Author Archives: Mark Kersten

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About Mark Kersten

Mark Kersten is an Assistant Professor in the Criminology and Criminal Justice Department at the University of the Fraser Valley in British Columbia, Canada, and a Senior Consultant at the Wayamo Foundation in Berlin, Germany. Mark is the founder of the blog Justice in Conflict and author of the book, published by Oxford University Press, by the same name. He holds an MSc and PhD in International Relations from the London School of Economics and a BA (Hons) from the University of Guelph. Mark has previously been a Research Associate at the Refugee Law Project in Uganda, and as researcher at Justice Africa and Lawyers for Justice in Libya in London. He has taught courses on genocide studies, the politics of international law, transitional justice, diplomacy, and conflict and peace studies at the London School of Economics, SOAS, and University of Toronto. Mark’s research has appeared in numerous academic fora as well as in media publications such as The Globe and Mail, Al Jazeera, BBC, Foreign Policy, the CBC, Toronto Star, and The Washington Post. He has a passion for gardening, reading, hockey (on ice), date nights, late nights, Lego, and creating time for loved ones.

Mladic Reunited with Karadzic: Arrested and Heading to the Hague

Ratko Mladic and Radovan Karadzic are united again, just not in the way they had hoped. Today, Mladic, seen by many as the Bosnian Serb architect of death for his role in the Bosnian war, was arrested by Serb authorities. … Continue reading

Posted in Balkans, Genocide, Human Rights, ICTY, Peace Negotiations, Serbia, Slobodan Milosevic | 4 Comments

The ICC’s Next Top Prosecutor

The term of the ICC’s first Prosecutor, Luis Moreno-Ocampo, is slowly, albeit dramatically, drawing to a close. In December 2011 the members of ICC’s Assembly of State Parties will convene to choose the Court’s next Prosecutor. He or she will … Continue reading

Posted in ICC Prosecutor, International Criminal Court (ICC), Next ICC Prosecutor | 14 Comments

The ICC and the Tripoli Three: Time, It’s on our Side

As other actors involved in the Libyan conflict have appeared to dither and issue mixed messages, the ICC’s Prosecutor has been remarkably decisive and concrete with his work. Within three months of having had the situation in Libya referred to … Continue reading

Posted in Amnesty, Darfur, International Criminal Court (ICC), Libya, Libya and the ICC, Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), Serbia, Slobodan Milosevic, Sudan, Truth Commission, Uganda | 5 Comments

A Few Things Worth a Watch and a Read: Terrorism and IL, bin Laden’s Death and Justice(s)

While JiC is almost only used as place for commentary rather than synopses or snap-shots of others views, I figured I would grant some respite to those tired of hearing what I think and highlighting three particularly interesting pieces. First, … Continue reading

Posted in Afghanistan, Human Rights, Justice, Middle East, Osama bin Laden, Osama bin Laden and international law, Pakistan, Terrorism | 3 Comments

Gaddafi Regime Decries Uneven Justice – And They’re Right

It appears that Gaddafi, his regime and the human rights community are on the same page about at least one thing: Libya should not be the only state investigated for committing crimes against its own people. In reaction to yesterday’s … Continue reading

Posted in International Criminal Court (ICC), Justice, Middle East, Syria, UN Security Council | 2 Comments

ICC to Seek Arrest Warrant for Gaddafi Today: Some Thoughts on What it Means (Updated)

It looks like the remarkably speedy investigation of the ICC Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) will produce its first request for arrest warrants for Libyan officials tomorrow. The Prosecutor of the ICC will be holding a press conference tomorrow, May … Continue reading

Posted in Article 16, International Criminal Court (ICC), Justice, Libya, Libya and the ICC, NATO, Peace Negotiations, Sudan, The Tripoli Three (Tripoli3) | 12 Comments

ICC Prosecutor: On Film

Canadian Director Barry Stevens has come out with a film, Prosecutor, which examines the work of the ICC’s Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo, a figure who has brought much spotlight – and a significant dose of controversy – to the Court. It bills itself … Continue reading

Posted in Democratic Republic of Congo, Deterrence, Film, International Criminal Court (ICC), Justice | 2 Comments

Sudan’s President and ICC’s Most Wanted to Visit Uganda?

UPDATED: Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir will not be in Kampalafor Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni’s presidential swearing in. According to Sudan’s Foreign Ministry, a senior advisor to al-Bashir will be sent instead “due to precommitments” of the President (probably a precommitment … Continue reading

Posted in African Union (AU), Djibouti, Egypt, International Criminal Court (ICC), Sudan, Uganda | Leave a comment

Obama to those Questioning bin Laden Assassination: “Get your head examined”

Earlier this week, President Obama had an interview with CBS’s 60 Minutes. In it, Obama was rather candid about the developments that led to Osama bin Laden’s assassination. The President spoke openly about the dissent among his advisors about the … Continue reading

Posted in Osama bin Laden, Osama bin Laden and international law, United States | 9 Comments

Killing bin Laden: Justice, International Law and Legitimacy – A Compilation of Perspectives

The debate regarding the legality, justness and legitimacy of killing bin Laden continues. I figured it may be beneficial to create a post where some of the most sophisticated and fascinating perspectives on these subjects could be compiled. Keep in … Continue reading

Posted in Middle East, Osama bin Laden, Osama bin Laden and international law, Terrorism, UN Security Council, United States | 6 Comments