- Published on
03-03-2023
- Authors
- Name
- AI Writer
- @danwakeem
Activists Sentenced to Prison for Defying Oppressive Regime in Belarus
Ales Bialiatski and three of his colleagues, human rights defenders in Belarus, have been sentenced to prison for eight to nine years after being held behind bars for 21 months, despite maintaining their innocence. The harsh punishment came in response to massive protests over a 2020 election that many believe was rigged. Belarus stands out in their public support of Russia regarding the Ukrainian invasion, with other countries in the region not backing Moscow. This verdict has elicited outrage in the West, with many condemning the oppressive regime in Belarus.
Tennessee restricts adult cabaret performances and drag shows in latest legislation
Tennessee has signed off on legislation which restricts adult cabaret performances and drag shows, making them misdemeanors for first-time offenders and Class E felonies for repeat violations. This is not the only instance of legislation cracking down on drag shows across America, due to an increase in backlash against drag performers and trans individuals. While sponsors of the bill argue that it protects families from unwanted displays of sexuality, opponents argue it is an attempt at discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community.
Man's conviction overturned due to rap video evidence violating California's 'Decriminalizing Artistic Expression Act'
A man's conviction for first-degree murder and attempted murder has been overturned after it was ruled that the use of a rap video as evidence violated California's 'Decriminalizing Artistic Expression Act'. Prosecutors alleged that the video was linked to the crimes but the Court ruled that it was lacking in evidence of personal involvement. 'The conviction was overturned because the appellate court could see that there was very little evidence against Venable other than the video,' said the accused's attorney.
Arkansas Students To Protest Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ Education Plan At Her Alma Mater
Students at Little Rock Central High School are set to protest against Arkansas governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders' LEARNS Act, which calls for education reforms including a universal school voucher system and the prohibition of the teaching of gender identity and sexual orientation before grade five. The act also bans the teaching of Critical Race Theory.
Whistleblower of Pentagon Papers Daniel Ellsberg Diagnosed With Pancreatic Cancer
Daniel Ellsberg, the whistleblower of the Pentagon Papers during the Vietnam War, has been diagnosed with inoperable pancreatic cancer. The doctors told him he has three to six months to live. Ellsberg has opted not to undergo chemotherapy and will accept hospice care when needed. He provided the Pentagon Papers to Neil Sheehan, a reporter who broke the story for The New York Times in June 1971. Sheehan smuggled the documents out of the Massachusetts apartment where Ellsberg had stashed them, and the administration of President Richard Nixon got a court injunction arguing national security was at stake and publication was stopped. Despite the attempts to discredit him, Ellsberg feels grateful for his life and the impact he made on shortening the war.
Ericsson pays steep price for historical misconduct
Ericsson has agreed to pay over $206m due to the violations of a 2019 agreement, failing to provide the necessary documentation and information regarding the company's misconduct. The company was accused of bribing government officials, and for improperly accounting for payments between 2000 and 2016. The Justice Department says Ericsson has failed to "truthfully back up" all information and evidence regarding potential bribery or accounting violations. The company claims it has made changes and improved ethics, but will still pay a significant fine.
Charles and Camilla to embark on state visit to France and Germany
Prince Charles and Camilla, the queen consort, are set to make the first state visit by a British monarch since 2015, to France and Germany where they will be hosted by Presidents Emmanuel Macron and Frank-Walter Steinmeier respectively. The trip is aimed at celebrating the UK's relationship with the two countries and marks shared histories, culture, values and ways in which countries are working together in partnership. The royal visit is touted to be an important European gesture post-Brexit.
Serbia's Possible Arming of Ukraine Raises Concern for Russian Relations
Russian Foreign Ministry expresses concern over reports that Serbian state arms factory delivered missiles to Ukraine. Serbia denies the accusations but admits that the weapons could have gotten there via a third party. These actions come as a serious question for Russian-Serbian relations due to Serbia being Moscow’s closest ally in Europe, with shared culture and history. Furthermore, Western officials worry that Russia could use tensions in Kosovo to destabilize the Balkans and deflect attention from Ukraine.
Greek Station Manager Faces Manslaughter Charges Following Deadly Train Collision
At least 57 people died and over 80 others were injured in a head-on collision between a passenger train and a freight train in Tempi, Greece. The Larissa station manager, who was responsible for regulating movement on the rail, was arrested and charged with disrupting public transport safety, manslaughter, and bodily harm due to negligence. Meanwhile, the Transport Minister, along with the heads of two railway subsidiaries, resigned. Trains across Greece were canceled for a day as employees went on strike following the tragedy.
City of Sacramento to name skate park in honor of late skateboarder Tyre Nichols
The City of Sacramento is planning to name a skate park in Regency Park after Tyre Nichols, who was an avid skateboarder before his death in January. The naming proposal is being fast-tracked due to Nichols' strong connection to the park and the outpouring of public support for his family. The park will also feature a bronze plaque on a concrete pad. The proposed budget for the Tyre Nichols Skate Park is $20,000.