Baraka Books is pleased to announce the launch of Justice Belied, The Unbalanced Scales of International Criminal Justice on Wednesday, October 15, at 5:30 p.m. at the Centre Saint-Pierre, Salle Marguerite-Bourgeoys (Salle 303), 1212, rue Panet, in Montreal.

Edited by Sébastien Chartrand and John Philpot, Justice Belied raises all the burning questions in international law and politics.

The book could not appear at a better time. For example, by bombing Syria, the United States and its allies are once again blithely brushing aside the fundamental principles of international law, namely the sovereign equality of members of the UN and the right of self-determination. In so-doing they wreak death and destruction on that country and the entire region, just as they did in Libya in 2011. But they will not be called before any international criminal tribunal. Justice Belied explains why.

An aura of respectability hovers over international criminal tribunals. “Undeservedly,” say many practitioners who bring to bear hard facts and penetrating analysis. African jurists, who are rarely consulted, describe the nearly exclusive focus on Africa as “demeaning,” “condescending,” and “neo-colonial posturing.” International criminal law has also been touted as a means to fight impunity and to achieve peace and reconciliation. Yet most practitioners see it as “a monument to impunity,” an impediment to peace and reconciliation or war by other means.

If you are unable to attend the launch, you can purchase the book here.