Episode 12: No Licence to Kill

Episode 12: No Licence to Kill

Author: European Journal of International Law October 18, 2021 Duration: 44:13

In this episode Dapo Akande, Marko Milanovic and Philippa Webb discuss the legal issues that arise from targeted killings conducted by states outside their territory. They begin with a discussion of the recent blockbuster judgment of the European Court of Human Rights in the case concerning the killing in London in 2006 of the Russian dissident Alexander Litvinenko. They talk about how the Court dealt with the attribution of the killing to Russia and then explore the extraterritorial application of human rights treaties obligations - a question on which many courts and treaty bodies have given inconsistent answers. The podcast then moves on to the legal issues that would arise if the courts of the territorial state were to seek to exercise jurisdiction over the individuals accused of committing the killing or over the state that sent them. Would those individuals be entitled to the immunity from foreign criminal jurisdiction which those who act on behalf of a state are normally entitled to? If not, why not and how does the ongoing work of International Law Commission on immunity deal with this issue?


Dive into the complex and ever-evolving world of global legal frameworks with EJIL: The Podcast! Brought to you by the European Journal of International Law, this series transforms intricate legal concepts into engaging and accessible conversations. Each episode features the journal's own editors, along with contributors from its dynamic blog, EJIL: Talk!, who bring their deep expertise directly to the microphone. Rather than dry academic lectures, you'll hear thoughtful, nuanced discussions that connect the dots between international law and the pressing events shaping both global and domestic landscapes. From diplomatic tensions and human rights to trade disputes and environmental agreements, the podcast examines how legal principles are tested and applied in real time. Produced with the European Journal of International Law and supported by staff at the University of Oxford's Blavatnik School of Government, the production ensures a consistently high-quality exploration of ideas. Whether you're a legal professional, a student, or simply a curious mind trying to understand the rules that govern state interactions, this podcast offers a vital and clarifying perspective. It’s a direct line to the thinkers who are dissecting today's most challenging issues, making the often-opaque mechanics of international affairs comprehensible and relevant to our daily lives.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 44

EJIL: The Podcast!
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