Question

In international law, the universality principle is a concept that grants states the jurisdiction to prosecute individuals for certain crimes, regardless of where the crime was committed or the nationality of the perpetrator or victim. This principle allows states to assert their jurisdiction over crimes that are considered of universal concern, such as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. It aims to ensure that perpetrators of these serious crimes do not escape accountability.

In light of the universality principle, consider the following scenarios:

1. A Filipino citizen named Juan is accused of committing war crimes in a conflict-ridden country abroad. Can the Philippine government exercise jurisdiction over Juan and prosecute him for these crimes?
2. A foreign national named Maria, who holds dual citizenship in the Philippines and Country X, is suspected of committing acts of terrorism in multiple countries, including the Philippines. Can the Philippine government assert jurisdiction and prosecute Maria for these terrorist acts?
3. An individual named Ahmed, who is not a Philippine citizen, is alleged to have committed piracy on the high seas near the Philippines. Can the Philippine authorities claim jurisdiction over Ahmed and charge him with piracy?
4. A group of foreign nationals operates an international human trafficking network, with operations that extend to the Philippines. Can the Philippine government exercise jurisdiction over these individuals and bring them to trial for acts of human trafficking?