A new lawsuit alleges that an ICE facility in Broadview, Chicago, is subjecting detainees to inhumane conditions, including overcrowding, unsanitary cells infested with insects, and inadequate access to food, water, and hygiene products. The lawsuit claims detainees are denied basic necessities, legal counsel, and medical care, with reports of verbal and physical abuse from guards. Homeland Security denies the accusations, asserting the facility is a processing center and not a detention center. This legal action highlights the ongoing controversy surrounding ICE detention facilities amidst increased immigration enforcement.
Read More
Men shot by the hundreds, disappeared after Sudanese city falls to paramilitaries, witnesses say, and this is a truly devastating situation unfolding in Sudan. It’s a tragedy that unfolds amidst a power struggle, and it’s hard to even begin to grasp the scale of the human cost. Hundreds of men, according to witness testimonies, have been killed, and then vanished. That’s not just a number; it represents families, lives, hopes, and futures that have been brutally extinguished. It’s a scenario that calls for immediate attention and a concerted effort to address the crisis.
Men shot by the hundreds, disappeared after Sudanese city falls to paramilitaries, highlights the horrific brutality of the conflict.… Continue reading
Human rights attorneys in Chicago are raising alarms about “Operation Midway Blitz,” a federal immigration crackdown that has resulted in over 3,000 arrests. Authorities have been unable or unwilling to disclose the locations or status of many detainees, raising concerns about due process and potential coerced departures. Legal challenges include efforts to block the use of tear gas, alleging violations of existing restraining orders and citing incidents of excessive force. With legal battles underway and a Supreme Court ruling pending on the deployment of National Guard troops, the operation remains under intense scrutiny.
Read More
Military Advocate General Maj. Gen. Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi resigned, admitting to leaking a video depicting Israeli soldiers assaulting a Palestinian detainee at the Sde Teiman detention facility. The leak, which she claims was intended to counter criticism of the military’s handling of the situation, sparked outrage from right-wing politicians. This incident highlights the pressures faced by prosecutors regarding the wartime conduct of Israeli soldiers and broader attempts to influence the judicial system. The resignation occurred amidst reports of abusive treatment of Palestinian detainees, including those held at Sde Teiman, drawing criticism from human rights groups.
Read More
According to a UN human rights chief, U.S. military strikes against boats in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean allegedly carrying illegal drugs are unacceptable and must cease immediately. The U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, called for an investigation into these attacks, citing violations of international human rights law. The spokeswoman for Türk’s office stated that the use of lethal force is only permissible as a last resort against an imminent threat to life, otherwise constituting extrajudicial killings. These strikes, part of a campaign to stop the flow of drugs, have raised concerns about the U.S. military’s growing presence and its potential impact on regional conflicts.
Read More
Following the RSF’s seizure of el-Fasher, reports surfaced of horrific atrocities against civilians, including executions of the sick and injured at Al Saudi Hospital. Satellite imagery confirmed the presence of potential mass graves near hospitals, with sources estimating up to 2,000 deaths in just three days. The RSF has cut off satellite communication, hindering information flow, while those fleeing report widespread looting and targeted killings of those with military knowledge. The current violence is a continuation of the ongoing conflict, with the RSF seeking to control Darfur, a region rich in resources like gold.
Read More
The White House’s legal rationale for airstrikes on boats in Latin American waters has only been shared with select Republicans. Representative Sara Jacobs has stated the strikes are “completely illegal” due to extrajudicial killings and a lack of evidence. The U.S. has conducted over a dozen airstrikes, killing at least 61 people under the pretense of targeting drug smuggling operations and “designated terrorist organizations”, primarily focused on cocaine, which officials claim facilitates fentanyl.
Read More
A new investigation by Verstka reveals a disturbing pattern of internal violence within the Russian army, with evidence of commanders executing or deliberately sending soldiers to their deaths. The outlet documented 101 servicemen accused of murdering, torturing, or fatally punishing their own comrades, with at least 150 confirmed deaths and the true number believed to be higher. Methods used to enforce obedience include “execution shooters,” drone strikes on retreating soldiers, torture, and forced gladiator-style battles. Despite nearly 29,000 complaints received by the military prosecutor’s office, few, if any, perpetrators have been held accountable due to an informal ban on investigating cases against commanders in combat zones, resulting in widespread impunity.
Read More
According to the Associated Press, U.S. lawmakers have repeatedly failed to close loopholes allowing China to access advanced American AI chips, particularly through cloud services. Despite bipartisan efforts and four attempts since September last year, proposals to restrict these sales have been thwarted, often due to significant lobbying efforts from the tech industry. This ongoing issue highlights the complex relationship between the U.S. and China, where national security concerns and human rights abuses are weighed against billions of dollars in tech sales. The government has also previously helped American firms sell technology to Chinese agencies.
Read More
The US State Department has eliminated its online portal, the Human Rights Reporting Gateway (HRG), which served as a channel for reporting human rights violations by foreign military units equipped with American weapons. This portal was established in 2022 to comply with the Leahy Law, which mandates the government to gather information on alleged human rights abuses. Critics, including a former congressional aide involved in drafting the law, have condemned the removal, arguing it undermines the ability to monitor and address such violations. While the State Department maintains it is still adhering to its legal obligations, the closure comes amidst a broader restructuring and a perceived shift in focus on human rights within the department.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood