Gbagbo

On January 15 2019, Mr Laurent Gbagbo, the former head of state of Côte d’Ivoire (2000-2011) and his right-hand man, Charles Blé Goudé, were acquitted from all charges of crimes against humanity that were allegedly committed between 2010 and 2011. Post-electural bloodshed in Côte d’Ivoire in 2010 resulted in the death of about 3,000 people and the displacement of 500,000. Gbagbo was charged with four counts of crimes against humanity: murder, rape, other inhumane acts or – in the alternative – attempted murder, and persecution, allegedly committed during the 2010-2011 post-election violence in Côte d’Ivoire. Gbagbo, who has pleaded not guilty, was taken into custody by the ICC in 2011. He remained in custody for seven years. The trial was a landmark in the history of the ICC. Gbagbo was the highest profile official and the first former head of state, to stand trial at the ICC since the establishment of the Court.

European Union in 2017

2016 has been a turbulent year for the European Union and its member states. Brexit, the armed conflict in Syria and Iraq, the refugee crisis, terrorism and the Italian referendum; all topics covered by the Peace Palace Library in several Library Specials and Library blogs.

2017 promises to be a defining moment for the continuation of the ever closing Union. This blog touches upon a couple of developments which can lead to discussion within the European Union and its members.

Al Bashir Case

ICC Pre-Trial Chamber II schedules a hearing on South Africa’s cooperation on 7 April 2017.

‘Roosevelt in The Hague’

This morning of Friday, 22 April at the Peace Palace, the Roosevelt Foundation and The Hague Institute for Global Justice are pleased to host the ‘Roosevelt in The Hague’ event chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Constantijn. Following the presentations by the Laureates, there will be an opportunity for the audience to ask questions.

A Supreme Offence against International Morality and the Sanctity of Treaties: William II of Hohenzollern and the Treaty of Versailles

Early during World War I, jurists and statesmen in both France and Great-Britain, such as Larnaude and Lapradelle, had advocated the German Emperor William II to be arrested and brought to trial. The principle that military officers should be held personally responsible for orders in violation of the laws and customs of war, if pushed to its logical limits, would render commanders-in-chief, that is heads of State, liable for illegal acts for which they are responsible, directly or indirectly. And in Germany, there was one commander-in-chief: the Emperor William II.

Remembering President John F. Kennedy (1917-1963)

On this day, exactly 50 years ago, the world was in shock by the assassination of American President John F. Kennedy. Today, as the United States pauses to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the death of its 35th President, we will take the opportunity to reflect on some of the most important political events and accomplishments that marked the foreign policy of his presidency.

Famous Visitors: President of Liberia

Charles D. B. King, 17th President of Liberia (1920-1930), with his entourage on the steps of the Peace Palace. Dated Thursday 29 September 1927. Photo collection Carnegie Foundation. On the back [translated from Dutch]: ‘Thursday 29 September 1927. Visit of the President of Liberia, Mr. King and Mrs. King. Behind him Consul Vierweg/Nieweg(?) and spouse’. Imprint: […]

“The Best is Yet to Come”: Barack Obama wins Re-Election

This morning from 5 a.m. the American Embassy and the OAR (Overseas Americans Remember) organized their traditional -once every four year- ‘Who’s the President Breakfast’ in the Great Hall of the Kurhaus Hotel in Scheveningen.

The Netherlands Celebrates Prince’s Day (Prinsjesdag)

Every year, on the third Tuesday in September, The Netherlands celebrates Prince’s Day (Prinsjesdag). This day signals the start of the Dutch parliamentary year. Queen Beatrix, Head of State, delivers the “Speech from the Throne” ( De Troonrede) before a joint meeting of both chambers of parliament, members of the cabinet, the Council of State and other invited guests. The Speech sets out the main features of government policy for the coming parliamentary session

Judgment in the Trial of Former Liberian President Charles Taylor

On Thursday 26 April, Trial Chamber II of the Special Court for Sierra Leone (SCSL) delivered its verdict in the case against Charles Taylor, former president of Liberia. Taylor was found criminally responsible of aiding and abetting rebel forces in the commission of 11 counts of war crimes, crimes against humanity and other serious violations of international humanitarian law in neighboring Sierra Leone during its civil war.