Belarus: ‘There is no sustainable development without human rights’ – a UN Resident Coordinator blog

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7 October 2020

Belarus: ‘There is no sustainable development without human rights’ - a UN Resident Coordinator blog

For the UN, as for all international partners of Belarus, the scale of protests and the level of repressions were a big surprise. This is the first time that the country, which has been very stable and where people are generally quite reserved in terms of expressing their political views, is seeing an election contested to this degree.

What is also unprecedented is the intensity of repressions against demonstrators and journalists. About 13,000 people were arrested over the last eight weeks, most of the detentions taking place in the first week after elections. This will go down in the history books as something that never happened before in Belarus.

Another unexpected phenomenon was the social mobilization and the use of technology that allows people to communicate and coordinate their protests in real time. Social media and mobile internet are changing the way political activism happens. More and more people are expressing themselves and organizing online.

Table of Contents

Promoting human rights

The role of the UN is to promote international norms and standards, and advocate for the respect of universal human rights. The UN reacted immediately, to remind the state authorities of their international obligations: torture and other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment are absolutely prohibited and can never be justified.

From the beginning of the crisis, the UN Secretary General, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and myself as the UN representative in the country, have issued a number of official statements and urged the authorities of Belarus to respect the right to peaceful assembly and expression.

Facing the mass detentions of over 7,000 people in the week following elections, and allegations of torture in prisons, the UN urged the authorities to release everyone who had been detained for exercising their human rights, to stop torture and other forms of ill-treatment of detainees, investigate all cases of human rights violations, and clarify the fate and whereabouts of any individuals reported as missing.

With time, we have been receiving troubling reports and of torture and other ill-treatment. It is important to ensure that these are well documented, also to allow investigation of and future accountability for such acts. Timely medical examinations are crucial in this regard, alongside the important work of human rights organizations gathering information on these cases.

In my capacity as the UN Resident Coordinator and together with the Senior Human rights advisor in my office, Omer Fisher, we conveyed these messages directly to our national counterparts, first and foremost through the Minister of Foreign Affairs in Belarus and to the Ministry of Interior and other state institutions responding to the crisis. We have also raised these issues in writing, especially the question of missing persons. I am encouraged by the fact that the MoI has responded to our letter and that we are gradually receiving more information from the state authorities.

In addition to dialogue with the State, we continue to discuss the current situation with civil society partners. Both human rights NGOs and the leaders of SDG Partnership Group have expressed concern about the violence of the security forces, the lack of action, and delays in the investigation of alleged violations, including torture and other ill-treatment)..

At the UN, we are also receiving complaints directly from the victims and their lawyers: the majority of them do not feel confident that submitting complaints to the authorities will result in proper investigation.

For several years now, the UN in Belarus has been supporting organizations which offer psychological and legal support to victims of violence. The demand for this kind of assistance has increased dramatically and we will continue to provide capacity support to the national partners and non-governmental organizations involved in addressing these problems.

Coping with COVID

Like everywhere in Europe, new cases of COVID-19 in Belarus are on the rise. And of course, mass protests and especially detention of demonstrators in overcrowded institutions without proper physical distancing and other prevention measures can lead to further spread of infection.

In the first half of 2020 we adjusted our priorities and the actual content of our work has changed. All together, we provided some $7.5 million to the national response, including supporting the health system, and addressing the socioeconomic impact, namely, helping SMEs to strengthen their entrepreneurial skills.

The UN never closed offices, although many of our staff have been working from home. While the focus has been and remains on COVID-19 response, we continue working on long-term development issues. For example, we provided policy advice and concrete suggestions on what should be included in Belarus’ long-term development strategy up until 2035, which is being developed this year.

‘The only path forward is one of dialogue’

From the UN’s perspective, Belarus should set more ambitious development plans, by prioritizing the needs of young people and the ageing population; strengthening the position of women in the economy; and embracing new technologies and opportunities that will support sustainable economic growth that benefits the poorer and most marginalized segments of the society. This is the vision of cooperation in the next five years of our presence in Belarus.

Amid COVID-19, climate change and political upheaval, Belarus finds itself in an extremely competitive global and regional environment. The only path forward for the country is one of dialogue, ambitious reform and an innovative development agenda, underpinned by true respect for human rights.

There is no sustainable development without human rights. The UN in Belarus will continue to work on addressing these needs even though it is a challenging and stressful time, especially for the Belarusian members of our team.
We are often asked “could the UN do more?”. I would say that we are trying to do our utmost in this complex situation for Belarus, with the tools that are at our disposal. With good will, new energy, a willingness to engage in dialogue, and professional effort on all sides, I am sure Belarus will continue to grow and develop.

True Religion’s bankruptcy plan OK’d by court

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7 October 2020

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True Religion's bankruptcy plan OK'd by court

True Religion Receives Court Approval to Exit Bankruptcy, Shifting Ownership to Lenders True Religion is on the verge of emerging from bankruptcy after receiving court approval for its Chapter11 reorganization plan, a significant step for the retailer that has faced financial turmoil amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This week, a spokesperson for the law firm Cole Schotz, which is representing True Religion in its Chapter11 case, announced that the plan will enable the apparel seller to transfer most of its new equity to existing lenders as part of a $65.8 million settlement.Having originally filed for bankruptcy in April2020, True Religion’s troubles were exacerbated by the pandemic, which forced the company to temporarily close its stores. According to court documents, the retailer currently operates50 stores, a significant reduction from the87 locations it had at the time of filing.

True Religion was one of the initial retailers forced to seek bankruptcy protection as the COVID-19 crisis wreaked havoc on the retail landscape. During the pandemic, the company’s revenue plunged by approximately80%, which prompted its Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to highlight the dire circumstances at the time of filing. The retailer sought a break on rent payments, a request that echoed across the industry as many retailers attempted to navigate the financial fallout from widespread store closures.

Founded in2002 by Jeff Lubell, True Religion previously filed for Chapter11 in2017. This first bankruptcy allowed the company to reduce its debt, but it failed to resolve ongoing issues. Problems persisted, with profits and sales declining in2019 due to “product designs which were not attractive to True Religion’s traditional customer base,” as noted by the CFO. Furthermore, heavy discounting in e-commerce channels to clear slow-moving inventory contributed to the retailer’s financial struggles.

For the year ending February1—prior to the pandemic—True Religion reported a net loss of 50million∗∗againstrevenuesof∗∗50million∗∗againstrevenuesof∗∗259 million. In an effort to regain stability, the company undertook various measures, including management changes, cost-cutting initiatives, and attempts to renegotiate with lenders. However, these out-of-court negotiations did not yield the desired results.

Which priorities for the [post-]COVID-19 EU External Action?

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COMECE

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7 October 2020

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COMECE EU External Relations Commission

Which priorities for the [post-]COVID-19 EU External Action?

The COMECE Commission on the EU External Relations gathered online on 29 September 2020 to discuss the most pressing issues for EU’s Foreign and Security Policy. In dialogue with EU and Church representatives, the Commission highlighted the important role the EU could play in leading global efforts for reinvigorating multilateralism.

Under the chairmanship of H.E. Mgr. Rimantas Norvila (Lithuania), the experts delegated by the Bishops’ Conferences of the EU focused their discussion on the EU priorities on the global stage during the ongoingCovid-19 pandemic and its aftermath.

Exchanging with representatives of the European Parliament, the COMECE Commission stressed the need for a people-centred and value-based approach in EU’s humanitarian, development, trade and security policies, having become even more urgent due to the socio-economic impact posed by Covid-19.

“The European Union has a key role to play – stated Mgr. Norvila – in order to prevent rivalries from regaining force and to lead efforts for the revitalisation of a true global community based on multilateral dialogue and trustful cooperation”. The experts also discussed possibilities for the EU to increase its engagement in creating conditions for the peaceful resolution of the crisis in Union’s neighbourhood, both at its Eastern and Southern borders.

In dialogue with Rev. Terwase Henry Akaabiam, General Secretary of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), the experts of the COMECE Commission built upon the recommendations contained in the recent COMECE-SECAM joint contribution and reflected on specific ways to put in place a fair and people-centered partnership between Europe and Africa ahead of the planned EU-AU Summit in 2021.

The Commission also exchanged views on the various challenges – ecological, socio-economic, human rights and geopolitical – the Arctic region is currently facing, in view of elaborating a contribution to the on-going EU public consultation on the future Arctic policy.

Mairead McGuinness approved as Irish commissioner in European Parliament

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7 October 2020

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Mairead McGuinness approved as Irish commissioner in European Parliament

Mairead McGuinness has been approved by the European Parliament to be Ireland’s commissioner, taking up the brief of financial services.

                                                    <p class="no_name">In a vote on Wednesday, MEPs approved the appointment of the long time <a class="search" href="/topics/topics-7.1213540?article=true&tag_organisation=Fine+Gael" rel="nofollow">Fine Gael</a> representative with a decisive vote of 583 in favour and 75 against.</p>
                                                    <p class="no_name"><a class="search" href="/topics/topics-7.1213540?article=true&tag_person=Valdis+Dombrovskis" rel="nofollow">Valdis Dombrovskis</a>, the Latvian commissioner who will assume the trade portfolio vacated due to the resignation of <a class="search" href="/topics/topics-7.1213540?article=true&tag_person=Phil+Hogan" rel="nofollow">Phil Hogan</a>, was also approved by 515 in favour to 110 against.</p>
                                                    <p class="no_name">The appointments are expected to get the final nod of approval by the national leaders of the EU in the <a class="search" href="/topics/topics-7.1213540?article=true&tag_organisation=European+Council" rel="nofollow">European Council</a> in the coming week.</p>
                                                    <p class="no_name">“I expect to hit ground running early next week,” Ms McGuinness said in a statement. “I will be focusing on a wide range of issues and ensuring financial stability in these difficult times, with the Covid-19 pandemic.”</p>
                                                    <p class="no_name">MEPs wearing face masks applauded and rose to their feet in the European Parliament chamber after the result of the vote was announced.</p>
                                                                                                                                                                                        <p class="no_name">European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, who asked for a woman to be nominated for the role as well as a man in order to increase gender balance in her executive, congratulated Ms McGuinness in a tweet.</p>
                                                    <h4 class="crosshead">Valuable</h4><p class="no_name">“Well done... for convincing the European Parliament to support you for the post of Commissioner!” Dr von der Leyen wrote. “I know you will do a great job on EU financial services, in the frontline of our recovery efforts. Your experience will be very valuable.”</p>
                                                    <p class="no_name">Ms McGuinness enjoys broad support in the European Parliament after having served as its vice president since 2014.</p>
                                                    <p class="no_name">Her seat in parliament for the Midlands-North West constituency is set to be taken up by Fine Gael councillor <a class="search" href="/topics/topics-7.1213540?article=true&tag_person=Colm+Markey" rel="nofollow">Colm Markey</a>.</p>
                                                    <p class="no_name">Fine Gael MEPs welcomed Mr Markey after the vote, which they described in a statement as a “strong endorsement” of Ms McGuinness.</p>

                                                    <p class="no_name">“The financial services portfolio she now takes on is highly significant, both for <a href="/news">Ireland</a> and the EU. It covers banking union, capital markets union, sustainable finance, and a new digital finance strategy,” the Fine Gael MEP for Ireland South Seán Kelly said.</p>
                                                    <p class="no_name">The role of financial services commissioner involves working on capital markets union, banking union, and anti-money laundering measures.</p>
                                                    <h4 class="crosshead">Inclusive society</h4><p class="no_name">Ms McGuinness has said her priority will be to reform the financial system to create a more inclusive society, prioritising lending to small and medium enterprises.</p>
                                                    <p class="no_name">“European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen has tasked me with advancing the banking union, the capital markets union and sustainable finance. This portfolio reaches out to all policy areas in the European Commission, as we strive for a more sustainable economy and society, and meet the challenge of climate change and biodiversity loss,” she said in a statement.</p>
                                                    <p class="no_name">“Tackling money laundering will also be a core part of the work programme I will be dealing with, as well as regulating the new cryptocurrencies and ensuring consumer protection.”</p>
                                                    <p class="no_name">Ms McGuinness was nominated for the role following the resignation of Mr Hogan in the wake of the Golfgate scandal.</p>

Council of Europe Mobilizes to Fight Anti-Semitism, Anti-Muslim Hatred

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7 October 2020

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couple love sitting music — Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com

Rabat – The Council of Europe (CoE) announced on Wednesday its appointment of a special representative to combat anti-Semitism and anti-Muslim hatred.

Daniel Holtgen, the director of communications of the Council of Europe, will be the first “Special Representative on Antisemitic and Anti-Muslim Hatred and Hate Crimes.”

Holtgen’s task is to join forces with decision-makers at the European level and ensure the collective expertise of the Council of Europe to prevent anti-Semitic and anti-Muslim acts.

During Holtgen’s appointment on Wednesday, the Council of Europe’s Secretary-General Marija Pejcinovic Buric highlighted the attacks at the hands of a “far-right extremist” in Hanau, Germany, earlier this year. In February, the terrorist attacked two shisha bars and killed nine people, including several Muslims.

Buric also recalled the deadly anti-Semitic attack at a synagogue in Halle, Germany, on the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur one year ago. More recently, on Sunday, an assailant attacked a Jewish man entering a synagogue in the German city of Hamburg during the Jewish holiday of Sukkot.

“We are witnessing an alarming increase in antisemitic and anti-Muslim attacks in many parts of Europe today, often incited and aggravated by hate speech online,” said the European official.

The secretary-general said that Islam, like Judaism, is a part of today’s Europe. Both communities should live without fear of hatred, Buric stressed.

The freedom from religious discrimination has been at the core of the Council of Europe’s mission since its establishment in 1949.

Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia have increased in recent years amid the rise of the far-right.

In particular, hatred and crimes against Muslims, mosques, and the Quran occur frequently across Europe, especially as Muslim immigrant populations grow.

Discrimination against Muslims in Europe does not only occur among communities and individuals, but can also dominate media discourse.

French political journalist Eric Zemmour, for example, is well-known in Europe for his hardline positions against Islam and immigrants.

On February 10, during a debate with France’s Secretary of State for Gender Equality and Combating Discrimination, Marlene Schiappa, Zemmour said that Muslims in France who name their child Mohammed or wear the veil are engaging in self-discrimination.

Zemmour said that “calling [a] child Mohammed … is self discrimination,” adding that “the parents should have called him Francois.” He argued that non-Judeo-Christian names like Mohammed jeopardize the survival of France’s history and culture.

France has investigated and convicted Zemmour for hate speech in the past. One notable incident that prompted an investigation occurred on September 28, 2019, when he spoke before the “Convention of the Right.”

During his speech, Zemmour said “Muslim immigrants” are “colonizers” carrying out a “large replacement” of France’s predominantly white and Chrisitan population and embarking on an “Islamization of the streets.”

“Will young French people accept to live in a minority on the land of their ancestors?”

Developing new partnerships for health at European Health Forum Gastein

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7 October 2020

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Developing new partnerships for health at European Health Forum Gastein

Taking part in this year’s European Health Forum Gastein (EHFG), held virtually from 30 September to 2 October, representatives from WHO/Europe spoke about the importance of leveraging new partnerships to strengthen health across the WHO European Region. This included the announcement of the Oslo Medicines Initiative, to find ways to ensure greater access to affordable medicines while maintaining commercial viability for medicine producers.

The theme of this year’s EHFG was “Dancing with elephants: new partnerships for health, democracy, business”, with WHO/Europe and the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies contributing to sessions including: improving access to medicines, amplifying people’s voices in health decision-making, and recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Table of Contents

Improving access to medicines

During the session “Finding the common beat: Towards a new vision of collaboration to improve access to medicines”, Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, launched the Oslo Medicines Initiative. Dr Kluge spoke about the importance of increasing sustainable access to novel medicines, therapeutics and diagnostics. In order to achieve this, it is important to explore partnerships with private entities who manufacture medicines, to ensure that they are readily available and affordable, while also maintaining commercial viability for producers.

Commenting on this new Initiative, Dr Kluge said: “Access to affordable quality medicines is at the core of universal health coverage. We need the pharmaceutical industry to innovate, but intellectual property rights can never be a barrier for any patient, particularly the poor, to receiving life-saving medicines”.

The Initiative will function with both in-person and virtual meetings, including:

a series of webinars in spring 2021 with keynote speakers and panellists representing different stakeholders;
a physical meeting planned for spring 2022, to outline a new vision for collaboration to improve access to novel medicines in the European Region.

Speaking during the panel discussion and commenting on the Oslo Medicines Initiative, Dr Natasha Azzopardi-Muscat, Director of the Division of Country Health Policies and Systems, WHO/Europe, said: “Patients, health systems and governments expect the right to reasonably priced medicines to meet their needs, whilst the investors and the pharmaceutical industry expect to earn sufficient profits to compensate for the risk inherent in developing and manufacturing these medicines.

“Over the coming months, the Oslo Medicines Initiative will provide a platform for Member States and non-state actors to collaborate and set out a new vision and framework for better access.”

During the session, moderated by Dimitra Panteli of the Observatory and Dr Azzopardi-Muscat, panellists highlighted the need for greater transparency in relation to development costs and the opportunity that exists to exercise market power though working collectively.

Recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic

Dr Kluge also spoke at the opening plenary panel discussion on recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. Asked about the role of the Pan-European Commission on Health and Sustainable Development, Dr Kluge explained that the Commission has been created to offer recommendations on how societies and health systems can build back better following the pandemic and be better prepared for future health emergencies.

In addition, Dr Kluge spoke about the importance of dual-track service delivery within primary health care for health systems recovering from COVID-19, to ensure that other health conditions are addressed at the same time as managing COVID-19 cases. Turning to the European Programme of Work, mental health was also discussed, with recognition of the impact that the pandemic has had on people around the world.

Democratizing decision-making

During a session titled “Health democracy in action”, Dr Azzopardi-Muscat delivered the opening remarks. Partnerships with civil society are central to building trust in government institutions and enhancing adherence to public health measures.

The session highlighted how creating a more inclusive, participatory governance approach requires engaging experts across multiple disciplines, and dialogue with people, communities and civil society to create a high-level of transparency in how decisions are taken in health.

European Observatory at EHFG

The Observatory facilitated and participated in a range of sessions during EHFG. The common theme emerging from this series of interactive discussions was the need for closer collaboration and cooperation between countries of the European Region, to better manage the COVID-19 crisis and build more resilient systems to withstand future shocks.

Anna Sagan, Research Fellow with the Observatory, presented recently published findings on health system resilience and the importance of governance in dealing with crises, and offered a conceptual framework to help systems prepare for and cope with unexpected events.

How research informs policy in a time of crisis was the focus of Thursday’s plenary, titled “The Advisor’s Dilemma”, hosted by Observatory Director Josep Figueras, which explored the challenge for policy-makers of acting without concrete evidence (or flying blind) and communicating uncertainty while avoiding undermining public trust.

How to counter pandemic fatigue and refresh public commitment to COVID-19 prevention measures

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7 October 2020

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How to counter pandemic fatigue and refresh public commitment to COVID-19 prevention measures

In recent weeks, many countries have been reporting an increase in “pandemic fatigue” – people are feeling demotivated about following recommended behaviours to protect themselves and others from the virus.

Finding effective ways to tackle this fatigue and reinvigorate public vigilance is therefore a growing challenge that governments and health authorities face as this prolonged public health crisis continues.

High-level public health experts from over 30 countries and partner organizations in the WHO European Region connected remotely on 5 October to strengthen understanding of pandemic fatigue and share experiences in how to address it.

At the request of Member States, WHO/Europe has also developed a framework of policy recommendations to guide governments in the planning and implementation of national and subnational strategies to bolster public support for COVID-19 prevention measures.

Table of Contents

Understanding pandemic fatigue

Professor Cornelia Betsch, Heisenberg-Professor of Health Communication at Erfurt University, Germany, spoke of the psychology behind pandemic fatigue, explaining that fear is a motivator for protective behaviour, but it wears off as people adapt to the threat. Fatigue also occurs if we do the same things repeatedly for a long time, she added.

WHO defines pandemic fatigue as a natural and expected reaction to sustained and unresolved adversity in people’s lives. It expresses itself as demotivation to engage in protective behaviours and to seek out information, as well as in feelings of complacency, alienation and hopelessness. Pandemic fatigue evolves gradually over time and is affected by the cultural, social, structural and legislative environment.

Therefore monitoring public opinion, through tools such as the one developed by WHO/Europe and now used by 27 countries and areas in the Region, is an important starting point for effective behavioural change.

Sharing country experiences

Many country representatives took the floor at the meeting to share examples of action taken in their countries to ensure public engagement in COVID-19-related measures. Common themes included making sure that these initiatives were understandable and logical, the importance of supporting livelihoods and jobs, targeting measures to specific groups, and considering other barriers beyond knowledge that prevent people from following recommendations (such as lack of access to safe water, hand sanitizer, masks, spacious living conditions, and so on).

Several participants also highlighted how supporting mental health initiatives is essential as the pandemic continues.

Framework of policy considerations

Katrine Bach Habersaat, Team Lead (ad interim) of the Behavioural and Cultural Insights Unit at WHO/Europe, introduced the framework developed by WHO/Europe to address pandemic fatigue. It includes 4 key strategies:

Understand people: collect and use evidence for targeted, tailored and effective policies, interventions and communication.
Engage people as part of the solution: find ways to meaningfully involve individuals and communities at every level.
Help people to reduce risk while doing the things that make them happy: wide-ranging restrictions may not be feasible for everyone in the long run.
Acknowledge and address the hardship people experience, and the profound impact the pandemic has had on their lives.

It also sets down 5 cross-cutting principles for any initiative, policy or communication to follow: transparency, fairness, consistency, coordination and predictability.

In addition, the paper provides a quick list of concrete actions, and examples from countries of what they have done to understand and engage people, seek to reduce risk and acknowledge hardship.

Next steps

There was broad agreement among participants that further discussion on the topic of pandemic fatigue is needed through a regular forum. WHO/Europe also proposed creating a repository for country experiences.

At the end of the meeting, the Norwegian concept of “dugnad” was invoked – support provided by individuals to help each other or a community – a form of group resilience to be nurtured in the months ahead.

Using behavioural and cultural science to advance health

Behavioural and cultural insights for health refers to knowledge derived from the social sciences and health humanities that helps us to better understand the drivers of and barriers to achieving the highest attainable standard of health.

The newly approved European Programme of Work 2020–2025 has a strong focus on harnessing behavioural and cultural insights, and a new unit was recently established at WHO/Europe to improve knowledge in this field.

The Battle of Lepanto: When Turks Skinned Christians Alive for Refusing Islam

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7 October 2020

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The Battle of Lepanto: When Turks Skinned Christians Alive for Refusing Islam

October 7, 2020

Today in history, on October 7, 1571, one of the most cataclysmic clashes between Islam and the West — one where the latter for once crushed and humiliated the former — took place.

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In 1570, Muslim Turks — in the guise of the Ottoman Empire — invaded the island of Cyprus, prompting Pope Pius V to call for and form a “Holy League” of maritime Catholic nation-states, spearheaded by the Spanish Empire, in 1571. Before they could reach and relieve Cyprus, its last stronghold at Famagusta was taken through treachery.

After promising the defenders safe passage if they surrendered, Ottoman commander Ali Pasha — known as Müezzinzade (“son of a muezzin”) due to his pious background — had reneged and launched a wholesale slaughter. He ordered the nose and ears of Marco Antonio Bragadin, the fort commander, hacked off. Ali then invited the mutilated infidel to Islam and life: “I am a Christian and thus I want to live and die,” Bragadin responded. “My body is yours. Torture it as you will.”

So he was tied to a chair, repeatedly hoisted up the mast of a galley, and dropped into the sea, to taunts: “Look if you can see your fleet, great Christian, if you can see succor coming to Famagusta!” The mutilated and half-drowned man was then carried near to St. Nicholas Church — by now a mosque — and tied to a column, where he was slowly flayed alive. The skin was afterward stuffed with straw, sown back into a macabre effigy of the dead commander, and paraded in mockery before the jeering Muslims.

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News of this and other ongoing atrocities and desecrations of churches in Cyprus and Corfu enraged the Holy League as it sailed east. A bloodbath followed when the two opposing fleets — carrying a combined total of 600 ships and 140,000 men, more of both on the Ottoman side — finally met and clashed on October 7, 1571, off the western coast of Greece, near Lepanto. According to one contemporary:

The greater fury of the battle lasted for four hours and was so bloody and horrendous that the sea and the fire seemed as one, many Turkish galleys burning down to the water, and the surface of the sea, red with blood, was covered with Moorish coats, turbans, quivers, arrows, bows, shields, oars, boxes, cases, and other spoils of war, and above all many human bodies, Christians as well as Turkish, some dead, some wounded, some torn apart, and some not yet resigned to their fate struggling in their death agony, their strength ebbing away with the blood flowing from their wounds in such quantity that the sea was entirely coloured by it, but despite all this misery our men were not moved to pity for the enemy. … Although they begged for mercy they received instead arquebus shots and pike thrusts.

The pivotal point came when the flagships of the opposing fleets, the Ottoman Sultana and the Christian Real, crashed into and were boarded by one another. Chaos ensued as men everywhere grappled; even the grand admirals were seen in the fray, Ali Pasha firing arrows and Don Juan swinging broadsword and battle-axe, one in each hand.

In the end, “there was an infinite number of dead” on the Real, whereas “an enormous quantity of large turbans, which seemed to be as numerous as the enemy had been, [were seen in the Sultana] rolling on the deck with the heads inside them.” The don emerged alive, but the pasha did not.

When the central Turkish fleets saw Ali’s head on a pike in the Sultana and a crucifix where the flag of Islam once fluttered, mass demoralization set in, and the waterborne mêlée was soon over. The Holy League lost twelve galleys and ten thousand men, but the Ottomans lost 230 galleys — 117 of which were captured by the Europeans — and thirty thousand men.

It was a victory of the first order, and Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestants rejoiced.

Practically speaking, however, little changed. Cyprus was not even liberated by the Holy League. “In wrestling Cyprus from you we have cut off an arm,” the Ottomans painfully reminded the Venetian ambassador a year later. “In defeating our fleet [at Lepanto] you have shaved our beard. An arm once cut off will not grow again, but a shorn beard grows back all the better for the razor.”

Even so, this victory proved that the relentless Turks, who in previous decades and centuries had conquered much of Eastern Europe, could be stopped. Lepanto suggested that the Turks could be defeated in a head-on clash — at least by sea, which of late had been the Islamic powers’ latest hunting grounds. As Miguel Cervantes, who was at the battle, has the colorful Don Quixote say: “That day … was so happy for Christendom, because all the world learned how mistaken it had been in believing that the Turks were invincible by sea.”

Modern historians affirm this position. According to military historian Paul K. Davis, “More than a military victory, Lepanto was a moral one. For decades, the Ottoman Turks had terrified Europe, and the victories of Suleiman the Magnificent caused Christian Europe serious concern. … Christians rejoiced at this setback for the Ottomans. The mystique of Ottoman power was tarnished significantly by this battle, and Christian Europe was heartened.”

No matter how spectacular, however, defeat at sea could not shake what was first and foremost a land power — so that more than a century later, in 1683, some 200,000 armed Ottomans had penetrated as far as and besieged Vienna.

But that — to say nothing of Turkey’s many other jihads down to the present — is another story.

Historical quotes in this article were excerpted from the author’s Sword and Scimitar: Fourteen Centuries of War between Islam and the West — a book that CAIR and its Islamist allies did everything they could to prevent the U.S. Army War College from learning about.

Image: Harrygouvas via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 (cropped).

Today in history, on October 7, 1571, one of the most cataclysmic clashes between Islam and the West — one where the latter for once crushed and humiliated the former — took place.

In 1570, Muslim Turks — in the guise of the Ottoman Empire — invaded the island of Cyprus, prompting Pope Pius V to call for and form a “Holy League” of maritime Catholic nation-states, spearheaded by the Spanish Empire, in 1571. Before they could reach and relieve Cyprus, its last stronghold at Famagusta was taken through treachery.

After promising the defenders safe passage if they surrendered, Ottoman commander Ali Pasha — known as Müezzinzade (“son of a muezzin”) due to his pious background — had reneged and launched a wholesale slaughter. He ordered the nose and ears of Marco Antonio Bragadin, the fort commander, hacked off. Ali then invited the mutilated infidel to Islam and life: “I am a Christian and thus I want to live and die,” Bragadin responded. “My body is yours. Torture it as you will.”

So he was tied to a chair, repeatedly hoisted up the mast of a galley, and dropped into the sea, to taunts: “Look if you can see your fleet, great Christian, if you can see succor coming to Famagusta!” The mutilated and half-drowned man was then carried near to St. Nicholas Church — by now a mosque — and tied to a column, where he was slowly flayed alive. The skin was afterward stuffed with straw, sown back into a macabre effigy of the dead commander, and paraded in mockery before the jeering Muslims.

News of this and other ongoing atrocities and desecrations of churches in Cyprus and Corfu enraged the Holy League as it sailed east. A bloodbath followed when the two opposing fleets — carrying a combined total of 600 ships and 140,000 men, more of both on the Ottoman side — finally met and clashed on October 7, 1571, off the western coast of Greece, near Lepanto. According to one contemporary: