Shareholders at three of the world’s largest oil companies recently turned down tax transparency proposals from an activist investor. At Chevron, a proposal to publicly report the company’s earnings and tax bills in every country where it operates was defeated on May 29; 85% of votes were against the proposal. The shareholders followed recommendations from … Read more
Egypt has detained students promoting pro-Palestinian boycotts and solidarity campaigns, along with many others protesting against Israel’s military campaign. At least 125 people have been arrested since the Gaza war began in October, with 95 still in pre-trial detention. The crackdown on dissent in Egypt has intensified since 2013, with tens of thousands arrested for speaking out against the government. Public demonstrations are outlawed, and authorities fear protests over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict could fuel political dissent.
Scores of graduating students staged a walkout from Yale University’s commencement exercises on Monday, protesting the Israeli war in Gaza, Yale’s financial ties to weapons makers, and its response to pro-Palestinian demonstrations on campus. The walkout drew cheers from fellow students but was otherwise peaceful, with no mention made from the stage.
The 3rd Festival for the Promotion of Gender Equality, Femme Fest Cyprus, will take place on 18 and 19 May at the Nicosia Municipal Garden. The festival aims to raise awareness on gender equality, promote discussion of gender issues, and give a platform to women from different sectors to share their stories. The event will include discussions on various topics such as women’s reproductive rights, gender-based violence, and workshops on gender stereotypes. Over 50 organizations will participate, and there will be cultural performances, workshops for children, and food and drinks available. Admission and participation in all activities are free of charge.
About a dozen students were arrested during a sit-in at a Denver college campus, but emerged from detainment to cheers from fellow pro-Palestinian protesters. The protesters are demanding a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, university divestment from companies profiting from the war, and amnesty for disciplined or fired protesters. Academics believe that maintaining the energy of the movement once students leave campus will be a challenge, but the protests have spread across the country and to smaller universities, showing staying power. The movement may evolve or fade away, but students in Denver are committed to continuing their protests until their demands are met, even through summer break and into the fall. Police responses to protests have ignited a sense of activism in a new generation of students, and there are expectations for a summer of protest leading up to the presidential election. Michael Heaney, a lecturer in politics, believes that the protests are just one tactic in a wider movement and that they could grow if Israel’s offensive in Gaza continues. Despite the potential for the campus to become a ghost town after graduation, student protesters in Denver are determined to continue their encampment.
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.
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.
Students at Columbia University set up a pro-Palestinian protest encampment on campus, inspired by a course called “Columbia 1968” about past protests. The encampment led to arrests and suspensions by the school administration, but protesters continue to demand divestment from companies supporting Israel. The protests have drawn support from various groups and have sparked debates and activities on campus. Despite criticism, students remain committed to their cause.
Gender equality will take 300 years to achieve worldwide according to the UN’s women’s organization. The 3rd Femme Fest Cyprus will be held on May 18 and 19 in Nicosia, aiming to address gender issues and provide a platform for women from all walks of life. The festival will include discussions, workshops, events, and kiosks on women’s issues, with a focus on women’s reproductive rights, gender violence, gender stereotypes, and femicide. The event will also feature activities such as Women Who Inspire Us and thematic centers highlighting the history of women’s rights.
A judge in London ruled that a climate activist should not be prosecuted for holding a placard outside a criminal court telling jurors they could acquit defendants according to their conscience. Judge Pushpinder Saini dismissed the case, stating that criminal prosecution was a disproportionate approach that interfered with the activist’s right to freedom of expression. Warner displayed the sign to inform jurors of their rights and to challenge judges who she believed were acting unlawfully. The attempted prosecution of Warner is part of a wider crackdown on protest movements in Britain and Europe, particularly in relation to environmental activism and climate change protests.