HRWF (04.08.2023) – On 27 July 2023, the Fourth General Jurisdiction Court of Cassation upheld the sentence and appeal ruling against Aleksandr Nikolaev, a resident of Kholmskaya – 2 years and 6 months in prison. At the same time, the court cancelled the additional freedom restriction, which is imposed on the convict after serving the main term.
On 23 December 2021, the Abinsk District Court of the Krasnodar Territory found him guilty of participating in the activities of an extremist organization for reading the Bible and discussing religious issues in private with relatives and friends. The investigation considered it was “a crime against the foundations of the constitutional order and the security of the state” and initiated a criminal case on the grounds under Part 2 of Art. 282.2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation.
In the cassation complaint, the defense drew attention to significant violations of the norms of the Criminal Code and Criminal Procedure Code that influenced the outcome of the case. Thus, no evidence was presented in court that the convict had committed any unlawful acts or that his behaviour was of a socially dangerous nature. In addition, there was not a single evidence that exercising his right to freedom of religion, Aleksandr Nikolaev had the intent to commit a crime or a motive to incite hatred or enmity.
Brief history of the case
In April 2021, FSB officers, accompanied by OMON fighters, came with a search to the Nikolaev spouses, who have five children two of whom are adopted. Shortly before, the Investigative Committee opened a criminal case against Alexander Nikolaev, accusing him of participating in extremist activities for reading the Bible. The believer was placed under house arrest for almost six months. In July 2021, the case went to trial. Two months later, he was sent to a pre-trial detention center. In December of the same year, the court sentenced the believer to 2.5 years in a penal colony. In October 2022, the regional court approved the verdict, adding a number of restrictions to the punishment.
At the time of the entry into force of the verdict, Nikolaev had served more than half of his sentence in a pre-trial detention center. In March 2023, he was placed in a colony. In April 2023, the court denied him parole. At the end of July 2023, the cassation instance upheld the verdict, cancelling only additional restrictions that would have come into force after the believer left the colony.
More than 140 Jehovah’s Witnesses are now behind bars in Russia for practicing their faith in private. See these documented cases in HRWF Database of FORB prisoners.
In the world of music, collaboration has always been a powerful force. Whether it’s two voices harmonizing, or multiple instruments playing together, the magic of music duets is undeniable. These collaborations not only create beautiful art but also showcase the power of working together towards a common goal. In this article, we will explore the various aspects of music duets and how they highlight the significance of collaboration in the music industry.
1. Music Duets, Harmonizing Souls: The Art of Blending Voices
One of the most captivating aspects of music duets is the art of blending voices. When two voices come together, harmonizing and intertwining, it creates a new level of emotional depth and richness in the music. The combination of different vocal timbres, ranges, and styles can evoke a range of emotions, from joy and happiness to melancholy and longing.
Music duets allow singers to play off each other’s strengths, providing a platform for vocal improvisation and experimentation. They challenge the artists to listen and respond to each other, creating a dynamic and interactive performance. By collaborating vocally, artists can push each other to new heights, harnessing the power of teamwork and mutual support.
Several iconic music duets have left an indelible mark on the industry. From Freddie Mercury and David Bowie’s “Under Pressure” to Elton John and Kiki Dee’s “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart,” these collaborations have stood the test of time, testament to the enduring power of blended voices.
2. Instrumental Conversations: The Dance of Musical Instruments
Music duets are not limited to vocals alone; they also encompass instrumental collaborations. When two musicians play their instruments together, it creates a musical conversation like no other. Each instrument brings its unique personality to the duet, with different textures, tones, and techniques blending seamlessly to create a sensory experience.
It is through instrumental collaborations that musicians can showcase their technical prowess and creativity. Whether it’s a piano and violin duet or a guitar and saxophone collaboration, the interplay of melodies, harmonies, and rhythms highlights the magic of collaboration. Musicians have the opportunity to inspire and challenge each other, resulting in a performance that is greater than the sum of its parts.
Iconic instrumental duets have mesmerized audiences throughout history. Think of Carlos Santana’s guitar duet with Rob Thomas in “Smooth” or Yo-Yo Ma’s duets with various artists, showcasing the versatility of the cello. These collaborations prove that when musicians come together, they produce breathtaking music that resonates with listeners worldwide.
Conclusion
Music duets embody the true essence of collaboration, where artists leverage each other’s strengths and inspire one another to reach new heights. Whether it is through blended voices or instrumental conversations, these collaborations bring a unique magic to the music industry.
The power of collaboration in music duets goes beyond the creation of beautiful art; it serves as a reminder of the significance of teamwork and mutual support. As artists come together, they demonstrate the immense potential that lies in collective efforts, reminding us of the transformative power of collaboration in our own lives. So, next time you listen to a music duet, let it serve as a reminder of the magic that unfolds when voices and instruments combine, and the immense power of collaboration in creating something truly exceptional.
Mysteries of the dark universe which have bewildered astronomers for centuries could finally be solved by Southampton scientists after the Euclid satellite was fired into space.
Artist impression of the Euclid mission in space. Image credit: ESA via Wikipedia, CC BY-SA IGO 3.0
The £1billion Euclid rocket was launched by SpaceX in July to reveal the origins of the cosmos. The satellite, which is fitted with telescopic space cameras, is on a six-year mission to shed light on dark energy and dark matter – which scientists say account for 95 per cent of the known universe.
Professor of Astrophysics Francesco Shankar, from the University of Southampton, is part of the international consortium working on Euclid with NASA and the European Space Agency. He said the satellite will create a giant map of the structure of the universe by observing billions of galaxies.
Prof Shankar added: “The Euclid space telescope will chart the distribution of galaxies across cosmic space and time to reveal the rate of expansion and formation of the universe. These are invaluable observational constraints which can shed light on the nature of dark energy.”
Euclid satellite launches into space. Image credit: University of Southampton
The Euclid satellite was launched from SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket at its Cape Canaveral station in Florida and is currently flying towards the L2 Lagrange point — located 1.5million kilometres from Earth.
It intends to photograph more than one-third of the extragalactic sky outside the Milky Way using its high-precision camera – and will perform near-infrared spectroscopy of hundreds of millions of galaxies and stars over the same area.
Scientists will use the data collected by the satellite not only to test dark energy, dark matter, and alternative gravity theories, but also to unravel the evolution of galaxies and supermassive black holes, which is the subject of Prof Shankar and his team’s work at Southampton.
He added: “Dark energy and dark matter are elusive components – and we don’t know much about either. By imaging billion of galaxies, Euclid will give us data on the structure of the universe up to very large scales and at different cosmic epochs, providing invaluable observational constraints on the nature of dark matter and dark energy.”
The University is a founding member of Space South Central, the UK’s largest regional space cluster, which champions the space industry across the region to fuel innovation through new business and academic collaborations.
The Euclid satellite’s space mission will last until at least 2029. The European Space Agency, which funded the project, said the quality of the images will be four times sharper than those taken from the ground.
Despite the many wars, climate disasters, plagues and pandemics, some of the most important problems that lie in the eyes of the evolution of humanity.
We often give an account of it, but it is more accurate to take for a small chat from it the printing press, the father, the windmills, the glasses, the libraries and even the purchased paps . About these inventions, without which we cannot live a day, the site Medievalіѕtѕ.net reminds.
Mechanical watch
The name is a valuable pecypc. Although the method of measuring time has been known since ancient times, only through advanced technology has it been possible to create mechanical mirrors. They measure time more accurately and people can better organize their lives.
Printing press
The Chinese have known printing technology since the 11th century. Four centuries later, the German Johannes Gutenberg created the printing press, without which modern life would not be the same.
Gunpowder
The invention of the father is dated somewhere between the 10th and 11th centuries in China. It takes a lot of time before it is used, writes labrujulaverde.som. We know that the Mongols respected fathers throughout Europe, causing a revolution in military affairs.
Water and windmills
Man has been using mills since Neolithic times. Through the Panno, however, they become much more dirty. Many species have been created that differ from the construction.
The cafe
The tradition of drinking coffee arose in the Arabian Peninsula around the 15th century. For this purpose, in the Ottoman lands, special places – cafes – were built. They began to appear in Europe later, completely changing domestic customs and creating new ways of maintaining social contacts.
Glasses
Ethiopia does not remember who exactly invented glass glasses, but knows that they came into demand in Western Europe at the end of the 13th century. the problem is the closure and it is one of the most valuable.
Public libraries
It is believed that the first public library in the world was Malatėsta Novello in Cesena, Northern Italy. It opened for the second time in 1452.
Photo by Tom Swinnen: https://www.pexels.com/photo/vintage-black-windmill-during-sunset-952632/
A major step, towards promoting harmony and addressing the growing problem of hate speech took place at the United Nations General Assembly on July 25 2023. The assembly adopted a resolution titled “Promoting Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue and Tolerance in Countering Hate Speech” The resolution highlights the importance of encouraging conversations between faiths and cultures as a tool in preventing the spread of hate speech and prejudice.
This resolution is based on the principles outlined in the United Nations Charter building upon commitments. It places emphasis on recognizing the role that dialogue between religions and cultures plays. It reaffirms the value of respecting rights and freedoms regardless of one’s religion or beliefs.
Recognizing that dialogue contributes to cohesion, peace and development this resolution urges member states to consider intercultural dialogue as a powerful means to achieve peace, social stability and internationally agreed-upon development goals.
Acknowledging the essential contribution of dialogue to social cohesion, peace, and development, the resolution appeals to Member States to consider interreligious and intercultural dialogue as a potent instrument in realizing peace and social stability, as well as in achieving internationally agreed-upon development objectives.
This landmark resolution also addresses the concerning proliferation of hate speech. It stresses the importance of formulating an internationally agreed-upon definition of hate speech and invites all relevant stakeholders to observe the International Day for Countering Hate Speech. The resolution also underscores the role of education, culture, peace, and mutual understanding in combatting discrimination and hate speech.
The General Assembly strongly condemns the promotion of hatred that leads to discrimination, hostility or violence whether it spreads through media or digital platforms. It emphasizes the connection, between freedoms such as religion/belief and freedom of opinion/expression advocating for their combined role in combating intolerance and discrimination.
Moreover, the resolution urges measures to combat the concerning spread of hate speech on social media platforms while upholding human rights standards. It calls upon member states and social media companies to work to reduce hate speech and improve user access to reporting mechanisms.
To effectively address this growing challenge the General Assembly has called upon the UN Secretary-General to organize a conference in 2025. This conference will bring together UN entities, member states, religious leaders organizations, media representatives and civil society to discuss strategies for promoting dialogue among religions and cultures as a means of countering hate speech.
With this resolution in place, the international community is ready to intensify its efforts towards creating a world where understanding, tolerance and mutual respect prevail over religious barriers. By countering hate speech and discrimination we aim to foster an environment that embraces acceptance and respect of rhetoric.
The resolute commitment of the General Assembly, towards fostering dialogue among religions and cultures serves as evidence of our determination to build a future characterized by peace, understanding, and unity while transcending divisive language.
Today, in a public statement about the ongoing incidents in Niger, the High Council of the Resistance for the Republic (HCRR) declared that:
“The situation currently prevailing in Niger calls for the mobilisation of all our fellow citizens. In a spirit of responsibility, the nation’s driving forces have decided to mobilise and unite their forces around a new framework for action aimed at bringing patriots together at national and international level.
In the coming hours, the High Council of the Resistance for the Republic will make its intentions known in order to contribute to the restoration of constitutional order and the full presidency of His Excellency Mohamed Bazoum.”
Tracing basketball’s journey from an American import to a cherished European pastime, this article chronicles how the sport rapidly took the continent by storm. From improbable origins in a Springfield YMCA to rabid fandom today, relive basketball’s enthralling history in Europe through wars, political strife, and cultural revolution. Join us as we recount how basketball won over European hearts, fueled ambitious dreams, and became intrinsically its own on foreign soil. The long-shot story of how an indoor American recreation ascended to dizzying heights across the Atlantic will leave you cheering for more.
Basketball, a quintessentially American sport, has taken Europe by storm over the past several decades. Emerging from humble beginnings to enormous popularity across the continent today, the journey of basketball in Europe reveals a fascinating story of cultural exchange.
Unlike baseball or American football, basketball was not hampered by complex rules or specialized equipment. This allowed the sport to gain quick acceptance when introduced to Europe in the early 1900s. The simple requirements of a ball and a basket enabled basketball to take root rapidly, especially among youth.
Basketball was invented in 1891 in Springfield, Massachusetts by Canadian professor James Naismith. As an instructor at the YMCA Training School, Naismith was tasked with devising an indoor game to keep students occupied during cold New England winters. His solution involved nailing two peach baskets at opposite ends of a gymnasium and throwing a soccer ball into them.
This modest start spawned one of the most popular sports worldwide. Following basketball’s almost immediate adoption by colleges, the American Armed Forces spread the game internationally during World War I. U.S. troops brought basketball to Europe, kindling interest throughout the continent.
Early Growth
During the interwar period, basketball gained traction, particularly in eastern and southern Europe where French and American influence was strong due to military presence. Countries like Italy, Yugoslavia, and Poland emerged as early adopters.
The first continental tournaments were staged in 1935 for both men and women. Switzerland hosted the men’s European Championship while Italy held the inaugural women’s event. Lithuania took gold in the men’s tournament, while host Italy won the women’s bracket. This heralded the start of international competition.
Obstacles Emerge
The outbreak of World War II halted basketball’s growth in Europe. Leagues folded and equipment became scarce. In the postwar era, communist regimes in Eastern Europe viewed basketball as incompatible with socialist values. They promoted sports perceived to require greater cooperation like volleyball and soccer instead.
Countries controlled by the Soviet Union like Czechoslovakia and Hungary had to play covertly until the 1970s. Nevertheless, spirited fans kept basketball alive even through bleak times. The sport ultimately prevailed as communist regimes liberalized.
Resurgence & Growth
By the late 1940s basketball rebounded, as evidenced by the founding of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) in Geneva in 1946. Building on renewed energy, the first Olympic basketball tournament was held in 1936 with 23 nations entering.
The inaugural FIBA World Championship took place in 1950 in Argentina. Gold medalists Argentina illustrated basketball’s expanding reach. The Soviet Union’s bronze medal foreshadowed their future dominance.
The advent of the European Champions Cup, now known as the EuroLeague, in 1958 marked another milestone. Club teams from across Europe competed in a new continental league. Real Madrid emerged victorious in the first season.
Professional leagues soon formed, starting with Italy in 1920. Leagues in France and Spain followed. The basketball craze was sweeping the continent again.
Eastern Europe’s Rise
From the 1960s through the 1980s, the Soviet Union and Yugoslavia became international powers. Coaching systems and talent development programs propelled them to the forefront.
The Soviets captured three straight Olympic golds from 1988 to 1980 with powerhouse squads. Yugoslavia also medaled repeatedly by harnessing players from diverse republics. Their success put Europe in direct competition with the U.S.
Both nations won multiple World Cups during this period as well. European talent was blossoming and gaining recognition worldwide. Players like Drazen Petrovic of Croatia and Arvydas Sabonis of Lithuania entered the NBA, paving the way for others.
Continued Globalization
After the Cold War ended, basketball’s globalization accelerated further. More European stars like Tony Parker and Dirk Nowitzki joined the NBA. Foreign player restrictions relaxed, enabling greater migration.
The NBA also committed to expanding its popularity overseas. Exhibition and regular season games tipped off in Europe. Merchandise and broadcasting deals brought American basketball to European fans.
At the same time, the EuroLeague grew into the world’s premier international club league. Top clubs from all over Europe compete annually for the championship. Club budgets and salaries now rival NBA teams.
Basketball fever continues spreading across Europe. Youth participation has skyrocketed. NBA Europe now conducts camps and tournaments for prospects across the continent. The sport’s development remains in full swing.
Enduring Passion
In just over a century, basketball has remarkably evolved from an American novelty to a beloved European institution. The continent’s passion is evidenced by raucous sell-out crowds, intense team rivalries, and dedicated fans.
Europe has embraced basketball on its own terms while making unique contributions to the game’s evolution globally. From Lithuania to Greece, European nations have emerged as formidable basketball powers who now compete on level terms with the U.S.
While initially an imported American sport, basketball has become intrinsically European. The history reveals a dynamic process of cultural transmission, adaptation, and growth. The future surely promises continued development as basketball strengthens its place in the European sporting fabric.
Many international telcos are now making concrete promises to reduce their emissions. A new player in the Belgian mobile telecom market, UNDO, is a next-generation sustainable company developed from the ground up to actively contribute to the fight against climate change. Customers get their own transparent and user-friendly tool to erase their CO2 emissions.
Sustainability is a ubiquitous concept in business today. However, in many cases, the initiatives amount to greenwashing – just marketing or minor adjustments in production. The fast-growing telecom sector also faces sustainability challenges. With daily smartphone use, a user emits 60kg of CO2 annually on average. It’s time for action, thinks UNDO, the new Belgian virtual mobile operator actively committed to the climate from start to finish. UNDO is a mobile operator designed to ensure the whole chain is right, so both the company and customers can contribute. User-friendly apps make it easier for customers to transition themselves. UNDO aims to catalyze a broad ecosystem with other sustainable and circular economy initiatives, starting in the heart of Europe.
Sustainable entrepreneurship expert Prof. Dr. J. Jonker provides commentary on this use case in an attached vision statement.
UNDO will plant a tree in Congo for every new subscriber from July 17, 2023 to offset emissions and reforest the planet. UNDO’s goal is building a community aware of choices that reduce climate impact. Developing user-friendly tech tools that allow everyone to simply and concretely contribute is essential.
UNDO General Manager Laurent Bataille explains: “Our driving principle is reversing the ecological impact human society has had. This can only happen by transitioning from self-serving to conscious and connected. It entails three things: First, measuring impact tangibly. Second, providing means to neutralize impact. Third, rewarding positive actions with recognition and connections with like-minded individuals.”
The UNDO app lets customers offset their carbon footprint. The UNDO calculator automatically measures emissions from device manufacturing, charging electricity, network usage, and SIM shipping. To avoid physical shipping, UNDO offers eSIM instead of plastic SIM cards.
By analyzing this data, UNDO calculates the mobile usage carbon footprint and lets customers offset via tree planting and other concrete sustainability projects.
Laurent Bataille: “In developing these tools, we prioritized user-friendliness. We have a unique calculator different from typical emissions calculators. We empower users to take responsibility and address climate change, preserve the environment, and build a sustainable value chain focused on people over profit. Moreover, we aim to build an ecosystem where users can connect with similar businesses. The UNDO ecosystem will catalyze the transition from unsustainable linear offerings to sustainable circular services. This sets UNDO apart as we remain transparent and embrace inclusivity.”
UNDO works with local partner IBI Village in Congo. IBI Village does ecological tree planting, as over 80% of the landscape was destroyed forest now bushy savannah with low fertility. UNDO aims to plant 25,000 acacia trees to create a carbon sink, directly contributing to challenges like climate change and biodiversity while benefitting the local community.
Thierry Mushiete, IBI Village co-owner says: “By partnering with UNDO, we engage in ecosystem services exchange where the telco supports reforestation, carbon sequestration, watershed protection. This collaboration provides financial support for our sustainability, contributing to ecosystem health and resilience. It aligns conservation with incentives, promotes inclusion, and connects operators with sustainability stakeholders.”
UNDO offers users a chance to connect to something bigger, aimed at social growth and development. Users can support local social initiatives like doctor visits, farm tools, or rehabilitating school infrastructure. To ensure transparency, the operator provides app details on spending sources.
Climate and sustainability are essential, especially for young target groups. But sustainable and ecological products/services are often expensive, making a climate-friendly transition difficult in daily life. UNDO brings the solution as the only carbon-neutral MVNO in Belgium at a competitive monthly cost, using the known Orange network.
According to UNICEF, nearly 300 confirmed cases were reported in the first six months of 2023, almost matching the total number documented over 2022 and close to three times the number in 2021.
“The stories we are hearing from UNICEF staff and partners on the ground are shocking and unacceptable,” Gary Conille, UNICEF Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, said in a news release.
“The growing trend in kidnappings and abductions is extremely worrisome, threatening both the people of Haiti and those who have come to help,” he added.
In most instances, children and women are forcefully taken by armed groups and used for financial or tactical gains. The victims who manage to return home grapple with deep physical and psychological scars, possibly for many years.
The overall situation in Haiti is catastrophic. Today, an estimated 5.2 million people, or close to half of the entire population, require humanitarian assistance, including almost three million children.
Children find themselves in the crossfire, or directly targeted, and women and girls face extreme sexual violence, as armed groups terrorize the population in their fight for territory and control, mainly in the capital, Port-au-Prince, and also in other regions.
“Women and children are not commodities. They are not bargaining chips. And they must never be exposed to such unimaginable violence,” Mr. Conille said, calling for the immediate release and safe return of all those who have been kidnapped.
Health system on verge of collapse
On top of crime and violence, reports indicate that local healthcare systems are teetering on the brink of collapse amid a resurgence of cholera and severe malnutrition.
The increase in violence, looting, road blockades, and the pervasive presence of armed groups severely obstruct humanitarian efforts, making it difficult to deliver much-needed aid to affected communities, UNICEF said, noting that as months go by, it adds an increasing layer of fear and complexity to an already challenging environment for those delivering life-saving aid.
The assassination of the President of Haiti in 2021 plunged the country into a deep political crisis, which has been exacerbated by an unprecedented breakdown in security.
Armed criminal gangs are said to be “imposing a regime of terror” and violence in most parts of Port-au-Prince, severely impacting the humanitarian, human rights and socio-economic situation in a country already hit hard by poverty, disease and disasters.
Commitment to support those in need
The UN agency added that it stands steadfast in its commitment to deliver critical aid and support for Haiti’s children who have been impacted by these traumatic events.
Beyond its initial crisis response, UNICEF supports the children and victims of the crimes, and working alongside partners, provides life-saving assistance, ensuring access to medical care, psychosocial support, and safe spaces where children can begin the process of healing and recovery.
“I have witnessed the remarkable resilience of Haitian children, women and families as they face seemingly insurmountable challenges, refusing to surrender,” said Mr. Conille.
“However, their bravery is being met with increasing, unthinkable terror. It must stop now.”
Ms. Mohammed on Friday wrapped up a week of development-focused meetings with Government officials in the vast South American country with a stop in Belém, capital of the northern state of Pará, gateway to Brazil’s lower Amazon region.
During roundtable discussions about the future of the Amazon region with representatives of civil society and the private sector, the UN deputy chief exchanged views on the region’s plurality and how to integrate voices from Amazonians in global climate governance.
In a meeting on Brazil’s efforts towards zero deforestation with environment and climate Minister Marina Silva, the Deputy Secretary-General stressed that safeguarding the Amazon and conserving its biodiversity is necessary for the region and the world.
“We agree: the world needs bold leadership and more solidarity to stop the war on nature,” Ms. Mohammed said on Twitter.
These meetings came one day after the Deputy Secretary-General engaged in Belém with a diverse group of Amazonian youth representatives and quilombolas – inhabitants of historical settlements of people of African origin who resisted slavery.
‘The United Nations will carry your voice’
While in Pará, Ms. Mohammed visited indigenous land in Munduruku and spent time with the Mapuera indigenous tribe.
“I am here to hear you, to see you, to feel you, for those things that you asked for, and those things that are your rights,” she told members of the community.
She added, “I am visiting Brazil, but to visit Brazil without visiting the Amazon, is to not visit Brazil.”
Ms. Mohammed noted that she had heard what people had told her during the visit and that she would “take that voice to Brasília, to Belém, to New York, to the world.”
“You asked for transport, you asked for technology, you asked for land, you asked for basic services. These are not a favor, these are your rights,” said the Deputy-Secretary-General.
“And so, the United Nations will carry your voice, will amplify what we hear, what we see, and we stand by you, with those who are working in Brazil, who are working in Santarém, who are working in Belém, so that one day we will actualize those rights,” she stated.
On the first two days of her trip to the country, the Deputy Secretary-General and her delegation had several meetings with the federal Government in Brasilia.
She commended the Government’s efforts to strengthen the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and discussed the importance of raising ambition at the global stage for the 2030 Agenda, climate action, and reforming of the international financial system.
