Friday, September 30, 2011

Kenyans watch as their leaders take the stand at ICC hearing - CSMonitor.com

NAIROBI, KENYA

The most prominent of six Kenyan men accused of masterminding the country’s infamous 2007-08 post-election violence took the stand Thursday in pre-trial hearings at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands.

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Uhuru Kenyatta is the son of Kenya’s post-independence founding father Jomo Kenyatta, and currently the country’s deputy prime minister and its finance minister.

Along with two other key allies of President Mwai Kibaki, he is accused of five counts of crimes against humanity, including murder, rape, persecution, and forcibly moving people from their homes.

Three other men, one-time supporters of Kibaki’s election rival, Raila Odinga, stand separately accused in a second similar case also before the court. Kenyatta is the biggest fish of the lot, however.

As he sat in the dock – although not yet under conditions of a full trial – many Kenyans in tea rooms and offices across the country sat riveted by the sight of one of their most prominent politicians under scrutiny for such serious crimes.

Prosecutors allege that he organized members of a banned mafia-like sect, the Mungiki, to be armed, financed, and transported to towns northwest of Nairobi to carry out his orders to attack supporters of his political rivals.

Appearing increasingly irritated by prosecution cross-examination on the stand Thursday, he denied this, as he has done since the charges were first aired earlier this year.

“I never thought that the day would come when someone from that class would be called to answer questions like that,” said Margaret Adhiambo, a grocer lining up to deposit her day’s pay at a Nairobi bank Thursday afternoon.

Beginning of the end of impunity?

Kenya’s leaders and the heads of its most prominent families have long been accused of acting in their own interests – legally and illegally – with impunity. Local prosecutions of corruption, nepotism, or financial impropriety rarely succeed.

That is why these hearings at the ICC in The Hague carry such a weight of expectation for justice for crimes committed during two months of violence following Kenya’s 2007 presidential elections.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

US doesn't want to discuss racial discrimination - YouTube

US doesn't want to discuss racial discrimination - YouTube: ""

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Chronic, long-term violators of religious freedom: Burma, China, Eritrea, Iran, North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Uzbekistan.


  • Religious rights watchdog group notes the glaring omissions from Religious Freedom Commission


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International (MNN) ― The U.S. State Department released the "Annual Report on International Religious Freedom," detailing the world's worst offenders of religious rights.
The most oppressive were put on a list labeled "Countries of Particular Concern." They are chronic, long-term violators of religious freedom: Burma, China, Eritrea, Iran, North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Uzbekistan.
Carl Moeller with Open Doors USA says while the awareness brought about by this report's annual release is good, "There are some significant gaps that we should focus on, in cooperation with the State Department, to help advance the cause of religious freedom globally."
Most notably are the countries which are absent. "The Congressional Commission on International Religious Freedom says they recommended Egypt, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, and Vietnam to be on that list." And from that notorious grouping, "We would also discuss Somalia, even though the reality is there is that it's a failed state--difficult to apply any sanctions to basically a place that's so chaotic, yet really, a glaring omission."
Pakistan made international headlines this year for assassinations of government heads that were sympathetic to Christian, and especially outspoken on behalf of the use of the blasphemy law. The report cited the case of Asia Bibi, a Christian woman under the death sentence for her conviction in her trumped up case.
The criteria used for determining the list seems to be unequally applied. Moeller explains, "It is a political environment because two countries out of the eight that are designated as Countries of Particular Concern, we do not apply the sanctions implicit in the law: Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan."
However, Moeller points out, the omission isn't lost on the world stage. In fact, it could cost the United States credibility in the long run. "We should encourage our law makers and our law implementers in the executive branch to carry out the laws of this country. The reason the law was passed was to use the great and good influence of the United States for the values that the United States was founded on."
While no new countries were added to the 13th annual report, neither were any removed. The report has had roughly the same players since 2009. That doesn't mean things are better for those caught afoul of anti-Christian sentiment. "These countries all represent heinous places for Christians to try and live out their Christian faith. If we are going to stand with the church that is standing literally against the gates of hell in these situations, we need to become informed on the conditions that they face."
Open Doors provides many tools to educate yourself on what's going on in the CPCs. They also have detailed information on the scenario facing Kingdom work in the countries that weren't listed but have troubling records. Click here.

Ethiopianism Saga Nanny " Was She Burned by Boiled water or NATO Bomb" in Tripoli - YouTube

Ethiopianism Saga Nanny " Was She Burned by Boiled water or NATO Bomb" in Tripoli - YouTube: ""

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Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Ethiopia News - New Year Crackdown!

New Year Crackdown!


Last week the government ordered the arrest of journalists and politicians under the anti-terrorism legislation in the first big crackdown since the 2005 elections.

On Thursday the following members were arrested from the Unity for Democracy and Justice Party (UDJ): Andualem Arage, Vice Chairman and Head of the Public Relation Standing Committee, two members of the executive committee Natnaiel Mekonen, and Asaminew Birehanu.

UDJ has called upon the ruling party, the Ethiopian Peoples Revolutionary Party (EPRDF) for constructive dialogue during a press conference given to members of the diplomatic community and the media at its head office on Friday. The party confirmed that three of its executive council members were arrested last Wednesday, September 14, 2011, for allegedly participating in acts of terror.

On Wednesday journalist Eskindir Nega was also arrested for allegedly being involved with terrorist activities too. Zemenu Mola who is the Secretary General and head of the Election Affairs of the All Ethiopian Democratic Party was also arrested for the same allegation.

According to police, the five suspects were arrested for terrorist offences in collaboration with the outlawed Ginbot 7 political party.

The Federal Police said that the suspected detainees were not arrested for their political outlook but for their engagement in creating havoc in the country.

All of the suspects appeared before the court on Thursday, September 15, 2011 and denied their involvement in any terrorist offences.

The imprisonment of politicians and journalists this week is a continuation of arrests that happened a few weeks ago, when Wubishet Taye Deputy Editor of Awramba Times, Reiyot Alemu Columnist of Fitih, Zerihun G/Egiziabeher Chairman of All Ethiopian Democratic Party, and Artist Debebe Eshetu, member of UDJ were among those who were put behind bar.

The Unity for Democracy and Justice Party (UDJ) has called upon the ruling party, the Ethiopian Peoples Revolutionary Party (EPRDF) for constructive dialogue amid intimidations and the arrest of one of its members. In a press conference given to members of the diplomatic community and the media at its head office, the party disclosed that three of its executive council members were arrested last Wednesday, September 14, 2011, for allegedly participating in acts of terror.

"UDJ fully realizes that terrorism is an irresponsible act that destroys innocent lives, maims innocent people, destroys a country’s resource and development structures; and as such condemns it without any equivocation. We condemn terrorism not only because it is destructive but also because it is the act of arrogant bullies that impose their will on others. On the other hand, in as much as we condemn terrorism, we also condemn any regime that terrorizes its people in the name of fighting terrorism. This is our firm position and the people know it. Nor is this UDJ position hidden from the EPRDF and its ubiquitous state security that operates on a budget of millions of birr," reads the official press statement issued by UDJ last Friday.

"As we have been making it clear at every opportunity available, the proclamation on terrorism has become not only a mechanism for spreading terror among the people but also a major weapon for suppressing any legal and peaceful opposition to the ruling regime. The arrest of Andualem Arage, Vice Chairman and Head of the Public Relation Standing Committee of the party, and two other members of the executive committee of the party; Natnaiel Mekonen, and Asaminew Birehanu, on September 14, 2011, and the statement given by the government following the arrest is a clear example of this truth," argues the press statement.

The vice chairman and Head of the Public Relation Standing Committee of the UDJ, was arrested last week while he was on his way to the head office of his party situated at the back of the Indian Embassy located in an area customarily called Shisemania, according to eye witnesses. He was planning to hear about his offspring’s first day at school, described a political colleague despairingly, who last had contact with him.

Five people accused of terrorist offences, including the aforementioned three, plus Zemenu Mola and Eskinder Nega appeared before the court of law at Arada First Instance Court 3rd criminal bench on Thursday September 15. All of them were detained a day before. "The main message of this press conference is very simple. We are saying that the measures that this government is taking, the trend that this government is pursuing is wrong. The right thing to do would be to get together with all stakeholders and discuss our national issues, our problems and come to an agreement. Force does not bring any meaningful result, any useful fruits. And we in the UDJ oppose any kind of force or forcible action. The measures taken recently in arresting our people, totally violates the human and democratic rights enshrined in our constitution. A sensible way of going about it is by resolving our problems [social, economic and political problems]. That can be done through coming together and creating a dialogue," said Dr. Hailu Araya, a veteran politician and member of the executive committee of UDJ, in a calm but visible sense of dissatisfaction with the political scene in the country.

"Our leaders, when they go abroad and attend international forums, they talk about the need for dialogue to build a sustainable peace. But at home they are not practicing what they preach abroad. So, we ask our leaders to practice here at home what they preach abroad. Force is useless. It does not bring anything to anybody including the leaders themselves from a long term perspective. We repeat our call again. Let’s get together. Let stakeholders of this country get together, discuss the problems we have, and come up with solutions. This is the essence of our message today," added the veteran politician.

In court, Andualem Arage cast doubt about the court’s independence and impartiality. He said he doesn’t trust that his case will be conducted freely and fairly.

Government Communication Affairs Office State Minister Shimelis Kemal, on his part said that some political parties are misinterpreting the measures taken by the government and the follow up they are conducting into the terrorism allegations.

The state minister said that the series of statements being made by political parties are of no importance.

He further said that political parties should clean themselves up to avoid intruders, who try to dismantle the constitution that offers them freedom to advance their political views, noting that the Task Force would continue to foil the terrorist acts with active participation from the public to ensure peace and stability in the country.

UDJ, however, stated in its official press statement that "It has never been and will never be a den for people who promote acts of terrorism. All the measures and activities of our party are based on democratically made decisions and implemented in a transparent manner. It must be made clear that the real reason for the accusation that UDJ is a den for terrorists is the fact that our party has been gaining strength, from the support and trust of the people."

The messages that come out of the arrest of Andualem are many, but the one message that comes out loud and clear is the intimidation of the young people who are coming to opposition parties, assuming positions of responsibility and proving their capability. And it is a sinister design to chase them away from the arena of struggle. This is a clear strategy for nipping genuine youth involvement in the bud," analyzes the statement.

"These days, accusing heroes who struggle peacefully for the respect of human and democratic rights of citizens as terrorists seems to have become a fashion on the part of the government. The imprisonment of the renowned free journalist, Eskindir Nega, is viewed in this light. So is the case of the politicians and journalists who were imprisoned a few weeks earlier," the statement went on explaining the government’s action against journalists and politicians.

Eskinder Nega is a veteran independent journalist well known for his critical views towards the ruling party while Zemenu Mola is the Secretary General head of the Election Affairs of the All Ethiopian Democratic Party.

All of them appeared before the court on Thursday, September 15, 2011 and denied their involvement in any terrorist offences.

According to the Federal Police, the suspected detainees who were recently put under control, were not arrested for their political outlook but for their evidenced engagement of creating havoc in the country. Federal Police Central Intelligence and Crime Intelligence Director, Assistant Commissioner Demelash Gebremichael said that the individuals have been put in custody after the National Intelligence and Security Service and the Federal Police Joint Anti-terror Task Force found them engaged in destabilizing peace and security in the country and dismantling the constitution.

He further said that the individuals were engaged in destructive acts under the cover of political parties officially registered to advance their political views in peaceful manner.

Demelash said the individuals had strong relations with a terrorist group called Ginbot 7 and were receiving support from foreign forces, which are aiming to create chaos in the country in the New Ethiopian year.

He said the Task Force has also obtained evidence that proves the suspects were also providing information to external forces and were spying for their cause.

This is the first time since the 2005 post election turmoil that the government has ordered such a drastic crackdown against journalists and politicians.

Following the request made by police for extra time to file a legal suit against the suspects on account of insufficient time to complete its investigation, the court allowed a time extension of 28 days. The suspects are expected to appear in the court of law on October 12, 2011.

The outlawed Ginbot 7 political party. is listed as one of the five terrorist groups the country has put on its blacklist. The other four are, the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF), al Shabab and Al-Qaeda. The former two being home grown insurgent groups. --Capital

Ethiopia:Andualem Aragie - YouTube

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Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Shweyga Mullah - YouTube

Shweyga Mullah - YouTube: ""


Libya - The Nanny Lie and NATO's Bombs1 of 2

How the media promotes the hiding of NATO murders in Libya. Targeting blacks in Libya byNATO, rebels, and Western and Arab media ...
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Libya - The Nanny Lie and NATO's Bombs2 of 2

Includes the interview with black Libyan telling the story of NATO's genocidal bombings inLibya.
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Monday, September 19, 2011

DSK sur TF1 - Interview Claire Chazal [ 18 Septembre 2011]. - YouTube

DSK sur TF1 - Interview Claire Chazal [ 18 Septembre 2011]. - YouTube: ""

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split over circumcision San Francisco — RT



The Foreskin Man Web comic advocates for a ban on circumcision in California.
The Foreskin Man Web comic advocates for a ban on circumcision in California.

Colorado lawmakers have decided to cut out Medicaid coverage for newborn circumcision, making them now the seventeenth state to stop subsidizing the snip.
Officials in Colorado claim that the move to skin the procedure from Medicaid-covered procedures would save the state an estimated $186,500 a year. With a budget shortfall of $1 billion expected at the beginning of 2011, many politicians were completely in favor of the decision.
"I think 99 percent of it was completely economic," Republican Senator Kent Lambert tells The Associated Press. “We were just looking at virtually every option and trying to decide what was absolutely urgent now.”
Medicaid payments for circumcisions have already been eliminated in Arizona, Florida, Maine, South Carolina and California.
And while Colorado’s legislation will only keep Medicaid-reliant families from getting their circumcision bills comped, other locales are considering outlawing the practice altogether. In San Francisco, Californians will have the opportunity to vote this September for or against a proposed ban on circumcision, which has some religious leaders outraged.
"It's a measure that would basically infringe upon my rights as a Muslim to practice here," 31-year-old Leticia Preza told ABC News. Preza is among a group of plaintiffs that have followed suit against California saying that a ban on male circumcision would go against a state law that bars local governments from getting in the way of state legislation regarding medical procedures.
"Only the state can make rules about medical procedures and this initiative violates that law. Not only does this initiative waste time, energy and expense, but it also offends the notions of parental rights and freedom of religion. It is unconstitutional and, as we allege in this lawsuit, contrary to California law,” says Anti-Defamation League Associate Director Nancy Appel in a statement.
Another plaintiff, Jeremy Benjamin, says, "As Jews, we take the threat of banning circumcision personally. This measure singles us out, along with the Muslim community, as illegitimate and unwanted in our own city."
Meanwhile, a San Diego activist and artists is showing his full support for the California bill by way of a Web comic called Foreskin Man. In the panels of the comic, a blonde haired, bodysuit-wearing superhero saves infants from being circumcised by Jewish mohels. Appel adds about the comic’s “hero” that “he is bloodthirsty just like the grotesque Jewish stereotypes that appeared in Nazi propaganda."
The book’s author, Matthew Hess, founded MGMbill, national organization that stands to fight male genital mutilation. MBMbill was instrumental in getting the circumcision bill into San Francisco voting booths this year.
If the law passes in San Francisco, scalpel-wielding docs could face up to a year in jail if caught furrowing foreskin.

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