Windows clipboard is now AI-powered

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23 May 2024

Screenshot_4 — Smart clipboard – artistic interpretation. Image credit: Alius Noreika / Microsoft Copilot

Imagine if your clipboard could harness the power of AI. It’s not fiction anymore – Windows already has the new PowerToys Advanced Paste update, which makes this kind of functionality real.

This novelty, though, comes with a small fee. But it can automatically convert text and add data from ChatGPT

Microsoft has introduced an Advanced Paste feature in PowerToys for Windows 11, allowing users to convert clipboard content on the fly using AI. This feature enhances productivity by enabling tasks like copying code in one language and pasting it in another, although its more advanced capabilities require OpenAI API credits.

Included in PowerToys version 0.81, Advanced Paste can be activated with a specific key command: Windows Key + Shift + V. This opens an Advanced Paste text window, offering paste conversion options such as plaintext, markdown, and JSON.

ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw== Windows clipboard is now AI-powered

By enabling Paste with AI in the Advanced Paste settings, users can access an OpenAI prompt to specify the desired conversion. This can range from summarizing text and translating to generating code, rewriting text from casual to professional style, or even using Yoda syntax—essentially, any transformation you can imagine.

However, to use this feature, there are some prerequisites. Users need to add an OpenAI API key in PowerToys and must purchase credits for their OpenAI account if they don’t already have them. It’s important to note that API credits are distinct from a paid ChatGPT account.

Written by Alius Noreika

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A Russian Jehovah’s Witness was sentenced to 8 years in prison

By

Willy Fautre

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23 May 2024

On May 16, 2024, the Samara Regional Court confirmed the sentence of Jehovah’s Witness Alexander Chagan to 8 years in prison under Part 1 of Art. 282.2 Criminal Code (organization of the activities of an extremist organization).

On February 29, 2024, the Central District Court of Togliatti sentenced Chagan to eight years in a penal colony. In addition to the main punishment, Chagan was assigned a year of restriction of freedom and a three-year ban on participation in activities related to religious organizations.

In comparison

According to Article 111 Part 1 of the Russian Federation’s Criminal Code, grievous bodily harm draws a maximum of 8 years sentence.
According to Article 126 Part 1 of the Criminal Code, kidnapping leads to up to 5 years in prison.
According to Article 131 Part 1 of the Criminal Code, rape is punishable with 3 to 6 years in prison.

The criminal case against the Jehovah’s Witness was initiated on September 14, 2022 – the investigation was carried out by the Central Interdistrict Investigation Department of Togliatti of the Investigative Committee of Russia in the Samara region. According to the investigation, the believer was involved in “involving citizens in the banned extremist organization “Advernal Center of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Russia”. On September 21 of the same year, his apartment, as well as Vladimir Zubkov’s, were searched. Later, Chagan was assigned a preventive measure in the form of a travel ban. In July 2023, the case was brought to court. After the verdict was announced, he was detained in the courtroom.

The accusation of Jehovah’s Witnesses of involvement in the activities of an extremist organization is due to the fact that in April 2017, the Supreme Court of Russia decided to recognize the Management Center of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Russia and their 395 local religious organizations as extremist. This decision, which led to the mass persecution of believers under Art. 282.2 of the Criminal Code, had no legal basis, and can be interpreted as a manifestation of religious discrimination.

In June 2022, the ECHR issued a ruling on the complaint of Jehovah’s Witnesses, in which it recognized that the prohibition of their organization, the closure of all their local associations and the prosecution of their membersbelievers were contrary to the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.

The ECHR demanded the termination of criminal cases under Art. 282.2 of the Criminal Code against Jehovah’s Witnesses and the release of their members in detention.

Sources

The appeal in Samara left the harsh sentence of the Jehovah’s Witness unchanged – 8 years in prison. Message from Jehovah’s Witnesses. 2024. May 21.
The court in Togliatti sent Alexander Chagan to the colony for 8 years for his faith in Jehovah God Message from Jehovah’s Witnesses. 2024. March 1.
According to social media reports.
In Togliatti, the activities of a religious association whose activities are prohibited on the territory of the Russian Federation have been suppressed // Website of the Investigative Committee of Russia in the Samara region. 2022. September 23.
Searches in Togliatti: armed security forces infiltrated the believers through the window. Message from Jehovah’s Witnesses. 2022. September 26.

Scientology, growingly recognized as a religion worldwide, turns 60 in Denmark

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23 May 2024

KingNewsWire // The Church of Scientology Denmark celebrated its 60th anniversary with a lively event in Copenhagen, where distinguished speakers, such as a respected religious scholar, a passionate human rights advocate and the daughter-in-law of the church’s first Danish pioneer participated. The festivities included performances, thought-provoking speeches, delicious treats and a special tour of the church’s historic premises.

Copenhagen, 21st May 2024 – It was on 1st April 1964 that the very first Church of Scientology got registered in Denmark. The day was celebrated with an Open House anniversary in the premises of the Church of Scientology Denmark, located right in the oldest square in Copenhagen. Among the speakers celebrating the day were a renowned religious scholar, a Human Rights advocate and the daughter-in-law of the man, who first brought Scientology to Denmark in 1964.

ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw== Scientology, growingly recognized as a religion worldwide, turns 60 in Denmark

The 60 years anniversary was celebrated with an Open House attended by dignitaries, friends, neighbors, professionals, members of the Church and people passing by, who experienced both enlightening speeches and uplifting live entertainment.

The first speaker, scholar of religion, Adjunct Professor Tim Jensen, expressed his gratitude for having had the opportunity over the years to follow the Church of Scientology. He said:

“As a religious scholar it is interesting to be able to follow the development and establishment of a new religion like Scientology. In my scientific work with comparative religious history I have looked at both Scientology and other minority religions vis-à-vis the religion of the Danish majority and the dominant perceptions of what is ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ when it comes to religion.

It is my hope that this work is paving the way for people to reflect more on whether their culturally determined views of religion are the only correct and possible ones. That perhaps religion can exist in other ways and perhaps people such as Scientologists could be perfectly fine even if their religion may seemed ‘foreign’ and ‘different’. I want to thank you for the extreme openness and kindness I have been met with in the Church.”

The next speaker was long-term human rights advocate and author, Bashy Quraishy. After giving the anecdotes about how he got introduced to the Church of Scientology more than 30 years ago, he went on to saying:

“Even if I do not know in full detail, what the Church of Scientology stand for, I have a pretty good idea of the work you are engaged in.

Top of the list is to uplift an individual spirit, thus making that person, not only a happy and satisfied human being but also a valuable contributor to spread kindness, freedom and hope in the society and the world at large. To me, this is the greatest achievement of the Church of Scientology and the continuation of the legacy of Mr. L. Ron Hubbard’s lifelong work.”

Before the guests were able to enjoy more live entertainment, delicious refreshments and were given the opportunity to tour the esthetically renovated property in the Copenhagen middle-age city, which since 7 years has been the home of the Church of Scientology Denmark, there were two more final speakers.

The first one was Kirsten Jørck, daughter-in-law of the man who first brought Scientology to Denmark in 1964, Knud Jørck. She told how he had visited the home of the founder of the Scientology religion, L. Ron Hubbard, in the south of England in the early 1960ies. After having read some of the books about the subject, he was so enthusiastic that he filled up his car with books and brought them back to Denmark for his friends.

Kirsten Jørck continued:

“I remember the first Scientology Center in a Copenhagen suburb, where a lecture was held every Wednesday. People were lining up in front of the house an hour before the lecture started and the queue went all the way down the street. And when the room was full, the door was simply closed and people were told to come back next Wednesday.”

The description was so picturesque that it made everyone laugh. She went on to tell about how she and her husband, Peter Jørck, became executives in the Danish Church of Scientology, a position they held for many years after having done a full education as Church Executives directly under the supervision of L. Ron Hubbard.

At the end, Kirsten Jørck introduced her son, Mikkel Jørck, who is now the Executive Director in the Danish Church of Scientology and who could tell how he has himself just gone through an even fuller education for Church Executives as developed by L. Ron Hubbard together with a whole team from the Danish Church. In his address to the audience he underlined:

“This Church has never had a more competent team at the helm and we are very happy to now be able to present all the tools of Scientology to our parishioners, our neighbors and the society at large.”

Aside from the Danish Church, Copenhagen is also home to the Church of Scientology Europe, which was first established in Denmark in 1968. Here parishioners from all over Europe come to participate in the more advanced religious Scientology services provided in this special Church of Scientology.

Further, the publishing house, New Era Publications ApS, was also established in Copenhagen back in 1968 and is now located in a Copenhagen suburb, housing one of the two publishing houses in the world, established uniquely to only present the works on one author, L. Ron Hubbard.

Scientology’s recognition as a religion, but also for its positive impact in civil and humanitarian causes has not stop increasing, specially since the creation of Ideal Churches around the world and the laser precision tailored programs on drug prevention, human rights education, education, moral values and religious freedom worldwide.

Currency war: Reality or fantasy?

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23 May 2024

U.S. dollar banknote with map — Photo by Christine Roy on Unsplash

Pressrelease // Every economic cycle has its currency war. In the 1920s, France, Germany, and Belgium devalued their currencies to return to the gold standard, which had been abandoned during World War I. In the 1930s, major global economies resorted to competitive devaluations to recover the prosperity lost after the 1929 American stock market crash. In 2024, the strength of the dollar could trigger a new currency war, explains Johan Gabriels, Regional Director at iBanFirst, a leading provider of foreign exchange and international payment services for businesses.

In 2024, the strength of the dollar could trigger a new currency war. The market is concerned about the risk of competitive devaluations in Asia to counter the strong dollar.

A devaluation of the yuan could be the first domino to fall, allowing China to regain competitiveness and boost its export-driven economy to pre-pandemic levels.

iBanFirst analysts believe there’s little risk of a significant depreciation or devaluation of the yuan due to China’s favorable economic conditions.

As long as the US Federal Reserve does not move towards lowering rates—which is uncertain to happen this year—the strong dollar will remain a problem for China and the rest of the world.

Are we heading towards a new currency war? For now, only a few countries are intervening to counter the collapse of their currencies against the US dollar. These countries have one thing in common: they are all in Asia. Indonesia raised its rates in May to support the rupiah, while Japan is relying on direct yen purchases on the foreign exchange market.

Mixed success of Bank of Japan’ interventions

According to the latest estimates, the two interventions by the Bank of Japan earlier this month cost 60 billion dollars. Japan has ample foreign exchange reserves and, in theory, can continue to intervene. However, the effectiveness of a unilateral intervention is doubtful. In the past, successful interventions were coordinated and aligned with monetary policy. For Japan’s intervention to be effective, the US Treasury would also need to buy yen, which is not currently planned. Additionally, the Bank of Japan would need to further normalize its monetary policy, as an ultra-accommodative policy is incompatible with a strong currency in the long term.

Competitive devaluations in Asia

What the market is concerned about is the risk of competitive devaluations in Asia to counter the strong dollar. A devaluation of the yuan could be the first domino to fall. It would allow China to regain competitiveness and boost its export-driven economy to pre-pandemic levels. Analysts have been fearing this scenario for months.

But is there a real risk? „We don’t believe so. Calls for a significant depreciation (or even devaluation) of the yuan ignore economic realities. China has a significant current account surplus, around 1-2% of its GDP. Its trade surplus is 3-4% of GDP, and the manufacturing trade surplus is over 10% of GDP. Given the size of the Chinese economy—18 trillion dollars, or 15% of global GDP—these surpluses are enormous”, says Johan Gabriels.

The risk of capital flight

However, this does not mean that there are no problems. Many exporters are not converting their profits into renminbi. Due to interest rate differentials and a lack of confidence in Chinese policy, capital outflows are significant. In 2023, they reached their highest level in five years, reminding authorities of bad memories.

Moreover, a yuan devaluation would only reinforce capital flight, as was the case in 2015-16. This painful moment in China’s economic history likely makes Beijing cautious in managing the exchange rate. Since the beginning of the year, China has mainly sought to keep the renminbi stable against the dollar without using the central bank’s ample foreign exchange reserves. Instead, it has relied on daily fixing and direct intervention in the public commercial banks’ market to signal that a yuan depreciation against the dollar is not desired.

Currency manipulation?

Unlike the Trump era, the Biden administration seems content with the yuan’s level. China’s current account surplus is not high enough for the US Treasury to consider it a sign of currency manipulation. Additionally, China’s foreign exchange reserves growth is relatively stable, further indicating no manipulation. Lastly, Washington is well aware that the downward pressure on the yuan partly reflects the strong dollar.

As long as the US Federal Reserve does not move towards lowering rates—which is uncertain to happen this year—the strong dollar will remain a problem for China and the rest of the world. However, iBanFirst analysts doubt that the appropriate response to the strong dollar is a series of competitive devaluations, especially in China.

ICC seeking arrest warrants for Hamas leaders and Israel’s Netanyahu

By

United Nations News

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22 May 2024

ICC seeking arrest warrants for Hamas leaders and Israel’s Netanyahu

In a statement, ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan said that there were reasonable grounds to believe that Hamas’s Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Diab Ibrahim Al-Masri (Deif) and Ismail Haniyeh “bear criminal responsibility” for murder, extermination and taking hostages – among numerous other crimes – since the Gaza conflict erupted in the wake of Hamas-led attacks in southern Israel on 7 October.

There are also reasonable grounds to believe that Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant, Israeli Minister of Defence, are responsible for other crimes and crimes against humanity “committed on the territory of the State of Palestine”.

Table of Contents

Starvation tactic alleged

These include “starvation of civilians as a method of warfare as a war crime…intentionally directing attacks against a civilian population [and] extermination and/or murder”.

Although the ICC is not a UN organisation, it has an agreement of cooperation with the United Nations. And when a situation is not within the court’s jurisdiction, the UN Security Council can refer the situation to the ICC, granting it jurisdiction.

To complement the allegations, Prosecutor Khan, a British national born in Edinburgh, noted that his Office had interviewed victims and survivors of the 7 October Hamas-led terror attacks in Israel.

This included former hostages and eyewitnesses “from six major attack locations: Kfar Aza, Holit, the venue of the Supernova Music Festival, Be’eri; Nir Oz and Nahal Oz”.

‘Unfathomable pain’

“It is the view of my Office that these individuals planned and instigated the commission of crimes on 7 October 2023 and have through their own actions, including personal visits to hostages shortly after their kidnapping, acknowledged their responsibility for those crimes,” Prosecutor Khan said.

“Speaking with survivors, I heard how the love within a family, the deepest bonds between a parent and a child, were contorted to inflict unfathomable pain through calculated cruelty and extreme callousness. These acts demand accountability,” he added.

Turning to the hostages still believed to be held in Gaza, the ICC official noted that his Office had interviewed victims and survivors and that this information along with other sources indicated that they had been kept in inhumane conditions with some subjected to sexual violence, including rape.

Survivors’ courage

“I wish to express my gratitude to the survivors and the families of victims of the 7 October attacks for their courage in coming forward to provide their accounts to my Office,” Prosecutor Khan said. “We remain focused on further deepening our investigations of all crimes committed as part of these attacks and will continue to work with all partners to ensure that justice is delivered.”

On the issue of the liability of the top Israeli officials Mr. Netanyahu and Mr. Gallant, the ICC Prosecutor alleged “starvation as a method of war”.

This and other crimes against humanity were allegedly committed “as part of a widespread and systematic attack against the Palestinian civilian population pursuant to State policy”.

To reinforce the allegations, Mr. Khan cited “interviews with survivors and eyewitnesses, authenticated video, photo and audio material, satellite imagery and statements” which showed “that Israel has intentionally and systematically deprived the civilian population in all parts of Gaza of objects indispensable to human survival”.

Aid siege

Detailing the impact of “total siege” imposed by Israel on Gaza after 8 October 2023, the ICC request to judges explained that this involved “completely closing” the three border crossing points – Rafah, Kerem Shalom in the south and Erez in the north – “for extended periods and then by arbitrarily restricting the transfer of essential supplies – including food and medicine – through the border crossings after they were re-opened”.

Among other deprivations, the Israeli siege also cut off water and electricity pipelines to Gaza, the ICC Prosecutor continued, noting that Gazans also faced physical attacks when queuing for food while other “attacks on and killing of aid workers…forced many agencies to cease or limit their operations”.

The effects of this State policy were “acute, visible and widely known”, Mr. Khan said, noting the UN Secretary-General’s warning some two months ago that “1.1 million people in Gaza are facing catastrophic hunger – the highest number of people ever recorded anywhere, anytime” as a result of an “entirely man-made disaster”.

Gravest offences

Although Israel has the right to defend itself under international law, Mr. Khan insisted that “intentionally causing death, starvation, great suffering” to civilians were clear breaches of the ICC’s foundational charter, signed in Rome in 2002. Israel is not a signatory to the Rome Statute while Palestine is.

“I have consistently emphasised that international humanitarian law demands that Israel take urgent action to immediately allow access to humanitarian aid in Gaza at scale. I specifically underlined that starvation as a method of war and the denial of humanitarian relief constitute Rome Statute offences.”

No one is above the law

In addition to the request to judges to issue warrants, the ICC statement noted that it was pursuing “multiple and interconnected additional lines of inquiry” into crimes committed since 7 October.

These include further allegations of sexual violence during the Hamas-led terror attacks and widespread bombardment in Gaza “that has caused and continues to cause so many civilian deaths, injuries and suffering”.

“Today, we once again underline that international law and the laws of armed conflict apply to all. No foot soldier, no commander, no civilian leader – no one – can act with impunity,” Mr. Khan said, while also highlighting his concern over escalating violence in the West Bank.

“Nothing can justify wilfully depriving human beings, including so many women and children, the basic necessities required for life. Nothing can justify the taking of hostages or the targeting of civilians.”

In a call to all parties in the Gaza conflict “to comply with the law now”, the ICC Prosecutor said his Office “will not hesitate to submit further applications for warrants of arrest if and when we consider that the threshold of a realistic prospect of conviction has been met”.

Unlike the International Court of Justice (ICJ) – which is the UN’s principal judicial organ for settling disputes between countries – the ICC tries individuals. The ICC is a permanent court based in The Hague, unlike temporary tribunals such as those set up to try grave crimes committed in the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda.

According to ICC documentation, the court’s policy is to focus on those who “bear the greatest responsibility for the crimes” committed. No one is exempt from prosecution and there is no exemption for heads of State of Government.

The decision over whether to issue arrest warrants will be taken by the Pre-Trial Chambers, which must also confirm the alleged charges.

One an arrest warrant is issued and if the alleged perpetrator is arrested on the charges sought by the Prosecutor, a Trial Chamber is then created, headed by three judges.

Once the trial has ended, the judges “may impose a sentence of imprisonment for a specified number of years not exceeding a maximum of thirty years or life imprisonment”, the ICC said.

World News in Brief: Myanmar violence intensifies, praise for Brazil refugee response, Baháí detainees in Yemen

By

United Nations News

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22 May 2024

World News in Brief: Myanmar violence intensifies, praise for Brazil refugee response, Baháí detainees in Yemen

“Our team on the ground is deeply alarmed by the latest reports of further escalating violence and destruction taking place in Buthidaung and Maungdaw townships,” said UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, briefing reporters at UN Headquarters on Monday.

Renewed violence and the destruction of property in Buthidaung has resulted in the displacement of potentially tens of thousands of civilians, mostly Rohingya. The Myanmar military has stoked tensions between Rohingya and ethnic Rakhine, said UN rights chief Volker Türk in a statement on Sunday.

“This is a critical period when the risk of yet further atrocity crimes is particularly acute,” he said, calling for rebels from the Arakan Army and Government forces to pause the fighting.

Table of Contents

Food running out

In Rakhine’s capital, Sittwe, there are reports of food and cash shortages, soaring market prices, water scarcity and the spread of waterborne diseases. Humanitarian assistance and essential services have been heavily interrupted, said Mr. Dujarric.

“We call on all military and political leaders as well as community influencers to do their part to de-escalate and defuse attempts to reignite intercommunal tensions, particularly between ethnic Rakhine and Rohingya, and to avoid the repetition of past human rights atrocities that we have seen in Rakhine State,” said Mr. Dujarric.

Mr. Türk called on Bangladesh “to once again extend protection to vulnerable people seeking safety and for the international community to provide all necessary support.”

That call was echoed by head of the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, Filippo Grandi who said conflict and violence stemming from the brutal military crackdown by the ruling junta was “dramatically worsening”.

“I appeal to all parties to ensure the safety of civilians and humanitarians,” he said on X.

Brazil’s refugee response wins praise from senior UNHCR official

Brazil’s unified and inclusive refugee response, which focuses on protection and finding solutions for refugees, won praise from Assistant High Commissioner for Operations at UNHCR Raouf Mazou in a statement on Monday.

During a week-long visit to the country, he said “Brazil’s commitment to inclusive refugee policies shows that documentation, asylum and other forms of protection, combined with access to jobs, livelihoods, education and health, are the best way to arrive at solutions.”

The Assistant Commissioner’s trip included visits to “innovative projects” in São Paulo and Manaus that focus on employing refugees and assisting them in integrating into local communities.

In Brasilia, the capital city, he met national authorities to open the second Cartagena+40 Process consultation – a process to mark the 40th anniversary of the 1984 Cartagena Declaration on Refugees – emphasising inclusion and integration.

Deluge in Rio Grande do Sul

Mr. Mazou’s visit occurred while the south of Brazil experienced heavy rains and floods leaving more than two million people affected, based on official data, including more than 100 fatalities.

The flooding has devastated areas in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, leaving some 43,000 refugees in need of international protection.

UNHCR is working with authorities to deliver “relief items, technical assistance on shelter management and provision of reliable information to refugees and migrants”.

Yemen: Rights experts call for release of Baháí detainees

Top rights experts called on Monday for the urgent release of five people belonging to the Baháí faith one year after their abduction by de facto authorities in Yemen.

The five detainees “continue to be at serious risk of torture”, said the independent rights experts, who include Nazila Ghanea, Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion.

In a statement alleging the “targeted persecution of religious minorities in Yemen”, the rights experts said the Ansar Allah movement – also known as the Houthis – were responsible.

History of hate speech

Other Baháí believers who have been released have faced severe pressure to recant their religious beliefs, the rights experts maintained, before warning that hate speech against minorities, including by the Houthi Grand Mufti of Sana’a, had made matters worse.

Special Rapporteurs are part of the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. They do not receive a salary for their work and serve in their individual capacity.

Book Anticultism in France in 2024: Personal Stories and Battles

By

Juan Sanchez Gil

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22 May 2024

In a world that often misunderstands and ostracizes unconventional beliefs, Donald A. Westbrook’s groundbreaking 2024 book, Anticultism in France, emerges as a beacon of scholarship and attention to the details.

Being released by Cambridge University Press (June, 2024), this publication explores the past and present state of new religious movements (NRMs) in France, providing readers with a thorough and captivating account that goes beyond clichés and biases. A part of the “Elements in New Religious Movements” collection, the book is extensively and skillfully crafted, making it ideal, for scholars, decision makers and the wider audience.

Its detailed examination of both the anticult movements in France and the specific case of Scientology serves not only as an academic treatise but also as a captivating story of resilience and human rights.

Table of Contents

The Deep Roots of Anticultism in France

Westbrook starts off with an introduction that lays the foundation for delving into the book’s themes. The story quickly guides readers through the events linked to the Solar Temple and the subsequent emergence of MIVILUDES (Interministerial Mission, for Monitoring and Combating Sectarian Deviances) originally the whitewashed MILS, and which is starting to be the subject of scrutiny for financial scandals as reported by Le Monde.

This historical backdrop is crucial for understanding the hostile environment in which NRMs, including Scientology, have had to navigate their existence.

Through a blend of historical analysis and contemporary evaluation, Westbrook makes it clear how deep-seated fears and misconceptions have fueled France’s anticult stance. The book methodically traces these roots, providing readers with a nuanced understanding of why and how certain beliefs come to be viewed with such suspicion and hostility.

Scientology: A Case Study in Persecution and Resilience

In a captivating transition, Westbrook’s second chapter of ‘Anticultism in France‘ zooms in on Scientology. Here, the book shifts from broader historical narratives to a focused examination of one of the NRMs in France that has overcome more barriers but which recently made it to open an over 8000 square meters landmark church steps away from Stade de France, situating it in the heart of the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics.

Scientology’s journey in France is a saga of legal battles, public denouncements, and extraordinary resilience. Westbrook painstakingly documents these struggles, from court cases to societal backlash, revealing the broader implications for other minority religions. By emphasizing the human element—stories of individual members and their personal trials—the book fosters a deeper empathy and understanding.

This chapter is particularly striking because it challenges readers to reconsider their preconceived notions about Scientology. Whether you view it with skepticism or curiosity, the book’s detailed historical account compels you to acknowledge the challenges faced by its members and to question the fairness of their treatment by the French state and specific elements of its society.

Reflections on the Future

Westbrook’s final chapter, “Reflections on the Future of New and Minority Religions in France,” provides a thoughtful and forward-looking analysis. Here, the book moves from historical recounting to strategic contemplation. What does the future hold for NRMs in a country with such a fraught relationship with religious diversity?

Westbrook isn’t afraid to tackle inquiries, rather he welcomes them, providing thoughtful forecasts and possible solutions. In this section, he urges policymakers, religious figures and the general people to promote a society that’s more accepting and empathetic. The book does not only record instances of persecution, it aims to provoke a daring path for transformation. It encourages readers to analyze the concepts of freedom critically and emphasizes the significance of protecting these liberties for everyone, no matter how unorthodox or unconventional their beliefs may seem.

The Human Impact

Westbrook’s writing in the book Anticultism in France is filled with a sense of respect for the people living their beliefs, even when facing undue consequences. This focus on connection may be considered one of the book’s most significant asset.

By presenting well-researched facts alongside personal stories and reflections, it makes the academic accessible and the complex comprehensible.

Westbrook’s narrative is not just about policies and prejudices; it’s about people—those who have suffered, resisted, and those who continue to believe against all odds. This perspective transforms the book into more than a historical or sociological study; it becomes a deeply human story about the quest for legitimacy and understanding in a world that can be unforgiving of difference.

Academic Rigor and Curiosity

The book is truly an academic accomplishment, showcasing years of dedicated research, thorough analysis and thoughtful writing. Donald Westbrook’s extensive list of references and documented sources give the work credibility and significance. It serves as a testament to the power of rigor paired with genuine curiosity.

For scholars and students alike, the book offers a wealth of knowledge and insights. It lays a groundwork, for further exploration and sparks fresh conversations and discussions. Westbrook’s talent in weaving vast amounts of information into a coherent and captivating story is truly praiseworthy.

Should you read this Book?

In today’s world, where false information and bias often easily and irresponsibly circulates, Westbrook’s book is a must-read for anyone interested in topics like religious freedom, human rights and social justice. It urges us to delve into the complexities of NRMs rather than just skimming the surface. It is written in a way that it is not just for scholars or those directly connected to NRMs, it’s for everyone who values understanding and living together in peace. Readers may feel prompted to step out of their comfort zones and consider the perspectives and rights of marginalized believers.

Donald A. Westbrook’s work “Anticultism in France” tells a story of resilience, challenges and prejudice, while picturing an inclusive future. For those seeking to broaden their knowledge about diversity and its obstacles, this book is an invaluable asset. If you believe, or not, that knowledge can nurture empathy and instigate change, I advise you to read Westbrook’s analysis and recounts, as one may, if that is possible, become more knowledgeable, empathetic and more humane.

Ankara: new failed coup attempt against Erdoğan?

By

Lahcen Hammouch

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22 May 2024

1024px-Meeting_Vladimir_Putin_with_Recep_Tayyip_Erdogan_2017-03-10_06 — kremlin.ru, CC BY 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

The Turkish government has foiled what it described as a new coup attempt to overthrow the current regime by implicating people close to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in corruption cases to tarnish their image. Erdoğan summoned intelligence chief İbrahim Kalın and Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç to an emergency meeting at the presidential palace in Ankara late last Tuesday night, where they discussed the arrest and dismissal of several police officials.

Table of Contents

Repetition of a previous attempt

The action follows the revelation by Nationalist Action Party leader Devlet Bahçeli at his party’s parliamentary group meeting on Tuesday lunchtime of a coup attempt similar to the corruption and bribery investigations of 2013. He said that a group of prosecutors and security officials linked to Fethullah Gülen’s organisation had fabricated corruption cases and illegal wiretapping to tarnish the image of people close to Erdoğan, but the government had managed to counter them at the time. Bahçeli said, “There is an ongoing conspiracy that cannot be eradicated by sacking just a few police chiefs. We are aware of the network of illegal connections, and the target is the People’s Alliance.”

Mass arrests

These events coincided with the announcement on Tuesday morning by the Turkish Interior Minister, Ali Yerlikaya, of the arrest of 544 people accused of belonging to the Gülen community, in a large-scale operation carried out in 62 Turkish provinces. The suspects are accused of attempting to infiltrate state institutions and using the “ByLock” application to communicate with each other, an application that the authorities have indicated was used by the perpetrators of the failed coup attempt in 2016.

The Ankara Prosecutor’s Office also announced on Wednesday the arrest of four employees of the Anti-Organised Crime Branch of the Ankara Security Directorate, including the deputy chief of the Ankara Police, Murat Çalık, and the director of the Anti-Organised Crime Branch, Kerem Öner. Turkish media reported that these police officers had lobbied to implicate people close to Erdoğan, such as head of presidential communications Fahrettin Altun, director of the president’s office Hasan Doğan and former interior minister Süleyman Soylu, in trumped-up cases to tarnish their reputations.

The roots of the affair

The roots of the events go back to 8 September 2023, when anti-organised crime teams in Ankara arrested the head of the ‘Kaplanlar’ criminal organisation, Ayhan Bora Kaplan, as he was trying to flee Turkey. He was sentenced to up to 169 years and 6 months in prison for two murders. In response to allegations of the involvement of certain police officers with the organisation, the General Directorate of Security in Ankara launched an administrative investigation, which led to the suspension of nine police officers, including a former director of the security branch and a former director of the arms and explosives branch of the Ankara police.

The police then arrested Serdar Serçelik, the organisation’s number two, and placed him under house arrest. However, he fled abroad after giving a 19-page testimony as a protected witness. In a video published after his flight, Serçelik said that some police officers had steered his testimony and forced him to make statements against ministers and politicians, referring to a conspiracy against the Justice and Development Party and the Nationalist Action Party. Police and intelligence teams then began to identify the culprits on the basis of this information.

New smart data human mobility research project

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22 May 2024

black ImgIX server system — Photo by imgix on Unsplash

University of Liverpool researchers have been awarded funding from Smart Data Research UK (SDR UK) for a new project to quantify and adjust existing biases in smart data on human mobility.

5G data transmission/network

Called DEBIAS, the project is led by Professor Francisco Rowe, who specialises in population data science and has specific expertise in human mobility, migration, and geographic data science. The project will also benefit from Dr Carmen Cabrera-Arnau’s expertise in human mobility and statistical modelling.

DEBIAS will use data on human mobility obtained from users of the social media platforms Facebook and X (previously Twitter) and from smartphone applications collected by the company Huq and explore how was this data obtained and what biases need correcting and why.

Professor Rowe, from the University’s Department of Geography & Planning and Geographic Data Science Lab, said: “I am delighted to receive this award for this innovative new data project. DEBIAS will deliver a new approach to assess and correct biases in geographically aggregated, privacy-preserving origin-destination mobility data, and will produce an open-source software package and training materials to facilitate its implementation.”

The project is one of seven projects funded through the ESRC Digital Footprints Accelerator Scheme, which is part of the UK’s national programme for smart data science. The scheme aims to unlock the power of data for the social good by facilitating digitally-generated data access and building capability for cutting-edge research.

Source: University of Liverpool

European Fact-Checking Organisations Launch Climate Disinformation Database

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22 May 2024