THREAD: international court

UN COURT DEMANDS Israel Halt Gaza Offensive

25 May 2024 — The International Court of Justice has ordered Israel to stop its military actions in Rafah, Gaza. This decision increases pressure on Israel, which already faces international condemnation. Norway, Ireland, and Spain recently recognized a Palestinian state.

The Biden administration is caught between supporting Israel and opposing a major offensive in Rafah. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan stated that Israel’s actions have been targeted and limited so far. However, he acknowledged the situation could change rapidly.

A State Department official confirmed that the operation has not yet reached the densest areas of Rafah. The U.S. continues to provide military and political support to Israel while urging caution against escalating the conflict further into densely populated regions of Gaza.

OUTRAGE Over ICC’S Arrest Warrants for Israeli and Hamas Officials

23 May 2024 — The International Criminal Court (ICC) faces backlash for considering arrest warrants against Israeli and Hamas officials. Critics argue that rogue nations often escape scrutiny while the ICC targets Israel. “It’s spent over $2 billion. It’s been really ineffective,” said Orde Kittrie, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.

Kittrie emphasized that Israel is not an ICC member state and polices its own alleged violations, making the court’s actions unjustified. “It’s obviously, totally politically driven,” he added, describing it as a political vendetta masquerading as legal proceedings.

Former Israeli leaders have called for dismantling the ICC, labeling it a “political tool.” The court’s prosecutor Karim Khan announced plans to request arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, along with Hamas leaders Yahya Sinwar and Ismail Haniyeh.

ICC WARRANTS for Netanyahu and Gallant Ignite Outrage

21 May 2024 — The International Criminal Court (ICC) chief prosecutor Karim Khan announced warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, along with three Hamas leaders. Netanyahu condemned the move, calling it a “travesty of justice” and a “vicious smear” aimed at preventing Israel from defending itself. He emphasized that Israel is committed to rescuing hostages and toppling the Hamas regime.

Netanyahu asserted that Israel adheres to international humanitarian law and does not target civilians in Gaza. He criticized the ICC for equating Israeli leaders with Hamas terrorists who use children as human shields. The accusation that Israel is causing starvation in Gaza was also refuted, with Netanyahu noting an increase in food entering Gaza since October 7.

He warned that the ICC warrants would embolden terrorists and play into Hamas’s strategy of violence against Israelis. The move by the ICC has been widely criticized as undermining Israel’s right to self-defense while ignoring the atrocities committed by Hamas.

UK Government BLASTS ICC Over Netanyahu Arrest Warrants

21 May 2024 — The British government has criticized the International Criminal Court (ICC) for seeking arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas leaders. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called the move “deeply unhelpful” during a summit in Vienna, emphasizing that there is no moral equivalence between Israel’s self-defense and Hamas’s terrorism. Sunak’s stance aligns with U.S. President Biden, who labeled the ICC’s action as "outrageous.

Cabinet minister Michael Gove echoed these sentiments, accusing the ICC of double standards by targeting Netanyahu while ignoring Syria’s Bashar al-Assad. Gove argued that this narrative aims to delegitimize Israel by holding it to higher standards than other nations. The British government maintains that the ICC lacks jurisdiction over Israel since it is not a party to the Rome Statute.

However, Labour’s David Lammy supports the ICC’s decision, citing a legal obligation for signatories of the Rome Statute to comply with its orders. Lammy accused Conservatives of undermining international law by criticizing the court. This legalistic approach contrasts sharply with current government lawyers who argue that Palestine is not recognized as a state by many countries, including the UK, thus invalidating any jurisdiction over Israel by the ICC.

UK Government’s CLIMATE STRATEGY Crumbles Under Court Scrutiny

03 May 2024 — A High Court judge has ruled the UK government’s climate strategy illegal, marking another significant setback. This decision is the second time in two years that the government has failed to meet its legal emissions targets. Justice Clive Sheldon highlighted that the plan lacked credible evidence to support its feasibility.

The scrutinized Carbon Budget Delivery Plan was intended to drastically cut greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050. Yet, Justice Sheldon criticized it for being “vague and unquantified,” pointing out a serious lack of detail and clarity in the proposal.

Environmental organizations argued successfully that the government did not disclose vital details about how it would implement its strategy to Parliament. This omission of information hindered proper legislative oversight and played a pivotal role in the plan’s rejection by the court.

This ruling sends a clear message about accountability and transparency needed in governmental actions, especially concerning environmental policies critical for future generations.

JUSTICE DENIED: No Charges for British Soldiers in Bloody Sunday Case

20 April 2024 — Fifteen British soldiers linked to the 1972 Bloody Sunday killings in Northern Ireland will not face perjury charges. The Public Prosecution Service cited insufficient evidence for convictions related to their testimony about the events in Derry. Previously, an inquiry had labeled the soldiers’ actions as self-defense against IRA threats.

A more detailed inquiry concluded in 2010 that the soldiers had fired unjustifiably on unarmed civilians and misled investigators for decades. Despite these findings, only one soldier, known as Soldier F, is currently facing prosecution for his actions during the incident.

The decision has sparked outrage among victims’ families, who see it as a denial of justice. John Kelly, whose brother was killed on Bloody Sunday, criticized the lack of accountability and accused the British Army of deceit throughout the Northern Ireland conflict.

The legacy of “the Troubles,” which claimed over 3,600 lives and ended with the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, continues to impact Northern Ireland deeply. The recent prosecutorial decisions underscore ongoing tensions and unresolved grievances from this violent period in history.

NYPD STANDS United: A Powerful Display of Support at Officer’s Court Hearing

17 April 2024 — In a moving display of unity, around 100 NYPD officers gathered at the Queens courthouse. They were there to show their support during the arraignment of Lindy Jones, who is facing charges related to the death of Officer Jonathan Diller.

Jones and Guy Rivera are at the center of this case due to their alleged involvement in the March incident that tragically ended Officer Diller’s life. Jones has pleaded not guilty to weapon possession charges, while Rivera faces more severe accusations, including first-degree murder and attempted murder.

The courtroom was filled with NYPD officers, a testament to their collective mourning and unwavering support for one another. Amidst this somber backdrop, Jones’ defense lawyer highlighted his client’s right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty.

This high-profile case has sparked renewed debate over crime and justice in New York City. Critics argue that individuals like Jones and Rivera represent a clear danger to society and question why they were allowed freedom prior to committing such heinous acts against law enforcement.

BRITISH TRADER’S Appeal Crushed: Libor Conviction Stands Strong

28 March 2024 — Tom Hayes, a former financial trader for Citigroup and UBS, has been unsuccessful in his attempt to overturn his conviction. This 44-year-old Brit was convicted in 2015 for manipulating the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (LIBOR) from 2006 to 2010. His case marked the first-ever conviction of this kind.

Hayes served half of an 11-year sentence and was released in 2021. Despite asserting his innocence throughout, he faced another conviction by a U.S court in 2016.

Carlo Palombo, another trader implicated in similar manipulations with Euribor, also sought appeal through the U.K.'s Court of Appeal via the Criminal Cases Review Commission. However, after a three-day hearing earlier this month, both appeals were dismissed without success.

The Serious Fraud Office remained resolute against these appeals stating: “No one is above the law and the court has recognized that these convictions stand firm.” This decision comes on the heels of a contrasting verdict from a U.S court last year which reversed similar convictions of two former Deutsche Bank traders.

JUDGEMENT HOUR: Assange’s Future Teeters as UK Judges Decide on US Extradition

26 March 2024 — Today, two esteemed judges from the British High Court will determine the destiny of Julian Assange, the founder of Wikileaks. The verdict, slated for 10:30 a.m. GMT (6:30 a.m. ET), will decide if Assange can contest his extradition to the U.S.

At age 52, Assange is up against espionage charges in America for disclosing classified military documents over ten years ago. Despite this, he has not yet faced trial in an American court due to his escape from the country.

This decision comes on the heels of last month’s two-day hearing which might have been Assange’s final bid to thwart his extradition. If denied a comprehensive appeal by the High Court, Assange could make one last plea before the European Court of Human Rights.

Supporters of Assange are apprehensive that an unfavorable ruling could expedite his extradition. His spouse Stella underscored this critical juncture with her message yesterday stating “This is it. DECISION TOMORROW.”

IDAHO Supreme Court REJECTS Appeal in Shocking Student Murder Case

13 March 2024 — The Idaho Supreme Court dismissed the pretrial appeal of Bryan Kohberger on Tuesday. Kohberger’s public defenders had argued that his indictment on four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary was improperly handled by prosecutors.

The grand jury was guided to indict if they found guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, which is a more stringent criterion than probable cause. The reasoning behind the Idaho Supreme Court’s dismissal of the appeal was not disclosed.

Kohberger, a 29-year-old Ph.D. student hailing from Pennsylvania, stands accused of committing an unspeakable crime in Moscow, Idaho. He allegedly infiltrated an off-campus residence and brutally murdered four University of Idaho students in November 2022. His bid to stall proceedings by challenging the judge’s refusal to discard the indictment proved futile

As Kohberger awaits trial for his purported heinous acts, this case continues to evolve. This latest ruling signifies another stride towards justice for the victims.

UK Government STRIKES BACK Against Post Office Injustice: Here’s What You Need to Know

13 March 2024 — The UK government has taken a significant stride towards rectifying one of the country’s most egregious miscarriages of justice. A new law introduced on Wednesday aims to overturn the wrongful convictions of hundreds of Post Office branch managers across England and Wales.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak emphasized that this legislation is vital for “finally clearing” the names of those unjustly convicted due to a flawed computer accounting system, known as Horizon. The victims, whose lives were drastically affected by this scandal, have experienced prolonged delays in receiving compensation.

Under the anticipated law, expected to be enacted by summer, convictions will be automatically overturned if they meet certain criteria. These include cases initiated by the state-owned Post Office or Crown Prosecution Service and offenses committed between 1996 and 2018 using the faulty Horizon software.

More than 700 subpostmasters were prosecuted and criminally convicted between 1999 and 2015 due to this software glitch. Those with overturned convictions will receive an interim payment with an option for a final offer of £600,000 ($760,000). Enhanced financial compensation will be provided to those who suffered financially but weren’t convicted.

ASYLUM-SEEKER Convicted: The Tragic Consequence of a Dangerous English Channel Crossing

19 February 2024 — On Monday, Ibrahima Bah, an asylum-seeker from Senegal, was convicted of manslaughter. He was at the helm of an inflatable dinghy that carried more than 40 migrants from France to the U.K. The vessel capsized tragically resulting in four fatalities.

The prosecutors maintained that the dinghy was unfit for such a journey due to severe overcrowding and lack of safety equipment. Despite the glaring risks and its deteriorating condition as it began taking on water, Bah persisted towards U.K. waters.

Bah did not pay for his passage because he piloted the boat himself. The jury found him guilty on four counts of manslaughter and aiding illegal entry into the U.K.

This incident has added more controversy to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s contentious plan to deport migrants to Rwanda amidst ongoing criticism.

UN Court DEMANDS Israel Prevent GENOCIDE in Gaza: A Closer Look at the Controversial Ruling

26 January 2024 — The United Nations’ highest court has issued a mandate to Israel. The order is to prevent any acts of genocide in Gaza. However, the ruling did not call for a halt to the ongoing military operation that has wreaked havoc on the Palestinian region.

This verdict could place Israel under legal examination for an extended period. It originates from a genocide lawsuit filed by South Africa and delves into one of the globe’s most intricate conflicts.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sees the court’s readiness to entertain genocide charges as a “mark of shame.” Despite facing global pressure and criticism for Israel’s wartime actions, Netanyahu remains committed to continuing with the war.

The conflict has led to over 26,000 Palestinian deaths and displaced nearly 85% of Gaza’s population of 2.3 million. The Israeli government, established as a Jewish state after World War II following the Nazi slaughter of 6 million Jews, feels deeply wounded by these accusations.

Supreme Court: Last RESORT for CUNY Professors Suing Union Over Alleged Antisemitism

22 January 2024 — A collective of professors from the City University of New York (CUNY) is taking legal action against a teachers union, Professional Staff Congress/CUNY (PSC). They accuse PSC of fostering antisemitism. The professors see their ultimate hope in the Supreme Court’s intervention. Despite their resignation from the union due to its perceived anti-Jewish bias, state law obliges them to maintain an association with it.

The dispute ignited when PSC endorsed a “Resolution in Support of the Palestinian People” in 2021. This resolution was interpreted as antisemitic and anti-Israel by six professors, prompting their withdrawal from the union. Nonetheless, New York State law dictates that these same professors must be represented by this union in collective bargaining discussions.

Avraham Goldstein, a mathematics professor and one of the six dissenters, voiced his distress over being compelled to align with a union he believes issues antisemitic statements without his approval.

This legal battle follows on from a significant Supreme Court ruling in Janus v. AFSCME (2018). The court decided that public employees who are not members can’t be forced to pay fees to a union as it infringes upon their First Amendment rights.

South Africa SLAMS Israel with GENOCIDE Accusations at UN Court: The Truth Unveiled

11 January 2024 — South Africa has officially leveled accusations of genocide against Israel at the United Nations’ highest court. The case, which challenges the very essence of Israel’s national identity, demands an immediate cessation of Israeli military operations in Gaza. In response to these grave allegations, Israel, a nation born out of the Holocaust aftermath, has vehemently denied them.

In a surprising move that deviates from their usual approach of boycotting international tribunals or U.N. investigations — perceived as biased and unjust — Israeli leaders have decided to confront this matter head-on in court to defend their global reputation.

South African legal representatives argue that the recent conflict in Gaza is simply an extension of what they see as decades-long oppression by Israelis against Palestinians. They assert there is “a credible claim of genocidal acts,” grounded on evidence presented over the past 13 weeks.

With preliminary orders sought by South Africa to compel Israel to halt its military campaign in Gaza — where over 23,000 deaths have been reported by the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry — they firmly believe that only a decree from this court can alleviate ongoing suffering.

UK Courts ISSUE Stark WARNING: The Dangers of AI in Legal Analysis

09 January 2024 — The UK’s Courts and Tribunals Judiciary recently sounded an alarm over the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in legal research and analysis. They pointed out potential pitfalls such as misinformation, bias, and inaccuracies. Master of the Rolls Geoffrey Vos stressed that judges should continue to take personal responsibility for their decisions, while not completely rejecting AI.

This caution comes at a time when conversations are heating up about the future role of AI in law. Possibilities range from replacing lawyers to making case decisions. The judiciary’s careful approach is seen as forward-thinking for a profession usually slow to embrace technology. Ryan Abbott, a law professor at the University of Surrey, highlighted that there is currently an intense debate about how to regulate AI.

Legal experts have applauded this move by the judiciary as it addresses recent advancements in AI technology head-on. England and Wales are now among leading courts worldwide tackling this issue proactively. Half a decade ago, the European Commission for Efficiency of Justice released an ethical charter on using AI in court systems which focused on principles like accountability and risk management.

ISIS PROPAGANDIST Scores UK Citizenship: A Shocking Blow to National Security

01 January 2024 — In a controversial move, UK judges have granted citizenship to a Sudanese migrant, known as “S3”. This individual entered the UK illegally in 2005 and 2018. Despite clear evidence of his involvement in spreading ISIS propaganda, he has been awarded lifelong anonymity and British citizenship.

This decision was made under the premise that deporting S3 would infringe upon his human rights. The argument is that he could face detention and torture if returned to Sudan. However, this reasoning overlooks S3’s multiple trips back to his home country without any reported persecution.

During one of these visits in December 2016, MI5 security service alleges that S3 actively spread ISIS propaganda on social media platforms. The government has voiced concerns about the potential national security threat posed by S3 due to his extremist activities.

The case has sparked further debate about border control and national security implications. Earlier this year, it was revealed that at least 53 convicted terrorists were shielded from deportation due to justifications provided by the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Critics like Nigel Farage argue for leaving ECHR as a means of regaining control over national borders.

UK Judges DISMISS Security Threats, HAND Citizenship to Isis Propagandist

01 January 2024 — British judges have recently overlooked concerns raised by the Home Office regarding a Sudanese migrant, referred to as “S3”. This individual entered the UK illegally in 2005 and again in 2018. Despite having his British passport revoked due to active dissemination of ISIS propaganda, he has now been granted UK citizenship and permanent anonymity.

S3’s legal representation argued that his deportation would infringe upon his human rights. They cited potential detention and torture risks in Sudan as reasons for him to remain in the UK. This argument swayed the justices, even though S3 has made multiple trips back to Sudan without facing any form of persecution. During one such visit in December 2016, he allegedly used social media platforms to spread ISIS propaganda.

The government presented a case suggesting that S3 is a threat to national security. MI5 claimed that he showed unwavering commitment towards extremist ideologies propagated by ISIS and could potentially influence others towards radicalization. However, his lawyers successfully invoked provisions from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) preventing his deportation.

Prominent Brexiteers like Nigel Farage believe that Rishi Sunak’s government must withdraw from ECHR for regaining control over Britain’s borders. The ECHR has been previously used as a shield against deportation for at least 53 convicted terrorists.

VATICAN SHOCKER: Cardinal Becciu Guilty in Historic Corruption Trial

18 December 2023 — In a groundbreaking trial, the first of its kind since 1929’s Lateran Treaty, Cardinal Becciu and nine others have been declared guilty. The charges ranged from embezzlement to bribery. This verdict is the culmination of an extensive trial revolving around a luxury London property deal that led to over 100 million euros loss for the Vatican.

The guilt wasn’t confined to Cardinal Becciu alone. Nine other defendants were also convicted on diverse charges tied to fund mismanagement and embezzlement. Furthermore, the company Logsic Humitarne Dejavnosti was slapped with a fine of 40,000 euros and forbidden from contracting with public authorities for two years.

Becciu’s sentence fell just short of the seven years three months that prosecution sought after. The trial uncovered that he had funneled over half a million euros in Vatican funds to Cecilia Marogna’s company for a project deemed fraudulent by the court. Marogna too was found guilty and handed down prison time.

Alongside his prison term, Cardinal Becciu has been permanently barred from holding any public office and fined 8,000 euros. His offenses included conspiracy and witness tampering in an attempt to muzzle key prosecution witness Msgr Alberto Perlasca.