Today, we speak with Matevž Pezdirc, Head of the Genocide Network Secretariat, as part of our ongoing exploration of coordinating mechanisms in international justice.

These mechanisms often operate behind the scenes but play a crucial role—not only in shaping formal agreements but also in providing a space where policies are discussed and refined before they take shape.

Pezdirc leads the European Network for the investigation and prosecution of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes—more commonly known as the ‘Genocide Network’.

Established in 2002, the Genocide Network brings together prosecutors from across Europe twice a year to strengthen cooperation between national authorities in investigating and prosecuting genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes—collectively known as core international crimes.

Here are the links to some of the court cases we talked about: The Ethiopian Red Terror Case in the Netherlands, Koblenz trial case in Germany, and Sweden and Iran in the 1980s. We also talked about a Portuguese case that Janet and Stef had not heard about. Here is the link.

Additionally, he also suggested reading East West Street by Philippe Sands.