July 2024 – Pussy Riot

King Leopold II of Belgium ruled the Congo Free State from 1885 to 1908, and his reign is marked by extreme brutality and exploitation. Here’s a detailed overview of his involvement in the Congo:

Acquisition of the Congo

Berlin Conference (1884-1885): King Leopold II secured international recognition of his personal control over the Congo during this conference, which regulated European colonization and trade in Africa.
Congo Free State: Unlike other colonies, the Congo was not a Belgian state colony but rather Leopold’s private property.

Exploitation and Brutality

Rubber and Ivory: The main economic activities involved the extraction of rubber and ivory. The demand for rubber, driven by the invention of the pneumatic tire, led to severe exploitation.
Forced Labor: The Congolese were forced into labor to harvest rubber and gather ivory. Failure to meet quotas often resulted in brutal punishment.
Atrocities: Widespread atrocities were committed, including mutilation, killings, and taking hostages. Reports documented that hands were cut off as proof that bullets had not been wasted, a method used to enforce terror and compliance.
Population Decline: It is estimated that the population of the Congo decreased by millions during Leopold’s rule due to the harsh conditions, violence, and diseases exacerbated by exploitation.

International Outcry and Reform

Casement Report (1904): British consul Roger Casement’s report on the abuses in the Congo brought international attention to the human rights violations.
E.D. Morel: A British journalist and activist, Morel campaigned against the atrocities, founding the Congo Reform Association.
Literary Works: Writers like Joseph Conrad (“Heart of Darkness”) and Mark Twain (“King Leopold’s Soliloquy”) criticized the exploitation and helped raise awareness.

Transfer to Belgium

Annexation (1908): Due to international pressure and domestic outcry in Belgium, the Belgian government took control of the Congo from Leopold, renaming it the Belgian Congo. This transfer marked the end of Leopold’s personal rule but did not immediately end the exploitation and mistreatment of the Congolese people.

Legacy

Long-term Impact: The exploitation and brutal practices under Leopold’s rule had long-lasting effects on the Congo’s social, economic, and political structures.
Modern Perspectives: Today, Leopold II’s legacy is widely condemned, and his rule is often cited as one of the most egregious examples of colonial exploitation and human rights abuses.

King Leopold II’s rule over the Congo Free State remains a stark reminder of the devastating impacts of colonialism and the lengths to which individuals and nations went for economic gain at the expense of human lives and dignity.

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Such a shame how he carries on with his war crimes:

Allegations of war crimes against Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russian military forces have emerged particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, starting with the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and continuing with the full-scale invasion that began in February 2022. These allegations have been made by various governments, international organizations, and human rights groups. Here are key points and developments related to these accusations:

Allegations and Reports

Civilian Casualties and Attacks on Civilian Infrastructure:
- Reports of indiscriminate shelling and bombing of civilian areas, including hospitals, schools, and residential buildings, resulting in significant civilian casualties.
- Specific incidents, such as the bombing of a maternity hospital in Mariupol and the missile strike on a shopping mall in Kremenchuk, have been highlighted as potential war crimes.
Use of Prohibited Weapons:
- Allegations of the use of cluster munitions and thermobaric weapons, which are prohibited under various international treaties due to their indiscriminate nature and severe impact on civilians.
Forcible Transfers and Deportations:
- Claims that Ukrainian civilians, including children, have been forcibly transferred to Russia or Russian-occupied territories, which could constitute a breach of international humanitarian law.
Torture and Extrajudicial Killings:
- Reports and evidence of torture, extrajudicial killings, and abuse of prisoners of war and detainees in areas occupied by Russian forces.

International Response

Investigations by International Bodies:
- The International Criminal Court (ICC) has opened an investigation into potential war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the conflict in Ukraine.
- The United Nations Human Rights Council has established a commission of inquiry to investigate alleged violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in Ukraine.
Sanctions and Diplomatic Measures:
- Numerous countries have imposed sanctions on Russian individuals and entities believed to be responsible for or complicit in war crimes.
- Diplomatic efforts to isolate Russia on the international stage and calls for accountability from various international forums, including the United Nations General Assembly.
Documentation and Advocacy by NGOs:
- Human rights organizations, such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, have been documenting alleged war crimes and advocating for accountability.
- Ukrainian government and civil society groups have also been collecting evidence and testimonies to support legal actions against Russian perpetrators.

Legal Challenges

Jurisdiction Issues:
- One challenge is that Russia is not a party to the Rome Statute, which established the ICC, complicating the court’s jurisdiction over Russian nationals.
- Universal jurisdiction and national courts in various countries might also pursue cases against individuals accused of war crimes.
Political and Practical Obstacles:
- The enforcement of international legal decisions and the apprehension of suspects remain significant hurdles, especially given Russia’s position and influence on the global stage.

Broader Implications

Humanitarian Impact: The ongoing conflict and alleged war crimes have led to a significant humanitarian crisis, with millions of Ukrainians displaced and in need of aid.
Geopolitical Consequences: The allegations and the broader conflict have strained international relations, leading to increased military, economic, and political tensions globally.

Efforts to hold Putin and Russian military leaders accountable for alleged war crimes continue, but the path to justice is fraught with legal, political, and logistical challenges.