Universal jurisdiction database
The universal jurisdiction database offers an overview of major criminal cases related to universal jurisdiction worldwide, as well as some cases of international crimes based on active or passive personality jurisdiction. These cases also feature in TRIAL International’s Universal Jurisdiction Annual Review (UJAR), published each year.
Unless stated otherwise, the cases in the database are not litigated by TRIAL International. While every attempt was made to ensure accuracy, information may be subject to change without notice.
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Pierre Basabose
17.04.2023 - (Last modified: 03.04.2023)
Unknown members of the Syrian Regime - investigation over the killing of journalists
17.04.2023 - (Last modified: 03.05.2023)
Context
Ongoing investigation into the killing of French, Syrian and British journalists during an army bombardment of a media center in Syria in 2012
Type of jurisdiction
Passive personality
Suspects
Members of the Syrian regime
Country of residence of suspects
Syria
Charges
As the case is at the investigation stage, there have been...
Ahmad al-Y
17.04.2023 - (Last modified: 29.03.2023)Name withheld - Kuwaiti national
17.04.2023 - (Last modified: 03.05.2023)
Context
Ongoing proceeding against Kuwaiti national in relation to an offence committed during the international armed conflict in the 1990s
Type of jurisdiction
Universal jurisdiction
Suspect
Name withheld, Kuwaiti national
Country of residence of suspect
United Kingdom
Charges
As the case is at the investigation stage, the suspect ha...
Alieu Kosiah
17.04.2023 - (Last modified: 30.03.2023)
Lundin Energy - Alex Schneiter and Ian Lundin
17.04.2023 - (Last modified: 30.03.2023)
Context
Ongoing proceedings in Sweden into complicity in international crimes committed in Sudan (now South Sudan) between 1997 and 2003
Type of jurisdiction
Universal jurisdiction and active personality
Suspects
Alex Schneiter, Swiss national and CEO of Lundin Energy; Ian Lundin, Swedish national and Chairman of Lundin Energy; and the company Lundin Ener...
Abdel Salam Mahmoud
17.04.2023 - (Last modified: 31.03.2023)
Context
Investigation closed for international crimes committed in Syria in 2013
Type of jurisdiction
Passive personality
Suspect
Abdel Salam Mahmoud, in charge of Air Force Intelligence at the Mezzeh military airport
Country of residence of suspect
Syria
Charges
Complicity in crimes against humanity; torture; enforce...
Names withheld - Syrian officials
17.04.2023 - (Last modified: 03.05.2023)
Context
Ongoing investigation for international crimes committed in Syria in 2017 against a French-Syrian national
Type of jurisdiction
Passive personality
Suspects
Syrian officials
Country of residence of suspects
Syria
Charges
War crime of deliberately attacking civilians
Current status
Under investigation
Facts
On 7 June 2017, the city of Deraa...
Investigation targets oil trading scheme as possible complicity in international crimes
17.04.2023 - (Last modified: 03.05.2023)
Context
Ongoing proceedings regarding alleged complicity in acts of pillage as a war crime deriving from the acquisition of smuggled gasoil from Libya
Type of jurisdiction
Active personality
Suspect
Unknown
Country of residence of suspect
Switzerland
Charges
The offenses being investigated have not been made public by the Office of the Attorney...
Jacques Brassinne de la Buissière
17.04.2023 - (Last modified: 03.04.2023)
Context
Ongoing investigation in Belgium for the murder as a war crime of Patrice Lumumba in 1961 in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Type of jurisdiction
Active personality
Suspects
Ten people were initially targeted by the complaint, but only two are still alive: former Belgian diplomat and former vice president of the European Commission, Etien...
Khedr A. K. and Sami A. S.
17.04.2023 - (Last modified: 28.03.2023)Charles Twagira
17.04.2023 - (Last modified: 03.04.2023)
Context
Ongoing proceedings against Rwandan doctor for his alleged participation in crimes committed during the Rwandan genocide
Type of jurisdiction
Universal jurisdiction
Suspect
Charles Twagira, Rwandan doctor and former director of the Kibuye Hospital
Country of residence of suspect
France
Charges
Genocide; crimes against...