Topic: Mark Ellis

Evidence exists to bring Syria war-crimes case: French diplomat (+video)

France's top human rights diplomat says 'the raw material is there' in the Syria conflict to refer case to the International Criminal Court at The Hague.

Mladic trial: first witness recounts escape from massacre during Bosnian war

The International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia heard a first witness today in its pursuit of a genocide verdict to prove ethnic cleansing campaign was 'joint enterprise.'

European court ends era of safe harbor for Abu Hamza

The European Court of Human Rights today ruled that extraditing radical Muslim cleric Abu Hamza to the US would not violate his rights and is therefore permissible.

Ratko Mladic's arrival at Hague bolsters promise of international courts

Ratko Mladic's extradition to The Hague Tuesday to face 11 counts of war crimes in Bosnia reflects a growing acceptance of seeking justice in global courts instead of the battlefield.

In Lebanon, the Hariri tribunal finds itself on trial

A UN-backed international tribunal examining the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri threatens a fragile stability in Lebanon, where the government of Hariri's son recently fell over disputes about the tribunal's role.

Kosovo independence legal, says UN court. What will Russia do?

Kosovo's independence declaration in 2008 is legit, says the International Court of Justice (ICJ). But the ruling may create a precedent for separatist movements worldwide. Russia opposed Kosovo's independence.

Never mind the 'Freedom Flotilla.' Is Israel's Gaza blockade legal?

Israel has laid out a meticulous legal justification for its fatal raid on a Turkish-flagged boat, which was sailing in international waters as part of the 'Freedom Flotilla.' But most countries have focused on whether Israel's Gaza blockade is legal.

Israel will consult legal advisers on future military action

The announcement that Israel will consult legal advisers before and during future conflicts suggests that Israel has undergone an internal assessment of the Gaza war and is hoping to improve conduct and preclude attempts at war-crimes charges.

Karadzic a no-show as his trial on ethnic-cleansing charges begins

The trial of former Bosnian Serb President Radovan Karadzic on ethnic-cleansing charges began Thursday in the Hague with Karadzic staying away, saying he needs more time to prepare his defense.

Lubanga trial: Is an army of child soldiers a war crime?

Legal experts say the war crimes trial of Congolese warlord Thomas Lubanga is helping to curtail the practice, though child soldiers continue to fight in a number of conflicts.

Gaza war analyst: Does his Nazi-era collection indicate bias?

Mark Garlasco was suspended by Human Rights Watch. But does his hobby mean his report on white phosphorus use in Gaza is inaccurate?

Global reach of Spain's courts curtailed

Spanish parliament passes law to limit judges from taking cases of torture or war crimes in other countries. Is this a blow for universal justice?

Sticky legal battles await for captured Somali pirates

Will Kenya be tapped as the next ‘Hague’ of the high seas?

Dutch still wincing at Bush-era 'Invasion of The Hague Act'

Though largely symbolic, the law could be having lasting implications.

Has the ICC decided to issue an arrest warrant for Sudan's Bashir?

Gaza: Israel under fire for alleged white phosphorus use

On Tuesday, the Israeli army denied using white phosphorus munitions. A Norwegian doctor claims Israel is using Gaza as a 'test laboratory for new weapons,' including Dense Inert Metal Explosives, or DIME.