(2019-10-26). Butina's case is 'prosecutorial overreach': She did nothing illegal, but got 'harsh sentence' — freed gun activist's lawyer. rt.com 
Russian gun activist Maria Butina, who has spent over a year behind bars in the US on charges of being an unregistered Russian lobbyist, was essentially innocent but was caught up in anti-Russian witch hunts, her lawyer told RT. | Butina came to the US on a student visa in 2016 and was actively involved in pro-gun circles, namely the National Rifle Association (NRA) with a stated goal of expanding gun laws in Russia, which are quite restrictive. Yet, she was detained by the FBI in July 2018 on suspicion of conspiring to infiltrate the lobby group to promote Russian interests in the US. | The American media…
(2019-10-26). On-going attacks on Oakland & Berkeley's unhoused violates their human rights. indybay.org In scenes reminiscent of the bulldozer attacks on shanty towns around the world, Oakland's Mayor Libby Shaft had the bulldozers sent in to clear out another homeless encampment of the unhoused 2 days ago!
(2019-10-26). Largest McStrike launched at 6 South London stores. indybay.org October 25, 2019 – The Bakers Food and Allied Workers' Union (BFAWU) will today notify 6 London McDonald's stores that its members will go on strike on 12 November as part of an international day of action for fast food workers' rights.
(2019-10-26). Europe – Help free Africa's last colony! indybay.org Elghalia Djimi was tortured for years, with acid, dogs, and sexual violence — yet she continues her brave and gritty struggle for justice and freedom in Africa's last colony. We have a rare opportunity to help put an end to over 40 years of occupation.
(2019-10-26). A million people march in Chile to protest against the government. thecanary.co 
Hundreds of thousands of protesters have marched in Chile's capital, intensifying pressure on a government struggling to contain deadly unrest over economic hardship.The huge throng surged toward a central plaza on 25 October as participants blew whistles, banged pots and pans and carried Chilean flags and posters demanding change.The diverse crowd included students, workers, parents and their children."All of Chile is marching here," Santiago mayor Karla Rubilar said, adding that there was hope as well as sadness among the demonstrators.According to Chile's human rights watchdog, more than 2,000 people have been…
(2019-10-25). Trumka: Mexican President faces big obstacles to worker rights drive. peoplesworld.org 
WASHINGTON—New Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, better known as AMLO and the first progressive president south of the border in decades, faces big obstacles in his drive for Mexican workers' rights, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka says. The opposition, he explains, is already coming from big business, which exploits Mexican workers, and from Mexico's company …
(2019-10-25). Texas judge rules father of 'transgender' 7yo will have rights, possibly halting puberty blocker treatment. rt.com 
The bitterly divorced parents of James Younger, 7, will have joint medical decision-making powers, a judge ruled, blocking the mother's attempts to pursue irreversible "gender affirmation" treatments to transition him into a girl. | Judge Kim Cooks of the 255th Family District Court ruled on Thursday that Jeff Younger will have equal rights in the matter with Anne Georgulas, who had previously been given sole custody and guardianship over James and his twin brother Jude. | Georgulas contended that James feels like a girl named "Luna" and wanted to pursue "affirmation" parenting — including puberty blocker…
(2019-10-25). Chicago Cops: The Torture Machine, Unending. counterpunch.org 
The Torture Machine: Racism and Police Violence in Chicago. By Flint Taylor. Chicago: Haymarket, 2019. 541pp. $27. The first thing to understand about this important book is the author. Flint Taylor is a Chicago-based civil liberties lawyer of long standing, founding partner in the People's Law Office, and a dogged opponent of Red Squad-style behavior. More
(2019-10-25). She Deserves Our Support: Betty McCollum Wants US to Stop Subsidizing Torture of Palestinian Children. counterpunch.org 
In December 2018, 17-year-old Palestinian teen, Ayham Sabah, was sentenced by an Israeli military court to 35 years in prison for his alleged role in a stabbing attack targeting an Israeli soldier in an illegal Jewish settlement in the West Bank. Sabah was only 14 years old when the alleged attack took place. Another alleged More
(2019-10-25). Open Letter to PM Boris Johnson, Priti Patel, Sajid Javid, and Kevin Hollinrake. dissidentvoice.org Dear Boris Johnson, Priti Patel, Sajid Javid and Kevin Hollinrake, I feel compelled to write to you over my extreme concern regarding the health and well-being of Julian Assange. Please see the link below regarding the psychological torture that Julian Assange has been subjected to, both before leaving the Ecuadorean Embassy and since during his …
(2019-10-25). 18 Deaths, 2,400 Arrested in Chile's Protests: Watchdog Report. telesurenglish.net Chile's national human rights institute reported Wednesday that the number of victims rose to 18 and arrested people countrywide rose to more than 2,400 people, following a sixth day of massive anti-government protests in various cities. | RELATED: | HRW Urges Chile to Open Investigations and Respect Human Rights | The National Institute of Human Rights, a public but independent agency, said 898 of the arrests occurred in Santiago — whe…
(2019-10-25). Over 1 Million People March in Chile's Largest Protest. telesurenglish.net Over one million people are marching in the streets of the Chilean capital, responding to the convocation of students and labor unions who organized on social media "The Largest March in Chile" on Friday afternoon, with rallies paralyzing major cities. | RELATED: | Chile Unrest: Rights Groups Warn of Dictatorship-Like Practices | The march started between 5-6 p.m., local time, from the Plaza Italia, demanding among others the government to send back the Armed Forces to their mi…
(2019-10-25). Roaming Charges: A Place Where Nobody Knows. counterpunch.org 
This week marked 8th the anniversary of Gaddafi's death in the Libyan town of Sirte. The lesson of his life is: If you do exactly what the US demands, they'll still enter your country, overthrow your government, hunt you down, torture you to death and display your mangled body in a meat locker. Class dismissed. More
(2019-10-25). Raise The Rate Drive unveiled at Addison Road Community Centre. greenleft.org.au 
welfare rights Bernadette SmithIssue 1242 Australia Raise the rate MarrickvilleOctober 25, 2019The Addison Road Community Centre in Marrickville, Sydney, has renamed one of its streets to Raise T…
(2019-10-25). "You Won't Take Down Lies or You Will?": AOC Grills Facebook's Zuckerberg on Lies in Political Ads. democracynow.org 
This week, as Facebook said it will not fact check political ads or hold politicians to its usual content standards, the social media giant's CEO Mark Zuckerberg was grilled for more than five hours by lawmakers on Capitol Hill on the company's policy of allowing politicians to lie in political advertisements, as well as its role in facilitating election interference and housing discrimination. We play highlights from New York Congressmember Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Ohio Congressmember Joyce Beatty, who asked Zuckerberg about Facebook's record on civil rights, which she called "appalling and disgusting." Bea…
(2019-10-25). Headlines for October 25, 2019. democracynow.org Trump's Justice Department Opens Criminal Probe into Origins of Mueller Investigation, Trump Planning to Send Troops and Tanks to Eastern Syrian Oil Fields, U.N. to Probe Human Rights Abuses in Chile Amid Mass Protests, Ecuador's Indigenous Leaders Halt Talks with President Over Austerity Protests, Bolivia's Evo Morales Declares Election Victory as Opponents Cry Foul, Thousands March in Guinea to Oppose President's Bid for Third Term, Baltimore Congressmember Elijah Cummings Lies in State at U.S. Capitol, Joe Biden's Campaign Reverses Opposition to Super PACs, Protesters Demand New Jersey Offer Driver's Licenses…
(2019-10-25). Dorothee Benz on LGBTQ Rights, Joe Emersberger on Ecuador Protests. fair.org 
Media…
(2019-10-24). New York forum / 'End sanctions on China & Zimbabwe!'. workers.org 
A Workers World Party forum on "Resisting Sanctions & U.S. Economic Warfare, from China to Zimbabwe" was held in New York City on Oct. 17, featuring two speakers. Omowale Clay, Oct. 17. Omowale Clay, a longtime leader of the December 12th Movement, has been a main organizer in building solidarity . . . | Continue reading New York forum / 'End sanctions on China & Zimbabwe!' at Workers.org
(2019-10-24). I Went to Mexico to Meet Asylum-Seekers Trapped at the Border. This Is What I Saw. aclu.org 
Two weeks ago, I traveled to northern Mexico along with Mexican photographer Guillermo Arias to meet with asylum-seekers who've been trapped at the southern U.S. border by Trump Administration policies. Neither of us was prepared for what we saw there. | We visited two cities — Ciudad Juarez and Matamoros — to track down people who had been placed into the deceptively misnamed "Migrant Protection Protocols" that have slammed America's door shut to people fleeing persecution and violence in their home countries. Before we arrived, we wondered whether the stories we'd read of kidnappings, assaults,…
(2019-10-24). Police killed CPN leader Paudel in cold blood: NHRC. mronline.org 
The NHRC has recommended that the government should investigate officers issuing orders to police officials who acted against Paudel and bring them to book. | Source
(2019-10-24). Israel Prevents UN Special Rapporteur from Traveling to Palestine. telesurenglish.net Special rapporteur of the United Nations Organization on human rights in Palestine Michael Lynk condemned Israel for preventing him Thursday from traveling to the Palestinian territories, violating thus established procedures and protocols. | RELATED: | Record Number of Palestinian Homes Demolished: Rights Group | "This is a violation of the procedures and protocols because, as part of my work, I must go and see the situation on the ground firsthand," the official said at a press…
(2019-10-24). Record Number of Palestinian Homes Demolished: Rights Group. telesurenglish.net At least 140 Palestinian homes in east Jerusalem have been demolished so far this year by the Israeli authorities according to the rights organization B'Tselem who said Thursday that the figure was the highest since it began keeping records in 2004. | RELATED: | Palestinian Authority Allegedly Freezes Gaza NGOs Assets | The rights…
(2019-10-24). Murdoch University seeks to silence whistleblowing academic. greenleft.org.au 
civil rights Pedro AlvarezIssue 1242 Australia Murdoch University PerthOctober 24, 2019Murdoch University is facing widespread criticism for its decision to seek potentially millions in compensation…
(2019-10-24). Northern Territory forced to back down on plan to criminalise Aboriginal burial rites. greenleft.org.au 
Aboriginal rights Emma MurphyIssue 1242 AustraliaOctober 24, 2019[Update October 25: The Northern Territory government has been forced to withdraw its Burial and Cremation Bill due to community outcry and concerns raised by Yolngu clans and Aboriginal organisations.] | Aboriginal peoples are no strangers to having governments pass la…
(2019-10-24). Hundreds attend Animal Activists Forum. greenleft.org.au 
environment Mary MerkenichIssue 1242 Australia animal rights MelbourneOctober 24, 2019More than 200 people from across the country attended the annual Animal Activist Forum, which was held this year a…
(2019-10-24). Ending Endless War: Andrew Bacevich on How Reckless Use of U.S. Military Power Caused Today's Crisis. democracynow.org 
President Trump has announced sanctions will be lifted on Turkey as a ceasefire remains in place in northern Syria, where Turkey invaded earlier this month after Trump withdrew U.S. troops. On Tuesday Turkey reached an agreement with Russia that would force Syrian Kurdish forces to retreat from a wide swath of the Syrian-Turkish border. The United Nations is reporting Turkey's offensive in northern Syria has displaced over 176,000 people, including nearly 80,000 children. The Turkish assault also led to a number of former ISIS fighters escaping from jail in northern Syria. We speak with Andrew Bacevich, co-founde…
(2019-10-24). Headlines for October 24, 2019. democracynow.org Trump Lifts Sanctions on Turkey, Citing Ceasefire Agreement, Republican Lawmakers Disrupt Closed-Door Impeachment Hearing, Trump's Lawyer Argues the President Can't Be Prosecuted for Murder, Death Toll in Chile Protests Rises to 18 as Human Rights Groups Allege Torture, Spain Removes Remains of Francisco Franco from National Mausoleum, Julian Assange Appears Frail and Confused in London Court Hearing, 39 Bodies Found in Tractor-Trailer in Southeast England, Honduran Woman's Lawsuit Claims Years of Sexual Assault by ICE Agent, Immigrant Worker Injured in New Orleans Hotel Collapse Arrested by ICE, California Utili…
(2019-10-23). Betty McCollum Is Pushing Congress to Stop Subsidizing the Torture of Palestinian Children. mintpressnews.com 
"The legislation I am introducing is expressly intended to end U.S. support and funding for Israel's systematic military detention, interrogation, abuse, torture, and prosecution of Palestinian children." – Betty McCollum…
(2019-10-23). She Deserves Our Support: Betty McCollum Wants US to Stop Subsidizing Torture of Palestinian Children. dissidentvoice.org In December 2018, 17-year-old Palestinian teen, Ayham Sabah, was sentenced by an Israeli military court to 35 years in prison for his alleged role in a stabbing attack targeting an Israeli soldier in an illegal Jewish settlement in the West Bank. Sabah was only 14 years old when the alleged attack took place. Another alleged attacker, Omar …
(2019-10-23). US Renews Chevron License as European Refiner Cuts Venezuela Ties over Sanctions. venezuelanalysis.com Finnish-Venezuelan refiner Nynas is one of PDVSA's few remaining cash buyers.
(2019-10-23). Decisive international action needed to end Israeli occupation: UN rights expert. un.org The international community has a responsibility and legal obligation to compel Israel to end its 52 year-long "occu-annexation" of Palestinian territory and remove barriers preventing Palestinian self-determination, a UN independent human rights expert told the General Assembly on Wednesday.
(2019-10-23). Wednesday's Daily Brief: New food agency partnership for children, conference on solidarity for Venezuela, snow leopard at risk of extinction. un.org A recap of Wednesday's top stories: UN food agency partnership to feed millions of hungry children; Solidarity conference for 4.5 million Venezuelans on the move; new panel to aid internally displaced persons; healthy working conditions still not universal – UN rights expert; Environment Programme to help endangered snow leopard.
(2019-10-23). An American Citizen Was Detained While Trying to Pay a Customs Fee on a Gift for His Daughter. theintercept.com The incident, involving a Muslim man and two family members, saw CBP stretch the law "beyond recognition," said a civil liberties attorney.
(2019-10-22). Greater Middle East Project of Chaos: The Management of Savagery. mintpressnews.com 
The refugee crises coming out of the Middle East, generated by the forever wars and accompanying economic sanctions (more accurately, illegal unilateral coercive measures), have consequently fueled xenophobia both in the US and abroad. This, in turn, has fostered an ascendant wave of rightists. "Trump's election," author Max Blumenthal contends, "would not have been possible without 9/11 and the subsequent military interventionism conceived by the national security state."
(2019-10-22). Minnesota: Patriotic Chinese students oppose turmoil in Hong Kong. fightbacknews.org Minneapolis, MN – On October 18, the five-starred flag of the People's Republic of China fluttered in the wind, as a group of patriotic Chinese international students marched in opposition to a reactionary demonstration billed as the "Liberty for Hong Kong March." | The reactionaries made their way through the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus "in solidarity with Hong Kong people against oppression on democracy and human rights." Many of the 'liberators' wore black, and the leaders of the demonstration donned yellow armbands and face masks. Their demonstration coincided with the House of Representatives…
(2019-10-22). Chicago teachers strike continues. fightbacknews.org Chicago, IL – The joint strike by the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) and SEIU Local 73 continued October 18 and through the weekend as the office of Mayor Lori Lightfoot continued to refuse to meet the strikers' demands. | The teachers and school workers are on strike for "the schools our students deserve": smaller class sizes, genuine sanctuary schools, and a nurse and librarian in every school. Among their demands are political demands, or what the CTU calls "bargaining for the common good." These include the demand for affordable housing for working-class Chicagoans, something that the mayor refuses to put…
(2019-10-22). Race for Profit: Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor on How Banks & Real Estate Biz Undermined Black Homeowners. democracynow.org 
Recent U.S. census data reveals the homeownership rate for African Americans has fallen to its lowest level since before the civil rights movement. In the second quarter of this year, the rate fell to just 40% — the lowest level since 1950. Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor's new book, "Race for Profit: How Banks and the Real Estate Industry Undermined Black Home Ownership," examines the roots of this crisis. The book has just come out and has been longlisted for the 2019 National Book Award. From Philadelphia, we speak with Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, an assistant professor at Princeton University.
(2019-10-21). Turkey Breaks Ceasefire, US "Secures Syria's Oil" & Assange's Torture & Violation Of Rights Exposed. thelastamericanvagabond.com Welcome to The Daily Wrap Up, a concise show dedicated to bringing you the most relevant independent news, as we see it, from the last 24 hours (10/19/19). As always, take the information discussed in the video below and research it for yourself, and come to your own conclusions. Anyone telling you what the truth …
(2019-10-21). Monday's Daily Brief: Online hate, gender equality in Africa, Chile protests, African migrants in Europe, Security Council in South Sudan. un.org A recap of Monday's main stories: companies 'failing' to address offline harm incited by online hate; gender equality 'precursor' to sustaining peace; UN rights chief urges 'immediate dialogue' to resolve Chile crisis; African migrants would make perilous Europe journey again; Security Council visits South Sudan.
(2019-10-21). Patriotic Korean students enter U.S. ambassador's Seoul compound, demand U.S. troops out now. fightbacknews.org On October 18 a group of Korean students entered the U.S. ambassador's residential compound in Seoul, Korea to protest the continuing presence of U.S. troops in their country. 20 people, who belong to a coalition of progressive students, scaled the wall of the diplomatic compound and began a demonstration against the U.S. occupation of their county. The students chanted "We don't need U.S. troops," and "Get out!" before being escorted out by police. 19 of the students were detained and questioned by south Korean police. | There are an estimated 28,000 U.S. troops in southern Korea who are essentially engaged in m…
(2019-10-21). UN rights chief urges 'immediate dialogue' to end Chile unrest. un.org The top UN human rights official is calling for politicians and civil society in Chile to engage in "immediate dialogue" to resolve the deadly crisis which has gripped the nation in recent days.
(2019-10-21). Companies 'failing' to address offline harm incited by online hate: UN expert. un.org States and companies are "failing" when it comes to combating online hate, the UN independent rights expert, or Special Rapporteur, on freedom of speech and expression said on Monday, ahead of the launch of a landmark report to reinforce legal standards for internet spaces.
(2019-10-20). Venezuela Elected to UN Human Rights Council Despite US Opposition. theantimedia.com The Maduro government was elected to a three-year term with backing of 105 out of 195 UN member-states.
(2019-10-18). Why is the Trump Administration Trying to Tear This 26-Year-Old DACA Recipient Away From Her Child? aclu.org 
Anahi Jaquez —Estrada is scared. As soon as Monday, she may be deported to a country she hardly knows: away from her 8-year-old daughter and her husband, both of whom are United States citizens. She has lived in the U.S. almost her entire life and is in the process of becoming a lawful permanent resident. Her story is at once exceptionally tragic and a paradigmatic example of how our immigration legal system is failing — and tearing families apart. | I met Anahi in late July at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention site in Aurora, Colorado, where she has spent the last year and a…
(2019-10-18). Patients' Needs, Not Personal Beliefs, Come First in Health Care. aclu.org From the | start, the Trump administration has issued one regulation after another that uses | religion to deny people — particularly pregnant people, people with low-incomes, | and LGBTQ people — health care access and coverage. Today, we are asking | a federal district court in New York to strike down one of the most pernicious | of these regulations: the refusal of care rule. | The refusal | of care rule, issued by the Department of Health | and Human Services (…
(2019-10-17). Venezuela Elected to UN Human Rights Council. venezuelanalysis.com The Maduro government was elected to a three-year term with backing of 105 out of 195 UN member-states.
(2019-10-16). Photo Essay: Home for the Kurds? progressive.org The Kurds living in northern Syria worked together to create an independent region called Rojava, based on workers rights, equality, feminism, and ecology.
(2019-10-16). Newark protesters: Democratic Party machine an accomplice in Trump's war on immigrants. liberationnews.org 
Protesters gathered in Newark, New Jersey for a rally and 3-mile march up to the detention center organized by the Resist the Deportation Machine Network on Oct. 12 to demand the closure of the ICE concentration camp in Essex county.
(2019-10-11). Resisting Anti-Immigrant Hate in the City of Big Shoulders. progressive.org A gaggle of far-right MAGA men showed up at a Chicago church to protest its immigrant rights work. Bad decision.
(2019-10-09). US 'Walks Back' Syria "Withdrawal," Kurd's '10,000 ISIS' Warning & The FBI 'Violated Privacy Rights'. thelastamericanvagabond.com Welcome to The Daily Wrap Up, a concise show dedicated to bringing you the most relevant independent news, as we see it, from the last 24 hours (10/8/19). As always, take the information discussed in the video below and research it for yourself, and come to your own conclusions. Anyone telling you what the truth …