activists

Analysis: Why German politicians are facing growing violence

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Analysis: Why German politicians are facing growing violence

German politicians have been experiencing a surge in physical and verbal attacks, with 22 assaults reported so far in 2024 compared to 27 in all of 2023. The Green party has been the most targeted, with 1,219 incidents reported last year, followed by the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party with 478 incidents. The rise in confrontations is attributed to the divisive rhetoric of populist politics, affecting the overall mood and safety of politicians. The attacks have led to concerns about the impact on election outcomes and have prompted some politicians to take precautions, such as avoiding publicizing campaign events and increasing security measures.

Opinion: Let’s follow the Irish on productivity

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Opinion: Let’s follow the Irish on productivity

The fact described in the text is that low corporate taxes and friendly regulation fueled the rapid growth that made Ireland a productivity leader.

From arming teachers to corporate tax breaks: Tennessee’s new, extreme laws

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From arming teachers to corporate tax breaks: Tennessee’s new, extreme laws

Tennessee’s Republican-dominated legislature passed conservative laws this year, including allowing teachers to arm themselves in class. Other bills included providing government-funded vouchers to private schools, tax breaks to corporations, civil penalties for aiding minors with abortion, and restricting library materials. The state also passed a bill allowing public school teachers and staff to carry guns.

Home for Cooperation celebrates 13th birthday

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Home for Cooperation celebrates 13th birthday

The Home for Cooperation marked 13 years since its opening on Monday. They transformed an empty space designed to keep people apart into a melting pot where first steps to come closer can be taken. They hope to continue walking together, transforming physical and mental barriers along the way towards the united Cyprus they dream of.

Environmental journalism is increasingly dangerous profession, UN chief says

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Environmental journalism is increasingly dangerous profession, UN chief says

Journalists covering environmental issues are facing increased violence worldwide, according to a report by UNESCO. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated that press freedom is under threat, with dozens of journalists being killed while reporting on topics such as illegal mining and logging. The report revealed that only five out of 44 cases of murdered environmental journalists resulted in convictions. In Latin America, the protection of environmental defenders and freedom of expression are particularly urgent issues. The deaths of journalists in Gaza during Israel’s attacks were also condemned by Guterres and Chilean President Gabriel Boric.

Russian publisher redacts book on gay Italian director amid LGBT crackdown

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Russian publisher redacts book on gay Italian director amid LGBT crackdown

Roberto Carnero, an Italian literature professor, was shocked when his critical essay on Pier Paolo Pasolini was heavily censored by a Russian publisher. The publisher, AST, removed about 70 pages out of 400 from the book, citing anti-gay propaganda laws. Despite concerns, the publisher defended the redactions as an “artistic statement” and the book sold out its initial print run. The censorship highlights the crackdown on LGBT rights in Russia under Putin’s rule, with activists facing serious consequences for their advocacy. Carnero, reflecting on the irony of the situation, noted that Pasolini, known for his outspoken activism, would have likely opposed such censorship.

Biden faces a tough balancing act as campus protests over Gaza escalate

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Biden faces a tough balancing act as campus protests over Gaza escalate

Biden is facing criticism from both left and right factions for his Israel policy, as campus protests against the war in Gaza escalate. Despite concerns that the protests could impact his chances in the upcoming election, the White House has focused on rolling out youth-friendly policies, such as student loan relief and marijuana reform. Republicans have used the protests to criticize Democrats, while some warn that young voters may desert Biden over his stance on Israel.

Police mass near UCLA pro-Palestinian protest camp, a day after violent clashes

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Police mass near UCLA pro-Palestinian protest camp, a day after violent clashes

Law enforcement officers gathered at the University of California at Los Angeles to clear out a pro-Palestinian protest camp that was attacked by pro-Israel supporters the night before. The police were met with jeers and chants from hundreds of pro-Palestinian activists as they moved in to remove the encampment. Similar protests and arrests of pro-Palestinian activists have been reported at other universities across the United States in response to the conflict between Hamas and Israel.

Pro-Palestinian protesters occupy building at Columbia University

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Pro-Palestinian protesters occupy building at Columbia University

Pro-Palestinian activists occupied a building at Columbia University, escalating a battle with administrators who have begun suspending students for refusing to dismantle tents set up on the New York campus. The activists entered Hamilton Hall, hung a banner reading “Hind’s Hall,” and blocked the doors with outdoor tables. The protesters stated the building was liberated in honor of Hind, a six-year-old Palestinian child, who was killed in Gaza by Israeli forces funded by Columbia University. Police arrived outside the school gates but did not enter the campus unless someone was injured. The university limited access to the campus to students residing in residential buildings and essential employees. The crackdown at Columbia occurred after negotiations failed to end the protest camp set up in opposition to Israel’s actions in Gaza. Similar protests and arrests also took place at other universities across the U.S.

Gaza war student protests spread to Lebanon [PHOTOS]

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Gaza war student protests spread to Lebanon [PHOTOS]

Hundreds of students in Lebanon gathered at university campuses to protest against Israel in the country’s first coordinated university protests over Gaza. Participants were inspired by sit-ins in the United States and demanded their universities boycott companies doing business in Israel.