(2021-02-12). Saudi Arabia releases Women's Rights Activist Loujain al-Hathloul but Bans her Travel. juancole.com (Beirut) — Saudi authorities released from prison the prominent women's rights activist Loujain al-Hathloul on February 10, 2021, Human Rights Watch said today. However, she is banned from travel and has a suspended sentence, which allows the authorities to return her to prison at any time for any perceived criminal activity. In late December 2020, …
(2021-02-12). Dozens of Prominent Organizations and Academics Press Biden on Human Rights in Brazil. counterpunch.org Last week, the US Network for Democracy in Brazil (USNDB) delivered a white paper to the Biden White House, its "Recommendations on Brazil to President Biden and the New Administration." The wide-ranging document, covering issues such as the environment, human rights, and the rule of law, urges the new administration to make a fundamental break
(2021-02-12). Renewed global pressure to stop arms sales to Saudi Arabia and UAE. peoplesdispatch.org More than 90 human rights and anti-war organizations wrote a letter to the US president demanding cancellation of billions of dollars of arms sales to the two countries on the day that the European Parliament adopted a resolution asking member countries to do the same…
(2021-02-12). Protests continue in Honduras following femicide of nursing student in police station. peoplesdispatch.org 
Protests have been taking place in several cities across Honduras following the femicide of 26-year-old nursing student Keyla Martínez in police custody. Martínez had been arrested by the police in the city of La Esperanza in the northwestern department of Intibucá for allegedly violating curfew on the night of February 6. | Police had detained her in a cell in the police station, but in the early hours of February 7, they brought her to the hospital, alleging that she had attempted to commit suicide. According to local media reports, she died before reaching the hospital. The National Police released a statement…
(2021-02-12). One Year Anniversary Of Wet'suwet'en Protests, Blockades. popularresistance.org The protests were a result of the BC NDP's decision to press ahead with the Coastal GasLink pipeline through the Wet'suwet'en territory using militarized RCMP to enforce their decision. | I had just returned from a visit to the territory. I was invited by the Wet'suwet'en hereditary chiefs to witness firsthand their beautiful lands and the violence delivered by the BC NDP government. | As the protestors pulsed with anger, solidarity blockades popped up on rail lines and other infrastructure across the country. Just a few short weeks after passing the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act in November…
(2021-02-12). 'Progressive' prosecutors put thousands of lives at risk. workers.org 
Philadelphia The novel coronavirus has claimed an unlikely victim in the United States: the Sixth Amendment. The right to a "speedy trial" is in critical condition. Philadelphia's county jail population has risen to 4,500 and is growing steadily. Half of those behind bars have "detainers," meaning they aren't eligible for . . . |
(2021-02-12). Turkish-American group slams US Senate letter on Turkey. yenisafak.com The US-based Turkish American National Steering Committee (TASC) said Thursday it is "appalled" by a letter by 50 US senators that characterizes the Turkish government as "authoritarian administration and violators of Human Rights.""Turkey's government was determined by a free and fair election by all citizens regardless of their background," senior names of the committee said in a statement. "The Turkish people made it clear that no one can temper with their future when they took to streets and resisted a coup attempt on July 15th, 2016. The Turkish people made it clear to the world that they value their democra…
(2021-02-12). EU Parliament calls for ban on arms sale to Saudi, UAE. yenisafak.com The European Parliament on Thursday called on EU member states to ban arms sale to Saudi Arabia and the UAE over violations of human rights in Yemen.A joint motion adopted by the European Parliament recalled Germany's arms sale ban to Saudi Arabia and Italy's ban to UAE and Saudi Arabia. Lawmakers said some EU countries are also planning to join the ban while others continue arms sale to these countries and violate the common stance of the EU Council.The European Parliament also welcomed the US decision to halt arms sales to Saudi Arabia and to suspend the transfer of F-35 jets to the UAE.Lawmakers also called on…
(2021-02-12). Myanmar crisis: 'All options should be on the table', UN Human Rights Council hears. news.un.org The UN deputy human rights chief and the independent expert on Myanmar have called for targeted sanctions against the leaders of what they both described as the coup that took place in the country last week, as the Human Rights Council met in special session on Friday to discuss the ongoing crisis.
(2021-02-12). Independent UN rights expert calls for unilateral sanctions to be dropped against Venezuela. news.un.org At the end of a two-week visit to Venezuela, an independent UN human rights expert noted on Friday that unilateral sanctions imposed on the country have exacerbated pre-existing crises, calling for them to be dropped.
(2021-02-12). US lawmakers urge Biden to press Iran on human rights, state-sponsored 'terrorism'. middleeasteye.net 
US lawmakers urge Biden to press Iran on human rights, state-sponsored 'terrorism' | More than 100 lawmakers call on President Joe Biden to 'remain firm' and hold Iranian government accountable for rights violations and regional destabilisation | Fri, 02/12/2021 – 19: 59 | A bipartisan group of US legislators has urged US President Joe Biden to pressure Iran on its human rights violations while working to nego…
(2021-02-12). Biden Should Stop Payment on U.S. Funds to Sisi's Egypt. counterpunch.org 
Under Donald Trump's presidency, Egypt, as well as Saudi Arabia, Israel, the UAE, and other repressive regimes, had virtually free reign to commit unchecked human rights abuses without worry that they might be chastised or lose U.S. diplomatic and financial support. But when Joe Biden won the 2020 election, President Sisi of Egypt started to
(2021-02-12). Syrian militants urged to release US journalist Bilal Abdul Kareem. middleeasteye.net 
Syrian militants urged to release US journalist Bilal Abdul Kareem | Idlib-based reporter was arrested six months ago after raising concerns about alleged torture of prisoners by HTS | Fri, 02/12/2021 – 15: 55 | Bilal Abdul Kareem has reported from opposition-held Syria since 2014 (Screengrab) | A leading media freedom monitor has called for the release of US journalist Bilal Abdul Kareem, six months aft…
(2021-02-12). Ralph Nader: Biden Must Hold Boeing Accountable for Deaths Due to Faulty Planes. truthout.org 
Legendary consumer advocate Ralph Nader says the U.S. is experiencing a "corporate crime wave," and that the Trump administration's $2.5 billion settlement with Boeing over the manufacturer's faulty 737 MAX jets amounts to a "slap on the wrist." Boeing's faulty planes were involved in two fatal crashes that killed 346 people in 2018 and 2019, including Nader's 24-year-old grandniece Samya Stumo. Nader says the Biden Justice Department should reopen the previous administration's settlement and…
(2021-02-12). Where Are the Witnesses? Ralph Nader Says Democrats' Impeachment Case Is "Prescription for Defeat" democracynow.org 
As the historic Senate impeachment trial of Donald Trump continues, we speak with longtime consumer advocate, corporate critic and former presidential candidate Ralph Nader, who says Democrats have set themselves up for defeat by rushing proceedings and failing to call witnesses — including Trump himself. "The narrow approach of the articles of impeachment keep the Democrats from having a full hand," says Nader. "They have like 10 arrows in their quiver and they're using one or two."
(2021-02-12). Ralph Nader on Corporate Crime, Holding Boeing Accountable for 737 MAX Deaths & Biden's First Weeks. democracynow.org 
Legendary consumer advocate Ralph Nader says the U.S. is experiencing a "corporate crime wave," and that the Trump administration's $2.5 billion settlement with Boeing over the manufacturer's faulty 737 MAX jets amounts to a "slap on the wrist." Boeing's faulty planes were involved in two fatal crashes that killed 346 people in 2018 and 2019, including Nader's 24-year-old grandniece Samya Stumo. Nader says the Biden Justice Department should reopen the previous administration's settlement and hold Boeing fully accountable. "This is just another example of giant companies getting away with their corporate criminal…
(2021-02-12). Headlines for February 12, 2021. democracynow.org House Managers Rest Their Case in Donald Trump's Senate Impeachment Trial, Biden Blasts Trump's Failures to Prepare for Vaccinations as U.S. COVID-19 Death Toll Tops 475,000, As U.S. Secures 200 Million More Doses, Concern Grows Over Vaccine Inequity, NYTimes: Trump Was Far Sicker from COVID-19 Than Previously Reported, Five Killed in Attack on U.S. Convoy in Afghanistan's Capital, Lawmakers Plead With President Biden to End "Catastrophic Impact" of U.S. Sanctions, U.S. Has Sold Over a Million Barrels of Iranian Oil Seized As Part of Sanctions, China Bans BBC's World News Channel, Trump's "Remain in Mexico" Progr…
(2021-02-12). 'Russia ready for breakup with EU if sanctions imposed'. yenisafak.com Moscow is ready to break ties with the European Union if it follows through on its plan to impose sanctions, Russia's foreign minister said on Friday.In an interview on the Soloviev Live YouTube channel, Sergey Lavrov said Russia has no desire to be isolated from the world but needs to be prepared for any eventuality.To a question on whether Russia is heading towards a breakup with the bloc, Lavrov said: "We believe that we are ready; if we see once again, as we already have more than once, that sanctions are being imposed in some areas that create risks for our economy, including the most sensitive areas.""We do…
(2021-02-12). Border Agents Can Search Phones Freely Under New Circuit Court Ruling. popularresistance.org A US appeals court has ruled that Customs and Border Protection agents can conduct in-depth searches of phones and laptops, overturning an earlier legal victory for civil liberties groups. First Circuit Judge Sandra Lynch declared that both basic and "advanced" searches, which include reviewing and copying data without a warrant, fall within "permissible constitutional grounds" at the American border. | Lynch ruled against a group of US citizens and residents objecting to invasive searches of their electronic devices. The group includes Sidd Bikkannavar, a NASA scientist who was detained and pressured to unlock a…
(2021-02-12). Britney Spears' father loses court bid over estate control. laprensalatina.com Los Angeles, US, Feb 11 (efe-epa).- Britney Spears' father on Thursday lost his bid in a Los Angeles court to retain some of his rights over the pop star's estate. The hearing in the Los Angeles Superior Court marks the latest chapter in a protracted legal battle the 39-year-old singer's lawyers are fighting over Jamie …
(2021-02-12). "We must look at the side-effects" indybay.org "Restricting basic rights is no small matter, and it is the duty of politics to restore their exercise as soon as the infection situation permits." (Lockdown consequences: daycare centers and schools to open) German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier…
(2021-02-12). Resignation of Trump-Appointed US Attorneys Is Just The Start Of DOJ's De-Trumpification. cepr.net Talking Points Memo See article on original site In the Reconstruction era following the Civil War, the Department of Justice was created in part to deliver and oversee equal rights to formerly enslaved Black men and women. This corrective institution was a major step toward building a federal government that protects the civil rights of all …
(2021-02-12). 2 People Who Changed World In a Few Hours and 3 Other Animal Rights Topics. indybay.org 5 animal rights topics: | 2 who held the Archimedes Lever, | Mother Jones reports workers at Hormel paralyzed by blood mist | Should meat be taxed to pay for meat caused illness? | Should food stamps be switched to fruit and vegetable stamps?>
(2021-02-12). Venezuela — Food Security and Sovereignty to Fight Starvation Sanctions. globalresearch.ca All Global Research articles can be read in 27 languages by activating the "Translate Website" drop down menu on the top banner of our home page (Desktop version). | *** | Mainstream media references to Venezuela always focus on the devastating economic …
(2021-02-12). Saturday 2/13: Chalking For Animal Rights! indybay.org Bancroft Way Berkeley, CA 94720…
(2021-02-12). Sunday 2/28: DxE Circle – Sanctuary Work Party. indybay.org 2785 Franklin Canyon Rd, Martinez, CA 94553-9617, United States…
(2021-02-12). 15 Of Many Things We Can Learn From the European Union. indybay.org fewer wars, no executions, free health care, lower drug costs, better animal rights and environment legislation, less censorship etc…
(2021-02-11). UAE urged to free Jordanian imprisoned for highlighting corruption in Amman. middleeasteye.net 
UAE urged to free Jordanian imprisoned for highlighting corruption in Amman | Ahmed al-Atoum was sentenced to ten years in prison over social media posts criticising Jordan's king and government | Thu, 02/11/2021 – 13: 15 | The Jordanian activist was sentenced to ten years over his social media posts (Screengrab/Social media) | Human rights organisations have this week urged the United Arab Emirates to r…
(2021-02-11). Turkey quickly gets into fight with Biden over Osman Kavala. middleeasteye.net 
Turkey quickly gets into fight with Biden over Osman Kavala | US State Department criticises Ankara over its human rights record while top officials avoid calling Turkish counterparts | Thu, 02/11/2021 – 12: 04 | A journalist stands in front of a poster featuring jailed businessman and philanthropist Osman Kavala during a press conference of his lawyers on 31 October 2018 (AFP) | Tensions rose between Tu…
(2021-02-11). Dozens of Prominent Organizations and Academics Pressure Biden on Human Rights in Brazil. cepr.net Last week, the US Network for Democracy in Brazil (USNDB) delivered a white paper to the Biden White House, its "Recommendations on Brazil to President Biden and the New Administration." The wide-ranging document, covering issues such as the environment, human rights, and the rule of law, urges the new administration to make a fundamental break …
(2021-02-11). Amid delay and denial of access by Israel, COVID-19 vaccination finally starts in Palestine. peoplesdispatch.org Israel's deliberate denial of access to vaccines to the Palestinians, a violation of its obligations under the Fourth Geneva Convention, has been criticized by the WHO and other human rights groups with some calling it "vaccine apartheid"
(2021-02-11). 7 arrested for alleged bomb-making and plotting terrorist attack in Denmark. rt.com 
Police in Denmark and Germany have arrested seven people for allegedly trying to manufacture explosives and plotting terrorist attacks, the Danish Security and Intelligence Service (PET) said in a statement on Thursday. | All seven have been charged with planning one or more terrorist attacks or attempting to participate in terrorism. | The men allegedly procured components to make bombs and other weapons, the statement said. | Police in Denmark's Central and West Zealand region — home to the capital Copenhagen — detained six of the men in raids between February 6 and 8. The other suspect from the gr…
(2021-02-11). Explaining India's farmer uprising, the largest strike in human history. thegrayzone.com Anya Parampil speaks with New Delhi-based journalist Prasanth Radhakrishnan about the historic farmer strike currently sweeping India. Radhakrishnan explains why farmers are rising up, how they are organized, and how the neoliberal government of Narendra Modi has responded to the movement. Just one day after this interview, the Modi government raided the offices of Radhakrishnan's employer, Newsclick.in, and detained its editors in what has been denounced as an act of intimidation against critical media. Learn more about the disturbing press crackdown …
(2021-02-11). Venezuela Oil Production Rebounds as Members of Congress Call for Sanctions Relief. venezuelanalysis.com Ilhan Omar, Jesus "Chuy" García and Elizabeth Warren urged to Biden administration to review its sanctions policy amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.
(2021-02-11). US cancels $42 million in Myanmar aid over military coup… then redirects it to nation's 'civil society'. rt.com 
The US has slapped a raft of sanctions on Myanmar's top military to block their access to more than a billion dollars in government funds being held in America, and will redirect millions in US aid to "strengthen civil society." | The Biden administration has designated six members of Myanmar's National Defense and Security Council, including General Min Aung Hlaing, the leader of the ruling military junta that seized power last week after ousting Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government. Hlaing led the military detention of Suu Kyi and Myanmar's other political leaders, who are currently under house arrest, and…
(2021-02-11). Attacks on tenants' rights intensify in Indianapolis, activists resist. liberationnews.org 
Dozens of activists convened on the steps of the Indiana State Capitol building at 9 am on Feb. 8, bearing freezing temperatures to protest the Indiana General Assembly's attacks on the limited rights that tenants have in Indiana. The protest, called for by Family Promise of Greater Indianapolis and supported by the Indianapolis branch of …
(2021-02-11). Headlines for February 11, 2021. democracynow.org "The Inciter-in-Chief": Democrats Accuse Trump of Being "Singularly Responsible" for Insurrection, Trump Attacked Pence on Twitter Minutes After Learning VP Was Evacuated from Capitol, Georgia Prosecutor Opens Criminal Probe of Trump over Election Interference, U.S. COVID Death Toll Tops 471,000; Half of All Deaths Occurred Since Nov. 1, WHO Backs Use of Oxford-AstraZeneca Vaccine, Saudi Women's Rights Activist Loujain al-Hathloul Released After 1,001 Days in Prison, Biden & Xi Jinping Speak on Phone as U.S. Forms Military Task Force on China, U.S. Sanctions Military Junta as Anti-Coup Protests Continue in Burma,…
(2021-02-11). Immigrants Win Lawsuit Against Los Angeles Sheriff Department. telesurenglish.net The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) must pay US$14 million in monetary damages to over 18.500 migrants who were illegally detained at its facilities. | RELATED: | The case is a warning for all U.S. law enforcement agencies, which continue to detain immigrants without proper warrants. | "Law enforcement agencies act as if basic pr…
(2021-02-11). Australian mining companies in Myanmar put profit ahead of human rights and democracy. greenleft.org.au As protests grow against the February 1 military coup in Myanmar/Burma, the country's military elites try to protect their ill-gotten gains, and Australian mining companies carry on as if nothing happened, writes Allen Jennings.
(2021-02-11). Myanmar: Australian mining companies put profit ahead of human rights and democracy. greenleft.org.au As protests grow against the military coup in Myanmar, Australian mining companies are carrying on as if nothing happened, writes Allen Jennings.
(2021-02-11). Egypt urged to remove activists from 'terrorist' list. news.un.org UN independent human rights experts appealed on Thursday for authorities in Egypt to remove two activists from a "terrorist" list and to stop systemic use of terrorism powers.
(2021-02-11). Biden confronts Xi over rights, security, economic practices. laprensalatina.com (Update 1: adds Xi comments in pars 4-6, updates dateline, minor edits) Washington/Beijing, Feb 10 (efe-epa).- United States President Joe Biden on Wednesday (Thursday Beijing time) spoke to his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping for the first time as leader and expressed concern over a range of issues including human rights, regional security and Beijing's economic …
(2021-02-11). Decision to buy S-400s from Russia 'wasn't made overnight' & Turkey will stick to it — Ankara insists as US threatens sanctions. rt.com 
Turkey won't abandon the S-400 missile systems it ordered from Russia despite the threat of US sanctions, but is eager to resolve the divisive issue through talks with its NATO ally, the Turkish presidential spokesman has said. | "Turkey won't give up on the Russian S-400 systems," Ibrahim Kalin told the local TRT Haber broadcaster on Thursday. | "The S-400 decision wasn't made overnight," President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's representative noted, adding that Ankara already touched on the issue in a phone call with Biden's national security adviser Jake Sullivan last week. Kalin said that more discussions will tak…
(2021-02-11). Decision to buy S-400s from Russia 'wasn't made overnight' & Turkey will stick to it — Erdogan's spokesman. rt.com Turkey isn't going to abandon the S-400 missile systems it got from Russia despite the threat of US sanctions, but is eager to resolve the divisive issue through talks with its NATO ally, the Turkish presidential spokesman said. | "Turkey won't give up on the Russian S-400 systems," Ibrahim Kalin, spokesman for Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan, told the local TRT Haber broadcaster on Thursday. | "The S-400 decision wasn't made overnight," he noted, adding that he already touched on the issue in a phone call with Biden's national security adviser Jake Sullivan last week, and that the two are set to speak aga…
(2021-02-11). Biden's policies are the same as Trump, Iran's sole presidential candidate says. middleeasteye.net 
Biden's policies are the same as Trump, Iran's sole presidential candidate says | Hossein Dehghan says Biden's foreign policy continues 'Trumpism' and calls for guarantees that the US would not leave the nuclear agreement again | Thu, 02/11/2021 – 19: 21 | Hossein Dehghan is a former Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps commander who is also under sanctions levied by Washington (AFP) | The only declared candidat…
(2021-02-11). Australia must cut all business and military ties to Myanmar/Burma coup regime. greenleft.org.au The Socialist Alliance strongly condemns the February 1 military coup in Myanmar/Burma and the detention of Aung San Suu Kyi and other leaders of the National League for Democracy and calls on the Australian government to deny recognition to the regime.
(2021-02-11). The right's hatred of AOC isn't just racism and sexism: It sums up the entire toxic Trump era. salon.com All the right-wing paranoia that led to Trump and Jan. 6 is visible in the exaggerated hatred for one woman…
(2021-02-11). Citing 'Moral and Public Health Imperative,' Progressive Lawmakers Press Biden on Sanctions Relief. commondreams.org The 27 Democrats called for "much-needed and overdue changes to the way we use sanctions as a foreign policy tool." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files… …
(2021-02-11). Advocacy Groups Sue Biden Admin. to Force Release of Trump-Era Family Immigration Detention Records. commondreams.org "Children should be able to grow up with their families, friends, and communities—not be detained based solely on their immigration status." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files… …
(2021-02-11). Organizations Sue Biden Administration Regarding Release of Detained Children and Families. commondreams.org ______________________________…