(2020-10-29). "Drop Your Ballot Off": Supreme Court Rulings on Mailed Ballots Sow Doubt on Which Votes Will Count. democracynow.org 
A record 76 million people have already voted in the U.S. election, but the battle over the counting of mail-in ballots continues, with the Supreme Court issuing rulings on how long after Election Day ballots can be counted in the battleground states of Wisconsin, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. We speak with Mother Jones senior writer Ari Berman, author of "Give Us the Ballot: The Modern Struggle for Voting Rights in America," who says the Supreme Court could yet decide who wins the presidency if a close result leads to legal challenges. "My message to voters in these states and other states is drop your ballot…
(2020-10-29). Turkey faces 'real' risk of sanctions for testing Russian S-400 missile system: US. middleeasteye.net 
Turkey faces 'real' risk of sanctions for testing Russian S-400 missile system: US | Turkey confirmed the first test of the S-400 earlier this month, despite repeated warnings from the United States | Thu, 10/29/2020 – 14: 49 | Following the delivery of the first battery of missiles last year, Turkey was excluded from an F-35 fighter jet training programme (AFP/File photo) | A US State Department official has…
(2020-10-29). UAE police chief's bid to head Interpol sparks 'deep concerns' among rights groups. middleeasteye.net 
UAE police chief's bid to head Interpol sparks 'deep concerns' among rights groups | Emirati general Ahmed Nasser al-Raisi would 'damage' international police organisation's reputation, joint letter says | Thu, 10/29/2020 – 12: 52 | The election of Interpol's next president will be held on 7-8 December in Abu Dhabi (AFP/File photo) | The appointment of the United Arab Emirate's security chief as presi…
(2020-10-29). Iranian press review: Tehran's Baghdad ambassador 'happy' to be on US sanctions list. middleeasteye.net 
Iranian press review: Tehran's Baghdad ambassador 'happy' to be on US sanctions list | Meanwhile, Iran deploys ground forces to its borders with Armenia and Azerbaijan, and Tehran and Washington accuse each other of destabilising Afghanistan | Thu, 10/29/2020 – 14: 34 | Iran's ambassador to Iraq Iraj Masjedi has been blacklisted in the latest round of US sanctions (AFP) | Iran's Bag…
(2020-10-29). Federal court reverses Post Office head DeJoy's attack on voting rights, but is it too late? liberationnews.org 
This week a federal judge ruled to reverse the U.S. Postal Service's decision to limit mail collections just days away from the presidential election.
(2020-10-29). How Venezuela has held back COVID-19 in spite of the US sanctions stranglehold on its economy. peoplesdispatch.org María Lourdes Urbaneja Durant tells Viijay Prashad that despite sabotage by the US, Venezuela has been able to curb the spread of COVID-19 through "participation of the people"
(2020-10-29). Human Rights, Terrorism and Organized Crime. globalresearch.ca An outstanding characteristic of the Western human rights industry has long been the way it politicizes its production to serve the foreign policy needs of its countries' governments. To that end corporate and government investors fund leading industry producers like …
(2020-10-29). How Donald Trump is putting American workers at risk. nationofchange.org The federal government long ago created various agencies to protect workers' rights and safety, but Trump turned them into appendages of corporate America.
(2020-10-29). Saudi women's rights activist Loujain al-Hathloul relaunches hunger strike. peoplesdispatch.org Loujain al-Hathloul, who has been in prison since may 2018, launched a hunger strike against prison officials' decision to deny her regular contact with her family. She had undertaken a similar strike in September…
(2020-10-29). China imposes sanctions on US arms companies over Taiwan arms deals. peoplesdispatch.org The announcement of sanctions comes in response to arms deals signed by Taiwan and the US worth billions of dollars. Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon and Space & Security will be among the companies to be sanctioned…
(2020-10-28). Mining Affects 31% of Indigenous Territories in the Amazon. telesurenglish.net Ecuador's scientific organization Ecociencia published "Mining Rights: Indigenous Land and Mining in the Amazon", a report showing that the mining industry has affected 31 percent of the Indigenous territories in the Amazon rainforest. | RELATED: | The boom in resource extraction affects 1,131 indigenous territories in the Amazon basin. At least 370 of those territories are currently invaded by illegal miners in Bolivia, Brazil, Col…
(2020-10-28). Stop the Massacres in Haiti! End U.S. and UN Support for the Criminal Regime of Jovenel Moise. counterpunch.org 
The human rights crisis under the US-backed dictatorship of Jovenel Moise has continued to widen and deepen with the proliferation of "Tonton Macoutes" style death squad repression across the country. On October 2nd, 2020, university student leader, law student, and teacher-in-training Gregory Saint-Hilaire was shot in the back inside of the university by Jovenel Moise's special security unit within the Haitian police that had illegally invaded
(2020-10-28). The U.S. Just Blackmailed Sudan. strategic-culture.org 
Washington has proven that it is willing to make people suffer, and even starve, if governments don't acquiesce to normalization with Israel, writes As`ad AbuKhalil. | As`ad ABUKHALIL | The recent announcement that Washington would be lifting U.S. sanctions on Sudan in return for Sudan's normalization with Israel is a case study of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East. | Sudan, like Somalia, has long been a battleground for Cold War intrigues by the U.S., which is responsible for the massive export of arms to both countries. Like the longtime Somali dictator, Muhammad Siad Barre, Sudan's Jaafar Nimeiry (1969-19…
(2020-10-28). Evo Morales will return to Bolivia on November 9. peoplesdispatch.org On Monday, a Bolivian judge annulled the arrest warrant that had been issued against former president Evo Morales for alleged crimes of sedition and terrorism, clearing the way for him to return to his country without facing the risk of detention…
(2020-10-28). US Policy to Encounter Another Strategic Defeat in Macedonia? globalresearch.ca The U.S. supported tarnishing of democracy is only causing a re-birth of sovereignty and freedom movement in Macedonia. | Not standing for democracy, rule of law and human rights, the United States can no longer claim the moral high ground it …
(2020-10-28). US Sanctions on Remittances Hurt Cuban Families. telesurenglish.net Cuba's President Miguel Diaz-Canel slammed the United States for its "insistence" in damaging the Cuban people with its arbitrary economic, trade, and financial blockade. | RELATED: | "The U.S. insists on damaging Cuban families with new measures against remittances. The Imperial government's perverse intentions discredit and ridicule that country due to its sickening hatred for a small nation," the Cuban leader sai…
(2020-10-28). Rights expert urges greater protection for mass graves: proof of 'heinous events'. news.un.org More action must be taken to protect mass graves, which provide proof of "heinous events" that must never be forgotten, an independent UN human rights expert has said, in an appeal to the international community.
(2020-10-28). Whistleblower Sues EPA Over Retaliation. popularresistance.org An Environmental Protection Agency whistleblower, whose disclosures ultimately led to former EPA administrator Scott Pruitt's resignation, filed a lawsuit in federal court alleging his free speech and due process rights were violated. | The lawsuit [PDF] says Kevin Chmielewski was a political appointee and worked as Pruitt's deputy chief of staff for operations. He faced a retaliatory investigation from the EPA's Office of the Inspector General that "falsely accused" him of "not having a security clearance and covering up a past arrest."
(2020-10-28). Pandemic Transforms People Into Voting Rights Activists. popularresistance.org For Regina Root, 53, the journey to suing Virginia's election officials began during the state's nomination contest in June when the university professor cast her ballot in person before the voting day to avoid potential crowds at her polling place. | The brain surgery that saved Root's life left her with impaired vision and her election office lacked a machine that would allow her to cast her vote without relying on her husband. | "I thought wait, this doesn't make sense. I can vote on my own. I have a PhD," said the Williamsburg, Virginia, resident.
(2020-10-28). The New York Times attacks the First Amendment and embraces censorship of "disinformation" wsws.org An essay published in the October 18 edition of the New York Times Magazine argues that online "disinformation" has rendered First Amendment rights to free speech "inadequate," requiring government and social media censorship of "unfettered speech."
(2020-10-28). For Black Americans, Being Voters Is Who We Are. thenation.com For Black Americans, Being Voters Is Who We Are…
(2020-10-28). At the Polls, Episode 7: Why Do We Take Voting Rights Away in America? aclu.org Across the country,
(2020-10-28). Protests in Poland continue against the recent court ban on abortions. peoplesdispatch.org Women's rights groups and other progressive sections in Poland have been protesting since October 22.The protests were triggered after the country's constitutional court banned abortions in case of foetal defects on October 22.
(2020-10-28). US Sanctions on Venezuela Are Deadly — and Facing Mass Resistance. zcomm.org For years, right-wingers have sought to destabilize Venezuela, and even proclaimed their own rival "president," Juan Guaidó. But average Venezuelans understand that US sanctions hurt them — and should be resisted…
(2020-10-28). "Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS)" against Israel: Resolution of Defamation Lawsuit by CJPME. globalresearch.ca Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) is pleased to announce that its defamation lawsuit with Ezra Levant and Rebel Media News Network Ltd. has been settled. Launched in 2016, CJPME's suit was based on a series …
(2020-10-28). Racial Justice Demands That Every Vote Is Counted. aclu.org This year, ensuring every mail-in ballot is counted is more important than ever. While the share of voters casting ballots by mail has
(2020-10-27). Don't Rush to Declare Victory: Implementing a Two-Week Grace Period After November 3rd So All Voters Can Be Counted. commondreams.org With such large stakes for our fragile democracy, we cannot afford to bypass such a course of action that will assure a peaceful transition in accord with the rule of law. (Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files… …
(2020-10-27). Barrett's confirmation threatens fair election, healthcare, and women's rights. therealnews.com 
Hundreds at the White House celebrated the confirmation of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court—just one month after her nomination became a COVID-19 superspreader event that infected the president and at least three dozen others.
(2020-10-27). Israeli rights group says shelving West Bank annexation plans mean little. middleeasteye.net 
Israeli rights group says shelving West Bank annexation plans mean little | B'tselem said continued construction and seizing of land meant 'de-facto' annexation already exists in West Bank | Tue, 10/27/2020 – 11: 57 | Palestinian villagers scuffle with Israeli security forces as an Israeli bulldozer demolishes a Palestinian farm in the village of al-Fikheet within area C in the occupied We…
(2020-10-27). Israel arrests Palestinian journalist in West Bank. middleeasteye.net 
Israel arrests Palestinian journalist in West Bank | Filmmaker Abdelrahman al-Thaher one of more than 20 Palestinian journalists reportedly currently detained by Israel | Tue, 10/27/2020 – 12: 48 | Abdelrahman al-Thaher, 38, is Palestinian journalist and filmmaker from Nablus (Screengrab) | Israeli forces on Tuesday arrested Palestinian journalist and filmmaker Abdelrahman al-Thaher at his home in the city of…
(2020-10-27). US Sanctions: Shooting Blanks Against the Resiliency of Targeted Nations. globalresearch.ca As explained many times before, Security Council members alone may legally impose sanctions on nations, entities and individuals. | When used by countries against others, they breach the UN Charter, how the US, NATO and Israel operate time and again. | The …
(2020-10-27). Saudi activist Loujain al-Hathloul begins new hunger strike. middleeasteye.net 
Saudi activist Loujain al-Hathloul begins new hunger strike | Jailed women's rights campaigner protesting against restrictions on contact with her family, her sisters say | Tue, 10/27/2020 – 11: 57 | Al-Hathloul's family have expressed concern for her as she starts a hunger strike for a second time (Reuters) | Jailed Saudi women's rights activist Loujain al-Hathloul has gone on hunger strike, her family…
(2020-10-27). Thousands of ex-felon first-time voters in Florida could help decide the 2020 election. therealnews.com 
In 2000, with all eyes on Florida, a young lawyer named Amy Coney Barrett helped swing the controversial Bush v. Gore decision, securing a Republican presidency. In 2020, the courts could again be decisive in swing states. Voting rights activist Desmond Meade is working to get court costs paid and ex-felons registered to vote.
(2020-10-27). On prison hunger strike, Maher al-Akhras fights for all Palestinians. workers.org 
Maher al-Akhras, a 49-year-old Palestinian political prisoner and father of six from the Occupied West Bank, has been on hunger strike since his July 27 arrest by Israeli forces. He is under administrative detention — a practice both British and Israeli colonizers have long used to hold Palestinians captive indefinitely . . . |
(2020-10-27). Iran says US is addicted to sanctions and needs to 'kick the habit'. middleeasteye.net 
Iran says US is addicted to sanctions and needs to 'kick the habit' | Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif slams the role of sanctions in American foreign policy, claiming it is detrimental to its policy goals | Tue, 10/27/2020 – 16: 50 | Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said the US was a 'sanction addict' (AFP/File photo) | Iran's foreign minister has compared the frequent levying of internation…
(2020-10-27). Over 60 Organizations Send Letter to Liberty Mutual Demanding the Company End its Involvement in Indigenous Rights Violations. commondreams.org ______________________________…
(2020-10-27). Headlines for October 27, 2020. democracynow.org Amy Coney Barrett Sworn In, Giving SCOTUS Heavy Conservative Majority Ahead of Pivotal Cases, SCOTUS Rules Wisconsin Cannot Count Ballots Received After Election Day, Surging COVID-19 Cases Trigger Curfews; Doctors Say 800,000 Children Have Been Infected, China Testing 5 Million People After One Asymptomatic Case in Xinjiang, New Lockdowns in Germany, Mask Orders in Russia as COVID-19 Cases Surge, Oxford Vaccine Shows Promising Results as New Data Suggests Antibodies in Recovered Cases Don't Last, U.S. Imposes Harsh New Sanctions on Iranian Oil, Airstrikes Kill Dozens at Training Camp in Idlib, Syria, Explosion a…
(2020-10-27). 'Serious concerns' over rights situation in Myanmar ahead of next month's elections. news.un.org The UN human rights office (OHCHR) voiced "serious concerns" on Tuesday over the situation in Myanmar — including rights violations and proliferation of hateful speech against minority communities — as the country prepares for general elections next month.
(2020-10-27). ICE Doubles Down on Detention to Deter and Punish Families for Seeking Safety. commondreams.org ______________________________…
(2020-10-27). Anti-Iran sanctions to do 'no good' for US internal problems. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 27 (MNA) — Iranian envoy to London said that the US act of reannouncing a sanction for a hundred times as well as adding new Iranian political figures and economic institutions won't resolve US internal problems.
(2020-10-27). Wednesday 10/28: Strength Thru Unity: Multicultural Election Special on COVID, Racism, & Human Rights. indybay.org Watch online via website livestream…
(2020-10-27). The US announces fresh sanctions against Iran's petroleum sector. peoplesdispatch.org The sanctions mostly target entities and individuals in Iran's petroleum sector, including the minister of petroleum, Bijan Zangeneh. US sanctions have massively affected Iran's ability to deal with the outbreak of COVID-19…
(2020-10-27). IADL Demands Immediate Release Of Palestinian Maher al-Akhras. popularresistance.org IADL calls for the immediate release of Maher al-Akhras, a Palestinian man and father of six, jailed by Israel without charge or trial. As IADL convenes its Council, al-Akhras has been on hunger strike for 91 days to protest his arbitrary detention and demand his freedom. His health condition is increasingly critical and his life is at grave risk. | Al-Akhras is jailed under Israel's policy of administrative detention, used routinely against Palestinians. These detention orders may be issued for up to six months at a time, and they are indefinitely renewable.
(2020-10-27). We're Ready for the Election. aclu.org With less than a week to go, the only thing we can be sure of is that this Election Day will most likely look, feel, and be different than previous years. We are, after all, living through a pandemic, economic crisis, fight for racial justice, and an election season. , , If you haven't planned how you are going to cast your vote or already voted this election, there's still time. You can find more information
(2020-10-26). How Bolivia's new socialist senator resisted coup terror: Meet MAS party leader Patricia Arce. thegrayzone.com The Grayzone traveled to rural Bolivia to meet Patricia Arce, a former mayor who was publicly tortured during a US-backed coup in November 2019, and is now a senator-elect from the indigenous-led Movement Toward Socialism party, which won in a historic landslide election on October 18. By Max Blumenthal Video and translation by Ben Norton Puede leer esto en español aquí. Transcript MAX BLUMENTHAL: Just a few days after the dramatic landslide victory on October 18 of the Movement Toward …
(2020-10-26). Don't Let the Supreme Court Open the Door to More Discrimination Against LGBTQ People. aclu.org The Supreme Court will soon hear oral arguments in
(2020-10-26). Oxford Study Challenges Israel's Claims Concerning Palestinian Refugees. popularresistance.org There needs to be a fundamental change in the way Palestinian refugees are seen, no longer as victims but as people with rights who are entitled to shape their own destiny. This assertion is made in a new study whose importance cannot be overstated. | According to international law, Palestinian refugees have a right to return to their homes and land and receive restitution and compensation for their suffering and personal and communal losses. Furthermore, the State of Israel, which is responsible for Palestine's ethnic cleansing, must pay for the repatriation, the rehabilitation, and the rebuilding that the retur…
(2020-10-26). New COVID-19 Security Measures Will Make Health a Prerequisite for Travel. mintpressnews.com 
As the multi-sector, global response to the coronavirus tightens the noose around civil liberties, CommonPass stands out as one of the most appalling and dangerous attacks on basic human rights in the name of public health.
(2020-10-26). Bolivian court drops 'terrorism' charges against ex-President Evo Morales, withdraws arrest warrant — judge. rt.com 
Bolivia's regional court in La Paz has dismissed "terrorism" charges and dropped the arrest warrant issued against former President Evo Morales, arguing that his rights were violated and judicial procedures breached. | The ex-president's rights, including his right for judicial protection, have been violated, Judge Jorge Quino, the head of the Departmental Court of Justice in La Paz, said as he explained the court's decision to grant a request filed by Morales' lawyers. | He also said that judicial procedures were violated in this case since Morales was not properly summoned. The charges were dropped as the pr…
(2020-10-26). NIAC Statement on Latest Politically-Motivated Iran Sanctions. commondreams.org ______________________________…