The International Law and Human Rights Program prepares this update on International Justice 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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Nicaragua, Germany, Israel
On 7 September 2026, Germany challenged the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice in hearings on Nicaragua’s case, which alleges that German arms exports to Israel facilitated genocide in Gaza. The ICJ will continue to review the merits of Nicaragua’s claims.
On 3 September 2026, current and former presidents of the ICC Assembly of States Parties condemned diplomatic efforts to isolate the Court, warning that such actions undermine confidence in the international legal order. They urged States Parties to provide political, legal, and practical support. On 6 September 2026, ICC President Tomoko Akane said she would continue her work despite US sanctions and reaffirmed her commitment to the Court’s mandate and accountability for international crimes.
On 3 September 2026, the Iranian Red Crescent asked the ICC to investigate a US missile attack on a wedding party in Iran that killed at least four people and wounded dozens, stating that the attack could constitute a war crime.
On 3 September 2026, the European Court of Human Rights removed 879 applications against Russia from its case list. Amnesty International stated that this decision denies victims access to truth, justice, and reparation, and called for its reversal.
On 1 September 2026, the Philippine Daily Inquirer reported that former President Duterte’s defense team requested the ICC Trial Chamber to order prosecutors to refile the charges against him. On 11 September 2026, the ICC Prosecutor opposed the defense request for stricter protocols on digital evidence, stating that the proposal is unnecessary and contrary to judicial efficiency.
On 12 September 2026, tens of thousands of people gathered in Pristina to call for the acquittal of former President Hashim Thaçi and three former Kosovo Liberation Army commanders ahead of the verdict on war crimes and crimes against humanity charges before the Kosovo Specialist Chambers.
On 14 September 2026, ICC Trial Chamber VII scheduled the opening of the El Hishri trial for 4 May 2027, regarding alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes committed at Mitiga Prison in Libya.
