Dr Benjamin Thorne
@benjaminthorne.bsky.social
Lecturer in Criminal Law
@unirdg-law.bsky.social
Via PhD
@SussexUni
; Interests: socio-legal studies, transitional justice, critical theory. Book http://tinyurl.com/v77a942b
@unirdg-law.bsky.social
Via PhD
@SussexUni
; Interests: socio-legal studies, transitional justice, critical theory. Book http://tinyurl.com/v77a942b
Pinned
Artificial Sanctions: Potential Implications of US Sanctions on the ICC’s use of AI and Digital Evidence
[Benjamin Thorne is a Lecturer (Assistant Professor) in Criminal Law at the University of Reading] Almost 3 weeks into Donald Trump’s second term as US President and one could have been forgiven fo…
tinyurl.com
I have a new short piece out with Opinio Juris on US sanctions and the ICC which explores possible implications for the court's use of AI, digital evidence and wider investigation processes - tinyurl.com/mryjbdbe
Reposted by Dr Benjamin Thorne
Quite big international criminal justice news from Turkey. The Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office in Istanbul has issued arrest warrants for 37 senior Israeli officials including Benjamin Netanyahu for genocide and crimes against humanity - www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
Turkey issues genocide arrest warrant against Benjamin Netanyahu
Israeli PM, ministers and army chief accused of crimes against humanity ‘perpetrated systematically’ in Gaza
www.theguardian.com
November 9, 2025 at 10:32 AM
Quite big international criminal justice news from Turkey. The Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office in Istanbul has issued arrest warrants for 37 senior Israeli officials including Benjamin Netanyahu for genocide and crimes against humanity - www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
Quite big international criminal justice news from Turkey. The Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office in Istanbul has issued arrest warrants for 37 senior Israeli officials including Benjamin Netanyahu for genocide and crimes against humanity - www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
Turkey issues genocide arrest warrant against Benjamin Netanyahu
Israeli PM, ministers and army chief accused of crimes against humanity ‘perpetrated systematically’ in Gaza
www.theguardian.com
November 9, 2025 at 10:32 AM
Quite big international criminal justice news from Turkey. The Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office in Istanbul has issued arrest warrants for 37 senior Israeli officials including Benjamin Netanyahu for genocide and crimes against humanity - www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
Reposted by Dr Benjamin Thorne
Today - almost 1 month after the historic “Confirmation of Charges” hearings against an absent Joseph #Kony - the #ICC Pre-Trial Chamber has confirmed all 39 charges of #warcrimes and crimes against humanity laid by the prosecutor.
www.icc-cpi.int/news/kony-ca...
www.icc-cpi.int/news/kony-ca...
November 6, 2025 at 5:55 PM
Today - almost 1 month after the historic “Confirmation of Charges” hearings against an absent Joseph #Kony - the #ICC Pre-Trial Chamber has confirmed all 39 charges of #warcrimes and crimes against humanity laid by the prosecutor.
www.icc-cpi.int/news/kony-ca...
www.icc-cpi.int/news/kony-ca...
Reposted by Dr Benjamin Thorne
A Dutch appeals court on Thursday dismissed an appeal by a group of human rights organizations that filed a lawsuit arguing the Netherlands was violating international law by continuing to sell weapons to Israel.
Dutch court dismisses appeal seeking to halt weapons exports to Israel
A Dutch appeals court has dismissed an appeal by human rights organizations seeking to stop the Netherlands from selling weapons to Israel.
apnews.com
November 6, 2025 at 4:55 PM
A Dutch appeals court on Thursday dismissed an appeal by a group of human rights organizations that filed a lawsuit arguing the Netherlands was violating international law by continuing to sell weapons to Israel.
Reposted by Dr Benjamin Thorne
The #ICC Office of the #Prosecutor said of the decision:
“This ensures that Joseph Kony – once arrested – can immediately face trial on these charges”
But judges explicitly suspended the #appeal filing deadline. So if #Kony is ever arrested, expect intense appeals before any possible trial.
“This ensures that Joseph Kony – once arrested – can immediately face trial on these charges”
But judges explicitly suspended the #appeal filing deadline. So if #Kony is ever arrested, expect intense appeals before any possible trial.
Today - almost 1 month after the historic “Confirmation of Charges” hearings against an absent Joseph #Kony - the #ICC Pre-Trial Chamber has confirmed all 39 charges of #warcrimes and crimes against humanity laid by the prosecutor.
www.icc-cpi.int/news/kony-ca...
www.icc-cpi.int/news/kony-ca...
November 6, 2025 at 6:04 PM
The #ICC Office of the #Prosecutor said of the decision:
“This ensures that Joseph Kony – once arrested – can immediately face trial on these charges”
But judges explicitly suspended the #appeal filing deadline. So if #Kony is ever arrested, expect intense appeals before any possible trial.
“This ensures that Joseph Kony – once arrested – can immediately face trial on these charges”
But judges explicitly suspended the #appeal filing deadline. So if #Kony is ever arrested, expect intense appeals before any possible trial.
Reposted by Dr Benjamin Thorne
BIG NEWS #icc #internationaljustice
Osama Almasri Najim who is wanted by the International Criminal Court, and who was arrested in Italy in January only to be released two days later and sent back to Tripoli, has today been arrested in Tripoli relating to allegations of torturing prisoners - www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
November 5, 2025 at 9:18 PM
BIG NEWS #icc #internationaljustice
Osama Almasri Najim who is wanted by the International Criminal Court, and who was arrested in Italy in January only to be released two days later and sent back to Tripoli, has today been arrested in Tripoli relating to allegations of torturing prisoners - www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
November 5, 2025 at 8:43 PM
Osama Almasri Najim who is wanted by the International Criminal Court, and who was arrested in Italy in January only to be released two days later and sent back to Tripoli, has today been arrested in Tripoli relating to allegations of torturing prisoners - www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
I am quoted a few times in this news piece on the ICC moving away from some Microsoft products and services (piece is free to read though need to register to access) - www.thestack.technology/eu-digital-s...
#ICC
#ICC
ICC drops Microsoft Office for new German OSS alternative
Germany’s Federal Ministry of the Interior is backing OSS alternative "openDesk"
www.thestack.technology
November 5, 2025 at 10:42 AM
I am quoted a few times in this news piece on the ICC moving away from some Microsoft products and services (piece is free to read though need to register to access) - www.thestack.technology/eu-digital-s...
#ICC
#ICC
Reposted by Dr Benjamin Thorne
A few thoughts from me (via LinkedIn) on the continuing challenges for the International Criminal Court, and other international institutions/organisations, regarding technologies, big US tech providers, and digital sovereignty #ICC
November 4, 2025 at 12:51 PM
A few thoughts from me (via LinkedIn) on the continuing challenges for the International Criminal Court, and other international institutions/organisations, regarding technologies, big US tech providers, and digital sovereignty #ICC
A few thoughts from me (via LinkedIn) on the continuing challenges for the International Criminal Court, and other international institutions/organisations, regarding technologies, big US tech providers, and digital sovereignty #ICC
November 4, 2025 at 12:51 PM
A few thoughts from me (via LinkedIn) on the continuing challenges for the International Criminal Court, and other international institutions/organisations, regarding technologies, big US tech providers, and digital sovereignty #ICC
Reposted by Dr Benjamin Thorne
There's a (sizable) faction of the Democratic Party devoted to running 2028 as a "return to normalcy" campaign.
Even if this can win in 28, it's fundamentally unsuited to the broader problems at hand and would be nothing more than another Biden-esque pause on democratic backsliding.
Even if this can win in 28, it's fundamentally unsuited to the broader problems at hand and would be nothing more than another Biden-esque pause on democratic backsliding.
The Better Things Aren't Possible Wing has declared Spanberger is The Future Of The Democratic Party with this transparently stupid line fed to one of their press familiars
November 4, 2025 at 10:33 AM
There's a (sizable) faction of the Democratic Party devoted to running 2028 as a "return to normalcy" campaign.
Even if this can win in 28, it's fundamentally unsuited to the broader problems at hand and would be nothing more than another Biden-esque pause on democratic backsliding.
Even if this can win in 28, it's fundamentally unsuited to the broader problems at hand and would be nothing more than another Biden-esque pause on democratic backsliding.
The OTP of the International Criminal Court expresses its profound alarm and deepest concern over recent reports emerging from El-Fasher about mass killings, rapes, and other crimes allegedly committed during the course of the Rapid Support Forces’ (RSF) attacks - lnkd.in/dqpvMhK3
#ICC
#ICC
LinkedIn
This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn
lnkd.in
November 3, 2025 at 12:54 PM
The OTP of the International Criminal Court expresses its profound alarm and deepest concern over recent reports emerging from El-Fasher about mass killings, rapes, and other crimes allegedly committed during the course of the Rapid Support Forces’ (RSF) attacks - lnkd.in/dqpvMhK3
#ICC
#ICC
Reposted by Dr Benjamin Thorne
A visual representation of international institutions/organisations and governments current discussions on whether or not to commitment permanently to leaving Microsoft/big US tech and find alternatives.
#Microsoft
#Microsoft
a beach with waves crashing on the sand and a blue sky
ALT: a beach with waves crashing on the sand and a blue sky
media.tenor.com
November 3, 2025 at 11:18 AM
A visual representation of international institutions/organisations and governments current discussions on whether or not to commitment permanently to leaving Microsoft/big US tech and find alternatives.
#Microsoft
#Microsoft
Reposted by Dr Benjamin Thorne
Whilst this is progress & may indicate that the ICC is taking digital sovereignty more seriously, this move does not mark the arrival at the destination rather a first step in what will possibly be a longer journey to fully disentangle itself from a variety of US big tech services and products.
#ICC
#ICC
BIG International Criminal Court & technology news: The ICC will replace Microsoft & instead use German Open Desk software. This move is in direct response to current US sanctions against ICC staff, & threats to sanction the court. a significant positive step for the independence of the ICC.
#ICC
#ICC
November 3, 2025 at 10:49 AM
Whilst this is progress & may indicate that the ICC is taking digital sovereignty more seriously, this move does not mark the arrival at the destination rather a first step in what will possibly be a longer journey to fully disentangle itself from a variety of US big tech services and products.
#ICC
#ICC
A visual representation of international institutions/organisations and governments current discussions on whether or not to commitment permanently to leaving Microsoft/big US tech and find alternatives.
#Microsoft
#Microsoft
a beach with waves crashing on the sand and a blue sky
ALT: a beach with waves crashing on the sand and a blue sky
media.tenor.com
November 3, 2025 at 11:18 AM
A visual representation of international institutions/organisations and governments current discussions on whether or not to commitment permanently to leaving Microsoft/big US tech and find alternatives.
#Microsoft
#Microsoft
Whilst this is progress & may indicate that the ICC is taking digital sovereignty more seriously, this move does not mark the arrival at the destination rather a first step in what will possibly be a longer journey to fully disentangle itself from a variety of US big tech services and products.
#ICC
#ICC
BIG International Criminal Court & technology news: The ICC will replace Microsoft & instead use German Open Desk software. This move is in direct response to current US sanctions against ICC staff, & threats to sanction the court. a significant positive step for the independence of the ICC.
#ICC
#ICC
November 3, 2025 at 10:49 AM
Whilst this is progress & may indicate that the ICC is taking digital sovereignty more seriously, this move does not mark the arrival at the destination rather a first step in what will possibly be a longer journey to fully disentangle itself from a variety of US big tech services and products.
#ICC
#ICC
'The International Criminal Court's decision to abandon Microsoft marks a significant break from US tech dependency'
Dr Benjamin Thorne, international criminal law expert, provides expert comment - www.reading.ac.uk/news/2025/Ex...
#ICC
Dr Benjamin Thorne, international criminal law expert, provides expert comment - www.reading.ac.uk/news/2025/Ex...
#ICC
ICC stops use of Microsoft expert comment - University of Reading
www.reading.ac.uk
October 31, 2025 at 1:01 PM
'The International Criminal Court's decision to abandon Microsoft marks a significant break from US tech dependency'
Dr Benjamin Thorne, international criminal law expert, provides expert comment - www.reading.ac.uk/news/2025/Ex...
#ICC
Dr Benjamin Thorne, international criminal law expert, provides expert comment - www.reading.ac.uk/news/2025/Ex...
#ICC
In the coming months it will be interesting to see what 'ripples' this decision might have in terms of accelerating European city authorities to move away from Microsoft. This move in a small(ish) way already started this year (such as Lyon) but announcements like this might regalvanise efforts #ICC
BIG International Criminal Court & technology news: The ICC will replace Microsoft & instead use German Open Desk software. This move is in direct response to current US sanctions against ICC staff, & threats to sanction the court. a significant positive step for the independence of the ICC.
#ICC
#ICC
October 30, 2025 at 12:49 PM
In the coming months it will be interesting to see what 'ripples' this decision might have in terms of accelerating European city authorities to move away from Microsoft. This move in a small(ish) way already started this year (such as Lyon) but announcements like this might regalvanise efforts #ICC
Reposted by Dr Benjamin Thorne
(1/3)The detail of today's BIG International Criminal Court news that the court will move way from Microsoft for its internal work environment is still incoming, however it is not immediately clear to what extent this shift in provider will effect Project Harmony
#ICC
#ICC
October 30, 2025 at 12:37 PM
(1/3)The detail of today's BIG International Criminal Court news that the court will move way from Microsoft for its internal work environment is still incoming, however it is not immediately clear to what extent this shift in provider will effect Project Harmony
#ICC
#ICC
(1/3)The detail of today's BIG International Criminal Court news that the court will move way from Microsoft for its internal work environment is still incoming, however it is not immediately clear to what extent this shift in provider will effect Project Harmony
#ICC
#ICC
October 30, 2025 at 12:37 PM
(1/3)The detail of today's BIG International Criminal Court news that the court will move way from Microsoft for its internal work environment is still incoming, however it is not immediately clear to what extent this shift in provider will effect Project Harmony
#ICC
#ICC
Reposted by Dr Benjamin Thorne
BIG International Criminal Court & technology news: The ICC will replace Microsoft & instead use German Open Desk software. This move is in direct response to current US sanctions against ICC staff, & threats to sanction the court. a significant positive step for the independence of the ICC.
#ICC
#ICC
October 30, 2025 at 11:44 AM
BIG International Criminal Court & technology news: The ICC will replace Microsoft & instead use German Open Desk software. This move is in direct response to current US sanctions against ICC staff, & threats to sanction the court. a significant positive step for the independence of the ICC.
#ICC
#ICC
BIG International Criminal Court & technology news: The ICC will replace Microsoft & instead use German Open Desk software. This move is in direct response to current US sanctions against ICC staff, & threats to sanction the court. a significant positive step for the independence of the ICC.
#ICC
#ICC
October 30, 2025 at 11:44 AM
BIG International Criminal Court & technology news: The ICC will replace Microsoft & instead use German Open Desk software. This move is in direct response to current US sanctions against ICC staff, & threats to sanction the court. a significant positive step for the independence of the ICC.
#ICC
#ICC
This! 👇
I do sometimes have writers block, more commonly known as the time you need to sit or pace or stare out the window and let your thoughts form rather than ask the machine to tell you what you think
People who aren’t writers think writer’s block is at least as big and real a problem as I thought quicksand would be, as a child.
October 28, 2025 at 10:49 AM
This! 👇
Reposted by Dr Benjamin Thorne
Fifth Annual Symposium on Pop Culture and International Law: Gotta Catch’ Em All (But Not Quite)! Beauty, Utility and the Hierarchies of Life in Pokémon and International Law
opiniojuris.org/2025/10/27/f...
opiniojuris.org/2025/10/27/f...
Fifth Annual Symposium on Pop Culture and International Law: Gotta Catch’ Em All (But Not Quite)! Beauty, Utility and the Hierarchies of Life in Pokémon and International Law
[Tamara Grigoras is a PhD candidate in public international law at the University of Fribourg (Switzerland) and a research fellow at the Waseda Graduate School of Law (Japan)] Not all creatures are…
opiniojuris.org
October 28, 2025 at 7:59 AM
Fifth Annual Symposium on Pop Culture and International Law: Gotta Catch’ Em All (But Not Quite)! Beauty, Utility and the Hierarchies of Life in Pokémon and International Law
opiniojuris.org/2025/10/27/f...
opiniojuris.org/2025/10/27/f...
Reposted by Dr Benjamin Thorne
Looking forward to welcoming @benjaminthorne.bsky.social, @kategibson123.bsky.social, Pubudu Sachithanandan, Barbora Holá, Maartje Weerdesteijn, and Adina-Loredana Nistor to the brand new library @uvahumanities.bsky.social
October 27, 2025 at 7:40 AM
Looking forward to welcoming @benjaminthorne.bsky.social, @kategibson123.bsky.social, Pubudu Sachithanandan, Barbora Holá, Maartje Weerdesteijn, and Adina-Loredana Nistor to the brand new library @uvahumanities.bsky.social