In many parts of the world, assassinations have become a daily occurrence. Data collected by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime shows that at least 2,700 people were victims of contract killings between 2019 and 2020 in 84 countries. Many of which were members of civil society. In this podcast we bear witness to the victims of organized crime by looking at why certain individuals or groups of individuals are at risk of assassination, and what can be done to prevent it.
How the International Community can help Investigations and end Impunity
In the last episode, we look at the issue that underpins most contract killings: impunity. With impunity rates so high for the murder of journalists, environmentalists, and others, it can sometimes feel like a losing battle.But convictions can be secured. Corruption that leads to assassinations can be exposed, and the masterminds put behind bars.What changes are needed to disrupt the system of collusion that enables contract killings? And how can the international community step in?HOST: Ana Paula Oliveira, GITOCINTERVIEWEE(S):Agnes Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International and former UN Special Rapporteur in Extrajudicial KillingSteve Carmody, the head of investigation of the Wildlife Justice Commission Judge Antonio Balsamo, Prosecutor General of the Italian Supreme Court of Cassation and Professor of Criminal law at the Faculty of Law of the LUMSAAdditional Links:Global Assassination MonitorFaces of AssassinationGlobal Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime
2/6/2023 • 11 minutes, 32 seconds
Tracing Crime Scene to Mastermind
When a contract killing is committed it is up to the authorities to find out who is responsible. Not only the person who pulled the trigger, but also the person who ordered the assassination. How do law enforcement investigate this? From crime scene to the ultimate mastermind behind the attack. HOST: Ana Paula Oliveira, GITOCINTERVIEWEE(S):Agnes Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International and former UN Special Rapporteur in Extrajudicial KillingSteve Carmody, the head of investigation of the Wildlife Justice Commission Additional Links:Global Assassination MonitorFaces of AssassinationGlobal Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime
1/23/2023 • 12 minutes, 49 seconds
The Road to Protecting Politicians
In this episode Ana explores how we respond to the assassination of politicians, and what needs to change to make sure that politicians cannot be murdered with impunity.HOST: Ana Paula Oliveira, GITOCINTERVIEWEE(S):Romain Le-Cour Grandmaison, Senior Expert, Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime.Gemma Dipoppa, Assistant Professor of Political Science at Brown University, United States.Antônio Sampaio, Senior Analyst, Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime.Additional Links:Global Assassination MonitorFaces of AssassinationGlobal Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime
12/19/2022 • 14 minutes, 18 seconds
Assassination of Politicians: Low Cost, High Gain
When most politicians are elected to office, public criticism is the worst they will face. But for some politicians, they become targets for assassination. In this episode of The Ripple Effect, Ana explores why this is the case, why politicians are at risk of assassination and the role of organized crime.HOST: Ana Paula Oliveira, GITOCINTERVIEWEE(S):Romain Le-Cour Grandmaison, Senior Expert, Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime.Gemma Dipoppa, Assistant Professor of Political Science at Brown University, United States.Antônio Sampaio, Senior Analyst, Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime.Additional Links:Global Assassination MonitorFaces of AssassinationGlobal Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime
12/5/2022 • 13 minutes, 13 seconds
What needs to change to protect Environmentalists?
In this episode of The Ripple Effect, Ana looks at the practical steps that can be taken to protect environmentalists from the many threats they face. She also explores alternative approaches governments and corporations can take to make sure environmentalists and indigenous voices are heard.HOST: Ana Paula Oliveira, GITOCINTERVIEWEE(S):Maiara Folly, Co-founder and Programme Director at Plataforma CIPÓ - TwitterBilly Kyte, Independent Consultant on Conflict Mitigation and Peace Building, and member of the GI network of experts - TwitterRachel Cox, Senior Campaigner and Investigations at Global Witness - TwitterAdditional Links:**Update** The Guardian - Brazilian police name alleged ‘mastermind’ behind murders of Dom Phillips and Bruno PereiraGlobal Assassination MonitorFaces of AssassinationGlobal Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime
11/21/2022 • 14 minutes, 8 seconds
Who stands to gain from attacks on Environmentalists?
In this episode, we guide you through the struggles environmentalists face. These people are on the frontline of the climate crisis, yet they face imminent threats from other powerful forces. Who stands to gain from the attacks on environmentalists?HOST: Ana Paula Oliveira, GITOCINTERVIEWEE(S):Judy Pasimio, Coordinator for LILAK (Purple Action for Indigenous Women’s Rights).Liliana Jauregui, Senior Expert Environmental Justice from IUCN. Rachel Cox, Campaigner and Investigations at Global Witness.Additional Links:Global Assassination MonitorFaces of AssassinationGlobal Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime
10/31/2022 • 10 minutes, 35 seconds
How can we protect Human Rights Defenders?
Welcome to The Ripple Effect from the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime. Following on from the last episodes, we look at how we can protect human rights defenders against violence.HOST: Ana Paula Oliveira, GITOCINTERVIEWEE(S):Roxanna Althoz, Human Rights Lawyer, who was part of the international investigation into the murder of the indigenous environmentalist campaigner, Berta Cáceres in Honduras in 2016.Michelle Foley, HRD Memorial Project Coordinator, Frontline DefendersJuan Pappier, Senior Researcher for Americas at Human Rights WatchMaureen Meyer, Vice President for Programs at the Washington Office on Latin America.Additional Links:Global Assassination MonitorFaces of AssassinationGlobal Initiative Against Transnational Organized CrimeBloomberg - Did the Avocado Cartels kill Mexico 'Butterfly King'?
10/4/2022 • 12 minutes, 59 seconds
The Threat Against Human Rights Defenders
Welcome to The Ripple Effect from the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime. In this episode we look at the threat against human rights defenders. What makes these brave individuals a target for assassination?HOST: Ana Paula Oliveira, GITOCINTERVIEWEE(S):Michelle Foley, HRD Memorial Project Coordinator, Frontline DefendersJuan Pappier, Senior Researcher for Americas at Human Rights WatchMaureen Meyer, Vice President for Programs at the Washington Office on Latin America.Additional Links:Global Assassination MonitorFaces of AssassinationGlobal Initiative Against Transnational Organized CrimeBloomberg - Did the Avocado Cartels kill Mexico 'Butterfly King'?
9/21/2022 • 10 minutes, 51 seconds
Fighting impunity
Welcome to The Ripple Effect from the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime. In this episode we look at how civil society can mobilize itself to fight against impunity, and reduce harm to journalists and other civil society actors.HOST: Ana Paula Oliveira, GITOCINTERVIEWEE(S):Andrew Caruana Galizia – co-founder of the Daphne Caruana Galizia Foundation and son of journalist, Daphne Caruana GaliziaGuilherme Canela Godoi – who is currently heading the global unit on freedom of expression and safety of journalists at UNESCOAdditional Links:Global Assassination MonitorFaces of AssassinationGlobal Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime
9/5/2022 • 14 minutes, 52 seconds
Why are journalists vulnerable to killings by organized crime?
Welcome to The Ripple Effect from the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime. In this episode, we explore the reasons why journalists are vulnerable to killings by organized crime.HOST: Ana Paula Oliveira, GITOCINTERVIEWEE(S):Guilherme Canela Godoi – who is currently heading the global unit on freedom of expression and safety of journalists at UNESCOFrank Smyth, the Senior Advisor for journalist security at the Committee to Protect Journalists.Pauline Adès-Mével – Editor-in-chief / Spokeswoman at Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Additional LinksGlobal Assassination MonitorFaces of AssassinationGlobal Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime
8/22/2022 • 12 minutes, 54 seconds
Coming Soon: The Ripple Effect...
The Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime presents The Ripple Effect.In this podcast we bear witness to the victims of organized crime.Available soon wherever you get your podcasts.
