In El Salvador, a growing exodus of journalists, activists, and human rights advocates is taking place due to the increasingly authoritarian government of President Nayib Bukele. This exodus is spurred by targeted harassment, threats, and the implementation of laws designed to silence dissent and criminalize criticism. The situation has worsened with the U.S. government’s collaboration with Bukele, who is seen as part of a global network of right-wing leaders employing similar tactics to consolidate power and suppress opposition, especially anyone critical of his administration. Facing no recourse in a system that has no guarantees of justice, these individuals are fleeing the country, hoping to continue their work from abroad while also advocating for the freedom of those who remain imprisoned.
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Former Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming is alleged to have had child exploitation and bestiality material on his work devices, which has been revealed after a court dismissed an application to prevent media reporting on the nature of the objectionable material. McSkimming resigned from his position in May amidst separate investigations into alleged misconduct. A “rapid review” of police’s information security controls was ordered after the investigation into McSkimming, identifying several key issues, including weaknesses in technology configuration, lack of visibility over user activity, and gaps in governance. No notice of appeal was filed after the court’s decision, leading to the release of this information.
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On July 17, Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR) reportedly launched a cyberattack against Gazprom, Russia’s state-owned energy giant, causing significant disruptions. The attack allegedly targeted systems used by Gazprom and its subsidiaries, which Ukraine claims support the Russian war effort. The operation resulted in the destruction of data, the installation of damaging software, and the disabling of internal systems for thousands of administrators across hundreds of subsidiaries. The Kyiv Independent could not independently verify these claims, and neither Gazprom nor Russian authorities have commented publicly.
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Dalian Polytechnic University expelled a female student for “damaging national dignity” due to “improper interactions” with a foreign man, sparking widespread debate on Chinese social media. The university’s announcement cited a violation of rules against behavior damaging national dignity, though it did not specify the nature of the interactions. The incident is linked to videos featuring a Ukrainian gamer, though the woman’s identity could not be verified. Critics accuse the university of overreach and misogyny, with some questioning whether similar actions would be taken against a male student.
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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that Ukraine would receive long-range missile systems “very soon” after a US agreement to continue supplying weapons to Ukraine. Merz indicated these capabilities could be deployed within weeks, emphasizing the need for Ukraine to improve its defense capabilities. The announcement followed a friendship treaty signed with the UK, allowing for cooperation in procurement and production. While the exact details of the US plan for European allies to fund weapon supplies remain unclear, Merz insisted on clarity regarding the replacement of Patriot air defense systems being delivered to Ukraine.
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In a landmark decision, UFCW Local 1518 in British Columbia announced the unionization of over 500 Uber drivers in Greater Victoria, marking the first-ever union certification for app-based drivers in Canada. This achievement follows months of organizing, aided by British Columbia’s worker-friendly labor laws, including card-check unionization and recent amendments to the Employment Standards Act that extended a form of employment status to online platform workers. The drivers will now begin negotiating their first collective agreement, with pay transparency being a key focus, potentially setting a precedent for gig economy workers. While this victory is historic, challenges remain, particularly in securing a favorable first contract and the possibility of Uber’s withdrawal from the jurisdiction.
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Russian authorities have initiated legal action to seize Normunds Bomis’s share in the Russian company Ryzhsky Khleb, alleging the Latvian citizen supports the Armed Forces of Ukraine, thereby engaging in extremist activities. The Prosecutor General’s Office has filed a lawsuit, claiming Bomis and his business partner, Tetiana Prykhodko, are extremists. This “extremist association” allegedly extends to Bomis’s other businesses and a Latvian foundation. This action is part of a larger trend, with Russian law enforcement seizing significant assets in favor of the state in recent years.
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Dmitry Medvedev, former Russian President, suggested Russia should consider “preemptive strikes” against the West in response to increased Western support for Ukraine, specifically the deployment of defensive systems. Medvedev’s comments followed the announcement of potential secondary tariffs on Moscow by former President Trump, who also indicated the U.S. would send Patriot missiles to NATO countries for eventual routing to Ukraine. Despite the push to send these systems, there is uncertainty surrounding the delivery timelines and locations, as Swiss and German officials have noted. While seen as a significant step, some, like Zelenskyy and EU leaders, are concerned that these measures are not strong enough.
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According to European diplomats, Russia is escalating its use of chemical weapons in Ukraine, aiming to inflict maximum suffering. Intelligence reports from Germany and the Netherlands indicate a growing trend, with over 9,000 instances of chemical weapon use since the invasion’s onset. The Dutch Defence Minister noted over 2,500 reported cases of chemical weapon-related symptoms in Ukraine, resulting in three deaths. The United States has also accused Russia of using chloropicrin, a banned choking agent, despite Russia’s commitment to the Chemical Weapons Convention.
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John Q. Hosedrinker