(2019-06-18). Prominent Australian journalist Mary Kostakidis calls for campaign to free Assange. wsws.org "We must not wait till it is too late to recognise the broader significance of the persecution of Julian Assange and fail to defend his human rights."
(2019-06-18). AOC says 'fascist' Trump running 'concentration camps' on border. rt.com 
Firebrand Democrat congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez raised some eyebrows when she said that immigrant detention centers on the southern US border are "concentration camps," while calling President Donald Trump a "fascist."
(2019-06-18). British, Irish Businesses Explore Investment in Cuba. telesurenglish.net Some 18 businesses from the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland are attending the Cuba Initiative (IC) Monday and Tuesday in Havana in order to explore new, mutual investments and business deals between the nations. | RELATED: | Cuban Private Sector Hit Hard by Recent US Sanctions | "Cuba continues to take steps to facilitate and support the establishment of foreign investors who, in addition to providing capital, allow us access to advanced technologies and management methods," Cuban Fo…
(2019-06-18). Chinese President to Discuss Denuclearization With Kim Jung Un. telesurenglish.net The visit comes as the peninsula settlement process has reached a deadlock after the Hanoi summit between Kim and US President Donald Trump. While Washington demands that Pyongyang completely dismantle nuclear facilities in the country in order to get sanctions relief, North Korea wants part of restrictions to be lifted before denuclearization begins.
(2019-06-18). US Sanctions Are Deadly, Illegal and Ineffective. truthout.org While the mystery of who is responsible for sabotaging the two tankers in the Gulf of Oman remains unsolved, it is clear that the Trump administration has been sabotaging Iranian oil shipments since May 2, when it announced its intention to "bring Iran's oil exports to zero, denying the regime its principal source of revenue." The move was aimed at China, India, Japan, South Korea and Turkey, all nations that purchase Iranian oil and now face U.S. threats if the…
(2019-06-18). U.S. Sanctions: Economic Sabotage that is Deadly, Illegal and Ineffective. counterpunch.org While the mystery of who is responsible for sabotaging the two tankers in the Gulf of Oman remains unsolved, it is clear that the Trump administration has been sabotaging Iranian oil shipments since May 2, when it announced its intention to "bring Iran's oil exports to zero, denying the regime its principal source of revenue." More
(2019-06-18). Ireland: New secure-hour law is a gamechanger in the fight against low pay and poverty. greenleft.org.au 
Ireland has a very serious low pay problem, and a corresponding problem with poverty. We have the highest prevalence of low-paid jobs in the European Union (EU). Only a matter of weeks ago St Vincent de Paul stated that almost 800,000 people live in poverty, including 230,000 children. Finding employment should be a route out of poverty, but there are now more than 100,000 "working poor". | One of the reasons for this is the lack of power workers have in winning pay increases. Ireland has among the most restrictive workers' rights legisla…
(2019-06-18). Parkland survivor Kyle Kashuv's 'racist posts' are 'those of a shooter' — Former Republican. rt.com 
Former GOP congressman David Jolly praised Harvard's decision to reverse Parkland survivor and gun rights advocate Kyle Kashuv's admission over years-old racist messages, saying they were exactly like those of a school shooter.
(2019-06-18). Behind the Syrian network for human rights: how an opposition front group became Western media's go-to monitor. mronline.org 
Top media outlets turn to the Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR) for figures on deaths and detentions, never noting the group's seamless connection to Syria's opposition, the support it receives from states that waged war on the country, or its open lobbying for US military intervention. | Source
(2019-06-17). UN chief accepts independent report on Myanmar, highlighting 'systemic' failure surrounding Rohingya crisis. un.org An independent review into how the UN System operated in Myanmar in the years leading up to the mass exodus of the Rohingya following serious human rights abuses, has concluded there were "systemic and structural failures" that prevented a unified strategy from being implemented.
(2019-06-17). Hong Kong Protests Demand Withdrawal of Extradition Bill, Leader's Resignation. truthout.org As many as 2 million protesters took to the streets of Hong Kong Sunday demanding the withdrawal of a bill that would allow the extradition of Hong Kong residents to mainland China. Protesters also called for the resignation of Hong Kong's chief executive, Carrie Lam, and other top officials who pushed for the extradition bill. Lam has apologized for her handling of the legislation and indefinitely delayed a vote on the bill; however, the bill has not been fully withdrawn. Critics of the extradition bill say it would infringe on Hong Kong's independence and the legal and human rights of Hong Kong residents and…
(2019-06-17). Teens in Cage Protest Trump Immigration Policies Outside UN, Demanding Action From Human Rights Council. commondreams.org While an audio recording of detained migrant children crying played in the background, teenagers in T-shirts that read #ClassroomsNotCages stood in a metal cage outside the United Nations European headquarters in Geneva Monday to protest the Trump administration's "cruel" immigration policies. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files……
(2019-06-17). Behind the Syrian Network for Human Rights: How an Opposition Front Group Became Western Media's Go-To Monitor. mintpressnews.com 
Top media outlets turn to the Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR) for figures on deaths and detentions, never noting the group's seamless connection to Syria's opposition, the support it receives from states that waged war on the country, or its open lobbying for US military intervention.
(2019-06-17). Massive Hong Kong Protests Demand Withdrawal of Extradition Bill, Leader's Resignation. democracynow.org 
As many as 2 million protesters took to the streets of Hong Kong Sunday demanding the withdrawal of a bill that would allow the extradition of Hong Kong residents to mainland China. Protesters also called for the resignation of Hong Kong's chief executive, Carrie Lam, and other top officials who pushed for the extradition bill. Lam has apologized for her handling of the legislation and indefinitely delayed a vote on the bill; however, the bill has not been fully withdrawn. Critics of the extradition bill say it would infringe on Hong Kong's independence and the legal and human rights of Hong Kong residents and vi…
(2019-06-17). Reuters Must Answer for Burying This Venezuela Story. truthdig.com A new study reveals U.S. sanctions have taken a deadly toll, yet the news agency neglected to report on its findings for an entire month.
(2019-06-17). Trump Offered to Suspend Sanctions While Negotiating with Iran, Khamenei Rejected the Offer: More Attacks Expected. globalresearch.ca Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo conveyed a message from US President Donald Trump to the Iranian leadership, asking the release of 5 US prisoners and inviting Iran to sit around a negotiation table, adding "he [Donald Trump] would be ready …
(2019-06-17). Trump's Trade Threats Are Really Cold War 2.0. globalresearch.ca President Trump has threatened China's President Xi that if they don't meet and talk at the upcoming G20 meetings in Japan, June 29-30, the United States will not soften its tariff war and economic sanctions against Chinese exports and technology….
(2019-06-17). Cuban Private Sector Hit Hard by Recent US Sanctions. telesurenglish.net The non-state sector in Cuba is already registering a significant blow as a result of the U.S. sanctions implemented by President Donald Trump, with craftmanship dropping by about 60 to 80 percent in sales, according to local media. | RELATED: | Caricom-Cuba Summit Denounces US Blockade on Cuba | During the Craftmanshift Fair in La Rampa, Hector Danilo Rodriguez, union leader, told Prensa Latina that the situation was the result of Trump's restrictions on travels to the Cuban territory, whi…
(2019-06-17). Iran To Break Limit on Uranium Enrichment Within 10 Days. telesurenglish.net Iran announced Monday it would breach uranium enrichment limits in 10 days in a move that drew an accusation of "nuclear blackmail" from Washington, but it added that European nations still had time to save the nuclear deal by curbing sanctions. | RELATED: | Iran Says It Dismantled a US Cyber Espionage Network | In an announcement, Iran's Atomic Energy Organization spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi said, "We have quadrupled the rate of enrichment (of uranium) and even increased it more recent…
(2019-06-17). U.S. Sanctions: Economic Sabotage That Is Deadly, Illegal, and Ineffective. commondreams.org On the eve of renewed sanctions by Washington, an Iranian protester holds a burning picture of President Donald Trump outside the former US embassy in the Iranian capital Tehran on November 4, 2018. (Photo: Majid Saeedi/Getty Images) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files……
(2019-06-17). Sudan's Omar al-Bashir Charged With Corruption. telesurenglish.net Sudan's ex-president Omar al-Bashir, a war criminal, was charged with corruption-related offenses Sunday, as he appeared in public for the first time since he was overthrown and detained in April. | RELATED: | African Union Suspends Sudan After Army Crackdown on Protests | He was charged with illicit possession of foreign currency and accepting gi…
(2019-06-17). Year of the strike: From Broadway to Boston. peoplesworld.org 
The Communist Party USA was founded in the middle of a year of intense and militant workers struggle. From coast to coast in 1919, and among workers in a wide variety of industries, the U.S. working class stood up for its rights and for the dignity of labor. It was met at every step by …
(2019-06-17). Patrick Gaspard to Receive Prestigious NAACP Spingarn Medal. naacp.org 
BALTIMORE — The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the nation's foremost civil rights organization, has announced that Ambassador Patrick Gaspard will be awarded the prestigious Spingarn Medal on July 24, 2019, during the 110th NAACP Annual Convention, taking place in Detroit, Michigan. The award recognizes Gaspard's lifelong commitment to equality and …
(2019-06-17). Millions march in Hong Kong against extradition law. wsws.org The huge demonstration on Sunday is an indication of widespread anger in Hong Kong, not only over democratic rights, but the city's worsening social crisis.
(2019-06-17). Selected Articles: Trump and the Taiwan Gambit. globalresearch.ca Online independent analysis of US-led wars, rampant corruption, corporate greed, civil rights and fraudulent monetary transactions is invariably relegated to the bottom rung of search engine results. | As a result we presently do not cover our monthly running costs which …
(2019-06-17). Battling ableism: Standing up for autistic rights on the job. peoplesworld.org 
This month, as I have done for seven summers now, I'm participating in the annual summer camp held by the Joshua Center for Neurological Disorders. And while, as a young adult, my responsibilities have shifted from simply frolicking in the sun to include the daily work that keeps the camp running deep in the woods, …
(2019-06-17). Two protesters arrested at Melbourne rally in defence of Assange. wsws.org The arrests were aimed at intimidating supporters of WikiLeaks and preventing broader layers from joining the campaign to defend Assange and all democratic rights.
(2019-06-17). The American Dream is alive and well — in China. nationofchange.org In the 21st century, it is time to upgrade our economic model from one of feudal exploitation to a cooperative democracy that recognizes the needs, contributions and inalienable rights of all participants.
(2019-06-17). At least 161 people killed in DR Congo over past week. cgtn.com 
At least 161 people were killed in the Democratic Republic of Congo's Ituri province over the past week, local officials said on Monday. | The killings are reported to have been ethnically targeted in an apparent resurgence of clashes between farming and herding communities. | Although identities of the attackers has not been confirmed, fingers point to violence between Hema herders and Lendu farmers, who have been embroiled in bitter conflicts for years over grazing rights and political representation. | Open conflict between the two sides from 1999-2007 resulted in the deaths of around 50,000 people in one o…
(2019-06-14). "Advocate": Israeli Attorney Lea Tsemel Reflects on Defending Palestinians Who Resist Occupation. democracynow.org 
Attorney Lea Tsemel has defended Palestinian political prisoners in Israeli courts for nearly half a century, insisting on their humanity and their right to a fair trial. Her work has earned her the scorn and reprobation of many Israelis, as well as death threats. A staunch critic of the Israeli occupation of Palestine, Tsemel has long argued that Palestinians who carry out politically motivated violence are freedom fighters, not "terrorists." In 1999, Tsemel won a landmark case in the Israeli Supreme Court, making it illegal for Israeli officials to torture detained Palestinians during interrogations. The docume…
(2019-06-14). Behind the Syrian Network for Human Rights: How an opposition front group became Western media's go-to monitor. thegrayzone.com Top media outlets turn to the Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR) for figures on deaths and detentions, never noting…
(2019-06-14). Study Linking US Sanctions to Venezuelan Deaths Buried by Reuters for Over a Month. fair.org 
By Joe Emersberger Reuters ( 5/22/19) attributes the idea that US sanctions are causing a health crisis in Venezuela to Venezuelan Health Minister Carlos Alvarado. | I emailed Stephanie Nebehay of Reuters on May 22 about her article, "Venezuela Turns to Russia, Cuba, China in Health Crisis" ( 5/22/19). Her article depicted the impac…
(2019-06-13). Despite Police Crackdown, Historic Hong Kong Protests Against New Extradition Law Continue. democracynow.org 
Authorities in Hong Kong have shut down government offices and postponed debate in the Legislative Council, one day after riot police fired tear gas, rubber bullets and pepper spray at tens of thousands of demonstrators who took to the streets to protest a bill that would allow the extradition of Hong Kong residents to mainland China. On Wednesday, demonstrators attempted to storm the Legislative Council Building, where lawmakers are debating the extradition bill. Human Rights Watch criticized Hong Kong authorities for using what it described as "excessive force" to suppress peaceful demonstrations. Protesters de…
(2019-06-13). Justice for Layleen Polanco: Community Demands Answers After Trans Black Latinx Woman Died at Rikers. democracynow.org 
Outrage is mounting over the death of Layleen Polanco, a transgender Afro-Latinx woman who was found dead in a cell at Rikers Island on Friday. Polanco was arrested on misdemeanor charges and jailed on Rikers in April when she was unable to post $500 bail. Nearly two months later, she was dead. Her family, friends and transgender rights activists are now demanding answers for the conditions that led to the 27-year-old's death. The city says the cause of death has not yet been determined. Polanco was held in a unit for transgender women while jailed at Rikers, but a week before her death she was transferred to so-…
(2019-06-12). How Venezuela's US-backed opposition distorts 'human rights' to push regime change. thegrayzone.com Venezuelan lawyer Lucrecia Hernández, director of the NGO Sures, discusses how US-funded opposition groups have politicized and weaponized "human rights"…
(2019-06-12). Headlines for June 12, 2019. democracynow.org Police Crack Down on Second Wave of Hong Kong Mass Protests, Trial Against Humanitarian Activist Scott Warren Ends in Hung Jury, House Votes to Sue Trump Admin over AG Barr and Don McGahn Subpoenas, DOJ Advises Trump to Block Possible Contempt Motions Against Wilbur Ross and Barr over 2020 Census, Donald Trump Jr. Testifies Before Senate, Mass Arrests in Russia After Protests over Detention of Journalist, Reports of Injuries After Houthi Missile Hits Saudi Airport, Sudanese Protesters and Military Gov't to Resume Talks After Bloody Crackdown, Botswana Decriminalizes Homosexuality, DHS Secretary Testifies to Congr…
(2019-06-12). Overcrowding, Rotten Food & Nooses: DHS Watchdog Confirms Horrific Conditions at Immigrant Jails. democracynow.org 
We look at horrific conditions for some 52,000 immigrants held in for-profit jails around the country. At least 24 immigrants have died in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement under Trump, and at least four more died shortly after being released. Now Homeland Security's own inspector general has revealed how detained immigrants are subjected to rotten food, severe overcrowding, inadequate medical care, and broken and overflowing toilets. This comes as a separate report recently documented "dangerous overcrowding" at a Border Patrol processing facility in El Paso, Texas. Meanwhile, the Trump administ…
(2019-06-12). Facing Affordable Housing Crisis & Record Homelessness, New York Passes Landmark Rent Protection Law. democracynow.org 
In New York, housing rights advocates are celebrating after state lawmakers announced an agreement that would provide the strongest tenant protections in over a quarter of a century. The deal came just days ahead of the expiration of the current rent laws at the end of this week. Democracy Now! co-host Juan González explains how lawmakers agreed to abolish laws allowing landlords to deregulate rents on apartments after they exceed a certain limit, and to curb provisions allowing landlords to raise the rent of rent-controlled apartments after renovations. The law is one of several similar efforts nationwide and is…
(2019-06-11). 'It's Seen by Indigenous Activists as a Template for Similar Confrontations Around the Globe' – CounterSpin interview with Reynard Loki on indigenous oil victory. fair.org 
Janine Jackson interviewed Reynard Loki about an indigenous environmental victory in Ecuador for the June 7, 2019, episode of CounterSpin. This is a lightly edited transcript. | Media…
(2019-06-11). 'The US Has No Real Moral Authority to Talk About Freedoms' – CounterSpin interview with Netfa Freeman on Cuba sanctions. fair.org 
Janine Jackson interviewed Netfa Freeman about Cuba sanctions for the June 7, 2019, episode of CounterSpin. This is a lightly edited transcript. | Media…
(2019-06-11). Tennessee Republicans Take Voter Suppression a Step Further. progressive.org The new law is already having a chilling effect on voting rights groups' work to register voters in underrepresented communities.
(2019-06-10). Rev. William Barber: Racist Gerrymandering Created a GOP Stronghold in the South. We Must Fight Back. democracynow.org 
Longtime civil rights leader Rev. Dr. William Barber joins us to respond to his conviction Thursday for trespassing during a 2017 protest against gerrymandering and attacks on healthcare at the North Carolina Legislature. Barber had refused to leave the General Assembly as ordered, after he organized a sit-in at the legislative building when Republican leaders refused to meet with him about concerns with voter ID requirements and redistricting plans that would weaken the power of the black vote. "We must start connecting systemic racism, most seen through systemic voter suppression and gerrymandering, poverty, th…
(2019-06-08). A Vast Archive Exposed the Secret History of Kidnapping and Assassination in Guatemala. Now It's Under Threat. theintercept.com 
The attack on the archive is part of "an aggressive rejection of human rights principles" from conservative Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales.
(2019-06-07). Netfa Freeman on Cuba Sanctions, Reynard Loki on Indigenous Oil Victory. fair.org 
Media…
(2019-06-07). US Treasury Department Tightens Sanctions on Venezuela Oil Sector. venezuelanalysis.com Washington is targeting diluent imports, hurting Venezuela's ability to export oil and produce fuel.
(2019-06-06). SPLC sues Trump administration for detaining immigrants who cannot afford bail. splcenter.org The SPLC and its allies sued the Trump administration today for holding people in Georgia immigration prisons just because they do not have enough money to pay for bail.
(2019-06-05). Venezuela: Oil Production Reportedly Down as Gov't Defaults on Gold Swap. venezuelanalysis.com Sanctions have taken a toll on Venezuela's oil output and generated fuel shortages.
(2019-06-05). More Than 100 Commercial, Cultural and Sporting Activities in Italy Declare Themselves Free of Israeli Apartheid. bdsmovement.net 
More Than 100 Commercial, Cultural and Sporting Activities in Italy Declare Themselves Free of Israeli Apartheid: In the NewsTrade unions, movements, artisans, businesses and cultural, recreational and sports centers join campaign for Palestinian rights in what is also a clear stand against the mounting racism and nationalist closure that is fomenting hatred and intolerance across Europ…
(2019-06-04). SPLC to Congress: Myth of 'white genocide' driving white nationalist terror attacks. splcenter.org The SPLC's Lecia Brooks testified today before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (Committee on Oversight and Reform) about the need for federal action to confront the deadly white nationalist movement. Brooks delivered the following oral remarks to the subcommittee chaired by U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin, in addition to written testimony.
(2019-05-29). US Hints at Sanctions Against Venezuela CLAP Food Programme as Maduro Incorporates Militia. venezuelanalysis.com The Venezuelan President looks to combat corruption and improve the programme which benefits 6 million Venezuelan families.