It is not often that one can enjoy an outstanding musical concert and reception at one of the most magnificent Diplomatic Residences in The Hague. On the evening of Wednesday May 11th a Special Event to celebrate the 30th anniversary of The Arts Society The Hague was held at the Residence of the British Ambassador to The Netherlands HE Joanna Roper CMG.
Her Excellency, is also Patron of The Arts Society The Hague. The choice of venue consolidated a long standing tradition where the Arts Society also held its 20th and 25th anniversaries.
H.E. Mr. Andrea Perugini, welcoming some guests.
After warmly welcoming the guests to her imposing Residence, HE Ambassador Joanna Roper handed over the proceedings to the Chairman of the Society, HE Mr Andrea Perugini (former Italian Ambassador to The Netherlands 2016-2020}. Mr Perugini outlined the history of The Arts Society The Hague which is affiliated to The Arts Society UK. The Arts Society UK is a leading non-profit Arts and Culture Organization with over 380 affiliated societies and almost 80,000 members worldwide, bringing people together through a shared interest in the Arts.
The Arts Society The Hague founded in 1991 (formerly known as The Decorative and Fine Arts Society of The Hague) has brought together and informed the community through many years of cultural activities delivered by experts in many fields. It is one of the most active affiliated societies and is proud to be fourth out of fifteen in Mainland Europe in terms of membership numbers.
The Arts Society The Hague 30th Anniversary Celebration.
To celebrate this occasion 60 guests were privileged to listen to a special non stop performance of over an hour by the renowned Dutch Baroque Music Ensemble, “Le Nuove Musiche”, very eloquently introduced and skillfully directed by Maestro Krijn Koetsveld at the harpsichord, with the participation of Soprano Margreet Rietveld and Tenor Falco van Loon.
The music in the recital spans the later Renaissance and Baroque stylistic era and was absolutely captivating.
Maestro Krijn Koetsveld.Soprano Margreet Rietveld and Tenor Falco van Loon.
Maestro Koetsveld played on his own copy of a 1640 Harpsichord. After an opening piece by Giulio Caccini (1551-1618) Amarilli mia bella the programme included John Dowland (1563 1618), Come again, followed by Maestro Koetsveld playing solo on the harpsichord the Pavana Lachrimae again by John Downland set by William Byrd (1543-1623). It then focused on Henry Purcell (1659-1695), one of Britain’s best composers, with both singers performing Music for a while and My dearest, my fairest. Falco van Loon performed Evening Hymn while Sweeter than Roses was sang by Margreet Rietveld.
Pieces by Henry Lawes (1596-1662), Georg Friedrich Händel’s (1685-1759) and the Sound the trumpet by Henry Purcell were also played. The final notes were from Claudio Monteverdi (1567-1643) Pur ti miro, bringing together all three performers for this most beautiful love duet created on the harpsichord, a simple base with all kinds of variations.
H.E. Ambassador Joanna Roper CMG.
A reception followed with canapés prepared by Chef Roberto Illari, who just started working for the five star Hotel de l’Europe in Amsterdam, together with wine and refreshments courtesy of the British Embassy.
The Chairman of the Society, Andrea Perugini also promoted the various lectures and activities that the Arts Society The Hague will offer for the 2022/23 Season (see https://theartssociety.org/the-hague ). He said in particular: “We organize – Live and via Zoom – eight one-hour lectures during the course of a season (October to May) in our main venue, the Warenar Cultural Centre, Wassenaar, where we can host over 200 people at a time. In addition the Society organizes Special Events, Lectures with local and foreign speakers and visits to Museums and exclusive guided tours.
Our Lectures are captivating and stimulating events where expert lecturers, academicians, researchers, historians, museum curators and art experts share their specialist knowledge and passion on a wide range of subjects – from music to architecture, from fashion to craftsmanship, from archaeology to glassware, from visual arts to history, from ancient traditions to photography, from historical cities to lost civilisations.”
The Arts Society The Hague Committee members, Mainland Europe Chair Jo Ward,
UK Ambassador Joanna Roper, and Wang Choy.
We can all agree with him that the Arts and Culture promote better mutual understanding and connectivity between peoples and act as a major instrument of peace and dialogue enriching everyone’s lives. We wish The Arts Society The Hague continued success and valued contribution to the cultural life of The Hague and its outreach to the wider community via Zoom.
Investigations and prosecutions of the crime of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes (known collectively as core international crimes) have steadily risen within the European Union since 2016. A total of 1 547 new cases were opened in 2021, compared with 1 073 in 2016, which represents a 44% increase. In 2021, 3 171 cases were ongoing across all Member States.
This trend can be attributed, in part, to the escalation of conflicts and grave human rights violations near EU borders (most recently in Ukraine, Belarus and Syria), leading to an influx of refugees into Member States. The higher level of expertise now available among national authorities also explains the increase in investigations.
Ladislav Hamran, President of Eurojust.
Eurojust President Mr Ladislav Hamran said: ‘The EU Day Against Impunity serves to remind us of core international crimes that so far have been left unanswered and to strengthen our collective efforts in getting justice done. It leads Eurojust to work with prosecutors and investigators in different corners of the world, who count on our partnership and support. This is the front line of justice, and a cornerstone in protecting the rule of law against core international crimes going unpunished.’
European Commission for Justice Mr Didier Reynders stated: ‘In the current situation, we must recognise that peace in Europe cannot be taken for granted.With “war”, often come “war crimes”, which violate the most fundamental laws of international order. We must defend these laws at any cost because the consequences for the victims, and humanity, are too grave to accept.’
Didier Herbert, Head of European Commission in The Netherlands.
In addition to European Commissioner Mr Reynders and Eurojust President Mr Hamran, the French Ambassador to the Netherlands, H.E. Luis Vassy, and a panel of expert practitioners from Member States and civil society participated in the event. Mr Matevž Pezdirc, Head of the Genocide Network Secretariat, moderated and closed the event.
Experience has shown that Member States that have established specialised investigative and prosecution units have been increasingly successful in bringing cases to trial and securing convictions for core international crimes. This is explained by the fact that specialised staff are uniquely trained to handle specific challenges of this crime area and able to act proactively in opening new cases.
S.Exc. M. Luis Vassy, ambassadeur de France. Photographie par OPCW.
However, the establishment of such specialised units remains limited. As of May 2022, only six Member States have established fully independent specialised units within prosecution services and/or law enforcement services.
In addition, national authorities face other challenges including legislative gaps that hinder the full prosecution of crimes, the exercise of extra-territorial (universal) jurisdiction, as well as international judicial cooperation or mutual legal assistance.
Eurojust and the Genocide Network support national authorities in their investigations and prosecutions of core international crimes. Together, they serve as a central hub for the exchange of information and expertise. Since the addition of core international crimes to Eurojust’s portfolio in 2019, the number of cases supported by the Agency has gradually increased. In 2021, Eurojust supported seven new cases, with nine ongoing cases from previous years, and one joint investigation team (JIT). As of May 2022, Eurojust has supported three JITs in relation to core international crimes.
The EU Day Against Impunity is an annual event aiming to raise awareness of the most heinous crimes – the crime of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. This initiative promotes national investigations and prosecutions, recognises the common efforts of the EU and Member States in enforcing international criminal law, addresses the position and participation of victims in criminal proceedings for these crimes, and reinvigorates the Europe-wide commitment to the fight against impunity.
The ‘European Network of contact points in respect of persons responsible for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes’ (the ‘Genocide Network’) was established by the Council of the EU in 2002 to ensure close cooperation between national authorities in investigating and prosecuting the crime of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. The Genocide Network facilitates the exchange of information among practitioners, encourages cooperation between national authorities in different Member States, and provides a forum for sharing knowledge and best practices. The Genocide Network is supported in its work through its Secretariat, based at Eurojust in The Hague, the Netherlands.
50th anniversary of the establishment of China-Netherlands diplomatic relations, which took place on 18th May 1972. Ambassador H.E. Mr Jian Tan hosted a photo exhibition and a reception to celebrate the momentous anniversary of the establishment of China-Netherlands diplomatic relations.
The first contacts between the two nations go back to the 17th century in Guangzhou. However, official relations with the Peoples’ Republic of China began in 1954, reaching the ambassadorial level in 1972.
The venue was the Embassy of China on 17 May 2022.
H.E. Mr Jian Tan welcome his guests to join in the festivities and delivered his welcome remarks this is what he had to say.
“For over 2 years, this hall of the embassy has been empty, thanks to the pandemic. I feel really good to see it in festive atmosphere again. My warm welcome to all of you. Special thanks to the artists, teachers and students for their wonderful performances.
Tomorrow, May the 18th, 2022 will mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations at ambassadorial level between China and the Netherlands. This half the century has witnessed continuous growth in our ties and fruitful cooperation in various areas. It deserves our celebration and blessing.
That’s why we have selected 40 moments in the past 50 years to highlight our cooperation achievements. But let me start with the logo for the 50th anniversary. I really like it. You can see the poster here, and the flower logo on the slope outside. It features national colors of China and the Netherlands: red and orange.
The lines, making the number 50, symbolize water streams. Water is life, water is power, water is wisdom. Our two peoples understand that, and have shaped their land and lives by harnessing and harmonizing with water. Water conservancy projects such as China’s Dujiangyan and the Netherlands’ sea-blocking dam are well known to the world.
Our relationship is like a river.
Ambassador H.E. Mr Jian Tan and Mr Peter Potman, DDG for Foreign Economic Relations MFA commemorating 50th Anniversary of Sino-Dutch Diplomatic Relations.
It started as a stream as early as 400 years ago, when our two peoples established contacts through the maritime silk road. The stream turned into a river on 18 May 1972, when the leaders of the two countries, with a far-sighted strategic vision and political wisdom, upgraded our diplomatic relations to ambassadorial level.
The river was widened greatly in 2014, when President Xi Jinping together with His Majesty King Willem-Alexander, defined Sino-Dutch relations as an open and pragmatic partnership for comprehensive cooperation, injecting fresh impetus into its growth. Our memory flows with the river, as we go through the photos. Several key words come to my mind, which may best capture the nature and feature of our cooperation.
The first key word is connectivity. Although our two countries are geographically far away from each other, we are closely connected by sea, air and land. In 1996, the first Chinese civil air route to the Netherlands was opened, and now Schiphol Airport is one of the busiest terminals in Europe for passenger and cargo transport to and from China.
In 2013, a Chinese freighter was named “ the best sustainable ship of 2012” at Rotterdam port, and now Rotterdam port is the first stop for nearly half of China’s deep-water freight routes to Europe.
In 2021, the direct China-Europe railway express between Tilburg and Nanjing was opened, and there are in total 6 trips of China-Europe Railway Express each week between us. Connectivity brings us closer and stronger. What’s more, China sees the Netherlands as a gateway for Europe.
The second key word is win-win. As we can see in the photos, as early as in 1973, the Dutch Industrial and Technical Exhibition was held in Beijing. In 1974, China and the Netherlands reached trade mark registration reciprocal agreement. Let me give an example about how big a difference 50 years of time could make. Our trade volume has grown nearly 1,700 times from 69 million US$ in 1972 to over 116 billion US$ in 2021.
I bet this will make a record.
Trade is mutually beneficial, so is investment. Among all the EU countries, the Netherlands is the largest destination of Chinese investment, and the second largest source of investment to China. China has benefited from Dutch investment. The Netherlands is a developed economy with a large number of world-class high-tech companies. Dutch business people tell me that the huge market of China is indispensable for Dutch companies to stay super competitive.
The third is friendship.
There are countless stories of our people to people friendship. Chairman of the Dutch kite association flied his 250-meter long kite at the birthplace of kites in Weifang China in 1984. A Dutch eye doctor treated over 2000 Chinese eye patients for free in 1995. In 2020, the two pandas living here gave birth to a baby panda Fan Xing, which is the fruit of our friendship.
Recently, the most famous Chinese classic novel, the Dream of the Red Chamber, was translated into Dutch and immediately became a bestseller. Last year, I unveiled Nanjing Pavilion, a gift from my hometown Nanjing to its sister city Eindhoven. Our two countries have established more than 30 pairs of sister cities or provinces. Nearly 10,000 Chinese students are now studying in the Netherlands.
Facing the common challenges of Covid-19, people from all walks of life of the two countries have rendered each other great support in this difficult time. A friend in need is a friend indeed. The affinity of our people lays the solid foundation for our relations. Last but not least is the international cooperation. In 1995, then Dutch Prime Minister Wim Kok attended a Sino-Dutch clean coal seminar in Beijing. In 2011, the largest directly-driven wind power generator manufactured by China was installed in the Netherlands.
In 2019, our prime ministers together unveiled the first overseas office of the Dutch-based global center on climate adaptation in China. Our bilateral relations not only benefits our own countries but also contribute to the mankind. We cooperate closely on climate change, sustainable development goals and many others high on the international development agenda. Both support multilateralism and an open world economy.
These achievements couldn’t be made without the leading role and political wisdom of our leaders and governments, without the resilience and entrepreneurship of our business people, and without the openness and hardworking of our two peoples.
While celebrating the accomplishments in the past, we are fully aware of and will not hide from the challenges ahead. Our world today faces a swirling combination of uncertainty and instability. Various traditional and non-traditional security threats keep flaring up. Peace and development, the themes of our times, are faced with severe challenges.
Unprecedented challenges require unprecedented cooperation. We all share our fate in the same boat. With a view to addressing these global challenges and threats, President Xi Jinping has put forward the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative. These two Initiatives give explicit answers to questions of our times, China’s contribution to the world in tackling peace and development deficit, for common security and prosperity.
China is ready to work with Europe and the Netherlands for human progress, world peace and development. Over the past 50 years, China-Netherlands relations has stood the test of the visissitudes of the international landscape. With mutual respect and enhanced understanding, our relations can transcend the differences of social systems and ideology, and achieve healthy and stable development.
50th Anniversary of Sino-Dutch Diplomatic Relations.
I am optimistic about the relations between our two countries, not because I am a glass-half-full man, but because our two countries have more common grounds than differences, no fundamental conflict of interest. And because there exists huge potential for cooperation between us, that will benefit not only our two peoples, but also the whole world.
I firmly believe that with joint efforts in the coming year, our open and pragmatic partnership for comprehensive cooperation will be brought to a new high. Next time when we hold exhibition, there will be more photos of our cooperation on climate change, digital economy, green development, health care, space, science and technology innovation, etc.
Now back to the logo, if you look carefully, you will notice the lines in our anniversary logo are designed as unfinished lines. The river of our relations is flowing into the future. Let’s build on the 50 years of Sino-Dutch friendship, add more momentum to the river, which contributes to the ocean of a more peaceful and prosperous world.
A picture is worth a thousand words. So let me stop here. May I propose a toast:
To Sino-Dutch relations,
To the friendship between our two peoples,
To the health and happiness of all of you,
Cheers!”
An animated program featured performances by Dutch and Chinese actors. The traditional Dutch orchestra Kleintje Pils opened the show. They performed Dutch and popular international tunes. The Dutch Chinese school and Confucious Institute in Delft stole the show with their children’s ballet.
A Dutch Chinese ladies duo concluded with a medley of Dutch and international tunes. Mr Peter Potman, DDG for Foreign Economic Relations MFA, felicitated Ambassador Jian Tan and elaborated on the long-standing Dutch-Sino relationship.
Among the attendees were Karin Mössenlechner, Director of Asia and Oceania MFA, Senator and the former Minister of Economic AffairsAnnemarie Jorritsma, to name a few. Subsequently, the photo exhibition was declared open.
A reception and walking buffet concluded the joyous evening.
Selamat Datang Tourism Malaysia event. The Embassy of Malaysia and the Marketing Manager of BeneluxTourism Malaysia arranged a networking reception in connection with the reopening of the borders. The MC for the day was Ms Naziha Kechouh of the Cultural Affairs Department and Marketing Manager Benelux (Tourism Malaysia).
The events was attracted a good number of vocational persons, travel agencies, tour operators, airlines as KLM, Singapore Airlines, Emirates and Turkish Airlines and others. The venue, the prestigious Chancellery of Malaysia in The Hague, 12 May 2022.
H.E. Ambassador of Malaysia Mrs. Nadzirah Osman, Ms. Rosbi Mamat, Ms. Iris van Wijhe, Mr. Rob Harting and Mr Gerald van Amerongen. Malaysia- destination 2022
H.E. Ambassador of Malaysia Mrs. Nadzirah Osman presented the welcome remarks. A slate of speakers followed.
The Director of Tourism Malaysia The Hague, Ms. Rosbi Mamat gave an update on the post-Covid 19 situation. Next was Ms. Iris van Wijhe of Dutch Productions, a frequent visitor of Malaysia. She is full of enthusiasm about her recent tour of Malaysia.
Mr. Rob Harting, the proprietor of Distant Greens Golfing Holidays, recounted personal experiences of his many pleasant visits to Malaysia. Mr. Gerald van Amerongen, founder and proprietor of DMC Happy Trails Asia, concluded the list of speakers with an elaborated presentation about why one should visit Malaysia.
Mr Gerald van Amerongen.
Ambassador Nadzirah Osman in her welcome talk stated the following: “The last two years have been an extremely challenging and difficult period not only for the Malaysian tourism sector but also for the tourism industry worldwide. In 2020, only 14,486 Dutch tourists visited Malaysia, a sharp decrease of 82.4% compared to 2019 where we received 82,110 Dutch tourists.
In 2021, the numbers declined further as expected, as the country was still closed to foreign travellers due to the pandemic. The reopening of Malaysian borders via the Langkawi International Travel Bubble as of 15 November 2021, was the first step in reopening the country’s tourism sector.
The statistics for this pilot project showed that the Dutch people are eager to travel again to Malaysia. We are indeed pleased that the Netherlands ranked 13th out of 105 countries for tourist arrivals for the Langkawi pilot project. Considering the fact that the Netherlands’ population is relatively small as compared to other countries in the top 10, it clearly reflects the importance of the Dutch market for Malaysia.”
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
“Malaysia has fully reopened its borders to all international visitors since April 1, 2022. We have been working very hard for the past two years to prepare ourselves for this moment and we are eager and excited to reintroduce Malaysia to the world.
Everything is now in place for us to welcome international visitors, newcomers and regulars alike. We hope to attract 2 million international tourists this year and we hope to see Dutch tourists returning to Malaysia in big numbers.”
Ms Naziha Kechouh of the Cultural Affairs Department and Marketing Manager Benelux.
“The Netherlands was the top fourth largest contributor for tourist arrivals in Malaysia from Europe after United Kingdom, Germany and France, pre COVID 19. We are confident with a joint effort between the Malaysian Tourism Office here and all of you present today, we will be able to see it materialised.
We look forward to any possible partnership opportunities and business networking. So why should Malaysia be the Dutch preferred destination? The answer to that is because we are not only home to one of the world’s most diverse ecosystems but we can offer, plethora of activities, that can cater for everyone from all ages and with different interest. We not only have exciting nature and adventure travel but also the diversity of culture that clearly reflects Malaysia as a melting pot of Asia.
We have various new sustainable and responsible tourism attractions, such as the Habitat on Penang Hill which was officially designated as Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO on 15 September 2021.
We are currently emphasising more on ecotourism which I am sure will receive positive response from tourists who want to travel and reconnect with nature for recreation.”
The Director of Tourism Malaysia The Hague, Ms. Rosbi Mamat.
“With your support, we hope to promote Malaysia as a safe and preferred holiday destination and to increase the visibility of Malaysia Truly Asia branding here in the Netherlands. Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our tourism partners and stakeholders for your support and cooperation. I hope you will have a fruitful networking session”
As we now know, as of 1 April 2022, the covid 19 restrictions on entering Malaysia have been lifted. Malaysia is open for business, ready to welcome the thousands of tourists to her beautiful beaches and historical sites and enjoy her incomparable hospitality.
Malaysia is expecting to attract millions of tourists this year a substantial number will be Dutch.
“Malaysia, Truly Asia”There is only one place where all the fragrances, sounds, colours, flavours and sights of Asia merge, Malaysia.
Following today’s verdict in the trial of Hysni Gucati and Nasim Haradinaj, Specialist Prosecutor Jack Smith pledged to vigilantly investigate and prosecute all cases of witness intimidation, retaliation against witnesses and obstruction of justice.
“Today justice was served. Mr Gucati and Mr Haradinaj have been found guilty for their crimes following a transparent, careful and fair adjudication of this important case,” the Specialist Prosecutor said. “As stated by the Trial Panel today, the protection of witnesses from intimidation and harm lies at the very foundation of any system of criminal justice – the acts and conduct of the accused challenged that very foundation.”
“The acts and statements in this case took place in a climate of intimidation, as found today by the judges,” Mr Smith continued. “The Specialist Prosecutor’s Office will continue to vigorously pursue investigation and prosecution of all acts of witness intimidation, retaliation against witnesses or obstruction of justice. The Kosovo Specialist Chambers has a unique ability to provide justice for victims because it represents a safe place where witnesses can speak openly about the crimes they saw and suffered through over 20 years ago.
Intimidating or retaliating against such victims is, in my view, a gravely serious crime which strikes at the heart of this institution’s ability to do justice and the rule of law. If you seek to intimidate or retaliate against witnesses of this Court, I will do all that is in my power to assure you will ultimately find yourself brought to justice.”
Arusha, La Haye, le 18 mai 2022 – Le Bureau du Procureur du Mécanisme confirme aujourd’hui le décès de Phénéas Munyarugarama, un des derniers fugitifs inculpés par le Tribunal Pénal International pour le Rwanda (TPIR) et une figure notoire du génocide perpétré en 1994 contre les Tutsis au Rwanda. Avec la confirmation de la mort de Protais Mpiranya jeudi dernier, il ne manque désormais que quatre fugitifs sous la juridiction du Mécanisme : Fulgence Kayishema, Charles Sikubwabo, Charles Ryandikayo et Aloys Ndimbati.
Suite à l’annonce d’aujourd’hui, le Procureur du Mécanisme Serge Brammertz a déclaré :
L’aboutissement de cette enquête est une étape importante de plus pour mon Bureau afin de rendre justice aux victimes du génocide de 1994 contre les Tutsis et afin de remplir notre mandat.
Pour les victimes et les survivants des crimes de Munyarugarama dans la région de Bugesera, nous espérons que ce résultat leur permettra de clore ce sombre chapitre.
Je souhaite également exprimer ma gratitude envers nos partenaires nationaux, y compris les autorités du Royaume de Belgique et de la République du Rwanda, pour leurs contributions importantes dans cette enquête.
Avec l’aboutissement en deux ans de quatre enquêtes concernant des fugitifs, mon Bureau est maintenant pleinement résolu à déterminer ce qu’il est advenu des quatre derniers fugitifs toujours en liberté. Notre priorité principale est Fulgence Kayishema, que nous avions par le passé localisé en Afrique du Sud.
Ce résultat atteste une nouvelle fois de la volonté des Nations Unies de poursuivre sans relâche les accusés responsables des crimes les plus graves.
Munyarugarama, Lieutenant-Colonel des Forces Armées Rwandaises (FAR), fut inculpé par le TPIR en 2002 pour des crimes qu’il commit en 1994 en tant que Commandant du camp militaire de Gako dans la région de Bugesera, en Préfecture de Kigali-rural. Il fut inculpé par le TPIR de 8 chefs, y compris de génocide, incitation directe et publique à commettre le génocide et crimes contre l’humanité. Il était reproché à Munyarugarama d’être responsable de massacres, d’attaques, et de violences sexuelles envers des civils Tutsis dans diverses localités de la région de Bugesera, y compris des attaques ciblant des réfugiés Tutsis dans les églises catholiques de Ntarama et Nyamata.
En juin 1994, Munyarugarama et sa famille s’enfuirent vers le Zaïre. Il rejoint ensuite rapidement les forces militaires des ex-FAR se regroupant dans ce pays pour poursuivre le combat contre le gouvernement rwandais même après le génocide. Compte tenu de sa participation active dans le recrutement et l’entrainement des forces des ex-FAR, il fut nommé au poste de « Commissaire à la Défense » du Peuple en Armes pour la Libération du Rwanda (PALIR), prédécesseur des Forces Démocratiques de Libération du Rwanda (FDLR), un amalgame des différentes forces rwandaises Hutus et ex-FAR.
A la suite d’une enquête difficile et intense, le Bureau du Procureur a pu déterminer que Munyarugarama est mort de causes naturelles le, ou vers le, 28 février 2002 à Kankwala, dans les provinces est de la République Démocratique du Congo, où il y a aussi été enterré. Un résumé des résultats de l’enquête réalisée avec succès par le Bureau du Procureur est consultable dans l’annexe ci-jointe.
Supported by Eurojust, judicial and law enforcement authorities in Romania and the United Kingdom have dismantled a criminal network involved in trafficking and sexual exploitation of human beings (including minors), pimping, child pornography, money laundering and forgery.
During an action day, sixteen locations were searched across the two countries. Five suspects were arrested in the UK. In Romania, nine suspects were called to the Prosecutor’s Office for hearings.
Active since 2012, the organised crime group (OGC) allegedly recruited women in Romania and forced them into prostitution in the UK by advertising their services on escort sites. The victims and their families were threatened with violence.
One of the leaders of the criminal group is believed to have committed crimes of sexual intercourse with a minor and child pornography after recruiting a 17-year-old victim, having sex with her and recording pornographic material to blackmail her afterwards. The same leader allegedly attempted sexual corruption of minors by trying to persuade a family in a precarious economic situation to release a minor into his custody.
It is believed that the prostitution activities generated over EUR 3 million. Profits were laundered through UK banks and transmitted back into Romanian back accounts for the benefit of the high-ranking OCG members.
The case was opened at Eurojust in June 2021 at the request of the Romanian authorities. The Agency supported the authorities in Romania and the UK with the setting up and funding of a joint investigation team (JIT) into the case in August 2021. Two coordination meetings were also hosted by Eurojust to facilitate judicial cooperation and provide support for the coordinated investigative efforts.
During the action day on 18 May, nine suspects were found in ten house searches in Romania. They were called to the Prosecutor’s Office for hearings. Four cars with an approximate value of EUR 250 000, EUR 137 000 in cash, weapons and several electronic devices were seized. An order to seize EUR 1 million worth of assets was issued.
In the UK, five suspects were arrested and six locations searched. Drugs, weapons and money in cash were seized. A Romanian delegation was present during the operation taking place in the UK.
The following authorities took part in this investigation:
Romania: Prosecutor’s Office attached to the High Court of Cassation and Justice -Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism – Central Structure; General Inspectorate of Romanian Police – the Directorate for Countering Organised Crime – Service for Countering Organised Criminal Groups.
United Kingdom: Metropolitan Police Service – Specialist Crime; Crown Prosecution Service.
Chinese Community in the Netherlands held a large-scale celebration in AFAS Circustheater The Hague on 10th May to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment at ambassadorial level of diplomatic relations between China and the Netherlands.
More than 1,000 people from the Chinese Embassy in the Netherlands, the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other Dutch government representatives at all levels, representatives of international organizations, diplomatic envoys from many countries in the Netherlands, nearly 50 Chinese associations in the Netherlands, and friends from China and the Netherlands in economics, trade, culture, and academia gathered together. They shared the profound friendship of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Netherlands, and looked forward to the sound development prospects of China-Netherlands relations.
Chinese Ambassador H.E. Mr. Tan Jian.
H.E. Mr. Tan Jian, Chinese Ambassador to the Netherlands, said that over the past 50 years, China-Netherlands relations have been developing continuously. Especially In 2014 and 2015, Chinese President Xi Jinping and H.M. King Willem Alexander paid successful and historical state visits to each other, and the two countries agreed to establish an “Open and Pragmatic Partnership for Comprehensive Cooperation”, providing both the foundation of and direction for the development of Sino-Dutch relations in the new era. Over the past 50 years, the breadth and depth of bilateral relations have expanded, and cooperation in various fields such as economy, culture, education, science and technology has yielded fruitful results.
Tan Jian said that the healthy and stable development of China-Netherlands cooperation in various fields is the result of the joint efforts of the Chinese and Dutch governments and people, including the overseas Chinese in the Netherlands. For a long time, overseas Chinese in the Netherlands have been actively building bridges to enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the Chinese and Dutch peoples, and to promote exchanges and cooperation between the two sides in many fields such as economy, culture and tourism. The overseas Chinese in the Netherlands are an important link in maintaining the relationship between China and the Netherlands, and they are witnesses, participants and contributors to the friendly cooperation between China and the Netherlands.
Karin Mosenlechner, Director of the Asia & Oceania Department of the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Karin Mosenlechner, Director of the Asia & Oceania Department of the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said in her speech that China and the Netherlands have been in exchanges for hundreds of years and have maintained close trade ties. She praised China’s great achievements in recent years and emphasized the importance of China to the Dutch economy. She said that over eight hundreds Dutch companies are active in China, including all Dutch big companies, China is the third largest import partner of the Netherlands and are most important trade destination in Asia. China is especially important for the development of Dutch agriculture, health, environment and logistics industries.
Karin Mosenlechner said that people-to-people exchanges between China and the Netherlands are crucial, as a bridge of cultural communication, connecting people. She wished that ties between the Chinese and Dutch peoples will remain strong and friendly.
Chairman of the Committee Mr. Shu Yanping.
Shu Yanping, chairman of the Organizing Committee of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Netherlands, introduced the development path and current situation of Chinese in the Netherlands since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries 50 years ago. At present, Dutch Chinese are one of the important ethnic minorities in the Netherlands and have achieved remarkable achievements in all aspects.
Shu Yanping said that the Chinese are not only the beneficiaries of the Dutch society, but also the participants and builders. They are never absent from the big family and community affairs of the Dutch society. Dutch Chinese are willing to be firewood and continue to fuel the friendship between China and the Netherlands.
On the celebration day, guests from all walks of life enjoyed a cultural and artistic feast that combined Chinese and Western musical instrument performances, martial arts, as well as modern singing and dancing, and magic, with high evaluation.
ICC Prosecutor Karim A.A. Khan QC announces deployment of forensics and investigative team to Ukraine, welcomes strong cooperation with the Government of the Netherlands
I can confirm that today my Office has deployed a team of 42 investigators, forensic experts and support personnel to Ukraine to advance our investigations into crimes falling into the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (“ICC” or the “Court”) and provide support to Ukrainian national authorities. This represents the largest ever single field deployment by my Office since its establishment.
I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the Government of the Netherlands whose strong cooperation in recent weeks has facilitated the secondment of a significant number of Dutch national experts to my Office in support of this mission. This collaboration will significantly enhance the impact of our forensic and investigative actions on the ground. In real terms, it will allow us to collect more testimonial accounts, support the identification of relevant forensic and digital materials and ensure that information and evidence is collected in a manner that strengthens its admissibility in future proceedings before the ICC.
During this mission, my Office will focus on a set of core objectives aimed at accelerating our independent investigations and strengthening synergy of investigative action with national authorities on the ground in Ukraine. Through the deployment of a team of investigators, we will further expand lead development and collect testimonial accounts relevant to military attacks that may constitute Rome Statute crimes. Through close cooperation with the Ukrainian authorities, our forensic experts will map the existing action of national crime scene investigators in order to trace workflows and strengthen chain of custody with respect to hard evidence.
It is essential that the work of all actors seeking to support accountability efforts in Ukraine benefit from effective coordination and communication. In doing so, we will significantly strengthen the impact of our collective work in establishing the truth. Reflecting this, the team deployed by my Office today will also engage with a team of French forensic experts on the ground in Ukraine in order to ensure continuity and continuation of their work with respect to the identification of remains, ballistics analysis and the storage and preservation of forensic evidence. We will also be engaging with teams deployed by other States in Ukraine in order to comprehensively map existing activities and strengthen coordination across all actors. It is my intention to ensure that this collaborative work is then continued through the consistent presence of my Office on the ground.
Since taking up the position of Prosecutor in June last year, I have emphasised that the work of my Office will be founded on the principles of partnership, creativity and of bringing our work closer to those impacted by Rome Statute crimes. The deployment of this team today, supported through excellent cooperation with the Government of the Netherlands and Ukrainian national authorities, represents a model of how these principles can be converted into concrete action.
These principles are also being implemented across the situations addressed by my Office. Following our issuance of a Note Verbale on 7 March 2022 requesting support from States Parties, I can confirm that 21 States have now indicated their willingness to second national experts in support of the work of the Office, while 20 States have committed to provide financial contributions. As I have also recently outlined to the United Nations Security Council in my most recent report on the Situation in Libya, I believe that this injection of support will have a tangible impact, multiplying the effectiveness of our activities in all situations addressed by my Office.
Now more than ever we need to show the law in action. It is essential that we demonstrate to survivors and the families of victims that international law is relevant to their experience, that the ideals of the Rome Statute can be applied meaningfully in order to bring them some measure of solace through the process of justice.
Today represents an example of how we can convert this imperative into results. I look forward to working with all actors, including survivor groups, national authorities, civil society organisations and international partners in order to accelerate this collective work moving forward.
Sometimes perfectly ordinary events take on a special meaning. Monday, May 16th was such an occasion. The library at the new Italian Embassy was dedicated in honour of Mr. Pacifico Marchesini. Over half a year ago Mr. Marchesini was awarded the title of Righteous among the Nations by Yad Vashem. This is the highest honour the State of Israel can bestow.
In 1942 Mr. Marchesini helped 15 Jews to flee from The Hague to Antwerp, by driving them in an embassy car across the rivers that bisect the country. H.E. Ambassador Giorgio Novello was so deeply touched by that ceremony and the valour of Mr. Marchesini, that he decided to name the new library after him.
Opening of the new library Pacifico Marchesini.
At a small ceremony in the company of an Italian parliamentary delegation, Ms. Laura Garavini, member of the Senate, Mr. Tullio Patassini, and Mr. Francesco Berti, both members of Parliament, and Mr. Giorgio Butini, head of the Italian desk at Europol, the Ambassador spoke of the people who in the darkest days provide rays of light, by helping others while putting themselves in mortal danger.
He emphasized that what Mr. Marchesini had done was more than helping fifteen people flee the Nazi’s. By his deeds, he showed all of us the importance of helping one’s fellow human beings. While being a local employee of the Embassy, Mr. Marchesini had shown himself to be a real diplomat.
H.E. Mr. Modi Moshe Ephraim, Ambassador of Israel.
The Ambassador of Israel, H.E. Mr. Modi Moshe Ephraim, himself the son of a holocaust survivor, mentioned the importance of remembering the people who showed this kind of courage in an age when the last direct witnesses are fast disappearing. It is essential that the names of these people remain visible and encourage the new generations in the fight against discrimination.
The Dutch MP, Mr. Ulysse Ellian, who was born in Kabul to Iranian parents, said that his background made him focus in his parliamentary work on justice, law, and discrimination, and in particular on antisemitism.
Rabbi Marianne van Praag told the story of Rabbi Hillel (110 BCE ~ 10CE !), who famously said that the essence of Judaism is “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.”
Mr. Libero (Bino) Marchesini thanked everyone, especially Ambassador Novello for this exceptional honour shown to his father.
The Ambassador of Italy and John Dunkelgrün.
At the end of the ceremony, your correspondent presented his recent book to Ambassador Novello as his contribution to the new library. A small but important part of the book recounts the activities of Mr. Marchesini.
