Supported by Eurojust, judicial and law enforcement authorities in Italy and Albania have dismantled a criminal network suspected of committing fraud against the Italian national health system, as well as corruption and drug trafficking. During an action day, nine suspects were arrested. More than EUR 500 000 was seized from the suspects’ bank accounts, together with drugs with a value of EUR 20 000.
The organised crime group (OCG) allegedly operated between the Italian province of Milan and Albania. With the complicity of doctors and nurses working in Italian hospitals, the OGC offered Albanian citizens a variety of expensive and unnecessary medical services that would allow them to enter Italy illegally.
The investigation documented the issuing of false medical certifications stating that the Albanian citizens required urgent life-saving medical treatment in Italy, thereby allowing them to enter the country and receive medical and pharmaceutical services under an exemption regime. Corrupt medical practitioners allegedly cooperated with the OCG in exchange for money or sexual services.
The OCG members are also believed to be involved in trafficking drugs that they illegally obtained from the Italian national health system and sold in Albania. Some of these drugs were used to treat COVID-19 patients and were in high demand during the pandemic.
The investigations ascertained the irregular registration in the Italian national health system of at least 82 Albanian citizens between January 2020 and June 2021. These patients received at least 383 outpatient services and 1 554 specialist visits, inpatient stays and prescriptions, under a total exemption regime.
Eurojust supported the authorities in Italy and Albania with the setting up and funding of a joint investigation team (JIT) in March 2022. Two coordination meetings were also hosted by Eurojust to facilitate judicial cooperation and provide support for the coordinated investigative efforts.
During an action day on 10 June, six suspects were arrested in Italy, three suspects were placed under house arrest and one was under the obligation to sign. Authorities seized over EUR 500 000 from the suspects’ bank accounts, as well as drugs with a value of EUR 20 000.
The following authorities took part in this investigation:
• Italy: Anti-Mafia Milan District Directorate
• Albania: Albanian Special Anti-Corruption Structure (SPAK)
Following a debate that began in 2018, Malaysia’s cabinet agreed to reform the country’s criminal justice system. About 73 per cent of people on death row were convicted for drug offences. Other Southeast Asian countries continue to execute.
Reuters (07.06.2022) –https://reut.rs/3O12ACg – Russia’s parliament on Tuesday passed a pair of bills ending the European Court of Human Rights’ jurisdiction in the country, a rupture provoked by Russia’s war in Ukraine.
The break removes a legal avenue that Russians, including jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, have used in the past to raise high-profile cases that had been rejected by national courts.
Parliament’s lower house, the Duma, approved two bills – one removing the country from the court’s jurisdiction and a second setting March 15 as the cut-off point, with rulings against Russia made after that date not to be implemented.
The bills were passed nearly unanimously, with only one deputy from the opposition Communist Party voting against. They must now be signed by President Vladimir Putin before becoming law.
In 2017, the court ordered Moscow to pay compensation to survivors of a hostage crisis who alleged failings on the part of the security services when they stormed a school seized by Islamist militants in 2004. The siege in the town of Beslan ended in a bloody gun battle in which more than 330 hostages died, including at least 180 children.
In February 2021, the ECHR ruled that Navalny, the country’s leading opposition figure, should be released from prison after being jailed on charges he described as politically motivated. Russia described the ECHR’s ruling as “unlawful”.
Russia was admitted to the Council of Europe, which was founded after World War Two to promote human rights and democracy in Europe, under President Boris Yeltsin in 1996. After the 2014 annexation of Crimea, Russia was stripped of its voting rights in the Council’s Parliamentary Assembly, which it began to boycott from 2016.
On March 15, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe decided to expel Russia from the organisation, of which the ECHR is part, in response to Russia’s deployment of troops to Ukraine in February.
Russia has said that it independently decided to leave the Council of Europe, with former President Dmitry Medvedev saying that Russia’s exit from the organisation represented an opportunity to restore the death penalty, which the Council of Europe’s rules prohibit.
The theme of the 2022 Independence Day celebration is “Kalayaan 2022: Pagsuong sa Hamon ng Panibagong Bukas” (Rise Towards the Challenge of a New Beginning).
In commemoration of the 124th Anniversary of Philippine Independence, The Embassy of the Philippines organized a piano concert by Dr Victor Santiago Asuncion at the Kalayaan Hall, Chancellery of the Philippines.
The event was well-attended by the members of the diplomatic corps, Ambassadors from: Bangladesh, Iran, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and Deputy Director General of the OPCW, key officials from the Dutch Government and other international organizations based in The Hague, as well as Filipino-Dutch community leaders, entrepreneurs and artists, among others.
Ambassador Malaya interpreted the National Anthems of The Philippines and the Netherlands.
In his welcome remarks, Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya said that “The Filipinos are renowned as a musically inclined people. Through this event, we are pleased to introduce to our Dutch and other friends Filipino music, which also reflects the various traditions that have enriched our Southeast Asian culture, notably Muslim, Spanish, and American.”
The piano recital featured Dr. Victor Santiago Asunción, a renowned Filipino-American pianist based in Chicago, who has performed in concert halls in Canada, France, Italy, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Spain, Turkey, US, Brussels, and the Philippines.
Pianist Dr. Victor Santiago Asunción and cellist Mikko Pablo,.
“It was my first time watching a Filipino performance in this setting. Dr. Asuncion is a very talented musician who showed such intense emotion. He told me that he is going to tour in the Philippines. When I am in Manila, I am sure to watch his performance,” incoming Dutch Ambassador to the Philippines Marielle Geraedts said.
Ambassador Saskia De Lang, former Netherlands Ambassador to the Philippines, said that the concert is “a showcase of Filipino musicality – the pianist and the cellist also enjoyed the music themselves and such is contagious. It reminds me of how much Filipinos live with music as part of their everyday lives. Filipinos love music and they sing very well.”
H.E. Mr. Chatri Archjananun, Mrs Sazia Ahmed. and spouse H.E. Mr. Riaz Hamidullah, Ambassador of Bangladesh, H.E. Mr. Eduardo Malaya, Ambassador of the Philippines, H.E. Dato’ Nadzirah Osman, Ambassador of Malaysia and spouse and H.E. Mr. Pham Viet Anh, Ambassador of Vietnam. Congratulating Ambassador Malaya during the Independence commemoration 2022.
Dr. Asuncion played well-loved Filipino compositions “Ang Larawan” (The Portrait) by Francisco Buencamino, “Romance” by Lucio San Pedro, “Usahay” (Sometimes) by Gregorio Responso Labja, and “Ano Kaya Ang Kapalaran” (What Would our Fate Be) by Francisco Santiago, and the Dutch composition “Six Variations on Mein Junges Leben Hat Ein end” by JP Sweelinck. He also entertained the audience with the popular songs “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” and “Embraceable You”, and concluded with endearing renditions of F. Chopin’s three major works – Nocturne in E flat major Op. 9, No. 2, Etude in E major Op. 10, No. 3 and Fantaisie Impromptu Op. 66.
In his playing of the Filipino compositions, Dr. Asuncion was joined in by Mr. Mikko Pablo, a very gifted young Filipino cellist based in Belgium.
The singing of the Philippine National Anthem “Lupang Hinirang” and The Netherlands’ National Anthem “Wilhelmus” was led by Ms. Mary Ann Morales, a Filipino-Dutch based in The Netherlands, and accompanied on piano by Ambassador Malaya.
Sponsors of the event were the Knights of Rizal-The Hague Chapter, the United Filipino-Dutch Association, and the Andre Kerstens, distributor of the Philippines’ Don Papa Rum and Santa Ana Gin.
Congratulating Ambassador Malaya during the Independence commemoration 2022.
“Thanks to Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya and the whole team at the Philippine Embassy in The Netherlands for such a lovely evening of music, elegant food, and fine wine. Congratulations on the successful renovation of the chancery. You have all made us proud to be Filipinos this month while we celebrate our Independence,” Filipino-Dutch artist Charlie Curilan added.
Attended by a hundred guests, the event is the inaugural cultural performance at the Chancery after its first comprehensive renovation work since the property was acquired by the Philippine Government in 1968.
In a rare display of praise and acknowledgement of the sincere but innovative work of an international organization, the Dean of African Ambassadors in The Hague, H.E. Irene Kasyanju, Ambassador of Tanzania to the Netherlands, congratulated Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Managing Director of the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC), for their excellent work for the smallholders and SMEs in Africa and beyond.
Ambassador Irene in her Africa Day 2022 welcome address stated that “For us in the Netherlands, Institutions such as Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) can play a significant role in relieving Africa from nutrition insecurity because CFC focuses on strengthening agro-food systems through investing in African Small Holders and Small and Medium Enterprises. Our production systems must change and encourage value addition practices to our commodities and minerals and generate real value to boost income for people. We need to invest in food fortification and promote the consumption of nutrients rich food”.
Over its 33 years of existence, the CFC has provided financing for around 440 projects in the total value of USD 798 million in more than 90 countries. The CFC currently operates as an impact investment fund, blending its own financial resources with those of public and international partners to support commodity sector development projects.
By Dr. Mayelinne De Lara, Diplomat Magazine’s Publisher.
There is no valid reason for war. There is no immaculate war, no necessary war, and no virtuous war. And most importantly, there is no war that cannot be avoided by collective will, common sense and diplomacy.
A peaceful solution to the conflicts between countries is always the most desirable option in order to achieve peace and prosperity among nations. At Diplomat Magazine, we all truly hope that governments will every day do their best in order to look for ingenious solutions that can lead to a lasting peace. The maelstrom of war drags the whole world down – but even in these difficult moments the whole world should keep having faith in diplomacy, and in its potential to bear fruit.
In the spirit of brotherhood that governs Diplomat Magazine, we offer a space where diplomats and academics can express themselves and where ideas can flow freely.
On the cover page of this issue, we welcome Erika Mouynes,Minister of Foreign Affairs of Panama, with an article on climate change and conservation action through international collaboration and green diplomacy.
Minister Erika Mouynes, visits Coiba National Park at the COIBA AIP Scientific Station and its laboratory, the only one of its kind in the Eastern Tropical Pacific. January 2022.
A world for everyone to live with dignity is the theme discussed by the Foreign Minister of the Plurinational State of Bolivia, Rogelio Mayta, on the occasion of the presentation of arguments for the “Status and use of the waters of the Silala” before the International Court of Justice in The Hague.
Foreign Minister of the Plurinational State of Bolivia, Rogelio Mayta
The issue also celebrates the successful 70th anniversary of the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Together with IOM’s Chief of Mission in the Netherlands Antonio Polosa, we explore the organization’s history, from the 1951 Provisional Intergovernmental Committee for the Movement of Migrants to today’s configuration as a United Nations body.
Prof. Jeannette Bayisenge, Minister of Gender and Family Promotion of the Republic of Rwanda.
We also recommend you to read our exclusive articles regarding the war in Ukraine, with the contribution of journalist Imane Rachidi and English teacher Ali Redling. Moreover, we offer you some insights into the Young Water Diplomacy Program at the International Institute of Water Education in Delft.
Notre section en français prend de l’ampleur avec l’article du maître François Rouxsur l’éventualité d’un procès au président russe devant la Cour Pénale Internationale, entre autres articles d’intérêt.
Finally, the diplomatic social life is getting back to speed. Over the past times, Diplomat Magazine has organized its Flavors Festival, in collaboration with Leonardo Royal Hotel in The Hague and in Amsterdam. Food events from Iran, Tunisia and Thailand have been extraordinary.
The Hague, 25 May 2022. The Embassy of Malaysia, and MATRADE, organised a MIHAS 2022 Networking Session. MIHAS stands for Malaysia International Halal Showcase. The 18th edition of this fair will take place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on 7-10 September 2022. Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), through its office – the Commercial Section of the Embassy of Malaysia in the Netherlands – organised a networking session with the Dutch Halal Industry players on 25th May 2022, in the Hague, the Netherlands.
The 18th MIHAS emphasises connectivity, furnishing local exporters and international buyers with innovative and sustainable initiatives which will catapult the Halal economy to higher levels.
The networking session in The Hague aims at boosting the upcoming MIHAS 2022 and an opportunity to meet prospective participants.
Trade Commisioner Emeliana Zainol at MIHAS’ registration desk.
Organised in collaboration with Halal Quality Control (HQC) Netherlands, the event was hosted by H.E Dato’ Nadzirah Osman, Ambassador of Malaysia to the Netherlands. Attended by 30 representatives from multiple industry portfolios such as Food and Beverages (F&B), modest fashion, cosmetics, halal consultancy & training, the networking session has successfully brought together key industry players not only in the Netherlands, but from other parts of Europe too such as Belgium and Denmark.
During the event, MATRADE shared various business opportunities in the Halal industry across various sectors. The effort is in line with MIHAS 2022 theme, “Diversifying Halal Opportunities”.
Ambassador of Malaysia to the Netherlands, H.E Dato’ Nadzirah Osman said, “Halal industry in Europe has developed significantly, especially in the food sector. Currently, an approximately 25.8 million Muslims are residing in Europe, which made up almost 5% of the Europe population. This signifies a huge market size that is ready to be tapped on. In the Netherlands itself, the Halal sector is booming, with about 1 million Muslim consumers in the country.”
“We can see numerous Halal products available on the shelves of mainstream supermarkets, for example in Albert Heijn and Jumbo. This indicates the heightened interest of consumers in the Netherlands, beyond the Muslim community, towards halal products. We believe Malaysian companies in this multi-billion sector can opt for the Netherlands as their launching pad into the European market”, she added.
MIHAS participant shares experience.
The networking session was an avenue to promote MIHAS 2022, and also to encourage Dutch companies to source from Malaysia, taking advantage of the International Sourcing Programme (INSP) to be organised by MATRADE in conjunction with MIHAS 2022.
As Malaysia transitions into the endemic phase and with the re-opening of Malaysia’s international borders, this year’s INSP will be conducted in a hybrid mode – virtual and physical format. The former will take place from 9 May – 31 August 2022 while the latter will be held on 6 September 2022. The INSP complements Dutch companies’ participation as exhibitors in MIHAS, which will also be organised in both the virtual and physical format.
Ambassador Dato’ Nadzirah Osman, talking to a guests during lunch at MIHAS
According to MATRADE’s Trade Counsellor, Emeliana Zainol, “The Netherlands, is known to be a gateway in Europe and promises great business prospects. The country is a perfect springboard to access other European countries, with a market size of 500 million consumers. To the consumers here, Muslims or non-Muslim, Halal is fast becoming a value proposition they prefer. Malaysian companies in the halal sector can focus on emerging trends in Europe too such as functional food; free-from-food categories such as gluten-free; sugar-free; lactose-free and others; vegan or vegetarian food; plant-based food as well as sustainable food. In addition, modest fashion is also showing great potential among the Muslim youth in Europe.”
In terms of trade, the Netherlands is Malaysia’s second-largest trading partner in Europe, with total trade of RM36.01 billion last year. In terms of exports, the Netherlands is the largest export destination in Europe, with a value of RM31.18 billion, an increase by 32.7%.
H.E. Dato’ Nadzirah also expressed her full confidence that the upcoming MIHAS will continue to elevate the halal industry, not only for Malaysia but also to bring upward the halal industry in the Netherlands. Over the past 18 years, MIHAS has earned a status as a premier global marketplace for the business community around the world to explore business opportunities in the Halal sector and to expand their network too.
Last year, MIHAS fully embarked on the digital platform, a move that resulted in MATRADE winning the World Trade Promotion Organisation (WTPO) Award in the “Best Use of Information Technologies” category, which was held in Accra, Ghana. The award, organised by International Trade Centre (ITC), is a resounding testament of MATRADE’s capabilities as a national trade promotion agency.
The MIHAS 2022 Networking Session in The Hague ended with a networking reception and a lunch buffet.
MATRADE is looking forward to seeing you at the 18th MIHAS in Kuala Lumpur.
A 22-year-old suspected of committing several terrorist and extremist crimes has been arrested in Slovakia. In an action supported by Eurojust, Europol and the United States, Slovak and Czech authorities searched two locations and seized a 3D printer and printed metal parts of weapons, computers and other electronic devices.
According to the investigation, the arrested suspect is believed to sympathise and promote far-right white nationalist movements such as the neo-Nazi ‘alternative right’, the ideology of ‘accelerationism’ and the ‘Siege culture’.
The suspect allegedly participated in several subversive and sabotage activities and acts of terrorism with the objective of publicly inciting the overthrow of the democratic political system. He shared photos of glorified far-right extremists to publicly support their activities. He also committed several extremist crimes.
He allegedly published instructions and diagrams for the production of improvised cold steel weapons, the domestic production of automatic firearms made in combination with printable parts on a 3D printer and homemade metal parts, and the production of explosives and mines. He also shared guidelines on how to carry out sabotage attacks.
The case was opened at Eurojust in 2021 at the request of the Slovak authorities. The Agency supported the authorities in Slovakia and the Czech Republic by setting up and funding a joint investigation team (JIT) into the case. One coordination meeting took place in Slovakia to share information, decide on a common strategy, and facilitate cooperation with the United States and Europol.
During an action day on 11 May, one suspect was arrested and one location was searched in Slovakia, where a 3D printer, computer and other electronic devices were seized. In the Czech Republic, one location was searched and a number of 3D printed metal parts of weapons were seized during an action day on 23 May.
The following authorities took part in this investigation:
Slovakia: Special Prosecutor’s Office, the Presidium of the Police Force of the National Crime Agency
Arusha, The Hague, 8 June 2022 – The President of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (Mechanism), Judge Carmel Agius, met yesterday with the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. António Guterres, in New York. It was their last meeting before President Agius steps down from his role as Mechanism President, effective 1 July 2022
At the outset, the Secretary-General welcomed President Agius, expressing deep appreciation for his work and his outstanding leadership of the Mechanism since January 2019. Having commended the progress made by the Mechanism, the Secretary-General also highlighted its important contribution to international criminal justice, which he stated is crucial to preserve.
In turn, President Agius conveyed his heartfelt gratitude for the Secretary-General’s trust and support throughout, stating that serving as President of the Mechanism, and before it the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, had been the honour of his lifetime.
President Agius remarked that after three and half rewarding, yet challenging, years at the helm of the Mechanism, he will step down with a sense of pride in its progress, which had been a joint achievement. In this context, he was immensely encouraged by the inclusion of the Mechanism’s activities as key outcomes under the promotion of justice and international law, in the 2021 Report of the Secretary-General on the Work of the Organization.
The President also emphasised his conviction that the Mechanism will continue its good work under the direction of his successor, and will again benefit from the superb support provided by the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs. In this regard, he praised the Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs and United Nations Legal Counsel, Mr Miguel de Serpa Soares, and the Assistant Secretary-General for Legal Affairs, Mr Stephen Mathias.
Finally, President Agius informed the Secretary-General that he remains as committed as ever to international criminal justice and to the mission of the United Nations, and continues to be available to serve as a Judge of the Mechanism.
President Agius is in New York to present the Twentieth Progress Report of the Mechanism to the United Nations Security Council.
