Category Archives: International Criminal Justice

‘The greatest danger is in failing to recognize that societies can be structured to make atrocity normal’: From Yugoslav Atrocity Perpetrators to Intergenerational Extremism

Posted on June 20, 2025 by Mark Kersten

The following is Dr. Mirza Buljubašić‘s contribution to JiC’s ongoing symposium on Alette Smeulers’ new book “Perpetrators of Mass Atrocities Terribly and Terrifyingly Normal?”. Buljubašić is a criminologist with a PhD, MA, and BA in Criminology, as well as degrees in Criminal … Continue reading →

Posted in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Crimes against humanity, International Criminal Justice, Symposium Introduction - A JiC Symposium on Alette Smeulers'  "Perpetrators of Mass Atrocities Terribly and Terrifyingly Normal?, War crimes | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Introduction – A JiC Symposium on Alette Smeulers’  “Perpetrators of Mass Atrocities Terribly and Terrifyingly Normal?”

Posted on June 18, 2025 by Mark Kersten

What forces make and shape perpetrators of mass atrocities? What makes them tick and ultimately resort to horrific violence? What explains their behaviour, and their decision to resort to the commission of international crimes? What can understanding different motivations and … Continue reading →

Posted in Crimes against humanity, Genocide, International Criminal Justice, Symposium Introduction - A JiC Symposium on Alette Smeulers'  "Perpetrators of Mass Atrocities Terribly and Terrifyingly Normal?, Transitional Justice, War crimes | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Who commits international crimes? A typology of perpetrators

Posted on June 18, 2025 by Mark Kersten

This post is Alette Smeulers‘ introduction to JiC’s symposium on her book, Perpetrators of Mass Atrocities Terribly and Terrifyingly Normal?. Smeulers is a professor at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. Her research takes an inter- and multidisciplinary approach, … Continue reading →

Posted in Alette Smeulers, International Criminal Justice, Symposium Introduction - A JiC Symposium on Alette Smeulers'  "Perpetrators of Mass Atrocities Terribly and Terrifyingly Normal?, War crimes | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

An Accountability Game-Changer? Canada opens structural investigation into atrocities committed in the Israel – Palestine war

Posted on June 4, 2025 by Mark Kersten

Canadian authorities are conducting a structural investigation into war crimes and other atrocities committed in the Israel-Palestine war. First reported by journalist Ben Mussett, the news comes amidst mounting evidence of the intentional starvation of civilians in Gaza, the refusal of Hamas … Continue reading →

Posted in Canada, Gaza, International Criminal Court (ICC), International Criminal Justice, Israel, Palestine, Palestine and the ICC, Structural Investigation, Universal Jurisdiction | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Rodrigo Duterte’s “Drug War” Lands Him in The Hague: Some Initial Thoughts

Posted on March 12, 2025 by Mark Kersten

The brazen and brash former President of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, has been surrendered to the International Criminal Court (ICC), where he faces charges of crimes against humanity, allegedly committed during his so-called “drug war”. A warrant for Duterte was issued under … Continue reading →

Posted in International Criminal Court (ICC), International Criminal Justice, Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Here’s what needs to happen in the wake of Trump’s sanctions against the International Criminal Court

Posted on February 6, 2025 by Mark Kersten

It wasn’t a surprise, but nevertheless, the Executive Order imposing sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) are a deeply troubling development. As Amnesty International’s Agnes Callemard put it, the order “is vindictive. It is aggressive. It is a brutal step that seeks … Continue reading →

Posted in ICC Prosecutor, ICC Registry, International Criminal Court (ICC), International Criminal Justice, United States | Leave a comment

Impunity for Crimes against Migrants: How and why Italy ruined the best chance to bring accountability for atrocities committed against refugees on the Mediterranean

Posted on January 23, 2025 by Mark Kersten

The biggest concern for advocates of international law and justice this week was supposed to be the Trump administration’s incoming sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC). But then came the bombshell news that Italian authorities had arrested an ICC suspect … Continue reading →

Posted in ICC Prosecutor, Immigration, International Criminal Court (ICC), International Criminal Justice, Libya, Libya and the ICC, Migration, Osama Elmasry Njeem, Refugees | Tagged | Leave a comment

The International Criminal Court is facing an existential challenge from the United States. How does it survive it?

Posted on December 18, 2024 by Mark Kersten

The world’s only permanent international tribunal mandated to prosecute war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide is facing its greatest challenge to date. With the incoming Trump administration and sanctions looming over the Court and its staff, a simple question … Continue reading →

Posted in ICC Prosecutor, International Criminal Court (ICC), International Criminal Justice, Israel, Palestine, Palestine and the ICC, United States | Tagged | 1 Comment

Hear me out: The case for Canada to refer itself to the ICC over Residential School Crimes

Posted on December 2, 2024 by Mark Kersten

It might sound bizarre to some. Canada referring itself to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity? Isn’t the ICC supposed to be going after the likes of Vladimir Putin? Who would they even investigate? Is this all … Continue reading →

Posted in Canada, Enforced Disappearance, Enforced Disapperances, Indian Residential School System, International Criminal Court (ICC), International Criminal Justice | 2 Comments

The ICC has issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant. What’s next?

Posted on November 26, 2024 by Mark Kersten

Dear readers, Last Thursday was a good day for justice and accountability, one that many thought would never come or believed was even possible. I therefore thought some might be interested in this interview that I did with Al Jazeera … Continue reading →

Posted in Benjamin Netanyahu, International Criminal Court (ICC), International Criminal Justice, Israel, Palestine, Palestine and the ICC, Yoav Gallant | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment