presents an unparalleled opportunity to course-correct last year’s <a href="https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/04/14/frances-macron-ignores-violations-during-china-visit">inadvertence</a> by laying out how human rights repression hinders trade and businesses between China and the EU, and the potential means France would use to hold China accountable such as pressing ahead toward a UN Human Rights Council-backed investigation in Xinjiang.
HRW highlighted that this approach to the conservation of human rights corresponds with Macron’s vision of European humanism – a model based on democracy and globally recognized human rights – which requires the continuous defense to evolve and remain existing. In his own words, Macron <a href="https://www.elysee.fr/en/emmanuel-macron/2024/04/24/europe-speech">insisted</a> that “this fight is one that we will take up at the international level.”
Xi’s visit to Paris will mark 60 years of diplomatic relations between France and the People’s Republic of China (PRC), and talks are expected to <a href="https://www.francetvinfo.fr/monde/chine/le-president-chinois-xi-jinping-attendu-en-visite-d-etat-a-paris-et-dans-les-hautes-pyrenees-les-6-et-7-mai_6515060.html">center largely</a> around the Russian invasion of Ukraine, ongoing conflicts in the Middle East (including the Israel-Palestine war), and trade relations between the European Union (EU) and PRC, which have noticeably weakened after the EU adopted targeted financial <a href="https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2021/03/22/eu-imposes-further-sanctions-over-serious-violations-of-human-rights-around-the-world/">sanctions</a> against Chinese officials and entities they deemed responsible for certain human rights <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2022/09/un-rights-office-releases-long-awaited-xinjiang-report/">abuses</a> in Xinjiang province, where many Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims reside. The PRC responded to the EU’s sanctions by adopting retaliatory counter-sanctions, which ultimately led to the <a href="https://www.hrw.org/news/2021/05/20/european-parliament-freezes-trade-deal-china">suspension</a> of the Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI), a bilateral trade deal between the EU and China, by the European Parliament.
The impending visit has been met with significant criticism by the international community, notably from human rights watchdogs such as HRW, which believe Macron has an overarching duty to change course from the intended agenda and focus on publicly addressing the human rights situation in the East-Asian country, which is rapidly deteriorating. 
 
The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/hrw-france-should-put-pressure-on-china-for-alleged-crimes-against-humanity/">HRW: France should press China on alleged crimes against humanity during Xi visit</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.
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<title>HRW: Russia forces appear to have executed Ukraine soldiers attempting surrender</title>
<link>https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/hrw-russia-forces-appear-to-have-executed-ukraine-soldiers-attempting-surrender/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Tiffany Rojas | Facultad de Derecho PUCP, PE]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Sun, 05 May 2024 03:26:56 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[International]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[rol - war crimes/humanitarian crisis]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[russa-ukraine war]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Russia]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[russia invasion of ukraine]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Ukraine]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[war crimes]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.jurist.org/news/?p=242835</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Russian forces seem to have carried out the execution of Ukrainian soldiers as they were attempting to surrender and it has been happening since December 2023, according to a Human Rights Watch (HRW) report released Thursday. HRW investigated five instances of the apparent executions. The initial four investigations analyzed footage material, deducing that it demonstrated […]
The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/hrw-russia-forces-appear-to-have-executed-ukraine-soldiers-attempting-surrender/">HRW: Russia forces appear to have executed Ukraine soldiers attempting surrender</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.
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<content:encoded><![CDATA[Russian forces seem to have carried out the execution of Ukrainian soldiers as they were attempting to surrender and it has been happening since December 2023, according to a <a href="https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/05/02/ukraine-russian-forces-executed-surrendering-ukraine-soldiers">Human Rights Watch (HRW)</a> report released Thursday.
HRW <a href="https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/05/02/ukraine-russian-forces-executed-surrendering-ukraine-soldiers">investigated</a> five instances of the apparent executions. The initial four investigations analyzed footage material, deducing that it demonstrated the intent to surrender of the Ukrainian soldiers. Additionally, HRW indicated that the Russian soldiers were able to be identified because of distinctive red tape markings around their arms and legs. The fifth investigation centered on a video interview of a Ukrainian soldier and family members of other victims.
In matters regarding war crimes, International Humanitarian Law establishes that soldiers who surrender to the enemy are to be considered hors of combat and attacking them is strictly prohibited, as indicated by the <a href="https://ihl-databases.icrc.org/en/customary-ihl/v1/rule47">International Committee of the Red Cross</a>.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine affects not only soldiers but civilians as well. Since <a href="https://www.jurist.org/commentary/2022/07/milena-sterio-russia-war-crimes-ukraine/">Russia’s invasion</a> in 2022, there has been a noticeable <a href="https://www.hrw.org/tag/russia-ukraine-war?promo=tag">impact</a> on civilian life. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) <a href="https://ukraine.un.org/sites/default/files/2024-04/report-human-rights-situation-ukraine-1-dec-2023-29-feb-2024.pdf">indicated</a> that “conflict-related violence in Ukraine killed at least 429 civilians (232 men, 181 women, 10 boys and 6 girls) and injured 1,375 (717 men, 576 women, 50 boys and 32 girls) between 1 December 2023 and 29 February 2024.”
HRW wrote to Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu <a href="https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/05/02/ukraine-russian-forces-executed-surrendering-ukraine-soldiers">demanding</a> details regarding the apparent executions, but hasn’t yet received a response.
The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/hrw-russia-forces-appear-to-have-executed-ukraine-soldiers-attempting-surrender/">HRW: Russia forces appear to have executed Ukraine soldiers attempting surrender</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.
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<title>UK government imposes second sanction against Israeli settler violence</title>
<link>https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/uk-government-responds-to-israeli-settler-violence-by-imposing-second-set-of-sanctions/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Samara Baboolal | U. Nottingham School of Law, GB]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Sun, 05 May 2024 01:55:22 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[International]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[international humanitarian law]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Israel-Palestine]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[rol - war crimes]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[sanctions]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[the United Kingdom]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[west bank]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.jurist.org/news/?p=242813</guid>
<description><![CDATA[The UK Government announced a new package of sanctions Friday on Israeli terror groups and individuals that have been attributed to terror and settler violence against people in the West Bank. The sanctions include financial and travel restrictions. This is the second set of sanctions to be imposed by the UK against perpetrators of settler […]
The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/uk-government-responds-to-israeli-settler-violence-by-imposing-second-set-of-sanctions/">UK government imposes second sanction against Israeli settler violence</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.
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<content:encoded><![CDATA[The UK Government <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-sanctions-extremist-groups-and-individuals-for-settler-violence-in-the-west-bank">announced</a> a new package of sanctions Friday on Israeli terror groups and individuals that have been attributed to terror and <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2023/11/un-human-rights-office-expresses-alarm-at-israel-settler-and-military-violence-in-west-bank/">settler violence</a> against people in the West Bank. The sanctions include financial and travel restrictions. This is the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-sanctions-extremist-settlers-in-the-west-bank">second set</a> of sanctions to be imposed by the UK against perpetrators of settler violence against Palestinians, the first being in February.
The <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-sanctions-extremist-groups-and-individuals-for-settler-violence-in-the-west-bank">press release</a> on Friday details that the new package of sanctions is targeting two identified terror groups who are “known to have supported, incited and promoted violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank”. Sanctions have also been imposed against four individuals who are “responsible for human rights abuses” against Palestinian communities.
The identified groups are Hilltop Youth and Lehava. According to the UK government, Hilltop Youth is an extremist Israeli youth group which has aided in establishing outposts in the West Bank. While settlements are authorized by the Israeli government, outposts are not. Lehava, a far-right and anti-Arab extremist group, is being sanctioned for “facilitating, inciting, and promoting violence against Arab and Palestinian communities”. Both groups were<a href="https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-imposes-sanctions-on-extremist-settlers-and-entities-over-violence-in-west-bank/"> subject to sanctions by the EU</a> in April.
The four individuals have been sanctioned for “training settler groups” to commit violent acts against Palestinians, constructing outposts, supporting violence against Palestinians and incidents of battery and sexual violence against villagers. One of the four individuals is Elisha Yared, an “unofficial spokesperson for Hilltop Youth” who is sanctioned for speech inciting hatred, violence and encouraging the “expulsion of Palestinians from the West Bank”. Yared was <a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/settler-suspected-in-fatal-shooting-of-palestinian-released-to-house-arrest/">recently placed on house arrest</a> following the shooting of a Palestinian, after a court ruling found that there was not enough evidence to charge him.
<a href="https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/11/1104792">Israeli settlers in the West Bank</a> are illegal under international law. However, an estimated 700,000 Israeli settlers are currently occupying private Palestinian land in the West Bank, with authorization from the Israeli government.
In December, the rise of extremist settler violence against Palestinians <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/joint-statement-on-west-bank-settler-violence">drew condemnation</a> from several countries including the UK. A joint call was made for Israel to address the <a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/2023-most-violent-year-for-west-bank-settler-attacks-watchdog-says/">spike in violence</a> and impose measures to protect Palestinians. The statement said,
<blockquote>Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, the European Union, Finland, France, Ireland, Luxemburg, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom express their grave concern about the record number of attacks by extremist settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank. Since the start of October, settlers have committed more than 343 violent attacks, killing 8 Palestinian civilians, injuring more than 83, and forcing 1026 Palestinians from their homes. […] We strongly condemn the violent acts committed by extremist settlers […] We reiterate our position that Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank are illegal under international law and remind Israel of its obligations under international law, in particular Article 49 of Geneva Convention IV.</blockquote>
Article 49 of Geneva Convention IV prohibits the individual or mass forcible transfer of civilians from occupied territory to any other country.
 
The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/uk-government-responds-to-israeli-settler-violence-by-imposing-second-set-of-sanctions/">UK government imposes second sanction against Israeli settler violence</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.
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<title>Amnesty International USA condemns university response to campus protests</title>
<link>https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/amnesty-international-usa-condemns-university-response-to-campus-protests/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris Rufo | New England Law, US]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Sun, 05 May 2024 00:49:53 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Civil rights]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Domestic]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[gaza]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Israel]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[palestine]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[student protest]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.jurist.org/news/?p=242798</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Amnesty International USA issued a press release on Thursday, condemning university administrations and the police for obstructing and repressing largely peaceful protests against Israel’s military operations in Gaza. This statement comes after various issues between protesting students, and school administrations and the police. In December of 2023, the US House Committee on Education opened a […]
The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/amnesty-international-usa-condemns-university-response-to-campus-protests/">Amnesty International USA condemns university response to campus protests</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Amnesty International USA issued a <a href="https://www.amnestyusa.org/press-releases/amnesty-international-usa-condemns-university-administrations-responses-to-campus-protests/">press release</a> on Thursday, condemning university administrations and the police for obstructing and repressing largely peaceful protests against Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
This statement comes after various issues between protesting students, and school administrations and the police. In December of 2023, the <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2023/12/us-house-committee-opens-formal-investigation-into-penn-harvard-and-mits-response-to-rising-antisemitism/">US House Committee on Education</a> opened a formal investigation into Harvard, MIT, and the University of Pennsylvania over their response to rising levels of antisemitism.
In March, students sue <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/03/jewish-students-sue-mit-for-alleged-complicity-in-antisemitism-on-campus/">MIT</a> for alleged complicity in antisemitism on campus. On April 22, police, at the request of the University’s president, entered the campus of <a href="https://www.jurist.org/commentary/2024/04/mass-arrests-on-columbias-campus-did-the-university-violate-its-own-rules-in-trying-to-uphold-them/">Columbia University</a> to disperse a protest and conduct mass arrests of students. These are just a few of the many incidents documented over the last several months, including universities such as <a href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/threats-to-jewish-cornell-university-students-in-online-discussion-board-provoke-police-investigation">Cornell</a>, <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/cooper-union-pro-palestinian-rally-jewish-students-library/">Cooper Union</a>, <a href="https://www.bu.edu/articles/2023/graffiti-at-bu-hillel-being-investigated/">Boston University</a>, <a href="https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/jewish-fraternity-house-vandalized-georgia-tech/85-6ca3b011-7f2b-4f7b-94a4-ccc844febd96">Georgia Institute of Technology</a>, <a href="https://www.boston25news.com/news/local/wellesley-college-under-federal-investigation-alleged-antisemitism/ACJE3U5RFBATLN6WLBQ2TR52RY/">Wellesley</a>, <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/swastika-symbols-reported-stanford-campus-18499848.php">Stanford</a>, and <a href="https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/tensions-uc-berkeley-israel-hamas-war/3356755/">UC Berkeley</a>. According to the <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/interactive/2024/university-antiwar-campus-protests-arrests-data/?itid=lk_fullstory">Washington Post</a>, demonstrations involving students and faculty have resulted in more than 2,000 arrests.
The conflict in Israel has created serious concerns for the Jewish student community across the country. <a href="https://www.hillel.org/more-than-one-third-of-jewish-college-students-are-hiding-their-jewish-identity-on-campus-new-hillel-international-poll-finds/">Hillel International</a> research indicates four out of every five Jewish students say the situation in Israel and Gaza is affecting them. Two out of every three Jewish students are sad. Over half of Jewish students are scared. More than one in three Jewish students say they have needed to hide their Jewish identity.
This issue is not only restrained to university campuses. According to the <a href="https://www.adl.org/resources/press-release/one-month-following-hamas-massacre-adl-documents-dramatic-surge-antisemitic">Anti-Defamation League</a>, in the first month following Hamas’s terror attack, “antisemitic incidents in the U.S. increased by 316 percent compared to the same time last year.”
In April, students from Brown, Columbia, and Rutgers held a <a href="https://www.hillel.org/hillel-ajc-uja-students-to-administrators-do-your-job-keep-students-safe/">press conference</a>, joined by leadership from Columbia/Barnard Hillel, Hillel International, American Jewish Committee (AJC), and UJA-Federation of New York, to demand more protection for Jewish students at these universities. Said Jillian Lederman, a Brown University student and the Executive Chair of Hillel International’s Israel Leadership Network, “We came to college to participate in vibrant, challenging, and equally-accessible learning environments. It is time for colleges and universities in the United States of America to decide whether they are still capable of meeting this description.” Ted Deutch, CEO of AJC, made his stance clear,
<blockquote>We will not accept conditions that are so fraught for Jewish students that they rightfully fear attending classes or going to the library on campus. And we will not accept the idea that university events – graduation ceremonies – should be canceled rather than taking action to ensure that these events go on.</blockquote>
Protests around the country have caused college administrations to <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2024/04/29/college-seniors-graduation-gaza-protests/">reconsider</a> their commencement proceedings.
Amnesty International ended their press release with the following statement from Paul O’Brien, Executive Director of Amnesty International USA
<blockquote>Administrations have a responsibility to address the documented incidents of antisemitic hate and discrimination by individual protesters, as well as violence, anti-Arab and Islamophobic hate from counter-protesters whenever they occur. However, the actions of the few should not be used to characterize the protests generally, be used as pretext to shut down legitimate and peaceful dissent, or as a justification to violate the right of students to peacefully assemble.</blockquote>
The day after Amnesty International’s press release, the <a href="https://wibc.com/332791/listen-aclu-of-indiana-files-lawsuit-against-iu-claims-violations-of-first-amendment-rights/">ACLU of Indiana</a> filed a lawsuit against Indiana University for First Amendment violations of student protesters.
The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/amnesty-international-usa-condemns-university-response-to-campus-protests/">Amnesty International USA condemns university response to campus protests</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.
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<title>India election commission notifies states to ensure timely ‘no-dues certificates’ issuance</title>
<link>https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/india-election-commission-notifies-states-to-ensure-timely-no-dues-certificates-issuance/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Anam Sadaf | National Law U. Odisha, IN]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Sat, 04 May 2024 20:32:58 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[election commission of india]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[elections]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[India]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[International]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Lok Sabha]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[rol - elections]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.jurist.org/news/?p=242797</guid>
<description><![CDATA[The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Friday notified all states and union territories that they must issue a “no-dues certificate” within 48 hours after an aspiring candidate requests the certificate. The ECI stated that the issuance of the no-dues certificate is crucial for the contesting candidates since not issuing them would be in contravention […]
The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/india-election-commission-notifies-states-to-ensure-timely-no-dues-certificates-issuance/">India election commission notifies states to ensure timely ‘no-dues certificates’ issuance</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Friday <a href="https://elections24.eci.gov.in/docs/ucihQ7wpmf.pdf">notified</a> all states and union territories that they must issue a “no-dues certificate” within 48 hours after an aspiring candidate requests the certificate.
The ECI stated that the issuance of the no-dues certificate is crucial for the contesting candidates since not issuing them would be in contravention of the individuals’ candidature. The notification stated, “If the candidate is not able to provide ‘No Dues Certificate’ even after he has cleared all such dues towards the said government accommodation, this goes against his candidature at the time of scrutiny of nominations.” The ECI also said that there will be “no respite” to candidates who submit the certificate after the end of the statutory period for filing nominations.
The issuance of the no-dues certificate is in the hands of the concerned states and union territories’ authorities. During the ongoing Lok Sabha election in India, the matter came before the ECI when the concerned authorities had not issued the ‘no-due certificates’ in matters of rent, electricity, telephone and water charges even after the clearance of all supposed dues as required to be done by the contesting parties.
The ECI stressed that the failure to issue the certificates could hamper not just the rights of the aspiring candidates and the political parties but also the electorates of the concerned constituency, stating that their issuance is detrimental to the objectives of “participatory electoral democracy.”
The commission also enforced the setup of an institutionalized framework immediately after the promulgation of the <a href="https://ceogoa.nic.in/appln/uil/ModalCodeOfConduct.aspx">Modal Code of Conduct</a>, which <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/04/india-election-commission-issues-notice-to-two-largest-political-parties-for-violation-of-election-code/">ensures</a> that political parties do not play rough or outside the law and therefore mandates certain regulations to be followed during vote campaigning and rallies. A nodal officer is required to receive and handle such requests as asked by the aspiring candidates.
The ECI is conducting the 2024 <a href="https://elections24.eci.gov.in/eci-updates.html">General Elections</a> for Lok Sabha, the lower assembly of the Indian Parliament, that began on April 19. The commission looks after political parties’ rights as well as the rights of the electorates. The Lok Sabha elections are currently being conducted in four phases across 28 Indian states and eight union territories ending on June 1, which will eventually decide the next ruling government at the center of one of the biggest democracies around the globe.
The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/india-election-commission-notifies-states-to-ensure-timely-no-dues-certificates-issuance/">India election commission notifies states to ensure timely ‘no-dues certificates’ issuance</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.
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<title>Canada police arrest three men from India over murder of Sikh separatist</title>
<link>https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/canada-police-arrest-three-men-from-india-over-murder-of-sikh-separatist/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jabes Ojwang | Jomo Kenyatta U. Agriculture and Technology Law School, KE]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Sat, 04 May 2024 18:49:49 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Canada]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[India]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[International]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[rol - corruption/official misconduct]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.jurist.org/news/?p=242758</guid>
<description><![CDATA[The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) on Friday announced the arrest of 3 Indian men suspected of murdering prominent Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The arrested individuals have been identified as Karanpreet Singh (28), Kamalpreet Singh (22), and Karan Brar (22), all of whom were residing in Edmonton, Alberta at the time of the arrest. […]
The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/canada-police-arrest-three-men-from-india-over-murder-of-sikh-separatist/">Canada police arrest three men from India over murder of Sikh separatist</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) on Friday <a href="https://youtu.be/5aAxbqkEDMQ?si=kWlwL0NWv0kpEJ4Z">announced</a> the arrest of 3 Indian men suspected of murdering prominent Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The arrested individuals have been <a href="https://x.com/MurtazaViews/status/1786505612953538776">identified</a> as Karanpreet Singh (28), Kamalpreet Singh (22), and Karan Brar (22), all of whom were residing in Edmonton, Alberta at the time of the arrest. The suspects are believed to have <a href="https://x.com/IntelPk_/status/1786720180254453781">entered</a> Canada to target Nijjar under the direction of the government of India.
Nijjar was shot dead on June 18, 2023, outside a Sikh temple in Surrey, British Columbia. Indian authorities previously accused Nijjar of leading a terrorist group called “Khalistan Tiger Force,” which they claimed was responsible for a 2007 cinema <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-29990620071015" target="_blank" rel="noopener">bombing</a> in Punjab. In 2016 Indian intelligence agencies also <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/khalistan-terror-camp-in-canada-plotting-attacks-in-punjab-india-to-trudeau-govt/articleshow/52495693.cms" target="_blank" rel="noopener">accused</a> Nijjar of operating a terror camp in British Columbia to carry out attacks in Punjab. Nijjar refuted the allegations before he was murdered, however, and his death has heightened <a href="//www.jurist.org/news/2023/09/india-dispatch-india-canada-tensions-over-sikh-separatist-killing-cast-a-shadow-over-indias-relations-with-the-west/">tensions</a> between the governments of Canada and India.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau previously <a href="//www.jurist.org/news/2023/09/canada-pm-says-india-may-be-connected-to-murder-of-sikh-leader-in-british-columbia/">accused</a> the government of India of involvement in the murder of the Sikh community leader and called for cooperation from the Indian government in the ongoing investigation into Nijjar’s killing. On their side, India <a href="//www.jurist.org/news/2024/03/india-blocks-youtube-access-to-canadian-investigative-documentary-on-killing-of-sikh-activist/">blocked</a> access on YouTube and X to a Canadian investigative <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSC4Bc8LHGM&rco=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">documentary</a> focused on the alleged involvement of the Indian government in the murder of the Sikh activist.
According to Superintendent Mandeep Mooker, the 3 suspects have been <a href="https://bc-cb.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/ViewPage.action?siteNodeId=2146&languageId=1&contentId=83912">charged</a> with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. The arrests are a precipitation of investigative work for over 10 months. He also thanked the RCMP national security program for its unparalleled work ethic and dedication to serving the country in the current investigations.
Assistant Commissioner David Teboul stated that the police were not able to comment on the evidence collected by the police nor the motive behind the murder but noted that the matter is “still under very active investigation.” He added:
<blockquote>I will underscore that today’s announcements are not a complete account of the investigative work currently underway. There are separate and distinct investigations ongoing into this matter, certainly not limited to the involvement of the people arrested today, and these efforts include investigating connections to the government of India … Today’s enforcement actions demonstrate our relentless commitment and ability to combat the sophisticated and complex criminal threats facing our nation.</blockquote>
The RCMP has promised to investigate if there are any ties between the Indian government and the arrested individuals. They have also guaranteed to continue the investigations as others are suspected of having played a role in the murder of Nijjar.
The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/canada-police-arrest-three-men-from-india-over-murder-of-sikh-separatist/">Canada police arrest three men from India over murder of Sikh separatist</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.
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<title>Panama Supreme Court confirms presidential candidacy two days before elections</title>
<link>https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/panama-supreme-court-confirms-presidential-candidacy-two-days-before-elections/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[María Paz Rodríguez Galiano | Facultad de Derecho PUCP, PE]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Sat, 04 May 2024 16:58:39 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[#southamerica]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[elections]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[International]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[panama]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[rol - elections]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.jurist.org/news/?p=242762</guid>
<description><![CDATA[The Supreme Court of Justice of Panama on Friday dismissed a constitutional challenge against the candidacy of prominent presidential candidate José Raúl Mulino, resolving a source of uncertainty just two days before the May 5 election. In a press release, the court informed that it found the Second Resolutive Point of Plenary Agreement 11-1 of […]
The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/panama-supreme-court-confirms-presidential-candidacy-two-days-before-elections/">Panama Supreme Court confirms presidential candidacy two days before elections</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Supreme Court of Justice of Panama on Friday <a href="https://www.organojudicial.gob.pa/noticias/csj-declara-que-no-es-inconstitucional-elpunto-resolutivo-segundo-del-acuerdo11-1-de4demarzode2024delte">dismissed</a> a constitutional challenge against the candidacy of prominent presidential candidate José Raúl Mulino, resolving a source of uncertainty just two days before the May 5 election.
In a press release, the court informed that it found the Second Resolutive Point of <a href="https://www.tribunal-electoral.gob.pa/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/BOLETIN-DEL-TRIBUNAL-ELECTORAL-n.%C2%B0-5592.pdf">Plenary Agreement 11-1</a> of March 4, 2024, to be constitutional by a majority of 8 votes out of 9. The agreement was issued by the Panamanian Electoral Tribunal and ordered the incorporation of Mulino as a candidate on the electoral ballots. In the resolution, the Electoral Tribunal disqualified former president Ricardo Martinelli as a presidential candidate for having been <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/02/former-panama-president-to-run-for-re-election-despite-losing-on-appeal-of-conviction/">convicted</a> of <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-66236404">money laundering</a> and automatically decided that Mulino, the vice presidential candidate, would assume the presidential candidacy in his place.
The lawsuit mainly questioned the fact that Mulino’s candidacy for president was not accompanied by a vice-presidential candidacy and that the automatic replacement of Mulino for Martinelli did not follow the parameters established in the electoral regulations because internal elections had not been held.
In this regard, the court’s <a href="https://cdn.corprensa.com/la-prensa/uploads/2024/05/03/Sentencia%20de%203%20de%20mayo%20de%202024-Acuerdo%20del%20TE%20N11-1%20de%204%20de%20marzo%20de%202024.pdf">judgment</a> states that the Electoral Tribunal erred in issuing the challenged Plenary Agreement. The court found that the tribunal violated the right to free suffrage by preventing party members from internally choosing who would represent them in the elections, which also led to the failure to select a candidate slate containing a vice president. For the court, this amounted to “improper interference by the Electoral Tribunal in the suffrage and self-government of these associations with political purposes.” However, since this was a “difficult case,” nullifying the act issued was not appropriate, as it would cause greater harm by completely annulling the opportunity for them to participate in the country’s elections. Thus, the court decided to declare the questioned resolutive point constitutional and thereby confirm the eligibility of Mulino’s candidacy.
In a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DC7Ot6mEI8g">press conference</a>, the president of the Supreme Court of Justice, accompanied by the other justices, explained how the court came to its decision: 
<blockquote>What has moved this Constitutional Court at the historical moment we find ourselves in is to defend our homeland and democracy; as well as institutionalism, social peace, the right to choose and be chosen, and political pluralism; without forgetting the important role played by political parties in strengthening democracy. And what we have considered most important: the sovereign will of the Panamanian people.</blockquote>
While the issuance of the judgment quelled uncertainty regarding Mulino’s candidacy two days before the elections in the country, the decision of the court has been subject to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rB_fzEiE4DE">criticism</a> in recent hours with questions about the legality of the judgment and the <a href="https://twitter.com/TReporta/status/1786428509746770153">timeliness</a> of its issuance.
The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/panama-supreme-court-confirms-presidential-candidacy-two-days-before-elections/">Panama Supreme Court confirms presidential candidacy two days before elections</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.
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<title>HRW calls for proactive measures to combat Kenya floods</title>
<link>https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/hrw-calls-for-proactive-measures-to-combat-kenya-floods/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Natasha Kahungi | U. Nairobi School of Law, KE]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Sat, 04 May 2024 16:21:17 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[#Climatechange]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[#humanrightswatch]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Africa]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[International]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Kenya]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[rol - human rights]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.jurist.org/news/?p=242743</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Thursday accused Kenya’s government of not proactively addressing nationwide flash floods. The rights group called upon the state to fulfill its obligation to safeguard vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, people with disabilities, and those residing in high-risk areas, from the adverse impacts of the ongoing floods. Citing evidence from […]
The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/hrw-calls-for-proactive-measures-to-combat-kenya-floods/">HRW calls for proactive measures to combat Kenya floods</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.
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<content:encoded><![CDATA[Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Thursday <a href="https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/05/02/kenya-floods-threaten-marginalized-people">accused</a> Kenya’s government of not proactively addressing nationwide flash floods. The rights group called upon the state to fulfill its obligation to safeguard vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, people with disabilities, and those residing in high-risk areas, from the adverse impacts of the ongoing floods.
Citing evidence from social media videos and mainstream media reports, HRW highlighted the inadequate government assistance received by affected individuals in securing safety and accessing essential services. The organization noted that Kenya’s lack of action comes despite the nation’s robust <a href="https://ndcpartnership.org/news/kenya-unveils-comprehensive-legal-framework-accelerate-climate-action">National Climate Change Action Plan 2023-2027</a> and established disaster response protocols, which identify flooding as a prominent risk and outline mitigation strategies.
HRW Africa Researcher Nyagoah Tut Pur commented:
<blockquote>The unfolding devastation highlights the government’s obligation to prepare for and promptly respond to the foreseeable impacts of climate change and natural disasters. Kenyan authorities should urgently ensure support to affected communities and protect populations facing high risk.</blockquote>
Torrential rains have caused havoc in Kenya since March, claiming 210 lives, affecting 196,000, displacing 33,100 households, injuring 125, and leaving 90 missing. These calamitous events have been exacerbated by the <a href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk/grantham/publications/climate-change-faqs/what-is-el-nino/">El Niño</a> weather pattern, potentially fueled by climate change.
In May 2023, the Kenya Meteorological Department issued <a href="https://meteo.go.ke/resources/downloads/el-nino-2023-update">warnings</a> of heightened rainfall attributed to El Niño, spanning from May-July and October-December and persisting into early 2024. Despite the allocation of 10 billion Kenyan shillings for a nationwide response, as mandated by the <a href="http://kenyalaw.org/kl/fileadmin/pdfdownloads/Acts/2023/ThePublicFinanceManagement_Amendment_Act_2023.pdf">Public Finance Management (Amendment) Act of 2023</a>, and the directive for counties to dedicate 2 percent of their budgets to disaster preparedness, a comprehensive national response plan was conspicuously absent. President William Ruto’s premature dismissal of the anticipated El Niño rains in October 2023 further compounded the situation. Subsequent heavy rains triggered devastating floods, landslides and waterborne disease outbreaks, resulting in the loss of <a href="https://reliefweb.int/report/kenya/kenya-africa-floods-2023-operation-update-mdrke058">1,781</a> lives across multiple regions.
President Ruto established a multi-agency response team on April 24, 2024, in response to prolonged heavy rains and escalating casualties. The government also issued a 48-hour ultimatum on April 30 for residents in high-risk areas to voluntarily relocate or face forced eviction. Meanwhile, the country braces for Cyclone <a href="https://ke.usembassy.gov/weather-alert-cyclone-hidaya-predicted-to-impact-kenya/">Hidaya</a>, expected to unleash strong winds, large ocean waves and heavy rainfall along the coast from Sunday. Neighboring countries such as Burundi and Tanzania have also grappled with severe flooding and landslides.
 
The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/hrw-calls-for-proactive-measures-to-combat-kenya-floods/">HRW calls for proactive measures to combat Kenya floods</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.
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<title>ICC Prosecutor Office calls for threats against the court and its officials to cease</title>
<link>https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/icc-prosecutor-office-calls-for-threats-against-the-court-and-its-officials-to-cease/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Ishrat Chahal | National Law U. Delhi, IN]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Sat, 04 May 2024 14:07:02 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Benjamin Netanyahu]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[icc]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[international criminal court]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Israel]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Office of the prosecutor]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[rol - corruption]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[rol - war crimes]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.jurist.org/news/?p=242724</guid>
<description><![CDATA[The Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) of the International Criminal Court (ICC) released on Saturday a statement regarding unspecified threats towards the office and its officials, calling for such attempts to impede or influence its investigations to “cease immediately.” The OTP is an independent organ of the ICC, and its mandate involves “examining situations under the jurisdiction […]
The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/icc-prosecutor-office-calls-for-threats-against-the-court-and-its-officials-to-cease/">ICC Prosecutor Office calls for threats against the court and its officials to cease</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.
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<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) of the International Criminal Court (ICC) released on Saturday a <a href="https://x.com/IntlCrimCourt/status/1786316229688414518">statement</a> regarding unspecified threats towards the office and its officials, calling for such attempts to impede or influence its investigations to “cease immediately.”
The OTP is an independent organ of the ICC, and its <a href="https://www.icc-cpi.int/about/otp">mandate</a> involves “examining situations under the jurisdiction of the Court where genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and aggression appear to have been committed, and carrying out investigations and prosecutions against the individuals who are allegedly most responsible for those crimes.” The OTP emphasized its impartiality and independence and insisted that threats to impede its investigations or influence its officials are a direct attack on these core principles of its existence.
Further, the OTP added that such threats and actions constitute an offense against the administration of justice under the <a href="https://www.icc-cpi.int/sites/default/files/Publications/Rome-Statute.pdf">Rome Statute of 1998</a>, which established the ICC and its constituent parts and functions in detail. Section 70 of the Rome Statute lists various acts that constitute an offense against the administration of justice, including “impeding, intimidating or corruptly influencing an official of the Court for the purpose of forcing or persuading the official not to perform, or to perform improperly, his or her duties” and “retaliating against an official of the Court on account of duties performed by that or another official.” Such offenses come under the jurisdiction of the ICC itself. To this end, the OTP signaled a potential counter-action against such threats unless they cease immediately.
Though the OTP did not specify which particular threats it has received, its recent statement follows Israel’s protest against possible arrest warrants of senior Israeli officials for alleged <a href="https://www.jurist.org/features/2024/03/29/explainer-why-un-special-rapporteur-believes-israel-hamas-conflict-constitutes-genocide/">war crimes</a> in Gaza. On Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the warrants would be an “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHXgzOmiKbM">outrage of historic proportions</a>.” Nonetheless, the OTP stated that it remains committed to an impartial and independent investigation against those suspected of committing war crimes and calls for the end of any forces that could undermine that.
The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/icc-prosecutor-office-calls-for-threats-against-the-court-and-its-officials-to-cease/">ICC Prosecutor Office calls for threats against the court and its officials to cease</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.
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<title>India deports Myanmar nationals amidst escalating border tensions</title>
<link>https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/india-deports-myanmar-nationals-amidst-escalating-border-tensions/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Ojjaswini Gupta | National Law U. Sonipat, IN]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Sat, 04 May 2024 11:39:24 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[human rights]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[India]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[International]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Myanmar]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[refugees]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.jurist.org/news/?p=242708</guid>
<description><![CDATA[The state of Manipur in India deported 38 individuals back to Myanmar on Thursday in a bid to address the influx of refugees fleeing the political turmoil in Myanmar. This latest round of deportations brings the total number of deportees to 77 since March 8, marking the completion of the first phase of repatriation efforts. […]
The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/india-deports-myanmar-nationals-amidst-escalating-border-tensions/">India deports Myanmar nationals amidst escalating border tensions</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The state of Manipur in India <a href="https://twitter.com/nbirensingh/status/1785972790929088630?s=61">deported</a> 38 individuals back to Myanmar on Thursday in a bid to address the influx of refugees fleeing the political turmoil in Myanmar. This latest round of deportations brings the total number of deportees to 77 since March 8, marking the completion of the <a href="https://twitter.com/nbirensingh/status/1766062459541237874?s=61">first phase</a> of repatriation efforts.
Manipur’s Chief Minister N. Biren Singh emphasized the impartiality of the deportation process, stating, “Without any discrimination, we have completed the first phase of deportation of illegal immigrants from Myanmar.” He further highlighted the importance of maintaining border security and protecting the sovereignty of the nation.
The deportations come in response to the ongoing <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/03/un-official-warns-of-escalating-violence-in-myanmar-against-civilians-by-junta/">crisis</a> in Myanmar, which began after the military junta seized power on February 1, 2021. Since then, thousands of Myanmar nationals, including women and children, have <a href="https://youtu.be/F87VTI0eXs4?si=-vjkwIFXDZPVjWqq">sought</a> refuge in Manipur, with over 5,000 individuals currently sheltered in the state.
While India is not a signatory to the <a href="https://www.unhcr.org/sites/default/files/legacy-pdf/3b66c2aa10.pdf">1951 Refugee Convention</a> that set forth legal rights and protection for refugees, some of its state governments have provided humanitarian aid and shelter to those fleeing the crisis in Myanmar. In Mizoram, a state neighboring Manipur, a similar situation has <a href="https://www.chinhumanrights.org/assessment-report-on-burmese-refugees-in-mizoram-and-delhi/">unfolded</a> over the past few decades with over 32,000 individuals seeking shelter there, including both civilians and former Myanmar soldiers. The state government has <a href="https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/5-000-myanmar-refugees-enter-mizoram-aid-groups-work-hard-on-relief-4583339">accommodated</a> many of the refugees in relief camps and government buildings throughout Mizoram.
Despite challenges posed by sporadic violence and ethnic <a href="https://www.jurist.org/commentary/2023/07/kritika-joshi-manipur-ethic-violence/">clashes</a>, Manipur remains steadfast in its efforts to repatriate illegal immigrants and maintain law and order along its borders. The deportation process is being facilitated in collaboration with Myanmar officials.
The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/india-deports-myanmar-nationals-amidst-escalating-border-tensions/">India deports Myanmar nationals amidst escalating border tensions</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.
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<title>Coalition of rights groups sues Alabama to block enforcement of law criminalizing absentee ballot assistance</title>
<link>https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/hold-edits-coalition-of-rights-groups-sues-alabama-to-block-enforcement-of-law-criminalizing-absentee-ballot-assistance/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris Rufo | New England Law, US]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Sat, 04 May 2024 03:49:55 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Alabama]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Domestic]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[rol - elections/voting]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[us]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[voting rights]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.jurist.org/news/?p=242664</guid>
<description><![CDATA[A coalition of rights groups led by the Alabama State Conference of the NAACP filed a lawsuit Friday challenging four provisions of Alabama Senate Bill 1, Act No. 2024-33 (“SB 1”), which criminalizes absentee ballot assistance. The case is in the Southern Division of the Northern District of Alabama. Two of the challenged provisions were […]
The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/hold-edits-coalition-of-rights-groups-sues-alabama-to-block-enforcement-of-law-criminalizing-absentee-ballot-assistance/">Coalition of rights groups sues Alabama to block enforcement of law criminalizing absentee ballot assistance</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A coalition of rights groups led by the Alabama State Conference of the NAACP filed a lawsuit Friday <a href="https://www.naacpldf.org/wp-content/uploads/File-Stamped-Motion-for-Preliminary-Injunction-Document-34.pdf">challenging</a> four provisions of Alabama <a href="https://www.sos.alabama.gov/sites/default/files/press/SB1%20Engrossed.pdf">Senate Bill 1</a>, Act No. 2024-33 (“SB 1”), which criminalizes absentee ballot assistance. The case is in the Southern Division of the Northern District of Alabama.
Two of the challenged provisions were the Payment Provisions and the Gift Provisions. The filing says that the Payment Provision “makes it ‘unlawful for a third party to knowingly receive a payment,’ or ‘knowingly pay…a third party,’ to ‘distribute, order, request, collect, prefill, complete, obtain, or deliver a voter’s absentee ballot application.’ The Gift Provision “makes it ‘unlawful for a third party to knowingly receive…a gift,’ or ‘knowingly…provide a gift,’ to a ‘third party’ to ‘distribute, order, request, collect, prefill, complete, obtain, or deliver a voter’s absentee ballot application.” Both the Payment and Gift Provisions carry a Class B or C felony penalty.
Other challenged provisions include the Prefilling Provision and the Submission Provision. The filing says that the Prefilling Restriction “makes it ‘unlawful for any person to knowingly distribute an absentee ballot application to a voter that is prefilled with the voter’s name or any other information required on the application form.” The Submission Provision “makes it ‘unlawful for an individual to submit a completed absentee ballot application to the absentee election manager other than his or her own application,’ unless that person is seeking emergency medical treatment within five days before an election.” Both the Payment and Prefiling Provision carry a Class A misdemeanor penalty.
<a href="https://ballotpedia.org/Ballot_harvesting_laws_by_state">Ballot harvesting</a> was the primary motive behind SB 1. Ballot harvesting is the practice and laws that allow third parties to collect and submit absentee ballots. Laws vary state by state, with some states allowing ballot harvesting by specific persons, some allowing a person chosen by the voter to return their ballot, some states unspecified on who may return ballots, and one state, Alabama, that allows only the voter to return their ballot.
According to the <a href="https://www.naacpldf.org/press-release/civil-rights-voting-rights-disability-rights-groups-ask-court-to-block-enforcement-of-law-criminalizing-absentee-ballot-application-assistance/">Legal Defense Fund</a>, SB 1 would prohibit “non-partisan civil rights, voting rights, and disability rights organizations” from assisting voters with their absentee ballots for the November General Election. Absentee ballots are especially significant for groups such as “senior citizen voters, incarcerated voters, voters with disabilities, and low-literacy voters.”According to the <a href="https://www.sos.alabama.gov/alabama-votes/voter/election-data">Alabama Secretary of State</a>, there were 305,663 absentee votes cast in the 2020 General Election, making up 13.1% of the total votes cast.
The <a href="https://www.naacpldf.org/wp-content/uploads/SB-1-Complaint-FINAL-SUBMITTED-4.4.24.pdf">lawsuit</a> challenges SB 1 on the grounds of criminalizing constitutionally protected speech and expression, and for being too vague in its language. The current language of SB 1 would make it a crime “to provide a postage stamp to a neighbor distributing absentee ballot applications, or for a grandmother to show her appreciation for her grandchild’s assistance in completing or delivering her absentee ballot application by giving them gas money or a token gift like a pie.”
<a href="https://www.justice.gov/crt/about-section-5-voting-rights-act">Section 5</a> of the Voting Rights Act prohibits the enactment of new voting procedures until the procedures have been determined to have “neither discriminatory purpose or effect.”
Alabama is among the states with the most rigid absentee ballot process. <a href="https://codes.findlaw.com/al/title-17-elections/al-code-sect-17-11-3.html">State law</a> lays out 8 situations for which a person is eligible for an absentee ballot, including if the person expects to be away from their residence on election day, if the person has a physical illness that would prevent them from voting in person, if the person is a student, if the person is a member of the military or a military dependent, if the person is an election officer or pollworker, and if the person is a family caregiver, or if the person is incarcerated but not yet convicted of a “felony involving moral turpitude.”
Once a person meets one of these criteria, they must receive an absentee ballot application, fill it out, including a copy of their photo identification, and either deliver it in person or physically place it in a mail box. <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/articles/voting-by-mail-in-a-pandemic-a-state-by-state-scorecard/#Alabama">Brookings</a> has given Alabama a grading of F for their absentee ballot procedures.
After singing SB 1 into law, Governor <a href="https://governor.alabama.gov/newsroom/2024/03/governor-ivey-signs-senate-bill-1-bans-ballot-harvesting/">Kay Ivey</a> said “we are committed to ensuring our elections are free and fair…Under my watch, there will be no funny business in Alabama elections.”
Senate Minority Leader <a href="https://www.apr.org/news/2024-02-07/alabama-league-of-women-voters-calls-for-public-action-over-state-bill-on-absentee-ballots">Bobby Singleton</a> questioned the bill, saying “I think this is a national Republican issue. I think the state is jumping on something…Ballot harvesting is not an issue in this state.”
 
The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/hold-edits-coalition-of-rights-groups-sues-alabama-to-block-enforcement-of-law-criminalizing-absentee-ballot-assistance/">Coalition of rights groups sues Alabama to block enforcement of law criminalizing absentee ballot assistance</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.
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<title>Queensland decriminalises sex work to better protect sex workers and bring itself in line with other Australian states</title>
<link>https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/queensland-decriminalises-sex-work-for-better-protection-for-sex-workers/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Saffire Penn | Newcastle Law School, AU]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Sat, 04 May 2024 00:53:56 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Australia]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[International]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Queensland]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[sex workers]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.jurist.org/news/?p=242761</guid>
<description><![CDATA[The Parliament of the Australian state of Queensland passed a bill on Thursday to decriminalise sex work. The Criminal Code (Decriminalising Sex Work) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024 also includes new offences against child prostitution and coercion to perform sex work. The Queensland Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath stated that “sex workers should not have to […]
The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/queensland-decriminalises-sex-work-for-better-protection-for-sex-workers/">Queensland decriminalises sex work to better protect sex workers and bring itself in line with other Australian states</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.
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<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Parliament of the Australian state of Queensland <a href="https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/100231#:~:text=The%20health%2C%20safety%20and%20workplace,sex%20workers%20will%20be%20repealed.">passed</a> a bill on Thursday to decriminalise sex work. The <a href="https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/pdf/bill.first.exp/bill-2022-034">Criminal Code (Decriminalising Sex Work) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024</a> also includes new offences against child prostitution and coercion to perform sex work. The Queensland Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath stated that “sex workers should not have to choose between operating legally with safety risks and operating safely with legal risks – they will now be able to operate both safely and legally.”
The law was first introduced on February 15, following the report of the sex work legislation <a href="https://www.qlrc.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/763385/qlrc-report-80-a-decriminalised-sex-work-industry-for-queensland-report-summary-.pdf">published</a> by the Queensland Law Reform Commission (QLRC) in March 2023. The QLRC review identified significant barriers for sex workers in the previous legislation. Chapter 22A (Prostitution) of the Criminal Code 1899 only allowed sex work to be conducted in licensed brothels or by independent, private sex workers. Sex workers who worked in a group or in a public setting like soliciting on the street were at risk of being charged with a maximum penalty of up to 7 years imprisonment. Illegal sex workers were unable to report crimes committed against them to the police.
The new legislation allows for solicitation, advertising, and working in groups. This enables sex workers to operate without fear of prosecution and for issues or crimes committed against them to be reported to police. Additionally, the new law updated the <a href="https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/pdf/inforce/current/act-1991-085">Anti-Discrimination Act 1991</a> to include protection for sex workers, ensuring that sex workers could not be discriminated against by hotels and accommodations for believing that guests would be using a room for sex work.
Queensland non-profit advocacy group, Respect Inc., <a href="https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/100231">welcomed</a> the legislation, stating that, “decriminalisation, including anti-discrimination protections, would send a message that discrimination would no longer be tolerated.”
Apart from decriminalising sex work, there are now offences to <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/radionational-drive/queensland-decriminalises-sex-work/103803376">protect</a> children from sexual exploitation and specifically to prevent children from being coerced to perform sex work. A new section 217A in the <a href="https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/pdf/inforce/current/act-1899-009">Criminal Code 1899</a> will make it an offence to obtain commercial sexual services from a person who is not an adult.
Sex work has been decriminalised in other states of Australia, including New South Wales in 1995, Victoria in 2022, and the Northern Territory in 2019.
The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/queensland-decriminalises-sex-work-for-better-protection-for-sex-workers/">Queensland decriminalises sex work to better protect sex workers and bring itself in line with other Australian states</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.
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<title>Georgia parliament cancels session amid mass protests over ‘foreign agents’ bill</title>
<link>https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/georgia-parliament-cancels-session-amid-mass-protests-over-foreign-agents-bill/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Aimee Woodmass | Newcastle Law School, GB]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2024 20:42:04 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[europe]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Georgia]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[International]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[rol - free expression]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[ROL - Freedom of assembly/civil unrest]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[rol - freedom of the press]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.jurist.org/news/?p=242689</guid>
<description><![CDATA[The Parliament of Georgia cancelled their plenary session on Thursday for a highly controversial “foreign agents” bill amid widespread protests as well as criticism from the EU and US, local media reported. Parliament stated that the cancellation was due to damage caused to the parliamentary building as a result of mass protests against the bill. […]
The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/georgia-parliament-cancels-session-amid-mass-protests-over-foreign-agents-bill/">Georgia parliament cancels session amid mass protests over ‘foreign agents’ bill</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Parliament of Georgia <a href="https://on.ge/story/128879-%E1%83%93%E1%83%A6%E1%83%94%E1%83%A1-2-%E1%83%9B%E1%83%90%E1%83%98%E1%83%A1%E1%83%A1-%E1%83%9E%E1%83%90%E1%83%A0%E1%83%9A%E1%83%90%E1%83%9B%E1%83%94%E1%83%9C%E1%83%A2%E1%83%A8%E1%83%98-%E1%83%A1%E1%83%90%E1%83%92%E1%83%90%E1%83%A0%E1%83%94%E1%83%9D-%E1%83%A1%E1%83%90%E1%83%A5%E1%83%9B%E1%83%94%E1%83%97%E1%83%90-%E1%83%9B%E1%83%98%E1%83%9C%E1%83%98%E1%83%A1%E1%83%A2%E1%83%A0%E1%83%A1-%E1%83%90%E1%83%A6%E1%83%90%E1%83%A0-%E1%83%9B%E1%83%9D%E1%83%A3%E1%83%A1%E1%83%9B%E1%83%94%E1%83%9C%E1%83%94%E1%83%9C">cancelled</a> their plenary session on Thursday for a highly controversial “foreign agents” bill amid widespread <a href="https://x.com/Mikiashvili_M/status/1785782290175426622">protests</a> as well as criticism from the EU and US, local media reported.
Parliament stated that the cancellation was due to <a href="https://x.com/Mikiashvili_M/status/1785739924043334125">damage</a> caused to the parliamentary building as a result of mass protests against the bill. Thousands of Georgian people have taken to the streets of Tbilisi to protest against the bill this week, with many viewing it as authoritarian. According to reports from Radio Free Europe, <a href="https://www.rferl.org/a/georgia-protests-foreign-agent-law-russia/32928795.html">violence</a> was used by the police against the protestors, with reports of rubber bullets, pepper spray, and individuals being arrested.
The cancelled sessions would have followed the approval of the second reading of the bill on Wednesday, during which 83 voted in favor of the bill and 23 voted against. The bill concerns the “transparency of foreign influence” on media and non-commercial organizations and requires these groups to register as pursuing the interests of a foreign power if they receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad.
There has been uproar from protestors that the bill will hinder Georgia’s chances of gaining membership into the European Union (EU). The EU has <a href="https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/georgia-statement-spokesperson-draft-law-%E2%80%9Ctransparency-foreign-influence%E2%80%9D_en">criticized</a> the bill for its possible impacts on the freedom of media and civil society, saying that “ensuring media freedom is at the core of democracy.” The EU Press Team further stated that while they support Georgia’s aspirations to develop as a nation, this bill is “inconsistent with these aspirations and with EU norms and values.”
Following this, the US Department of the State <a href="https://www.state.gov/georgias-western-trajectory-at-risk/">criticized</a> the bill in a statement from spokesperson Matthew Miller. He stated the bill is influenced by the Russian government and that officials have adopted a “false narrative” to defend it. He continued the statement by condemning any use of violence against the protestors in Georgia:
<blockquote>We stand with the Georgian people and their right to have their voices heard. We condemn the use of violence against peaceful protests, including against journalists covering the demonstrations. Use of force to suppress peaceful assembly and freedom of speech is unacceptable, and we urge authorities to allow non-violent protesters to continue to exercise their right to freedom of expression.</blockquote>
These <a href="https://x.com/Mikiashvili_M/status/1786116054000816294">protests have continued</a> on Thursday and Friday, with some more <a href="https://x.com/Mikiashvili_M/status/1786079531415019730">violence</a> from police being reported. The final reading of the bill was expected later in May and it is unclear how these events will impact the passage of the law.

The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/georgia-parliament-cancels-session-amid-mass-protests-over-foreign-agents-bill/">Georgia parliament cancels session amid mass protests over ‘foreign agents’ bill</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.
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<item>
<title>US congressman Henry Cuellar indicted on foreign bribery charges</title>
<link>https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/us-congressman-henry-cuellar-indicted-on-foreign-bribery-charges/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[JURIST Staff]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2024 20:16:30 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Azerbaijan]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[corruption]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Domestic]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[henry cuellar]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[International]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Mexico]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[texas]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.jurist.org/news/?p=242684</guid>
<description><![CDATA[US Congressman Henry Cuellar, who has served as a Democratic representative of Texas for nearly two decades, was indicted on Friday with his wife on charges of bribery, unlawful foreign influence, and money laundering. In announcing the indictment, the US Department of Justice stated the couple is accused of having accepted about $600,000 in bribes […]
The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/us-congressman-henry-cuellar-indicted-on-foreign-bribery-charges/">US congressman Henry Cuellar indicted on foreign bribery charges</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[US Congressman Henry Cuellar, who has served as a Democratic representative of Texas for nearly two decades, was <a href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/us-congressman-henry-cuellar-and-his-wife-charged-bribery-unlawful-foreign-influence-and">indicted</a> on Friday with his wife on charges of bribery, unlawful foreign influence, and money laundering.
In announcing the indictment, the US Department of Justice stated the couple is accused of having accepted about $600,000 in bribes from an oil company fully owned and controlled by the government of Azerbaijan, and from a Mexico City bank.
In exchange for the funds, Cuellar is accused by US prosecutors of having agreed to use his congressional position to lobby for US foreign policy outcomes favorable to Azerbaijan, and to pressure US executive officials to endorse policies favorable to the Mexican bank.
The funds were allegedly funneled through various middlemen and front companies owned by Cuellar’s wife Imelda, who according to the DOJ, “performed little to no legitimate work under the contracts.”
The Cuellars face multiple charges related to bribery and wire fraud, and if convicted, could face decades in prison. The couple made their initial court appearance on Friday before the <a href="https://www.txs.uscourts.gov/">US District and Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas</a>.
 
The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/us-congressman-henry-cuellar-indicted-on-foreign-bribery-charges/">US congressman Henry Cuellar indicted on foreign bribery charges</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.
]]></content:encoded>
</item>
<item>
<title>Advocates warn of deteriorating conditions for journalists on World Press Freedom Day</title>
<link>https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/advocates-warn-of-deteriorating-conditions-for-journalists-on-world-press-freedom-day/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[JURIST Staff]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2024 19:39:41 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Domestic]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[International]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[press freedom]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[World Press Freedom Day]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.jurist.org/news/?p=242666</guid>
<description><![CDATA[As the international community marked World Press Freedom Day on Friday, advocacy groups and officials around the globe sounded the alarm over increased violence and threats against journalists. Advocacy group Reporters Without Borders (RSF) on Friday released its annual World Press Freedom Index, warning that a marked surge in political oppression across the globe remains a […]
The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/advocates-warn-of-deteriorating-conditions-for-journalists-on-world-press-freedom-day/">Advocates warn of deteriorating conditions for journalists on World Press Freedom Day</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[As the international community marked <a href="https://www.un.org/en/observances/press-freedom-day">World Press Freedom Day</a> on Friday, advocacy groups and officials around the globe sounded the alarm over increased violence and threats against journalists.
Advocacy group Reporters Without Borders (RSF) on Friday released its annual <a href="https://rsf.org/en/2024-world-press-freedom-index-journalism-under-political-pressure?data_type=general&year=2024">World Press Freedom Index</a>, warning that a marked surge in political oppression across the globe remains a looming threat as many national governments head into key elections. The accompanying report noted that elections often come with violence against journalism, citing examples of politically-linked media repressions or violence in <a href="https://rsf.org/es/pais/argentina">Argentina</a>, <a href="https://rsf.org/en/country/nigeria">Nigeria</a>, <a href="https://rsf.org/en/country/niger">Niger</a>, <a href="https://rsf.org/en/country/burkina-faso">Burkina Faso</a>, <a href="https://rsf.org/en/country/mali">Mali</a>, and <a href="https://rsf.org/en/country-türkiye">Türkiye</a>.
The <a href="https://rsf.org/en/country/united-states">US</a> fell 10 spots, to 55th place in the global press freedom ranking. The report cited a number of factors for the country’s slide, including a rise in partisan media outlets, legislative trends shifting away from press protection, and heightening economic pressure on news outlets.
The country ranked highest for press freedom was <a href="https://rsf.org/en/country/norway">Norway</a>, which earned praise for its robust legal framework. At the bottom of the list was <a href="https://rsf.org/en/country/eritrea">Eritrea</a>, which the report describes as lacking any independent media outlets, and having earned a reputation for “detaining journalists longer than any other country in the world.”
In summary, RSF wrote:
<blockquote>A growing number of governments and political authorities are not fulfilling their role as guarantors of the best possible environment for journalism and for the public’s right to reliable, independent, and diverse news and information. RSF sees a worrying decline in support and respect for media autonomy and an increase in pressure from the state or other political actors.</blockquote>
As the international community marked <a href="https://www.un.org/en/observances/press-freedom-day">World Press Freedom Day</a> on Friday, advocacy groups and officials around the globe sounded the alarm over increased violence and threats against journalists.
Meanwhile, Amnesty International <a href="https://www.amnestyusa.org/press-releases/east-and-southern-africa-journalists-targeted-amid-ongoing-crackdown-on-media/">warned</a> of crackdowns against independent journalists across East and Southern Africa, particularly against reporters wishing to expose corruption schemes and human rights violations. The organization warned that many regimes justify these acts of suppression with flimsy references to counterterrorism and cybersecurity legislation.
Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, wrote: 
<blockquote>Threats to the right to freedom of expression and the media continued unabated across the East and Southern Africa region over the past year. Speaking out against or scrutinizing government policies, actions or inaction, or publicly sharing information deemed damaging to the government carried the risk of arrest, arbitrary detention, or death.</blockquote>
World Press Freedom Day was established in 1993 by the United Nations in a bid to spur governmental action and societal reflection on the importance of a free press. Each year on May 3, advocacy groups, journalists, and officials take the opportunity to reflect on the collective wins and losses with respect to press freedom. This year, amid heightening violence, geopolitical tensions, and a critical mass of key elections around the world, messaging was far from optimistic.
The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/advocates-warn-of-deteriorating-conditions-for-journalists-on-world-press-freedom-day/">Advocates warn of deteriorating conditions for journalists on World Press Freedom Day</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.
]]></content:encoded>
</item>
<item>
<title>HRW: Afghanistan Hazara community at risk due to inadequate protections by authorities</title>
<link>https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/hrw-afghanistan-hazara-community-at-risk-due-to-inadequate-protections-by-authorities/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[James Joseph | Keele U. School of Law, GB]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2024 19:31:01 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Afghanistan]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Asia]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[International]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[rol - discrimination/inequality]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[ROL - Hate Crimes]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[ROL - war crimes/humanitarian law]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.jurist.org/news/?p=242661</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Inadequate protections by the de-facto Taliban authorities in Afghanistan continue to leave the Shia-Hazara community at risk and contribute to their plight, according a report released Friday by Human Rights Watch (HRW). The report highlighted that endless conflict in the country continues to affect the lives of many marginalized communities in the country, particularly Hazaras […]
The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/hrw-afghanistan-hazara-community-at-risk-due-to-inadequate-protections-by-authorities/">HRW: Afghanistan Hazara community at risk due to inadequate protections by authorities</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Inadequate protections by the de-facto Taliban authorities in Afghanistan continue to leave the Shia-<a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2023/08/human-rights-ngo-network-calls-upon-international-community-to-prevent-possible-genocide-of-hazaras/">Hazara</a> community at risk and contribute to their plight, according a <a href="https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/05/03/attacks-target-afghanistans-hazaras">report</a> released Friday by Human Rights Watch (HRW).
The report highlighted that endless conflict in the country continues to affect the lives of many marginalized communities in the country, particularly Hazaras and emphasized that the Islamic State Khorosan Province (ISKP) has notoriety for persistent attacks targeting Shia Hazara mosques, schools and neighborhoods.
The report further referenced the widespread nature of attacks during 2024, which have targeted Hazaras, including a bus attack on January 6th, a bus exposition on April 20th an a shooting at a Hazara mosque on April 29th, which in total killed 11 Hazara dead and countless injured. This adds to the thousands killed or injured since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, following the collapse of the Afghan government and subsequent withdrawal of UK and US allied forces. The Taliban’s return to power had led to widespread impunity for breaches of international humanitarian law and war crimes targeting women, girls and Hazaras.
JURIST News spoke to Fereshta Abbasi, Human Rights Watch’s Afghanistan Researcher and author of the report, who told said that impunity for breaches of international law has resulted in a lack of protective measures for vulnerable populations, as well as the lack of help for survivors. Abbasi told us:
<blockquote>The systematic targeting of Hazaras by the ISKP in Afghanistan constitutes a grave violation of international human rights law. These heinous acts demand urgent and decisive actions by the international community to uphold justice and protect vulnerable communities.</blockquote>
Recently, the US Department of State released its 2023 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices and in its Afghanistan report <a href="https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/528267_AFGHANISTAN-2023-HUMAN-RIGHTS-REPORT.pdf">said</a>, “ISIS-K also disproportionately targeted Hazara community members who were predominantly followers of the Shia branch of Islam,” with Hazara’s bearing “the brunt of systemic discrimination by the Taliban.” Organizations like <a href="https://x.com/HazaraVoice/status/1583010561323065344">Genocide Watch</a> have described targeted attacks on Hazaras as an ongoing genocide and called to hold Taliban accountable.
The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/hrw-afghanistan-hazara-community-at-risk-due-to-inadequate-protections-by-authorities/">HRW: Afghanistan Hazara community at risk due to inadequate protections by authorities</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.
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</item>
<item>
<title>Canada foreign election interference inquiry releases initial report and finds interference did not alter election results</title>
<link>https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/canada-foreign-election-interference-inquiry-releases-initial-report-and-finds-interference-did-not-alter-election-results/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Tyler Li | U. Ottawa Faculty of Law, CA]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2024 19:19:32 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Canada]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[International]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[rol - elections/voting]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.jurist.org/news/?p=242658</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Canada’s Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference in Federal Electoral Processes and Democratic Institutions released its Initial Report on Friday, which details its investigation into foreign interference during the country’s 2019 and 2021 federal elections. Chaired by Commissioner Marie-Josée Hogue, the inquiry reviewed thousands of documents and heard over 60 witnesses during 21 days of hearings […]
The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/canada-foreign-election-interference-inquiry-releases-initial-report-and-finds-interference-did-not-alter-election-results/">Canada foreign election interference inquiry releases initial report and finds interference did not alter election results</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Canada’s <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/04/canada-intelligence-agency-declassifies-documents-alleging-federal-election-interference-by-india-and-pakistan-in-2021-and-2019/">Public Inquiry</a> into Foreign Interference in Federal Electoral Processes and Democratic Institutions released its<a href="https://foreigninterferencecommission.ca/fileadmin/user_upload/Foreign_Interference_Commission_-_Initial_Report__May_2024__-_Digital.pdf"> Initial Report </a>on Friday, which details its investigation into foreign interference during the country’s 2019 and 2021 federal elections. Chaired by Commissioner Marie-Josée Hogue, the inquiry reviewed thousands of documents and heard over 60 witnesses during 21 days of hearings to determine the extent and impact of foreign interference.
The report concludes that while foreign interference was present during the last two federal elections, it did not alter the final election results or which party formed the government. The integrity of the electoral outcomes was maintained, although interference did affect public perception and the electoral process itself. Despite no alteration in the electoral outcomes, the report identifies significant concerns about the integrity of pre-vote processes.
Commissioner Hogue <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/foreign-interference-inquiry-first-report-1.7191156">emphasized</a> that the inquiry had unrestricted access to all relevant documents, including those classified for national security. The inquiry identified lapses in communication within the government’s handling of interference alerts but found no evidence of malicious intent.
The report includes a thorough examination of incidents where foreign interference was evident. For instance, it discusses the potential foreign influence in the 2019 Liberal nomination contest in Don Valley North, where there were strong indications of foreign activities aimed at influencing the nomination process. The inquiry could not conclusively determine the impact of these activities on the election result in the riding, but noted their potential significance.
Additionally, the report addresses misinformation campaigns and their effects on public trust. It notes that foreign actors utilized misinformation to influence public opinion, particularly targeting diaspora communities to sway their political views and participation.
Moving forward, the inquiry will enter its second stage, which will assess the capabilities of federal departments and agencies in responding to foreign interference. This stage will also include public outreach, particularly to diaspora communities, to collect broader experiences and insights on foreign interference. The inquiry plans to hold public hearings in the fall to discuss these findings further.
The inquiry’s ongoing efforts aim to bolster Canada’s defenses against foreign interference in future elections, with a comprehensive final report due by December 31, 2024. This report will include recommendations for strengthening the protection of Canada’s elections and democratic institutions against such threats.
The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/canada-foreign-election-interference-inquiry-releases-initial-report-and-finds-interference-did-not-alter-election-results/">Canada foreign election interference inquiry releases initial report and finds interference did not alter election results</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.
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