Daily Archives: 2019-08-22

2019-08-22: News Headlines

Mark Waller (2019-08-22). South Africa bans old racist flag as hate speech. peoplesworld.org PRETORIA, South Africa — A landmark Aug. 21 ruling by South Africa's Equality Court has criminalized gratuitous displays of the national flag of the apartheid era. The case was brought before the court by the Nelson Mandela Foundation, backed by the South African Human Rights Commission. The apartheid flag is often displayed by far-right white …

Lyn Neeley (2019-08-22). Bolivarian revolution and Black liberation. workers.org Portland's Hands Off Venezuela PDX sponsored a Skype teach-in on Aug. 17 with Dr. Layla Brown-Vincent, an assistant professor of Africana Studies at the University of Massachusetts in Boston, who spoke about the role of racism in Bolivarian Venezuela to a room of 25 Oregonians. She said, "Just as Haiti . . . | Continue reading Bolivarian revolution and Black liberation at Workers.org

Staff (2019-08-22). Headlines for August 22, 2019. democracynow.org Trump Administration Proposes Jailing Migrant Families Indefinitely, Federal Budget Deficit to Top $1 Trillion in 2020, Satellite Data Show Brazilian Amazon Burning at Record Pace, Brazilian President Bolsonaro Blames Environmentalists for Amazon Fires, Wildfires Rage in Alaska, Canary Islands, Siberia and Greenland, Gov. Jay Inslee, Champion of Climate Fight, Drops 2020 Presidential Bid, Activists Disrupt Event Honoring House Speaker Pelosi to Demand Trump's Impeachment, Abdalla Hamdok Sworn In as Sudan's Prime Minister, Hong Kong Pro-Democracy Activists Mark Anniversary of Subway Attack, Mexico's Zapatistas Exp…

Michelle A. Rodrigues (2019-08-22). Is science failing the world's primates? nationofchange.org There are more than 500 known primate species, but it would be hard to tell that by looking at recent research. Want to know how chimpanzees are doing across Africa? We can tell you plenty about them. But understanding how nocturnal pottos are doing across the same region? That may be more difficult. Here's why: …

Staff (2019-08-21). Rep Ayanna Pressley on Israel's Ban: "Bigoted, Short-Sighted and Cruel" therealnews.com These are the words tweeted by Rep. Ayanna Pressley in response to the Israeli decision to ban the entry of Rep. Ilhan Omar and Rep. Rashida Tlaib. The story has a striking resemblance to South Africa and Rhodesia blocking the entry of African American Democratic Representative Charles C. Diggs Junior in January 1972…

teleSUR (2019-08-21). UN Delays Conference on Torture in Egypt After Criticisms. telesurenglish.net The United Nations says it's delaying a conference set to be held in Cairo, Egypt next month after human rights groups say the government is trying to use the conference to white-wash its own practices of torture and abuses. | RELATED: | Saudi Gov't Offer to Release Woman Activist If She Keeps Mum on Being Tortured | Spokesperson for the offic…

United Nations (2019-08-21). Somalia security remains a concern, head of UN Mission warns Security Council. un.org Despite "encouraging" developments, insecurity across Somalia remains a serious concern, James Swan, head of the UN Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), warned the Security Council, in his first briefing to the world body since taking office.

teleSUR (2019-08-21). Uruguay: Leftist President Diagnosed with Malignant Lung Nodule. telesurenglish.net Uruguayan President Tabare Vazquez announced this Tuesday that he has been diagnosed as having a lung nodule with characteristics that could signify malignancy. He will be hospitalized in the coming days. | RELATED: | Uruguay Navy Commander Denounces Remarks Regarding Dictatorship | "As part of a regular medical exam, I recently had a tomographic study done that showed a right-lung nodule with very pronounced characteristics of malignancy," the Uruguayan president said. | In…

Ron Forthofer (2019-08-21). Sick of being a Guinea Pig. dissidentvoice.org Some corporations and governments have used the US public as guinea pigs in uncontrolled experiments conducted without the public's approval. They were often gambling with our well being when they introduced new products or conducted risky tests. In contrast, there were usually few risks for the CEOs or government officials in charge of these unacknowledged …

United Nations (2019-08-21). Wednesday's Daily Brief: Yemen aid programmes closing, Guterres Idlib concern, Somalia insecurity, honouring terror victims. un.org Today's stories: aid money promised for Yemen fails to materialize, prospects of new Idlib conflict put millions at risk, new Sudanese transitional government welcomed by UN chief, insecurity threatens Somalia progress.

United Nations (2019-08-20). Deadly airstrikes and drone hits displace thousands of civilians in Libya oasis town. un.org Intensifying clashes in the southern Libyan town of Murzuq involving air and drone strikes in recent days have left at least 90 people dead and displaced thousands of "terrified" civilians, the UN said on Tuesday.

Staff (2019-08-20). Emerald Garner, Eric Garner's Daughter, Says Firing Pantaleo "Should Have Happened a Long Time Ago" democracynow.org Daniel Pantaleo, the police officer who killed Eric Garner in 2014 by using an illegal chokehold, was fired Monday and stripped of his pension benefits. The decision came more than five years after Pantaleo held Garner, an unarmed African-American man, in a chokehold until he dropped to the ground. Before dying, he gasped "I can't breathe" 11 times. Despite outcry from the family and community members, Pantaleo had remained on the police force on desk duty since the killing. Last month, on the fifth anniversary of Garner's death, the Justice Department declined to charge Pantaleo with a crime despite calls by the…

United Nations (2019-08-20). Tuesday's Daily Brief: water quality crisis, Yemen and Libya updates, Venezuelan children appeal, ocean protection. un.org This Tuesday, we cover: new report on water quality worldwide; Yemen envoy briefs the Security Council on Aden; intensifying clashes in southern Libya; UNICEF appeals for increased aid for Venezuela youngsters; and UN negotiations continue over a new ocean protection agreement.

Staff (2019-08-20). Headlines for August 20, 2019. democracynow.org NYPD Fires Daniel Pantaleo 5 Years After He Killed Eric Garner, Planned Parenthood Rejects Federal Funds over Trump "Gag Rule" on Abortion Referrals, Fears of Renewed Arms Race as U.S. Tests Ground Missile and Questions Remain over Russian Blast, Sudan: Omar al-Bashir Heads to Court Days After Signing of Transitional Deal, Salvadoran Rape Survivor Cleared After Prior Conviction for Killing Stillborn, Twitter & Facebook Remove China-Linked Accounts over Hong Kong Protest Misinformation, Elizabeth Warren Apologizes to Indigenous Groups at Iowa Native American Forum, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Asks Federal Court to H…

RT (2019-08-19). Long overdue or divisive & futile? NYT's 1619 Project on slavery in America splits readers. rt.com A new initiative from the New York Times examining the history of slavery in the US has been met with applause and criticism online. Some say the project is "long overdue" while others accuse the paper of "rewriting" history. | The 1619 Project was conceived as a way to observe the "400th anniversary of the beginning of American slavery" and, in the Times' words, to "reframe our country's history" by placing the stories of slaves at the forefront. | The year 1619 was chosen because it was in August of that year when the first ship carrying enslaved Africans docked at a port in Virginia, still an English colony…

United Nations (2019-08-19). Support Mali reconciliation efforts 'in whatever way possible', urges UN expert. un.org Reconciliation initiatives in central Mali, to bring together local leaders and end ongoing violence, have been welcomed by the UN Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Mali, Alioune Tine, who said on Monday that they should be supported "in whatever way possible."

United Nations (2019-08-19). FROM THE FIELD: Green wall of opportunities grows in the Sahel. un.org An ambitious plan has got underway to plant a band of trees across the Sahel region of Africa, to hold back desertification and combat climate change, thanks to the support of the United Nations.

United Nations (2019-08-19). Monday's Daily Brief: World Humanitarian Day, Afghan massacre aftermath, Venezuelans in Brazil, Yemen war update, and reconciliation in Mali. un.org Our main stories today: Women celebrated on World Humanitarian Day; Afghanistan bloodshed mars 100 years of independence; Brazil's 'exemplary' response to Venezuelans; UN urges Yemen's warring parties to down weapons; and UN expert calls for Mali reconciliation efforts.

Middle East Eye (2019-08-19). Sudan's Bashir "Took Millions in Cash From Saudi Crown Prince," Trial Hears. theantimedia.com Detective tells court the deposed president was handed the money by Mohammed bin Salman's envoys.

unitedEditor (2019-08-19). Sudan agreement, Hong Kong Protests, Venezuela and Trade War. uwidata.com Sudan Agreement The first agreements between military and civilians have been reached in Sudan following months of turmoil. According to the newly signed constitutional declaration, a sovereign council will become the highest authority in Sudan during the transition period pending upcoming elections. The console will include five representatives of the military and five civilian figures, …

United Nations (2019-08-19). Guterres pledges UN support to Sudan after military and civilian opposition reach deal on transitional government. un.org UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Saturday congratulated the people of Sudan after the military council and civilian opposition alliance agreed earlier in the day on a power-sharing accord.

United Nations (2019-08-19). Terrorism survivor in Cameroon takes road to recovery: UN News special report. un.org "If I ever come face-to-face with a Boko Haram fighter and if I have strength and a knife in my hand, I will cut his throat and spill his blood! Because, it makes me sick whenever I remember the suffering I went through."

Vic Ryan (2019-08-18). Google Is Deepening Its Involvement With Egypt's Repressive Government. theintercept.com Google is set to re-staff its Cairo office, which more or less went dormant in 2014, following the military coup that brought Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to power.

Staff (2019-08-18). Israeli Arms Trade in South Sudan Was Disguised as "Agriculture" therealnews.com Investigative journalist Sam Mednick revealed that the agricultural company Green Horizon was a front for former Israeli general Israel Ziv's security company CST who were supplying arms to South Sudan, fueling the conflict by selling arms to both sides…

United Nations (2019-08-17). Terrorism survivors: 'I lived in fear that I would be killed'. un.org To mark the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism this coming Wednesday, UN News travelled to Chad and the Far North region of Cameroon in West Africa to interview people who have personal stories to tell about how terrorism has shattered their lives.

United Nations (2019-08-16). Friday's Daily Brief: Education key for Rohingya, DR Congo violence continues, Zimbabwe protest latest, women's rights in Iran, environmental protection. un.org Our main stories today: Two years in, Myanmar's Rohingya youth need more education; DR Congo testimonies highlight armed brutality; appeals for Zimbabwe to 'stop cracking down' on protesters; Iran urged to release women jailed for protesting veiling laws; and new human rights agreement on environmental protection.

Sarah Farley (2019-08-12). Shot in the back: Colorado Springs police kill De'Von Bailey, community fights cover-up. liberationnews.org On Aug. 3, 19-year-old De'Von Malik Bailey was shot in the back as he fled from two Colorado Springs police officers.

CounterSpin (2019-06-14). Sandy Cioffi on Nigerian Oil, Riki Ott Looking Back at Exxon Valdez Spill. fair.org Media…

2019-08-22: Social Media Postees

South Africa bans old racist flag as hate speech
Mark Waller | peoplesworld.org | 2019-08-22
PRETORIA, South Africa — A landmark Aug. 21 ruling by South Africa's Equality Court has criminalized gratuitous displays of the national flag of the apartheid era. The case was brought before the court by the Nelson Mandela Foundation, backed by the South African Human Rights Commission. The apartheid flag is often displayed by far-right white …
peoplesworld.org/article/south-africa-bans-old-racist-flag-as-hate-speech/

Is science failing the world's primates?
Michelle A. Rodrigues | nationofchange.org | 2019-08-22
There are more than 500 known primate species, but it would be hard to tell that by looking at recent research. Want to know how chimpanzees are doing across Africa? We can tell you plenty about them. But understanding how nocturnal pottos are doing across the same region? That may be more difficult. Here's why: …
nationofchange.org/2019/08/22/is-science-failing-the-worlds-primates/

Bolivarian revolution and Black liberation
Lyn Neeley | workers.org | 2019-08-22
Portland's Hands Off Venezuela PDX sponsored a Skype teach-in on Aug. 17 with Dr. Layla Brown-Vincent, an assistant professor of Africana Studies at the University of Massachusetts in Boston, who spoke about the role of racism in Bolivarian Venezuela to a room of 25 Oregonians. She said, "Just as Haiti . . . | Continue reading Bolivarian revolution and Black liberation at Workers.org…
workers.org/2019/08/21/bolivarian-revolution-and-black-liberation/

Rep Ayanna Pressley on Israel's Ban: "Bigoted, Short-Sighted and Cruel"
Staff | therealnews.com | 2019-08-21
These are the words tweeted by Rep. Ayanna Pressley in response to the Israeli decision to ban the entry of Rep. Ilhan Omar and Rep. Rashida Tlaib. The story has a striking resemblance to South Africa and Rhodesia blocking the entry of African American Democratic Representative Charles C. Diggs Junior in January 1972…
therealnews.com/stories/rep-ayanna-pressley-on-israels-ban-bigoted-short-sighted-and-cruel

UN Delays Conference on Torture in Egypt After Criticisms
telesurenglish.net | 2019-08-21
The United Nations says it's delaying a conference set to be held in Cairo, Egypt next month after human rights groups say the government is trying to use the conference to white-wash its own practices of torture and abuses. | RELATED: | Saudi Gov't Offer to Release Woman Activist If She Keeps Mum on Being Tortured | Spokesperson for the offic…
telesurenglish.net/news/UN-Delays-Conference-on-Torture-in-Egypt-after-Critics-20190821-0029.html

Somalia security remains a concern, head of UN Mission warns Security Council
United Nations | un.org | 2019-08-21
Despite "encouraging" developments, insecurity across Somalia remains a serious concern, James Swan, head of the UN Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), warned the Security Council, in his first briefing to the world body since taking office.
news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2019/08/1044651

Uruguay: Leftist President Diagnosed with Malignant Lung Nodule
telesurenglish.net | 2019-08-21
Uruguayan President Tabare Vazquez announced this Tuesday that he has been diagnosed as having a lung nodule with characteristics that could signify malignancy. He will be hospitalized in the coming days. | RELATED: | Uruguay Navy Commander Denounces Remarks Regarding Dictatorship | "As part of a regular medical exam, I recently had a tomographic study done that showed a right-lung nodule with very pronounced characteristics of malignancy," the Uruguayan president said. | In…
telesurenglish.net/news/Uruguay-Leftist-President-Diagnosed-with-Malignant-Lung-Nodule-20190821-0017.html

Sick of being a Guinea Pig
Ron Forthofer | dissidentvoice.org | 2019-08-21
Some corporations and governments have used the US public as guinea pigs in uncontrolled experiments conducted without the public's approval. They were often gambling with our well being when they introduced new products or conducted risky tests. In contrast, there were usually few risks for the CEOs or government officials in charge of these unacknowledged …
dissidentvoice.org/2019/08/sick-of-being-a-guinea-pig/

Wednesday's Daily Brief: Yemen aid programmes closing, Guterres Idlib concern, Somalia insecurity, honouring terror victims
United Nations | un.org | 2019-08-21
Today's stories: aid money promised for Yemen fails to materialize, prospects of new Idlib conflict put millions at risk, new Sudanese transitional government welcomed by UN chief, insecurity threatens Somalia progress.
news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2019/08/1044711

Deadly airstrikes and drone hits displace thousands of civilians in Libya oasis town
United Nations | un.org | 2019-08-20
Intensifying clashes in the southern Libyan town of Murzuq involving air and drone strikes in recent days have left at least 90 people dead and displaced thousands of "terrified" civilians, the UN said on Tuesday.
news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2019/08/1044531

Emerald Garner, Eric Garner's Daughter, Says Firing Pantaleo "Should Have Happened a Long Time Ago"
Staff | democracynow.org | 2019-08-20
Daniel Pantaleo, the police officer who killed Eric Garner in 2014 by using an illegal chokehold, was fired Monday and stripped of his pension benefits. The decision came more than five years after Pantaleo held Garner, an unarmed African-American man, in a chokehold until he dropped to the ground. Before dying, he gasped "I can't breathe" 11 times. Despite outcry from the family and community members, Pantaleo had remained on the police force on desk duty since the killing. Last month, on the fifth anniversary of Garner's death, the Justice Department declined to charge Pantaleo with a crime despite calls by the…
www.democracynow.org/2019/8/20/emerald_garner_daniel_pantaleo_nypd_firing

Tuesday's Daily Brief: water quality crisis, Yemen and Libya updates, Venezuelan children appeal, ocean protection
United Nations | un.org | 2019-08-20
This Tuesday, we cover: new report on water quality worldwide; Yemen envoy briefs the Security Council on Aden; intensifying clashes in southern Libya; UNICEF appeals for increased aid for Venezuela youngsters; and UN negotiations continue over a new ocean protection agreement.
news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2019/08/1044581

Support Mali reconciliation efforts 'in whatever way possible', urges UN expert
United Nations | un.org | 2019-08-19
Reconciliation initiatives in central Mali, to bring together local leaders and end ongoing violence, have been welcomed by the UN Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Mali, Alioune Tine, who said on Monday that they should be supported "in whatever way possible."
news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2019/08/1044461

FROM THE FIELD: Green wall of opportunities grows in the Sahel
United Nations | un.org | 2019-08-19
An ambitious plan has got underway to plant a band of trees across the Sahel region of Africa, to hold back desertification and combat climate change, thanks to the support of the United Nations.
news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2019/08/1044421

Long overdue or divisive & futile? NYT's 1619 Project on slavery in America splits readers
rt.com | 2019-08-19
A new initiative from the New York Times examining the history of slavery in the US has been met with applause and criticism online. Some say the project is "long overdue" while others accuse the paper of "rewriting" history. | The 1619 Project was conceived as a way to observe the "400th anniversary of the beginning of American slavery" and, in the Times' words, to "reframe our country's history" by placing the stories of slaves at the forefront. | The year 1619 was chosen because it was in August of that year when the first ship carrying enslaved Africans docked at a port in Virginia, still an English colony…
rt.com/usa/466842-nyt-1619-project-slavery/

Monday's Daily Brief: World Humanitarian Day, Afghan massacre aftermath, Venezuelans in Brazil, Yemen war update, and reconciliation in Mali
United Nations | un.org | 2019-08-19
Our main stories today: Women celebrated on World Humanitarian Day; Afghanistan bloodshed mars 100 years of independence; Brazil's 'exemplary' response to Venezuelans; UN urges Yemen's warring parties to down weapons; and UN expert calls for Mali reconciliation efforts.
news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2019/08/1044491

Sudan agreement, Hong Kong Protests, Venezuela and Trade War
unitedEditor | uwidata.com | 2019-08-19
Sudan Agreement The first agreements between military and civilians have been reached in Sudan following months of turmoil. According to the newly signed constitutional declaration, a sovereign council will become the highest authority in Sudan during the transition period pending upcoming elections. The console will include five representatives of the military and five civilian figures, …
uwidata.com/4995-sudan-agreement-hong-kong-protests-venezuela-and-trade-war/

Sudan's Bashir "Took Millions in Cash From Saudi Crown Prince," Trial Hears
Middle East Eye | theantimedia.com | 2019-08-19
Detective tells court the deposed president was handed the money by Mohammed bin Salman's envoys.

Sudan's Bashir "Took Millions in Cash From Saudi Crown Prince," Trial Hears

Guterres pledges UN support to Sudan after military and civilian opposition reach deal on transitional government
United Nations | un.org | 2019-08-19
UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Saturday congratulated the people of Sudan after the military council and civilian opposition alliance agreed earlier in the day on a power-sharing accord.
news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2019/08/1044511

Terrorism survivor in Cameroon takes road to recovery: UN News special report
United Nations | un.org | 2019-08-19
"If I ever come face-to-face with a Boko Haram fighter and if I have strength and a knife in my hand, I will cut his throat and spill his blood! Because, it makes me sick whenever I remember the suffering I went through."
news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2019/08/1044481

Google Is Deepening Its Involvement With Egypt's Repressive Government
Vic Ryan | theintercept.com | 2019-08-18
Google is set to re-staff its Cairo office, which more or less went dormant in 2014, following the military coup that brought Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to power.
theintercept.com/2019/08/18/google-egypt-office-sisi/

Israeli Arms Trade in South Sudan Was Disguised as "Agriculture"
Staff | therealnews.com | 2019-08-18
Investigative journalist Sam Mednick revealed that the agricultural company Green Horizon was a front for former Israeli general Israel Ziv's security company CST who were supplying arms to South Sudan, fueling the conflict by selling arms to both sides…
therealnews.com/stories/israeli-illegal-arms-trade-in-south-sudan-was-disguised-as-agriculture

Terrorism survivors: 'I lived in fear that I would be killed'
United Nations | un.org | 2019-08-17
To mark the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism this coming Wednesday, UN News travelled to Chad and the Far North region of Cameroon in West Africa to interview people who have personal stories to tell about how terrorism has shattered their lives.
news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2019/08/1044331

Friday's Daily Brief: Education key for Rohingya, DR Congo violence continues, Zimbabwe protest latest, women's rights in Iran, environmental protection
United Nations | un.org | 2019-08-16
Our main stories today: Two years in, Myanmar's Rohingya youth need more education; DR Congo testimonies highlight armed brutality; appeals for Zimbabwe to 'stop cracking down' on protesters; Iran urged to release women jailed for protesting veiling laws; and new human rights agreement on environmental protection.
news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2019/08/1044391

Shot in the back: Colorado Springs police kill De'Von Bailey, community fights cover-up
Sarah Farley | liberationnews.org | 2019-08-12
On Aug. 3, 19-year-old De'Von Malik Bailey was shot in the back as he fled from two Colorado Springs police officers.
liberationnews.org/shot-in-the-back-colorado-springs-police-kill-devon-bailey-community-fights-cover-up/