This Update on International Justice is prepared by the International Law and Human Rights Program and provided for informational purposes only. Any opinions expressed in articles contained in this Update are not necessarily endorsed by PGA or any individual/s associated with PGA; nor does PGA or any individual/s associated with PGA vouch for the accuracy of the contents of these articles.
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On June 30, 2025, the International Criminal Court announced that it had contained a sophisticated cyberattack that targeted the court the previous week, and was taking necessary measures to ensure continuity.
On June 19, 2025, the Palace Press Officer of the Philippines stated that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is open to discussions about the country rejoining the International Criminal Court. The suggestion was raised by UN Special Rapporteur Irene Khan in a report to the 59th session of the UN Human Rights Council.
On June 23, 2025, a Kremlin foreign policy aide stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin will not be traveling to the BRICS summit in Brazil from July 6-7 due to an outstanding arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes.
On June 28, 2025, Germany's President Steinmeier warned against a visit by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, emphasizing that Berlin must not undermine international law in light of the International Criminal Court's arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Gallant accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
On June 16, 2025, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights stated that human rights violations in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) by Rwandan-backed rebels, Congolese troops, and allied militias could amount to war crimes. The investigation by his office revealed a total disregard for civilian protection during and after military operations.
On June 22, 2025, AP reported that a confidential brief has been submitted to the International Criminal Court, arguing that the Russia-linked Wagner Group has committed war crimes in West Africa by spreading images of atrocities on social media.
On June 26, 2025, Reuters reported that the White House's Office of Management and Budget has recommended ending US funding for nearly two dozen programs that investigate war crimes and promote global accountability around the world, including in Myanmar, Syria, Ukraine, Iraq, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Colombia, Belarus, Sudan, South Sudan, Afghanistan, and the Gambia. The State Department has the option to appeal.
On June 23, 2025, the EU imposed restrictive measures under the European Union Global Human Rights Sanctions regime on five individuals responsible for serious human rights violations and abuses in Syria. The individuals are associated with the former al-Assad regime and are responsible for supporting crimes against humanity and fueling sectarian violence.
On June 16, 2025, a German court sentenced Syrian doctor Alaa Mousa to life imprisonment for crimes against humanity, including murder and torture, committed in Syria in 2011 and 2012. The trial in Frankfurt was made possible by the principle of universal jurisdiction in international criminal law, which allows for the prosecution of war crimes committed abroad.
On June 25, 2025, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, signed an agreement to establish a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine. The agreement aims to determine criminal accountability for those responsible for the crime of aggression against Ukraine and avoid duplication of prosecutions at the national level.
On June 30, 2025, Euractiv reported that the International Criminal Court prosecutor had requested that judges declare Italy non-compliant with its obligations under the Rome Statute following the release of Libyan war crimes suspect, Nijeem Osama Almasri, in January.
On June 5, 2025, the United States imposed sanctions on four International Criminal Court judges, accusing them of taking "illegitimate and baseless actions" against the United States and its allies. The ICC deplored the sanctions, which it characterized as an attempt to undermine its independence. The Court has vowed to continue its work undeterred.
On June 4, 2025, dozens of bodies were discovered in mass graves in Libya, including suspected torture instruments and potential evidence of extrajudicial killings. The UN Human Rights Chief has called for the sites to be sealed and for those responsible to be brought to justice without delay.
On June 5, 2025, the President of the Assembly of States Parties expressed regret over Hungary's withdrawal from the Rome Statute, the founding treaty of the International Criminal Court, effective June 2, 2026.
On June 11, 2025, several United Kingdom lawmakers criticized former Foreign Secretary David Cameron, after it came to light that he had threatened to defund and withdraw the UK from the International Criminal Court if it issued arrest warrants for Israel officials over alleged war crimes in Gaza.
In a plenary meeting scheduled for June 18, 2025, titled "Stopping the Genocide in Gaza: Time for EU Sanctions", the European Parliament is expected to use the term "genocide" for the first time. The debate will also address calls for the EU to impose sanctions on Israel amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
On June 3, 2025, the Appeals Chamber of the ICC ruled that the confirmation of charges against Joseph Kony can proceed in his absence. This decision could have significant implications for other cases where the accused is not in custody, ensuring fair trial rights even in cases where initial appearances are not required.
On June 3, 2025, the Higher Regional Court of Stuttgart sentenced a Syrian pro-Assad fighter to life in prison for crimes against humanity and war crimes committed in Syria. Ammar A, a former militiaman, was convicted of murder and torture in a trial that included testimony from 30 witnesses.
On June 13, 2025, the defense team of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte at the International Criminal Court filed a motion for his interim release to a country that has not been disclosed. Duterte is facing allegations of crimes against humanity in relation to his years-long campaign against drug users and dealers. The ICC prosecutors have agreed not to oppose the request, provided that certain conditions are met.
On June 15, 2025, Cambodia requested the International Court of Justice to resolve its border disputes with Thailand, following a flare-up that led to troop mobilization. Cambodia proposed that the two countries jointly bring four border dispute areas to the ICJ and begin legal proceedings independently, despite Thailand's rejection of the court's jurisdiction.
