Habre taken into custody by Senegalese authorities: On 30 June 2013, it was reported that the Senegalese authorities detained the former Chadian dictator Hissene Habre. The former dictator stands accused of war crimes and torture during his eight years in power in Chad. Under Senegalese law, Habre can be held in custody for 48 hours, renewable once.
Nuon Chea’s role highlighted at ECCC: On 27 June 2013, the ECCC presented evidence on Nuon Chea’s purported involvement in the Standing Committee of Democratic Kampuchea and the CPK. The evidence purports to show Chae as a decision maker and at one time holding the role of Acting Prime Minister. The final piece of evidence presented by the prosecution that day was a video clip where Chae claims that “had people not been killed under the Khmer Rouge there would be no Cambodia today.” (For more information on this topic, please click here.)
Commissioner Pillay concerned over Afghan HR appointments: On 28 June 2013, Commissioner Pillay warned that the recent appointments to Afghanistan’s human rights body may compromise its standing with the international community. Commissioners are required to have a good reputation, demonstrate independence, and have a commitment to human rights. Commissioner Pillay is concerned that the latest appointments do not conform to this standard.
Former French leader under investigation for link to Rwanda genocide: On 28 June 2013, it was announced that the former French captain, Paul Barril, is being investigated for suspected complicity to acts of genocide and committing crimes against humanity. During the 1994 Rwandan genocide, it is alleged that Barril struck a controversial arms deal with the interim government during the height of the killings.
