On 22 November 2024, the IIJ concluded its Trial Judges’ Counter-Terrorism Academic Curriculum course (TJ CTAC) held in Malta. This one-week, in-person course followed the successful completion of the online component attended by participants between September and October 2024.
The TJ CTAC brought together highly experienced practitioners from eight jurisdictions to foster an environment of elevated dialogue and knowledge exchange.
Guided by esteemed experts, the programme analysed critical topics such as the evolving terrorist threat, the application of fair trial principles in counter-terrorism cases, judicial cooperation and the analysis of terrorist financing methods alongside the social dimensions of terrorism.
Mr. Seidik Abba, a renowned analyst and researcher, provided an insightful analysis of the factors driving terrorism in the Sahel, Gulf of Guinea, and Central Africa regions. Ms. Hélène Cissé a highly experience lawyer from Senegal, facilitated sessions on the complexities of defining terrorism, international and regional conventions and their challenges in ensuring fair trials, human rights protection and the rehabilitation of offenders. Special attention was given to the treatment of children and young people involved in terrorism, advocating for tailored judicial approaches and implementation of international recommendations at the national level.
Mr. Jean-Louis Périès, President of the Assize Court Chamber in Paris, presented an in-depth examination of the judicial response to terrorism, focusing on the judge's role and offering practical insights on managing complex terrorism cases effectively. His session covered essential processes including analysis of evidence, case management, and formulating judicial directions, decisions and judgements.
A standout feature of the course was the two-day moot court that provided participants with hands-on experience to apply theoretical concepts in a collaborative and realistic setting while exchanging experience and best practices with judicial counterparts from other jurisdictions.
The highly interactive course provided participants with important networking opportunities creating valuable professional connections and underscoring the course’s value as both a training and collaborative opportunity.