Ukraine dispatch: does Russia's campaign against Ukraine rise to the level of genocide?
Law students and young lawyers in Ukraine are filing for JURIST on the latest developments in that country as it defends itself against the Russian invasion. Here, Kyiv-based lawyer and University of Pittsburgh LLM graduate Yaroslav Pavliuk reports. Back in March, the JURIST team published an article called “Weaponizing ‘Genocide:’ Post-War International Justice in Putin’s [...]
The US Treasury Department Monday imposed sanctions on two senior officials in Bosnia and Herzegovina for allegedly threatening the stability of the region and democratic processes. Under Executive Order 14033, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina President Marinko Cavara and Republika Srpska Minister of Health and Social Welfare Alen Seranic have been sanctioned. Both Cavara and [...]
With the Russian invasion of Ukraine comes calls for war crimes investigations and prosecutions, and rightfully so. Many of the discussions surround questions concerning whether war crimes, crimes against humanity, or genocide have been committed, who can be prosecuted, and which venue will best serve the people of Ukraine and the interests of justice. As [...]
Russia's Invasion of Ukraine Is the Result of Its Own Failure to 'Denazify'
In April 1940, in what would come to be known as the Katyn Massacre, members of the feared Soviet secret police force, the NKVD, began the systematic murders of more than 21,000 Polish prisoners of war. The victims of the massacre — which, in addition to military officers, included many civilians — were buried by [...]
“…Ukraine is not just a neighbouring country for us. It is an inalienable part of our own history, culture and spiritual space. These are our comrades, those dearest to us – not only colleagues, friends and people who once served together, but also relatives, people bound by blood, family ties.” — Address by the President [...]
The other day, when I woke up in the morning, I thought that I should go to Kyiv and do my part by remembering George Orwell and the Lincoln Brigade in the Spanish Civil War, and paying homage to Catalonia. My 66 year old body shortly thereafter said that the Ukrainians are not asking for [...]
Putin Has No “Off-Ramp” For Using Cluster Munitions in Urban Areas
Before February 24, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin had an “off ramp.” He could have withdrawn troops from Russia’s border with Ukraine and slinked away to an island. However, several developments have eliminated the possibility of an “off ramp.” On February 28, 2022, ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan announced he opened an investigation into “alleged war [...]
Twenty years ago this week, pursuant to a UN Security Council resolution, the United Nations (UN) entered into a bi-lateral treaty with the Republic of Sierra Leone, to create the world’s first hybrid international war crimes tribunal, the Special Court for Sierra Leone. A delegation travelled to the capital of Sierra Leone, Freetown, to hold [...]
War crimes prosecutor indicts nine for killing Muslims during Bosnia War
A war crimes prosecutor Wednesday indicted nine Bosnian Serbs for killing about 100 Muslim Bosniaks during the Bosnian War, according to Reuters. All nine are men who served in the Bosnian Serb army and are accused of killing dozens of Muslim civilians, including seven entire families, women, the elderly and children. The civilians they allegedly [...]
Bosnia Constitutional Court rejects appeal by man convicted of war crimes
The Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) Monday rejected an appeal by 66-year-old former Serb fighter Radomir Šušnjar of his conviction and 20-year sentence for committing war crimes 29 years ago during the Bosnian War, which resulted in dozens of civilian deaths. Deciding against his appeal, the Constitutional Court found that Šušnjar’s right to [...]
