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International Courts and Tribunals

Why a biblical story is central to South Africa's ICJ case against Israel

The biblical story of Amalek was invoked by Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu following the October 7 Hamas attack. South Africa says this is evidence of genocidal intent. But who were the Amalekites, and why is this relevant to the ICJ case?
Benjamin Netanyahu wearing suit stands in front of flag of Israel

The International Court of Justice finding a 'plausible risk of genocide in Gaza'

The first ruling from the International Court of Justice on the war in Gaza recognises the situation there is catastrophic but stops short of calling on Israel to cease hostilities.
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ABC News Current
Duration: 5 minutes 40 seconds

analysis:As soon as the ruling was made on Gaza, both sides went into full media-management mode

The International Court of Justice's ruling on South Africa's accusation that Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians is not a knockout victory for either side — and both are claiming victory, writes John Lyons.
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Two men at a desk with the word "Israel" written on a sign

Guantanamo Bay detainees apologise, show 'torture' drawings before Bali bombing sentences handed down

Two Malaysian men, who have been in US custody since 2003, are sentenced to 23 years in confinement over their roles in the 2002 Bali bombings — but a pre-trial deal means they will serve less than six years of their sentences.
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The bomb blast scene in Kuta several days after the bomb blasts.

Top UN court stops short of ordering Israel to cease Gaza attacks, warns it 'must prevent genocide'

The United Nations' top court stops short of ordering Israel to cease its attacks on Gaza, as it considers allegations of genocide made by South Africa last month.
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Two people and a Palestinian flag, seen from behind, with a large building visable in the distance

Julian Assange 'will not survive' US extradition if last UK court appeal fails, lawyer warns

Wikileaks founder Julian Assange is at risk of suicide if the UK High Court next month rejects his final appeal against extradition to the US, his lawyer warns.
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Julian Assange greets supporters outside the Ecuadorian embassy in London.

'I take my guns to church': The Tongans taking the US approach to self-defence

Guns are not a common sight in Tonga — but that is changing. An increase in crime and drug use in the small island nation is causing many to arm themselves, both legally and illegally.
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A man holding a rifle

Why Vladimir Putin has a 'huge headache' coming next month

The Russian president is facing a potential showdown with Western leaders at next month's G20 summit in India, but an international arrest warrant looms large over any of his travel plans. 
A man sitting at a desk with his hands clasped together

Former Kosovar president Thaci rejects claims of 'abuse, murder and torture' at war crimes trial

The former president and three others charged led a pro-Kosovo guerilla faction during the break-up of Yugoslavia.
Supporters of former Kosovo President Hashim Thaci protest on the first day of his war crimes trial.

The highest international court has been asked to issue an advisory opinion on climate change, so what does it mean?

A landmark resolution by Vanuatu law students and its government to get climate change to the world's highest court has been adopted by the United Nations, in a bid to clarify if states are responsible for preventing climate harm.
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A villa on a pristine beach in Vanuatu.

analysis:Prosecuting Putin for abducting Ukrainian children will require a high bar of evidence — and won't guarantee they can return

The first arrest warrants from the International Criminal Court have been issued for Russia's war in Ukraine, but an imminent arrest or solid case is not a certainty, writes Stefan Schmitt.
Russian President Vladimir Putin sitting back in his chair during a meeting

How are war crimes in Ukraine being investigated?

More than 74,500 war crimes have been alleged in Ukraine since Russia invaded. But bringing those to trial is no simple task, with successful prosecution requiring a high standard of proof.
Veronika Krasevych feeds a feral cat near her destroyed building in Borodianka