Ozichi Egeonu describes what the MSc in International Criminal Justice and Intelligence students got up to on their international trip to The Hague.
Destination: The Hague, The Netherlands
We are going to The Hague!
At least I did. Unfortunately, you would have to join virtually by reading my recount of the trip. I am sorry it had to be this way, but you might consider being an MSc International Criminal Justice and Intelligence student or any course programme under the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice in your next academic pursuit if you want to come along.
One might wonder what is so special about The Hague that we need to be a part of the SCCJ to come on the trip or why cant I go solo?
The trip to The Hague was educational. Imagine being a criminology student and being in organisations where you learn and have the opportunity to speak to renowned individuals in the world of criminology!
Places we visited:
Day 1
Upon landing in The Hague, we were filled with excitement, and we could not wait to get started on our planned activities.
A few hours after settling in at the hotel, we found ourselves at the Museum de Gevangenpoort (Dutch for Prison Gate Museum). This served as a prison and torture chamber from the 15th-19th century - it was a bit horrifying seeing the equipment used in torturing and unaliving prisoners. We saw actual inscriptions made on the walls by prisoners in the 15th-19th century. What stood out to me the most in this museum was the Farewell Chamber, a room where prisoners spent their last night with their loved ones. I cannot imagine how terrifying that must have been for the families.
We arrived in The Hague!
Day 2
Breakfast was the last thing on my mind because it was the International Court of Justice-Peace Palace exhibition and ICC day!
Our day started by visiting the Peace Palace exhibition; we saw historical clips and artifacts dating back to WW1, the formation of the ICJ, the Peace Tree and so much more. We also saw letters that soldiers from the war wrote to their spouses. Luckily, some of us were able to purchase the book version of the letters.
The next stop was the ICC. We were received by a solicitor in the Pre-Trial Division; he gave us an overview of the court and explained how cases meet the trial requirement and the structure of the court when it is in session. We went on to have an extensive presentation by another employee of the ICC and a Q&A session. As true students of Criminology, we were filled with questions! It was our chance to challenge the aims and purpose of the ICC. As an African, I had strong feelings and preconceived notions against the ICC, but this trip made me recognize the challenges they face whilst appreciating the good of the institution.
Us MSc in International Criminal Justice and Intelligence students at the ICC
Day 3
Our third day was the United Nations International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals and EuroJust visits. It was a rainy day, but the weather did not dampen our excitement at being received by one of the members of Slobodan Milo禳evi prosecution team at the IRMCT.
We started with a tour of the building after which we had a presentation on the history of the IRMCT and its formation from The International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda. We had a session with a prosecutor in which he told us about the investigative and prosecutorial processes employed at the IRMCT and some of the cases he had been involved with. The session ended with Q&A, after which we got to see the trial chamber and were given a recount of the infamous Milo禳evi trial.
A stone's throw away was the EuroJust. Unlike the previous organisations we visited, the EuroJust was unknown to me so it was a learning experience. EuroJust is a Hub where national judicial authorities in Europe work together to fight serious organised cross-border crimes.
We were hosted by the Liaison Prosecutor for the UK desk, Christopher Williams.
We had a seminar on the operations of the institution and how they contribute to tackling crimes, the roles of Joint Investigation Teams (JIT) and the Liaison Prosecutors. We were then shown the Situation Room - if you are into investigative or war movies, you know what this feels like!
Here we are the United Nations International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals.
Heading back to Portsmouth
All (some) good things come to an end, but we could not leave The Hague without going back to the ICC to observe the trial of Said Mahamat, former General of FPRC and S矇l矇ka (Central African Republic).
Said Mahamat is on trial for crimes against humanity, enforced disappearance and war crimes. It was a sombre experience listening to war victims give their testimonies on the inhumane acts meted out to them.
Unfortunately, we had to leave mid-trial because we had a flight to catch back to the UK.
Even though the trip was an educational one, we still had the time to explore The Hague and we had the opportunity to visit Amsterdam for a night. New friends were made, connections established and memories to last a lifetime were created.
One could almost say this was the highlight of my postgraduate study, but there have been other experiences during my postgraduate degree that shaped my academic and personal life.
The SCCJ socials helped bring me out of my cocoon as an international student, and amazing lecturers were always willing to help navigate my academic-related concerns, the Festival of Crime and so many activities I have been blessed to be a part of.