Daily Archives: August 5, 2019

2019-08-05: News Headlines

Rachel M. Cohen (2019-08-05). Amid Conservative Assault on Organized Labor, Democratic Lawmakers Are Advancing Laws to Expand Workers' Rights. theintercept.com Nevada and Delaware passed laws this summer giving public-sector workers the right to collectively bargain. Colorado is expected to follow suit next year.

Staff (2019-08-05). The Forgotten Rohingya Refugees. therealnews.com Existence is resistance: a quarter of a million Rohingya refugees live in Malaysia with no legal rights or protections…

Carla Stea (2019-08-05). Omission of Atrocities Committed by the Venezuelan "Opposition" Discredits UN Human Rights Report. globalresearch.ca Former lawyer for the UN High Commissioner on Human Rights, Alfred de Zayas stated: | "As a former staffer of the Office of the High Commissioner For Human Rights, I know how things work. There are people with prejudices. They have …

Jillian Peterson, James Densley (2019-08-05). We Have Studied Every Mass Shooting Since 1966. Here's What We've Learned About the Shooters. commondreams.org Family members of 13-year-old Gilroy shooting victim Keyla Salazar console each other before a San Jose vigil. (Photo: Kent Nishimura/Los Angeles Times) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files…

United Nations (2019-08-05). Myanmar companies bankroll 'brutal operations' of military, independent UN experts claim in new report. un.org Money earned by the Myanmar military from international and domestic business deals, "substantially enhances its ability to carry out gross violations of human rights with impunity" according to a report released on Monday by an independent United Nations group looking into military-business ties in the South East Asian country.

Andrew Emett (2019-08-05). U.S. imposes 2nd round of sanctions against Russia for poisoning ex-spy. nationofchange.org The United States is announcing a second round of sanctions on Russia for its use of a 'novichok' nerve agent in an attempt to assassinate Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia Skripal.

M. K. Bhadrakumar (2019-08-05). Iran's Foreign Minister Zarif Drives Trump to Insanity. globalresearch.ca At a time when the Trump administration has no problem negotiating with the secretary of the Russian national security council Nikolai Patrushev, who is technically under US sanctions since April 2018, the cut and thrust of Washington's move to …

Amnesty International (2019-08-05). Demonizing Immigrants and Mental Health Conditions is Not a Solution to Gun Violence. indybay.org Responding to President Donald Trump's speech following a spate of mass shootings over the weekend, Ernest Coverson, Amnesty International USA's End Gun Violence campaign manager said: "Gun violence reform cannot come at the expense of the human rights of any community. When President Trump links background checks for guns with immigration reform, he is once again demonizing immigrants and communities of color. The Trump administration will stop at nothing to shut down the border and limit safety to those who most need it. It is outrageous to denounce bigotry in one breath and terrorize the community that was tar…

Jessica Corbett, staff writer (2019-08-05). Jewish Protesters Arrested at LA Office of Private Prison Company That Runs ICE 'Concentration Camps'. commondreams.org Jewish activists were arrested Monday for protesting at the Los Angeles office of the GEO Group, a private prison company that runs federal migrant detention facilities decried by critics as "concentration camps." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files…

teleSUR (2019-08-04). Ecuador: Uber Eats Workers Protest Reduction in Payment Rates. telesurenglish.net Uber Eats delivery workers protested Thursday outside the company's office in Quito, Ecuador, to defend their rights, their work conditions, and the return to the delivery rates that were previously agreed upon, as the company reduced in half the rates since July 30. | RELATED: | As Drivers Sleep in Cars, Uber Co-Founder Buys a $72.5M Mansion | "With the rate currently imposed by Uber Eats, we lose up to 50 percent of what we used to gain with the previous rate. We were paid US…

The Canary (2019-08-03). Russian opposition figure detained ahead of Moscow protest. thecanary.co A leading opposition figure has been detained by Moscow police as she was heading to an unauthorised protest against the exclusion of independent and opposition candidates from the city council elections.Lyubov Sobol, who is one of the election hopefuls rejected from the ballot, was detained on Saturday in central Moscow and taken away in a police van.Activists intend to go ahead with the unauthorised protest (AP)The attempted rally comes a week after police detained nearly 1,400 protesters, beating some of them with truncheons.Despite repeated warnings that police would take active measures against a protest on…

Max Blumenthal (2019-08-03). 'You don't have any rights': CBP agents interrogate US citizen and seize his phone after Venezuela solidarity trip. thegrayzone.com The detention of a US citizen returning from Venezuela was an apparent extension of the US government's efforts to punish…

Staff (2019-08-02). The Lines Between Us: The Modern History of Baltimore Apartheid (2/2). therealnews.com In part two, Lawrence Lanahan says the fight for fair housing did not end after the civil rights movement.

RT (2019-08-02). Pentagon testing 'spy balloons' across Midwest for 'persistent' domestic surveillance. rt.com The Pentagon is testing a new surveillance technology, using American citizens as guinea pigs. Test flying dozens of high-altitude 'spy balloons' over the Midwest, the project has alarmed privacy advocates and rights groups.

pip.hinman (2019-08-02). Boycott HP products to show solidarity with Palestinians. greenleft.org.au Not many people know about the role of IT giant HP in Israel's grave violations of Palestinian rights and its system of military occupation, racial segregation and oppression. | Just as many companies profited from the South African Apartheid regime, HP is today profiting from Israel's apartheid policies towards Palestinians. It supplies Israel with technology, equipment and information that is used in its ongoing violations of Palestinians' rights. | July marked a year since Israel adopted its Jewish "nation-state" law, giving constitutional status to its apartheid policies towards Palestinian citizens of Israel…

Staff (2019-08-01). Dolores Huerta Accuses Biden of "Speaking Just Like a Republican" on Immigration. democracynow.org Immigration rights activists abruptly interrupted Joe Biden during last night's debate, chanting "3 million deportations!"—referring to the Obama administration's deportation of at least 3 million undocumented people. During the debate, Julián Castro repeatedly challenged Biden's record on immigration. "It looks like one of us has learned the lessons of the past and one of us hasn't," Castro said. We speak to Dolores Huerta and Cornel West.

Staff (2019-08-01). Dolores Huerta & Cornel West Respond to Democratic Debate as Biden & Harris Face Harsh Scrutiny. democracynow.org Ten presidential hopefuls took the stage Wednesday evening for the second night of a Democratic debate in Detroit. During the night, former Vice President Joe Biden defended his record after facing numerous attacks on his record on criminal justice, the Iraq War, immigration and women's rights. Senator Kamala Harris also faced criticism over her record as California attorney general. We speak to the legendary labor leader Dolores Huerta, who is co-chair of Kamala Harris's campaign, and Harvard professor Cornel West, who has endorsed Bernie Sanders.

Staff (2019-08-01). Headlines for August 1, 2019. democracynow.org Presidential Hopefuls Take Aim at Joe Biden During Second Night of Debates, Protesters Confront Joe Biden over Immigration Record, Protesters Confront NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio over Eric Garner's Death, NY Medical Examiner: Layleen Polanco Died of Epilepsy in Solitary Cell, U.N. Warns 21st Century's Worst Humanitarian Crisis Unfolding in Syria, Trump Administration Sanctions Iran's Foreign Minister, Sudan Schools Closed After Soldiers Massacre Students, Greenland Ice Melts at Rapid Pace as Temperatures Climb 30 Degrees Above Normal, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee Promotes Climate Justice Proposal, 66 Seek Medical Care…

Ash-Lee Woodard Henderson (2019-08-01). receiving our inheritance.jpg. progressive.org A legendary civil rights organization comes face-to-face with white supremacy—again.

Jason Ditz (2019-08-01). US Sanctions Iran's Foreign Minister; Move Seen as Rebuke of Diplomatic Offer. theantimedia.com The latest US sanctions on Iran are very specific, hitting FM Javad Zarif, blocking all property and financial interests he has in the US.

Alex Emmons (2019-08-01). Candidates, Your Views on the Middle East? You Have 30 Seconds. theintercept.com If you blinked, you might have missed it. | Across the five hours of Democratic primary debates split between two nights this week, the presidential hopefuls discussed the future of U.S. foreign policy for no more than 25 minutes. | Other policy areas had it worse. There were no questions either night on Puerto Rico, for example, or LGBT issues, or reproductive rights. But the scant attention to foreign policy was striking precisely because it's the area in which a president has the most power to change things on their own. If the next president wants to rejoin the Paris climate agreement or renegotiate the Iran…

Alleen Brown (2019-07-30). More Than 160 Environmental Defenders Were Killed in 2018, and Many Others Labeled Terrorists and Criminals. theintercept.com Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, the United Nations special rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous peoples, was disturbed to learn that her name had been included on a list of "terrorists" allegedly affiliated with the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the New People's Army. | Authoritarian President Rodrigo Duterte had imposed martial law on the island of Mindanao in May 2017, when ISIS sympathizers attacked the predominantly Muslim city Marawi. By October, ISIS had been ousted, but martial law remained in p…

J. August (2019-07-30). NYC power outage reveals a profit-hungry and racist system. liberationnews.org Electricity, transportation, decent water and other services are basic human rights.

Staff (2019-07-30). Four Immigrants Have Died at Stewart ICE Jail in Georgia. Advocates Want It Shut Down. democracynow.org A 44-year-old immigrant from Mexico died last week at Stewart Detention Center, one of the largest immigration jails in the United States and one that has been plagued by allegations of neglect and abuse for years. Pedro Arriago-Santoya was the fourth person to die at Stewart in just two years and the seventh person to die while in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement since October. An immigration judge had ordered Arriago-Santoya be deported in June. Instead, he was transferred to Stewart on July 10 as his removal proceedings continued. Two weeks later he was pronounced dead at a Georgia hospital.

United Nations (2019-07-30). Tuesday's Daily Brief: Children in armed conflict, Ebola in DR Congo, human rights in Bahrain, and two International Days. un.org Our main stories today cover: A new report on children and armed conflict, a day to combat human trafficking; funds needed to fight Ebola in DR Congo; UN rights office condemns the execution of two Bahraini citizens; and International Day of Friendship…

The Grayzone (2019-07-30). Nicaraguan 'human rights' director accused by staff of massive theft of US taxpayer money, death toll inflation. thegrayzone.com ANPDH's board members are accusing their director of stealing huge sums from US soft power organizations and inflating death tolls…

Bryan Ellis (2019-07-29). Protesters in Bradenton defend the rights of immigrants and refugees. liberationnews.org On Sunday, seventeen people gathered at the Manatee County Courthouse in downtown Bradenton to demand an end to US concentration camps for refugees and mass deportations of immigrants.

Staff (2019-07-29). Mass Protests in Colombia and Abroad Decry Killings of 500 Activists Since Peace Accords. democracynow.org Tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets on Friday in more than 50 cities and towns across Colombia to protest a surge of lethal attacks on indigenous, Afro-Colombian and environmental leaders in recent years. Solidarity marches were held in dozens of cities around the world, from Mexico City to Athens. In 2016, the Colombian government and FARC rebels signed a historic peace accord to move the country forward after a half-century of armed conflict. But since then, nearly 500 human rights activists, many from the Afro-Colombian community, have been killed, targeted for their work combating illegal m…

United Nations (2019-07-29). Murder of Brazilian indigenous leader a 'worrying symptom' of land invasion. un.org In the wake of the murder of indigenous leader Emrya Wajà£pi in Brazil, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, has called on the country's authorities to "react quickly and decisively" to protect the rights of indigenous peoples on their lands.

Aaron Maté (2019-07-29). Progressive Democrats vote against BDS, Palestinian rights. thegrayzone.com House Democrats, including key progressives, have passed a measure condemning the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement (BDS). Why are Reps….

United Nations (2019-07-29). Monday's Daily Brief: Nigeria massacre, Libya shelling condemned; recycled plastic used to build classrooms in Cà¥te d'Ivoire. un.org Our main stories today: UN chief and senior UN official condemn the 'terrible massacre' in Nigeria that left some 65 dead, and the shelling of a hospital in Libya that killed medical workers; UN Secretary-General António Guterres reacts to a deadly landslide in China; recycled plastic waste is used to build classrooms in Cà¥te d'Ivoire; and scouts are urged to become human rights defenders.

splcenter (2019-07-26). Family of Herbert Lee to visit Civil Rights Memorial that honors his sacrifice. splcenter.org Clifton Franklin was a high school football running back who — at 16 — wanted to play in a big game between Louisiana rivals. His mother, however, had other plans.

ACLU (2019-07-25). Hawaiians are Taking to the Streets and Exercising their First Amendment Rights. aclu.org We're ensuring the right to protest and cultural access at the world's tallest mountain. | Driving up Daniel K. Inouye Highway on the Big Island of Hawai'i at 4: 30 in the morning is a sight few will forget: a silent, pitch-black road, with black lava and sparse trees. The dark air is a chilly 50 degrees. In our backpacks are packaged tuna, crackers, water, walkie talkies, and a voice recorder. However, the most important items are without a doubt our blue ACLU of Hawai'i legal observer vests and first aid kit, which is stocked with goods like antacid (to rinse our eyes of pepper spray) and earbuds. Sitting in the…

Ricardo Vaz (2019-07-25). Venezuela: US Sanctions Target Subsidized Food Program as Foro de Sao Paulo Kicks Off. venezuelanalysis.com Washington has targeted companies and individuals it alleges are profiteering from the CLAP food initiative.

ACLU (2019-07-24). Trans People Led the Fight Against HB2 in North Carolina. And We're Winning. aclu.org Transgender people in North Carolina cannot be banned from facilities based on their gender under H.B. 2 replacement law. | It's been more than three years since North Carolina lawmakers passed House Bill 2, the hateful North Carolina law that compromised the ability of transgender people like me to safely navigate our daily lives. | As the lead plaintiff in the lawsuit the ACLU and Lambda Legal filed to stop this measure, I've spent the last three years fighting alongside LGBTQ North Carolinians and others to mitigate the harm caused by H.B. 2…

Paul Dobson (2019-07-23). Non-Aligned Movement Condemns US Sanctions Against Venezuela. venezuelanalysis.com The 120-member movement held a ministerial meeting in Caracas as a US spy jet reportedly violated Venezuelan airspace.

patrick (2019-07-19). BDS Movement welcomes U.S. Congress resolution affirming right to boycott. bdsmovement.net BDS Movement welcomes U.S. Congress resolution affirming right to boycott: UpdateIn a historic move, Congress members Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib and US civil rights veteran John Lewis introduce resolution affirming the right to boycott. | Right To BoycottJuly 19, 2019 | By: | | Palestinian BDS National Committee (BNC)

Ricardo Vaz (2019-07-18). Venezuela: Trump Diverts Central America Aid to Guaido as EU Threatens More Sanctions. venezuelanalysis.com Guaido's team is receiving over $40 million to fund salaries, travel, training, propaganda and technical assistance.

TeleSur English (2019-07-15). UN Human Rights Council Adopts Resolution Rejecting US Sanctions. venezuelanalysis.com The draft resolution was approved with 28 votes in favor, 14 against and five abstentions, and was presented by Venezuela and Palestine on behalf of the Movement of Non-aligned Countries.

Lucas Koerner and Ricardo Vaz (2019-07-12). Venezuela: 'Progress' Reported in Gov't-Opposition Talks as US Sanctions Counter-Intelligence Agency. venezuelanalysis.com The agenda of the talks has not been disclosed but the topic of elections is reportedly being left for last.

ACLU (2019-07-12). Pompeo's New 'Human Rights' Commission is Up To No Good. aclu.org The Trump administration appears to be trying to find new moral footing for the president's discriminatory policies. | This week, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo formally announced the creation of a "Commission on Unalienable Rights." Its stated purpose, according to a notice published in the Federal Register in May, is to provide "fresh thinking about human rights discourse where such discourse has departed from our nation's founding principles of natural law and natural rights." | Th…

Ricardo Vaz (2019-07-07). Venezuelan Government Slams 'Biased' UN Human Rights Report. venezuelanalysis.com Despite recognizing the negative impact of US sanctions, the report contains no recommendation for the measures to be lifted.

PACBI (2019-07-05). New report: French Insurer AXA Complicit in Israel's War Crimes. bdsmovement.net New report: French Insurer AXA Complicit in Israel's War Crimes: UpdateGlobal coalition demands AXA divest from companies violating Palestinian rights | Economic Boycott Military EmbargoJuly 8, 2019 | By: | | Palestinian BDS National Committee (BNC)

Paul Dobson (2019-07-01). US Sanctions Maduro's Son as Venezuela Discussed at G20. venezuelanalysis.com Russian President Vladimir Putin challenged Juan Guaido to run in elections while Trump said he has "five different alternatives for Venezuela."

Peace Action (2019-06-25). Peace Action Endorses Ilhan Omar for Congress. peaceaction.org Washington, DC — June 25, 2019 — Peace Action has announced its endorsement of Ilhan Omar for Congress in Minnesota's 5th Congressional District. Peace Action is a national grassroots organization working to advance nuclear disarmament, promote government spending priorities that support human needs, encourage real security through international cooperation and human rights, and support nonmilitary …

Peace Action (2019-06-24). Peace Action Endorses Kara Eastman for Congress. peaceaction.org Washington, DC — June 24, 2019 — Peace Action has announced its endorsement of Kara Eastman for Congress in Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District. Peace Action is a national grassroots organization working to advance nuclear disarmament, promote government spending priorities that support human needs, encourage real security through international cooperation and human rights, and support nonmilitary …

Paul Dobson (2019-06-24). UN Human Rights Head Visits Venezuela, Meets Maduro and Guaido. venezuelanalysis.com Michelle Bachelet commented on access to food and medicine, allegations of political prisoners, and the impact of sanctions, among other issues.

CounterSpin (2019-06-07). Netfa Freeman on Cuba Sanctions, Reynard Loki on Indigenous Oil Victory. fair.org Media…

2019-08-05: Social Media Postees

Amid Conservative Assault on Organized Labor, Democratic Lawmakers Are Advancing Laws to Expand Workers' Rights
Rachel M. Cohen | theintercept.com | 2019-08-05
Nevada and Delaware passed laws this summer giving public-sector workers the right to collectively bargain. Colorado is expected to follow suit next year.
theintercept.com/2019/08/05/unions-collective-bargaining-laws/

We Have Studied Every Mass Shooting Since 1966. Here's What We've Learned About the Shooters
Jillian Peterson, James Densley | commondreams.org | 2019-08-05
Family members of 13-year-old Gilroy shooting victim Keyla Salazar console each other before a San Jose vigil. (Photo: Kent Nishimura/Los Angeles Times) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files…
commondreams.org/views/2019/08/05/we-have-studied-every-mass-shooting-1966-heres-what-weve-learned-about-shooters?cd-origin=rss

The Forgotten Rohingya Refugees
Staff | therealnews.com | 2019-08-05
Existence is resistance: a quarter of a million Rohingya refugees live in Malaysia with no legal rights or protections…
therealnews.com/stories/the-forgotten-rohingya-refugees

Omission of Atrocities Committed by the Venezuelan "Opposition" Discredits UN Human Rights Report
Carla Stea | globalresearch.ca | 2019-08-05
Former lawyer for the UN High Commissioner on Human Rights, Alfred de Zayas stated: | "As a former staffer of the Office of the High Commissioner For Human Rights, I know how things work. There are people with prejudices. They have | …
globalresearch.ca/omission-atrocities-committed-venezuelan-opposition-discredits-un-human-rights-report/5685622

Myanmar companies bankroll 'brutal operations' of military, independent UN experts claim in new report
United Nations | un.org | 2019-08-05
Money earned by the Myanmar military from international and domestic business deals, "substantially enhances its ability to carry out gross violations of human rights with impunity" according to a report released on Monday by an independent United Nations group looking into military-business ties in the South East Asian country.
news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2019/08/1043701

U.S. imposes 2nd round of sanctions against Russia for poisoning ex-spy
Andrew Emett | nationofchange.org | 2019-08-05
The United States is announcing a second round of sanctions on Russia for its use of a 'novichok' nerve agent in an attempt to assassinate Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia Skripal.
nationofchange.org/2019/08/05/u-s-imposes-2nd-round-of-sanctions-against-russia-for-poisoning-ex-spy/

Iran's Foreign Minister Zarif Drives Trump to Insanity
M. K. Bhadrakumar | globalresearch.ca | 2019-08-05
At a time when the Trump administration has no problem negotiating with the secretary of the Russian national security council Nikolai Patrushev, who is technically under US sanctions since April 2018, the cut and thrust of Washington's move to …
globalresearch.ca/irans-zarif-drives-trump-insanity/5685632

Demonizing Immigrants and Mental Health Conditions is Not a Solution to Gun Violence
Amnesty International | indybay.org | 2019-08-05
Responding to President Donald Trump's speech following a spate of mass shootings over the weekend, Ernest Coverson, Amnesty International USA's End Gun Violence campaign manager said: "Gun violence reform cannot come at the expense of the human rights of any community. When President Trump links background checks for guns with immigration reform, he is once again demonizing immigrants and communities of color. The Trump administration will stop at nothing to shut down the border and limit safety to those who most need it. It is outrageous to denounce bigotry in one breath and terrorize the community that was tar…
indybay.org/newsitems/2019/08/05/18825225.php

Jewish Protesters Arrested at LA Office of Private Prison Company That Runs ICE 'Concentration Camps'
Jessica Corbett, staff writer | commondreams.org | 2019-08-05
Jewish activists were arrested Monday for protesting at the Los Angeles office of the GEO Group, a private prison company that runs federal migrant detention facilities decried by critics as "concentration camps." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files…
commondreams.org/news/2019/08/05/jewish-protesters-arrested-la-office-private-prison-company-runs-ice-concentration?cd-origin=rss

Fourth immigrant dies in Georgia detention center
Arielle Robinson | workers.org | 2019-08-04
Pedro Arriago-Santoya died July 24 while detained in a South Georgia Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility. Arriago-Santoya was 44 years old and from Mexico. His cause of death was listed as heart infection and multiple organ failure. Arriago-Santoya is the fourth migrant since 2017 to die while detained at Stewart . . . | Continue reading Fourth immigrant dies in Georgia detention center at Workers.org…
workers.org/2019/08/04/fourth-immigrant-dies-in-georgia-detention-center/

Ecuador: Uber Eats Workers Protest Reduction in Payment Rates
telesurenglish.net | 2019-08-04
Uber Eats delivery workers protested Thursday outside the company's office in Quito, Ecuador, to defend their rights, their work conditions, and the return to the delivery rates that were previously agreed upon, as the company reduced in half the rates since July 30. | RELATED: | As Drivers Sleep in Cars, Uber Co-Founder Buys a $72.5M Mansion | "With the rate currently imposed by Uber Eats, we lose up to 50 percent of what we used to gain with the previous rate. We were paid US…
telesurenglish.net/news/Ecuador-Uber-Eats-Distributors-Reject-Reduction-in-Payment–20190804-0011.html

'You don't have any rights': CBP agents interrogate US citizen and seize his phone after Venezuela solidarity trip
Max Blumenthal | thegrayzone.com | 2019-08-03
The detention of a US citizen returning from Venezuela was an apparent extension of the US government's efforts to punish…
thegrayzone.com/2019/08/03/cbp-agents-interrogate-us-citizen-venezuela/

Russian opposition figure detained ahead of Moscow protest
The Canary | thecanary.co | 2019-08-03
A leading opposition figure has been detained by Moscow police as she was heading to an unauthorised protest against the exclusion of independent and opposition candidates from the city council elections.Lyubov Sobol, who is one of the election hopefuls rejected from the ballot, was detained on Saturday in central Moscow and taken away in a police van.Activists intend to go ahead with the unauthorised protest (AP)The attempted rally comes a week after police detained nearly 1,400 protesters, beating some of them with truncheons.Despite repeated warnings that police would take active measures against a protest on…
thecanary.co/global/2019/08/03/russian-opposition-figure-detained-ahead-of-moscow-protest/

The Lines Between Us: The Modern History of Baltimore Apartheid (2/2)
Staff | therealnews.com | 2019-08-02
In part two, Lawrence Lanahan says the fight for fair housing did not end after the civil rights movement.
therealnews.com/stories/the-lines-between-us-the-modern-history-of-baltimore-apartheid-2-2

Pentagon testing 'spy balloons' across Midwest for 'persistent' domestic surveillance
rt.com | 2019-08-02
The Pentagon is testing a new surveillance technology, using American citizens as guinea pigs. Test flying dozens of high-altitude 'spy balloons' over the Midwest, the project has alarmed privacy advocates and rights groups. | …
rt.com/usa/465694-pentagon-spy-balloon-tests/

Boycott HP products to show solidarity with Palestinians
pip.hinman | greenleft.org.au | 2019-08-02
Not many people know about the role of IT giant HP in Israel's grave violations of Palestinian rights and its system of military occupation, racial segregation and oppression. | Just as many companies profited from the South African Apartheid regime, HP is today profiting from Israel's apartheid policies towards Palestinians. It supplies Israel with technology, equipment and information that is used in its ongoing violations of Palestinians' rights. | July marked a year since Israel adopted its Jewish "nation-state" law, giving constitutional status to its apartheid policies towards Palestinian citizens of Israel…
greenleft.org.au/content/boycott-hp-products-show-solidarity-palestinians

Dolores Huerta & Cornel West Respond to Democratic Debate as Biden & Harris Face Harsh Scrutiny
Staff | democracynow.org | 2019-08-01
Ten presidential hopefuls took the stage Wednesday evening for the second night of a Democratic debate in Detroit. During the night, former Vice President Joe Biden defended his record after facing numerous attacks on his record on criminal justice, the Iraq War, immigration and women's rights. Senator Kamala Harris also faced criticism over her record as California attorney general. We speak to the legendary labor leader Dolores Huerta, who is co-chair of Kamala Harris's campaign, and Harvard professor Cornel West, who has endorsed Bernie Sanders.
www.democracynow.org/2019/8/1/seg_1

Dolores Huerta Accuses Biden of "Speaking Just Like a Republican" on Immigration
Staff | democracynow.org | 2019-08-01
Immigration rights activists abruptly interrupted Joe Biden during last night's debate, chanting "3 million deportations!"–referring to the Obama administration's deportation of at least 3 million undocumented people. During the debate, Julián Castro repeatedly challenged Biden's record on immigration. "It looks like one of us has learned the lessons of the past and one of us hasn't," Castro said. We speak to Dolores Huerta and Cornel West.
www.democracynow.org/2019/8/1/dolores_hu…

receiving our inheritance.jpg
Ash-Lee Woodard Henderson | progressive.org | 2019-08-01
A legendary civil rights organization comes face-to-face with white supremacy–again.
progressive.org/magazine/receiving-our-inheritance-woodard-henderson/

US Sanctions Iran's Foreign Minister; Move Seen as Rebuke of Diplomatic Offer
Jason Ditz | theantimedia.com | 2019-08-01
The latest US sanctions on Iran are very specific, hitting FM Javad Zarif, blocking all property and financial interests he has in the US.

US Sanctions Iran's Foreign Minister; Move Seen as Rebuke of Diplomatic Offer

Candidates, Your Views on the Middle East? You Have 30 Seconds
Alex Emmons | theintercept.com | 2019-08-01
If you blinked, you might have missed it. | Across the five hours of Democratic primary debates split between two nights this week, the presidential hopefuls discussed the future of U.S. foreign policy for no more than 25 minutes. | Other policy areas had it worse. There were no questions either night on Puerto Rico, for example, or LGBT issues, or reproductive rights. But the scant attention to foreign policy was striking precisely because it's the area in which a president has the most power to change things on their own. If the next president wants to rejoin the Paris climate agreement or renegotiate the Iran…
theintercept.com/2019/08/01/candidates-your-views-on-the-middle-east-you-have-30-seconds/

Four Immigrants Have Died at Stewart ICE Jail in Georgia. Advocates Want It Shut Down
Staff | democracynow.org | 2019-07-30
A 44-year-old immigrant from Mexico died last week at Stewart Detention Center, one of the largest immigration jails in the United States and one that has been plagued by allegations of neglect and abuse for years. Pedro Arriago-Santoya was the fourth person to die at Stewart in just two years and the seventh person to die while in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement since October. An immigration judge had ordered Arriago-Santoya be deported in June. Instead, he was transferred to Stewart on July 10 as his removal proceedings continued. Two weeks later he was pronounced dead at a Georgia hospital.
www.democracynow.org/2019/7/30/pedro_arr…

More Than 160 Environmental Defenders Were Killed in 2018, and Many Others Labeled Terrorists and Criminals
Alleen Brown | theintercept.com | 2019-07-30
Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, the United Nations special rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous peoples, was disturbed to learn that her name had been included on a list of "terrorists" allegedly affiliated with the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the New People's Army. | Authoritarian President Rodrigo Duterte had imposed martial law on the island of Mindanao in May 2017, when ISIS sympathizers attacked the predominantly Muslim city Marawi. By October, ISIS had been ousted, but martial law remained in p…
theintercept.com/2019/07/30/criminalization-environmental-activists-global-witness-report/

Nicaraguan 'human rights' director accused by staff of massive theft of US taxpayer money, death toll inflation
The Grayzone | thegrayzone.com | 2019-07-30
ANPDH's board members are accusing their director of stealing huge sums from US soft power organizations and inflating death tolls…
thegrayzone.com/2019/07/30/nicaraguan-human-rights-director-accused-by-staff-of-massive-theft-of-us-taxpayer-money-death-toll-inflation/

NYC power outage reveals a profit-hungry and racist system
J. August | liberationnews.org | 2019-07-30
Electricity, transportation, decent water and other services are basic human rights.
liberationnews.org/nyc-power-outage-reveals-a-profit-hungry-and-racist-system/

Tuesday's Daily Brief: Children in armed conflict, Ebola in DR Congo, human rights in Bahrain, and two International Days
United Nations | un.org | 2019-07-30
Our main stories today cover: A new report on children and armed conflict, a day to combat human trafficking; funds needed to fight Ebola in DR Congo; UN rights office condemns the execution of two Bahraini citizens; and International Day of Friendship…
news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2019/07/1043481

Protesters in Bradenton defend the rights of immigrants and refugees
Bryan Ellis | liberationnews.org | 2019-07-29
On Sunday, seventeen people gathered at the Manatee County Courthouse in downtown Bradenton to demand an end to US concentration camps for refugees and mass deportations of immigrants.
liberationnews.org/protesters-in-bradenton-defend-the-rights-of-immigrants-and-refugees/

Mass Protests in Colombia and Abroad Decry Killings of 500 Activists Since Peace Accords
Staff | democracynow.org | 2019-07-29
Tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets on Friday in more than 50 cities and towns across Colombia to protest a surge of lethal attacks on indigenous, Afro-Colombian and environmental leaders in recent years. Solidarity marches were held in dozens of cities around the world, from Mexico City to Athens. In 2016, the Colombian government and FARC rebels signed a historic peace accord to move the country forward after a half-century of armed conflict. But since then, nearly 500 human rights activists, many from the Afro-Colombian community, have been killed, targeted for their work combating illegal m…
www.democracynow.org/2019/7/29/colombia_…

Murder of Brazilian indigenous leader a 'worrying symptom' of land invasion
United Nations | un.org | 2019-07-29
In the wake of the murder of indigenous leader Emrya Wajà£pi in Brazil, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, has called on the country's authorities to "react quickly and decisively" to protect the rights of indigenous peoples on their lands.
news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2019/07/1043401

Progressive Democrats vote against BDS, Palestinian rights
Aaron Maté | thegrayzone.com | 2019-07-29
House Democrats, including key progressives, have passed a measure condemning the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement (BDS). Why are Reps….
thegrayzone.com/2019/07/29/progressive-democrats-vote-against-bds-palestinian-rights/

Monday's Daily Brief: Nigeria massacre, Libya shelling condemned; recycled plastic used to build classrooms in Cà¥te d'Ivoire
United Nations | un.org | 2019-07-29
Our main stories today: UN chief and senior UN official condemn the 'terrible massacre' in Nigeria that left some 65 dead, and the shelling of a hospital in Libya that killed medical workers; UN Secretary-General António Guterres reacts to a deadly landslide in China; recycled plastic waste is used to build classrooms in Cà¥te d'Ivoire; and scouts are urged to become human rights defenders.
news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2019/07/1043371

Family of Herbert Lee to visit Civil Rights Memorial that honors his sacrifice
splcenter.org | 2019-07-26
Clifton Franklin was a high school football running back who — at 16 — wanted to play in a big game between Louisiana rivals. His mother, however, had other plans.
splcenter.org/news/2019/07/26/family-herbert-lee-visit-civil-rights-memorial-honors-his-sacrifice

Hawaiians are Taking to the Streets and Exercising their First Amendment Rights
aclu.org | 2019-07-25
We're ensuring the right to protest and cultural access at the world's tallest mountain. | Driving up Daniel K. Inouye Highway on the Big Island of Hawai'i at 4: 30 in the morning is a sight few will forget: a silent, pitch-black road, with black lava and sparse trees. The dark air is a chilly 50 degrees. In our backpacks are packaged tuna, crackers, water, walkie talkies, and a voice recorder. However, the most important items are without a doubt our blue ACLU of Hawai'i legal observer vests and first aid kit, which is stocked with goods like antacid (to rinse our eyes of pepper spray) and earbuds. Sitting in the…
aclu.org/blog/free-speech/rights-protesters/hawaiians-are-taking-streets-and-exercising-their-first-amendment

Venezuela: US Sanctions Target Subsidized Food Program as Foro de Sao Paulo Kicks Off
Ricardo Vaz | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-07-25
Washington has targeted companies and individuals it alleges are profiteering from the CLAP food initiative.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14602

Trans People Led the Fight Against HB2 in North Carolina. And We're Winning
aclu.org | 2019-07-24
Transgender people in North Carolina cannot be banned from facilities based on their gender under H.B. 2 replacement law. | It's been more than three years since North Carolina lawmakers passed House Bill 2, the hateful North Carolina law that compromised the ability of transgender people like me to safely navigate our daily lives. | As the lead plaintiff in the lawsuit the ACLU and Lambda Legal filed to stop this measure, I've spent the last three years fighting alongside LGBTQ North Carolinians and others to mitigate the harm caused by H.B. 2…
aclu.org/blog/lgbt-rights/transgender-rights/trans-people-led-fight-against-hb2-north-carolina-and-were

Non-Aligned Movement Condemns US Sanctions Against Venezuela
Paul Dobson | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-07-23
The 120-member movement held a ministerial meeting in Caracas as a US spy jet reportedly violated Venezuelan airspace.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14596

BDS Movement welcomes U.S. Congress resolution affirming right to boycott
patrick | bdsmovement.net | 2019-07-19
BDS Movement welcomes U.S. Congress resolution affirming right to boycott: UpdateIn a historic move, Congress members Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib and US civil rights veteran John Lewis introduce resolution affirming the right to boycott. | Right To BoycottJuly 19, 2019 | By: | | Palestinian BDS National Committee (BNC) …
bdsmovement.net/news/bds-movement-welcomes-us-congress-resolution-affirming-right-boycott

Venezuela: Trump Diverts Central America Aid to Guaido as EU Threatens More Sanctions
Ricardo Vaz | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-07-18
Guaido's team is receiving over $40 million to fund salaries, travel, training, propaganda and technical assistance.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14592

UN Human Rights Council Adopts Resolution Rejecting US Sanctions
TeleSur English | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-07-15
The draft resolution was approved with 28 votes in favor, 14 against and five abstentions, and was presented by Venezuela and Palestine on behalf of the Movement of Non-aligned Countries.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14585

Venezuela: 'Progress' Reported in Gov't-Opposition Talks as US Sanctions Counter-Intelligence Agency
Lucas Koerner and Ricardo Vaz | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-07-12
The agenda of the talks has not been disclosed but the topic of elections is reportedly being left for last.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14584

Pompeo's New 'Human Rights' Commission is Up To No Good
aclu.org | 2019-07-12
The Trump administration appears to be trying to find new moral footing for the president's discriminatory policies. | This week, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo formally announced the creation of a "Commission on Unalienable Rights." Its stated purpose, according to a notice published in the Federal Register in May, is to provide "fresh thinking about human rights discourse where such discourse has departed from our nation's founding principles of natural law and natural rights." | Th…
aclu.org/blog/human-rights/pompeos-new-human-rights-commission-no-good

Venezuelan Government Slams 'Biased' UN Human Rights Report
Ricardo Vaz | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-07-07
Despite recognizing the negative impact of US sanctions, the report contains no recommendation for the measures to be lifted.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14575

New report: French Insurer AXA Complicit in Israel's War Crimes
PACBI | bdsmovement.net | 2019-07-05
New report: French Insurer AXA Complicit in Israel's War Crimes: UpdateGlobal coalition demands AXA divest from companies violating Palestinian rights | Economic Boycott Military EmbargoJuly 8, 2019 | By: | | Palestinian BDS National Committee (BNC) …
bdsmovement.net/news/new-report-french-insurer-axa-complicit-israel%E2%80%99s-war-crimes