genocide

EU Parliament approves ban of products made with forced labour

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EU Parliament approves ban of products made with forced labour

The European Parliament approved rules to ban the sale, import, and export of goods made using forced labor in the EU. The move was driven by concerns about human rights abuses in the Chinese province of Xinjiang. If a product is found to have been made using forced labor, it will not be allowed to be sold in the EU market, and shipments will be intercepted at the borders. The law still needs approval from EU countries to enter into force, with a three-year deadline for implementation.

She produces, sells, collects, they kill

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She produces, sells, collects, they kill

The US House of Representatives has allocated billion to Ukraine and billion to Israel, including humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza. The war in Ukraine benefits the US economy and Russia controls 18% of Ukrainian territory. Israel continues its genocide in Gaza, with mass graves discovered in Khan Yunis. The International Criminal Court should investigate these war crimes. Israel is preparing for military operations in Rafah with the support of its allies. The geopolitical puzzle favors certain countries, like Turkey’s occupation of Cyprus being overlooked. Cypriots and Palestinians struggle to find justice, but the EU must redefine its objectives and not blindly follow American geopolitical interests.

Opinion: Unlawful government measures that cause anti-refugee hysteria and panic

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Opinion: Unlawful government measures that cause anti-refugee hysteria and panic

The government of Cyprus has indefinitely suspended the processing of asylum applications from people of Syrian origin, citing an “emergency situation due to sudden influxes” from Syria. This decision, made under the Christodoulides Government, includes the use of the National Guard in anti-refugee operations and the suspension of asylum applications for 21 months for Syrians. The government’s measures have been criticized for violating international obligations under the Geneva Convention and the European Convention on Human Rights, as well as for contributing to anti-immigration and anti-refugee sentiments. Additionally, the government’s actions have been deemed illegal and disproportionate, with concerns raised about military-style pushbacks conducted with the navy and police.

On This Day: Oklahoma City bombing in 1995 killed 168

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On This Day: Oklahoma City bombing in 1995 killed 168

Pierre Curie was killed in Paris, Prince Rainier of Monaco married Grace Kelly, Konrad Adenauer died, FBI siege on Branch Davidian building in Waco ends with fire, car bomb in Oklahoma City killed 168 people, Bosnian Serb general’s conviction reduced, Norris McWhirter died, Joseph Ratzinger elected Pope Benedict XVI, Scott Crossfield died in a plane crash, Tamerlan Tsarneav killed by police in Boston Marathon bombing, student killed at opposition demonstration in Caracas.

California university cancels Muslim valedictorian’s speech, citing safety concerns

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California university cancels Muslim valedictorian’s speech, citing safety concerns

The University of Southern California canceled the valedictorian speech of Muslim student Asna Tabassum due to safety concerns and tensions surrounding the Middle East conflict. USC Provost Andrew Guzman stated that the decision was made to protect campus security, as discussions about the valedictorian selection had become alarming. Tabassum challenged the university’s rationale, questioning if the decision was solely based on safety. USC faced opposition from groups like Trojans for Israel and We Are Tov, who called for Tabassum’s removal as commencement speaker, citing her social media profile and past views on Palestine and Israel. Tabassum’s invitation to speak was withdrawn without USC reviewing her speech, leading to criticism and calls for her reinstatement from groups like the Council on American Islamic Relations.

Because the world is not always beautiful and angelic

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Because the world is not always beautiful and angelic

The genocide in Rwanda in 1994 was a result of colonial policies that favored the Tutsi ethnic group over the Hutu. Kizito Mihigo, a Tutsi survivor of the genocide, witnessed his father being killed by his Hutu neighbors. After the genocide, efforts were made to promote unity among Rwandans, with a memorial erected in Kigali and preserved church benches in Nyamata. The current leader, President Paul Kagame, promotes unity and supports arts and traditions regardless of ethnicity. There is still fear and reluctance to speak freely in Rwanda, highlighting the need for sincere preparation and education for catharsis to occur. In Cyprus, steps are being taken to address past events and shed light on difficult times, with a call for the President to support reunification efforts and create a Truth Commission.

Rights groups file new case against German arms export to Israel

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Rights groups file new case against German arms export to Israel

Human rights lawyers filed a lawsuit against the German government’s approval of exporting 3,000 anti-tank weapons to Israel, citing concerns about potential violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza. The lawsuit was supported by the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights and Palestinian human rights organizations. The lawyers called for a suspension of the export licenses as a provisional legal protection measure. Germany has defended its arms export policy, considering factors such as human rights and humanitarian law. In the past, German lawyers have filed complaints against officials for aiding genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. Israel has denied accusations of genocide or violations of humanitarian law, stating that they are fighting against Hamas.

Germany denies complicity in Gaza genocide at U.N. court

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Germany denies complicity in Gaza genocide at U.N. court

Germany denied allegations of aiding genocide in Gaza by selling arms to Israel, with a lawsuit filed by Nicaragua at the U.N. court. Germany is a major arms supplier to Israel but claims its exports are scrutinized for adherence to international law. The country emphasizes its responsibility to both Israeli and Palestinian people, with a focus on Israel’s security due to historical reasons. An ICJ ruling on Nicaragua’s case is expected in weeks, but enforcing it may take years.

Farah Nabulsi: Cinema holds a powerful role in addressing oppressions

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Farah Nabulsi: Cinema holds a powerful role in addressing oppressions

Farah Nabulsi started her career as an institutional equity stockbroker but transitioned to filmmaking in her late 30s after visiting Palestine. She founded Native Liberty Productions to highlight injustices faced by Palestinians. Her work, including the short film “The Present,” has received international acclaim. Nabulsi’s latest film, “The Teacher,” will be screened at the Cyprus Film Days International Festival. She believes cinema plays a crucial role in addressing oppressive realities and hopes to contribute to a narrative that inspires change.