oleh admin | Apr 1, 2025 | crime, criminal justice, criminal prosecution, hungary, politics and law
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is ignoring an arrest warrant during his trip to Budapest. The International Criminal Court has few ways to react.
As one of the 125 member states of the International Criminal Court, Hungary has a legal responsibility to detain Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu when he arrives in Budapest and immediately send him to The Hague as per the ICC’s assertion that he is accused of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity during the conflict in Gaza.
Instead, what’s occurring is that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is welcoming the Israeli leader with open arms through a grandiose four-day visit filled with opulent displays of unity.
In November 2024, when arrest warrants were issued for Netanyahu and Israel’s ex-defense minister, Yoav Gallant, Orban described the ICC as “audacious, manipulative, and utterly unacceptable.” He vowed that should Netanyahu ever visit Hungary, he would ensure both his liberty and security.
ICC’s limited response
In contrast to national courts, which utilize their domestic law enforcement agencies for enforcing arrest warrants, international courts depend on the judicial systems of their member states to apprehend and hand over suspects; the ICC lacks its own police force.
If a nation does not apprehend an accused individual, the ICC judges may start what is known as a non-compliance procedure. This process could lead to a referral to either the ICC’s Assembly of States Parties (ASP) or the United Nations Security Council.
Despite referral instances, the ASP has limited ability to enforce significant penalties against nations that fail to meet their commitments.
“There are not significant real-world repercussions for failing to comply,” said Mathias Holvoet, who lectures in international criminal law at the University of Amsterdam, speaking to SANGGRALOKA.
He anticipates that the ICC will initiate this process, though his expectations of its potential outcomes remain modest.
The ICC is often depicted as a giant lacking limbs—it genuinely struggles to enforce those arrest warrants. The impetus for action rests with the state’s political determination.
The Israeli leader is additionally encouraged by his support at the White House, with U.S. President Donald Trump being an ally.
issued an executive order
In February, sanctions were imposed on the ICC and its Chief Prosecutor, Karim Khan, specifically in reaction to their involvement with the Netanyahu case.
‘Illiberal ideological allies’
According to certain analysts, the reception offered by Hungary is exactly what Netanyahu aims to use in order to reduce the court’s reliability.
“He aims to visit numerous countries to demonstrate that the ICC is merely a paper tiger and incapable of enforcing the arrest warrant against him,” explains Holvoet from the University of Amsterdam.
Some think this journey also advances Netanyahu’s domestic political objectives.
Daniel Hegedus, an expert on Hungary and regional director for the German Marshall Fund, stated, “He has shown that the arrest isn’t as crucial as several figures within his internal opposition suggest.” He added, “This trip highlights his connections, sway, and capacity for political action.”
Hegebus noted that Orban is providing a platform for his longstanding illiberal ideological partner, which aligns closely with the fresh policy stance coming out of Washington.
Jurisdiction friction
The ICC is a UN-backed court established as the last resort for prosecuting the world’s worst crimes, including genocide. Notably, China, Russia, and the United States are also members.
Israel is not part of the ICC and insists that the court does not have the authority to charge any of its citizens.
In 2015, the Palestinian territories became members of the court, which led ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan to believe he had the authority to seek this action.
Netanyahu warrant
in May 2024.
The evidence presented by the ICC against Netanyahu relates to his supposed role in employing hunger as a tactic of combat, committing murders, engaging in persecution, and carrying out other cruel actions during the conflict in Gaza.
A number of country heads have asserted diplomatic immunity during their travels even though they had outstanding arrest warrants from global tribunals.
In January,
Poland
stated that it would allow Netanyahu to tour Holocaust memorials even with the ICC warrant in place, and in March, Germany’s chancellor candidate
Friedrich Merz
extend an invitation to their Israeli peer to tour Berlin.
Legal scholars still argue about whether head-of-state immunity holds more weight than charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Netanyahu’s visit carries some potential dangers.
Specialists think Netanyahu is still risking his liberty by traveling to a nation that is part of the ICC.
As Holvoet pointed out, ‘One can’t predict how a particular judge in a specific city might act.’
NGOs often submit petitions to Hungarian courts with the aim of pressuring for his arrest. As Holvoet pointed out, “While the danger might not be substantial, it does persist.”
Israeli authorities have acknowledged that during Netanyahu’s travel to the United States in February, his aircraft had to follow a more extended path over American military installations to avoid landing in a nation that honors ICC arrest warrants.
Daniel Hegedus, however, thinks that the likelihood of Netanyahu being detained in Hungary is virtually nonexistent.
Hungary is not considered a fully democratic nation, and it’s clear that the rule of law has been significantly influenced,” he stated. “I strongly question whether any law enforcement agencies in Hungary would adhere to judicial decisions rather than following directives from the government.”
Edited by: Rob Mudge
Author: Jack Parrock (located in Brussels)
oleh admin | Apr 1, 2025 | business, disasters, news, tourists, Travel
The earthquake that hit Thailand on Friday has dealt a blow to the country’s tourism sector, resulting in sluggish reservations for the forthcoming Songkran festival. Meanwhile, airlines have begun processing requests for reimbursements and annulments.
Yesterday, Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong met with the tourism industry to discuss how the recent earthquake has affected tourist activities. Meanwhile, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) intends to release a roster of approved accommodations that have passed stringent safety checks for international visitors.
Chaiyapatranun Thienprasit, who leads the Thai Hotels Association (THA), stated that the majority of Bangkok’s hotels are secure and have undergone inspections by engineers.
The Provincial Administration Department has requested hotel operators to assess the structural integrity and adherence to safety norms in their establishments as mandated by hotel regulations, and subsequently submit a report to the department. This directive stems from the fact that hotels are classified as public structures and serve numerous residents and visitors alike.
If damage occurred at a hotel, the operator needed to inform the department’s registrar within 15 days following the event.
He expressed his worry regarding the security of travelers who have reserved unauthorized lodging, should unforeseen incidents happen down the line.
These unauthorized accommodations may fail to register visitors’ information, and the buildings could be non-compliant with safety regulations because of unpermitted alterations, as he pointed out.
Furthermore, images of the State Audit Office building collapsing have circulated extensively through social media platforms and international news channels, affecting perceptions regarding the safety of tourists in Thailand.
Mr. Thienprasit stated that the government ought to promptly look into the incident’s origins and inform the public since the majority of structures in Bangkok haven’t suffered significant damage.
It should also improve the real-time disaster alert system with a hub platform which provides vital information.
Paisarn Sukjarean, who leads the THA’s upper northern division, stated that despite Chiang Mai being close to the quake’s center in Myanmar, local hotels haven’t experienced significant harm. This includes about 15 skyscrapers with over ten floors each in the province.
Mr. Paisarn mentioned that currently, there are about three structures in Chiang Mai that remain inaccessible, including one school and two residential buildings.
The Chiang Mai Municipality has promptly addressed building inspections within the city limits, particularly focusing on the main tourist hub where significant structures are located.
Even though the effects may not be visible until the end of the week regarding the Songkran festivities, hotels have experienced lower reservation numbers than anticipated since the weekend.
Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, TAT deputy governor for Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas, stated that the organization will assist hotel operators in collaborating with the Tourism Ministry to promote a list of accommodations deemed safe after undergoing evaluations.
Mr. Siripakorn mentioned that the tourism minister is contemplating allocating additional funds specifically aimed at supporting property checks.
Nuntaporn Komonsittivate, who leads the commercial division at Thai Lion Air, stated that the airline continues to operate all flights routinely. However, she admitted that declaring a state of emergency in Bangkok has noticeably affected the travel enthusiasm of incoming visitors.
Mrs Nuntaporn emphasized that it is essential for the government to guarantee safe travel in Thailand, offering official reports from accredited specialists to rebuild trust in anticipation of the Songkran festival.
Several international travelers asked about the airline’s rules regarding canceled flights and reimbursement procedures.
In the meantime, SET-listed Asset World Corp declared a 50% reduction in room rates at all of its nine Bangkok hotels until April 6 for individuals affected by the earthquake.
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oleh admin | Apr 1, 2025 | animals, biodiversity, conservation, culture, Travel
Visitors to the art exhibition are encouraged to explore the relationship between humanity and nature through “A Beast Of No Burden,” which begins today and continues until April 12 at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre on the first floor near the Pathumwan intersection.
Supported by the Embassy of Poland, “A Beast Of No Burden” is an initiative led by Polish visual artist and curator Anna Kedziora. This project features a floor installation composed of clay tiles adorned with distinctive patterns created from water buffalo hoof prints.
The exhibition’s title draws upon a water buffalo that formerly ruled over the countryside of Thailand and numerous other Southeast Asian nations. This creature provided essential strength for labor but, much like in most parts of the globe where animals assist with livelihoods and sustenance, it frequently became nearly one of the family members.
Kedziora’s creation was influenced by transformations in Thailand’s countryside after the introduction of agricultural mechanization, technological advancements, and the shift from using conventional farm animals to employing machines.
This shift led to the disappearance of deep connections between farmers, their families, and animals. Despite these changes making farming more convenient through advanced technologies, they have also taken away the distinctive relationship farmers once had with the natural world.
The flooring installation featuring hoof prints, sized around 2 meters by 2 meters, seeks to reintroduce the essence of animals into daily routines. Walking directly on it without shoes, as is common in Thailand, naturally fosters a tactile connection with these creature’s tracks.
Today at 6 pm, the opening ceremony will take place, after which there will be a conversation with the artist.
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oleh admin | Apr 1, 2025 | football clubs, money, soccer, sports
African Stars have pocketed N$1.5 million after clinching victory in the first-ever MTC Maris Cup on Saturday.
A crowd of several thousand spectators gathered at the Hage Geingob Stadium for the game, and Stars did not let down their supporters. A first-half goal by star player Willy Stephanus ensured their win.
The stars emerged aggressively, generating several opportunities early on, yet striker Youssouf Ibrahim was unable to capitalize on them.
The Stars took the initiative at the 14-minute mark when they won a corner. The ball was played out to Stephanus, who struck an impressive shot from just outside the penalty area. His powerful effort flew into the left-hand side of the net.
The stars kept launching assaults and had multiple chances during the opening period, yet neither Stephanus nor Abram Tjahikika could find the back of the net.
A young African returned even more resolute following his time off, with Nkwuda Obinna delivering solid crosses from the left flank. Meanwhile, Denzil Narib saw one of his headers brilliantly blocked by Stars’ goalkeeper Mervin Kasetura, and Deacon Kakuenje missed an opportunity when he sent another header over the crossbar from just a short distance away.
As the match entered its concluding moments, intense aerial challenges emerged, and with tempers flaring out of control, referee Vistoria Shangula struggled immensely to maintain order.
A young African player was unable to secure an equalizer, and as a result, the Stars managed to claim the trophy along with the winner-takes-all prize of N$1.5 million.
Following the game, Stephanus mentioned that their past experiences were crucial in the finale.
“The sense of accomplishment from clinching the inaugural Maris Cup is incredible, and I’m hopeful this will become an annual prize. We recognize that Young African is a strong opponent; their players are ambitious and always eager to compete against us due to our longstanding rivalry over the last couple of years, which ultimately came down to our experience today,” he stated.
“The players hold this trophy in high regard, and it will significantly enhance our momentum as we continue with our league efforts moving ahead. Since we’re currently leading the league, we aim to maintain this position and strive for our third championship title,” he concluded.
Stephanus likewise expressed gratitude to the fans of Stars for their backing.
The Starlite supporters consistently show up in large numbers, particularly here in Windhoek, so we must express our gratitude as players. We demonstrate this appreciation through our performance on the field.
The young African defender Dylan Horongo mentioned that Stars capitalized on opportunities and committed fewer errors.
“He mentioned that we understood the team taking risks would be the one to emerge as victors. The squad minimizing errors would ultimately claim victory, hence Stars seized their opportunities at the beginning of the match and subsequently controlled the game flow,” he stated.
“Since the cup is now complete, we’ll return to the planning stage to address our errors. We will face them again on Tuesday, but that’s alright; they can keep the cup, yet the league belongs to us,” he said additionally.
The Stars midfielder, Abram Tjahikika, took home the Player of the Tournament award, while their goalie, Kasetura, received the Goalkeeper of the Tournament accolade. Each was awarded N$20,000 for their exceptional performances.
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oleh admin | Apr 1, 2025 | coaching, cricket, south africa, sports, sports coaching
Johannesburg [
South Africa
], April 1 (ANI):
South Africa
On Tuesday, men’s white-ball team head coach Rob Walter resigned from his position due to personal reasons. He had been affiliated with the Proteas for 67 ODI and T20I matches.
Walter stated, as cited by the ICC, ‘Having coached the Proteas has been an extraordinary honor, and I feel immense pride in our collective achievements.’
The athletes, supporting personnel, and the assistant
South Africa
The cricketing community has been remarkable throughout this journey. Although it’s time for me to move on, I am confident that the team will keep growing and achieve even greater success,” he stated at 49 years old.
Throughout his time in charge, the Proteas created history by making their maiden appearance in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final in 2024, ultimately securing second place after losing to India in Barbados. This achievement came hot on the heels of an outstanding run of eight consecutive victories.
He similarly led the 50-over team into the semifinals of the competition.
ICC Men’s
Cricket
The World Cup 2023 in India.
Walter managed the national side in 36 One-Day Internationals and 31 T20 matches, guiding them to series wins over teams including the Netherlands, Australia, Ireland, and Pakistan.
His last task was the
ICC Champions Trophy 2025
, where he led the Proteas to another semi-final appearance, this time against New Zealand in Lahore during March.
South Africa
has not yet announced his replacement. (ANI)
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