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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Nadine K.
17.04.2023 - (Last modified: 03.04.2023)
Context
Ongoing proceedings for international crimes committed in Syria, including the enslavement of a Yazidi woman
Type of jurisdiction
Active personality
Suspect
Nadine K, German national
Country of residence of suspect
Germany
Charges
Genocide; crimes against humanity of enslavement, severe deprivation of liberty, religious and gender-base...
Khaled H. and others
17.04.2023 - (Last modified: 30.03.2023)
Context
Ongoing investigations into international crimes committed by the Syrian intelligence services since 2011
Type of jurisdiction
Universal jurisdiction
Suspects
High and mid-ranking officials of the Syrian intelligence services, including Military Intelligence, Air Force Intelligence and General Intelligence Services (GIS) – in par...
Eshetu Alemu
17.04.2023 - (Last modified: 28.03.2023)
Context
Final conviction for war crimes committed in Ethiopia during the Red Terror (1977-1978)
Type of jurisdiction
Universal jurisdiction and active personality
Suspect
Eshetu Alemu, Dutch national originally from Ethiopia, former member of the Provisional Military Administrative Council, also known as the...
Nils D.
17.04.2023 - (Last modified: 03.04.2023)
Context
Conviction for war crimes committed in Syria
Type of jurisdiction
Active personality
Suspect
Nils D., German national
Country of residence of suspect
Germany
Charges
War crimes; murder; membership in a foreign terrorist organization
Current status
Convicted; sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment confirmed
Facts
According to the judgme...
Leonora M.
17.04.2023 - (Last modified: 03.04.2023)
Context
Ongoing proceedings for war crimes committed in Syria, including the enslavement of a Yazidi woman and her two children
Type of jurisdiction
Active personality
Suspect
Leonora M., German national
Country of residence of suspect
Germany
Charges
Aiding and abetting crimes against humanity; membership in a foreign terrorist organization;...
Hamid Noury
17.04.2023 - (Last modified: 31.03.2023)
Context
Ongoing appeal for war crimes committed in Iran in 1988
Type of jurisdiction
Universal jurisdiction
Suspect
Hamid Noury, former assistant to the deputy prosecutor at the Gohardasht prison in Karaj, Iran
Country of residence of suspect
Iran, arrested when travelling to Sweden
Charges
War crimes; murder
Current status
Convict...
Eugène Rwamucyo
17.04.2023 - (Last modified: 30.03.2023)
Context
Awaiting trial for crimes committed during the 1994 genocide in Rwanda
Type of jurisdiction
Universal jurisdiction
Suspect
Eugène Rwamucyo, Rwandan citizen, former head of the Center of Public Health of the University of Butare, Rwanda
Country of residence of suspect
France
Charges
Genocide; crimes against humanity
Current status...
Raed E.
17.04.2023 - (Last modified: 03.04.2023)
Context
Ongoing proceedings for international crimes committed in Syria
Type of jurisdiction
Universal jurisdiction
Suspect
Raed E., Syrian national
Country of residence of suspect
Germany
Charges
Crimes against humanity; war crimes; membership in a foreign terrorist organization; bodily injury by dangerous means
Current status
Indicted; detai...
Name withheld - German national
17.04.2023 - (Last modified: 03.05.2023)
Context
Ongoing proceedings for war crimes committed in Syria
Type of jurisdiction
Active personality
Suspect
German national
Country of residence of suspect
Germany
Charges
War crimes against property and other rights; membership in a foreign terrorist organization
Current status
Indicted; on trial
Facts
According to the indictment, the defendant...
Romiena S.
17.04.2023 - (Last modified: 03.04.2023)
Context
Conviction for crimes against humanity committed in Syria, including the enslavement of a Yazidi woman
Type of jurisdiction
Active personality
Suspect
Romiena S., German national
Country of residence of suspect
Germany
Charges
Aiding and abetting crimes against humanity; membership in a foreign terrorist organization; c...
Manuel Benedicto Lucas Garcia and others
17.04.2023 - (Last modified: 03.05.2023)
Context
Former Guatemalan officials sent to trial in Belgium for killings and enforced disappearance of Belgian missionaries in the 1980s
Type of jurisdiction
Passive personality
Suspects
Manuel Benedicto Lucas García, former head of the armed forces (imprisoned in Guatemala); Manuel Antonio Callejas y Callejas, former head of a...
Alaa M.
17.04.2023 - (Last modified: 31.03.2023)
Context
Ongoing proceedings for international crimes allegedly committed by a Syrian doctor in Syrian military hospitals
Type of jurisdiction
Universal jurisdiction
Suspect
Alaa M., Syrian national, former doctor and member of the Syrian Military Intelligence
Country of residence of suspect
Germany
Charges
Crimes against huma...