2020-06-09: News Headlines

Alan MacLeod (2020-06-09). Fake taxis among the latest tools in the NYPD's rights-busting crackdown on protesters. mronline.org The NYPD is famous for violating civil rights so it comes as no surprise that protests over the police brutality in the city have elicited a violent crackdown from the city's finest.

Dale Ho (2020-06-09). We're Working to Safeguard Our Democracy and Our Health. aclu.org No one should have to choose between their health and their vote, but during the Wisconsin primary, an estimated

news.un (2020-06-09). Arrest of Sudanese war crimes suspect 'extremely significant': UN rights chief. news.un.org The arrest of Ali Muhammad Ali Abd—Al-Rahman, commonly known as Ali Kushayb, an alleged former Janjaweed militia leader in the restive Darfur region of Sudan, has been hailed by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, as an "extremely significant development".

Kathy Wilkes (2020-06-09). Workers Can Refuse Unsafe Conditions. progressive.org Workers asked to work in situations that present a danger to their health and safety have rights, and they should not be afraid to assert them.

Leila Rafei (2020-06-08). Three Missouri Voters Explain Why Everyone Should be Able to Vote by Mail in 2020. aclu.org The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way the world operates, but as the presidential election approaches, many states have failed to respond when it comes to voting. The safest way to vote during the pandemic is to

Fight Back (2020-06-08). 10,000-plus march against police crimes in Jacksonville FL. fightbacknews.org Jacksonville, FL – On Saturday, June 6, over 10,000 residents of Jacksonville came out to an historic march hosted by the Jacksonville Community Action Committee. This march came a week after 3500 people gathered on the headquarters of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office (JSO) to demand: Release of body camera footage being held hostage by JSO; an end to excessive force, by instituting community control via a Civilian Police Accountability Council; and transparency in testing and reporting of COVID-19 for those in JSO custody. | With the June 6 march being the largest civil rights demonstration in the city's histor…

Eds. (2020-06-07). 'Fight The Power' by Public Enemy. mronline.org The opening quotation, "Yet our best trained, best educated, best equipped, best prepared troops refuse to fight! Matter of fact, it's safe to say that they would rather switch than fight!," was taken from Chicago attorney and civil rights activist, Thomas "TNT" Todd.

Liberation Staff (2020-06-07). [VIDEO] Not a riot. An uprising. liberationnews.org "This isn't a riot. It's an uprising! It's a rebellion! And successful uprisings and rebellions become REVOLUTIONS." Eugene Puryear of the PSL addresses massive crowd in Philadelphia on Sat. June 5. "Everyone likes to care about civil rights, but no politicians cared about civil rights until Black people started shutting this country down and breaking unjust laws!"

Lucas Koerner (2020-06-07). WOLA: Media's 'Left' Source for Pro-Coup Propaganda in Venezuela. zcomm.org The US blockade is a naked expression of imperial might, which WOLA and other Western propaganda amplifiers hide behind empty rhetoric about "democracy" and "human rights."

Anthony Cartalucci (2020-06-06). To America, Black Lives Only Sometimes Matter. thealtworld.com There is no doubt that colonialism and racism sit at the root of America's domestic problems. The push to dominate others abroad is directly linked to the belief that those who are different at home should also be dominated. | There are still Americans alive today that remember segregation laws that denied black Americans their basic rights and dignity. Before that, there was outright slavery. | Event racism is still institutionalized. It also permeates American culture, laying just beneath a superficial layer of tolerance and equality. | This is not just about white people who remain racist against blacks and ot…

Staff (2020-06-09). DACA Recipients "Want to Be in the Streets Building Solidarity" But ICE Arrests 3 at Phoenix Protest. democracynow.org Immigration agents are facing accusations of targeting protesters who are recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA. Police in Phoenix, Arizona, arrested community activist Máxima Guerrero as she was leaving a protest on May 30 with a group of legal observers. She was one of three DACA recipients arrested over that weekend in Phoenix. We get an update from Sandra Castro Solis with the Phoenix-based grassroots immigrant justice group Puente Human Rights Movement, who says that despite the risks, "we're in a moment where people want to be out in the streets building that solidarity."

Staff (2020-06-09). Immigration Agents Target People at Police Brutality Protests, Including a U.S. Citizen Military Vet. democracynow.org As protests against police brutality continue nationwide, immigrant rights advocates are sounding the alarm over the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents at some of the demonstrations. A viral video showed a group of ICE agents working with the New York City Police Department to detain a protester at a George Floyd rally in New York City last week, and advocates say agents held the man on the ground as they pointed three guns at him and handcuffed and searched him. He was reportedly released after agents found a military veteran's ID on him, and is a U.S. citizen of Puerto Rican descent. We spea…

Staff (2020-06-09). Amid Protests & Pandemic, 200+ Unhoused People Sheltering in Minneapolis Hotel Now Face Eviction. democracynow.org We go to Minneapolis, where the community has taken over a Sheraton hotel to provide shelter to more than 200 unhoused people amid protests and the pandemic. Now they face eviction. "Using hotels for emergency housing is an obvious answer," says Rosemary Fister, community organizer. "They are largely vacant as we enter an economic depression in the midst of a global pandemic."

Addison Blu (2020-06-08). Syria Sends Advisors to Aid US Rebels. anti-empire.com WASHINGTON — As the United States works through its immense internal challenges with human rights, equality, and government use of force, Syrian president Bashar al-Assad seeks to help the US in the same way the US helped during the recent Syrian civil war. | "We're sending advisors from our elite special operations units to, you know, help foster peace," Assad told reporters while hiding a smirk. "I can't tell you how valuable it was to have a foreign influence stoking the fires during a period of violent unrest. The least we can do is return the favor." | Assad's aides exchanged high fives in a symbol of…

ahtribune (2020-06-08). Syria: Will the Great Middle Eastern War Begin in the Levant? ahtribune.com The world is in turmoil. 2020 has already brought major multiple crises, with the Iranian-American clash in Iraq which followed the US assassination of Major General Qassem Soleimani, and the COVID-19 health pandemic and economic disaster that struck all continents and stole the lives of over 400 thousand people around the world, costing tens of millions of jobs. None of this, however, prevented America from imposing even more sanctions on Iran, Syria and Venezuela. Iran — already under maximum sanctions since 1979 — sent five tankers to Venezuela to break the embargo on components and spare parts…

Disability Rights California (2020-06-09). Thursday 6/11: Your Right to Vote, Voice Your Choice! Webinar (Disability Rights CA). indybay.org Online…

Disablity Rights California (2020-06-09). Tuesday 6/9: Su Derecho a Votar – °Exprese Su Elección 2020! (webinar/ en linea). indybay.org Online…

_____ (2020-06-07). As Trump Threatens To Send Military Into Cities, Some GIs Refuse To Comply. popularresistance.org Some National Guard and active-duty GIs are refusing to deploy to U.S. cities rising up against police-perpetrated killings, saying no to complicity in the repression of the American populace and that they have not been properly trained in riot response or de-escalation tactics on domestic soil. | Veterans and GI rights organizations told Truthout that dozens of GIs are reaching out to assess their options as President Trump orders military and federal police onto the streets of Washington, D.C., and threatens to use the 1807 Insurrection Act to send active-duty military into cities across the U.S. if governors c…

RT (2020-06-07). Netanyahu says Covid-19 won't diminish Israel's commitment to fighting Iran's nuclear program, urges 'crippling' sanction. rt.com The coronavirus pandemic should not be an obstacle in fighting Iran, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said calling for harsh sanctions against Tehran after a critical report by the international nuclear watchdog. | The PM insisted that "coronavirus does not diminish our determination to act against Iranian aggression at all," vowing to do everything to prevent Iran from ever getting a nuclear weapon. | "Iran systematically violates its commitments by hiding sites, by enriching fissile materials and other violations," Netanyahu said as he opened a government meeting on Sunday. | He called on the international comm…

RT (2020-06-06). Texas CHAINSAW counter-protester: Man arrested after confronting demonstrators with infamous 'massacre' weapon (VIDEO). rt.com A chainsaw-wielding Texan has been detained after threatening a group of demonstrators with his lumber-cutting mechanical tool. Thankfully, the altercation did not devolve into Hollywood-inspired violence. | A small group of seemingly peaceful protesters in McAllen, Texas briefly found themselves in a real-life slasher film, after a man with a chainsaw rushed at them while shouting profanities. | Footage of the bizarre incident shows a man pointing the deadly tool at protesters as he shouts at them. | "Move! Go home!" he yells above his roaring chainsaw. | He then uses a racial slur while warning against prote…

RT (2020-06-06). 'Blackface Trudeau' arrested for trying to provoke George Floyd protesters in Toronto (VIDEO). rt.com Things got heated during a George Floyd rally in Toronto after a white man, who had his face painted black, attempted to join the demonstrators. Police officers arrested him after being barraged with complaints. | The troublemaker apparently tried to provoke the crowd supporting the Black Lives Matter movement, but luckily for him the protesters in Canada's largest city turned out to be a lot less violent than their counterparts in the US. | The demonstrators refrained from using force against the man, making do with shouting obscenities and demanding the police to detain him. | Tense moments at Nathan Phillip…

en.mehrnews (2020-06-09). Iran's re-export of fishery products to EU kicks off despite US sanctions. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jun. 09 (MNA) — State Veterinary Medicine Organization on Tue. revealed the re-export of fishery products to the European Union [EU].

en.mehrnews (2020-06-08). US imposes new sanctions against Iranian tankers. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jun. 08 (MNA) — US Treasury Department recently added 125 ships and tankers linked to the Islamic Republic of Iran to its sanctions list.

yenisafak (2020-06-09). Greece, Italy ink accord on maritime zones. yenisafak.com Greece and Italy on Tuesday signed an accord on maritime boundaries to establish an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) between the two countries.The agreement was signed during Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio's visit to the Greek capital Athens.The new agreement is an extension of the agreement signed between the two countries in 1977, Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias said, adding the rights in the EEZ areas were determined by the new agreement."This is an important development, a historic day," said Dendias, adding the rights of Greek fishermen are guaranteed with the agreement.Maio, for his part, said the…

yenisafak (2020-06-08). Turkey orders 149 people detained for suspected FETàñ links. yenisafak.com Turkish security authorities on Monday launched multiple operations in various provinces to arrest terror suspects affiliated with the FETO

Fight Back (2020-06-06). Italian communists to Freedom Road Socialist Organization: 'Fronte Popolare is at your side'. fightbacknews.org Fight Back News Service is circulating the following statement from Italian Marxist- Leninist organization Fronte Popolare. | Dear comrades of the Freedom Road Socialist Organization, | In these days of pain, pride and struggle, Fronte Popolare is at your side. Our organization is supportive of those who are fighting for the dignity and rights of all women and men. The results of the mass uprising that exploded with the murder of George Floyd by a racist policeman are of decisive importance not only for American society and for the redemption of the nationalities and oppressed communities that make it up, but for…

_____ (2020-06-09). Over 600 Groups And Families Of People Killed By Police Call For UN Investigation. popularresistance.org The undersigned family members of victims of police killings and civil society organizations from around the world, call on member states of the UN Human Rights Council to urgently convene a Special Session on the situation of human rights in the United States in order to respond to the unfolding grave human rights crisis borne out of the repression of nationwide protests. The recent protests erupted on May 26 in response to the police murder of George Floyd | in Minneapolis, Minnesota, which was only one of a recent string of unlawful killings of unarmed Black people by police and armed white vigilantes. | We ar…

_____ (2020-06-09). Healthcare Workers: From 'Heroes' To Targets Of Police Repression. popularresistance.org We healthcare workers were arrested and prevented from assessing many protesters with serious injuries who were cuffed on the ground crying for help, some visibly bleeding. Police informed us they had their own medics but had only two FDNY EMTs to triage a crowd of more than a hundred people. Police also refused to allow us to help people whose hands were zip-tied and visibly purple, only loosening ties on one protester, borrowing our shears. After detainees — who were prevented from even shouting their names and identifying information to legal observers nearby — were packed into jail cells scattered…

_____ (2020-06-09). The Rest Of The World Sees Uprisings, Not Riots. popularresistance.org U.S. officials, whether Democrat or Republican, pretend that only other countries violate human rights. Every year, the State Department issues a report on worldwide human rights with the heaviest criticism aimed at enemies du jour such as China, Russia, and Iran. | Human rights, as defined by U.S. officials, include freedom of the press, maintaining an independent judiciary, and civil rights. But most of the world, the United Nations included, goes further, saying human rights include the right to a job, health care, and housing, among other things. | Not surprisingly, U.S. leaders never mention authoritative in…

_____ (2020-06-08). US Veterans, Including Active Duty, Reject Militarization Against Demonstrators. popularresistance.org The United States is in the midst of a mass uprising against police violence, but also a whole list of grievances such as the lack of jobs, health care, education and more. Sustained protests have been going on for two weeks defying curfews and severe repression by police. The national guard has been deployed to 23 states and President Trump threatened to deploy the military against people expressing their First Amendment rights. We speak with Danny Sjursen, a retired Major and spokesperson for About Face: Veterans Against the War, about how members of the military are responding to current events. Veterans have…

sputniknews (2020-06-06). American Oil Company Chevron's Crude Cargo Gets Embroiled In US Anti-Venezuela Sanctions. sputniknews.com The day before, Reuters reported, citing unnamed US officials that the US Department of the Treasury was considering sanctioning more than 40 foreign oil tankers over their alleged involvement in the oil trade with Venezuela, which has been sanctioned by the US in its efforts to oust President Nicolas Maduro.

Robert Norse (2020-06-06). Demand Change: Homeless Civil Rights & the Santa Cruz Police. indybay.org The attached flyers were distributed at the protest last night (June 3) and are suitable for future distribution unless and until things radically change. Comments and additions are welcome.

sputniknews (2020-06-06). People in London Protest Against Police Brutality Following George Floyd's Death – Video. sputniknews.com Nationwide protests erupted in the United States and spread to other countries in late May following the death of African American man, George Floyd, during detention by police in Minneapolis.

_____ (2020-06-06). Open Letter: African Writers In Solidarity With African Americans. popularresistance.org We support the protests in the United States and across the world as our people demand justice for any and all racial killings whether by police or civilians. We are aware that these are not quiet protests. We do not expect it and neither should the United States of America. The killings were not done quietly. The police brutality and state sanctioned murders were done loudly with no fear of consequences from those who perpetrated them. | We acknowledge the African Union's condemnation of the United States government's continual terrorism towards African-Americans. We believe that the African Union can and should…

Peoples Dispatch (2020-06-06). Elgar Parishad Case: Tracking India's crackdown on dissent. peoplesdispatch.org Two years have passed since the arrest of activists in India as part of the Bhima Koregaon case. The case is emblematic in the growing wave of repression against human rights and leftist activists in India…

WSWS (2020-06-06). Four Tacoma, Washington police officers put on administrative leave three months after killing Manuel Ellis. wsws.org Ellis, a father of two, could be heard on dispatcher radio calling out "I can't breathe" after being brutally detained and handcuffed by the police.

Peoples Dispatch (2020-06-06). Julián Gil: "Our triumph and our victory should be the hope and strength in being together" peoplesdispatch.org Two years have passed since social leader Julian Gil was detained in front of the office of Colombian social movement Congreso de los Pueblos. We share his reflections on his two years of incarceration…

Ali Salam (2020-06-06). Israeli Military and Police Forces Detain Palestinians, including Journalist. imemc.org Israeli police detained four Palestinian youths from occupied Jerusalem, on Saturday, local sources reported. Sources told the Palestinian Information Center that the Israeli police closed the Bab al-Amud or Damascus Gate, one of the entrances to the Old City, for several hours. Police reportedly abducted three youths in the area, …

Peoples Dispatch (2020-06-06). Julián Gil: "Our triumph and our victory are in the hope and strength of being together" peoplesdispatch.org Two years have passed since social leader Julian Gil was detained in front of the office of Colombian social movement Congreso de los Pueblos. We share his reflections on his two years of incarceration…

en.mehrnews (2020-06-06). Michael White expelled due to disease exacerbation, human rights considerations: Iranian official. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jun. 06 (MNA) — Director General of Counterintelligence of the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence said on Saturday that the US citizen, Michael White, who had been imprisoned on security charges in Iran, has been deported to the US due to disease exacerbation, human rights reasons.

yenisafak (2020-06-06). US: Minneapolis to ban chokehold after Floyd death. yenisafak.com The Minneapolis Police Department may soon no longer be able to perform chokeholds and use neck restraints on suspects following the death of an unarmed black man who was pinned to the ground for nearly nine minutes, according to an agreement approved by the City Council Friday.The agreement, struck between the city's negotiators and the Minnesota Department of Human Rights and subject to approval from a judge, would also require police to halt and report any instances where fellow officers violate the policy to their superiors."Regardless of tenure or rank, any member of the City's Police Department who observes…

_____ (2020-06-06). Police Unions: It's Time To Change The Law And End The Abuse. popularresistance.org Collective action is the source of working people's power. It is the source of the labor movement's power. It is the source of power that has enabled workers to secure — through unionization and collective bargaining — fairness and dignity at work, living wages, protection against discrimination and harassment, and safe and healthy working conditions. It is the source of power that has allowed working people to demand progressive legislation, to push the nation forward on questions of civil rights, political rights and economic rights. In recent years, it has enabled teachers to win funding for their…

Staff (2020-06-05). Our System Is Corroded: Carol Anderson on Rampant Police Violence and Assault on Voting Rights. democracynow.org On Thursday, disturbing new details were revealed in the case of Ahmaud Arbery, the 25-year-old Black man who was chased, ambushed and shot dead by a group of white men in Georgia in what many have called a modern-day lynching. In a nearly seven-hour hearing, a state judge concluded all three men — Travis McMichael, Gregory McMichael and William "Roddie" Bryan — would stand trial for Arbery's murder, after special agent Richard Dial of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation testified Travis McMichael said "f—ing n—" after shooting and killing Arbery. We speak with professor Carol Anderson, au…

RT (2020-06-05). Minneapolis BANNING police from chokeholds as protests continue over George Floyd's death. rt.com Police in Minneapolis are being banned from using chokeholds when restraining suspects under new measures agreed between city officials and the Minnesota Department of Human Rights in the wake of George Floyd's death. | The new Also…

RT (2020-06-05). Patrol officer SET ON FIRE during police brutality protests over 'Mexican George Floyd' (VIDEO). rt.com A police officer was set on fire while confronting a group of demonstrators in Mexico. Protests and rioting in the country were triggered by the death of a local man shortly after his detention. | The incident occurred in the city of Guadalajara, the capital of Mexico's western state of Jalisco. The video circulating on social media shows a group of police officers on motorcycles in a standoff with protesters. At one point, a man wearing a mask and dark sunglasses pours flammable liquid on the back of one of the officers and sets him on fire. | The policeman runs and falls to the pavement as fellow officers an…

news.un (2020-06-05). Independent rights experts urge US to address systemic racism and racial bias. news.un.org Nearly 30 independent experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council are calling for the United States to reform its criminal justice system in the wake of a recent spate of killings of African Americans, including at the hands of the police.