Daily Archives: October 8, 2019

2019-10-08: News Headlines

Anna-Catherine Brigida (2019-10-08). Despite U.S. Asylum Ban, Honduran Women Fleeing Violence Remain Undeterred. theintercept.com Heydi Lizbeth García Girón is haunted by the memory of the day her partner tried to kill her. | "I can't sleep at night because when I close my eyes, I see the image of him over me with a machete," said García Girón, in an interview at the office of a women's rights organization in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, in June. | In October of last year, García Girón returned to her home in Tegucigalpa with her partner of nine years, their 6-year-old daughter, and García Girón's 12-year-old son. Her partner was in a nasty temper, accusing her of lying about being with a friend earlier in the day. He sent her son to the store, a…

WSWS (2019-10-08). Australia's prisoner swap with Iran contrasts with persecution of Julian Assange. wsws.org The deal exposes the denial of basic legal and democratic rights by the Australian, British and US governments in the continued detention and psychological torture of the WikiLeaks founder.

United Nations (2019-10-08). Tuesday's Daily Brief: Eye health, UN's financial crisis, progress in Mali and South Sudan, human rights in Australia. un.org Tuesday's top stories: Global need for eye care is set to increase 'dramatically'; work and reforms of the UN 'at risk'; progress on Mali security; South Sudan peace accord anniversary; Rights chief Bachelet urges rollback on Australia migration policies; and an interview with Maha Mamo, living proof of why statelessness needs to end worldwide.

commondreams (2019-10-08). EarthRights International Urges Congress to Cancel Corporate Abuse. commondreams.org ______________________________…

commondreams (2019-10-08). 30+ Civil Rights Organizations Call On Elected Officials to Stop Amazon's Doorbell Surveillance Partnerships With Police. commondreams.org ______________________________…

commondreams (2019-10-08). Turkish Judicial Farce Must End With Acquittal Of Human Rights Defenders. commondreams.org ______________________________…

teleSUR (2019-10-08). Colombia's Uribe Appears At Supreme Court On Multiple Charges. telesurenglish.net Colombia's former right-wing President Alvaro Uribe made an appearance before Colombia's supreme court on Tuesday, facing 14 charges, including human rights abuses, fraud and tampering with a witness. | RELATED: | Colombia: Court Ratifies Evidence Against Former President Uribe | The court will have 10 days to determine whether or not to press on with the…

Colin Brineman (2019-10-08). A Tale of Two Policies: Trump's Hypocrisy and State Violence in Venezuela and Brazil. counterpunch.org A recent report on Venezuela by the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is a grim portrayal of a country in a severe crisis. Yet, given the extensive media coverage given to this report, it is important to contextualize what is going on in Venezuela in light of the situation More

teleSUR (2019-10-08). Social Movements Plan March On Sao Paulo for Lula. telesurenglish.net Social movements in Brazil are planning a march to Sao Paulo for October 13th, to demand that former leftist President Lula Da Silva be freed from jail, where he has been detained since April 2018 on trumped-up charges. | RELATED: | Lula's Letter to Brazil's People: I Won't Bargain my Freedom | The organizers of the "Justice for Lula" event, together with the Lula Libre Committee, reported that the demonstration aims to denounce the crimes and legal war that have made it impossible…

James Esseks (2019-10-08). What You Need to Know About Today's LGBTQ Rights Arguments Before SCOTUS. commondreams.org For the LGBTQ civil rights movement, this is a big moment. (Photo credit should read MOLLY RILEY/AFP/Getty Images) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files…

ACLU (2019-10-08). What You Need to Know About Today's LGBTQ Rights Arguments Before SCOTUS. aclu.org In three cases at the Supreme Court, the Trump administration is arguing it's legal to fire workers for being LGBTQ. | Today, the Supreme Court will hear arguments in three cases in which the Trump administration is urging the court to rule that it's legal to fire workers for being LGBTQ. | For the LGBTQ civil rights movement, this is a big moment. These cases will affect more people than the Supreme Court's decision about the freedom to marry, and they potentially implicate a broader range of contexts in which LGBTQ people may face harm, if the Court green-lights discrimination. Worse still, a bad ruling would s…

Jessica Corbett, staff writer (2019-10-08). LGBTQ Advocates Flood Capitol Hill on Day One of Supreme Court's First Trans Civil Rights Case in US History. commondreams.org Civil rights advocates rallied on Capitol Hill Tuesday as the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments for three related cases—including its first on trans rights—in which, as the ACLU put it, "the Trump administration is urging the court to rule that it's legal to fire workers for being LGBTQ." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files…

Jake Johnson, staff writer (2019-10-08). To Stop Threat of 'For-Profit Surveillance,' Rights Groups Demand End to Partnerships That Give Cops Access to Amazon Ring Data. commondreams.org "Our elected officials are supposed to protect us, both from abusive policing practices and corporate overreach. These partnerships are a clear case of both." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files…

Jon Queally, staff writer (2019-10-08). In European First, Proposed Constitutional Amendment in Sweden Would Enshrine Rights of Nature. commondreams.org "When we're in the beginning of an ecological and climate collapse," said the lawmaker who introduced the measure, "I hope we can re-think our relationship with Nature." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files…

The Canary (2019-10-07). Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe questions detention as Australians freed from Iran. thecanary.co Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe has asked why she is still incarcerated in Iran more three years after being detained — after Australia secured the release of two citizens from the country last week.Jolie King, a dual British-Australian citizen, and her Australian boyfriend Mark Firkin were returned to Australia last week, some three months after being arrested.The couple, who had been blogging and vlogging on their extended journey across Asia, were arrested on spying charges after flying a drone near a military base, Iranian officials confirmed.Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, the British-Iranian woman jailed in Iran…

Staff (2019-10-07). Blatant Case of Torture Exposes Israeli Occupation Methods. therealnews.com Twenty years after the Israeli High Court ruled against the use of torture, the law allows the secret police to continue to use it. Human rights groups warn that these circumstances are frequently evoked in cases like that of Samer Al-Arbid, who was almost tortured to death.

Staff (2019-10-07). 18 Years Ago the Endless War in Afghanistan Began. therealnews.com Author and combat veteran Maj. Danny Sjursen and Afghan women's rights activist Fahima Gaheez speak on the tragedy of the longest war, what the past has wrought, and what the future portends.

John McMurtry (2019-10-07). Lawless Trump-Canada Connections. counterpunch.org Canada recently seized and sold $30 million worth of Iranian properties in Ottawa and Toronto, a gross hypocrisy explains Yves Engler in light of oversights of more flagrant US and Israel terror victims. But the behaviour of Canada Foreign Affairs in joining the lawless US war of sanctions, embargos and military threats against Iran goes More

teleSUR (2019-10-07). Round 13: China-US Trade Talks Get Underway in Tense Atmosphere. telesurenglish.net United States and Chinese deputy trade negotiators launched the 13th round of talks Monday aimed at resolving the two nations' 15-month trade war, with neither side showing any signs of giving ground. | RELATED: | Wall Street Plunges As US-China Trade War Takes Toll on Economy | "The two sides will look to build on the deputy-level talks of the past weeks. Topics of discussion will include forced technology transfer, intellectual property rights, services, non-tariff barriers,…

Staff (2019-10-07). "We Have to Mass Mobilize": Laverne Cox & Chase Strangio Sound the Alarm on Major LGBTQ SCOTUS Cases. democracynow.org At the start of its new term, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments on Tuesday in three cases to determine whether LGBTQ people can be fired from their jobs due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, employers cannot discriminate against employees on the basis of sex, as well as race, color, national origin and religion, but the Trump administration claims the law does not cover discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The cases mark the first time the Supreme Court will rule on LGBTQ rights since conservative Justice Brett Kavanaugh re…

Staff (2019-10-07). "A Backlash Against Our Existence": Laverne Cox Speaks Out on Violence Against Trans Women of Color. democracynow.org At least 19 transgender people have been killed in the United States in 2019 — most of them trans women of color. Last year, there were at least 26 killings of transgender people. The American Medical Association has declared the wave of violence an "epidemic." Laverne Cox, the award-winning transgender actress and longtime trans rights activist, says such violence has long been part of the lives of trans people. "For my entire life as a trans woman, for 21 years, I have been hearing about, witnessing, going to memorials [and] going to Trans Days of Remembrance," she says. Cox says the violence reflects a s…

Mat Ward (2019-10-07). Day 4: What the #WaterForRivers bus tour was really like. greenleft.org.au Aboriginal rights Mat WardIssue 1243 Australia Aboriginal culture Murray Darling River crisis Save Our Rivers

Mat Ward (2019-10-06). Day 3: What the #WaterForRivers bus tour was really like. greenleft.org.au Aboriginal rights Mat WardIssue 1242 Australia Aboriginal culture Murray Darling River crisis Save Our Rivers

Mat Ward (2019-10-05). Day 2: What the #WaterForRivers bus tour was really like. greenleft.org.au Aboriginal rights Mat WardIssue 1241 Australia Aboriginal culture Murray Darling River crisis Save Our Rivers

PSL Connecticut (2019-10-04). 'This is an emergency:' New Haven demands a real Sanctuary City. liberationnews.org " øQue queremos? °Ciudad Santuario! øCuando? °Ahora!" was the chant that rang out from the steps of New Haven City Hall on Oct. 2, as a crowd of 50 people gathered to demand immediate action from the Board of Alders on an ordinance establishing strong sanctuary city legislation.

Fight Back (2019-10-04). Labor unions to join national civil rights conference with Angela Davis in November. fightbacknews.org Chicago, IL – Unions are on the march in defense of their members across the country, with the autoworker strike against GM and strike authorization votes by teachers and other city employees in Chicago. Unions are also defending their members when they leave work and find their lives in danger from the very people paid to protect them: the police. | Labor is joining a new effort to hold the police accountable for the killing, wrongful conviction, and even torture of young Blacks and Latinos. On November 22-24, veteran human rights activist Angela Davis will be in Chicago to re-establish the National Alliance Ag…

Mat Ward (2019-10-04). Day 1: What the #WaterForRivers bus tour was really like. greenleft.org.au Aboriginal rights Mat WardIssue 1240 Australia Aboriginal culture Murray Darling River crisis Save Our Rivers

ACLU (2019-10-03). Trump's War on Asylum-Seekers is Endangering Pregnant Women. aclu.org CBP officers are forcibly returning pregnant asylum-seekers to Mexico in violation of their own rules. | The view from the Matamoros, Mexico side of the Rio Grande — just across from Brownsville, Texas — reveals an unsettling scene. | Young women and children bathe openly in the murky green water, while others wash their clothes on the bank of the river that has claimed so many lives — most recently those of Idalia and her 21-month-old son Iker. This is the new painful reality of seeking asylum in the U…

Staff (2019-10-03). As Man Dies in ICE Custody, California Moves to Ban For-Profit Prisons, Including Immigrant Jails. democracynow.org A Cameroonian immigrant died this week in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in California. The man, identified as 37-year-old Nebane Abienwi, died on Tuesday after suffering a brain hemorrhage. This comes as California lawmakers passed a bill last month that would ban private prisons statewide, a major blow to the for-profit prison industry in the U.S. that is deeply entangled in immigration detention. The legislation also orders the closure of four ICE prisons that can jail up to 4,500 immigrants. The bill is currently awaiting the signature of Governor Gavin Newsom, who said in his January…

Ricardo Vaz (2019-10-02). Venezuela's CITGO in Danger as Maduro Seeks Debt Renegotiation. venezuelanalysis.com US financial sanctions have stopped Venezuela from renegotiating foreign debt since 2017.

Fred_F (2019-10-02). NSW: Abortion decriminalised but fight not over. greenleft.org.au abortion rights New South Wales Pip HinmanIssue 1240 Australia SydneyOctober 2, 2019Abortion has finally been decriminalised in New South Wales, after decades of campaigning and nearly 40 hours of pa…

Fred_F (2019-10-02). Social workers, local First Nations community demand justice for Yamatji region. greenleft.org.au Indigenous rights Western Australia Deborah GreenIssue 1240 Australia GeraldtonOctober 2, 2019Social justice workers and local First Nations community members spoke out about the dire need…

patrick (2019-10-02). Palestinian civil society calls on Egyptian authorities to immediately release activist Ramy Shaath. bdsmovement.net Palestinian civil society calls on Egyptian authorities to immediately release activist Ramy Shaath: Open Letter30 Palestinian civil society organizations call on the Egyptian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release human rights activist Ramy Shaath, and call on all Palestinian, Arab and international organizations to show solidarity with Ramy's just cause and also…

Fight Back (2019-09-30). Venezuelan Minister of Foreign Affairs Jorge Arreaza speaks in NYC. fightbacknews.org New York, NY – Over 400 people attended an event for Venezuela at Holyrood Church in the Washington Heights neighborhood of New York City, September 26. The main speaker of the evening was Venezuela's Minister of Foreign Affairs Jorge Arreaza, with introductions from the church, Black Agenda Report, and the Interreligious Foundation for Community Organization. The talk was organized by the Venezuelan Welcoming Committee. | Arreaza spoke about how the U.S. sanctions against the country mean Venezuelans are unable to receive crucial medical services and treatments or imported food. He also mentioned how the United…

Staff (2019-09-30). Headlines for September 30, 2019. democracynow.org Facing Threats from Trump, Anonymous Whistleblower to Testify on Capitol Hill, Trump Warns Impeachment Could Lead to Civil War, Calls Critics "Savages", Pompeo Subpoenaed over Ukraine; Trump Envoy for Ukraine Resigns, More Than 2 Million Take Part in Global Climate Strike, Nearly 70 Arrested at New Hampshire Coal Plant Protest, Federal Judge Blocks Trump Administration Effort to Indefinitely Detain Migrant Children, Low Turnout Reported on Election Day in Afghanistan, Egyptian Dissident Alaa Abd El-Fattah Arrested Amid Growing Crackdown, Houthis Claim to Have Killed 500 Saudi Soldiers in August Attack, El País: S…

Dru Maxcy (2019-09-30). Liberation News confronts Boston mayor over police riot vs. anti-fascist protesters. liberationnews.org The violent police repression at the fascist so-called "Straight Pride Parade" — which led to the arrest of 34 counter-protestors and the brutalizing of many more — was only the beginning of a rapidly expanding state-sanctioned attack against left-wing activists and the LGBTQ community in Boston.

ACLU (2019-09-27). Trump Announces Plan to Admit Fewer Refugees Than Any Previous President. aclu.org Another attack on Muslims and communities of color seeking safety. | The Trump administration yesterday announced its plan to admit 18,000 refugees this fiscal year, taking another step in its agenda to dismantle the program that has long provided protection for people and families seeking safety from persecution. This sickening announcement is consistent with Trump's attacks on refugees, Muslims, and immigrants across the board — particularly those who are Brown or Black. | The U.S. has long been a global leader in refugee admissions. By the end of the Obama administration, the United States' annual refuge…

pip.hinman (2019-09-27). Time to stand up for public healthcare. greenleft.org.au civil rights Mischa FrankIssue 1239 Australia Medicare private health insurance funding cutsSeptember 27, 2019The federal Coali…

splcenter (2019-09-26). Weekend Read: Marchers today will demand rights for transgender people amid hate crimes and Trump administration assault. splcenter.org Thousands of people will be marching in Washington, D.C., and across the nation today.

Ricardo Vaz (2019-09-26). Venezuela: Trump Imposes Travel Ban, Putin Backs Dialogue. venezuelanalysis.com US officials and the Venezuelan opposition have also lobbied the EU to impose harsher sanctions against Caracas.

Lucas Koerner and Ricardo Vaz (2019-09-25). Washington Gives Guaido $52M in Funding, Slaps Venezuela with New Sanctions. venezuelanalysis.com The new aid package dovetailed with fresh sanctions targeting Venezuela-Cuba oil shipping.

ACLU (2019-09-25). White Supremacist Violence Is On the Rise. Expanding the FBI's Powers Isn't the Answer. aclu.org Expanding law enforcement's powers will harm the communities of color that white supremacist violence targets—and undermine our constitutional rights. | In response to the increase in white supremacist violence, Congress has been holding hearings — including one today — on the urgent need to address it. But, rather than getting to the bottom of why our law enforcement agencies have failed to address white supremacist violence, some lawmakers are rushing to give law enforcement agencies harmful additional powers and creating new crimes. That approach ignores the way power, racism, and nation…

PACBI (2019-09-24). Opinion by Legal Scholar Prof. John Dugard on Relations Between University of Cape Town and Israeli Universities. bdsmovement.net Opinion by Legal Scholar Prof. John Dugard on Relations Between University of Cape Town and Israeli Universities : AnalysisAs the University of Cape Town weighs refraining from relations with Israeli Universities enabling the gross violation of Palestinian human rights, renowned South African international law scholar Prof. John Dugard finds that UCT "would be acting in accordance with So…

Lucas Koerner (2019-09-18). US imposes New Sanctions Targeting Venezuela's Food Program. venezuelanalysis.com The Treasury Department has targeted people and companies involved in imports for Venezuela's CLAP program.

splcenter (2019-09-15). Remembering the Birmingham church bombing. splcenter.org Fifty-six years ago today, four precious little girls were murdered in one of the most heinous acts of white supremacist terror of the civil rights era.

Ricardo Vaz (2019-09-12). Venezuela Oil Production Continues Decline as China Cancels More Shipments. venezuelanalysis.com Russian oil giant Rosneft blasted threats of US sanctions as "unfair competition."

CounterSpin (2019-08-16). Ernest Coverson on Guns & Human Rights, Carey Gillam Under Attack From Monsanto. fair.org Media…

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 …

2019-10-08: Social Media Postees

Please be social by posting these 'POSTEES' on social media!

Australia's prisoner swap with Iran contrasts with persecution of Julian Assange
wsws.org | 2019-10-08
The deal exposes the denial of basic legal and democratic rights by the Australian, British and US governments in the continued detention and psychological torture of the WikiLeaks founder.
www.wsws.org/en/articles/2019/10/08/assa…

Tuesday's Daily Brief: Eye health, UN's financial crisis, progress in Mali and South Sudan, human rights in Australia
United Nations | un.org | 2019-10-08
Tuesday's top stories: Global need for eye care is set to increase 'dramatically'; work and reforms of the UN 'at risk'; progress on Mali security; South Sudan peace accord anniversary; Rights chief Bachelet urges rollback on Australia migration policies; and an interview with Maha Mamo, living proof of why statelessness needs to end worldwide.
news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2019/10/1048832

Colombia's Uribe Appears At Supreme Court On Multiple Charges
telesurenglish.net | 2019-10-08
Colombia's former right-wing President Alvaro Uribe made an appearance before Colombia's supreme court on Tuesday, facing 14 charges, including human rights abuses, fraud and tampering with a witness. | RELATED: | Colombia: Court Ratifies Evidence Against Former President Uribe | The court will have 10 days to determine whether or not to press on with the…
telesurenglish.net/news/Colombias-Uribe-Appears-At-Supreme-Court-On-Multiple-Charges-20191008-0008.html

30+ Civil Rights Organizations Call On Elected Officials to Stop Amazon's Doorbell Surveillance Partnerships With Police
commondreams.org | 2019-10-08
______________________________…
commondreams.org/newswire/2019/10/08/30-civil-rights-organizations-call-elected-officials-stop-amazons-doorbell?cd-origin=rss

A Tale of Two Policies: Trump's Hypocrisy and State Violence in Venezuela and Brazil
Colin Brineman | counterpunch.org | 2019-10-08
A recent report on Venezuela by the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is a grim portrayal of a country in a severe crisis. Yet, given the extensive media coverage given to this report, it is important to contextualize what is going on in Venezuela in light of the situation…
counterpunch.org/2019/10/08/a-tale-of-two-policies-trumps-hypocrisy-and-state-violence-in-venezuela-and-brazil/

Turkish Judicial Farce Must End With Acquittal Of Human Rights Defenders
commondreams.org | 2019-10-08
______________________________…
commondreams.org/newswire/2019/10/08/turkish-judicial-farce-must-end-acquittal-human-rights-defenders?cd-origin=rss

EarthRights International Urges Congress to Cancel Corporate Abuse
commondreams.org | 2019-10-08
______________________________…
commondreams.org/newswire/2019/10/08/earthrights-international-urges-congress-cancel-corporate-abuse?cd-origin=rss

Despite U.S. Asylum Ban, Honduran Women Fleeing Violence Remain Undeterred
Anna-Catherine Brigida | theintercept.com | 2019-10-08
Heydi Lizbeth García Girón is haunted by the memory of the day her partner tried to kill her. | "I can't sleep at night because when I close my eyes, I see the image of him over me with a machete," said García Girón, in an interview at the office of a women's rights organization in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, in June. | In October of last year, García Girón returned to her home in Tegucigalpa with her partner of nine years, their 6-year-old daughter, and García Girón's 12-year-old son. Her partner was in a nasty temper, accusing her of lying about being with a friend earlier in the day. He sent her son to the store, a…
theintercept.com/2019/10/08/us-asylum-ban-honduras-women-violence/

Social Movements Plan March On Sao Paulo for Lula
telesurenglish.net | 2019-10-08
Social movements in Brazil are planning a march to Sao Paulo for October 13th, to demand that former leftist President Lula Da Silva be freed from jail, where he has been detained since April 2018 on trumped-up charges. | RELATED: | Lula's Letter to Brazil's People: I Won't Bargain my Freedom | The organizers of the "Justice for Lula" event, together with the Lula Libre Committee, reported that the demonstration aims to denounce the crimes and legal war that have made it impossible…
telesurenglish.net/news/Social-Movements-Plan-March-On-Sao-Paulo-for-Lula-20191008-0013.html

What You Need to Know About Today's LGBTQ Rights Arguments Before SCOTUS
James Esseks | commondreams.org | 2019-10-08
For the LGBTQ civil rights movement, this is a big moment. (Photo credit should read MOLLY RILEY/AFP/Getty Images) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files…
commondreams.org/views/2019/10/08/what-you-need-know-about-todays-lgbtq-rights-arguments-scotus?cd-origin=rss

LGBTQ Advocates Flood Capitol Hill on Day One of Supreme Court's First Trans Civil Rights Case in US History
Jessica Corbett, staff writer | commondreams.org | 2019-10-08
Civil rights advocates rallied on Capitol Hill Tuesday as the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments for three related cases—including its first on trans rights—in which, as the ACLU put it, "the Trump administration is urging the court to rule that it's legal to fire workers for being LGBTQ." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files…
commondreams.org/news/2019/10/08/lgbtq-advocates-flood-capitol-hill-day-one-supreme-courts-first-trans-civil-rights?cd-origin=rss

What You Need to Know About Today's LGBTQ Rights Arguments Before SCOTUS
aclu.org | 2019-10-08
In three cases at the Supreme Court, the Trump administration is arguing it's legal to fire workers for being LGBTQ. | Today, the Supreme Court will hear arguments in three cases in which the Trump administration is urging the court to rule that it's legal to fire workers for being LGBTQ. | For the LGBTQ civil rights movement, this is a big moment. These cases will affect more people than the Supreme Court's decision about the freedom to marry, and they potentially implicate a broader range of contexts in which LGBTQ people may face harm, if the Court green-lights discrimination. Worse still, a bad ruling would s…
aclu.org/blog/lgbt-rights/lgbt-nondiscrimination-protections/what-you-need-know-about-todays-lgbtq-rights

To Stop Threat of 'For-Profit Surveillance,' Rights Groups Demand End to Partnerships That Give Cops Access to Amazon Ring Data
Jake Johnson, staff writer | commondreams.org | 2019-10-08
"Our elected officials are supposed to protect us, both from abusive policing practices and corporate overreach. These partnerships are a clear case of both." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files…
commondreams.org/news/2019/10/08/stop-threat-profit-surveillance-rights-groups-demand-end-partnerships-give-cops?cd-origin=rss

In European First, Proposed Constitutional Amendment in Sweden Would Enshrine Rights of Nature
Jon Queally, staff writer | commondreams.org | 2019-10-08
"When we're in the beginning of an ecological and climate collapse," said the lawmaker who introduced the measure, "I hope we can re-think our relationship with Nature." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files…
commondreams.org/news/2019/10/08/european-first-proposed-constitutional-amendment-sweden-would-enshrine-rights-nature?cd-origin=rss

18 Years Ago the Endless War in Afghanistan Began
Staff | therealnews.com | 2019-10-07
Author and combat veteran Maj. Danny Sjursen and Afghan women's rights activist Fahima Gaheez speak on the tragedy of the longest war, what the past has wrought, and what the future portends.
therealnews.com/stories/18-years-ago-endless-war-afghanistan-began

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe questions detention as Australians freed from Iran
The Canary | thecanary.co | 2019-10-07
Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe has asked why she is still incarcerated in Iran more three years after being detained — after Australia secured the release of two citizens from the country last week.Jolie King, a dual British-Australian citizen, and her Australian boyfriend Mark Firkin were returned to Australia last week, some three months after being arrested.The couple, who had been blogging and vlogging on their extended journey across Asia, were arrested on spying charges after flying a drone near a military base, Iranian officials confirmed.Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, the British-Iranian woman jailed in Iran…
thecanary.co/global/world-news/2019/10/07/nazanin-zaghari-ratcliffe-questions-detention-as-australians-freed-from-iran/

Round 13: China-US Trade Talks Get Underway in Tense Atmosphere
telesurenglish.net | 2019-10-07
United States and Chinese deputy trade negotiators launched the 13th round of talks Monday aimed at resolving the two nations' 15-month trade war, with neither side showing any signs of giving ground. | RELATED: | Wall Street Plunges As US-China Trade War Takes Toll on Economy | "The two sides will look to build on the deputy-level talks of the past weeks. Topics of discussion will include forced technology transfer, intellectual property rights, services, non-tariff barriers,…
telesurenglish.net/news/China-US-Trade-Talks-Get-Underway-in-Tense-Atmosphere-20191007-0016.html

Blatant Case of Torture Exposes Israeli Occupation Methods
Staff | therealnews.com | 2019-10-07
Twenty years after the Israeli High Court ruled against the use of torture, the law allows the secret police to continue to use it. Human rights groups warn that these circumstances are frequently evoked in cases like that of Samer Al-Arbid, who was almost tortured to death.
therealnews.com/stories/blatant-torture-case-exposes-israeli-occupation-method

Lawless Trump-Canada Connections
John McMurtry | counterpunch.org | 2019-10-07
Canada recently seized and sold $30 million worth of Iranian properties in Ottawa and Toronto, a gross hypocrisy explains Yves Engler in light of oversights of more flagrant US and Israel terror victims. But the behaviour of Canada Foreign Affairs in joining the lawless US war of sanctions, embargos and military threats against Iran goes…
counterpunch.org/2019/10/07/lawless-trump-canada-connections/

"A Backlash Against Our Existence": Laverne Cox Speaks Out on Violence Against Trans Women of Color
Staff | democracynow.org | 2019-10-07
At least 19 transgender people have been killed in the United States in 2019 — most of them trans women of color. Last year, there were at least 26 killings of transgender people. The American Medical Association has declared the wave of violence an "epidemic." Laverne Cox, the award-winning transgender actress and longtime trans rights activist, says such violence has long been part of the lives of trans people. "For my entire life as a trans woman, for 21 years, I have been hearing about, witnessing, going to memorials [and] going to Trans Days of Remembrance," she says. Cox says the violence reflects a s…
www.democracynow.org/2019/10/7/laverne_c…

"We Have to Mass Mobilize": Laverne Cox & Chase Strangio Sound the Alarm on Major LGBTQ SCOTUS Cases
Staff | democracynow.org | 2019-10-07
At the start of its new term, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments on Tuesday in three cases to determine whether LGBTQ people can be fired from their jobs due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, employers cannot discriminate against employees on the basis of sex, as well as race, color, national origin and religion, but the Trump administration claims the law does not cover discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The cases mark the first time the Supreme Court will rule on LGBTQ rights since conservative Justice Brett Kavanaugh re…
www.democracynow.org/2019/10/7/trans_rig…

Day 4: What the #WaterForRivers bus tour was really like
Mat Ward | greenleft.org.au | 2019-10-07
Aboriginal rights Mat WardIssue 1243 Australia Aboriginal culture Murray Darling River crisis Save Our Rivers…
greenleft.org.au/content/day-4-what-waterforrivers-bus-tour-was-really

Day 3: What the #WaterForRivers bus tour was really like
Mat Ward | greenleft.org.au | 2019-10-06
Aboriginal rights Mat WardIssue 1242 Australia Aboriginal culture Murray Darling River crisis Save Our Rivers…
greenleft.org.au/content/day-3-what-waterforrivers-bus-tour-was-really

Day 2: What the #WaterForRivers bus tour was really like
Mat Ward | greenleft.org.au | 2019-10-05
Aboriginal rights Mat WardIssue 1241 Australia Aboriginal culture Murray Darling River crisis Save Our Rivers…
greenleft.org.au/content/day-2-what-waterforrivers-bus-tour-was-really

Labor unions to join national civil rights conference with Angela Davis in November
Fight Back | fightbacknews.org | 2019-10-04
Chicago, IL – Unions are on the march in defense of their members across the country, with the autoworker strike against GM and strike authorization votes by teachers and other city employees in Chicago. Unions are also defending their members when they leave work and find their lives in danger from the very people paid to protect them: the police. | Labor is joining a new effort to hold the police accountable for the killing, wrongful conviction, and even torture of young Blacks and Latinos. On November 22-24, veteran human rights activist Angela Davis will be in Chicago to re-establish the National Alliance Ag…
www.fightbacknews.org/2019/10/4/labor-un…

'This is an emergency:' New Haven demands a real Sanctuary City
PSL Connecticut | liberationnews.org | 2019-10-04
" øQue queremos? °Ciudad Santuario! øCuando? °Ahora!" was the chant that rang out from the steps of New Haven City Hall on Oct. 2, as a crowd of 50 people gathered to demand immediate action from the Board of Alders on an ordinance establishing strong sanctuary city legislation.
liberationnews.org/this-is-an-emergency-new-haven-demands-a-real-sanctuary-city/

Day 1: What the #WaterForRivers bus tour was really like
Mat Ward | greenleft.org.au | 2019-10-04
Aboriginal rights Mat WardIssue 1240 Australia Aboriginal culture Murray Darling River crisis Save Our Rivers…
greenleft.org.au/content/day-1-what-waterforrivers-bus-tour-was-really

Trump's War on Asylum-Seekers is Endangering Pregnant Women
aclu.org | 2019-10-03
CBP officers are forcibly returning pregnant asylum-seekers to Mexico in violation of their own rules. | The view from the Matamoros, Mexico side of the Rio Grande — just across from Brownsville, Texas — reveals an unsettling scene. | Young women and children bathe openly in the murky green water, while others wash their clothes on the bank of the river that has claimed so many lives — most recently those of Idalia and her 21-month-old son Iker. This is the new painful reality of seeking asylum in the U…
aclu.org/blog/immigrants-rights/trumps-war-asylum-seekers-endangering-pregnant-women

As Man Dies in ICE Custody, California Moves to Ban For-Profit Prisons, Including Immigrant Jails
Staff | democracynow.org | 2019-10-03
A Cameroonian immigrant died this week in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in California. The man, identified as 37-year-old Nebane Abienwi, died on Tuesday after suffering a brain hemorrhage. This comes as California lawmakers passed a bill last month that would ban private prisons statewide, a major blow to the for-profit prison industry in the U.S. that is deeply entangled in immigration detention. The legislation also orders the closure of four ICE prisons that can jail up to 4,500 immigrants. The bill is currently awaiting the signature of Governor Gavin Newsom, who said in his January…
www.democracynow.org/2019/10/3/californi…

Palestinian civil society calls on Egyptian authorities to immediately release activist Ramy Shaath
patrick | bdsmovement.net | 2019-10-02
Palestinian civil society calls on Egyptian authorities to immediately release activist Ramy Shaath: Open Letter30 Palestinian civil society organizations call on the Egyptian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release human rights activist Ramy Shaath, and call on all Palestinian, Arab and international organizations to show solidarity with Ramy's just cause and also…
bdsmovement.net/news/palestinian-civil-society-calls-egyptian-authorities-immediately-release-activist-ramy-shaath

Venezuela's CITGO in Danger as Maduro Seeks Debt Renegotiation
Ricardo Vaz | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-10-02
US financial sanctions have stopped Venezuela from renegotiating foreign debt since 2017.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14678

NSW: Abortion decriminalised but fight not over
Fred_F | greenleft.org.au | 2019-10-02
abortion rights New South Wales Pip HinmanIssue 1240 Australia SydneyOctober 2, 2019Abortion has finally been decriminalised in New South Wales, after decades of campaigning and nearly 40 hours of pa…
greenleft.org.au/content/nsw-abortion-decriminalised-fight-not-over

Social workers, local First Nations community demand justice for Yamatji region
Fred_F | greenleft.org.au | 2019-10-02
Indigenous rights Western Australia Deborah GreenIssue 1240 Australia GeraldtonOctober 2, 2019Social justice workers and local First Nations community members spoke out about the dire need…
greenleft.org.au/content/social-workers-local-first-nations-community-demand-justice-yamatji-region

Venezuelan Minister of Foreign Affairs Jorge Arreaza speaks in NYC
Fight Back | fightbacknews.org | 2019-09-30
New York, NY – Over 400 people attended an event for Venezuela at Holyrood Church in the Washington Heights neighborhood of New York City, September 26. The main speaker of the evening was Venezuela's Minister of Foreign Affairs Jorge Arreaza, with introductions from the church, Black Agenda Report, and the Interreligious Foundation for Community Organization. The talk was organized by the Venezuelan Welcoming Committee. | Arreaza spoke about how the U.S. sanctions against the country mean Venezuelans are unable to receive crucial medical services and treatments or imported food. He also mentioned how the United…
www.fightbacknews.org/2019/9/29/venezuel…

Headlines for September 30, 2019
Staff | democracynow.org | 2019-09-30
Facing Threats from Trump, Anonymous Whistleblower to Testify on Capitol Hill, Trump Warns Impeachment Could Lead to Civil War, Calls Critics "Savages", Pompeo Subpoenaed over Ukraine; Trump Envoy for Ukraine Resigns, More Than 2 Million Take Part in Global Climate Strike, Nearly 70 Arrested at New Hampshire Coal Plant Protest, Federal Judge Blocks Trump Administration Effort to Indefinitely Detain Migrant Children, Low Turnout Reported on Election Day in Afghanistan, Egyptian Dissident Alaa Abd El-Fattah Arrested Amid Growing Crackdown, Houthis Claim to Have Killed 500 Saudi Soldiers in August Attack, El País: S…
www.democracynow.org/2019/9/30/headlines

Liberation News confronts Boston mayor over police riot vs. anti-fascist protesters
Dru Maxcy | liberationnews.org | 2019-09-30
The violent police repression at the fascist so-called "Straight Pride Parade" — which led to the arrest of 34 counter-protestors and the brutalizing of many more — was only the beginning of a rapidly expanding state-sanctioned attack against left-wing activists and the LGBTQ community in Boston.
liberationnews.org/liberation-news-confronts-boston-mayor-over-police-riot-vs-anti-fascist-protesters/

Film exposes slavery in SE Asian fishing industry
barry_h | greenleft.org.au | 2019-09-28
films fishing workers' rights Barry HealyIssue 1240 Cambodia ThailandSeptember 28, 2019Buoyancy | Written & directed by Rodd Rathjen
greenleft.org.au/content/film-exposes-slavery-se-asian-fishing-industry

Trump Announces Plan to Admit Fewer Refugees Than Any Previous President
aclu.org | 2019-09-27
Another attack on Muslims and communities of color seeking safety. | The Trump administration yesterday announced its plan to admit 18,000 refugees this fiscal year, taking another step in its agenda to dismantle the program that has long provided protection for people and families seeking safety from persecution. This sickening announcement is consistent with Trump's attacks on refugees, Muslims, and immigrants across the board — particularly those who are Brown or Black. | The U.S. has long been a global leader in refugee admissions. By the end of the Obama administration, the United States' annual refuge…
aclu.org/blog/immigrants-rights/trump-announces-plan-admit-fewer-refugees-any-previous-president

Time to stand up for public healthcare
pip.hinman | greenleft.org.au | 2019-09-27
civil rights Mischa FrankIssue 1239 Australia Medicare private health insurance funding cutsSeptember 27, 2019The federal Coali…
greenleft.org.au/content/time-stand-public-healthcare

Weekend Read: Marchers today will demand rights for transgender people amid hate crimes and Trump administration assault
splcenter.org | 2019-09-26
Thousands of people will be marching in Washington, D.C., and across the nation today.
splcenter.org/news/2019/09/28/weekend-read-marchers-today-will-demand-rights-transgender-people-amid-hate-crimes-and

Venezuela: Trump Imposes Travel Ban, Putin Backs Dialogue
Ricardo Vaz | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-09-26
US officials and the Venezuelan opposition have also lobbied the EU to impose harsher sanctions against Caracas.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14671

Washington Gives Guaido $52M in Funding, Slaps Venezuela with New Sanctions
Lucas Koerner and Ricardo Vaz | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-09-25
The new aid package dovetailed with fresh sanctions targeting Venezuela-Cuba oil shipping.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14668

White Supremacist Violence Is On the Rise. Expanding the FBI's Powers Isn't the Answer
aclu.org | 2019-09-25
Expanding law enforcement's powers will harm the communities of color that white supremacist violence targets–and undermine our constitutional rights. | In response to the increase in white supremacist violence, Congress has been holding hearings — including one today — on the urgent need to address it. But, rather than getting to the bottom of why our law enforcement agencies have failed to address white supremacist violence, some lawmakers are rushing to give law enforcement agencies harmful additional powers and creating new crimes. That approach ignores the way power, racism, and nation…
aclu.org/blog/national-security/discriminatory-profiling/white-supremacist-violence-rise-expanding-fbis

Opinion by Legal Scholar Prof. John Dugard on Relations Between University of Cape Town and Israeli Universities
PACBI | bdsmovement.net | 2019-09-24
Opinion by Legal Scholar Prof. John Dugard on Relations Between University of Cape Town and Israeli Universities : AnalysisAs the University of Cape Town weighs refraining from relations with Israeli Universities enabling the gross violation of Palestinian human rights, renowned South African international law scholar Prof. John Dugard finds that UCT "would be acting in accordance with So…
bdsmovement.net/news/opinion-legal-scholar-prof-john-dugard-relations-between-university-cape-town-and-israeli

US imposes New Sanctions Targeting Venezuela's Food Program
Lucas Koerner | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-09-18
The Treasury Department has targeted people and companies involved in imports for Venezuela's CLAP program.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14659

Remembering the Birmingham church bombing
splcenter.org | 2019-09-15
Fifty-six years ago today, four precious little girls were murdered in one of the most heinous acts of white supremacist terror of the civil rights era.
splcenter.org/news/2019/09/15/remembering-birmingham-church-bombing

Venezuela Oil Production Continues Decline as China Cancels More Shipments
Ricardo Vaz | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-09-12
Russian oil giant Rosneft blasted threats of US sanctions as "unfair competition."
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14654