Germany arrests two dual nationals over alleged Russian sabotage plot

Germany arrested two German-Russian dual nationals suspected of plotting sabotage attacks on US military sites to undermine Western support for Ukraine. The men, identified as Dieter S and Alexander J, were arrested in Bayreuth, Bavaria, after their homes and workplaces were searched. German prosecutors accuse them of working for a foreign intelligence service and gathering information on US military infrastructure and industrial sites.

Dieter, suspected of working for a foreign intelligence service, allegedly plotted to carry out explosive and arson attacks on military infrastructure and industrial sites in Germany, including US military facilities. He and Alexander allegedly scouted targets, took photos and videos, and passed them to a Russian contact. Dieter also faced charges for belonging to a foreign terrorist organization for his activities in Ukraine. The arrests were praised for preventing possible attacks targeting Germany's military aid to Ukraine.

PIL DOCTRINE: SABOTAGE under the Article 5 of the Geneva Convention should be understood to mean acts whose object or effect is to damage or destroy material belonging to the army of occupation or utilized by it.

Reported by: ALLISON MARAYAG SOURCE: AL JAZEERA LINK: https://aje.io/d7lhht

35 Somalis Arrive in India to Face Trial Over Ship Hijacking

35 accused Somali pirates arrived in Mumbai, India to face trial over the hijacking of a Maltese-flagged ship, the MV Ruen, in December 2023. This marks the first time since 2017 that a cargo vessel has been successfully boarded by Somali pirates. Indian naval commandos recaptured the ship and rescued several hostages in a 40-hour operation. The accused pirates face the death sentence if convicted of a killing or attempted killing, and life imprisonment for piracy alone under India's anti-piracy laws.

The Maltese-flagged MV Ruen was the first cargo vessel successfully boarded by Somali pirates since 2017. The captured pirates face the death sentence if convicted of killing or attempted killing, and life imprisonment for piracy alone. India's navy has been continuously deployed off Somalia since 2008, stepping up anti-piracy efforts last year.

PIL DOCTRINE: HIJACKING - the illegal seizure of a land vehicle, ship, or aircraft in transit and its forcible diversion to a new destination against the will of its crew. In international law, both the hijacking of a ship (Piracy) and an aircraft are recognized as international crimes without controversy.

Reported by: SARAH CANTERA SOURCE: VOICE OF AMERICA (VOA) LINK: https://www.voanews.com/a/somalis-arrive-in-india-to-face-trial-over-ship-hijacking-/7539636.html

Chandrayaan-3: India makes historic landing near Moon's south pole

India's Chandrayaan-3 mission successfully lands near the lunar south pole, making India the first country to achieve this feat. This historic moment marks India's emergence as a space power, with the government looking to spur investment in private space launches and related satellite-based businesses. The successful landing also raises hopes of discovering vital reserves of frozen water and precious elements on the moon.

The Pragyaan rover will explore the area for two weeks, taking pictures and conducting experiments on geology and the presence of water ice. This achievement establishes India as a space power and supports its growing economy.

This signal's India'second triumph after their first achievement of landing on the south pole. Using less powerful rockets than the US did in the 1960s and 70s, the probe took a month-long trajectory to reach the moon. A rover called Pragyaan will explore the lunar surface for two weeks, conducting experiments and searching for water ice. This successful landing demonstrates India's rising standing as a technology and space powerhouse.

India's successful solar mission and upcoming space endeavors, including a lunar mission, are expected to boost its global standing and popularity ahead of a crucial general election. This success comes as China continues to advance in space exploration and Russia faces setbacks.

PIL DOCTRINE: OUTER SPACE TREATY Article VIII A State Party to the Treaty on whose registry an object launched into outer space is carried shall retain jurisdiction and control over such object, and over any personnel thereof, while in outer space or on a celestial body.

Source: The Guardian Link: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2023/aug/23/india-chandrayaan-3-moon-landing-mission?CMP=share_btn_url Reported by: EDGAR C. TADEO. JR.

State Department: No immunity for Israeli diplomat’s son accused of running over Sunny Isles Beach cop

The son of an Israeli diplomat, Avraham Gil, has been accused of running over a Sunny Isles Beach police officer and faces felony charges. Despite initial claims of diplomatic immunity, the U.S. Department of State has confirmed that he is not entitled to any immunity based on his father's position at the consulate. Gil was arrested on charges of aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting an officer with violence.

His attorneys maintain his innocence, claiming law enforcement failed to follow protocols to verify his diplomatic status. The Israeli consulate has not commented on the charges. The incident involved the son hitting a police officer during a traffic stop, with video showing him driving and having no intention to harm the officer.

PIL DOCTRINE: IMMUNITY is a doctrine in international law that protects the sovereignty and independence of States by preventing them or their agents from being prosecuted before foreign courts.

Source: LOCAL 10 NEWS US

Link: https://www.local10.com/news/local/2024/02/01/state-department-no-immunity-for-israeli-diplomats-son-accused-of-running-over-sunny-isles-beach-cop/

Reported by: JEFFREY TOLENTINO

Envoy says US is determined to monitor North Korean nukes, through UN or otherwise

US Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, states that the US is discussing options with allies to create a new mechanism for monitoring North Korea's nuclear weapons program, both within and outside the UN system. This comes after Russia vetoed a UN resolution last month, effectively abolishing monitoring by UN experts of Security Council sanctions against North Korea.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida agreed to strengthen three-way cooperation with the U.S. to counter North Korean threats and other regional challenges amid deepening uncertainties in the international situation. The Security Council has imposed sanctions on North Korea's nuclear and missile programs, and is currently investigating 58 suspected cyberattacks between 2017 and 2023, valued at approximately $3 billion, to determine if they are being used to fund weapons development.

PIL DOCTRINE: SANCTIONS an action carried out by one or more states toward another one to force the latter to comply with its legal obligations.

Source: Associated Press

Link: https://apnews.com/article/us-north-korea-un-sanctions-monitoring-panel-experts-5d2064dd5d479a672711945f2c6aa6f1

Reported By: JOANA BANTILAN

Austria Expels 2 Russian Diplomats, Says Actions 'Incompatible With Status'

Austria has expelled two Russian diplomats for actions "incompatible with their diplomatic status", bringing the total number of Russian diplomats expelled since 2020 to 11. The Austrian government has not specified the reasons for the expulsions, which are not clear whether they are related to previous expulsions involving spying. Russia has called the decision "groundless" and vowed a resolute response

Russia plans to retaliate against Austria's expulsion of its diplomats, calling the decision "groundless" and "purely political." The move follows previous expulsions from Austria, which led to Moscow responding by expelling diplomats from the Austrian Embassy in Moscow. Vienna is a major diplomatic center, hosting organizations such as the UN and OSCE

PIL DOCTRINE: PERSONA NON GRATA A Latin phrase meaning “unwelcome person.” As a legal term, it refers to the practice of a state prohibiting a diplomat from entering the country as a diplomat, or censuring a diplomat already resident in the country for conduct unbecoming of the status of a diplomat.

SOURCE: VOICE OF AMERICA

LINK: https://www.voanews.com/a/austria-expels-2-russian-diplomats-says-actions-incompatible-with-status/7526491.html

Reported by:RAFAEL DELA TORRE

India says new law saves persecuted refugees. Rohingya ask ‘Why not us?’

Exclusion and Intentions: India's Controversial Citizenship Law

India's new citizenship law, which aims to aid persecuted minorities from neighboring countries, has excluded Muslim communities and the Rohingya people, leading to questions about the government's intentions. Despite facing religious persecution, the Rohingya remain excluded from the legislation, and some have been deported from India due to their "illegal" entry. Critics argue that the law is anti-Muslim and politically driven.

"Human Rights Crisis: The Rohingya Refugee Situation in Myanmar"

The United Nations has denounced the military campaign in Myanmar as having "genocidal intent", resulting in thousands of people fleeing to refugee camps in Bangladesh and India. The Indian government has taken a stance that the Rohingya do not have the fundamental right to live in India, despite being granted UNHCR cards. This position has been criticized as a double standard, particularly given India's exclusion of persecuted minorities from citizenship laws. The deportation of Rohingya could potentially endanger their lives as Myanmar faces a civil war following a military coup.

The Exclusion of Rohingya: CAA Controversy

(Amendment) Act (CAA), which was passed in December 2019, has faced widespread protests in India due to concerns that it will marginalize the country’s 2 million-strong Muslim minority. Despite this, the CAA does not include the Rohingya, who are predominantly Muslim, and many fear that they will be targeted in deportation efforts by the Indian government.

The Controversy of India's Citizenship Amendment Act

The Amendment Act (CAA) grants nationality to religious minorities fleeing persecution in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, but excludes Muslim groups like the Rohingya and Ahmadiyya. India, which isn't a signatory to the UN Refugee Convention, doesn't have a law protecting refugees. Critics argue that the CAA promotes anti-Muslim sentiment and leaves out other persecuted groups.

Challenges to Rohingya Rights and Safety in India

The Indian government's stand on the rights of the Rohingya community has been critiqued, with concerns over their safety and protection. Senior officers' reckless statements have been highlighted, and the non-refoulement policy has been cited as a constitutional right. Rohingya activists have expressed concerns over social media hate campaigns and the portrayal of the Rohingya as a potential national security threat by the Indian media.

PIL DOCTRINE: REFUGEE The 1951 Refugee Convention defines a refugee as a person who "owing to well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of [their] nationality and is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail [themself] of the protection of that country."

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA

Link:https://aje.io/lmkhx2

Reported By: DAKILA MILLAMENA

Ireland, Spain, Norway moving closer to recognising a Palestinian state

Ireland, Spain, and Norway are moving closer to recognizing a Palestinian state, with leaders expressing their intentions after meetings with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. The countries aim to make declarations on Palestine when the conditions are appropriate and support the new Palestinian state becoming a full UN member. This comes amid growing international criticism of Israel's war on Gaza and increased recognition of Palestinian rights among European nations.

Europe faces an increasing push for the recognition of Palestinian statehood, with leaders in Ireland and Norway expressing their support for such a move. This comes as international criticism grows over the mounting deaths, starvation, and infrastructure damage in the besieged Gaza Strip due to Israel's war, which has resulted in the deaths of over 33,600 Palestinians and injured over 76,000 others. Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who champions the move, has expressed Spain's desire to recognize Palestine "as soon as possible" to gain momentum for a definitive peace process.

Norway's parliament has adopted a government proposal to prepare for recognizing an independent Palestinian state. Norway previously hosted peace talks leading to the Oslo Accords. Israel's war on Gaza has resulted in over 33,600 Palestinian deaths and 76,000 injuries. Out of 193 UN member states, 139 currently recognize Palestine as a state.

PIL DOCTRINE: DE FACTO AND DE JURE RECOGNITION OF STATES:The ‘de facto’ recognition is referred to as the recognition that is based on ‘a fact’; whereas The ‘De Jure’ recognition is referred to as the recognition that is only based on ‘law’. De facto are temporary or provisional rules or identification or laws which are temporary and can be withdrawn easily. The de facto government cannot get membership in the United Nations even if most of the people or the majority of the states have recognized that de facto government. De jure are legal recognition and permanent recognition that are fixed or permanent that cannot be withdrawn. The de jure government can get membership in the United Nations when most of the people or the majority of the states have recognized that de jure government.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA

LINK: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/4/12/ireland-spain-norway-moving-closer-to-recognising-a-palestinian-state

REPORTED BY: CELINE LAGARDE

Chile calls for the extradition of Venezuelans after dissident’s murder

Chile is seeking the extradition of two Venezuelans following the murder of political dissident Ronald Ojeda. Ojeda was a former Venezuelan military lieutenant who had been imprisoned for alleged treason before seeking asylum in Chile. Authorities believe the murder was politically motivated and coordinated from Venezuela. The request for extradition comes amid strained relations between the two countries, with Chile recalling its ambassador to Venezuela in response to comments about a criminal organization.

Meanwhile, Chile has extradited Venezuelan drug lord, Oscar Ronderos, to the United States, sparking tensions between the two nations. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro accused Chile of kidnapping Ronderos and demanded his immediate release. In response, Chilean President Gabriel Boric recalled his ambassador to Venezuela. The situation highlights the ongoing issues of drug trafficking and political tensions in the region.

>PIL DOCTRINE: Extradition is the formal process whereby a State requests from the requested State the return of a person accused or convicted of a crime to stand trial or serve a sentence in the requesting State.

Source: AL JAZEERA

Link: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/4/12/chile-calls-for-the-extradition-of-venezuelans-after-dissidents-murder

Reported by Sarah Cantera

Sovereignty is sacred: in Timor-Leste’s remote Oecusse Enclave, a border dispute threatens to open old wounds

The Ongoing Struggle: Timor-Leste and Indonesia's Border Dispute A long-standing border dispute between Timor-Leste and Indonesia is causing political strife and stirring memories of a 24-year old struggle. The hamlet of Naktuka, situated in the Oecusse Enclave, is facing the possibility of its land being transferred to Indonesia. This has led to an angry backlash in Timor-Leste, resulting in the postponement of the signing of the border agreement. The dispute stems from unresolved negotiations over the border between the two countries, which began when Timor-Leste gained independence in 2002.

Resolving the Naktuka Territory Dispute The dispute over the small territory of Naktuka, part of Timor-Leste, goes back at least 120 years due to the Dutch and Portuguese's different interpretations of its borders. After Portuguese Timor was invaded by Indonesia in 1975, Naktuka became part of Timor Timur, and voted for Timor-Leste's independence in 1999. Indonesia argues that Naktuka should not have been part of Portuguese Timor, so it shouldn't be part of Timor-Leste now. However, the local population wants their limbo status resolved, but a solution that ignores Timor-Leste's sovereignty and principles of consent and consultation on land is unlikely to work.

PIL DOCTRINE SOVEREIGNTY The principle of sovereignty, ie of supreme authority within a territory, is a pivotal principle of modern international law. Under international law today sovereignty can be defined as “the legal status of a state that is not subject within its territorial jurisdiction to government, foreign state or foreign law other than public international law”. A state furthermore, has jurisdiction over all individuals within its territory.

SOURCE: THE CONVERSATION

LINK: https://theconversation.com/sovereignty-is-sacred-in-timor-lestes-remote-oecusse-enclave-a-border-dispute-threatens-to-open-old-wounds-222384

REPORTER: MONIQUE SAARENAS

Global rainforest loss continues at rate of 10 football pitches a minute

"Rising Deforestation Threatens Climate and Biodiversity Goals" Bolivia and Canada, according to data from the World Resources Institute and the University of Maryland. These countries experienced large increases in forest loss, often driven by more land being brought under agricultural cultivation, and experts warn that continuing deforestation puts governments dangerously off-track in meeting their climate and biodiversity commitments.

"Challenges and Solutions in Rainforest Deforestation" Deforestation of pristine rainforests accelerated in 2023, with an area nearly the size of Switzerland being cleared, despite significant reductions in forest loss in the Brazilian and Colombian Amazon. The increase was primarily driven by agricultural expansion in countries such as Bolivia, Laos, and Nicaragua. While some progress has been made in reducing deforestation in certain regions, experts argue that compensation funds for conserving standing rainforests and robust governance are crucial to addressing this global issue.

"Global Deforestation Threatens Climate and Biodiversity Goals" Deforestation rates remain high, putting global climate and biodiversity commitments at risk. Brazil, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Bolivia account for over half of the total primary rainforest loss. Despite some progress in slowing deforestation rates, experts warn that compensation funds and governance improvements are needed to maintain standing forests.

PIL DOCTRINE:nternational environmental law encompasses the legal norms and processes that address transboundary, regional, or global environmental issues. International environmental concerns generally result from human impacts on the natural environment, such as pollution or resource use related to production or consumption processes.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN

LINK: //www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/apr/04/global-deforestation-rainforest-climate-goals-brazil-colombia-agriculture

REPORTER: SARAH CANTERA

Sweden has broken its neutrality convention and sided with Ukraine. Does this matter?

Sweden has abandoned its longstanding policy of neutrality and is set to apply for NATO membership following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. While this decision is understandable due to the increased threat environment, it comes with costs for both Sweden and the wider world. Sweden has historically played a critical role as a critic, mediator, and bridge-builder in a divided world, and its move towards NATO membership may limit its ability to play such roles in the future.

Sweden's pivot can also be attributed to increased security threats, including Russian naval activity and threats against Baltic states and Finland. This shift involves psychological readjustments for the Swedes and has significant costs, such as the loss of Sweden's role as a critic, mediator, and bridge-builder in a divided world. The country's neutral stance allowed it to play an impartial role in peacekeeping operations and contribute to international development, making the decision not without consequences.

PIL DOCTRINE: NEUTRALITY ‘Neutrality’ means the particular status, defined by international law, of a State not party to an armed conflict (Armed Conflict, International). This status entails specific rights and duties in the relationship between the neutral and the belligerent States (Belligerency). On one hand, there is the right of the neutral State to remain apart from, and not to be adversely affected by, the conflict. On the other hand, there is the duty of non-participation and impartiality.

SOURCE: THE DIPLOMAT

LINK: https://thediplomat.com/2024/03/sweden-joins-nato-implications-for-the-indo-pacific/

REPORTED BY: TADDSLY NUEZ