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National tribunals

The country administers justice itself

National courts are the pillars of justice within each country, responsible for applying laws and delivering fair judgments for offenses ranging from civil disputes to the most serious crimes. Their functioning reflects the diversity of legal systems around the world and plays a central role in protecting citizens' rights, maintaining public order, and promoting justice. Justice Info covers the prosecutions and trials conducted before these national courts when they pertain to crimes under international law.

In Gambia, a special tribunal has been set up in partnership with Ecowas to try crimes committed under the dictatorship of Yahya Jammeh. The question now is how it will be funded. Photo: In 2017, Jammeh prepares to leave Gambia for Equatorial Guinea. He smiles and waves to the crowd at the door of a plane.
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Gambia: a special court in search of funds

December 16, 2024, was a historic moment for the Gambia’s transitional justice. The Economic Community of West African States approved its partnership with the Gambia to set up a Special Tribunal. The hybrid court has the mandate to try crimes committed under the regime of the Gambia’s former president Yahya Jammeh, making it the first […]
By Mariam Sankanu (our correspondent in Banjul)
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The Congolese people of Masuika, in Kasai Central (Democratic Republic of Congo), heard the final verdict in the trial of two former members of the Kamuina Nsapu militia, accused of war crimes committed in 2017. Photo: The crowd awaits the verdict at the place where the mobile court hearings were held, near the site of the crimes.

The people of Masuika hears two verdicts

In the Kasai region of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the verdict is confirmed on appeal for two defendants, former Kamwina Nsapu militiamen, in a trial for war crimes. Photo: The two defendants pose under a tent set up during a mobile court hearing in the village where the crimes took place.

Settling of scores in Kasai

In Kasai (Democratic Republic of Congo), some trials are held in mobile courts, in the heart of the villages, as close as possible to the crimes and the victims. Photo: Protected witnesses are covered from head to toe during a trial for war crimes committed by members of the Kamwina Nsapu militia.

In Kasai, justice on the ground and under protection

How does justice work in Italy for crimes committed against migrants? Photo: Migrants from Africa, most of whom pass through Libya, are rounded up and watched over by Italian police officers.

Italy: is accountability for crimes against migrants possible?

In Bangladesh, following the demonstrations in the summer of 2024 that led to mass crimes, the International Crimes Tribunal is back in action to try those responsible. But there are reports of concern about the operation of the local justice system and its politicisation. Photo: Demonstrators, seen against the light, stand on a high structure, one of them waving a Bangladeshi flag.

The second life of Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal

Putin, Netanyahu, al-Assad, Jammeh, Hasina, Akhundzada, Bozizé, al-Bashir, Hlaing, Mengistu: the ten heads of state wanted by international justice. Illustration: portraits of the 10 heads of state on a map of the world and a ‘wanted’ stamp.

Putin, Netanyahu and the others: ten wanted heads of state

Official portrait of Major General Jeff Sengelman who led the Australian military operations in Afghanistan.

Australia’s war crimes in Afghanistan: “I am one of them”

In Ukraine, a military prisoner, sitting on a chair, is guarded by a soldier in the background, in what looks like an interrogation room.

Ukraine: a two-time deserter convicted of high treason

In Gambia, Yahya Jammeh near the presidential car, escorted by ‘junglers’ (his bodyguards).

Gambia: ECOWAS revises its position

Sexual violence in Ukraine - As a result of the war with Russia, sexual crimes perpetrated by Russian soldiers are on the increase. photo: a woman hides her face with her hands.

“We need an example and people will speak up”

International Criminal Court and Special Criminal Court: a duel at the summit of justice in the Central African Republic. Photo: A taxi and a gendarmerie vehicle in a street in Bangui (Central African Republic).

A courts’ chase in Bangui

The trial of Nikolai Kartashov, 22, a Russian artilleryman accused of war crimes committed in the town of Boucha (Ukraine) opened on November 20.

A Russian officer on trial for murder in Bucha

JEP and Transitional Justice in Colombia. Photo: Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) guerrilla fighters prepare to be demobilized following the signing of the peace agreement.

Colombia: Going back to the original balance of justice

Trial for the recruitment of child soldiers in Colombia. Photo: Judge Lily Rueda of the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) announces the indictment of former FARC leaders.

FARC leadership accused of war crimes over child soldiers

Ndélé 1 trial before the Special Criminal Court in the Central African Republic: the 4 defendants line up at the bar in orange prison garb.

Central African Republic: the end of the trial of the four rebels who “did nothing’

Balakliya's ‘ordinary man’, Anatoliy Derevyanko, during his trial for collaboration in Ukraine. Photo: Balakliya stands behind the glass in the dock.

The Balakliya “ordinary man” released on probation

Trial of Mykola Fedorian in Ukraine for crimes of treason committed in Russian-occupied Crimea. Photo: Fedorian at his trial in Kyiv, behind the glass of the dock.

“I consider it cynical to accuse Crimeans of treason against Ukraine”

Andryi Kostin, the Prosecutor General of Ukraine, tendered his resignation on 22 October 2024 following a corruption scandal that has cast a shadow over the entire justice system in Ukraine. Photo: portrait of Kostin, a Ukrainian flag printed on his shoulder.

Ukraine: the scandal behind the resignation of the Prosecutor General