![[Valid RSS]](images/valid-rss-rogers.png "Valid RSS")
This is a valid RSS feed.
This feed is valid, but interoperability with the widest range of feed readers could be improved by implementing the following recommendations.
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" > <channel> <title>JURIST – News</title> <atom:link href="https://www.jurist.org/news/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://www.jurist.org/news/</link> <description>Serious law. Primary sources. Global perspective</description> <lastBuildDate>Sun, 05 May 2024 10:43:22 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-US</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.2.5</generator> <item> <title>HRW: France should put pressure on China for alleged crimes against humanity</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[<p>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 […]</p><p>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 put pressure on China for alleged crimes against humanity</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.</p>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-weight: 400">Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Friday issued a </span><a href="https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/05/03/france-macron-should-stand-firm-rights-china"><span style="font-weight: 400">statement</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400"> 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 </span><a href="https://english.www.gov.cn/news/202405/05/content_WS66371531c6d0868f4e8e6bc7.html"><span style="font-weight: 400">visit</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400"> to Paris, which is scheduled to take place between May 6-7. </span></p><p>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 <span style="font-weight: 400">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</span><span style="font-weight: 400"> French government’s commitment to addressing Xi’s assault on rights inside and outside China is crucial. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400">HRW previously called upon Macron to speak out against China’s human rights violations when Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen </span><a href="https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/03/30/france-eu-raise-rights-during-top-level-china-visit"><span style="font-weight: 400">visited</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400"> 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 </span><a href="https://www.hrw.org/news/2014/11/21/china-xinjiang-verdict-upholds-unjust-life-sentence"><span style="font-weight: 400">life sentence</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400"> in China on charges of separatism, as well as 7 of his </span><a href="https://www.hrw.org/news/2022/03/31/china-free-uyghur-scholars-students"><span style="font-weight: 400">students</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400">.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400">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 </span><a href="https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/04/14/frances-macron-ignores-violations-during-china-visit"><span style="font-weight: 400">inadvertence</span></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.</p><p><span style="font-weight: 400">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 </span><a href="https://www.elysee.fr/en/emmanuel-macron/2024/04/24/europe-speech"><span style="font-weight: 400">insisted</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400"> that “this fight is one that we will take up at the international level.” </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400">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 </span><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"><span style="font-weight: 400">center largely</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400"> 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 </span><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/"><span style="font-weight: 400">sanctions</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400"> against Chinese officials and entities they deemed responsible for certain human rights </span><a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2022/09/un-rights-office-releases-long-awaited-xinjiang-report/"><span style="font-weight: 400">abuses</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400"> 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 </span><a href="https://www.hrw.org/news/2021/05/20/european-parliament-freezes-trade-deal-china"><span style="font-weight: 400">suspension</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400"> of the Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI), a bilateral trade deal between the EU and China, by the European Parliament. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400">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. </span></p><p> </p><p>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 put pressure on China for alleged crimes against humanity</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <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[<p>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 […]</p><p>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>.</p>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p><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.</p><p>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,</p><blockquote><p>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.</p></blockquote><p>Article 49 of Geneva Convention IV prohibits the individual or mass forcible transfer of civilians from occupied territory to any other country.</p><p> </p><p>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>.</p>]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <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[<p>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 […]</p><p>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>.</p>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.”</p><p>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,</p><blockquote><p>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.</p></blockquote><p>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.</p><p>Amnesty International ended their press release with the following statement from Paul O’Brien, Executive Director of Amnesty International USA</p><blockquote><p>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.</p></blockquote><p>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.</p><p>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>.</p>]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <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[<p>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 […]</p><p>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>.</p>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.”</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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>.</p>]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <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[<p>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. […]</p><p>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>.</p>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>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 Ka<span>ranpreet 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 <span class="css-1qaijid r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0 r-poiln3">to target Nijjar under the direction of the government of India.</span><span class="r-18u37iz"></span></span></p><p><span>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. </span></p><p><span>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. </span></p><p>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.</p><p>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:</p><blockquote><p>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.</p></blockquote><p>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.</p><p>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>.</p>]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <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[<p>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 […]</p><p>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>.</p>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span>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.</span></p><p><span>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.</span></p><p><span>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.</span></p><p><span>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.</span></p><p><span>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: </span></p><blockquote><p><span>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.</span></p></blockquote><p><span>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.</span></p><p>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>.</p>]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <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[<p>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 […]</p><p>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>.</p>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>HRW Africa Researcher Nyagoah Tut Pur commented:</p><blockquote><p><span>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.</span></p></blockquote><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p> </p><p>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>.</p>]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <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[<p>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 […]</p><p>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>.</p>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>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.”</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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>.</p>]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <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[<p>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. […]</p><p>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>.</p>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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>.</p>]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <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[<p>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 […]</p><p>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>.</p>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p><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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.”</p><p><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.”</p><p>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.”</p><p>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.</p><p>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.”</p><p>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.”</p><p> </p><p>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>.</p>]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Queensland decriminalises sex work to better protect sex workers</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[<p>The Queensland Parliament passed Thursday the Criminal Code (Decriminalising Sex Work) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024 to decriminalise sex work. The new law 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 […]</p><p>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</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.</p>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Queensland Parliament <a href="https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/100231#:~:text=The%20health%2C%20safety%20and%20workplace,sex%20workers%20will%20be%20repealed.">passed</a> Thursday 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> to decriminalise sex work. The new law 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.”</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.”</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <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[<p>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. […]</p><p>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>.</p>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.”</p><p>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:</p><blockquote><p>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.</p></blockquote><p>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.</p><p><!-- notionvc: 17d2f2d2-b728-4d34-a611-bf3bbe1d16b7 --></p><p>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>.</p>]]></content:encoded> </item> <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[<p>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 […]</p><p>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>.</p>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>The funds were allegedly funneled through various middlemen and front companies owned by Cuellar’s wife Imelda, who according to the DOJ, “<span>performed little to no legitimate work under the contracts.”</span></p><p>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>.</p><p> </p><p>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>.</p>]]></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[<p>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 […]</p><p>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>.</p>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>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.</p><p>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>.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.”</p><p>In summary, RSF wrote:</p><blockquote><p>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.</p></blockquote><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p><span>Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, wrote: </span></p><blockquote><p><span>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.</span></p></blockquote><p>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.</p><p>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>.</p>]]></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[<p>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 […]</p><p>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>.</p>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>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).</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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:</p><blockquote><p>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.</p></blockquote><p>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.</p><p>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>.</p>]]></content:encoded> </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[<p>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 […]</p><p>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>.</p>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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>.</p>]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>India Supreme Court reserves 1/3 of seats in Bar Association committee for women</title> <link>https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/india-supreme-court-reserves-1-3-of-seats-in-bar-association-committee-for-women/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Shashank Pandey | The West Bengal National U. of Juridical Sciences, IN]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2024 19:12:50 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category> <category><![CDATA[India]]></category> <category><![CDATA[International]]></category> <category><![CDATA[rol - gender equality]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.jurist.org/news/?p=242662</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>India’s Supreme Court (SC) reserved Thursday one-third of the seats in the executive committee of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) for women. The SCBA is an Indian bar association comprising practicing lawyers who work in the Supreme Court of India. The SC held that the SCBA has to establish reservations and guidelines for its […]</p><p>The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/india-supreme-court-reserves-1-3-of-seats-in-bar-association-committee-for-women/">India Supreme Court reserves 1/3 of seats in Bar Association committee for women</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.</p>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>India’s Supreme Court (SC) <a href="https://webapi.sci.gov.in/supremecourt/2023/13992/13992_2023_4_6_52814_Order_02-May-2024.pdf">reserved</a> Thursday one-third of the seats in the executive committee of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) for women. The SCBA is an Indian bar association comprising practicing lawyers who work in the Supreme Court of India.</p><p>The SC held that the SCBA has to establish reservations and guidelines for its Executive Committee elections. One-third of seats in various committee positions, including the Treasurer, are to be reserved for women members. Nevertheless, eligible women members can contest for all positions. Clarifying the criteria for reservation, the court added:</p><blockquote><p>(i) Minimum of 1/3rd seats in the Executive Committee i.e., 3 out of 9.<br />(ii) Minimum 1/3rd out of the Senior Executive Members i.e., 2 out of 6.<br />(iii) At least one post of the Office Bearer shall be reserved for women candidate exclusively by turn and on rotation basis.<br />(iv) In the ensuing election for 2024-2025, the post of Treasurer of the Executive Committee is reserved for women.</p></blockquote><p>Furthermore, the SC, in the same order, gave directions for the preparation for the SCBA Executive Committee election, with the current term due to expire on May 18, 2024; directives have been issued to ensure a smooth process. The election is set for May 16, 2024, based on the 2023 voter list with updates for eligible members from March 1, 2023 to February 29, 2024. The Supreme Court Registry is tasked with providing necessary data by May 3, 2024. Vote counting starts on May 18, 2024, with results declared on May 19, 2024, ensuring a timely transition of leadership.</p><p>The <a href="https://scbaindia.org/Web/aspx/about.aspx">SCBA</a> has been a key player in the movement for upholding constitutional values, democracy, rule of law, and the independence of the judiciary in India. In 1951, the Association’s Executive Committee, including legal luminaries like M. C. Setalvad, C. K. Daphtary, and K. M. Munshi, expressed concerns against the first amendment of the Constitution and the proposed move to combine the office of Law Minister and Attorney General. The association also showed concern for poor litigants and the indigent and infirm members of the Bar. The association became a corporate member of the Indian Law Institute during this time. The tumultuous period between 1970 and 1980 saw the <a href="https://judgments.ecourts.gov.in/KBJ/">Keshavananda Bharati</a> case, which limited the constitutional power of Parliament to amend the Constitution. The SCBA, other Bar Associations, and public opinion resisted these attempts.</p><p>The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/india-supreme-court-reserves-1-3-of-seats-in-bar-association-committee-for-women/">India Supreme Court reserves 1/3 of seats in Bar Association committee for women</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>UNESCO awards World Press Freedom Prize to Palestine journalists</title> <link>https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/unesco-awards-world-press-freedom-prize-to-palestine-journalists/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Miu Satake | Maastricht U. Faculty of Law, NL]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2024 19:01:59 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category> <category><![CDATA[freedom of expression]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Freedom of Speech]]></category> <category><![CDATA[gaza]]></category> <category><![CDATA[hamas]]></category> <category><![CDATA[International]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Israel]]></category> <category><![CDATA[palestine]]></category> <category><![CDATA[press freedom]]></category> <category><![CDATA[rol - freedom of expression/speech]]></category> <category><![CDATA[rol - freedom of press]]></category> <category><![CDATA[ROL - war crimes/humanitarian law]]></category> <category><![CDATA[World Press Freedom Day]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.jurist.org/news/?p=242636</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>UNESCO awarded Thursday its World Press Freedom Prize to all of the Palestinian journalists covering Gaza. This prize honors media workers promoting press freedom, especially in areas facing wars. While the deaths of 26 journalists during their work were condemned and deplored by UNESCO since October 2023, it has been supporting media workers who report from […]</p><p>The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/unesco-awards-world-press-freedom-prize-to-palestine-journalists/">UNESCO awards World Press Freedom Prize to Palestine journalists</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.</p>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span>UNESCO <a href="https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/palestinian-journalists-covering-gaza-awarded-2024-unesco/guillermo-cano-world-press-freedom-prize#:~:text=Created%20in%201997%2C%20the%20annual,journalists%20within%20the%20UN%20System.">awarded</a> Thursday its <a href="https://www.unesco.org/en/prizes/cano">World Press Freedom Prize</a> to all of the Palestinian journalists covering Gaza. This prize honors media workers promoting press freedom, especially in areas facing wars.</span></p><p>While the deaths of 26 journalists during their work were condemned and deplored by UNESCO since October 2023, it has been<span> supporting media workers who report from Gaza by providing essential equipments. UNESCO said it recognizes the serious effects caused by the conflict in Gaza to the freedom of speech in journalism. Therefore, it urged collective actions and protection for reporters working in such difficult situations, not only in Gaza but also in places like Ukraine or Afghanistan.</span></p><p><span>Mauricio Weibel, the Chair of the International Jury of media professionals, said:</span></p><blockquote><p><span>In these times of darkness and hopelessness, we wish to share a strong message of solidarity and recognition to those Palestinian journalists who are covering this crisis in such dramatic circumstances. As humanity, we have a huge debt to their courage and commitment to freedom of expression.</span></p></blockquote><p><span>The 31<sup>st</sup> World Press Freedom Day Conference has been taking place in Santiago, Chile between May 2 and 4. It aligns with the World Press Freedom Day on May 3, set to re-recognize the cruciality of journalism and freedom of expression in areas facing conflict. Since 1997, the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize is annually awarded to a person or organization which has contributed to defend and promote the freedom of press in the world.</span></p><p>In the past, UNESCO has <a href="https://www.unesco.org/en/gaza/press-freedom">paid</a> tribute to women journalists revealing the realities inside the Gaza Strip on International Women’s Day. At that time, it also supported themed with humanitarian assistance and emergency supplies, focusing on female workers there.</p><p>The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/unesco-awards-world-press-freedom-prize-to-palestine-journalists/">UNESCO awards World Press Freedom Prize to Palestine journalists</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>London police arrest 45 protestors during attempt to stop asylum seekers being moved to barge</title> <link>https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/london-police-arrest-45-protestors-during-attempt-to-stop-asylum-seekers-being-moved-to-barge/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Shannon McKeown-Gilmore | U. Oxford Faculty of Law, GB]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2024 18:55:22 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Asylum]]></category> <category><![CDATA[International]]></category> <category><![CDATA[protest]]></category> <category><![CDATA[rol - immigration/migration/refugees/asylum]]></category> <category><![CDATA[uk]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.jurist.org/news/?p=242639</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>London’s Metropolitan Police arrested 45 protestors on Thursday during an attempt to stop the government moving asylum seekers to the Bibby Stockholm barge. Those arrested were detained for offenses including obstruction of the highway, obstructing police and assault on officers. The protestors were attempting to prevent the removal of asylum seekers from a London hotel […]</p><p>The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/london-police-arrest-45-protestors-during-attempt-to-stop-asylum-seekers-being-moved-to-barge/">London police arrest 45 protestors during attempt to stop asylum seekers being moved to barge</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.</p>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>London’s Metropolitan Police <a href="https://x.com/metpoliceuk/status/1786049341364301868">arrested</a> 45 protestors on Thursday during an attempt to stop the government moving asylum seekers to the<em> <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2023/10/uk-announces-new-rules-for-asylum-seekers-who-refuse-housing-on-residential-barge/">Bibby Stockholm</a> </em>barge. Those arrested were detained for offenses <span>including obstruction of the highway, obstructing police and assault on officers. </span></p><p>The protestors were attempting to prevent the removal of asylum seekers from a London hotel to the <em>Bibby Stockholm</em> barge, currently located off the southern coast of England. Protesters were arguing that the barge is unsuitable for housing asylum seekers and that many had built community relations in London.</p><p>The barge <a href="/news/2023/08/uk-government-begins-housing-asylum-seekers-on-residential-barge/">began</a> housing asylum seekers in August 2023 but has been surrounded in controversy regarding its safety, including a <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2023/08/bacteria-in-water-systems-forces-uk-remove-to-remove-asylum-seekers-from-residential-barge/">legionella scare</a> days after its opening. This was followed by a <a href="/2023/12/uk-asylum-seeker-dies-aboard-residential-barge/">death</a> on board in December 2023. <span>Amnesty International UK has </span><a href="https://www.amnesty.org.uk/press-releases/uk-bibby-stockholm-utterly-shameful-way-treat-people-seeking-asylum" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said that</a><span> the barge was “an utterly shameful way to house people who have fled terror, conflict and persecution.”</span></p><p>In a statement issued by the Metropolitan Police, <span>Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan said that, “</span>We will always respect the right to peaceful protest but we have been clear that where there is serious disruption and criminality then we will take decisive action.</p><p>The government response to the protest and subsequent arrests has been critical. Home Secretary James Cleverly <a href="https://x.com/JamesCleverly/status/1786018287907704981">said,</a> “Housing migrants in hotels costs the British taxpayer millions of pounds every day. We will not allow this small group of students, posing for social media, to deter us from doing what is right for the British public.”</p><p>The protest comes at a time when immigration is a particularly controversial topic in British politics. Last week, after several legal challenges, the government <a href="/news/2024/04/uk-rwanda-bill-becomes-law-with-royal-assent/">passed</a> their Rwanda plan through Parliament, meaning asylum seekers can be sent to the African nation whilst having their asylum claims considered.</p><p>The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/london-police-arrest-45-protestors-during-attempt-to-stop-asylum-seekers-being-moved-to-barge/">London police arrest 45 protestors during attempt to stop asylum seekers being moved to barge</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>UK High Court rules that government climate strategy is inadequate and unlawful</title> <link>https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/uk-high-court-rules-that-government-climate-strategy-is-unlawful/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Alexis Boddy | City Law School, U. of London, GB]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2024 16:14:03 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category> <category><![CDATA[International]]></category> <category><![CDATA[rol - environmental protection/climate change]]></category> <category><![CDATA[uk]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.jurist.org/news/?p=242604</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The UK High Court ruled Friday that the Government’s climate strategy is inadequate and therefore violates the UK Climate Change Act 2008. The ruling comes nearly two years after a previous High Court judgment ordered the Government to strengthen its net zero strategy to bring it in line with the Climate Change Act. The action […]</p><p>The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/uk-high-court-rules-that-government-climate-strategy-is-unlawful/">UK High Court rules that government climate strategy is inadequate and unlawful</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.</p>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The UK High Court <a href="https://www.judiciary.uk/judgments/friends-of-the-earth-and-others-v-secretary-of-state-for-energy-security-and-net-zero/">ruled</a> Friday that the Government’s climate strategy is inadequate and therefore violates the UK Climate Change Act 2008. The ruling comes nearly two years after a previous High Court judgment ordered the Government to strengthen its net zero strategy to bring it in line with the Climate Change Act.</p><p>The action was originally brought in 2022 by Friends of the Earth, ClientEarth and The Good Law Project, who argued that the Government’s policies were ineffective in achieving significant emissions reductions and would not align with legally-binding carbon budgets. The High Court <a href="https://www.judiciary.uk/judgments/friends-of-the-earth-v-beis/">ordered</a> that the Government should strengthen their net zero strategy. The Government issued a <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/carbon-budget-delivery-plan">revised</a> net zero strategy, entitled the “Carbon Budget Delivery Plan.” However, the Claimants brought another claim in the High Court, asserting that the revised plan still remained insufficient to constitute a credible strategy as mandated by law.</p><p>They argued that the strategy overlooked the risk that the plan would not attain the requisite, legally binding reductions in emissions. Furthermore, the Minister, Grant Shapps, had approved the plans without having sufficient information as to those issues. The strategy relied heavily on future technologies without acknowledging their inherent risks, with the proposals appearing uncertain and vague. Consequently, serious doubts arose as to the feasibility of the strategy achieving its aims.</p><p>In the <a href="https://www.judiciary.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Friends-of-the-Earth-v-Secretary-of-State-for-Energy-Security-and-Net-Zero-003.pdf">judgment</a>, Mr Justice Sheldon upheld four of the five grounds. He stated, “If, as I have found, the secretary of state did make his decision on the assumption that each of the proposals and policies would be delivered in full, then the secretary of state’s decision was taken on the basis of a mistaken understanding of the true factual position.” He went on to say that “it is not possible to ascertain from the materials presented to the Secretary of State which of the proposals and policies would not be delivered at all, or in full.”</p><p>The Government will now have to revise their plan within 12 months and ensure that the UK meets its legal responsibilities for both carbon budgets and its pledge to reduce emissions by over two-thirds by 2030.</p><p>Kyle Lischak, ClientEarth Head of UK, <a href="https://www.clientearth.org/latest/news/we-re-taking-the-uk-government-over-its-net-zero-strategy/">said</a>:</p><blockquote><p>We are pleased that ClientEarth, through taking action in this case and in our 2022 case, can help ensure that the UK Climate Change Act – one of the world’s first pieces of long-term domestic climate legislation – is being implemented by the government in a way that makes the actual achievement of its Net Zero target a realistic proposition.</p></blockquote><p>The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/uk-high-court-rules-that-government-climate-strategy-is-unlawful/">UK High Court rules that government climate strategy is inadequate and unlawful</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Authorities in Kurdistan region of Iraq must stop assaults on press freedom: Amnesty International</title> <link>https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/authorities-in-kurdistan-region-of-iraq-must-stop-assaults-on-press-freedom-amnesty-international/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Alexis Boddy | City Law School, U. of London, GB]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2024 14:42:46 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category> <category><![CDATA[International]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Iraq]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Kurdistan]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Middle East and North Africa]]></category> <category><![CDATA[rol - freedom of expression/speech]]></category> <category><![CDATA[rol - freedom of the press]]></category> <category><![CDATA[rol - political arrests/arbitrary detention]]></category> <category><![CDATA[rol - press freedom]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.jurist.org/news/?p=242592</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Amnesty International called on Thursday for authorities in the Kurdistan region of Iraq (KR-I) to stop their assault on freedom of expression and press freedom. The call came a day before of World Press Freedom Day and emphasized the need for authorities to end the arbitrary detention, physical abuse, and unjust trials of journalists. In […]</p><p>The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/authorities-in-kurdistan-region-of-iraq-must-stop-assaults-on-press-freedom-amnesty-international/">Authorities in Kurdistan region of Iraq must stop assaults on press freedom: Amnesty International</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.</p>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Amnesty International <a href="https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2024/05/iraq-authorities-in-the-kurdistan-region-of-iraq-must-immediately-end-their-assault-on-press-freedom/">called</a> on Thursday for authorities in the Kurdistan region of Iraq (KR-I) to stop their assault on freedom of expression and press freedom. The call came a day before of World Press Freedom Day and emphasized the need for authorities to end the arbitrary detention, physical abuse, and unjust trials of journalists.</p><p>In its statement, Amnesty International referenced <a href="https://www.metroo.org/english/default.aspx">data</a> from the Metro Center, who works to protect journalists’ rights in the KR-I, which shows that there were 37 arrests and 27 incidents of journalists being attacked or threatened in 2023. Since the beginning of the year, at least 10 journalists have been detained in the region.</p><p>Trials of journalists in the region have been described as “grossly unfair,” often conducted in secret on baseless charges, with no access to adequate legal representation. There are multiple examples of forcible disappearances and confessions extracted under duress. While not all have been arrested, the so-called “chilling climate” means that journalists are frequently subject to abuse and threats. The Metro Center <a href="https://www.metroo.org/english/dreja.aspx?=hewal&jmare=21054&Jor=3">reported</a> on the alleged assault by security forces on Diplomatic reporter, Zhilya Ali, and her husband in January.</p><p>The statement by Amnesty International came ahead of a <a href="https://rsf.org/en/country/iraq">report</a> by Reporters Without Borders, issued on Friday, which ranked Iraq as 169 out of 180 countries, moving it down two levels from the previous year. The World Press Freedom Indicator contextualizes the ranking in the background of extreme political polarization, an unequal distribution of funding for media outlets and the ubiquity of defamation lawsuits, and said that the state is “failing in its duty to protect” journalists.</p><p>Amnesty International’s Iraq Campaigner, Bissan Fakih, said:</p><blockquote><p>No one should face harassment and intimidation simply for carrying out their journalistic work. The KRG should immediately and unconditionally release all those detained solely for their journalistic work. Authorities should uphold human rights and press freedom and take credible steps to create a conducive environment where journalists can carry out their work safely and people are allowed to express critical opinions freely.</p></blockquote><p>The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/authorities-in-kurdistan-region-of-iraq-must-stop-assaults-on-press-freedom-amnesty-international/">Authorities in Kurdistan region of Iraq must stop assaults on press freedom: Amnesty International</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Japan PM unveils international framework for generative AI governance</title> <link>https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/japan-pm-unveils-international-framework-for-generative-ai-governance/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Jingwen Liu | Chinese U. Hong Kong Faculty of Law, CN/HK]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2024 14:31:31 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category> <category><![CDATA[AI]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Asia]]></category> <category><![CDATA[International]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Japan]]></category> <category><![CDATA[rol - tech/ai]]></category> <category><![CDATA[tech]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.jurist.org/news/?p=242589</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida unveiled on Thursday an international framework for the regulation and use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) during a meeting at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in Paris. “[G]enerative AI has the potential to be a vital tool to further enrich the world. AI will make great contributions […]</p><p>The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/japan-pm-unveils-international-framework-for-generative-ai-governance/">Japan PM unveils international framework for generative AI governance</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.</p>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida <a href="https://japan.kantei.go.jp/101_kishida/diplomatic/202405/02ai.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">unveiled</a> on Thursday an international framework for the regulation and use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) during a meeting at the <span>Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (</span>OECD) in Paris.</p><p>“[G]enerative AI has the potential to be a vital tool to further enrich the world. AI will make great contributions toward finding solutions to various issues including healthcare and climate change, in a way that was unthinkable in the past,” Kishida said. “At the same time, one cannot shed light only on the bright side of generative AI. We must also confront the dark side of AI, such as the risk of disinformation.”</p><p><span>Kishida attended the OECD meeting and gave <a href="https://japan.kantei.go.jp/101_kishida/statement/202405/02ai.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">opening remarks</a> at a side event “Towards Safe, Secure and Trustworthy AI: Promoting Inclusive AI Governance,” which was part of the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting. </span>Recognizing the need to establish international rules for AI governance, Japan led the <span><a href="https://www.japan.go.jp/kizuna/2024/02/hiroshima_ai_process.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hiroshima AI Process</a> in May 2023 during its <a href="https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/docserver/bf3c0c60-en.pdf?expires=1714728640&id=id&accname=ocid177302&checksum=E9D2EEAD7DBFCEA8286D44DEFF1678CC" target="_blank" rel="noopener">G7</a> Presidency. The process met its preliminary results in December 2023 when it gave rise to the world’s first international framework, known as the Hiroshima AI Process Comprehensive Policy Framework. The framework encompasses the “<a href="https://www.soumu.go.jp/hiroshimaaiprocess/pdf/document03_en.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hiroshima Process International Guiding Principles for All AI Actors</a>” and the “<a href="https://www.soumu.go.jp/hiroshimaaiprocess/pdf/document05_en.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hiroshima Process International Code of Conduct for Organizations Developing Advanced AI Systems</a>,” both setting down some fundamental principles aiming at reducing specific risks related to the development and use of generative AI. </span></p><p><span>At the OECD Meeting on Thursday, Kishida announced the kickoff of the Hiroshima AI Process Friends Group, </span> a voluntary framework of members supporting the spirit of the Hiroshima AI Process. The Group has attracted <a href="https://www.soumu.go.jp/hiroshimaaiprocess/en/supporters.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">participation</a> from 49 countries and regions, including many OECD members. <span>Kishida committed to</span> work closely with the Friends Group to facilitate the implementation of the International Guiding Principles and the Code of Conduct to address the risks of generative AI.</p><p><span>Kishida emphasized that cooperation with the OECD had been essential in achieving the above global efforts towards AI governance. In 2019, the OECD <a href="https://www.oecd.org/science/forty-two-countries-adopt-new-oecd-principles-on-artificial-intelligence.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">adopted</a> five value-based <a href="https://oecd.ai/en/ai-principles" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AI Principles</a>, which were further updated in May 2024 to address new technological and policy developments. Kishida</span><span> welcomed the updates, praising them for being a concrete outcome of the OECD. Mathias Cormann, Secretary-General of the OECD, appreciated Japan’s efforts and stressed the importance of implementing the Hiroshima AI Process. OpenAI CEO </span>Sam Altman also attended the event online, where he emphasized the importance of the Hiroshima AI Process, the International Guiding Principles and Code of Conduct.</p><p>Kishida also announced Japan’s plan to provide technical support to risk reduction related to generative AI, including establishing the <span><a href="https://gpai.ai/about/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence</a></span> (GPAI) Tokyo Center.</p><p>Regulators worldwide have been grappling with generative AI governance. In October 2023, U.S. President Biden <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/10/30/fact-sheet-president-biden-issues-executive-order-on-safe-secure-and-trustworthy-artificial-intelligence/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">signed</a> an <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2023/10/30/executive-order-on-the-safe-secure-and-trustworthy-development-and-use-of-artificial-intelligence/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Executive Order</a> establishing new standards for AI safety and security, aiming to protect Americans’ privacy and equity while bolstering innovation, competition and U.S. leadership.</p><p>In China, seven ministers jointly published an <a href="https://www.cac.gov.cn/2023-07/13/c_1690898327029107.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Interim Measures for the Management of Generative AI Services</a> in July 2023, setting out the basic rights and responsibilities of generative AI providers and users; in February 2024, its National Cybersecurity Standardization Technical Committee further released a <a href="https://www.tc260.org.cn/upload/2024-03-01/1709282398070082466.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Basic Security Requirements for Generative AI Services</a>, putting forward the basic requirements for the safety aspects of generative AI services.</p><p>Earlier this year, the European Parliament <a href="https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20240308IPR19015/artificial-intelligence-act-meps-adopt-landmark-law" target="_blank" rel="noopener">approved</a> in March a landmark <a href="https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/TA-9-2024-0138-FNL-COR01_EN.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Artificial Intelligence Act</a>, the world’s first comprehensive regulation on AI by a major regulator, which established obligations for AI based on its potential risks and level of impact.</p><p>On March 21, 2024, the UN also <a href="https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/03/1147831" target="_blank" rel="noopener">adopted</a> a <a href="https://documents.un.org/doc/undoc/ltd/n24/065/92/pdf/n2406592.pdf?token=00vqs4dINBI5kgdzRH&fe=true" target="_blank" rel="noopener">draft resolution</a> on AI, led by the U.S. and backed by more than 120 other member states, <span>highlighting the “</span>respect, protection and promotion of human rights<span> in the design, development, deployment and the use of AI” and recognizing AI’s potential to accelerate the reaching of the UN’s 17 <a href="https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/">Sustainable Development Goals</a>.</span></p><p>The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/japan-pm-unveils-international-framework-for-generative-ai-governance/">Japan PM unveils international framework for generative AI governance</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>US unveils nearly 300 new sanctions targeting China and Hong Kong companies for involvement in Ukraine war</title> <link>https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/us-unveils-nearly-300-new-sanctions-targeting-prc-and-hong-kong-companies-for-involvement-in-ukraine-war/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Tyler Li | U. Ottawa Faculty of Law, CA]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2024 00:15:44 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category> <category><![CDATA[China]]></category> <category><![CDATA[hong kong]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Russia]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Sanctions against military support]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ukraine]]></category> <category><![CDATA[us]]></category> <category><![CDATA[US Sanctions]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.jurist.org/news/?p=242574</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The US unveiled nearly 300 new sanctions on Wednesday, including sanctions that target entities in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Hong Kong for their support for Russia in its war with Ukraine. The sanctions were implemented following persistent warnings from US officials, including Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Secretary of State Antony Blinken. […]</p><p>The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/us-unveils-nearly-300-new-sanctions-targeting-prc-and-hong-kong-companies-for-involvement-in-ukraine-war/">US unveils nearly 300 new sanctions targeting China and Hong Kong companies for involvement in Ukraine war</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.</p>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The US <a href="https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2318">unveiled</a> nearly 300 new sanctions on Wednesday, including sanctions that target entities in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Hong Kong for their support for Russia in its war with Ukraine.</p><p>The sanctions were implemented following persistent warnings from US officials, including Treasury Secretary <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgRR-KK11kU">Janet Yellen</a> and Secretary of State <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ro4ZDQynuM">Antony Blinken</a>. These officials have explicitly cautioned China against the provision of dual-use items—materials that can be used for both civilian and military purposes—to Russia, asserting that these items are critical in enhancing Russian military capabilities in the conflict against Ukraine.</p><p>This <a href="https://www.state.gov/new-measures-in-response-to-russias-full-scale-war-and-use-of-chemical-weapons-against-ukraine/">action</a> from the US is a more comprehensive implementation of nearly 300 new sanctions aimed at individuals and companies globally. It has been enacted with the stated goal of restricting third-party involvement in supporting Russia’s military capabilities in the conflict in Ukraine. They have been imposed on entities within Russia and other countries such as Azerbaijan, Belgium, Slovakia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. Specifically, they also target over a dozen companies in China and Hong Kong. These companies are identified for supplying dual-use aerospace, manufacturing, and technology equipment to Russia.</p><p>Companies like Tulun International and Finder Technology Limited, both based in Hong Kong, have been highlighted for acting as intermediaries in procuring and exporting critical electronic components used in Russian military applications. Tulun International has been reselling navigation systems installed in Russian military drones. At the same time, Finder Technology exported significant quantities of electronic integrated circuits, including those with applications in uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs). In the PRC, Juhang Aviation Technology Shenzhen Co., Ltd. exported items classified under various priority tiers by the Department of Commerce, including UAV engines and sensors, to Russia-based entities supporting Russia’s military. These transactions have allegedly played a part in facilitating Russia’s enhancement of its military capabilities for Ukraine.</p><p>The US government has <a href="https://www.state.gov/imposing-new-measures-on-russia-for-its-full-scale-war-and-use-of-chemical-weapons-against-ukraine-2/">stated</a> that these sanctions are intended to disrupt the supply chains that support Russia’s military-industrial complex, including its biological and chemical weapons programs. The measures are also aimed at curtailing efforts to evade existing sanctions.</p><p>China has <a href="http://ca.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/lcbt/wjbfyr/202404/t20240423_11287884.htm#:~:text=On%20Ukraine%2C%20China's%20position%20has,nor%20a%20party%20to%20it.">firmly rejected</a> accusations from the US regarding its economic and trade relations with Russia, labeling these claims as <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XE-oKqqP8Q">unfounded and criticizing</a> the US for what it sees as hypocrisy in light of the significant aid the US provides to Ukraine. It asserts that its stance on Ukraine is impartial and fair and notes that it strictly regulates exports of dual-use items according to its laws and regulations. The Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin stressed that “China is neither the creator of the Ukraine crisis nor a party to it. We never fan the flames or seek selfish gains, and we will certainly not accept being the scapegoat.”</p><p>China maintains that it has the right to engage in normal trade and economic activities with Russia and other countries and insists on protecting its legitimate rights and interests.</p><p>The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/us-unveils-nearly-300-new-sanctions-targeting-prc-and-hong-kong-companies-for-involvement-in-ukraine-war/">US unveils nearly 300 new sanctions targeting China and Hong Kong companies for involvement in Ukraine war</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>ECHR rules Italy justified in bid to confiscate 2000-year-old sculpture from California museum</title> <link>https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/echr-rules-italy-justified-in-bid-to-confiscate-2000-year-old-sculpture-from-california-museum/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Ingrid Burke Friedman | JURIST Editorial Director]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 02 May 2024 21:00:04 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Domestic]]></category> <category><![CDATA[ECHR]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Getty Museum]]></category> <category><![CDATA[International]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Italy]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.jurist.org/news/?p=242563</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) affirmed Italy’s right to recover a millennia-old bronze sculpture from a Malibu museum on Thursday in a case that weighed the importance of a nation’s cultural heritage against fundamental property rights. The sculpture, Victorious Youth, dates back to 300-100 BCE. While its creator has not been positively identified, […]</p><p>The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/echr-rules-italy-justified-in-bid-to-confiscate-2000-year-old-sculpture-from-california-museum/">ECHR rules Italy justified in bid to confiscate 2000-year-old sculpture from California museum</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.</p>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) <a href="https://hudoc.echr.coe.int/eng#{%22itemid%22:[%22001-233381%22]}">affirmed</a> Italy’s right to recover a millennia-old bronze sculpture from a Malibu museum on Thursday in a case that weighed the importance of a nation’s cultural heritage against fundamental property rights.</p><p>The sculpture, <a href="https://www.getty.edu/art/collection/object/103QSX">Victorious Youth</a>, dates back to 300-100 BCE. While its creator has not been positively identified, it is broadly attributed to <a href="https://www.britannica.com/biography/Lysippus">Lysippos</a>, a prolific artist known for his lifelike renderings of the male form. Victorious Youth depicts a young man wearing an olive wreath on his head.</p><p>According to court documents, Italian fishermen discovered the sculpture in the Adriatic Sea in 1964. It changed hands at least twice via private sales in the first year after its discovery and then disappeared for several years, eventually reemerging in Munich.</p><p>The Italian government sought the sculpture’s return on multiple occasions. As early as 1970, while it remained missing, Italian authorities charged the initial purchasers with the receipt and handling of stolen goods, asserting the sculpture was an archaeological object that belonged to the state. These charges unraveled due to a combination of the original purchasers’ lack of apparent knowledge that the sculpture was state property as well as a dispute over whether the sculpture was retrieved in Italian or then-Yugoslavian/now-Croatian waters.</p><p>In 1973, Italian authorities discovered the sculpture had resurfaced in the home of Heinz Herzer, a Munich-based art dealer, and sought its return. German authorities brought charges against the art dealer but these too ultimately failed for a lack of evidence, leading the Italian government to drop its investigation.</p><p>In 1976, American oil tycoon and antiquities collector Jean Paul Getty Sr. expressed an interest in acquiring the sculpture for his then-new museum but was wary of the potential for title disputes given its murky provenance. Getty died during negotiations, and the J. Paul Getty Museum Trust purchased the sculpture shortly thereafter in 1977, accepting the title was clean in part based on assurances from the Munich art dealer’s Italian lawyer that “even the Italians admit that we do have a clear title to this Bronze.”</p><p>The sculpture arrived in the US the same year, spurring another investigation by the Italian authorities. Customs officials teamed up with Interpol to investigate, but in 1978, Italy once again dropped its pursuit, concluding that confiscation from the US could not move forward due to a lack of evidence and the tolling of the relevant statutes of limitations.</p><p>Over the following decades, Italian authorities engaged in a range of legal, diplomatic, and administrative efforts to recover the sculpture, but to no avail.</p><p>Then in 2006, Italian authorities were once again spurred into action. Back in 1976, when Getty first moved to acquire the bronze, he had initially considered doing so jointly with Thomas Hoving of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Hoving dropped out of the deal, and 30 years later, <a href="https://www.artsjournal.com/culturegrrl/2006/12/should_the_getty_bronze_go_bac.html">went public</a> with claims that while Getty had been holding out for written authorization of the sale from the Italian authorities, the Trust ultimately opted to purchase the sculpture without this.</p><p>This spurred a protracted series of new legal proceedings in Italy, ultimately leading the Court of Cassation to conclude that the statute was a piece of Italian heritage regardless of its exact location when found due to the fact it was recovered by an Italian-flagged boat, supplemented with historical analysis of the Greek civilization on now-Italian territory. Accordingly, the Italian courts concluded, the bronze indeed belonged to Italy’s cultural heritage and was thus national property.</p><p>In July 2019, Italian prosecutors asked US authorities to assist in confiscating it. The legal process remains unresolved at present, per court documents.</p><p>In 2021, the Getty Trust lodged an <a href="https://hudoc.echr.coe.int/eng#{%22appno%22:[%2235271/19%22],%22itemid%22:[%22001-212308%22]}">application</a> with the ECHR seeking to deny Italy’s claim of rightful ownership on various grounds, including:</p><blockquote><p>The applicants complain under Article 1 of Protocol No. 1 [of the European Convention on Human Rights] that the confiscation of the Statue was based on an unprecise and unforeseeable legal framework; did not pursue a legitimate aim, in that the Bronze was found in international waters and thus did not form part of Italy’s cultural and artistic heritage; and constituted a disproportionate interference with their property rights, particularly having regard to the delays on the part of the State and the absence of any compensation.</p></blockquote><p>In Thursday’s decision, the ECHR ruled unanimously that the confiscation order did not violate the convention, emphasizing that safeguarding cultural heritage is a legitimate interest under the Convention and international law, particularly in combating illegal export and ensuring public access to art.</p><p>The Court determined the Trust was “at the very least, negligent, if not in bad faith,” when purchasing the sculpture given Getty’s title reservations, and determined:</p><blockquote><p><span>The legal basis for the contested measure was sufficiently clear, foreseeable and compatible with the rule of law, and that it was therefore compliant with the principle of lawfulness within the meaning of Article 1 of Protocol No. 1.</span></p></blockquote><p>The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/echr-rules-italy-justified-in-bid-to-confiscate-2000-year-old-sculpture-from-california-museum/">ECHR rules Italy justified in bid to confiscate 2000-year-old sculpture from California museum</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>France parliament unanimously agrees to create committee on sexual violence against minors in entertainment industry</title> <link>https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/france-parliament-unanimously-agrees-to-create-committee-on-sexual-violence-against-minors-in-entertainment-industry/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Emanuel Xhindi | U. Tirana Faculty of Law, AL]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 02 May 2024 19:32:12 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#MeToo]]></category> <category><![CDATA[europe]]></category> <category><![CDATA[France]]></category> <category><![CDATA[International]]></category> <category><![CDATA[rol - children's rights]]></category> <category><![CDATA[rol - women's rights/gender equality]]></category> <category><![CDATA[sexual harrassment]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.jurist.org/news/?p=242529</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The French parliament unanimously adopted Thursday a proposition by the Commission of Cultural Affairs and Education to create a new inquiry commission on the sexual violence committed against minors in the film, entertainment and fashion industry. Introducing the factual context the proposition is taking place in, a report by the Commission states that behaviors which […]</p><p>The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/france-parliament-unanimously-agrees-to-create-committee-on-sexual-violence-against-minors-in-entertainment-industry/">France parliament unanimously agrees to create committee on sexual violence against minors in entertainment industry</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.</p>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The French parliament unanimously <a href="https://www.assemblee-nationale.fr/dyn/actualites-accueil-hub/situation-des-mineurs-dans-les-industries-du-cinema-du-spectacle-vivant-et-de-la-mode-adoption-d-une-proposition-de-resolution-tendant-a-la-creati">adopted </a> Thursday a proposition by the Commission of Cultural Affairs and Education to create a new inquiry commission on the sexual violence committed against minors in the film, entertainment and fashion industry.</p><p>Introducing the factual context the proposition is taking place in, a <a href="https://www.assemblee-nationale.fr/dyn/16/rapports/cion-cedu/l16b2451_rapport-fond">report </a>by the Commission states that behaviors which could be perceived as acceptable twenty years ago, are now considered as impermissible. The report also cites Judith Godrèche, a French artist and activist who has participated in several parliamentary meetings, denouncing sexual abuse on minors in the film industry. In a <a href="https://www.assemblee-nationale.fr/dyn/videos/CRVANR5L16S2024IDV14821881?timeCode=796">discussion </a>with the delegation of children rights, Godrèche argues that the world of cinema is hiding this violence. In February, Godrèche <a href="https://deadline.com/2024/02/judith-godreche-sexual-assault-jacques-doillon-anna-mouglalis-islid-le-besco-harassment-1235819413/">sued</a> Benoit Jacquot and Jacques Doillon, two famous French directors, for rape.</p><p>The MeToo movement has gained considerable momentum these recent years in France. Gérard Depardieu, a cinema icon in France, was put in jail this <a href="https://www.bfmtv.com/police-justice/proces-de-gerard-depardieu-que-risque-l-acteur-accuse-d-agressions-sexuelles_AV-202404300311.html">Monday</a>, on accusations of sexual aggression. He is to face trail this October, in Paris. Philippe Caubère, an actor, was <a href="https://ground.news/article/actor-philippe-caubere-indicted-for-rapes-and-sexual-assaults-on-minors-france-bleu">accused</a> in January for sexual assault on a minor.</p><p>French institutions have taken a number of recent steps aimed a protecting children and allowing victims of abuse to seek justice, including the Senate <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2023/06/france-senate-passes-legislation-requiring-age-verification-for-minors-on-social-media/">passing</a> an age verification law for social media and an independent commission <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2023/11/france-commission-recommends-removing-statute-of-limitations-for-sexual-violence-against-minors/">recommending</a> removing statute of limitations for sexual violence against minors</p><p>The post <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/05/france-parliament-unanimously-agrees-to-create-committee-on-sexual-violence-against-minors-in-entertainment-industry/">France parliament unanimously agrees to create committee on sexual violence against minors in entertainment industry</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.jurist.org/news">JURIST - News</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded> </item> </channel></rss> <!--Performance optimized by W3 Total Cache. Learn more: https://www.boldgrid.com/w3-total-cache/ Page Caching using disk (Requested URI is rejected) Minified using disk Served from: www.jurist.org @ 2024-05-05 13:40:23 by W3 Total Cache-->If you would like to create a banner that links to this page (i.e. this validation result), do the following:
Download the "valid RSS" banner.
Upload the image to your own server. (This step is important. Please do not link directly to the image on this server.)
Add this HTML to your page (change the image src attribute if necessary):
If you would like to create a text link instead, here is the URL you can use:
http://www.feedvalidator.org/check.cgi?url=http%3A//www.jurist.org/paperchase/rss.xml
