(2019-05-17). German Parliament Criminalizes Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Movement. therealnews.com 
Germany becomes the first country in the world to criminalize the BDS movement. Shir Hever, TRNN Correspondent in Germany and expert on Palestine-Israel, responds…
(2019-05-17). Trump — from China to Iran to Venezuela — Threats and Sanctions Everywhere — A Chronicle of Disorganized Chaos Foretold. globalresearch.ca Trump himself, has not only reached a level of incompetence and ignorance which is scary — but he has also surrounded himself with inept, preposterous people, like, Pence, Bolton, Pompeo — who, it appears, have no other means left than running around the world amok, dishing out threats left and right…
(2019-05-17). Families of Victims of Uruguayan Dictatorship Condemn Opposition Vote. plenglish.com Montevideo, May 17 (Prensa Latina) The Uruguayan Association of Mothers and Relatives of Missing Detainees during the dictatorship on Friday described as "an aberration" the vote by opposition senators against the dismissal of generals who covered up a confessed oppressor.
(2019-05-17). 'Don't get comfortable:' Trump announces record detentions, says migrants will be 'sent home'. rt.com 
Donald Trump has called on Democrats to vote for his immigration reform to fix the 'National Emergency" on the US' border with Mexico, saying that migrants are being detained in record numbers to be repatriated.
(2019-05-17). Friday's Daily Brief: Syria, Yemen airstrikes, Anti-torture panel, Gay rights, Climate change, #Vesak Day. un.org On Friday, we cover: Fighting in Syria's Idlib province; UN condemnation of airstrikes in Yemen; UK's forced-return policy; LGBTI rights; the UN chief's climate action trip to Tuvalu; and Vesak Day.
(2019-05-17). US Again Jails Chelsea Manning for Refusing to Testify on WikiLeaks. theantimedia.com (ANTIWAR.COM) — Released only last week after 62 days in detention for "contempt" from a previous grand jury for refusing to testify about WikiLeaks, whistleblower Chelsea Manning has been jailed by a new grand jury for the exact same reason. Manning has refused to testify against WikiLeaks, and her lawyers argued that the law doesn't allow detention to …
(2019-05-17). House of Representatives Passes Equality Act In Major Step For LGBTQ Rights. commondreams.org ______________________________…
(2019-05-17). The Deadly Perils of Traffic Stops in America. counterpunch.org If you're nervous about traffic stops, you have every reason to be. Trying to predict the outcome of any encounter with the police is a bit like playing Russian roulette: most of the time you will emerge relatively unscathed, although decidedly poorer and less secure about your rights, but there's always the chance that an More
(2019-05-17). Love wins in Taiwan: First in Asia to recognize LGBTQ marriage equality. peoplesworld.org 
The efforts of tireless activists like Chi Chia-wei, who has been campaigning for gay rights since he first came out in 1975, have paid off in Taiwan. Two years ago, the country's highest court made history by ruling it was unconstitutional to define marriage as only being possible between one man and one woman. Today, …
(2019-05-17). Cuba Celebrates 60 Years of Agrarian Reform. telesurenglish.net Cuba is celebrating the 60th anniversary of its Agrarian Reform Law (LRA), amid growing hostility from the United States government whose Helms-Burton law seeks to reverse the socialist revolution's land rights achievements. | RELATED: | US Senators Propose Bill to Open Agricultural Trade with Cuba | Fulfilling one of his main promises to the Cuban people, Fidel Castro signed the LRA into effect May 17, 1959 in Sierra Maestra, the iconic mountains where the guerrilla fight again…
(2019-05-17). NAACP and Civil Rights Groups Hold Rally on the 65th Anniversary of Brown v. Board. naacp.org 
On May 16, NAACP along with civil rights organizations and members of Congress held a rally on Capitol Hill to make the promise of Brown v. Board of Education a reality for all. In honor of the 65th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, speakers addressed the still urgent struggle for education equity as well …
(2019-05-17). Oriaku Njoku & Jill Heaviside on Abortion Rights in Georgia and Beyond. fair.org 
Abortions will happen, as they always have. The question is what they'll be like, for whom? If that's your question about the future, it makes sense to talk with the people who are doing the work now — of support, advocacy and funding to allow women to access safe and affordable abortion care.
(2019-05-17). Nationwide Protests and State Boycotts Planned Amid Wave of GOP Attacks on Abortion Rights. commondreams.org Supporters of reproductive rights are fighting back against Republican politicians' latest wave of attacks on abortion rights by organizing nationwide protests and boycotts of states that have passed restrictive laws to challenge the Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade ruling. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files……
(2019-05-17). Taiwan Becomes 1st Asian Nation to Pass Same-Sex Marriage Bill. telesurenglish.net On Friday, Taiwan passed marriage legislation allowing same-sex couples to form "exclusive permanent unions" and a second clause that would allow for applications for "marriage registration" with government agencies. | RELATED: | Taiwan: Same-Sex Couples Ready to Marry on 1st Day of Legality | Upon passing the bill, Taiwan became the first Asian nation to approve same-sex marriage law. The legislation, which offers limited adoption rights, was passed with a 66 to 27 majority vot…
(2019-05-17). Alabama governor says God backs the attack on women's rights. peoplesworld.org 
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Alabama's Republican governor has signed the most stringent abortion legislation in the nation, making performing an abortion a felony in nearly all cases. "To the bill's many supporters, this legislation stands as a powerful testament to Alabamians' deeply held belief that every life is precious and that every life is a …
(2019-05-17). Waorani, Other Indigenous Groups March Against Conservatism. telesurenglish.net Following the historic legal victory of the Waorani communities, after the Court of Penal Guarantees of Pastaza ruled in favor of their rights to free and informed consultation and self-determination, hundreds of members of Indigenous communities made their way to Quito, Ecuador to publicly demand that their lives, territories and self-determination be respected. | RELATED: | Ecuador's Indigenous Win Landmark Case Against Drilling | Along with the Waorani communities were the Sapara, K…
(2019-05-17). 'We fight too many wars!' Rev. Jackson denounces US militarism after Venezuela embassy raid. rt.com 
Renowned American civil rights activist Rev. Jesse Jackson has spoken out against US militaristic foreign policy after delivering food supplies to peace activists at the Venezuelan embassy in DC before their forceful eviction.
(2019-05-17). SEP/IYSSE public meeting in Colombo on Sri Lankan emergency declaration. wsws.org The meeting will discuss the revolutionary socialist perspective needed to defend the democratic and social rights of working people.
(2019-05-17). Will Burning at the Stake Come Next? counterpunch.org We're living in the most perilous time for abortion rights and reproductive freedom since Roe v. Wade was decided in 1973. While some erosion of abortion rights has occurred over the decades — parental consent laws, waiting periods, procedure curtailment — the fundamental right has largely been by ruled by the courts, and viewed by More
(2019-05-17). Border Official Admits Targeting Journalists and Human Rights Advocates With Smuggling Investigations. theintercept.com 
When first confronted with evidence that it was collaborating with Mexican law enforcement in a sweeping intelligence-gathering operation targeting journalists, activists and attorneys along the U.S.-Mexico divide, Customs and Border Protection was silent. When still more evidence emerged, in the form of documents leaked by a Department of Homeland Security whistleblower, the agency dismissed the significance of the revelations as routine law enforcement work. | Now, more than four months after the story broke, CBP is owning up to its operations — in a way — and raising new questions about its treatme…
(2019-05-17). Amid Wave of Anti-Choice Laws Across US, Warren Introduces Plan to Protect Abortion Rights. commondreams.org Two days after Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signed into law a ban on almost all abortions in the state, and with the Republican-controlled Missouri legislature poised to pass its own regressive law, Sen. Elizabeth Warren called on the U.S. Congress to step in and pass federal laws to protect women from further erosion of their reproductive rights. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files……
(2019-05-17). Modern Merchants of Death: The NSO Group, Spyware and Human Rights. dissidentvoice.org Arms manufacturers of old, and many of the current stable, did not care much where their products went. The profit incentive often came before the patriotic one, and led to such dark suspicions as those voiced by the Nye Committee in the 1930s. Known formally as the Special Committee on Investigation of the Munitions Industry, …
(2019-05-17). Rocky Hill decision rocks mining lobby. greenleft.org.au 
The ruling by the NSW Land and Environment Court on February 8 to reject the Rocky Hill coalmine outside Gloucester is being felt beyond its local community and will have implications for human rights as well as climate change policy. | According to Lock the Gate Alliance: "Mining company KEPCO's new submission to the Independent Planning Commission on its proposed Bylong Valley coal project is recognition the Rocky Hill judgement changed the way the IPC should consider new coalmines in New South Wales." | KEP…
(2019-05-17). Repatriation of extremist fighters and families to Kazakhstan, welcomed by UN rights expert. un.org Stressing the need for some Governments to reform their laws and policies on fighting terrorism and extremism, an independent UN human rights expert welcomed on Friday Kazakhstan's repatriation of 231 of its citizens from conflict sites in Syria and Iraq, earlier this month.
(2019-05-17). Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law Recognizes 65 Year Anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court Ruling. commondreams.org ______________________________…
(2019-05-17). Australia: LGBT Bullying in Police Force Prompts Restructuring. telesurenglish.net A report by the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC) reveals an "entrenched culture" of homophobia in Australia's Victoria Police force, which includes anti-gay rhetoric and hiring practices. | RELATED: | Taiwan Becomes 1st Asian Nation to Pass Same-Sex Marriage Bill | LGBT officers are often targeted and ridiculed and derogatorily labeled "homo" and "fag". Officers reported several instances in which exchanges have escalated into violence. One offic…
(2019-05-17). United States: Resisting Trump's attacks on migrants. greenleft.org.au 
Green Left Weekly's Jacob Andrewartha and Zane Alcorn spoke to Justin Akers Chacón, a Mexican-based, US immigrant rights activist, in Melbourne for the Marxism conference in April. | What can you tell us about the current situation in the US regarding immigration, particularly as we enter the second half of US President Donald Trump's term in office? | The situation is really dire in many ways. Trump has ratcheted up the attack on immigrants, including trying to prevent thousands of Central American asylum-seekers from even reaching the border where they could apply for asylum. | He has done this by essentially s…
(2019-05-17). Why Shouldn't the Boston Marathon Bomber Vote? U.S. Politicians Radicalized Him. dissidentvoice.org Last month, 2020 U.S. presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders stirred controversy at a CNN town hall after answering a loaded question about whether his position on extending voting rights to incarcerated felons barred any exceptions such as the Boston Marathon bomber currently on death row. It was impossible for Sanders to respond honestly without being entrapped …
(2019-05-17). New York Passes a Bill to Ensure No One Loses Their Home for Calling the Police. aclu.org 
Americans shouldn't be threatened with losing housing because they called for help. | In cities and towns across New York state — and around the country — you can be evicted just for calling for police or emergency assistance. Fortunately, that's about to change in New York. The State Legislature recently passed a bill — unanimously in the Assembly and 58 to 1 in the Senate — to prote…
(2019-05-16). Trump: From China to Iran to Venezuela, Threats and Sanctions Everywhere. dissidentvoice.org As of May 10, Mr. Trump has arbitrarily increased tariffs on Chinese goods imported into the US, worth about 200 billion dollars, from 10% to 25%. It is an action without any foundation. An action that makes no sense at all, as China can and will retaliate — and retaliate much stronger than what the …
(2019-05-16). Iran Calls Increased US Sanctions 'Unacceptable'. telesurenglish.net Iran is committed to fulfilling its obligations under an international nuclear deal despite U.S. withdrawal from the landmark agreement, its foreign minister said Thursday, calling the reimposition of U.S sanctions "unacceptable." | RELATED: | US Orders Embassy Employees to Leave Iraq Amid Iranian Threat | Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif made t…
(2019-05-16). "Inside Syria's Secret Prisons": A Harrowing Account of How Assad's Torture Machine Crushed Dissent. democracynow.org 
A shocking exposé by the New York Times looks at how Bashar al-Assad's government has jailed and tortured tens of thousands of Syrians since the uprising began in 2011. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, nearly 128,000 people have disappeared. They are presumed to be either dead or still in custody. The group estimates almost 14,000 individuals have died under torture. The detentions are continuing even as the fighting winds down. More than 5,600 Syrians were reportedly arbitrarily detained last year in a 25 percent jump from the previous year. While the Syrian government has denied running a secre…
(2019-05-16). Nicaragua: The War of 2018. dissidentvoice.org Nearly all US regime-change wars (Venezuela, Syria, Honduras, Ukraine, Libya, Yugoslavia, etc.) are wars of deception, fabrication, propaganda, coups and false flags. Sometimes there is a direct US military assault, more often not. These wars are waged by proxies, media puppets, hired hit-men, torturers, rapists, vandals, saboteurs, death squads and criminal gangs, through mock or …
(2019-05-16). Protesters say 'Dutton out, refugees in'. greenleft.org.au 
Refugee rights activists rallied outside home affairs minister Peter Dutton's electorate office in Queensland on May 11. They are hoping Dutton will lose his seat at the federal election on May 18. | Regardless of who wins the election, the Refugee Action Coalition is organising another protest on July 19 — six years after the Rudd Labor government announced that, from that point on, all refugees who arrived by boat would be sent to offshore detention. | Mark Gillespie, spokesperson for RAC, said that the movement needs to continue to press its demands for refugee rights no matter which party forms governme…
(2019-05-16). Arizona Officials Say It's Unsafe for Prisoners to Read About Race and Criminal Justice. They're Wrong. aclu.org The ban is not only unnecessary and inhumane, it's unconstitutional. | For many people behind bars, books can be a lifeline to the outside world. In the words of poet, attorney, and former prisoner Reginald Dwayne Betts, "Books weren't really magic when I was a child, they were just something that I [enjoyed] reading. I thought it was important, but when I got locked up it became magic,…
(2019-05-15). New Homeland Security Secretary, Same Anti-Immigrant Agenda. aclu.org Beware of walls, money grabs, and other sham solutions as DHS leadership shifts. | Kevin McAleenan, the new acting secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, abruptly assumed office in April because his predecessor reportedly wasn't tough enough for President Trump. Ironically, McAleenan claims that "you can be tough and compassionate at the same time." But actions speak louder than words., , Don't be fooled, McAleenan does not represent a new leaf. He is d…
(2019-05-14). Minneapolis protest demands: Sanctuary for all, no to border militarization! fightbacknews.org Minneapolis, MN – The national flags of Mexico, Honduras and El Salvador fluttered above the Plaza Centenario in one of Minneapolis's most immigrant-rich neighborhoods on May 11 as around 40 demonstrators demanded, "Stop militarization of the border!" | The protesters distributed fliers to pedestrians on bustling Lake Street and bannered their message to the honks and fists raised in solidarity of passing drivers. Group chants included, "No ban! No wall! Sanctuary for all!" and " °Zapata vive! °La lucha sigue!" | Organized by the Minnesota Caravan Solidarity/Minnesota en Solidaridad con la Caravana coalit…
(2019-05-14). USA: Hands off Iran! workers.org 
As if the White House gang felt incomplete simply leveling economic threats against China, making hostile comments about Russia and imposing illegal sanctions — illegal because they amount to collective punishment of the populations — on Venezuela, Cuba and north Korea — they have once again put the Islamic Republic . . . | Continue reading USA: Hands off Iran! at Workers.org
(2019-05-14). Administración Trump lleva guerra contra mujeres a O.N.U. workers.org 
La semana pasada, en el 22 de abril, el Presidente Donald Trump llevó su guerra a los derechos de las mujeres y las personas no conformes con el género a la ONU. Es terriblemente irónico que el gobierno de Trump amenazara con vetar la resolución de la ONU sobre el . . . | Continue reading Administración Trump lleva guerra contra mujeres a O.N.U. at Workers.org
(2019-05-14). Tuesday's Daily Brief: hate speech, dementia, Libya and Yemen, human rights in Brazil and Lebanon. un.org This Tuesday, we cover: the UN chief in New Zealand's Christchurch calls for end to hate speech; how a healthy lifestyle can prevent dementia; updates on fighting in Libya and Yemen; the human rights of detainees in Lebanon and people affected by leprosy in Brazil.
(2019-05-14). Collapse of USS Cole Bombing Case Marks Another Failure for Guantánamo's Military Courts. theintercept.com Without the political will to move Guantánamo detainees to federal courts, the case against Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri will drag on for many more years.
(2019-05-13). Headlines for May 13, 2019. democracynow.org Sweden Reopens Julian Assange Sexual Assault Case, Seeks His Extradition, Pompeo to Discuss Iranian "Threats" in Europe as U.S. Ramps Up Military Presence, Saudi Oil Tankers Damaged in "Sabotage Attack" off UAE Coast, 187 Countries, Not Including the U.S., Agree to Landmark Deal Curbing Plastic Waste, U.S.-China Trade Talks End Without Deal, Increased Sanctions, Pentagon Redirects $1.5 Billion To Fund Border Wall, Afghanistan: Gunmen Kill Ex-Broadcast Journalist and Gov't Adviser Mina Mangal, Pakistan: Attack on Hotel Kills at Least 5, Burkina Faso: Gunmen Kill 6 People, Incl. Priest and Burn Down Church, At Leas…
(2019-05-13). I've Been to Guantanamo. It's No Place for Kids. aclu.org The Administration's proposal of sending immigrant children to Guantanamo Bay is dangerous and inhumane. | Over the last year, the country has been shocked by reports of the inhumane treatment of children and families in immigrant detention. Now, the Trump administration appears to be increasing the scope and severity of its immigrant detention scheme by potentially detaining immigrants at Guantanamo Bay. | News broke last week that the Defense Department awarded a $23 million dollar contract to construct a "Contingency Mass Migra…
(2019-05-13). Arundhati Roy on the Indian Election and Narendra Modi's "Far-Right, Hindu Nationalist" Agenda. democracynow.org 
In India, the sixth phase of voting has concluded in a highly anticipated parliamentary election that is widely seen as a referendum on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is seeking a second term in office. India is the world's largest democracy with 900 million eligible voters. The final phase of voting will take place on May 19 and vote counting will begin on May 23. Modi's Hindu nationalist BJP won a landslide victory in 2014. His government has been criticized for a crackdown on civil society, targeting political opponents, journalists, human rights activists, lawyers and writers. Human rights groups have also…
(2019-05-13). What's Trending: Black News Recap. naacp.org 
Blavity: Civil Rights Organizations Are Fighting For Crystal Mason, Who Was Imprisoned For Voting, To Be Released From Prison Crystal Mason, a Texas woman who was sent to prison for voting, is fighting for her freedom with the help of new additions to her legal team.The Texas Civil Rights Project, American …
(2019-05-13). Turkey's Harsh Reaction to the US' Religious Freedom Report. uwidata.com 
A spokesman for Turkish President Ibrahim Kalin and the Turkish Foreign Ministry strongly criticized a report prepared by the American International Commission on Religious Freedom. The International Commission on Religious Freedom (USCIRF) recently published its annual report on the topic of the rights and freedoms of Religious minorities in countries around the world. According to …
(2019-05-13). SPLC launches voting rights legal team, testifies before U.S. House panel in Alabama. splcenter.org Ever since state and local law enforcement officers attacked peaceful civil rights marchers with billy clubs and tear gas on "Bloody Sunday" in 1965, Alabama has been at the epicenter of the fight for voting rights.
(2019-05-11). Statement from Venezuelan social movements to Embassy Protectors in U.S. liberationnews.org 
"Your defense of the headquarters of the Embassy of the Venezuelan State in Washington, D.C. is an emblematic case of struggle for respect of international law, human rights and the right of peoples to choose their own form of government."
(2019-05-10). Iraqi Immigrants Deserve Their Day in Court. aclu.org My dad was almost deported without a fair hearing. But a new bill could ensure that doesn't happen again. | This week, two of my home-state congressmen introduced bipartisan legislation to ensure that approximately 1,000 Iraqis who are now at risk of deportation or detention are given two years to have their immigration cases heard. I'm so grateful to Congressman Andy Levin (D-Mich.) and Congressman John Moolenaar (R-Mich.) for their action because no other family should h…
(2019-05-10). Workers rally around the world for May Day. greenleft.org.au 
As the gap between rich and poor widens, millions of workers around the world marched for workers' rights on May Day. | May Day, also known as Labor Day, began in 1890 with the campaign for the 8-hour work day. It has since become a key day for workers' campaigns around the world. | This May Day, workers marched against the fascist Rodrigo Duterte regime in the Philippines, against austerity and the rise of the far-right in Europe and against US President Donald Trump's attacks on immigrants. | Low-paid workers in Indonesia marched for fair pay, millions of Cubans celebrated 60 years of the ongoing revolution, an…