Systemic

Iraq Lauded for Progress on Women’s Rights, Yet Urged to Address Systemic Violence and Legal Gaps

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Baghdad, Iraq — The Lutheran World Federation recently praised the Iraqi government for its proactive role in engaging with the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) regarding human rights. This engagement includes a focus on enhancing protections for women and girls, marking a notable commitment to addressing gender-based violence and discrimination. The Federation expressed appreciation for Iraq’s legislative efforts aimed at safeguarding women’s rights, highlighting initiatives such as shelters for victims of violence, hotlines for support, and community awareness campaigns focused on combating violence against women. Despite these positive steps, the Federation raised critical concerns regarding ongoing … Read more

Former Judge Calls for FBI Probe into Harmony Montgomery Case, Alleges Systemic Failures in Child Protection

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PROVIDENCE, R.I. — A retired Massachusetts juvenile court judge is calling on the FBI to launch a new investigation into the case of Harmony Montgomery, a New Hampshire girl who has been missing since 2019. The plea comes in the wake of her father’s conviction for her murder. Harmony, who was just 5 years old at the time of her disappearance, has not been found, and the circumstances surrounding her case continue to spark concern and debate. In 2024, her father, Adam Montgomery, was found guilty of killing her and received a life sentence without … Read more

California Court Upholds $1 Million Verdict for Former Student Bullied in El Segundo School District, Highlighting Systemic Failures in Student Protection

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EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — A California appeals court has ruled in favor of Eleri Irons, a former middle school student, reinstating a $1 million verdict against the El Segundo Unified School District for its failure to protect her from a nearly year-long harassment campaign that involved verbal and cyberbullying. In the 2022 ruling by a Los Angeles Superior Court jury, the district was found negligent in its duty to supervise and adequately train its staff. This determination arrived after Irons, who was just 13 at the time the bullying began in fall 2017, suffered considerable … Read more

Systemic Flaws in Justice System Unearthed as Longest-Serving Wrongly Convicted Man is Exonerated After 38 Years

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LONDON, United Kingdom — A prominent barrister has cautioned that similar miscarriages of justice to that of Peter Sullivan are “absolutely inevitable,” following Sullivan’s recent exoneration after 38 years behind bars. Chris Henley KC, who conducted a critical review of the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), emphasized the perceived flaws within the appeals system. Henley’s comments came after Sullivan’s conviction for murder was overturned, based on DNA evidence that was not available during his trial. The case stands as the longest-running miscarriage of justice in the United Kingdom. Henley pointed out the CCRC’s oversight in … Read more