Belarus on the sidelines of the UN drew attention to high-profile cases of human rights violations in the West
Belarus on the sidelines of the UN drew attention to high-profile cases of human rights violations in the West

On the initiative of Belarus, on July 9, an event took place within the framework of the 47th session of the UN Human Rights Council, which is currently taking place in Geneva (Switzerland), on the topic “Human rights in the West: lack of international control and response to violations of human rights.” This was reported by the press service of the Belarusian Foreign Ministry.

The event was organized with the support of the Permanent Missions of Venezuela, China and Russia in Geneva.

The head of the main department of multilateral diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus, Irina Velichko, presented to the discussion participants the report of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs “The most resonant cases of human rights violations in certain countries of the world”, released on June 30, 2021.

The Belarusian diplomat noted in her speech that the facts presented in the report confirm numerous and systemic violations of human rights in Western countries. These states are encouraged to tackle domestic problems in this area and not blame other countries.

Special emphasis is placed on the need to return the original meaning to the concept of “human rights” in accordance with international treaties and make them a real factor in the well-being and sustainable development of societies and states, and not a source of confrontation and political claims.

During the event, the chairman of the Standing Committee on International Affairs of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus Andrei Savinykh also spoke. Representatives of international academic circles and non-governmental organizations who spoke at the thematic discussion noted the existence of problems with the situation with human rights in the countries of the collective West and spoke in favor of the need for a monitoring process by the international community on this issue.

NCRI-US’s New Book, Expert Panel Make Case to Hold Ebrahim Raisi to Account for Crimes Against Humanity, 1988 Massacre
NCRI-US’s New Book, Expert Panel Make Case to Hold Ebrahim Raisi to Account for Crimes Against Humanity, 1988 Massacre

NCRI-US’s panel makes the case to hold Ebrahim Raisi to account for crimes against humanity, 1988 massacre. From top clockwise: Alireza Jafarzadeh, Hon. Michael Mukasey, Geoffrey Robertson QC, Hon. Joseph Lieberman.

Geoffrey Robertson QC at NCRI-US’s panel “Challenges Posed by Ebrahim Raisi, a Recognized Mass Murderer” held on Aug 5, 2021.

Geoffrey Robertson QC at NCRI-US’s panel “Challenges Posed by Ebrahim Raisi, a Recognized Mass Murderer” held on Aug 5, 2021.

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Hon. Michael Mukasey at the NCRI-US’s panel “Challenges Posed by Ebrahim Raisi, a Recognized Mass Murderer” held on August 5, 2021.

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Hon. Joseph Lieberman at the NCRI-US’s panel “Challenges Posed by Ebrahim Raisi, a Recognized Mass Murderer” held on August 5, 2021.

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NCRI-US deputy director, Alireza Jafarzadeh, presents the new book, “IRAN: Call for Justice” at the panel “Challenges Posed by Ebrahim Raisi, a Recognized Mass Murderer” held on August 5, 2021.

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The infamous fatwa (religious decree) issued by Khomeini ordering the genocidal execution of thousands of the MEK political prisoners in the summer of 1988, a clear case of crimes against humanity.

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NCRI-US’s new book, “IRAN: Call for Justice; The Case to Hold Ebrahim Raisi to Account for Crimes Against Humanity,” released on August 5, 2021

Discussions focus on the challenges of advancing an effective and appropriate Iran policy following the inauguration of Ebrahim Raisi.

Our administration here in Washington really should speak out and condemn [Ebrahim] Raisi… And our silence really brings us down to his level, and that’s nowhere where any of us want to be.”
— Joseph Lieberman, former U.S. Democratic senator from Connecticut

WASHINGTON, DC, UNITED STATES, August 10, 2021 /EINPresswire.com/ — On August 5, 2021, the U.S. Representative Office of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI-US) held an online briefing entitled “Challenges Posed by Ebrahim Raisi, a Recognized Mass Murderer” and released its new book, IRAN: Call for Justice; The Case to Hold Ebrahim Raisi to Account for Crimes Against Humanity.

The online briefing featured prominent human rights, international law, and Iran policy figures, whose discussion focused on the challenges of advancing an effective and appropriate Iran policy following the inauguration of the Iranian regime’s new president, Ebrahim Raisi. The panel emphasized the imperative of bringing Raisi, internationally recognized for his crimes against humanity and his key role in the massacre of some 30,000 political prisoners in 1988, before an international tribunal to face justice.

The event’s speakers were the Honorable Michael Mukasey, 81st U.S. Attorney General; former U.S. Democratic Senator from Connecticut, Joe Lieberman; and Mr. Geoffrey Robertson, QC, a distinguished human rights barrister, and an expert on the 1988 massacre in Iran. Alireza Jafarzadeh, deputy director of the Washington Office of the NCRI, and author of The Iran Threat, presented the NCRI’s new book and moderated the briefing.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Jafarzadeh said, “Our new book elaborates on Raisi’s role in the mass murder and the suppression of dissent, and presents in some detail the global call for his accountability. The tide has turned. The book also explains how Raisi was selected as the new president when, out of absolute desperation, Supreme Leader Khamenei cleared the field for him to assume the presidency of this repressive regime.”

Mr. Robertson, who served as the first president and appeals judge in the UN International Court for War Crimes in Sierra Leone, and conducted his own independent investigation of the 1988 massacre, joined the briefing from London. He explained:

“In July 1988, as the war with Iraq was ending in a truculent truce, prisons in Iran crammed with government opponents suddenly went into lockdown. All family visits were canceled, televisions and radios switched off, prisoners were kept in their cells and disallowed exercise… There were thousands of prisoners who had been jailed since 1980 for adherence to the Mojahedin Khalq Organization, the MEK

“This was the worst crime against humanity committed against prisoners since the death marches of American and Australian soldiers by Japan at the end of the Second World War. Those who ordered those death marches were convicted and punished by international tribunals in Tokyo. But those who ordered the Iranian massacres have not only been allowed impunity, but they’ve also risen high in the country’s government. And one of them, Ebrahim Raisi, has risen to the presidency.

“His role, proved beyond any reasonable doubt, was to sentence prisoners to death without any right to trial, to be represented by a lawyer, without any rights at all. He was primarily responsible for the murder of thousands of inmates. Many of them had already served their sentences. They were being held after their time had passed. Most of the sentences had been for protesting as students, or for handing out pamphlets. Raisi was a member of the death commission, which supervised two waves of executions in Iranian prisons. The first wave, in July and August 1988, was of the oppositionists belonging to the MEK group…

“The [death commission] had one question for these young men and women, most of them detained merely for street protests in 1981. And upon that question, although they didn’t know it, their lives would depend. Those who by their answer indicated any continuing affiliation with the MEK were blind-folded and ordered to join a conga line that led straight to the gallows. They were hung from cranes, four at a time, or in groups of six from ropes hanging from the front of the stage in an assembly hall… By mid-August 1988, thousands of prisoners had been killed in this manner by the state, without trial, without appeal and utterly without mercy…

“International crimes of this magnitude can’t be forgotten or forgiven. And the very idea that a leading perpetrator might years later have been given a path to the development of a nuclear weapon is truly unconscionable…

“There is certainly one American initiative that should be followed in Raisi’s case — the Magnitsky law, which was pioneered by John McCain, President Obama in 2012, and then the global Magnitsky Act in 2016. And it’s been used by President Trump and President Biden recently against perpetrators of human rights and atrocities in Belarus and Myanmar. The importance of the Magnitsky law… is that last year Britain adopted one. And so did the European Union. And there are now 31 democratic countries that have these targeted sanctioned laws for use against perpetrators of human rights abuses.

“I have to say that there could be no individual whose name should be higher on every country’s Magnitsky list, than Ebrahim Raisi… He should be put on trial wherever, whenever he can be apprehended. And at least his name on the targeted sanctions list would prevent his atrocities from being forgotten. …”

In response to a question, Mr. Robertson stated that “There is some evidence that the killing of the MEK was predetermined–that it didn’t just emanate from the rage of the Ayatollah. And I think it is remarkable in a way that this has gone from something no one knew about to something that is now on the international agenda and is understood.”

Alireza Jafarzadeh noted that:

“I want to talk about [Khomeini’s fatwa which triggered the 1988 massacre], which we covered in our new book… The decree was issued against the MEK. It describes who will carry out the task and names some individuals, basically the formation of the death commission. It is very specific, that the decree was issued against the MEK.

“Isn’t it ironic that now, after 33 years, the same killer, Raisi, emerges with the same mission: to annihilate the MEK…In a word, it’s now the showdown between the entirety of the regime on the one side – all those responsible for the murder of 30,000 political prisoners in 1988, more than 90% of them members of the MEK — and on the other, the people of Iran, those who are involved in the protests and above all the MEK.”

The next speaker was Judge Michael B. Mukasey, who said:

“… there is, as Geoffrey Robertson suggested, ample precedent in history for holding high government officials responsible for the kinds of crimes that the record shows Ebrahim Raisi participated in, particularly during the summer of 1988, but even afterwards. We should also not overlook the fact that his crimes have been known — at least an outline of them — for decades. And increasingly in detail, as the years have passed…

“The overwhelming majority of those tortured and executed, and as you’ve seen from Alireza’s remarks, the targets of this fatwa were principally members of the MEK. This committee in which Ebrahim Raisi participated, delivered its judgements against prisoners in proceedings that were a mockery of the concept of a trial, involving simply asking a few questions of the accused mainly involving their beliefs and political affiliation, and then directing that they be killed…

“The NCRI has published its volume, IRAN: Call for Justice, focusing particularly on the role of Ebrahim Raisi and on his case and calling attention to some of his activities since 1988, including directing the killing of about 1,500 protestors in Iran during demonstrations that erupted in November of 2019. What, then, can be done to answer this call for justice? Before what tribunals can Raisi be brought to answer for his crimes?…

“We can rely on civil penalties in the Magnitsky Act and similar statutes, which would impede the ability of Raisi to function. Such an effort would serve at least two further useful purposes… Indirectly creating a further public record of the crimes of the president of Iran would weaken the regime even further, both internationally and within Iran. Additionally, it would seem that perhaps the most likely criminal tribunal, and I think in some ways the most fitting one, before which Raisi might ultimately be made to answer for his crimes, would be a tribunal convened by the Iranians themselves, following a change in regime that I think all of those participating in this meeting would welcome. The best way to speed that u, is to keep assembling and publicizing the evidence of what Raisi and others in the government have done…

“I don’t think we should rely on the EU; the United States could press forward. Rallying other democracies who have passed, as Mr. Robertson pointed out, Magnitsky acts of their own, implement the Magnitsky Act, make it difficult for Raisi and other members of the regime to travel and to function economically, which is very important to them because they’ve enriched themselves at the expense of the Iranian people…”

The former Attorney General was followed by the Honorable Joe Lieberman:

“No single act, in my opinion defined the regime in Tehran more clearly and tragically and painfully than the murder of as many as 30,000 people in Iran – Iranian citizens – for only one reason, that they were political opponents of the regime…

“Now Judge Mukasey and Barrister Robertson have spoken of the difficulty of actually bringing Raisi before a tribunal in The Hague, for instance, to try him for crimes against humanity, which he has admitted and would surely be found guilty of. But that’s not an excuse for not taking action. And I think that suggests the political course of action, political in the best sense of a rising up of public opinion, beginning here in the United States, beginning today, at this gathering, sponsored by the NCRI, to focus the world’s attention on Raisi’s crimes… In fact, there was only one group and one person that constantly was calling out for Raisi to be held accountable for the genocide he oversaw in 1988. Of course, that organization was the National Council of Resistance of Iran. And that leader was Mrs. Maryam Rajavi

“Here in the United States, I think we have a critical leadership role to play, thanks to the grassroots work of the Iranian American communities and the representatives of the NCRI in Washington. There is a great stirring in both houses of Congress. In the House of Representatives, 250 members from both parties have signed a resolution calling for an investigation of Raisi’s human rights violations and genocidal acts. In the Senate, the support for a similar action is building, led by Senator Bob Menendez of New Jersey, who’s the chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and supported by Senator Jim Rush, a Republican Ranking Member.

“I know that the administration has seemed to want very much to renegotiate and have another agreement of the Iran nuclear agreement, the JCPOA of 2015, but really, how can the Biden administration be consistent with its upholding of human rights and democracy in our foreign policy, if it continues to negotiate with a government that is led now by Raisi, a man who is guilty of genocidal acts and who has been a serial human rights oppressor? The administration will lose its credibility… Our administration here in Washington really should speak out and condemn Raisi because he represents everything that is unacceptable to the United States of America. And our silence really brings us down to his level, and that’s nowhere where any of us want to be.

“The reality is that this regime needs to be changed. We have tried everything else we could, and the selection by the Supreme Leader of Raisi as president is the ultimate rejection of the values of the world community, and certainly of the United States… Today, the day on which a man responsible for the genocide of 1988 becomes president of Iran, if the U S leads, will also be noted in history as the day on which the world began to hold Raisi and the regime accountable, when we began to investigate him and the regime and to bring him and it to justice for the crimes they have committed, to see him removed from the presidency, and most significantly of all, to see this government removed from power in Tehran, so that the people of Iran, the gifted people of Iran, can again choose their own leaders and enjoy political and economic freedom and opportunity.”

In his closing remarks, the NCRI-US deputy director, Alireza Jafarzadeh stated that:

“As Mr. Robertson mentioned just now, this whole massacre was premeditated. It was intended to eliminate the MEK. As you all stated, the culture of impunity for the mass murders who rule Iran must end, and the US must take the lead in bringing to justice the leaders of the regime who have committed crimes against humanity for four decades, particularly those responsible for the 1988 massacre. Khamenei, Raisi, and Eje’i (the new Chief Justice) are basically at the top of the list of those who need to be brought to justice.

“Second, we really need to subject the Iranian regime to international sanctions under chapter seven of the UN charter. As we saw over the past year, the mullahs will never give up their nuclear weapons program, export of terrorism or aggression in the region. So that’s what needs to be done. And most importantly, we really need to implement a zero-tolerance policy, if you will, regarding the torture and execution of the Iranian people, the killing of dissidents. The perpetrators really must be made to answer for their crimes, and you have discussed a lot of ways that could be done.

“And when it comes to the broader threat of the Iran regime in terms of bomb-making, enrichment and all of their nuclear facilities, they really need to be closed. Any agreement that doesn’t oblige the regime to withdraw the Revolutionary Guards from Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Afghanistan, Lebanon, you name it, is going to be ineffective and reckless. It’s not going to have any results. And any agreement that doesn’t target the missile program, as Judge Mukasey said, will lead to an escalation of the regional threat… They need to be held to account for that as well. That’s the other side of their human rights violations, and we shouldn’t be rewarding the Ayatollahs with more concessions.

“And finally, a truly good outcome will only come when the Ayatollahs are gone, so really, the world has a duty and responsibility to stand on the side of the Iranian people and recognize their struggle to overthrow this regime, establish freedom and democracy, and help them develop a secular, democratic, non-nuclear republic in Iran.”

# #
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These materials are being distributed by the National Council of Resistance of Iran-U.S. Representative Office. Additional information is on file with the Department of Justice, Washington, D.C

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NCRI-US’s Panel Makes Case to Hold Ebrahim Raisi to Account for Crimes Against Humanity, August 5 2021

Indian Delphic Council Announces a National Coordination Committee to oversee global Delphic Movement in India
Indian Delphic Council Announces a National Coordination Committee to oversee global Delphic Movement in India
bijender goel

President, Indian Delphic Council

The members comprise of arts & culture practitioners, lawmakers and bureaucrats!

NEW DELHI, DELHI, INDIA, August 10, 2021 /EINPresswire.com/ — With the growing support towards the Delphic Movement in India, Indian Delphic Council (INDC), headed by Mr. Bijender Goel as the Founding President and Advisor of the South Asian Affairs to the International Delphic Council (IDC), has formed a dynamic National Coordination Committee (NCC) to oversee the expansion of the global Delphic Movement and promote Delphic Games in India. The Committee consists of notable personalities from all walks of life, extending from politics & bureaucracy to artists & professionals of their respective fields.Despite to Mr. Bijender Goel who heads INDC as Founding President ; Dr. Shantanu Agrahari, an enthusiastic IAS officer from Jharkhand has been inducted as the Founding Secretray General; Mr. A.L. Hek, Advisor to the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Government of Meghalaya a former Cabinet Minister; Mr. B. H Anil Kumar IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Karnataka; Mr. Onkar Chand Sharma, Principal Secretary, Himachal Pradesh, Ms. Sreya Guha IAS, Principal Secretary, Rajasthan, Mr. Mukesh Meshram IAS, Principal Secretary, Uttar Pradesh, Mr. Sameep Shastri, Grandson of Former Prime Minister late Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri; Mr. Manmohan Shetty, a renowned film producer from Mumbai; Mr. Ramesh Prasanna, a trustee of Delphic Indi aTrust and a cultural enterprenur from Hyderabad, and Mrs Ishrat Akter, a film producer from chennai have been inducted in the NCC. Mr. Suresh Thomas, Cressendo Music, Mumbai and Mr Sumit Gautam, a Delhi-based professional, are Special Invitees and Permanent Invitees, respectively.

The Indian Delphic Council is a voluntary, not-for-profit, non-political, non-religious, non-sectarian organization under the aegis of the International Delphic Council – a global movement for arts & cultures working to foster harmony amongst people of different races and cultures through engagements in the various arts forms through the world’s only common floor for the arts called the Delphic Games.

The Delphic Games were born in ancient Greece 2,500 years ago as the twin-sister of the Olympic Games. They are to Arts & Cultures what Olympic Games are to physical sports. The Delphic Games of the Modern Era were revived in 1994, while the Olympic Games were revived in 1894.

Since revival, the Delphic Games have been hosted by countries like Georgia, Russia, Malaysia, South Korea, Philippines, Germany and South Africa, while the other festivals of cultural significance have been organised in various cities around the world. International Institutions like UNESCO, Council of Europe, ASEAN, and such, have endorsed the various editions of the Delphic Games at various times.

The world leaders including their Excellencies Nelson Mandela (South Africa), Mikhail Gorbachev (erstwhile Soviet Union), Helmut Schmidt (East Germany), Eduard Shevardnadze (Georgia) as well as Celebrated Musicians, Painters, Academicians, Pedagogues, Historians, Arts & Culture revivalists, and the like, have supported the Delphic Games and what they stand for.

India has participated in 3 editions of the Delphic Games in various Countries and was succefully able to bag Gold and Silver medals in South Korea and Malaysia, respectively. Even the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, has contributed in the past by sponsoring the artists who represented the country through the Zonal Cultural Centres.

Mr. Goel said that the Movement has spread across 22 Indian States till date with Rajasthan & Maharashtra to be the first ones to have registered State Councils, meanwhile, registration for other State Councils is already under process. The combined effort of the INDC is to reach the remaining States at the earliest. “Our National Core Committee is all set to assume its role and responsibilities and will also annouce the event calender of Delphic Games very soon. Although, we are unable to conduct physical Delphic events at the moment due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our Rajasthan Council has started the ‘Delpic Dialoge‘ initiative, a weekly webinar series to create awareness on plethora of subjects related to our Cultural Heritage and Maharashtra Council is also bringing a virtual program under the performing arts category very soon. Not just that, the national body is also planning to conduct Delphic Theatre Festivals in different cities to bring together all the theatre artists and theatre enthusiasts to a common platform, if circumstances so permit“, he added.

Delphic Movement has received an exceptionally overwheleming support, including from renowned artists among the fraternity of Musicians, Painters, Sculpters, Craftspersons, Fashion Designers, Academicians, Dancers, Administrators and many alike. Some of the prominent personalities to have come out in its support are Hema Malini, Talat Aziz, Shreyas Talpade, Sulaiman Merchant, Anoop Jalota, Shankar Sawhney, Shibani Kashyap, Suchitra Krishnamoorthy and others.

The National Coordination Committee comprises of:

  1. Shri Bijender Goel – President
    2. Shri Shantanu Agrahari, IAS – Secretary General
    3. Shri A.L Hek – Member
    4. Shri B H Anil Kumar, IAS – Member
    5. Shri Manmohan Shetty – Member
    6. Shri Mukesh Meshram, IAS – Member
    7. Shri Onkar Chand Sharma, IAS -Member
    8. Smt. Sreya Guha, IAS – Member
    9. Shri Ramesh Prasanna – Member
    10. Shri Sameep Shastri – Member
    11. Smt. Ishrat Akhtar – Member
    12. Shri Suresh Thomas – Special Invitee
    13. Shri Sumit Gautam – Permanent Invitee

Integrated Communications Cell,
Indian Delphic Council

info@delphicindia.com

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p class=”contact c6″ dir=”auto”>Bijender Goel
Indian Delphic Council
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Africa Gears Up: How A Continent Is Working To Become The Global Powerhouse Of The Future
Africa Gears Up: How A Continent Is Working To Become The Global Powerhouse Of The Future

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A host of energy development initiatives designed to increase energy access and improve livelihoods are coming online across Africa and are scheduled to be showcased at Africa Oil Week (Africa-OilWeek.com) 2021 in November in Dubai – a temporary move for this major annual event as a COVID-19 precaution, ahead of its scheduled return “home” to its usual venue in Cape Town South Africa from 2022.

Geothermal, hydro and bioenergy projects are being launched, and intercontinental electricity markets are being developed. Their impact will further human development and enhance economic prospects throughout the continent.

The African Union (AU) is behind much of this growth; its Agenda 2063 includes plans to transform Africa into the global powerhouse of the future.

 A specialised agency of the AU, the African Energy Commission (AFREC), has been mandated to co-ordinate energy policy in Africa, and is working with the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries to address energy poverty, climate change and other energy challenges.

Energy transition

“As partners, we should start looking at opportunities that will diversify the available energy resources, take advantage of renewable resources, and reduce dependence on oil as part of the continent’s energy transition, while simultaneously augmenting our approaches,” says Rashid Ali Abdallah, AFREC’s Executive Director.

Other initiatives to increase access to energy include the launch of the African Single Electricity Market (AfSEM), the world’s largest continent-wide energy trading programme.

AfSEM promises to be the most cost-efficient response to the growing demand for electricity in Africa. It aims to connect all 55 AU member states through an efficient, affordable and sustainable electricity market that will serve the needs of over 1.3 billion Africans.

Dr Monique Nsanzabaganwa, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), has called on AU member states to integrate AfSEM into their national development plans.

“It is important that AU member states take ownership for the development and implementation of these continental initiatives,” she says.

“This is necessary to ensure access to reliable energy services, as well as to provide the necessary policy and financial instruments for one continental electricity market and one continental interconnection grid at all levels.”

The AUC’s Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, Her Excellency, Dr. Amani Abou-Zeid, has confirmed her attendance at AOW 2021.

EU, China support

The partners and investors behind these developments include the likes of the European Union (EU) and China.

While the EU supported the preparation of the AfSEM policy paper, roadmap and governing structure, China is continuing to invest in and provide loans for various energy infrastructure projects, including extractive activities, power generation facilities, traditional and renewable energy sources, and transmission and distribution networks.

In 2020, Chinese-owned companies and banks spent billions of dollars financing African energy infrastructure projects, including a gas pipeline in Nigeria, and other smaller projects in Lesotho, the Ivory Coast and Rwanda.

These activities combined are set to transform energy in Africa, and will have a beneficial ripple effect beyond this sector and into a host of socio-economic areas. As the continent continues this journey, further strategic, technical and financial support will be critical.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Oil Week.
For more information or to request an interview please contact: On behalf of Africa Oil Week James Duncan Email: james@rasc.co.za Marion Brower Email: marion@rasc.co.za

About Africa Oil Week: Africa Oil Week is the meeting place of choice for the continent’s upstream oil and gas sector. Now entering its 27th year, the event brings together governments, national and international oil companies, independents, investors, the G&G community and service providers.

State begins work to implement Climate Commitment Act
State begins work to implement Climate Commitment Act

Department of Ecology News Release – Aug. 6, 2021

Updated: Aug. 6, 2021

OLYMPIA – 

This week, the Washington Department of Ecology launched its efforts to develop the program and regulations needed to implement the Climate Commitment Act, a new law Gov. Jay Inslee signed in May designed to reduce greenhouse gases from the state’s largest sources.

The Climate Commitment Act creates a “cap and invest” program, which sets a statewide cap on greenhouse gas emissions and then auctions or allocates emissions allowances to fuel suppliers, industrial sources, electricity generators and other large sources of emissions. Over time, the cap shrinks, pushing emitters to find ways to increase efficiency, improve processes, switch to non-emitting technologies, or support programs that reduce or capture carbon emissions. The law requires the new program to be in place by 2023.

The “invest” part of the program refers to proceeds from the auction of emissions allowances, which will support climate resiliency programs, such as flood mitigation, securing water supplies, and clean energy projects.

“The Climate Commitment Act may be the most important environmental legislation in our state in the past 50 years,” Gov. Inslee said. “It gives us a path to meet the emissions limits set in state law, and puts Washington on the forefront of the clean economy of the future.”

Washington is only the second state to pass an economy-wide carbon cap program, after California, but this approach to tackling greenhouse gases is used around the world. Thirty nations participate in the European Union emissions trading program, which has operated since 2005; and China started its own nationwide emissions cap and trade program earlier this year.

“This is a proven approach to cutting the greenhouse gas emissions that drive climate change,” said Laura Watson, Ecology’s director. “Washington’s future depends on us taking action today. Climate change threatens the health of our communities, the strength of our economy, and the environment and natural resources that make our state so special.”

The Climate Commitment Act has a number of features designed to protect and invest in communities that bear a disproportionate burden from pollution today, or that are at elevated risk from the effects of climate change. That includes dedicating at least 35% of investments made under the Climate Commitment Act toward these overburdened communities, and establishing a new air quality monitoring program in these areas. 

Developing the Climate Commitment Act program

Ecology is conducting three related rulemakings to develop different aspects of the Climate Commitment Act program:

  • Cap-and-invest program rules – This regulation sets up the structure for the emissions allowance auctions, allocating other allowances, and related requirements.
  • Criteria for emissions-intensive, trade-exposed industries – The Climate Commitment Act has special rules for emissions-intensive industries like pulp and paper mills and refineries, providing incentives to invest in emissions reductions while also ensuring that these businesses can continue to operate in Washington. In this rulemaking, Ecology will establish criteria that define how new or existing businesses qualify as emissions-intensive, trade-exposed.
  • Reporting emission of greenhouse gases – This rulemaking will update Washington’s existing greenhouse gas reporting program to align it with the requirements of the Climate Commitment Act.

Get involved with the CCA program development

As it develops this new program, Ecology will be seeking public input on the program’s design and operations. There will be both informal public workshops where people can learn more about the design of the program and formal hearings where the public can provide input on the proposed structure. Ecology will announce details on those meetings in the coming months.

You can stay up to date on Ecology’s progress, proposals, and public involvement opportunities by subscribing to the Climate Commitment Act email list.

(Video) Iran – NCRI-US Virtual Briefing: Challenges Posed By Ebrahim Raisi, A Human Rights Vilator
(Video) Iran – NCRI-US Virtual Briefing: Challenges Posed By Ebrahim Raisi, A Human Rights Vilator

(PMOI / MEK Iran) and (NCRI): an online briefing. The discussion focused on the challenges of implementing an appropriate Iran policy following the inauguration of Ebrahim Raisi, internationally recognized for his crimes against humanity.

6th, August 2021 - Alireza Jafarzadeh, the U.S. Representative Office of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI-US) held an online briefing.

(PMOI / MEK Iran) and (NCRI): Mr. Alireza Jafarzadeh, deputy director of the Washington Office of the NCRI, and author of The Iran Threat, presented a new book and moderated the event.

6th, August 2021 - The book is titled Iran call for justice and the case to hold Ebrahim Raisi to accounts for crimes against humanity.

(PMOI / MEK Iran) and (NCRI): The book is titled Iran call for justice and the case to hold Ebrahim Raisi to accounts for crimes against humanity. This book comes at six Chapters and 96 pages. It elaborates on the life of Ebrahim Raisi, the regime’s new president.

6th, August 2021 - NCRI-US Virtual Briefing Challenges Posed By Ebrahim Raisi, A Recognized Murderer.

(PMOI / MEK Iran) and (NCRI): The event speakers were Michael Mukasey, 81st U.S. Attorney General; former U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman; and Mr. Geoffrey Robertson QC, a distinguished human rights barrister, academic, and author.

6th, August 2021 - Geoffrey Robertson QC, a distinguished human rights barrister, academic, and author.

(PMOI / MEK Iran)&(NCRI): Geoffrey Robertson QC,My conclusion was that the 1988 massacre in Iran was the worst crime against humanity committed against prisoners since the death marches of the American and Australian soldiers by Japan at the end of the Second World War.

6th, August 2021 - Michael Mukasey, 81st U.S. Attorney General.

(PMOI / MEK Iran) and (NCRI): Michael Mukasey, 81st U.S. Attorney General. The overwhelming majority of those tortured and executed in the 1988 massacre and targets of this fatwa was principally members of the MEK.

6th, August 2021 - Senator Joe Lieberman, former Senator from Connecticut.

(PMOI / MEK Iran) and (NCRI): Senator Joe Lieberman, During its 42 years in power, this evil and extreme regime in Tehran has spent enormous amounts of the treasure that belongs to the Iranian people supporting foreign terrorists, in building a nuclear weapons program.

6th, August 2021 - Raisi’s Inauguration as Iran’s President.

(PMOI / MEK Iran) : Ebrahim Raisi as he swears in to take over as the new president of the Iranian regime and the World, particularly the United States and Europe should do in having an effective policy in dealing with Iran, now that you have a mass murder at the helm.

There was no question that the regime in Tehran believed for years that this genocide that occurred 33 years ago, was long forgotten by the rest of the world.

The overwhelming majority of those tortured and executed in the 1988 massacre and targets of this fatwa were principally members of The People’s Mujahedin of Iran (PMOI/MEK).”
— NCRI

PARIS, FRANCE, August 6, 2021 /EINPresswire.com/ — On Thursday, August 5, 2021, the U.S. Representative Office of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI-US) held an online briefing. The discussion focused on the challenges of implementing an appropriate Iran policy following the inauguration of Ebrahim Raisi, internationally recognized for his crimes against humanity and his key role in the massacre of some 30,000 political prisoners in 1988.The event speakers were Michael Mukasey, 81st U.S. Attorney General; former U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman; and Mr. Geoffrey Robertson QC, a distinguished human rights barrister, academic, and author.
Mr. Alireza Jafarzadeh, deputy director of the Washington Office of the NCRI, and author of The Iran Threat, presented a new book and moderated the event.
In the briefing, Jafarzadeh introduced the new book, released by the NCRI-US, IRAN: Call for Justice; The Case to Hold Ebrahim Raisi to Account for Crimes Against Humanity.
In his opening statement, Mr. Jafarzadeh said:

Today, we have a distinguished panel, discussing Ebrahim Raisi as he swears in to take over as the new president of the Iranian regime and the World, particularly the United States and Europe should do in having an effective policy in dealing with Iran, now that you have a mass murder at the helm.

Let me first introduce our new book that was released that just this morning. The book is titled Iran: call for justice and the case to hold Ebrahim Raisi to accounts for crimes against humanity. This book comes at six Chapters and 96 pages. It elaborates on the life of Ebrahim Raisi, the regime’s new president.

It has an entire chapter on 1988 that Massacre of some 30,000 political Prisoners, the book collaboration, Raisi’s role in the mass murder, and suppressing dissent. There is an entire chapter also dedicated to accountability and how the tide has now turned. The book also elaborated on, how Raisi was selected as the new president as the supreme leader Khamenei paved the way and clear the field for him to assume the presidency of this repressive regime out of absolute desperation.

The following is the experts of the speeches:

Geoffrey Robertson QC, a distinguished human rights barrister, academic, and author

My conclusion was that the 1988 massacre in Iran was the worst crime against humanity committed against prisoners since the death marches of the American and Australian soldiers by Japan at the end of the Second World War.

Those who ordered those that marches were convicted and punished by International tribunals in Tokyo but those how ordered the Iranian massacre have not only being allowed impunity but they’ve risen high in the country’s government. And one of them Ebrahim Raisi risen to the presidency.

Now his role, beyond any reasonable doubt was to sentence the prisoners to death without any right to trial, be represented by a lawyer without any right at all. He was primarily responsible for the murder of thousands of inmates. Many of them had already served their sentence. And they were held after their time has passed, most of the sentences have been protesting students.

But he was a member of the death committee which supervised two waves of executions in Iranian prisons. The first wave in July and August 1988, and the oppositionists, belonging to The People’s Mujahedin of Iran (PMOI/MEK) group, and the second wave, in September of men who are Communists, or somehow disagree with the theological State.

The Magnitsky law last year was adopted by the European Union and there are now 31 democratic countries that have these targeted sanctions for use against perpetrators of human rights abusers.

I have to say that they could be no individual whose name should be higher on every country Magnitsky list than Raisi…. he is an international criminal, he should be put on trial, wherever, whenever he could be apprehended and at least his name being on the targeted sanctions list would prevent his atrocities from being forgotten.

Michael Mukasey, 81st U.S. Attorney General

The overwhelming majority of those tortured and executed in the 1988 massacre and targets of this fatwa was principally members of the People’s Mujahedin of Iran (PMOI/MEK). This Committee in which Ebrahim Raisi participated, delivered its judgments against prisoners in proceedings that were a mockery of the concept of a trial involving simply asking a few questions of the accused mainly involving their beliefs and political affiliation, and then directing, them to be killed.

Executions were carried out immediately. The prisoners being marched directly from the place, where their sham files were held to the Gallows. Somewhere hanged in a way that we’re sure that they would die by strangulation, rather than by breaking a spinal cord, and others were executed by firing squad.

Many of these facts were made known as early as the fall of 1988 to a Salvadorian professor and Diplomat named Galin de Paul, who were been appointed as a special Rapport and reported to the general assembly of the United Nations about the execution of some two hundred prisoners Evin prison and the burial of more than 800 in Mass Graves outside Tehran. But this report was not followed up either by Pual or by those at the UN.

I think anyone who believes that any senior member of the current regime would even consider giving up power voluntarily, given the fanatical ideology of the regime, the enormous wealth amassed and their bloody record is simply a delusion. When they go down, it won’t be voluntary.

Perhaps the most convincing evidence of this is a very selection today and it would be insulation today, or Raisi as president. What shows is the current supreme leader Ali Khamenei and those who follow his orders had no regard, whatever for appearances. They put in place someone they believe can be relied on to use any measures, however, brutal to keep the regime in power.

Senator Joe Lieberman, former Senator from Connecticut

During its 42 years in power, this evil and extreme regime in Tehran has spent enormous amounts of the treasure that belongs to the Iranian people supporting foreign terrorists, in building a nuclear weapons program, and sophisticated missiles that can carry those weapons to the designated enemies of the current regime and those enemies are in the Arab world and Israel and yes, in the United States of America within Iran itself.

This regime has imposed one of the most brutally despotic governments in the world taking from its talented people their political and economic freedom, which really is their birthright. No single act, in my opinion, defined the regime in Iran were clearly and a tragically and painfully than the murderer of, as many as 30,000 people in Tehran, Iranian citizens, for only one reason that they were political opponents of the regime in the 42 years since 1979, the regime in Tehran has brought to political power and an awful group of leaders of presidents.

Some claiming to be moderate but really not all following the extremist directions of the two men who in that time have been Supreme Leaders. Today by far the worst ever to serve as president of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ebrahim Raisi is being sworn in as president.

And I don’t say that lightly, I suppose, looking back at history or many people would say, what, what, about Ahmadinejad. Ahmadinejad was an extremist, he was a fanatic and he said, outrageous and offensive things, but Raisi comes to this high office of this country was such a great history with the blood of more Iranians on his hands than any of his predecessors. Probably even more than most of his predecessors’ combine.

And there was no question that the regime in Tehran believed for years that this genocide that occurred 33 years ago, was long forgotten by the rest of the world. In fact, there was only one group and one person that constantly was calling out for Raisi to be held accountable for the genocide he oversaw in 1988.

The person and organization were the National Council of Resistance of Iran and the leader was Mrs. Maryam Rajavi. Its really quite encouraging to say that Mrs. Rajavi and the NCRI’s constant returning to the facts here, the remarkable, report of that, the Barrister Robertson did the concern expressed by many of the United Nation, the persistent voice being brought here by non-governmental organizations that are widely respected like Amnesty International and human rights Watch, all of them are saying this man, Raisi, cannot be allowed to lead a great nation.

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Raisi, Butcher of 1988 Massacre in Iran

Gov. Ricketts Hosts Ag and Economic Development Summit
Gov. Ricketts Hosts Ag and Economic Development Summit

Media Contacts:  

Taylor Gage, 402-471-1970

Justin Pinkerman, 402-471-1967

Media Release:

Gov. Ricketts Hosts Ag and Economic Development Summit

 

 

Gov. Ricketts (right) interviews former U.S. Ambassador to China

Terry Branstad (left) during today’s summit.

 

KEARNEY – Today, Governor Pete Ricketts welcomed over 400 leaders to Kearney’s Younes Conference Center for the “Governor’s Summit on Ag and Economic Development,” co-hosted by the Nebraska Departments of Agriculture and Economic Development.

“Nebraska has emerged from the pandemic with the nation’s lowest unemployment, higher-than-expected revenues, and strong overall growth,” said Gov. Ricketts.  “Today’s Summit convened leaders from across Nebraska committed to building on this momentum.  I look forward to seeing how the collaboration at this year’s Summit turns into action to further prosper and grow our state.”

The annual Summit—a premier forum for discussing issues related to the growth of the state—recommenced this year following 2020’s postponement, with a new format and a dual focus on agriculture and economic development.         

“Focusing on agriculture and economic development in the same summit meeting makes sense as great production from Nebraska agriculture means great growth for our state,” said Department of Agriculture Director Steve Wellman.  “Today, we were able to bring together many influential leaders in agriculture to identify and discuss topics, trends, and action items needed to move forward to strengthen and grow Nebraska agriculture.”

“We’re proud to be here today with Governor Ricketts, our teammates from the Department of Agriculture, and leaders from around our state to discuss ways we can work together to grow Nebraska,” said Department of Economic Development Director Anthony L. Goins.  “We all wear the same jersey, and we all have something to contribute to Nebraska being the best state in the country, and a place where any individual, family, or business owner can come to experience economic opportunities and a high quality of life.”  

The Summit kicked off yesterday evening with a reception and banquet hosted by the Nebraska Diplomats, where a number of local, business, and agricultural leaders were recognized for their contributions to the state economy.  Honorees included Diplomats Past-President Dan Duncan, who was recognized for his organizational leadership.

Today’s all-day event commenced with welcome remarks from Gov. Ricketts, followed by a full slate of discussion tracks featuring issues central to the state’s growth.  Session topics included growing opportunities for Nebraska’s exports, developing value-added agriculture, and expanding broadband connectivity across the state.

Over the lunch hour, Gov. Ricketts interviewed Terry Branstad, the 12th U.S. Ambassador to China and former Governor of Iowa, for the Summit’s keynote.  Their wide-ranging conversation covered former Ambassador Branstad’s experience in China during the coronavirus outbreak, U.S.-China trade relations, and the ongoing need to hold the Chinese Communist Party accountable to respect human rights and honor international trade agreements.

Watch the Governor’s opening remarks at this year’s Summit by clicking here.  Video of Gov. Ricketts’ interview with former Ambassador to China, Terry Branstad, is available by clicking here.

Cadets from Unified Forces in Maridi Benefit from UNMISS Training
Cadets from Unified Forces in Maridi Benefit from UNMISS Training

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A day-long workshop for cadets from different military groups organized by the Civil Affairs Division of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) saw 50 participants who were trained on the basics of civil-military cooperation. The training took place in Maridi Training Centre, Western Equatoria, and is part of the mission’s ongoing support to the South Sudanese government in implementing all provisions of the Revitalized Peace Agreement.

“This training is critical for young cadets as it teaches them how to work with civilians, protect them when the need arises and address any related issue,” explained Emmanuel Dukundane, a Civil Affairs Officer with the peacekeeping mission here. “We are hopeful that the skills they have learned here today will enable them to hit the ground running when they assume their formal roles and responsibilities.”

 “This training has been very useful for me and my fellow cadets,” said Captain Juma Maluo from the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces. “We have learnt a lot from international law and human rights principles to building trust and confidence among all communities we are here to serve. As uniformed personnel it’s very important for us to be agents of peace who are equipped to prevent conflict,” he added.

For her part, Captain Gisma Abudi Modi, a trainee from the Sudan’s People Liberation Army (IO), feels that an important aspect of the workshop was bringing together both men and women in uniform who represent different political parties. “We might have differing political views or look at issues through our own respective gender lenses; but, we are all united in one thing—our job is to protect all our people so that this young nation can progress on the path to a sustainable peace,” she stated.

The training workshop received appreciation from Major-General Justin Alfred, Acting Commander, 6th Division, and all participants.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

Central African Republic: UN report calls for urgent end to mounting human rights abuses and violations
Central African Republic: UN report calls for urgent end to mounting human rights abuses and violations

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A UN report published today details the dire and worsening human rights situation over the past year in the Central African Republic (CAR), where armed groups carried out a violent bid to disrupt elections. In response, the country’s defence and security forces launched military operations to retake territory from them.

The joint report by the UN Human Rights Office and MINUSCA, the UN Mission in CAR, covers the period from July 2020 to June 2021 in the context of the presidential poll, held in December 2020, and legislative elections, which took place in December 2020, and March and May 2021*.

The Human Rights Division of MINUSCA documented 526 incidents of abuses and violations of human rights and international humanitarian law across the country during this period. These violations affected at least 1,221 victims, including 144 civilians or those hors de combat who were killed by the parties to the conflict.     

Among the documented abuses and violations are extrajudicial and summary killings, torture and ill-treatment, arbitrary arrests and detentions, unnecessary and disproportionate use of force, conflict-related sexual violence and serious violations against children, including their recruitment by parties to the conflict. In addition, the report notes that attacks and threats of attacks forced thousands of civilians to flee their homes.

A coalition of armed groups, known as the CPC (Coalition des Patriotes pour le Changement), was responsible for over half of the documented incidents (54 per cent). 

The CPC killed and abducted civilians, attacked UN peacekeepers, looted the premises of humanitarian organisations, threatening their staff, and burned down polling stations. In one incident on 19 March, an armed group affiliated with the CPC killed three traders in Ouaka prefecture, after tying them up and torturing them. Their bodies were subsequently found with their voting cards tied around their necks.

The Central African Armed Forces (FACA), Internal Security Forces (FSI) and other security personnel –  including Russian military instructors deployed under an agreement between the Governments of CAR and the Russian Federation, and  private military contractors operating in the country –  were responsible for 46 per cent of the confirmed incidents.

Credible evidence gathered by the MINUSCA Human Rights Division indicated that these other security personnel  were involved in military training and actively participated in military operations, including arresting suspects, and inflicting inhumane treatment and torture on some of them. On a number of occasions and in different locations, they were also reportedly involved in extrajudicial killings.

The Human Rights Division also confirmed an increase in attacks on members of the Muslim community by the FACA, FSI and other security personnel between February and June 2021. Further reports indicate that the deliberate targeting of Muslims over their alleged affiliation with armed groups was continuing.

“All parties to the conflict are continuing to commit atrocities, amid a deteriorating security situation, particularly in the provinces. A political solution to this crisis and the full respect at all times of international humanitarian and human rights law by all parties to the conflict are the only viable path to a durable peace and sustainable development in CAR,” said Mankeur Ndiaye, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of MINUSCA.

The CAR Government has recently taken steps to promote and protect human rights, including the establishment of a special commission of inquiry on 4 May to investigate violations of international humanitarian and international human rights law linked to the elections. This, the report says, “represents a positive step toward accountability and in the fight against impunity”. 

“Addressing past and current human rights violations in a manner meaningful to victims is essential to break the long and agonising cycle of violence in the Central African Republic,” said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet. “To that end, there must be thorough, impartial and effective investigations into all alleged violations and abuses and those responsible must be held to account.”

In its recommendations, the report calls on armed groups to cease all attacks on the civilian population, including sexual violence and recruitment of children, and to re-engage in the peace process.

The report further urges the Government to take appropriate measures to hold those responsible for human rights violations and abuses accountable and to create a protective environment for civilians and humanitarian workers. It also calls on the Government to ensure the FACA, FSI and other security personnel leave all civilian buildings, including schools and hospitals, which they have illegally occupied. 

The report also urges the international community to support the Government’s efforts to tackle the long-standing culture of impunity in CAR and to provide the necessary support for the professionalization of the FACA and FSI to enable them to fulfil their primary role of protecting civilians and promoting and protecting their human rights at all times.

Read the full report (in French) here
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

USAID Launches New Activity to Counter Growing Gender-Based Violence in Nigeria
USAID Launches New Activity to Counter Growing Gender-Based Violence in Nigeria

On August 3, 2021, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires, Kathleen FitzGibbon, joined Nigerian Minister for Humanitarian Affairs Sadiya Umar Farouq representing Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and Minister for Women’s Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, to ceremonially launch a four-year activity from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) that will prevent and respond to gender-based violence (GBV) in the states of Sokoto and Ebonyi.

GBV is a health and social concern with far-reaching consequences affecting mostly women and girls. USAID’s $5 million MOMENTUM Country and Global Leadership in Nigeria (MCGL) will reduce maternal and child mortality by increasing host country commitment to provide quality health care. MCGL will address drivers of child, early and forced marriage, and prevent and mitigate the impacts of violence against women and girls.

“This new activity from USAID will strengthen GBV response mechanisms, help communities transform discriminatory gender and social norms that continue to subordinate women and make them vulnerable, and uphold and defend women’s health and human rights,” Chargé FitzGibbon said at the launch. “It will increase women’s voice and agency and reduce their vulnerability to gender-based violence.”

GBV is driven by structural inequalities and unequal power relations that render women subordinate due to limited access to education, employment, finances, healthcare, and opportunities to contribute to their family, community, and the country’s economic growth.

In Nigeria, one in three women and girls aged 15 to 24 years have experienced GBV. It is often at the hands of people they know, love, and trust.  The unfortunate normalization of GBV against women and girls has continued under the guise of culture, tradition, and religion.  GBV has reached epidemic proportions in Nigeria, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, in the form of intimate partner violence, rape, and early and forced marriage.

MCGL is already working in Sokoto and Ebonyi to engage communities, elected and traditional leaders, and a growing coalition of stakeholders to explore social norms that drive GBV. They will work with them to address gaps and develop interventions.  This co-creation process can enhance laws and policies to protect vulnerable populations and improve access to reproductive health care.

USAID partner, Jphiego, will lead a growing consortium of Nigerian organizations   to implement MCGL in Ebonyi and Sokoto due to their statistically high rates of GBV incidence and the presence of other USAID activities working to improve health outcomes.

“We are committed to working together for a safer society for women, girls and the vulnerable, Minister Farouq said “No time is more appropriate than now to adopt a policy of zero tolerance for gender-based violence in Nigeria.”

Ultimately, the project will increase women’s voices and agency throughout their life course in project locations and beyond.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria.

Virtual Briefing: Challenges Posed by Ebrahim Raisi, a Recognized Mass Murderer
Virtual Briefing: Challenges Posed by Ebrahim Raisi, a Recognized Mass Murderer

On August 5, 2021, the US Representative Office of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI-US) will host an online briefing, featuring notable human rights and Iran policy figures.

New Book Makes the Case for Raisi’s Accountability

WASHINGTON, DC, UNITED STATES, August 4, 2021 /EINPresswire.com/ — Washington, DC – On Thursday, August 5, 2021, the U.S. Representative Office of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI-US) will host an online briefing, featuring notable human rights and Iran policy figures. The discussion will focus on the challenges of implementing an appropriate Iran policy following the inauguration of Ebrahim Raisi, internationally recognized for his crimes against humanity and his key role in the massacre of some 30,000 political prisoners in 1988.

The NCRI-US will release a new book, “IRAN: Call for Justice; The Case to Hold Ebrahim Raisi to Account for Crimes Against Humanity.”

The speakers are the Honorable Michael Mukasey, 81st U.S. Attorney General; former U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman; and Mr. Geoffrey Robertson QC, a distinguished human rights barrister, academic, and author.

Mr. Alireza Jafarzadeh, deputy director of the Washington Office of the NCRI, and author of The Iran Threat, will present the new book and moderate this timely event.

WHEN: Thursday, August 5, 2021, 11 am – 12:00 pm EDT

RSVP is required. To register for the webinar, please contact: media@ncrius.org

# #
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
These materials are being distributed by the National Council of Resistance of Iran-U.S. Representative Office. Additional information is on file with the Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.

NCRI-US
National Council of Resistance of Iran – US Rep. Office
email us here

Independent Investigators Find Governor Cuomo Sexually Harassed Multiple Women, Violated State and Federal Laws
Independent Investigators Find Governor Cuomo Sexually Harassed Multiple Women, Violated State and Federal Laws

Report by Independent Investigators Find NYS Governor Sexually Harassed Multiple Women From 2013 Through 2020 

Sexual Harassment Included Unwanted and Inappropriate Groping, Kissing, Hugging, and Comments That Accusers Called “Deeply Humiliating, Uncomfortable, Offensive, or Inappropriate” 

Executive Chamber “Rife with Fear and Intimidation,” Enabled “Harassment to Occur and Created a Hostile Work Environment”

NEW YORK – The independent investigators appointed by New York Attorney General Letitia James — led by Joon H. Kim and Anne L. Clark — today released their report into the multiple allegations of sexual harassment by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. After nearly five months, the investigators concluded that Governor Cuomo did sexually harass multiple women — including former and current state employees — by engaging in unwanted groping, kissing, and hugging, and making inappropriate comments. Further, the governor and his senior staff took actions to retaliate against at least one former employee for coming forward with her story. Finally, the Executive Chamber fostered a “toxic” workplace that enabled “harassment to occur and created a hostile work environment.” The investigators find that Governor Cuomo’s actions and those of the Executive Chamber violated multiple state and federal laws, as well as the Executive Chamber’s own written policies.

The investigation was conducted after, on March 1, 2021, the Executive Chamber made a referral, pursuant to New York Executive Law Section 63(8), for Attorney General James to select independent lawyers to investigate “allegations of and circumstances surrounding sexual harassment claims made against the governor.” Kim and Clark were chosen to lead the investigation on March 8, 2021.

“This is a sad day for New York because independent investigators have concluded that Governor Cuomo sexually harassed multiple women and, in doing so, broke the law,” said Attorney General James. “I am grateful to all the women who came forward to tell their stories in painstaking detail, enabling investigators to get to the truth. No man — no matter how powerful — can be allowed to harass women or violate our human rights laws, period.”

Starting in December 2020, multiple women came forward with allegations that Governor Cuomo sexually harassed them. Over the course of the investigation, the investigators interviewed 179 individuals. Those interviewed included complainants, current and former members of the Executive Chamber, State Troopers, additional state employees, and others who interacted regularly with the governor. More than 74,000 documents, emails, texts, and pictures were also reviewed as evidence during the investigation.

Backed up by corroborating evidence and credible witnesses, the investigators detail multiple current or former New York state employees or women outside state service who were the targets of harassing conduct on the part of the governor.

As part of the investigation, Governor Cuomo also sat with the interviewers and answered questions under oath. While the governor denied the most serious allegations, the investigators found that he did so by offering “blanket denials” or that he had a “lack of recollection as to specific incidents.” The investigators also found that the governor’s recollection “stood in stark contrast to the strength, specificity, and corroboration of the complainants’ recollections, as well as the reports of many other individuals who offered observations and experiences of the governor’s conduct.”   

Additionally, the investigators found that the Executive Chamber was “rife with fear and intimidation” that not only “enabled the above-described instances of harassment to occur,” but also “created a hostile work environment overall.” Further, Governor Cuomo, himself, and the Executive Chamber engaged in “retaliatory” behavior by “intend[ing] to discredit and disparage” a former employee that came forward with her story of harassment.

The investigation found that Governor Cuomo’s sexual harassment of multiple women and his and the Executive Chamber’s retaliation against a former employee for coming forward with her claims of sexual harassment violated multiple state and federal laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the New York State Human Rights Law, and 42 U.S. Code § 1983, in addition to the Executive Chamber’s own equal employment policies.

Jennifer Kennedy Park, Abena Mainoo, and Rahul Mukhi from the law firm Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP were all deputized — in addition to Joon H. Kim — as Special Deputies to the First Deputy Attorney General to conduct the investigation and issue this report. Yannick Grant from the law firm Vladeck, Raskin & Clark, P.C. was deputized — in addition to Anne L. Clark — as a Special Deputy to the First Deputy Attorney General to conduct the investigation and issue this report. A number of other attorneys from both Cleary Gottlieb and Vladeck were appointed as Special Assistants to the First Deputy Attorney General to assist with the investigation.

Appendix I

Appendix II

Appendix III

CCHR Says the Olympics Raise Mental Health Concerns but not Treatment Harms
CCHR Says the Olympics Raise Mental Health Concerns but not Treatment Harms

The Tokyo Olympics has shown importance of athletes’ mental health, but this shouldn’t be equated with “mental illness” that can lead to forced and damaging treatment with psychotropics, electroshock and other brain interventions.

The Tokyo Olympics has shown importance of athletes’ mental health but shouldn’t be equated with “mental illness” that can lead to forced and damaging treatment

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES, August 3, 2021 /EINPresswire.com/ — The Citizens Commission on Human Rights International (CCHR) says that the Olympic Games in Tokyo has raised the importance of mental health issues but says there needs to be a clear distinction between this and mental “illness” treatment today. For decades, psychiatrists have re-defined mental health as “mental disorder” or “illness,” which has stigmatized individuals and led them onto a path of physically damaging treatment that can harm them, but not cures.

CCHR says that because of this, a psychiatric apartheid has occurred, where mental health policy or practice has separated and segregated groups deemed to be mentally ill and discriminated against them with forced hospitalization and treatment, which can be brutal. Jan Eastgate, president of CCHR International says “It can ruin mental health, rather than improve it.”

“The Olympics has brought to light the stresses of athletes competing, their grueling training routines and being under constant public pressure and expectations to win ‘gold.’ It stands to reason that having a solid mental health outlook is a vital part of such challenges but that this can also falter. CCHR applauds all the athletes for not just their dedication and courage but also their service to sport and their respective countries,” Eastgate states.

However, she points out that for more than 50 years, CCHR has exposed and continues to expose rampant psychiatric abuse and treatments that harm mental health. The group’s Mental Health Declaration of Human Rights, written in 1969, lays out 30 points that, if largely implemented by governments and health departments across the globe, could, prevent such abuse from occurring and so enable people to achieve true mental health—a positive outlook both emotionally and in thoughts and actions that enables a better life, not hampered by physically damaging “treatments.”

CCHR points out that psychiatrists diagnose by using descriptive names based on biased observation to redefine not doing well mentally as a physical disease—with not a single medical or scientific test to confirm this. Post WWII, they used the term “mental hygiene” which became synonymous with eugenics and euthanasia and changed the term to avoid negative connotations. Today, it is broadly called “mental health,” but it is important to differentiate between this and psychiatry’s definition of “mental disorder.” The two should not be confused, CCHR says, to avoid being trapped into thinking that a mind-altering drug or electroshock is a medical solution.

In medicine, strict criteria exist for calling a condition a disease: a predictable group of symptoms and the cause of the symptoms or an understanding of their physiology (function) must be proven and established. Chills and fever are symptoms. Harvard Medical School psychiatrist Joseph Glenmullen says that in psychiatry, “all of its diagnoses are merely syndromes [or disorders], clusters of symptoms presumed to be related, not diseases.” Dr. Darshak Sanghavi, clinical fellow at Harvard Medical School also wrote that “there is no blood test or brain scan for major depression. No geneticist can diagnose schizophrenia.”[1]

Although the brain is part of the nervous system, which receives and sends impulses into the body’s system, there’s no scientific proof that mental health thinking physically resides in the brain. But psychiatric drugs and electroshock impact brain function.

The psychotropic drugs prescribed to athletes tend to favor those that are “energizing” and less likely to commonly cause sedation, weight gain, cardiac side effects, and tremor. Side effects may be debilitating for the athlete because of potential performance impairment. Even “energizing” drugs such as antidepressants can cause tiredness, dizziness, weight gain, anxiety, aggression, unusual changes in behavior or mood.[2] Psychostimulants adverse effects include angina, blood pressure changes, blurred vision, depression, insomnia, suicidal thoughts, nervousness, seizures and even psychosis.[3]

These “work” by influencing the normal functions of the body: they speed up or slow them down or overwhelm them. They “mask” mental problems. Meanwhile, they tend to wear out your body. Like a car run on rocket fuel, a person may be able to get it to run a thousand miles an hour to the end of the block, but the tires, the engine and the internal parts fly apart in doing so. “What ends up happening,” wrote Dr. Beth McDougall, a health center medical director, “is that someone feels good for a while and then very often they have to have their dose increased. And then they feel good for a while and then they might have to have it increased again, or maybe they’ll switch agents.” But, “you’re not actually getting to the root of what’s going on.”[4]

CCHR warns that legitimate informed consent does not exist in the mental health system when it fails to inform those needing help that a mental disorder diagnosis is not based on scientific tests and, therefore, any treatment ensuing from this, constitutes “torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.” According to United Nations agencies and the World Health Organization, forced treatment amounts to torture.

A UN Special Rapporteur on health, Dr. Danius Puras said: “There is now unequivocal evidence of the failures of a system that relies too heavily on the biomedical model,” including psychotropic drugs.[5]

Eastgate sums up: “It is important for people to know the differences between mental health and psychiatric ‘disease,’ and to be informed of the failures of the psychiatric profession in ensuring mental health is actually achieved.”

CCHR has been responsible for more than 190 laws that have enacted protections based on its Mental Health Declaration of Human Rights and urges individuals seeking help to review this and what should be their inalienable rights when choosing how to get mental health help. See also CCHR’s Psychiatric Drugs Side Effects Search Engine.

[1] “Prozac Backlash by Joseph Glenmullen, M.D.,” http://www.webheights.net/depression/glenm/pb.htm; Dr. Darshak Sanghavi, “Health Care System Leaves Mentally Ill Children Behind,” The Boston Globe, 27 Apr. 2004, http://www.darshaksanghavi.com/columns/mentally%20ill.htm

[2] Rachel Reiff Ellis, “What Are the Side Effects of Antidepressants?” WebMD, 5 Sept. 2019, https://www.webmd.com/depression/side-effects-antidepressants

[3] Psychostimulants: The fact about the effects, CCHR International, https://www.cchr.org/sites/default/files/education/psychostim-booklet.pdf

[4] Ibid.

[5] https://www.cchrint.org/2021/06/07/un-special-rapporteur-dainius-puras-addresses-psychiatrys-global-coercion-crisis/, citing: “World needs ‘revolution’ in mental health care – UN rights expert,” 2017, http://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=21689&LangID=E#sthash.MMIxDbIx.dpuf

Amber Rauscher
Citizens Commission on Human Rights
2137983761 ext.
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WHO to expand support in strengthening the delivery of primary health care and essential health services through Canadian grant
WHO to expand support in strengthening the delivery of primary health care and essential health services through Canadian grant

As part of its efforts to ensure the delivery and utilization of stronger and more resilient primary health care and essential health services during the COVID-19 response and recovery, the World Health Organization (WHO) with support from the Government of Canada through the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (DFATD) is to support strengthening key health systems levels for primary health care and continuity of essential health services within the context of COVID-19 response.

The project focuses on an equity-oriented, gender responsive and human rights-based approach, to reach more disadvantaged populations who are at risk of being left behind. It is implemented under the leadership of the WHO Special Programme on Primary Health Care through the Universal Health Coverage Partnership network—one of WHO’s largest platforms for international cooperation on universal health coverage and primary health care. This effort aims to respond to the needs and gaps identified by countries and supports the COVID-19 Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan, highlighting the urgency of maintaining essential health services and systems.

In March 2021, WHO and the Government of Canada through the Department of Foreign Affairs Trade and Development signed a grant agreement in the amount of 30.38 million Canadian dollars to support 10 countries including South Sudan in delivering stronger and more resilient primary health care and essential health services during the COVID-19 response and recovery.

“We appreciate this contribution of the Canadian Government.  The Ministry of Health, COVID-19 Incident Management Team will work closely with WHO and partners to ensure the successful implementation of the project”, said Dr John Rumunu, Director General for Preventive Health Services, Ministry of Health South Sudan.

“Canada is committed to ensuring the people of South Sudan have access to quality health services. Through this partnership with WHO, people who are most in need, and whose health situations have been exacerbated by the pandemic—particularly women and girls—will have access to the essential health and nutrition services, including medicines, that they require”, said H.E. Ambassador Jenny Hill, Canada’s Ambassador to South Sudan.

“The implementation of the Government of Canada project will contribute to strengthening essential healthcare services and greatly improve health systems to ensure that a clear path is established towards attainment of universal health coverage (UHC), health security and other health-related Sustainable Development Goals”, said Dr Fabian Ndenzako, WHO Representative a.i. in South Sudan. “WHO is committed to working hand in hand with South Sudan’s Ministry of Health to ensure that more people can access good quality health services when they need it, without causing them to experience financial hardship, which is the core vision of UHC”.

The Government of Canada is one of WHO’s key partners working together in South Sudan. The partnership goes back a decade, starting in 2011. In 20211, the Canadian Government provided 19.4 million Canadian Dollars to WHO for its six-year Comprehensive Emergency Obstetrics and Newborn Care project.

“Thanks to our working together these last 10 years the project that comprises of infrastructure, equipment’s and training of health personnel has saved the lives of many mothers and children across the country,” said Dr Ndenzako.

Bridging global commitments with national priorities

Canada’s contribution also enhances collaboration among the 13 multilateral health, development and humanitarian agencies working together under the frame of the Global Action Plan for Healthy Lives and Well-being for All (SDG3-GAP) to better support countries in accelerating progress towards the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Primary Health Care Accelerator is among the seven accelerator areas under the Global Action Plan and through this, South Sudan is receiving intensified support for primary health care.

A contribution to the Joint Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction also complements this work by undertaking formative research to identify and analyze specific innovations and modifications made by countries to ensure continued access to and delivery of health services.

More about Canada’s funding support to WHO is available in the WHO Programme Budget Portal.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – South Sudan.

General Assembly Creates New Permanent Forum of People of African Descent
General Assembly Creates New Permanent Forum of People of African Descent

Capping years of deliberations, the UN General Assembly on Monday established a new platform to improve the lives of Afro-descendants, who have for centuries suffered the ills of racism, racial discrimination and the legacy of enslavement around the globe.

The 193-member body unanimously adopted a resolution establishing the United Nations Permanent Forum of People of African Descent, a 10-member advisory body that will work closely with the Geneva-based Human Rights Council.

The new Forum will serve as a consultation mechanism for people of African descent and other stakeholders, and contribute to the elaboration of a UN declaration – a “first step towards a legally binding instrument” on the promotion and full respect of the rights of people of African descent.

‘Compounding inequalities’

Negotiations on the modalities of the Permanent Forum have been under way since November 2014, when the General Assembly officially launched the International Decade for People of African Descent (2015-2024).

Through the resolution adopted on Monday – which articulates the new body’s mandate for the first time – the Assembly expressed alarm at the spread of racist extremist movements around the globe, and deplored the “ongoing and resurgent scourges” of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.

The move comes just days after the Human Rights Council established a panel of experts to investigate systemic racism in policing against people of African descent, and on the heels of a report by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), prompted by the police killing of George Floyd in 2020.

In that report and various public statements, High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet has pointed to the “compounding inequalities” and “stark socioeconomic and political marginalization” faced by Africans and people of African descent in many countries.

The report also notes that “no State has comprehensively accounted for the past or for the current impact of systemic racism” and calls for a transformative agenda to tackle violence against Afro-descendants.

UN-wide expert advice

The Permanent Forum of People of African Descent will be made up of five members nominated by Governments and then elected by the General Assembly, and five additional members appointed by the Human Rights Council.

Among other mandates tasks, it will seek to advance the full political, economic and social inclusion of people of African descent in the societies in which they live – as equal citizens without discrimination, and with equal enjoyment of human rights – and contribute to the elaboration of a UN declaration on the rights of persons of African descent.

The Forum will provide expert advice and recommendations to the Human Rights Council, the Assembly’s main committees, and the various UN entities working on issued related to racial discrimination.

Best practices

It will also collect best practices and monitor progress on the effective implementation of the International Decade’s activities, gathering relevant information from Governments, UN bodies, non-governmental groups and other relevant sources.

The first session of the Permanent Forum will be held in 2022, with subsequent annual sessions rotating between Geneva and New York.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.

Madam Suvarna Pappu defined RIP as “Returning as the Immortal President” for Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, Hollywood biopic film
Madam Suvarna Pappu defined RIP as “Returning as the Immortal President” for Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, Hollywood biopic film

Dr. Hari Kalam showing “The Global Peace Trophy for Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam” to HRH Prince JD before being placed in Dr. Kalam Memorial Rameshwaram, India.

madam suvarna pappu aug 2021

Dr. Hari Kalam showing “The Global Peace Trophy for Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam” to Madam Suvarna Pappu before being placed in Dr. Kalam Memorial Rameshwaram, India.

mission kalam remembrance day 2

MISSION KALAM Remembrance Day

Madam Suvarna Pappu released a Special Remembrance Video as homage to Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam in connection with MISSION KALAM: Remembrance Day, July 27th 2021.

Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s story to be narrated globally is the need of the hour and I am fortunate to erect the Hollywood biopic film of Dr. Kalam with the excellent creative acumen of HRH Prince JD.”
— Madam Suvarna Pappu

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, USA, August 3, 2021 /EINPresswire.com/ — July 27, 2021, Los Angeles, USA.

“Dr. A.P.J. Adbul Kalam lives in millions of his admirers’ hearts as Immortal President forever”, stated by Madam Suvarna Pappu, Founder & Managing Director, Pink Jaguars Entertainment, Hollywood Media & Film Production Company, USA. She being the C.E.O. Royal Affairs, Kalinga Royal Business Conglomerates organized the MISSION KALAM: Remembrance Day virtual gathering on July 27th 2021 to pay homage to Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam who is the acclaimed 11th President of Republic of India.

Pink Jaguars Entertainment celebrated a soulful remembrance of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam where His Royal Highness Prince Jagadeesh Daneti and Madam Suvarna Pappu released a special video with the beautiful memories, thus creating a new abbreviation to RIP as “Returning as the Immortal President”. His Royal Highness Prince Jagadeesh Daneti felt honored to come up with the biopic of a legend who made his mark in the hearts of millions.  

His Royal Highness Prince Jagadeesh Daneti gifted the virtual gathering with the special attraction that stirred everyone’s soul, is the participation of Ms. Kalyani who was fondly addressed as ‘Kalyani Teacher’ by Dr. Kalam. She was the lady who taught Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam the Veena (harp), a stringed Indian musical instrument. She shared the moments of his participation in music lessons and the spiritual conversations on Indian scriptures carried with Dr. Kalam. She also mentioned some moments of her interactions with Dr. Kalam during an event where he was felicitated for receiving the prestigious award,  ‘Bharat Ratna’. These interactions will be showcased on the silver screen in the upcoming bio-picture. Veteran singer Mr. D.V. Mohana Krishna (the proud disciple of late Dr. M. Bala Murali Krishna) from India sang “Endharo Mahanubhaavulu..”, a stellar composition in Indian Carnatic Music which was much loved by Dr. Kalam. 

Dr. Hari Kalam, Chairman of Mission Kalam, USA expressed his deep gratitude to the millions of Mission Kalam followers worldwide for their association and participation in the mission and driving it forward with their dedication. Ms. Lalitha Padmini, Director of Festival Films and Public Relations interfaced with special memories shared by the Members of Mission Kalam. Ms. Mariah Fox, Hollywood Actress hosted the session as a token of special respect towards the J Empire and Dr. Kalam. 

The session was attended by International Guests, Mr. Y.H.B. Marwan (Partner, J Empire), Dr. M’Barek Afekouh (Ambassador, International Human Rights Organization, Morocco), Mr. Christopher Corrigan (Hollywood Actor, Partner and Legal Counsel, USA), Ms. Angela Anderson (Hollywood Actor & Producer, CEO, AAITM, USA), Mr. Mark Darko (Financial Strategist & Advisor, Africa), Mr. Tamer Abdelhadi Houssein Ahmed (Specialist Film Fund, Morocco), Mr. Adam Nuetzsky-Wuelff (Partner, Denmark), Dr. Shabreen Sultana Shaik (Convenor: Guntur Chapter of English Language Teachers Association of India) and Mr. Govindarajulu Paravastu (Former OSD, TCR & TM, Tribal Welfare Department, India and Member J Charities), Mr. Srinivas Yanamandra (International Investment Banker) and Ms. Ashley Ford (Hollywood Actress). The respectable dignitaries shared their thoughts on the topic: “If Dr. Kalam met you today, what would you ask him?” which was an intellectual, thought-provoking and emotional dialogue. 

There might be thousands of sessions paying homage to Dr. Kalam all over the world but ‘MISSION KALAM: Remembrance Day’ conducted by Pink Jaguars Entertainment stood as the most soulful session as ‘never before and never after’ to showcase the admiration and respect for Dr. Kalam.

Sophia Crez, Director of Public Relations
American Hollywood Alliance
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RIP: Returning as Immortal President

Continuing Education Course Educates Professionals on Changes to Baker Act Procedures
Continuing Education Course Educates Professionals on Changes to Baker Act Procedures

Designed for individuals authorized to initiate an involuntary hold, the virtual course is delivered by an attorney and covers basic rights impacted by law.

The lack of reporting on the actual number of people being taken into custody for involuntary psychiatric examinations across the country is unconscionable and must be addressed.”
— Diane Stein, President CCHR Florida

CLEARWATER, FLORIDA, UNITED STATES, August 3, 2021 /EINPresswire.com/ — Commonly known as the Baker Act, Florida’s mental health law, allows for individuals of all ages to be taken into custody for an involuntary psychiatric examination. However, this law is often misunderstood and misused. With changes made during the 2021 legislative session on the procedure for Baker Acting a child, it is more important than ever to ensure this procedure is understood.According to a new study by researchers at the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, only 25 states in the country track involuntary holds with enough data to be analyzed and of those 25, “annual detentions varied from a low of 29 per 100,000 people in Connecticut in 2015 to a high of 966 in Florida in 2018.” Florida initiated more than 210,000 Baker Acts during 2018/2019 across the state with over 37,000 involving children. [1,2]

While Florida recently made changes to the involuntary examination process for children, now requiring reasonable attempts to notify parents, headlines such as “6-year-old Florida girl “traumatized” after being involuntarily sent to mental health facility” and “Florida’s flawed Baker Act rips thousands of kids from school” have been all too frequent spurring the Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) to begin offering continuing education on the law. After first receiving approval to host continuing education through the Florida Bar on the Baker Act for attorneys, the move to become a provider through the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling was a logical next step. [3,4,5]

The next complimentary virtual course is being hosted by CCHR on Saturday, August 14th, and will be delivered by attorney Carmen Miller, a former assistant public defender in the Thirteenth Circuit in Tampa, with an extensive background in dealing with Baker Acts. Those in attendance will learn the context and intentions of the mental health law, basic human rights impacted by the Baker Act, changes to the Baker Act process for children and the unintended consequences of involuntary psychiatric examinations. To learn more or to reserve a spot, please call 727-442-8820 or send an email to execdir@cchrflorida.org.

About CCHR: Initially established by the Church of Scientology and renowned psychiatrist Dr. Thomas Szasz in 1969, CCHR’s mission is to eradicate abuses committed under the guise of mental health and enact patient and consumer protections. L. Ron Hubbard, founder of Scientology, first brought psychiatric imprisonment to wide public notice: “Thousands and thousands are seized without process of law, every week, over the ‘free world’ tortured, castrated, killed. All in the name of ‘mental health,’” he wrote in March 1969. For more information visit www.cchrflorida.org

Sources:
[1] Study Finds Involuntary Psychiatric Detentions on the Rise https://luskin.ucla.edu/study-finds-involuntary-psychiatric-detentions-on-the-rise
[2] Baker Act Reporting Center https://www.usf.edu/cbcs/baker-act/documents/ba_usf_annual_report_2018_2019.pdf
[3] Ibid.
[4] WUSF Health News Florida COMMITTED https://wfsu.org/committed/ and Baker Act Abuse – Media Stories https://www.cchrflorida.org/baker-act-abuse/
[5] Florida Senate Bill 590: School Safety http://laws.flrules.org/2021/176

CCHR FL – The Right to Help in Times of Crisis

(Video) Iran: Raisi Presidency, A New Lease On Life Or The End For Iran’s Ruling Theocracy?
(Video) Iran: Raisi Presidency, A New Lease On Life Or The End For Iran’s Ruling Theocracy?

(PMOI / MEK Iran) and (NCRI): Ebrahim Raisi, a member of the 1988 Massacre’s “Death Commission” assigned as the highest judicial position within the regime.

June 17, 2021 - Iranian people are ripping posters of Ebrahim Raisi, the leading candidate for the regime’s sham presidential election.

(PMOI / MEK Iran) and (NCRI): Iranian people are ripping posters of Ebrahim Raisi, the leading candidate for the regime’s sham presidential election.

June 21, 2021 - Iranian regime’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei and Ebrahim Raisi.

(PMOI / MEK Iran) and (NCRI): Iranian regime’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei and Ebrahim Raisi.

June 21, 2021 - Ebrahim Raisis record oppression of women.

(PMOI / MEK Iran) and (NCRI): Ebrahim Raisis record oppression of women.

June 21, 2021 - Ebrahim Raisi, a member of the 1988 Massacre’s “Death Commission” assigned as the highest judicial position within the regime.

(PMOI / MEK Iran) and (NCRI): Ebrahim Raisi, a member of the 1988 Massacre’s “Death Commission” assigned as the highest judicial position within the regime.

June 23, 2021 - Ebrahim Raisi, a member of the 1988 Massacre’s “Death Commission” assigned as the highest judicial position within the regime.

(PMOI / MEK Iran) and (NCRI): Ebrahim Raisi, a member of the 1988 Massacre’s “Death Commission” assigned as the highest judicial position within the regime.

June 7, 2021 - Ebrahim Raisi, a member of the 1988 Massacre’s “Death Commission” Iranian regime’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei's choice to be the nexet president

(PMOI / MEK Iran) and (NCRI): Ebrahim Raisi, a member of the 1988 Massacre’s “Death Commission” Iranian regime’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei’s choice to be the nexet president

June 8, 2021 - The perpetrator of Genocide and Crime against Humanity

(PMOI / MEK Iran) and (NCRI): The perpetrator of Genocide and Crime against Humanity

On the third week of protests, the situation is not sustainable and the regime has no solutions for it other than guns, bullets restrict access to the Internet.

Known as the ‘1988 Henchman,’ Raisi was part of a ‘Death Commission’ involved in the executions and forced disappearances of over 30,000 political prisoners in the span of a few months in 1988.”
— NCRI

PARIS, FRANCE, August 2, 2021 /EINPresswire.com/ — On Tuesday, August 3, the Iranian regime’s next president will be inaugurated. But Ebrahim Raisi’s formal inauguration as president is anything but normal. It is rather a significant inaugural point that, in all likelihood, marks the beginning of the end for a brutal regime.The theocracy’s death throes are discernible for several reasons.

The regime is more illegitimate and vulnerable than ever before. The sham presidential “elections” that vaulted Raisi to the presidency in June were resoundingly boycotted by the Iranian people. Credible opposition sources estimated that less than 10% of the population appeared at the polls.

Against this backdrop, the mullahs’ Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, has embarked on a massive campaign to purge rival factions. His power base continues to shrink, pushing him to close ranks. His latest decisions to install a mass murderer as president and a professional killer named Gholam-Hossein Eje’i as the judiciary chief smack of desperation, not strength. And his anxiety results from growing protests and uprisings.

Even amid the coronavirus pandemic and the regime’s vicious suppression, dozens of cities in Iran have risen up for the third week after protests broke out in Khuzestan province.

The regime is mired in existential crises and is effectively in a state of emergency. Large swathes of the population harbor significant and growing grievances that they attribute to the incompetent and corrupt clerical dictators. In addition to rampant inflation and poverty, the people are grappling with vast shortages of basics like water and electricity.

Close to 350,000 people have died so far due to the regime’s astonishing mismanagement of the coronavirus in Iran, which among others included the decision to ban any vaccine made by US and the UK. Still, fewer than 3% of the population has been fully vaccinated.

This situation is not sustainable and the regime has no solutions for it other than guns and bullets or trying to restrict access to the Internet. Since December 2017, multiple mass uprisings have shaken the regime, and the theocracy is fearful that more are on the way. So, Khamenei is hoping to regroup his most loyal functionaries behind the likes of Raisi and Eje’i as a barrier against uprisings. But it is too late.

Ebrahim Raisi is particularly a lightning rod of popular outrage, owing to his involvement in the gruesome 1988 massacre, which followed Khomeini’s decree that all political prisoners affiliated with the People’s Mujahedin of Iran (PMOI/MEK), who remained loyal to the organization and their ideals, must be executed. Known as the “1988 Henchman,” Raisi was part of a “Death Commission” involved in the executions and forced disappearances of over 30,000 political prisoners in the span of a few months in 1988. For the Iranian people, he is a grisly reminder of the theocracy’s vicious nature.

As Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, the President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), said in an address to the Free Iran World Summit on July 10, “Only the regime’s fear of the uprisings and the supreme leader’s political demise can explain Raisi’s taking office.”

Under these circumstances, the silence of Western governments is deeply troubling. Instead of hoping to re-engage the regime in Vienna over its nuclear program, the international community needs to come to grips with the fact that the regime is forging a dangerous path. It will increase suppression at home, advance its regional designs more aggressively, and pursue its clandestine nuclear weapons program with more vigor.

With independent and human rights’ calls abounding, the international community must arrange for the investigation into, and prosecution of Raisi and other mass murderers who have thrived in Iran’s murder machinery. Failure to act is both immoral and politically counterproductive. It simply means turning a blind eye on the suppression of the Iranian people and giving impunity to the criminals ruling Iran to slaughter more people. It will also have dire consequences for international peace and stability.

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p class=”contact c9″ dir=”auto”>Shahin Gobadi
NCRI
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Protests in Tehran, Qazvin & Shushtar support Khuzestan demonstrations, chant against Ali Khamenei

Scientology celebrated World Friendship Day
Scientology celebrated World Friendship Day

For World Friendship Day, the Church of Scientology Shares the Key to Lasting Relationships

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA • A new “Golden Rule” to kindle compassion, improve relationships, and empower happiness, from a common-sense, universal moral code

The Church of Scientology International extends an invitation to people of goodwill to join Scientology Churches and Missions in support of International Day of Friendship, a United Nations initiative that promotes “friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals” and seeks to “inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities.”


In observing this UN Day, Scientologists share two precepts from The Way to Happiness, the common-sense moral code written by L. Ron Hubbard, that hold the key to lasting friendships:

  • “Try not to do things to others that you would not like them to do to you,” and
  • “Try to treat others as you would want them to treat you.”

“Among many peoples in many lands for many ages there have been versions of what is called ‘The Golden Rule,’” wrote Mr. Hubbard. “The philosophic question concerning wrongdoing, the argument of what is wrong is answered at once on a personal basis: Would you not like that to happen to you? No? Then it must be a harmful action and, from society’s viewpoint, a wrong action. It can awaken social consciousness. It can then let one work out what one should do and what one should not do.”

As to the second and positive version of the rule, “One can get into a lot of conflicting opinions and confusions about what ‘good behavior’ might be,” Mr. Hubbard wrote. “If one were to think over how he or she would like to be treated by others, one would evolve the human virtues. Just figure out how you would want people to treat you.”

The full text of these precepts, available on The Way to Happiness Foundation website, provides know-how for an individual wishing to implement the guidelines personally or take them up with others to help them salvage or enhance interpersonal relationships. 

Putting these and the other 19 precepts of The Way to Happiness into action has everything to do with the purpose of International Friendship Day, because, as Mr. Hubbard points out:

“Aside from personal benefit, one can take a hand, no matter how small, in beginning a new era for human relations. The pebble, dropped in a pool, can make ripples to the furthest shore.”

Scientology Churches mark International Friendship Day with open house events and forums where they share successful application of The Way to Happiness in addressing issues of importance to the community. They also reach out with The Way to Happiness information stands and distribution events to share the booklet and its wealth of knowledge.

An interactive timeline on the Scientology website documents how the Church of Scientology Kansas City and Kansas City community activists partnered for Peace Rides, based on the effectiveness of Peace Rides in Los Angeles. The KC team distributed The Way to Happiness to promote a climate of unity and peace, counter violence and reverse the city’s climbing homicide rate. In honor of the event, Kansas City rapper and recording artist Kodde One wrote the anthem “Hold Yo’ Head High” to help spread the booklet’s message of brotherhood throughout the city. 

Other examples of the impact of The Way to Happiness are featured on the Scientology Network in episodes of the original series Voices for Humanity, which spotlights the work of humanitarians using the booklet to address societal needs. These episodes include the work of:

  • Rev. Father Teddy Sichinga, who uses The Way to Happinessto empower poverty-stricken farmers and villagers in Zambia; 
  • Diana Pedroni, who in partnership with the director of National Prevention and Citizen Security in the Dominican Republic distributed the booklet throughout the country resulting in a 21 percent drop in crime;
  • Rosalba and José Cordero and their Social Development and Recovery of Values Association, who not only educate young people with these precepts in schools, they also bring the program to inmates across Mexico’s entire prison system resulting in 99 percent of their graduates living lives free of crime. 

Those using The Way to Happiness in their communities share rave reviews of its effectiveness:

“I firmly believe that The Way to Happiness can change the perspective of many people to life and difficult situations that arise in it,” writes the coordinator of social rehabilitation and rehabilitation center for young offenders.

“Extremely motivating and inspiring. Moreover, in this world of intolerance and violence, the messages of peace and sharing can bring about a change in the world,” wrote a teacher.

“Two precepts really took my daughter’s interest,” wrote a parent. “‘Be Industrious’ and ‘Flourish and Prosper.’ She never looked back after that and has since carried a seemingly unkillable momentum and spirit about life. I have no doubt what started her turnaround. It was The Way to Happiness.” 

For more information on The Way to Happiness, contact your local Church of Scientology or visit The Way to Happiness Foundation website.

The Founder of the Scientology religion is L. Ron Hubbard and Mr. David Miscavige is the religion’s ecclesiastical leader.

Source: https://www.scientologynews.org/press-releases/for-world-friendship-day-the-church-of-scientology-shares-the-key-to-lasting.html

(Video) Iran’s Regime Remains Committed to the Fatwa Behind Its 1988 Massacre
(Video) Iran’s Regime Remains Committed to the Fatwa Behind Its 1988 Massacre

(PMOI / MEK Iran) and (NCRI): Ebrahim Raisi has played a key role in a historic massacre of political prisoners, serving on the “death commission” tasked with implementing then Supreme leader Rohullah Khomeini’s fatwa against the main opposition, the MEK.

June 16, 2021 - Ebrahim Raisi, a member of the 1988 Massacre’s “Death Commission” assigned as the highest judicial position within the regime.

(PMOI / MEK Iran) and (NCRI): Ebrahim Raisi, a member of the 1988 Massacre’s “Death Commission” assigned as the highest judicial position within the regime.

June 17, 2021 - Iranian people are ripping posters of Ebrahim Raisi, the leading candidate for the regime’s sham presidential election.

(PMOI / MEK Iran) and (NCRI): Iranian people are ripping posters of Ebrahim Raisi, the leading candidate for the regime’s sham presidential election.

June 21, 2021 - Iranian regime’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei and Ebrahim Raisi.

(PMOI / MEK Iran) and (NCRI): Iranian regime’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei and Ebrahim Raisi.

June 21, 2021 - Ebrahim Raisis record oppression of women.

(PMOI / MEK Iran) and (NCRI): Ebrahim Raisis record oppression of women.

June 21, 2021 - Ebrahim Raisi, a member of the 1988 Massacre’s “Death Commission” assigned as the highest judicial position within the regime.

(PMOI / MEK Iran) and (NCRI): Ebrahim Raisi, a member of the 1988 Massacre’s “Death Commission” assigned as the highest judicial position within the regime.

June 23, 2021 - Ebrahim Raisi, a member of the 1988 Massacre’s “Death Commission” assigned as the highest judicial position within the regime.

(PMOI / MEK Iran) and (NCRI): Ebrahim Raisi, a member of the 1988 Massacre’s “Death Commission” assigned as the highest judicial position within the regime.

July 30, 2021 - Iran - Activities of defiant youths and MEK Supporters commemorating 33rd Anniversary of the 1988 Massacre.

(PMOI / MEK Iran) and (NCRI): Iran – Activities of defiant youths and MEK Supporters commemorating 33rd Anniversary of the 1988 Massacre.

Khomeini’s fatwa: any political prisoners who “remain steadfast in their support for the MEK are waging war on God and are condemned to execution.”

Ebrahim Raisi, the man who had been appointed to lead the Judiciary in 2019 by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, as part of an ongoing series of rewards for those who helped to carry out the 1988 massacre.”
— NCRI

PARIS, FRANCE, July 31, 2021 /EINPresswire.com/ — The National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), reported that on June 18, the Iranian regime appointed a notorious violator of human rights as its next president. Ebrahim Raisi has played a key role in a historic massacre of political prisoners, serving on the “death commission” tasked with implementing then Supreme leader Rohullah Khomeini’s fatwa against the main opposition, the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK).The MEK was the prime target of the massacre between July and September of 1988, and it comprised the overwhelming majority of 30,000 political prisoners who were massacred during that period.

The death toll has naturally never been confirmed by Iranian authorities. Indeed, they have made every effort to cover up the details of the massacre in the ensuing three decades, by paving over and building upon the mass graves in which many victims are secretly interred. But contemporary evidence, including communications among the regime officials, make the MEK’s own estimates inherently plausible.

On July 31, 1988, with the massacre in full swing, Hossein Ali Montazeri, then the heir to the supreme leader, wrote to Khomeini in order to protest the indiscriminate nature of the killings, both on moral grounds and on the grounds that continuing along that path would inevitably foster greater resentment against the clerical regime both at home and abroad. In that letter, Montazeri appealed to the supreme leader to at least direct death commissions to “spare women with children.” He then suggested that in absence of such restraint, the effects of the ongoing proceedings could include “the execution of several thousand prisoners in a few days.”

This appears to be exactly what happened in the wake of Khomeini’s decision to ignore the first letter and then reply to a follow-up by writing only, “I am religiously responsible for the said verdict. You should not be concerned. May God obliterate every one of the MEK.” This remark was hardly more extreme than the language of the fatwa itself, which decreed that any political prisoners who “remain steadfast in their support for the MEK are waging war on God and are condemned to execution.”

The fatwa concluded by stating that it is “naïve to show mercy” to its targets and that the bodies tasked with carrying out the executions “must not hesitate, nor show any doubt or be concerned about details” of the decree’s implementation. This point was reiterated in Khomeini’s reply to an early request for clarification from Chief Justice Moussavi Ardebili.

Whereas the head of the judiciary questioned whether capital punishment should be meted out to persons who had already received lesser sentences and had committed no further crime, the supreme leader merely commanded Ardebili to “annihilate the enemies of Islam immediately,” then declared that in each individual case, the judiciary’s procedure should be whatever most “speeds up the implementation of the verdict.”

Khomeini’s letters to Ardebili and Montazeri directly contradict the descriptions of the proceedings that some Iranian officials have offered in recent years. In an interview with Fars News on August 4, 2016, for instance, a judiciary official named Ali Razini insisted that all of the executions were justified not just on the basis of the defendants’ membership in the MEK but also on the basis of unspecified crimes.

While Razini acknowledged that many prisoners were executed in the summer of 1988 after serving out lesser sentences, he proceeded to claim that all of them were guilty of “new crimes” either committed while in prison or committed earlier and discovered after the fact.

By all accounts, most regime authorities believed that any statement or the mere suggestion of continued support for the MEK was, in effect, a “new crime.” In one of his letters from the time of the massacre, Montazeri pointed out that some political prisoners had been asked to condemn the MEK and to affirm their willingness to fight in the war with Iraq, and had complied in both cases.

But some were then confronted with follow-up questions about whether they would be willing to walk through minefields on behalf of the supreme leader. Anything less than enthusiastic acceptance of that scenario was generally deemed to be evidence that the subject was still holding onto MEK political beliefs, and was grounds for execution.

In July 2017, Ali Fallahian, Iran’s Intelligence Minister in the period immediately following the massacre, gave an interview with state television in which he defended other, similarly arbitrary statements and behaviors that were deemed by the death commissions to be justification for capital punishment.

When challenged by the interviewer about whether anyone had been killed simply for being in possession of a MEK newspaper at the time of their arrest, Fallahian proudly answered in the affirmative. Such reading material, he explained, meant that the person in question was “part of that organization” and thus part of the population targeted by the fatwa.

The former Intelligence Minister went on to say that even buying bread to share with MEK activists could be grounds for execution. Such statements should leave no doubt about the fact that the 1988 massacre was specifically intended to wipe out the country’s leading Resistance group in its entirety. Then again, there should never have been any doubt on this point, since that intention was made clear by the fatwa itself, and especially by Khomeini’s follow-ups to it.

Even though the regime has attempted to cover-up the details of the massacre, officials have never been overly cautious about acknowledging its true intentions. Whatever caution they did hold seems to have evaporated since 2016, the year Montazeri’s son released an audio recording of the late ayatollah’s 1988 conversation with the members of the “death commission”, in which he condemned their participation in the “worst crime of the Islamic Republic.”

In August of that year, an official statement by the regime’s Assembly of Experts praised Khomeini’s fatwa for being “decisive and uncompromising” and for supposedly bringing the MEK “to the brink of complete annihilation.” Mostafa Pourmohammadi, then Iran’s Justice Minister and a former member of the death commissions himself, told state media that it was “God’s command” for the MEK to be executed and that those who carried out the mass killings were “proud” to do so.

The following month, the fatwa’s assertion that MEK members were “enemies of God” was reiterated by Ahmad Jannati, the head of the Guardian Council. Religious duty, he argued, “commands that we amputate their hands and legs, exile them, hang them.”

The Guardian Council would go on, in 2021, to exercise its vetting power in order to remove all viable candidates for the Iranian presidency other than Ebrahim Raisi, the man who had been appointed to lead the Judiciary in 2019 by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, as part of an ongoing series of rewards for those who helped to carry out the 1988 massacre.

Raisi’s ascension to the presidency reinforces the culture of impunity surrounding the 1988 massacre and other crimes against humanity, but it also threatens to bring even more attention to the massacre than Montazeri’s recording did in 2016. However, it is the moral and humanitarian responsibility of the international community to respond in a more assertive and coordinated fashion this time around, so as to bring accountability to Iran’s new president, Ebrahim Raisi, and those who have faced no consequences for this crime after more than 30 years.

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p class=”contact c9″ dir=”auto”>Shahin Gobadi
NCRI
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Alliance for Public Awareness – ICE 1988 Massacre of Political Prisoners In Iran – A Crime Against Humanity