NationStates War Criminal Court
This is to gain interest in a war criminal court that will be hosted provisionally in Geneva, my capital. I say provisionally because if someone can propose a better location and justification for the Court then I’m open to it. The main basis for the Court will be the recent War Crimes Convention passed by the WA, as well as an operational document for standards which we’re calling the Geneva Statute for now.
(Similar to the Rome Statute that the real ICC adheres to). I have listed both IC personnel and actions that need to happen to make this work, some are blank pending some discussion. Some of what I have deemed 'essential', may not end up being so.
Important:
If you think this is absurd, and refuse to be any part of RP that involves the WA whether you are a member or not, or just want to post something negative, and in no way constructive - simply don't, and scroll on by. No need to spam up this thread. We get it, you're against it. Tell all your friends how you feel about it, but not here.
This is your official upfront warning that your shitposting is not wanted here, and will be mod-request deleted. Repeated unwanted posting will mean you are intentionally acting in bad faith after you were warned because you didn't bother to read this OP, and your first post was deleted.
All others - Please don’t respond to any such posts if you are participating because the responses will be more mess to request to be removed along with the original posts.
Essential IC personnel
Judges - Self-explanatory. I think that there will be at least a panel of 3 on each trial, but we will need more than just 3 to rotate and keep fresh.
Jurists
None. No juries. Trial by judicial panel only.
Counsel
Office of the WCC Counsel (?)
Prosecutors, but they may be appointed as defense in pretrial and investigation proceedings until, and unless a defendant finds their own counsel.
I'm thinking if they haven't lined up defense counsel by the main trial, they're on their own.
Witnesses & Accusers
Again, pretty self-explanatory. There will need to be substantial evidence, documented atrocities, and affidavits. Some adequate combination.
Security
While defendants are in detention in my nation, they will be guarded by NEDM-DGC, the most elite soldiers of my nation, along with other security measures performed by Pine Park, the internal security service branch of the National Gendarmerie that handles counter-intelligence, and major criminal investigations, as well. Defendants will be held in undisclosed maximum security facilities. All contingent on myself being the host nation of the Court.
Other Staff, aides, researchers/paralegals
Probably not worth naming or RPing out, but I could be wrong.
Essential Functions or The Process
Pre-trial/investigation
Warrants for arrest
Apprehension
Like the RL ICC, participant nations may be asked to execute warrants. In other words, apprehend suspects in compliant nations, and even hostile nations. Unlike RL, pursuit won't end until every avenue is exhausted to bring suspects to the Court upon indictment. This includes hiring private contractors to step in if national paramilitary forces are not available to send in snatch teams.
RL ICC waits years for suspects to be arrested, and eventually holds trials in absentia. Quite often, the criminals live comfortably, even after sentenced in absentia, if a little travel restricted, or they die and the case is closed. We're not going to do that.
Also, it is really difficult to bring concerted economic sanctions against host nations of suspects in NS, due to the previous mentioned lack of trust or respect in authority of the WA, and no other unifying body that could bring the scope of sanctions against a host nation of a suspect across RP regions. Not that we couldn't try, but it doesn't seem like it will be effective. Open for positive constructive discussion, as is the rest.
Subpoenas
Gathering Witnesses/Experts Both these and the subpoenas will rely heavily on assistance from players involved.
Trial
Verdicts
Sentencing
Life imprisonment max. I propose that, depending on severity, all assets owned by the guilty are seized and split between restitution for surviving victims, the Court to cover costs on ongoing trials and future operating costs, and defense fees.
Detention
Not sure if I want to keep a max security long term prison in my nation for others to target. A short term jail before and during trial will need to be located near the Court, but I am sure we will find a willing volunteer who will relish this task to hold convicts serving out their sentences.
