(2021-10-06). The Police State's Reign of Terror Continues … With Help from the Supreme Court. dissidentvoice.org 
Rights aren't rights if someone can take them away. They're privileges. — George Carlin You think you've got rights? Think again. All of those freedoms we cherish—the ones enshrined in the Constitution, the ones that affirm our right to free speech and assembly, due process, privacy, bodily integrity, the right to not have police seize …
(2021-10-06). Iranian Weapons Shipments Continue To Pour Into Eastern Syria. southfront.org 
Iranian-backed forces massing around Deir Ezzor city. | Early on October 6, an Iranian weapons shipment arrived in the eastern Syrian governorate of Deir Ezzor, according to the Syrian Observatory (SOHR) for Human Rights. | The London-based monitoring group said that the shipment entered from Iraq through an unofficial border crossing. The weapons, which included short-range rockets and their launchers, were moved to the town of al-Mayadin in the southern countryside of Deir Ezzor. They were allegedly stored in tun…
(2021-10-06). Syrian Army Pounds Greater Idlib, Senior Commander Says Ground Operation Is Near (Videos). southfront.org 
Illustrative image.Untewewitled.jpg | On October 6, the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) pounded the al-Zawiya Mount in the southern part of the region of Greater Idlib. | Dozens of artillery rounds and rocket hit the towns of al-Fatterah, Sufuhon, Fleifel, and Benin in the mountainous area, which is known to be a stronghold of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the de-facto ruler of Greater Idlib, and the Turkish-backed National Front for Liberation. | According to the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, Russian drones…
(2021-10-06). Human Rights Attorney Sentenced to Prison After Winning Case Against Chevron. zcomm.org In a move calculated to shield Chevron and deter other lawyers from suing giant corporate polluters, U.S. human rights attorney Steven Donziger was sentenced on October 1 to the maximum of six months in prison for criminal contempt…
(2021-10-06). "Becoming Abolitionists": Derecka Purnell on Why Police Reform Is Not Enough to Protect Black Lives. democracynow.org 
Derecka Purnell draws from her experience as a human rights lawyer in her new book, published this month, "Becoming Abolitionists: Police, Protests, and the Pursuit of Freedom," to argue that police reform is an inadequate compromise to calls for abolition. Since the murders of George Floyd in Minneapolis and Breonna Taylor in Louisville in 2020, many states have passed laws aimed at reforming police, but congressional talks at the federal level have broken down. Purnell reflects upon her personal journey as a Black woman who believed in police reform before pivoting to abolition, saying, "I became a part of soci…
(2021-10-06). FRSO, Milwaukee Alliance, SDS, and others rally to defend reproductive rights. m.fightbacknews.org Milwaukee, WI – On the afternoon of October 2, Freedom Road Socialist Organization – Wisconsin held a demonstration to protest Texas' abortion ban. This was held in collaboration with the Milwaukee Alliance Against Racial and Political Repression and Students for a Democratic Society, and with coordination from a couple of individual organizers. The demonstration consisted of a march through downtown from Planned Parenthood to the Milwaukee office of Senator Ron Johnson, a noted reactionary and proponent of the same ideas encompassed by the Texas law. Once outside Senator Johnson's office, organizers transitioned…
(2021-10-06). Hudson Valley: October 2 marches for reproductive rights. m.fightbacknews.org Newburgh, NY – In Newburgh, 120 gathered at the steps of the courthouse. In New Paltz, on Main Street, 100 stood in front of Elting Library. In Poughkeepsie there were 75. In Kingston, another 150. Woodstock 100. Across the Hudson Valley we took the streets. There were actions in towns, villages and hamlets as we joined the over 650 marches taking place across the United States. | It has been a long time coming but on October 2, we gathered demanding reproductive freedom for all and support for women's liberation. | On September 1, abortion became illegal in Texas except in the very earliest stage of pregnan…
(2021-10-06). Forbes Reveals Why the US Government Is Trying to Extradite Venezuelan Diplomat Alex Saab. counterpunch.org Alex Saab is "the key that unlocks the Venezuelan monetary mystery—that is, how a country facing sanctions from the US, the UK and the European Union—is still able to export things like gold and oil…and really the only man who can actually explain how the country [Venezuela] survives today," according to Forbes. The US would
(2021-10-06). Economic, medical sanctions considered as terrorist act. en.mehrnews.com Condemning all forms of terrorism, including economic and medical terrorism, Iran's permanent Ambassador to the United Nations said that sanctions target ordinary people and are considered a terrorist act.
(2021-10-05). Pandora Papers Find US Trusts' Links to Foreign Bribery, Rights Abuse Suspects, Reports Say. sputniknews.com WASHINGTON (Sputnik) – The authors of the Pandora Papers – a large-scale journalistic investigation of shadow financial schemes and participation of world politicians in them – found in the US almost 30 trusts with assets of foreign individuals or companies accused of fraud, bribery or human rights violations, The Washington Post reported.
(2021-10-05). Duterte to prepare his defense against ICC probe. asiatimes.com 
Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has said he will prepare his defense against an International Criminal Court probe into his deadly drug war, after previously insisting he would not cooperate. ICC judges authorized in September a full-blown investigation into Duterte's anti-narcotics campaign, which rights groups estimate has killed tens of thousands of people, saying it resembled …
(2021-10-05). Arabic press review: Bahrain suppresses protests against visit by Israel's Lapid. middleeasteye.net 
Arabic press review: Bahrain suppresses protests against visit by Israel's Lapid | Meanwhile, Morocco sues French paper over Pegasus claims, and Egyptian Islamic scholars and organisations urge release of detainees | Tue, 10/05/2021 – 15: 23 | Protesters dodge tear gas canisters amid clashes with the police during an anti-Israel rally in Sitra island, south of the Bahraini capital, on 1 October…
(2021-10-05). More of the Same: Private Prison Corporations and Immigration Detention Under the Biden Administration. aclu.org Over the last three decades, the federal government has largely outsourced immigration detention to private prison companies. Today, private prison corporations like the GEO Group, CoreCivic, LaSalle Corrections, and the Management and Training Corporation (MTC) own or operate facilities that hold the During the Trump administration, ICE expanded the immigration detention system by over 50 percent, signing cont…
(2021-10-05). Russian Communist leader warns Putin that police 'brutality' & controversial online voting are 'bomb' waiting to 'blow up' society. rt.com 
The leader of Russia's Communists has written an open letter to President Vladimir Putin bemoaning the arrests of his comrades and what he sees as the "unjustified brutality" of the police, warning that trouble may lie ahead. | In the missive, published on the party's official website, Gennady Zyuganov complained about the detentions of Communists following protests on September 20 and 25. He described the arrests as "groundless" and "unlawful." | Last month, the party organized two demonstrations against the results of September's parliamentary election, which, for the first time, was held over multiple days.
(2021-10-05). Cherished citizen, NATO enhanced partners: Ukrainian council consoles Saakashvili in jail. antibellum679354512.wordpress.com Ukrainian consul visits Saakashvili, his condition is satisfactory — MFA A Ukrainian consul has visited former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, a citizen of Ukraine, in the detention facility of the city of Rustavi in Georgia, Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oleh Nikolenko said. **** The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry and the Ukrainian embassy to Tbilisi will continue …
(2021-10-05). Globalink | Chinese Un Envoy Urges U.S. To Put Aside Arrogance, Bigotry on Human Rights. telesurenglish.net Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, has called on the United States to put aside arrogance and bigotry aside on human rights…
(2021-10-05). African Union: Drop Israel's observer status, rights groups tell AU leaders. middleeasteye.net 
African Union: Drop Israel's observer status, rights groups tell AU leaders | Israel's human rights violations should disqualify country from seat at African Union table, groups tell AU in legal submission | Tue, 10/05/2021 – 09: 00 | African Union commission chair Moussa Faki Mahamat granted observer status to Israel this July (Reuters) | The African Union should withdraw Israel's observer status because the…
(2021-10-05). U.S., Ukraine rush to Saakashvili's defense. antibellum679354512.wordpress.com U.S. Urges 'Fair Treatment' of Saakashvili The U.S. State Department has urged the Georgian Government to ensure former President Mikheil Saakashvili "is afforded fair treatment" as per Georgia's legislation and international human rights commitments and obligations. State Department Spokesperson Ned Price told a press briefing on October 4 the U.S. is aware of the reports …
(2021-10-05). 'Just Stick to the Facts': Duterte Reveals He's Begun Preparing for His Defense in ICC Probe. sputniknews.com The Hague-based court earlier announced in September that it had launched an official probe into the Filipino president's anti-narcotics campaign, which human rights groups say has killed tens of thousands of people as part of a larger systematic strike against civilians.
(2021-10-05). Chile is Taking the Final Steps of Dismantling Dictatorship. counterpunch.org Chilean author and human rights activist Ariel Dorfman delivered these remarks at the 45th anniversary Letelier-Moffitt Memorial Program on September 19, 2021. A collection of photos from the event has been made available for those who weren't able to attend in person. The Institute for Policy Studies holds this program every year at the site of the
(2021-10-05). Lawyer-Organizer Tiffany Roberts: Atlanta Politicians Are Using Mass Incarceration Rhetoric, Approve $90 Million For 'Cop City'. moguldom.com The Atlanta City Council recently approved $90 million in funding to build a massive police training facility dubbed "Cop City," and local community activists including criminal defense and civil rights attorney Tiffany Roberts aren't too happy. There had been significant pushback against funding and building the facility. Still, on Sept. 8, the city council voted …
(2021-10-05). Appeals Court Blocks Judge Order, Allows Deportation Of Families. popularresistance.org In a setback to migrant rights advocates in the United States, a federal appeal court has allowed the forcible expulsion of apprehended undocumented migrant families to continue. The ruling was passed by the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit on Thursday, September 30. It was a last minute ruling which blocked a prior ruling by a federal judge against the expulsions before it went into effect. | Thursday's ruling was in response to the appeals filed by the administration of president Joe Biden against the order by district judge Emmet Sullivan of the US District Court for DC (District of Columbia) on Septembe…
(2021-10-05). 1,000 in Columbus, Ohio, stand up for reproductive rights. liberationnews.org 
On Oct. 2, more than 1,000 people came to the Columbus, Ohio, State House to demand legal abortion now, an end to the war on the right to choose, and access to safe, accessible and affordable reproductive care. The action was organized by the Women's March, with participation from the Democratic Socialists of America, Planned …
(2021-10-05). Academic Freedom, Palestinian Rights and the "Zoomification" of University Education. globalresearch.ca
(2021-10-05). Was the G.I. Bill of Rights a Safety Net Bill? counterpunch.org Many of us have been giving reporters grief about the constant reference to a $3.5 trillion spending bill (pre-Manchin), without pointing out that this is over ten years and would be just over 1.2 percent of projected GDP over this period. Also, the intention is to have the bill offset by tax increases and cuts
(2021-10-05). Prisoners are 'sitting ducks' for COVID-19. greenleft.org.au Prisoner rights activists are demanding that authorities heed the health advice and protect people in prison. Adam Trumper and Rachel Evans report.
(2021-10-05). Turkey intensifies saber-rattling over its military outpost in Cyprus. antibellum679354512.wordpress.com Ankara to keep defending Turkey's, Turkish Cypriots' rights in east Med: FM "We defend our rights and the rights of the Turkish Cypriots all the way. We'll also do what's necessary when there's action that will harm these rights," Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlàºt àáavu≈üoƒülu said at joint press conference with his Polish counterpart Zbigniew Rau …
(2021-10-05). California Democrats pass toothless law against work quotas at Amazon warehouses. wsws.org The legislation is a toothless measure, which allows California's Democrats to posture as defenders of workers' rights while doing nothing to seriously challenge the regime of electronically-enforced speedup, which is pervasive in Amazon warehouses.
(2021-10-05). Thousands join national strike in France amid attacks on labor rights. peoplesdispatch.org Major trade unions in France want to push workers' demands to the mainstream prior to kick start of the political campaigns for the 2022 French presidential elections…
(2021-10-05). 'Virtual siege': Palestinians urge PayPal to stop denying service. middleeasteye.net 
'Virtual siege': Palestinians urge PayPal to stop denying service | For years, the company has served illegal Israeli settlements, but not occupied Palestinian territories | Tue, 10/05/2021 – 14: 55 | If the company, based in California, gave Palestinians access, the quality of life would improve in 80 percent of their households, according to research from 7amleh (AFP) | Rights advocates are calling onc…
(2021-10-05). Thousands across US march in defense of abortion rights. peoplesdispatch.org In hundreds of cities across the US, thousands took to the streets on October 2 protesting against the threat to abortion rights that looms ahead of the country. The protests took place in light of the recent Supreme Court decision to uphold the 6 week abortion ban passed by Texas. The Texas bill has set a dangerous precedent which will allow other conservative states to challenge reproductive rights though similar bills.
(2021-10-05). Turkey's Erdogan hails decline of the West, breathes fire over Cyprus, Greece, Syria, Kurds. antibellum679354512.wordpress.com Turkey will not accept fabricated maps in east Med: Erdogan "We are not hesitating to protect our interests….Aren't we going to protect our rights in the eastern Mediterranean? Are we going to accept fabricated maps?" [Turkish President Recep Tayyip] Erdogan said in an interview with the magazine Kriter on Oct 5. Erdogan referred to a …
(2021-10-05). Canadian Tire Fire #14: No More Injunction At Fairy Creek, Reconciliation is (Still) Dead. itsgoingdown.org This week saw Canada's first ever National Day for Truth and Reconciliation take place on September 30th. The official federal holiday has been criticized by many Indigenous people who see the hypocrisy in a state-sanctioned day for reconciliation while Canada's settler colonial violence continues. Are settler prison guards gonna get extra pay for working on…
(2021-10-05). Forbes Reveals Why The US Government Is Trying To Extradite Alex Saab. popularresistance.org Alex Saab is "the key that unlocks the Venezuelan monetary mystery—that is, how a country facing sanctions from the US, the UK and the European Union—is still able to export things like gold and oil…and really the only man who can actually explain how the country [Venezuela] survives today," according to Forbes. | The US would far prefer to just quietly extradite Saab to Miami, use whatever means necessary to extract sensitive information from him, and then warehouse him in the world's largest prison system. Forbes uses the euphemism "under pressure" by US prison authorities as the means to force Sa…
(2021-10-05). Iran: Biden aides to tell Israelis that US will pursue 'other avenues' if diplomacy fails. middleeasteye.net 
Iran: Biden aides to tell Israelis that US will pursue 'other avenues' if diplomacy fails | Remarks comes as Israel's national security adviser Eyal Hulata on visit to Washington to share latest intelligence | Tue, 10/05/2021 – 08: 26 | Under a 2015 deal, Iran curbed its uranium enrichment programme, a possible pathway to nuclear arms, in return for the lifting of economic sanctions (AFP)…