Following the ban of Palestine Action, 29 protesters were arrested in Parliament Square on suspicion of terror offenses under the Terrorism Act 2000. The ban, which came into effect after a legal challenge failed, makes supporting the group a criminal offense, punishable by up to 14 years in prison, and even wearing related merchandise could result in a six-month sentence. The proscription of the group, which was approved by MPs and the House of Lords, occurred after the Home Secretary made the announcement. The protest was met with police action and cries of opposition from demonstrators.
Read More
Mamdani slams Trump arrest threat: “If you speak up, they will come for you” has, at its core, a chilling message about the potential for political retribution and the suppression of dissent. The situation, as it unfolds, paints a picture of a political climate where expressing opposition to certain policies can result in serious consequences, even arrest. This goes beyond the typical rough and tumble of political discourse, veering into territory that directly threatens fundamental freedoms.
Trump’s statement regarding Zohran Mamdani, the New York City mayoral candidate, sends a clear message. If Mamdani attempts to prevent ICE agents from carrying out their operations, he will face arrest.… Continue reading
Following the publication of a controversial cartoon in LeMan magazine, Turkish authorities have detained a total of four employees, with detention warrants issued for two others. The cartoon, which allegedly depicted the Prophet Muhammad, drew condemnation from government officials and sparked protests outside the magazine’s office. LeMan denied the allegations, claiming the drawing was meant to highlight the suffering of Muslims. An investigation into the magazine was launched, citing accusations of “publicly insulting religious values,” leading to the arrests and public displays of anger.
Read More
Bob Vylan’s situation, and the fallout from a chant at Glastonbury, immediately brings to mind the historical precedent of artists facing repercussions for their words. It’s like a flash of memory, recalling Hawkwind’s experience with the revocation of their US visas way back in the 70s, a situation that mirrors the current predicament. The comparison illuminates a pattern of perceived “dangerous” speech drawing the ire of authorities, suggesting a chilling effect on artistic expression.
British police are investigating Bob Vylan, and the band has lost its U.S. visas, making the situation even more complex. One member’s chant of “death to the IDF” at the Glastonbury music festival is the catalyst.… Continue reading
Donald Trump has indicated he may examine the possibility of deporting Elon Musk amid their ongoing feud. Trump stated he would “take a look” at removing Musk from the U.S., citing the tech billionaire’s opposition to the president’s spending bill. Trump also hinted at potentially investigating Musk’s companies, possibly to curb government subsidies. The animosity between the two has intensified as Musk has increasingly criticized the spending bill and threatened to form a third political party.
Read More
The State Department has banned the English rap punk duo, Bob Vylan, from performing in the U.S. due to their actions at the Glastonbury Festival. During the performance, the rapper led the crowd in chants supporting Palestine and wishing “death” to the Israel Defense Forces, according to video evidence. Officials revoked their visas, citing the group’s hateful rhetoric. A police investigation is underway to determine if any hate crime statutes were violated.
Read More
Zohran Mamdani, the presumptive Democratic nominee for New York City mayor, declined to condemn the phrase “globalize the intifada” on a recent interview, stating that he does not believe the role of the mayor is to police speech. Although he acknowledged hearing concerns from Jewish New Yorkers about the phrase, Mamdani emphasized his commitment to increasing funding for anti-hate crime programs. He further explained that his focus is on showcasing his vision for the city through his words and actions, rather than explicitly condemning specific language. Mamdani also addressed comments made by former President Donald Trump, clarifying that he is not a communist.
Read More
The Israeli embassy has expressed its deep concern over chants of “death to the IDF” made by Bob Vylan at Glastonbury, with police investigating the incident. The band also displayed a screen quoting a claim of Israeli genocide, during the performance, and the Culture Secretary has sought an explanation from the BBC. The BBC, which issued a warning during its iPlayer stream of the performance, has no plans to make the performance available on demand. Glastonbury Festival has stated it does not condone hate speech or incitement to violence.
Read More
The Supreme Court ruled in favor of a Texas law that mandates age verification, through government ID or face scan, for users accessing pornography websites. This 6-3 decision, along ideological lines, reinforces the state’s authority to prevent minors from accessing sexually explicit content. The law was challenged by adult entertainment sites who argued it violated free speech rights and could potentially impede adult access. Texas defended the law by referencing legal precedent regarding the protection of minors, while opponents raised concerns about privacy, security, and potential content restrictions.
Read More
A new installation, a gold “television” displaying a video of Donald Trump dancing with Jeffrey Epstein, has appeared on the National Mall, replacing a previous anti-Trump statue. The anonymous artists behind the piece, permitted to remain through Sunday, aim to critique the administration’s stance on free speech and artistic expression, using political imagery. The White House press aide responded in a mocking statement, ironically suggesting the installation would bring joy to tourists, a direct jab at the previous week’s controversy regarding an anti-Trump statue. The artists’ identity remains unknown, adding to the mystery surrounding the politically charged artwork and its focus on the former president’s controversial relationship with Epstein.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood