U.S. Military Killed Venezuelan Fisherman in Suspected Drug Boat Attack, Family Says, and the immediate thought that comes to mind is, why are we using missiles on tiny boats? It just seems like an incredibly disproportionate response, doesn’t it? If the goal was to stop drug trafficking, there are far more cost-effective methods available. This makes one wonder if there’s something else at play, if this is less about stopping drugs and more about making a statement, perhaps even a political one. It’s easy to get the sense that the people involved might be motivated by something other than justice and actually value the potential for conflict.… Continue reading
Turkey’s government has introduced the 11th Judicial Reform Package, containing proposed legal changes that would negatively impact the LGBTQ+ community. The draft legislation threatens prison for those who publicly promote non-binary gender identities or engage in same-sex ceremonies. Penalties for public sexual acts are also set to increase. Furthermore, the reforms aim to restrict the trans community by raising the minimum age for gender reassignment surgeries and imposing stricter requirements. The government claims these reforms are intended to “protect families, promote healthy development, and preserve social order.”
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In the wake of Israel’s withdrawal from parts of Gaza, violent clashes between Hamas and rival groups have erupted, resulting in disturbing events, including a public execution. A graphic video surfaced showing masked Hamas fighters executing several blindfolded individuals in Gaza City, which CNN has verified the location of but cannot confirm the incident’s date. Hamas-affiliated security forces, Radaa, claimed the executions were a result of a security operation targeting collaborators and those involved in criminal activity, a claim that has been widely disputed. Human rights groups and Palestinian authorities have condemned the killings, while Hamas-allied groups have praised the actions as a means of enforcing law.
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The European Court of Human Rights has ordered Russia to pay Georgia over €250 million for human rights violations stemming from the 2008 conflict. The court determined Russia was responsible for excessive force, ill-treatment, unlawful detention, and restricted movement in the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. This compensation is intended for more than 29,000 victims. Despite Russia’s departure from the Council of Europe in 2022, the court maintains its liability for violations committed before that time, noting Moscow has often defied its rulings.
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Hamas security forces kill 32 members of Gaza ‘gang’, official says – this is a headline that really punches you in the gut, doesn’t it? It’s a stark reminder of the complexities and the tragedies that play out within the Gaza Strip. The phrase “security forces” itself feels loaded. It’s like a fancy title for a group that’s engaging in actions that most of us would associate with something far less official. The very notion that they’re eliminating people without a trial is a major red flag.
The immediate thought that strikes me is the sheer hypocrisy of it all. You’ve got a group, Hamas, that many consider a terrorist organization, allegedly executing its own population.… Continue reading
The Trump administration plans to resume detaining immigrants at the Irwin County Detention Center in Georgia, a facility previously marred by allegations of non-consensual gynecological procedures performed on detained women. Despite a 2022 Senate report confirming inappropriate gynecological procedures and lack of consent, the agency has begun temporary detentions at the facility. Immigration advocates and a former DHS civil rights official have expressed concerns, citing inhumane conditions and the administration’s focus on rapid deportations over due process and conditions. The decision to use Irwin comes amid increased pressure on ICE to accelerate arrests, despite the facility’s history and the unresolved issues surrounding medical care.
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The Trump administration has initiated an agreement with Eswatini, an absolute monarchy, to deport individuals from various countries to its prisons. This arrangement, which includes a $5.1 million payment, allows the U.S. to send detainees, even those with no prior ties to Eswatini, without proper due process. Despite the legal challenges and questionable human rights record of Eswatini, this practice continues to be implemented by the U.S. as demonstrated by the deportations to Eswatini, and South Sudan. Lawyers representing the detainees are facing significant obstacles in accessing and communicating with their clients, raising serious concerns about the legality and ethics of these deportations.
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A group of ten migrants deported from the United States have arrived in Eswatini, an African nation, as part of a controversial third-country deportation program. These individuals are the latest additions to a group of over forty deportees sent to Africa since July. The deportees, including Vietnamese nationals held in Louisiana, are currently held in a correctional facility, while four previous deportees remain in a maximum-security prison without charge. Rights groups have expressed concern over the program and the potential lack of due process for migrants in these countries, especially considering the secretive agreements between the U.S. and the African nations.
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Greta Thunberg reported harsh treatment in Israeli custody after being detained with the Global Sumud Flotilla, including dehydration, bedbug infestations, and insufficient food. Detainees also reported Thunberg was forced to hold unknown flags for photographs. The Swedish foreign ministry confirmed these claims in an email detailing her experience and access to legal counsel, while also mentioning concerns about the treatment of other activists detained alongside her. Lawyers representing the flotilla have reported systematic rights violations and instances of verbal and physical abuse, including denial of water, sanitation, and medical attention.
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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a promotional video showcasing an ICE raid, highlighting over 900 arrests during “Operation Midway Blitz” in Chicago. Eyewitness accounts described the raid as violent and traumatic, with reports of residents, including children, being manhandled and dragged from their homes. Despite the agency’s claims, the video omitted accusations of mistreatment, including the detention of U.S. citizens and the forceful removal of children. This promotional video is another example of the DHS’s controversial use of PR stunts, following a pattern of using emotionally charged footage of raids.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker