A GOP representative’s call for a bishop’s deportation after a prayer service at which the bishop appealed for mercy and compassion towards marginalized groups has ignited a firestorm of controversy. The representative’s suggestion, made in response to the bishop’s impassioned plea, highlights a growing chasm in the political landscape.
This incident underscores a disturbing trend: the increasing willingness to silence dissenting voices through threats of punitive action. The bishop’s message, focused on empathy for vulnerable populations – including LGBTQ+ children and undocumented immigrants – was met not with dialogue, but with a demand for her removal from the country.
The implications of such a suggestion are deeply unsettling.… Continue reading
A Russian court sentenced three lawyers—Vadim Kobzev, Alexei Liptser, and Igor Sergunin—to lengthy prison terms for allegedly relaying messages from Alexei Navalny to the outside world. This action, part of a broader crackdown on dissent, has alarmed human rights groups and sparked international condemnation. The lawyers, who had near-exclusive access to Navalny while he served a 19-year sentence, were convicted of participating in an “extremist organization,” a charge that has been widely criticized as politically motivated. The sentences mark a significant escalation in Russia’s suppression of opposition voices and legal representation.
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A Moscow court sentenced three lawyers—Vadim Kobzev, Alexei Liptser, and Igor Sergunin—to prison terms ranging from three and a half to five and a half years for allegedly conveying messages from Alexei Navalny. The lawyers’ actions, deemed participation in an “extremist organization,” are viewed by rights groups as part of a broader crackdown on dissent. Kobzev, a prominent member of Navalny’s legal team, received the harshest sentence. This case highlights Russia’s continued suppression of Navalny’s legacy and those associated with him, even after his death. The sentences have drawn international condemnation.
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Three lawyers representing Alexei Navalny, the prominent Russian opposition leader, have recently been sentenced to years in a Russian penal colony on charges of “extremist activity.” This sentencing highlights the increasingly repressive environment within Russia and underscores the lengths to which the Putin regime will go to silence dissent.
The accusations of “extremist activity” leveled against these lawyers seem utterly arbitrary and politically motivated. It’s difficult to avoid the conclusion that the charges are a blatant attempt to stifle any legal defense of Navalny and his supporters, effectively punishing those who dare to provide legal representation to individuals deemed enemies of the state.… Continue reading
Following a trial, three lawyers who previously represented Alexei Navalny—Vadim Kobzev, Igor Sergunin, and Alexei Liptser—received prison sentences ranging from three and a half to five and a half years. The lawyers’ legal work involved defending Navalny against a 19-year prison sentence. These convictions are the latest in a series of crackdowns targeting those associated with the opposition leader. The sentences highlight the increasingly repressive environment for lawyers and activists in Russia.
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A Russian court sentenced three lawyers—Vadim Kobzev, Alexei Liptser, and Igor Sergunin—to prison terms ranging from three and a half to five and a half years for allegedly aiding Alexei Navalny’s extremist activities. The lawyers, detained since October 2023, were convicted of facilitating the transmission of Navalny’s prison messages, enabling him to maintain a public presence even after his death. The ruling is viewed as part of Russia’s broader crackdown on dissent, with Navalny’s widow and international organizations condemning the sentences as politically motivated. All three lawyers received professional bans following their prison sentences.
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Following a large anti-government protest in Caracas, Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado was allegedly abducted by regime officials after leaving a rally. After approximately three hours, Machado’s supporters reported her release, claiming she was forcibly removed from a motorbike and compelled to record videos. This incident, condemned internationally, followed Machado’s reappearance at the protest after over 133 days in hiding, and is viewed by some analysts as a sign of the Maduro regime’s strengthened control and confidence.
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Kim Jong-un’s regime has prohibited the sale and preparation of hotdogs in North Korea, citing concerns about the infiltration of Western culture. This ban, resulting in potential arrest and hard labor for violators, reflects a broader crackdown on perceived foreign influences. The increasing popularity of hotdogs in South Korea likely fueled this decision, which positions the consumption of this food as an act of treason. This action is not isolated, as other foods have faced similar restrictions.
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The Russian government has designated The Satanic Temple (TST) an “undesirable” organization, accusing it of promoting “occult ideology” and discrediting traditional values. Authorities allege TST supports extremist groups, criticizes the Ukraine conflict, and advocates for regime change in Russia, claims the group denies. The designation stems from a 2015 law expanded earlier this year, resulting in the group’s forced dissolution and prohibiting any involvement with it. This action follows Russia’s characterization of its invasion of Ukraine as a battle against satanic forces.
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Since Russia’s 1997 Criminal Code, over 1,000 treason-related charges have been filed, with a dramatic surge—792 cases—following the 2022 Ukraine invasion. A significant portion of these cases, at least 359 in 2024, resulted in prison sentences, with no acquittals recorded since Vladimir Putin’s ascent to power. Recent high-profile cases include the 12-year sentence for Ksenia Karelina, a dual citizen, for aiding a Ukrainian charity, and other convictions for relatively small donations to Ukraine. The Kremlin’s crackdown also extends to scientists, with numerous specialists in hypersonic technology facing treason charges.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker