South Asia Times’ Post

"‘Project Esther‘ casts pro-Palestinian activists in the U.S. as members of a global conspiracy aligned with designated terrorist organizations. This conspiratorial framing is part of a legal strategy to suppress speech favorable to Palestinians or critical of the U.S.-Israel relationship, by employing counterterrorism laws to suppress what would otherwise be protected speech, legal experts told Drop Site News.” In the UK, using the 2000 Terrorism Act, authorities have been stopping journalists and activists at border entry points to interrogate them, sometimes arresting them, or conducting raids on their homes all because they dare expose and condemn Israel’s ongoing barbarism in Gaza and now Lebanon and misconstrue it as support for proscribed organizations, namely Hamas and Hezbollah. Project Esther would first attempt to purge “propaganda” from schools, then intimidate students not to take part in protests. This process is expected to lead to a point where “both the U.S. public and a preponderance of Jewish community perceives HSOs” — short for Hamas Support Organizations — “as a threat to their safety.” Israel has been accusing any critic of being pro-Hamas, such as how they smeared U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Or they accuse you of being part of Hamas. What is even more disturbing is that Western governments have taken up these ludicrous claims to ensure Israel remains above criticism while it openly commits genocide. It is one of the most transparent tricks going back millennia for a government to smear its legitimate critics as being card-carrying members of its most ardent enemies — and Western governments are willfully falling for it, criminalizing journalists who oppose the slaughter. If Trump follows through with this plan he will be totally abrogating the First Amendment, which is supposed to separate the U.S. from the country it rebelled against a long time ago. See the whole article here: https://lnkd.in/eP5XpEwF

What constitutes a "political crime"? It can include anything from an armed insurgency to engaging in non-violent dissent in a non-conflict setting. Louise Mallinder's new report finds that amnesties for political crimes continue to be used within states to create exceptions in the application of criminal justice: https://lnkd.in/epc_miM3 Drawing on data from 1990 to 2023, the report argues that the expansion of the counter-terrorism framework and the growing criminalization of dissent have both served to expand the repressive use of criminal law, which amnesties for political offences often seek to remedy. This report was originally published in Spanish by Fundación Alternativas, as part of the full report, 'Informe sobre la Democracia en España 2023: La renuncia al centro'.

Sanam Javed: Facing 14 Anti-Terrorism Cases for Speaking Out In a startling revelation, Pakistani actress Sanam Javed has disclosed that she is facing 14 anti-terrorism cases, all stemming from her spoken words. This alarming situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by individuals in the entertainment industry, where freedom of expression often clashes with legal repercussions. Sanam, known for her outspoken views on various social issues, has been a vocal advocate for justice and equality. However, her candidness has drawn the ire of authorities, resulting in a barrage of legal actions against her. The fact that these cases have been labeled as anti-terrorism charges raises serious concerns about the implications for freedom of speech in Pakistan. The situation reflects a broader trend where dissenting voices, particularly from women in public life, are often targeted and silenced through legal intimidation. Critics argue that such measures undermine democracy and stifle necessary conversations about societal issues. As Sanam Javed navigates this challenging landscape, her case serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between expression and repression. Her resilience continues to inspire many, encouraging others to speak out against injustices, despite the risks involved. The unfolding events will likely draw attention to the critical need for protecting free speech and the rights of individuals in the face of authoritarianism. Source: Pakology Date: 02 November 2024

Pakistan has categorically rejected a recent report by the United States on human rights practices in the country, terming it "biased" and "based on inaccurate information". The report, released by the US State Department, had criticized Pakistan's human rights record, citing issues such as enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and restrictions on freedom of speech and assembly. In a strong response, the Pakistani Foreign Office spokesperson said that the report was "not based on objective criteria" and "ignored the significant progress made by Pakistan in promoting and protecting human rights". The spokesperson pointed out that Pakistan had taken numerous steps to address human rights concerns, including the establishment of a National Commission on Human Rights and the passage of legislation to protect the rights of women, minorities, and children. Pakistan also took exception to the report's criticism of its counter-terrorism efforts, saying that the country had made "tremendous sacrifices" in the fight against terrorism and had taken steps to ensure that human rights were respected in the process. The spokesperson emphasized that Pakistan's efforts to combat terrorism were in line with international law and standards, and that the country was committed to upholding human rights while also ensuring national security. The rejection of the report is the latest in a series of disagreements between Pakistan and the US on issues related to human rights and counter-terrorism. Pakistan has long maintained that it is committed to promoting and protecting human rights, and that its efforts to combat terrorism are in line with international standards. The US, on the other hand, has expressed concerns about Pakistan's human rights record and has called on the country to do more to address issues such as enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. . . . #Pakistan #HumanRights #USReport #CounterTerrorism #NationalSecurity #ForeignPolicy #Diplomacy #InternationalRelations #GlobalAffairs #tribunetrends

Author, journalist and former Police Scotland superintendent Martin Gallagher PhD explores the links between organised crime, terrorism and state-sponsored violence – from Indian-backed assassination attempts on Canadian soil, to firebombs in UK and European warehouses, and the efforts of Irish crime groups and Northern Irish paramilitaries to cultivate links with Russia and Iran. ❝We must walk a tightrope with our diaspora communities, one where we welcome those fleeing persecution and war, but while doing so ensure we are not blinded to the flaws and bad actors who may lurk within their citizens.❞ ❝With democracies undertaking such overt activity in each other’s towns and cities, it should be no surprise that nations such as Russia and Iran – with no constraints such as an allegiance to democracy – are embracing the spirit of the age.❞ ❝[Russian] Police officers would invite him[Ivan Rossomakhin, a murderer freed to fight for six months on the frontline in Ukraine] for tea to hear tales about his time with Wagner, and he “felt like I could get away with anything”. He raped and murdered an elderly lady, was arrested, convicted, and within weeks his perception of invulnerability to the rule of law was proved when he was freed again to return to the frontline.❞ ❝It’s important to understand how those engaging in terrorist or malign state-sponsored activity from an organised crime group ‘profit’ from those actions; it isn’t all about money, although that plays a part. Of equal import is the actor’s reputation.❞ https://lnkd.in/dCddAqt9 #lawenforcement #policing #police #crime #organisedcrime #terrorism #violence

Legal proceedings can be influenced by various factors, including the defendant’s belief in their innocence and strategic considerations. Delays may arise from exhaustive legal efforts, personal circumstances, systemic issues, or even emotional factors. The legal system must ensure due process, address these challenges, and prevent undue delay. If delays are politically motivated, they must be addressed. Independent bodies should intervene if political interference is suspected, maintaining public trust and justice principles. The situation is more complex if the defendant is a political candidate. The legal system must remain impartial, ensuring the proceedings are not influenced by the defendant’s political status. The defendant must not interfere with the legal process using their political position. Transparency and fairness are crucial to maintaining public trust in the legal system and the political process. Any political manipulation within the legal proceedings should be thoroughly investigated by independent bodies to uphold the rule of law, vital for the integrity of our democratic institutions and justice principles. #LawAndPolitics #LegalSystem #PoliticalLaw #LawAndPolicy #LawAndGovernment #LegalIssues #PoliticalIssues #LegalReform #PoliticalReform #LawAndSociety #LegalNews #PoliticalNews #LawAndOrder #LegalAnalysis #PoliticalAnalysis #LawAndLegislation #LegalResearch #PoliticalResearch #LawAndJustice #LegalOpinion #Disinformation #Propaganda #FakeNews #ElectionInterference #DomesticTerrorism #NationalSecurity #CriticalThinking #MediaLiteracy #PlatformGovernance #Transparency #FreeSpeech #Democracy #ElectionSecurity #Extremism #SocialMedia #Regulation #FactChecking #Misinformation #Radicalization #SocialCohesion #Cyberwarfare #Censorship #FreedomOfSpeech #Counterterrorism #TechnologyEthics #ForeignInfluence #Polarization

🔥 Wake Up, World! The @International Criminal Court's Verdict is a Grave Injustice! 🔥 Awaken the Silent Majority: Demand Justice Now! The @International Criminal Court's recent decision to equate #DemocraticLeaders like #BinyaminNetanyahu and #YoavGalant with terrorist leaders such as Synuar is not only misguided but also a #dangerous distortion of justice. This comparison is fundamentally flawed and requires our immediate attention. 🛑 Key Point: The #October7thAttack by #HamasISIS was a brutal terrorist act with catastrophic civilian impact, akin to #PearlHarbor and #9/11. Equating this to the complex legal responsibilities of Israeli leaders under international law is fundamentally unjust. 👉 The #ICC's decision displaces humanitarian responsibility onto Israel, ignoring the horrifying reality: the #IDF found weapons and evidences of civilian complicity in thousands of Gaza houses, hospitals, schools, and even UN facilities. This is a direct violation of humanitarian laws by Hamas, not Israel. 📢 We need the silent majority to rise up and demand justice! This insane verdict cannot stand. #YourVoiceMatters. #Together, we can compel the ICC to act fairly and justly. 📢 Watch this powerful video on the meaning of justice and the need to raise our voices when the majority thinks differently than those in power! 🕊️ #JusticeForIsrael #ICCMustActFairly #StandAgainstTerrorism #SilentMajorityAwake #FairDecisionsNow

On 12th November 2024, I had the distinct honour of participating in a panel discussion at the United Nations on the topic of ‘The Safety of Journalists in Crises and Emergencies and the Legal Factors Underlying Impunity.’ Representing Justice pour Tous Internationale, my intervention focused on a critical issue arising from the current geopolitical landscape: the increasing use of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) and the manipulation of state security legislation to suppress dissenting voices and critical journalism. I highlighted the alarming trend of counter-terrorism laws being weaponised, resulting in the arbitrary detention and unwarranted investigation of journalists, political activists, and human rights defenders worldwide. While the pursuit of public security remains an essential priority, it must not serve as a pretext for systematic suppression that stifles journalistic freedom and censors discussions on politically sensitive issues. In such a context, it is imperative that we reaffirm the non-negotiable nature of freedom of expression and opinion, ensuring that these fundamental rights are not undermined by shifting geopolitical agendas. A free and independent press is indispensable for fostering accountability and upholding democratic values, particularly during times of crisis. #JusticePourTous #SLAPPs #FreedomOfExpression #FreedomOfOpinion #EndImpunity

BREAKING NEWS: Police Declare Andrew Wynne Wanted Over Plot To ‘Overthrow’ President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. The Nigeria Police Force announced on Monday that Andrew Wynne, also known as Andrew Povich or Drew Povey, a British national, is now wanted for allegedly conspiring to overthrow the government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The force stated that a thorough investigation has been initiated to examine the involvement of foreign mercenaries and individuals identified as subversive elements in the plot against Nigeria’s democratically-elected government. Spokesperson for the force, ASP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, revealed this information at the Force Headquarters in Abuja. Adejobi indicated that Wynne had rented a location at Labour House, Abuja, for an establishment called ‘Iva Valley Bookshop’ and had set up ‘STARS of Nations Schools’ as a facade for his subversive operations. Adejobi further informed the press that, “The Nigeria Police Force has launched a comprehensive investigation into the activities of a foreign national and subversive elements plotting to undermine the democratically elected government in Nigeria through unconstitutional regime change and orchestrating violence across the country. “Following extensive intelligence gathering and collaboration with other security agencies, nine suspects have been apprehended, who received substantial financial backing from foreign sources to destabilize the country. “Preliminary findings suggest they orchestrated and funded violent protests, disseminated false information, and engaged in other unlawful activities to create anarchy and justify their illegal plot to overthrow the democratically elected government.” Recent events follow the arrest of several Polish individuals by the Department of State Services (DSS) during a protest in Kano. Polish officials asserted that their citizens were not involved in the Nigerian protest, where flags were displayed, and were instead in Kano for an exchange program at Bayero University. Nevertheless, these individuals were released after spending several weeks in detention. Subsequently, the police summoned Comrade Joe Ajaero, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), regarding a British national residing at Labour House in Abuja. Although Ajaero complied with the initial invitation last week, the police have since issued a new summons for him. #OpeningMonologue #News #DiasporaNews #nigeria #security #CounterTerrorism #Crime #Police #Nigeria