Immigration
Number of English Channel crossings surpasses 2020 record five months quicker (LINK ONLY)
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Amnesty International
Government & Politics
Swalwell had meetings with Qatari charity tied to terrorist groups Qatar Foundation spends hundreds of millions of dollars per year to influence U.S. colleges
(Free Beacon) Rep. Eric Swalwell (D., Calif.), the House Intelligence Committee member who was targeted by a foreign spy during his early days in Congress, has met twice in the past nine months with a Hamas-linked charity that spends hundreds of millions […]
Immigration
Greek coastguards hit with new migrant pushback claim
(AFP) Tchinda said the longed-for destination of his risky Aegean crossing — the island of Kos — was already tantalisingly in view when Greek vessels halted the boat he was sailing in along with 30 other migrants. “First a navy ship blocked […]
Government & Politics
Big campaign cash haul for Rana Abdelhamid in primary challenge to NYC Democrat Carolyn Maloney
(NY Daily News) A Queens community activist challenging New York Rep. Carolyn Maloney in the 2022 midterm elections set a new fundraising record for progressive primary candidates in the first quarter of her campaign, her latest financial disclosure shows. Rana Abdelhamid, 28, […]
Immigration
Pushbacks ‘de facto’ Greek border policy: Amnesty
(AFP) Amnesty International on Tuesday accused Greek authorities of the “torture, ill-treatment and illegal pushbacks” of refugees and migrants to Turkey, arguing that the practice had become “de facto” border policy. In a new report, the rights group described 21 incidents it […]
Government & Politics
Spain’s migrant drama highlights EU outsourcing policy flaws
(AP) The sight of hundreds of migrants swimming or climbing fences separating the Spanish enclave of Ceuta from the rest of Africa this week is a stark reminder of just how dependent the European Union can be on the whims of countries […]
Government & Politics
Clashes on Morocco border as Madrid accuses Rabat of ‘blackmail’
(AFP) Spain accused Morocco of “blackmail” on Thursday for allowing a record 8,000 migrants to reach the Spanish North African enclave of Ceuta, sparking a crisis that saw clashes on the Moroccan side of the border overnight. Spanish authorities were caught by […]
Government & Politics
Swiss anti-terror law sparks rights debate, and referendum
(AFP) From the UN to Amnesty, fears abound that a new Swiss anti-terror law, which grants sweeping new powers to police to prevent future attacks, threatens Switzerland’s heritage as a human rights leader. Shocked by the deadly terror attacks in neighbouring France […]
Government & Politics
France, Britain fearful of resurgent jihadist threat after lockdown
(VOA) Nearly 200 jihadists imprisoned in France are due to be released over the next two years and French security officials are pressing French lawmakers to approve fresh antiterrorist measures to impose enhanced restrictions on those freed and to give police new […]
Clothing
German Muslims raise alarm over ‘headscarf ban through the back door’ Critics say new law on tattoos could pave the way for ban on religious coverings
(National-UAE) Muslims in Germany are alarmed over a new law that they say could lead to a ban on Islamic headscarves through the back door. The law, which comes as France debates a hijab ban for under-18s, would allow for German civil […]
Children & Teens
Explained: Is France really planning to ban the hijab? Anti-extremism bill going through parliament has raised concerns from Muslims
(National-UAE) The beheading of a schoolteacher and the killing of a female police [employee] in terrorist attacks have resulted in a demand for tougher action to combat extremists in France. A so-called anti-separatism bill, which seeks to clamp down on extremism and […]
Clothing
Court ruling on Quebec’s religious symbols law expected Tuesday Bill 21 has been challenged by several groups, including the National Council of Canadian Muslims and the Canadian Civil Liberties Association.
(Montreal Gazette) A highly anticipated legal decision on Quebec’s religious symbols law is expected to be issued on Tuesday. Quebec Superior Court Justice Marc-André Blanchard heard arguments last winter for and against Bill 21, the controversial secularism law adopted by the Legault […]
Government & Politics
‘Denmark is waging psychological war’: Trauma for Syrian refugees facing controversial deportation (LINK ONLY)
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Discrimination & “Islamophobia”
Amnesty condemns controversial French bill Calls on government to withdraw discriminatory provisions stigmatizing Muslims
(Anadolu) Amnesty France on Tuesday urged the Macron government to withdraw discriminatory provisions adopted in an amended version of a controversial bill confirming respect for the principles of the Republic that targets the French Muslim population. The rights group expressed concerns about […]
Academics & Education
French Senate approves toughened version of bill accused of stigmatising Islam
(Radio France) France’s right-wing majority Senate has approved proposals including expanded bans on religious symbols and clothing in a set of new draft laws to counter what President Emmanuel Macron has called Islamist separatism. Critics say the new measures, which may not […]
Government & Politics
Danish plan to repatriate Syrians sparks controversy
(AFP) Denmark is facing growing criticism for a decision last year to revoke residence permits for Syrian refugees, citing a “safe” situation around Damascus, but the country is sticking to its position. The tough Danish stance is a new sign of the […]
Clothing
Quebec’s adoption of Bill 21 singled out in report from Amnesty International The annual report is also critical of Canada’s treatment of Indigenous people, citing the case of Joyce Echaquan, and the country’s pandemic response.
(Montreal Gazette) Amnesty International is condemning Canada’s record on its treatment of First Nations peoples and minority rights and has singled out Quebec for the adoption of Bill 21. The human rights organization’s criticisms were contained in its annual report made public […]
Discrimination & “Islamophobia”
French ‘separatism’ bill risks discriminating Muslims: Amnesty Rights group says ‘many problematic provisions’ of the draft law, which heads to the Senate on Tuesday, should be scrapped or amended.
(Al-Jazeera) As the French Senate prepares to debate the so-called “anti-separatism” bill, human rights group Amnesty International has made a last-minute appeal for “many problematic provisions” of the draft law to be scrapped or amended. The Senate debate on Tuesday comes after […]
Government & Politics
Civil rights groups urge EU lawmakers to rebuff online terrorist content law
(Reuters) EU lawmakers should reject a proposed law that forces Google, Facebook and Twitter to remove terrorist content within an hour of publication because of the risks to fundamental rights, 61 civil rights groups said on Thursday. The European Commission drafted the […]
Government & Politics
5 years on, stalled EU-Turkey migrant deal remains a model
(AP) Five years after it was signed, the widely-criticized deal between the European Union and Turkey aimed at preventing migrants from entering Greece no longer works, but the Europeans insist it has served them well and will do so again. Not only […]
Government & Politics
UK’s anti-terror chief fears rights group boycott threatens Prevent review (LINK ONLY)
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Government & Politics
Amnesty defends signing anti-Prevent statement with Islamist-linked groups (LINK ONLY)
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Discrimination & “Islamophobia”
Human rights groups to boycott government’s Prevent review (LINK ONLY)
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Government & Politics
Biden will try to close Guantanamo after ‘robust’ review
(AP) President Joe Biden will seek to close the prison on the U.S. base at Guantanamo Bay following a review process, resuming a project begun under the Obama administration, the White House said Friday. White House press secretary Jen Psaki said it […]
Government & Politics
William Shawcross’s selection for Prevent role strongly criticised (LINK ONLY)
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Government & Politics
France cracks down on ‘Islamist separatism,’ shuts down 9 mosques The closing of mosques is part of France’s massive surveillance operation targeting its Muslim minority.
(Morocco World News) French authorities have shut down 9 mosques since the month of December. “Among the 18 places of worship that were particularly monitored at my request, 9 were closed down,” the French minister of interior [Gerald] Darmanin tweeted on January […]
Law Enforcement
Anger, suspicion after Pakistani dissident Karima Mehrab found dead in Toronto
(Canadian Press) The apparent drowning death of an internationally prominent Pakistani dissident whose body was pulled from the water near downtown Toronto sparked anger, grief and suspicion on Tuesday. Police said they had found Karima Mehrab, 37, dead on Monday. Mehrab, widely […]
Government & Politics
Brussels wants to give Europol more powers in bid to tackle terrorism
(Euronews) Brussels has unveiled a new package of measures aimed at tackling the threat of terrorism in Europe, including plans to give a stronger role to Europol. A spate of recent terrorism attacks prompted the European Commission (EC) to publish the measures […]
Academics & Education
Bill 21 violates right of English Quebecers to manage their education system: lawyer
(Canadian Press) When the Quebec government tells English schools they cannot hire women wearing the hijab, it violates the rights of the English-speaking minority to manage its educational institutions, a lawyer argued Tuesday in a case challenging the province’s secularism law. The […]
Government & Politics
UK and France sign agreement to curb migrant crossings in English Channel (LINK ONLY)
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Government & Politics
Voters could have a say on controversial Swiss anti-terror law
(Swiss Info) A referendum attempt has been launched against legislation recently approved by parliament to prevent extremist violence. Those behind the launch of the referendum on Wednesday include the youth wings of the leftwing Greens, Liberal Greens and Social Democrats, as well […]
Government & Politics
Priti Patel says Tories will bring in new laws for ‘broken’ UK asylum system (LINK ONLY)
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Arts & Entertainment
In Pakistan, Paris attacker’s family praise his actions
(AFP) Pakistani farmer Arshad Mehmood has been filled with pride since his son stabbed two people outside the former offices of satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo in Paris last week, in the latest attack to expose the violent consequences of blasphemy allegations. Zaheer […]
Government & Politics
UN experts criticise Switzerland over anti-terrorism law
(Swiss Info) The Swiss government’s draft anti-terrorism law, which is being discussed in parliament, violates international human rights standards, and would set a dangerous precedent for the suppression of political dissent worldwide, UN human rights experts have warned. On Friday, Swiss United […]
Government & Politics
MP blames French politicians for migrants coming to UK ‘on false premise’ (LINK ONLY)
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Immigration
Tensions grow as Bosnian authorities crack down on migrants
(AP) Tensions are growing in the northwestern Bosnia after local authorities launched a widespread crackdown on thousands of migrants stranded in the area and set up police roadblocks to prevent more Europe-bound newcomers from arriving. Authorities in Bosnia’s Krajina region, which borders […]
Immigration
Further 65 migrants picked up in English Channel
(BBC) A further four boats carrying 65 migrants have been picked up in the English Channel, the Home Office said. Border Force patrols found the boats travelling towards the UK on Sunday, a day after at least 151 migrants on 15 boats […]
Government & Politics
More than 4,000 migrants reach UK by small boats in 2020 (LINK ONLY)
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Government & Politics
Parliament takes next step for anti-terror measures
(Swiss Info) The House of Representatives has approved new anti-terrorism legislation aimed at preventing extremist violence. But it didn’t approve preventive detention of potential terror offenders. The Swiss government has proposed new legislation aimed at preventing extremist violence and forcing people deemed […]
Immigration
Frenchman cleared of charges for aiding migrants
(AFP) A French court on Wednesday scrapped all charges against a man who helped migrants enter the country illegally, the final chapter in a groundbreaking case that defined so-called “crimes of solidarity.” Cedric Herrou, an olive farmer in southern France who helped […]
Immigration
Two migrants were killed at Turkey-Greece border: Amnesty
(Reuters) Two migrants were shot dead last month as they tried to enter Greece from Turkey after Ankara “recklessly encouraged” thousands of migrants to cross the border to Europe, Amnesty International said on Friday. A third migrant is missing and presumed dead […]
Government & Politics
Greece blocks migrants on border with Turkey
(AFP) Greece blocked hundreds of migrants trying to enter the country on Friday after Turkey said it would open the gates for refugees from Syria to enter the European Union. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said that “illegal” entries would not be […]
Government & Politics
Rights group criticizes Greek sea barrier plan for migrants
(AP) Amnesty International on Thursday criticized Greece’s plans to deploy a floating barrier as a way to prevent migrants from reaching the Greek islands from nearby Turkey. The international rights group’s research director for Europe, Massimo Moratti, described the plan as “an […]
Academics & Education
‘Foolish’: Muslim convention criticised for hosting anti-Palestinian politician Attendees criticise decision to host Ontario Premier Doug Ford whose political party has been accused of Islamophobia
(Middle East Eye) Billed as one of the biggest Muslim events in North America, the Reviving the Islamic Spirit (RIS) conference has attracted some high-profile names in recent years, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as well as Pakistan’s Imran Khan. So […]
Legal
Sweden jails man for spying on Ahwazi community for Iran
(Reuters) An Iraqi Swede was sentenced to 2-1/2 years in prison on Friday for spying on the Ahwazi community in Sweden and elsewhere in Europe and passing information to Iranian authorities, potentially exposing members of the group to harm. The Ahwazi are […]
Academics & Education
Pamphlets inform Muslim women of their rights in wake of Quebec’s secularism law Documents include information on how to face and report harassment and how to deal with discrimination
(CBC) An advocacy group is launching a campaign to inform Muslim women of their rights as it tries to deal with increasing reports of harassment and discrimination since Quebec’s secularism law was introduced. Justice Femme, the group behind the campaign, will begin distributing […]
Government & Politics
Greece announces major overhaul of migrant camp system
(AP) Greece announced plans Wednesday to overhaul its migration management system, replacing overcrowded refugee camps on the islands with smaller detention facilities and moving some 20,000 asylum seekers to the mainland over the next few weeks. Deputy Defense Minister Alkiviadis Stefanis announced […]
Legal
Sweden charges man with spying on Ahwazi community for Iran
(Reuters) Sweden’s state prosecutors have charged an Iraqi Swede with spying on the Ahwazi community in Sweden and elsewhere in Europe and passing the information to Iranian authorities. The Ahwazi are an Arab minority mostly living in the Iranian province of Khusestan […]
Government & Politics
Erdogan ally made campaign contribution to Ilhan Omar, who faces scrutiny over pro-Ankara votes
(Daily Caller) The co-chairman of a Turkish-American advocacy group with close ties to Ankara contributed $1,500 last month to the campaign for Rep. Ilhan Omar, who is under fire this week over votes she cast supporting Turkish government positions, campaign finance records […]
Citizenship
Should Danish parliament have power to revoke passports?
(Local) Denmark’s Minister for Immigration and Integration Mattias Tesfaye has said he does not want to hand the power to revoke passports to parliament. A number of political parties have called for parliament to be given the power to withdraw passports, rather […]