Spectacular simultaneous SWAT raids on Romanian yoga centers (II): Fact-checking of the operation in Buthiers, France

Centre of spiritual retreat for yoga practitioners in Buthiers

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Disproportionate use of police forces in search of… inexistent victims of MISA

On 28 November 2023, just after 6 a.m., a SWAT team of around 175 policemen wearing black masks, helmets, and bulletproof vests, simultaneously descended on eight separate houses and apartments in and around Paris but also in Nice, brandishing semi-automatic rifles.

Centre of spiritual retreat for yoga practitioners in Buthiers

These searched places were being used for spiritual retreats by practitioners of yoga connected with MISA yoga school in Romania. On that fateful morning, most of them were still in bed and were awakened by very loud noises and shouting.

The first objective of the police forces was to identify, arrest, detain and indict suspects of “trafficking in human beings”, “forcible confinement” and “abuse of vulnerability”, in organized gang. The second goal was to obtain declarations of their victims as elements of evidence.

In Buthiers (Paris Region), 20 people – 15 women and 5 men – were having their retreat at the time of the raid. They included engineers, designers, teachers, psychologists, a student in psychology, a philologist, a sociologist, a medical doctor, an actor, and so on. They had graduated from high schools, faculties of sociology, psychology, electronics, mathematics, IT science in Bucharest, Cluj Napoca, Chisinau (Moldova), Buenos Aires (Argentina)…

Human Rights Without Frontiers interviewed one of the residents, Ms S.C. (*), an Orthodox woman who had been practicing Hatha, Tibetan and other forms of yoga in Romania for 32 years. She had come from Iasi to Buthiers in the car of her boyfriend who had other things to do in Paris. They both knew that retreat center where they had already spent several weeks a few years ago. It was spacious, comfortable and well-equipped.

MISA FRANCE Buthiers02 Spectacular simultaneous SWAT raids on Romanian yoga centers (II): Fact-checking of the operation in Buthiers, France — *Living space for yoga practitioners in Buthiers*

Interview

Q.: What happened in the spiritual retreat center of Buthiers in the early morning of 28 November 2023?

A.: I was suddenly woken up by a lot of noise and shouting. It was still dark outside and all I could see looking out of the window were beams of light from flashlights. I could hear people shouting, running and violently banging objects around the house.

At first I didn’t even realize what was going on. I thought that a gang of villains had broken into the house and they were going to kill us. Shortly after this first frightening thought, I began to understand some words in the shouting and I realized that it was actually a raid by the French police.

At that moment I began to wonder about the reasons of such a brutal and unexpected action. There were only peaceful people in the house who had come to the spiritual retreat center to regenerate through relaxation practices and walks in the wonderful natural environment.

MISA FRANCE Buthiers03 Spectacular simultaneous SWAT raids on Romanian yoga centers (II): Fact-checking of the operation in Buthiers, France

Ignoring the proposals of the guests to quietly open the doors with the keys of the house, the police smashed the entrance doors of the building as well as various premises with battering rams, and hereby caused a lot of damage.

Several men and women were violently pinned to the ground and handcuffed with their hands in their back although they had not shown any sign of resistance.

After about three hours we were told to quickly pack all our bags because we would be taken to another place for questioning and we would not be allowed to return to the retreat center.

The police thoroughly checked the things we were putting in our luggage: clothes, underwear, notebooks, etc. Our personal electronic items were confiscated on the grounds that they were ‘evidence’ although we were never told about any charge. We had to leave behind many of our personal belongings, even medicines. We were not allowed to take food or water with us but I managed to keep one bottle.

Q.: Where were you taken to and what happened there?

A.: We were sent by bus to the headquarters of the National Police Academy in Cannes-Ecluse and gathered in a conference room. Eight hours had already passed since the raid began. For the first time, one of the policewomen told us the reasons for the raid and the fact that we were considered possible victims of trafficking, deprivation of freedom and sexual abuse.

We asked all very surprised to hear such an explanation. We replied that the only people who had deprived us of our freedom in France were the police who had confiscated our identity papers and personal phones.

Most of us were still in a state of emotional shock, scared and traumatized by all the events that had unfolded. We asked several times for the assistance of a lawyer but our request was turned down on the grounds that our status did not allow us to do so. They tried in various ways to get us to “talk” including under pressure of keeping us locked up for up to 96 hours (legal duration of a “garde à vue”, deprivation of freedom).

Without a lawyer, I refused to answer any questions because I was still under the emotional shock of that event.

MISA FRANCE Buthiers04 Spectacular simultaneous SWAT raids on Romanian yoga centers (II): Fact-checking of the operation in Buthiers, France

We were also proposed to talk to a representative of an association helping victims of trafficking and/or sexual abuse but I refused because I was not a victim.

They kept telling us that we were victims and that they had rescued us but this was a kafkaiesque situation, a real dialogue of the death. We had not been trafficked into France, we were not victims of MISA and we did not need to be rescued.

Q.: How were you finally released and in which conditions?

A.: After about two or three hours they gave me back my ID but I could not get back my personal belongings. I did not get a copy of the list of personal items they had confiscated and I did not sign any report or declaration. I was escorted to the gate of the huge property of the National Police Academy and only shown the local bus stop.

Basically I was left on the street in a foreign country and in a town I didn’t even know where it was located. I had no possibility to go back to the MISA center in Buthiers as it had been sealed off. My phone had been confiscated for the investigation, I was unable to call anyone for help and I had no money with me, just a bank card with a small amount on it.

After a few hours spent on the street in the cold, one of my friends remembered a friend’s phone number and asked someone on the street to call that person for help. After a few more hours we reached that person who hosted us and helped us to go back to Romania.

Q.: What about travelling again to France in the future?

A.: Never again. Five months after that experience, I am still emotionally fragile. When I see a picture of the Eiffel Tower in a movie or when I hear a sudden loud noise, I start shivering. It is like a post-traumatic syndrome. It will take time to get rid of it.

Some comments

One can wonder on which basis it was decided to launch several simultaneous SWAT raids of such a magnitude – 175 heavily armed policemen – on yoga centers all over France. Dangerous people, weapons and drugs did not seem to be what they could have expected to face if the places had been under serious preliminary police scrutiny.

One can wonder why destructive battering rams were used while residents were offering keys to safely open the entrance and other doors without any damage.

One can wonder why and on which basis several yoga practitioners were handcuffed although they offered no resistance when they were arrested.

One can wonder why they were denied the assistance of French lawyers.

One can wonder why over five months after the raid the Romanian yoga practitioners have not heard from the French police anymore or a prosecutor and have not got back their telephones and other confiscated belongings.

One can wonder how the French authorities will move forward with a case where six people were put in pre-trial detention (several were still detained after five months) and no complaint had been lodged by any of the dozens of interrogated yoga practitioners.

(*) Out of respect for the privacy of the interviewee, we only put her initials but we have her full name and contact data.

Ukraine war: UNICEF highlights 40 per cent rise in children killed this year

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5 May 2024

Ukraine war: UNICEF highlights 40 per cent rise in children killed this year

Attacks that occurred between January and March left 25 children dead, including a two-month-old, said the agency. During the first three weeks of April, nine children lost their lives during attacks.

UNICEF‘s Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia, Regina De Dominicis, said during a visit to the war-torn country that children and families are being forced to endure more loss and destruction as the deadly attacks continue.

“Every attack sets back recovery and rebuilding efforts, prolonging the deterioration in children’s quality of life.

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‘Nowhere is safe’

“I am troubled to see that attacks across the country continue, destroying schools, health facilities and residential buildings. Nowhere is safe for children,” she said.

Official UN data reveals that about 600 children have lost their lives and more than 1,350 have been injured in attacks since the war in Ukraine escalated in 2022. The true number of children’s lives lost is likely to be considerably higher.

The attacks have also destroyed infrastructure children in Ukraine rely on. Within the first three months of the year, thousands of homes, 36 health facilities and 140 educational facilities have been either damaged or destroyed.

Power and water targeted

Additionally, attacks have affected power and water supplies which have disrupted critical services, putting children’s lives and wellbeing at a heightened risk. UNICEF, along with partners, are rebuilding the power and water supplies destroyed in the attacks.

Access to schooling has also been disrupted for four years in a row, due to the combined impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s full-scale invasion.

Almost half of all children enrolled are missing out on classroom learning, while nearly one million Ukrainian children cannot access in-person sessions due to insecurity.

UNICEF’s efforts

As attacks continue, UNICEF is working across Ukraine to rehabilitate schools and shelters and provide at-home learning kits and online support. In 2023, the agency reached 103 million youngsters with formal and non-formal learning.

Also in 2023, UNICEF administered mental health and psychosocial support through safe spaces, protection and support hubs, reaching 2.5 million children and caregivers.

The agency is requiring an additional $250 million to further support children and families in Ukraine in frontline areas and for humanitarian and recovery programmes in 2024.

First deaconess ordination in Zimbabwe

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Newsroom

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5 May 2024

First deaconess ordination in Zimbabwe — Illustration: Icon of the Feast of the Entrance into the Temple of Our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary.

On May 2, Holy Thursday, in the parish “St. Nectarius” in Zimbabwe, the first deaconess ordination of the local Christian Angelica was performed by Metropolitan Seraphim of Zimbabwe.

The event and the photos, in which the new deaconess gave communion to Christians in the parish, gave rise to lively comments that this was the first ordination of a woman in the Orthodox Church.

Metropolitan Seraphim said that the deaconesses in his diocese will help in the Liturgy and pastoral work: “She will do what the deacon does in the Liturgy and in all the sacraments in our Orthodox services. Her specific duties will be geared towards the specific needs of parishes in Zimbabwe.” And more: “One of the most important areas of the deaconess’s activity is the exercise in works of charity. The deaconesses were angels of mercy, sisters who visited the sick, the “mourning” and the poor women, teaching them the Holy Gifts of Christian love. The deaconesses visited the imprisoned Christians, bringing them Holy Gifts”. He noted that today the work of deaconesses would not be identical to that exercised in Byzantine times. However, “we must recognize that women can offer the Orthodox Church a great missionary work” and gives the example of their missionary, catechizing and teaching activities in Africa. The Metropolitan has chosen Maundy Thursday for this event because the Divine Liturgy celebrated on that day commemorates the establishment of the Eucharist. Thus, the ministry of the deaconess is connected with the Holy Eucharist, which is the center of the Christian life.

In fact, this is far from the first ordination of women as deaconesses in the Patriarchate of Alexandria. As is known, this tradition was revived by St. Nectarius of Aegis at the beginning of the 20th century and was sanctified by his authority as a saint and bishop. Periodically, ordinations for deaconesses take place under the jurisdiction of the Patriarchate of Alexandria, a practice imposed by missionary considerations and by conditions in the patriarchal and conservative societies of the African continent. For example, in 2017, on the day of St. Theodore Tiron, Patriarch Theodore celebrated the festive Holy Liturgy in Congo, during which he performed presbyterial ordination, and then he performed chirothesia (ordination) for the deaconess of the catechist of the Katanga metropolis – old woman Theona. She was one of the first members of the Orthodox Christian mission in Kol(o)wezi, Congo, and was given the title of “deaconess of the mission” of the Metropolitanate of Katanga. In addition to her, a prayer was read over three other nuns and two catechists “to enter the ministry of deacon” to serve the missionary activity of the metropolis, especially in the sacraments of Adult Baptism and Marriage, as well as in the catechism department of the local church.

The manner in which they were elevated to the deacon ministry shows that the Alexandrian bishops did not strictly follow the ancient order of ordination of women deaconesses preserved in Byzantine sources, which shows that women were ordained as deaconesses at the altar as well as male deacons. In Byzantium, women-deaconesses helped in the performance of the sacrament of Baptism of women, as well as they administered communion to women and children in homes. They were also involved in the charity work of the parishes. Being a deaconess was prestigious in society. Because of their social activity, wealthy women from the upper classes of society were ordained as deaconesses, for example, widowed wives of members of the synclit, daughters of high civil servants, members of bishops’ families. However, they donated all their property to the church community in which they served. Rule 15 of the Fourth Ecumenical Council sets the age of forty as the minimum age for their ordination. By imperial order, forty women deaconesses served in the “Saint Sophia” temple in Constantinople in the 6th century. This institution was established in church life from the 2nd to the 6th century, therefore naturally from the 6th to the 8th century the so-called “prayer for the ordination of deaconesses” developed in the Church, which is very reminiscent of the rank of deacon’s ordination. However, male deacons were immediately given ministry at the altar of the temple unlike female deaconesses. The most important functions of the deaconesses were in the baptism of women: they anointed the body of the baptized, while the bishops, respectively the priests, anointed only the forehead.

This did not give rise to controversies about “women’s priesthood” in the Church, because people had a different idea about the nature of the priestly ministry – its center and source was the bishop, who delegated by ordination these powers and duties of his to priests only. The deacon’s ministry was not seen as the “first degree of the priesthood”, but as another type of auxiliary ministry at the holy altar, which was not connected with the administration of sacraments. St. Epiphanius of Cyprus emphasizes that “deaconesses are a rank in the Church, but not in the priesthood.”

The reduction of the deacon ministry of men to the beginning of the career “priestly development” in the Church actually limits it and deprives it of its original meaning, which is connected (even from the first years of the Church of Christ in Jerusalem – see: Acts. ch. 6) before all with the charitable activity for the benefit of Christians.

It is no coincidence that the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in its document adopted at the Pan-Orthodox Conference in 1988 on the island of Rhodes (this is the Inter-Orthodox Theological Conference “The Place of Women in the Orthodox Church and the Question of the Ordination of Women” recommends: “that the general order of deacons (men and women) be restored everywhere in its original and varied ministry, extending into the social sphere, in the spirit of the ancient tradition and in response to the growing specific needs of the modern world. It should not be limited to a purely liturgical role or seen as a degree for promotion to the higher ranks of the clergy.”

However, in the Orthodox Church, the ministry of women deaconesses was not revived, since the ministry of deacons was permanently perceived as the “first degree of the priesthood”, and deacons did not perform any other functions in the Church than liturgical ones during the Holy Liturgy.

It is no coincidence that the ministry of deaconesses is being revived, albeit very limited, in the Patriarchate of Alexandria, where there is an objective need for it. In local societies, women’s and men’s activities are strictly regulated and communication between the two sexes is subject to strict restrictions, which is an obstacle to the church life of women.

The Church has many women deaconesses in its festive calendar, especially in the 4th century – such was St. Teosevia, sister of St. Gregory of Nyssa, St. Susanna, the deaconess in Jerusalem, and many others. etc.

Illustration: Icon of the Feast of the Entrance into the Temple of Our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary.

A Decade of Divine Discovery: How the Catholic Mass Times App is Revolutionizing Worship

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Newsdesk

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5 May 2024

In today’s era technology intertwines with every facet of our lives including matters of spirituality and faith. This month commemorates a decade since the launch of the Catholic Mass Times App, a solution that has transformed the way Catholics globally locate nearby Mass schedules. With over 1.6 million installations and details of 86,000 churches this app serves as more, than a practical tool—it acts as a link that unites believers with their spiritual sustenance.

Behind this transformative app is Pablo Licheri, a visionary whose simple idea blossomed into a global spiritual resource. At 51, Licheri, a seasoned professional in the Argentine financial system, shifted his career trajectory towards a divine calling. Now residing in Ave Maria, Florida, Licheri balances his roles as CTO of Ave Maria Software and Professor of Data Analytics at Ave Maria University.

Facebook page cover english v1 2 A Decade of Divine Discovery: How the Catholic Mass Times App is Revolutionizing Worship — A Decade of Divine Discovery: How the Catholic Mass Times App is Revolutionizing Worship 10

From Concept to Global Connector

The inception of the Catholic Mass Times App was as serendipitous as it was innovative. “The original idea was to broadcast Holy Mass 24×7 from different churches around the world,” Licheri recalls.

After a chat with a friend his focus shifted to a practical yet meaningful endeavor. Creating an application to help people find Mass schedules and nearby churches. Introduced on March 19 2014 the application initially served the community in Buenos Aires before gaining popularity worldwide. “We started with a few thousand users and now we have hundreds of thousands ” Licheri mentions modestly.

The success of the application showcases its usefulness. Reflects the global communitys desire to stay connected, to their beliefs especially in a world where movement is common.

Features That Faithful Love

app on iphone 13 en 1 A Decade of Divine Discovery: How the Catholic Mass Times App is Revolutionizing Worship

What sets the Catholic Mass Times App apart is its meticulous attention to detail and user-friendly interface. Users have the option to look up Mass schedules based on their location, preferred time, language and type of Mass. This feature proves to be extremely helpful for individuals traveling or moving to an area. Additionally the application offers information on sacraments such as confession and adoration ensuring that all aspects of Catholic worship are catered to.

As the app marks its anniversary Licheri and his team are not slowing down. “We’re currently developing new features, like an improved search tool and the option to bookmark favorite churches ” Licheri shares. These enhancements aim to enhance user experience and engagement with the app further.

Community and Faith Hand-in-Hand

The impact of the Catholic Mass Times App extends beyond just logistical convenience; it fosters a sense of community among its users. “We receive messages from people all over the world expressing their gratitude,” Licheri says. “They’re thankful for how the app helps them find Mass, whether they’re in remote areas or bustling cities.”

Feeling like you belong and being part of a community is really important, during times of worldwide crises when being isolated can affect your spiritual health. The application doesn’t just help people find places to worship but also connects them with a community of believers who have the same faith.

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Licheri is optimistic about the future of the Catholic Mass Times App. “We hope God allows us to continue serving the Catholic community for many more years,” he states. With plans to expand the app’s features and reach, the next decade looks promising for this divine digital tool.

Engaging with the Founder

Copy of Horarios de Misa equipo Pablo Licheri A Decade of Divine Discovery: How the Catholic Mass Times App is Revolutionizing Worship

In a brief Q&A, Licheri shares more about his journey and the app’s impact:

Q: What has been the most challenging aspect of developing and maintaining the app? A: “Ensuring accuracy and timeliness of the Mass times across so many different regions is challenging. We rely heavily on our community of users to keep information up-to-date.”

Q: How has your personal faith influenced the development of the app? A: “It’s been central to everything. This app is a reflection of my faith and my desire to help others in their spiritual journey.”

Q: Any memorable stories from users that have touched you? A: “There are many, but one that stands out is from a user who was able to find a Mass during a difficult personal time while traveling in a foreign country. The app not only gave them the information they needed but also a sense of hope and connection.”

Q: What advice would you give to someone looking to integrate technology with faith? A: “Start simple and always think about how technology can serve people in their faith, not replace it. It’s about enhancement, not replacement.”

As the Catholic Mass Times App steps into its next decade, it remains a beacon of faith, innovation, and community. For millions around the globe, it’s not just an app; it’s a gateway to divine discovery and spiritual continuity.

Exposing the Silent Genocide: The Plight of the Amhara People in Ethiopia

By

Robert Johnson

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4 May 2024

Download the full report

The recently released report by the Stop Amhara Genocide Association and Coordination des Associations et des Particuliers pour la Liberté de Conscience (CAP LC) paints a deeply disturbing picture of the ongoing atrocities committed against the Amhara people in Ethiopia. The evidence presented points to a systematic campaign of violence, forced displacement, and cultural erasure that amounts to genocide.

In this interview, I will be speaking with Yodith Gideon, a representative from Stop Amhara Genocide, to gain further insights into the situation on the ground, the challenges faced by the Amhara community, and the steps that must be taken to halt this genocide and ensure accountability for the perpetrators.

Robert Johnson : The report details numerous incidents of massacres, targeted killings, and atrocities committed against the Amhara people. What are the key factors driving this systematic violence and genocide against the Amhara community in your assessment?

Stop Amhara Genocide (Yodith Gideon) : In understanding the systematic violence against the Amhara people, a grim narrative of power struggle and resource manipulation emerges. The roots of this crisis trace back to the annexation of vital Amhara lands, notably Welkait Tegede, Telemit, and Raya, by the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) upon its ascent to power 34 years ago. These regions, rich in fertile land crucial for the Amhara in Gonder and Wello, were strategically seized to bolster TPLF’s control and access to resources.

Furthermore, the TPLF’s divide-and-rule tactics extended beyond territorial annexation. In Gojam, traditional Amhara lands were cleaved into two, birthing the Benishangul Gumuz Region, where Amharas constitute a minority amidst a mosaic of eight other ethnic groups. This region, home to the controversial Renaissance Dam, symbolizes not only economic opportunity but also a geopolitical gambit. By creating a demographic mix favorable to their interests, TPLF ensured a foothold in the region, safeguarded by a buffer of non-Amhara ethnic groups.

The exit of the TPLF from power in 2018 didn’t herald an end to the Amhara’s tribulations. The rise of the Oromo faction has brought its own brand of turmoil, marked by ethnic cleansing and demographic engineering. Secret meetings reveal sinister intentions, with plans to replace Amhara inhabitants with Oromos, aiming to tip the demographic scales in their favor. This calculated maneuvering is not merely about power; it’s a strategic step towards potential secession, ensuring a region free from Amhara influence.

In this volatile landscape, the Amhara people find themselves caught between rival factions, their very existence threatened by political machinations and ethnic strife. To break this cycle of violence, Ethiopia must confront these entrenched power dynamics, safeguard the rights of all its citizens, and foster inclusive governance that transcends ethnic divides. Only then can the Amhara community, and indeed all Ethiopians, hope for a future free from the specter of violence and persecution.

Robert Johnson : The report highlights the Ethiopian government’s inadequate and even complicit response to the ongoing crisis. What specific actions or inactions by the government have exacerbated the situation, and what are the implications of this lack of accountability?

SAG : The government’s inaction and complicity in the crisis have only fueled its escalation. With the government being the perpetrator, accountability remains elusive, perpetuating a cycle of impunity and further endangering the affected communities.

Robert Johnson : The report paints a harrowing picture of the ongoing crisis, with numerous documented incidents of massacres, targeted killings, forced displacements, and the deliberate destruction of Amhara communities and cultural heritage. It also highlights the Ethiopian government’s inadequate and even complicit response, as well as the complex relationship between the Tigray conflict and the Amhara genocide.

SAG : The genesis of the Tigray conflict stemmed from a power struggle between the TPLF and the Oromo Democratic Party (ODP), the Tigrayan and Oromo wings of the ruling EPRDF party. As the Ethiopian people demanded change from decades of systematic abuses, the TPLF eventually relinquished its power monopoly to the ODP, hoping to appease public discontent. However, when the ODP unexpectedly assumed power, the TPLF refused to yield, sparking a war for control.

During the conflict between the Abiy administration and the TPLF, both sides strategically maneuvered to weaken the Amhara population. Shockingly, Amhara soldiers were often sent to war with minimal ammunition. There are reports of instances where two Amhara men were given only one weapon and 40 bullets between them. This left them vulnerable and ill-prepared to defend themselves against the well-armed TPLF forces.

Moreover, 80% of Ethiopia’s weapons were stored in Tigray, giving TPLF a significant advantage. Amhara soldiers were thus at a severe disadvantage, facing a better-equipped enemy with limited resources.

Furthermore, there were instances where the federal army abandoned their heavy weapons, creating a vacuum for TPLF soldiers to exploit. Soldiers who were questioned about why they left the area reported that they were ordered to abandon the weapons and vacate the area without question. This abandonment of arms not only facilitated TPLF’s aggression but also left Amhara civilians defenseless against the ensuing violence and atrocities.

Additionally, there were reports of Amhara men being forcibly recruited and then ambushed and killed en route to the war zone.

This strategic manipulation of the conflict not only perpetuated violence but also led to immense suffering and loss of life among the Amhara population. It underscores the urgent need for accountability and decisive international intervention to halt the atrocities and bring perpetrators to justice.

Robert Johnson : The report emphasizes the targeting of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and its clergy as part of the broader assault on Amhara identity and culture. What is the significance of these attacks, and how can the international community help protect religious freedom and safeguard cultural heritage in Ethiopia?

SAG: The deliberate targeting of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and its clergy is a distressing aspect of the broader assault on Amhara identity and culture. These attacks hold profound significance beyond religious persecution; they represent a calculated effort to undermine the very fabric of Amhara society, eroding its cultural heritage and sense of identity.

The Ethiopian Orthodox Church holds immense cultural and historical significance for the Amhara people, serving as a cornerstone of their identity and communal life for centuries. By targeting the Church and its clergy, perpetrators aim to destabilize and disempower the Amhara community, instilling fear and sowing division.

Moreover, these attacks on religious institutions are part of a broader strategy to suppress dissent and control the narrative, silencing voices that advocate for human rights and social justice. By undermining religious freedom, perpetrators seek to impose their own ideology and suppress alternative viewpoints, further exacerbating tensions and perpetuating cycles of violence.

In light of these alarming developments, the international community has a crucial role to play in protecting religious freedom and safeguarding cultural heritage in Ethiopia. This includes robust diplomatic efforts to pressure the Ethiopian government to uphold its obligations under international law and respect the rights of all its citizens, regardless of their religious or ethnic affiliation.

Robert Johnson : The report calls for urgent international intervention and an independent investigation into the atrocities. What specific actions do you believe the international community, including the United Nations and member states, should take to halt the Amhara genocide and ensure accountability for the perpetrators?

SAG : Absolutely, urgent action is needed from the international community to address the ongoing atrocities against the Amhara people. It’s high time for the world to step up and take meaningful action to halt the Amhara genocide and ensure accountability for the perpetrators.

The dedication of the Amhara Fanos in defending their people is commendable and highlights the urgent need for genuine representation and protection of the Amhara community. It’s imperative to have leadership that prioritizes the safety and well-being of all Ethiopians, regardless of ethnicity. Just as history has shown with the rejection of the Nazi leadership, there must be accountability for any criminal elements within the government. The comparison to the Nazi party is poignant, as it represents a regime responsible for horrific genocide. The entire system of governance must be held accountable for its actions, and the Amhara people, like all Ethiopians, deserve leadership that upholds human rights and ensures their protection without relying on external peacekeeping forces. Above all, the Amhara people need true representation that upholds their right to life.

We have to remember that perpetrators control the government, alternative strategies become imperative. Firstly, we must empower local resistance movements, such as the Amhara Fanos, by providing resources and strategic assistance to protect their communities. Secondly, advocating for the investigation and prosecution of perpetrators by the International Criminal Court can ensure accountability for atrocities. Thirdly, targeted sanctions against individuals involved in genocide, an arms embargo, and humanitarian intervention as a last resort can directly impact perpetrators’ ability to continue their actions. Engaging regional partners and documenting human rights abuses while raising awareness are also crucial. It’s a multifaceted approach demanding sustained effort, but by pursuing these actions collectively, we can work towards justice and prevent further loss of life.

It is clear that the Amhara people face an existential threat, with their very identity and existence at stake. The international community must heed the urgent call to action outlined in the report and take decisive steps to halt the genocide, protect the vulnerable, and hold perpetrators accountable. We cannot stand idly by as innocent lives are lost and a rich cultural heritage is erased. It is our moral imperative to stand in solidarity with the Amhara people and work tirelessly to ensure a future where they can live in peace, dignity, and security.

Neutrons rule the roost for cage-free lithium ions

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Newsdesk

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4 May 2024

atoms, molecule, chemistry — Photo by tommyvideo on Pixabay

An international team of scientists found a way to improve battery design that could produce safer, more powerful lithium batteries.

Scientists using neutrons set the first benchmark (one nanosecond) for a polymer-electrolyte and lithium-salt mixture. Findings could boost power and safety for lithium batteries. Credit: Phoenix Pleasant/ORNL, U.S. Dept. of Energy

The team used quasi-elastic neutron scattering at Oak Ridge National Laboratory to set the first benchmark, one-nanosecond, or one billionth of a second, for a mixture of lithium salt and an organic polymer electrolyte.

“It all comes down to the study of materials,” said Eugene Mamontov, ORNL Chemical Spectroscopy group leader. “And polymer electrolytes won’t catch fire the way liquid electrolytes do in lithium batteries.”

The team used the neutron technique to validate computer simulations, ending a long-standing debate about how long it takes lithium ions to break free from tiny cages created by polymer electrolytes. The rate at which ions in any battery break free from such environments, or solvation cages in polymer electrolytes, helps determine how energy flows through the battery. Polymer electrolytes could enable more energy-dense electrodes, like lithium metal, resulting in more powerful lithium batteries.

The findings also open doors for rapidly screening new battery materials at ORNL. “Neutrons are highly sensitive to hydrogen, which is present in virtually all electrolytes. This allowed us to see how it moved in the system and understand polymer electrolyte dynamics at an unprecedented level of detail. We couldn’t have pinned down the time and length any other way,” said Naresh Osti, ORNL neutron scattering scientist.

“Naresh and Eugene’s interpretation of neutron data from the experiment at ORNL opened our eyes to understanding the extent to which lithium ions are caged in polymer electrolytes. Our findings suggest this general approach will apply to liquid electrolytes,” said Nitash Balsara, Charles W. Tobias Professor of Electrochemistry at the University of California, Berkeley.

Source: Oak Ridge National Laboratory

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Sudan: Civilians trapped in El Fasher as UN warns of imminent attack

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4 May 2024

Sudan: Civilians trapped in El Fasher as UN warns of imminent attack

In a note to correspondents issued on Friday, the UN said there were “increasingly alarming reports of a dramatic escalation of tensions”.

“The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are reportedly encircling El Fasher, suggesting a coordinated move to attack the city may be imminent. Simultaneously, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) appear to be positioning themselves,” the statement added.

An attack on the city would have devastating consequences for civilians, the statement from the UN Spokesperson’s Office continued.

“This escalation of tensions is in an area already on the brink of famine. The Secretary-General reiterates his call on all parties to refrain from fighting in the El Fasher area.”

Overall, around 25 million people, or half Sudan’s population, require humanitarian aid, with over eight million forced to flee their homes. More than 14,000 people have been killed and tens of thousands wounded.

Around 1.8 million have fled across the country’s borders trying the escape the brutal fighting.

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Dozens already killed

In a further alert on Friday over Darfur, UN rights chief Volker Türk cited reports that the rival militaries have launched indiscriminate attacks using “mortar shells and rockets fired from fighter jets in residential districts”.

Since the RSF began their push into the state capital, El Fasher, at least 43 people have been reportedly killed, including women and children.

“Civilians are trapped in the city, the only one in Darfur still in the hands of the Sudanese Armed Forces,” and they are afraid of being killed if they attempt to flee, the High Commissioner said.

Mr. Türk noted that the dire situation had been made worse by a severe shortage of essential supplies as delivery trucks “are unable to freely transit through Rapid Support Forces-controlled territory”.

He said the RSF had burned down villages in western El Fasher, including Durma, Umoshosh, Sarafaya and Ozbani, raising the possibility of “further ethnically motivated violence in Darfur, including mass killings”.

Last year, fighting and attacks between the ethnic Arab Rizeigat tribe and the ethnic African Masalit people in West Darfur left hundreds of civilians dead or injured and thousands displaced, the High Commissioner noted, as he called for an end to the more than year-long conflict.

‘Wholly man-made crisis’

The UN’s head of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo, told the Security Council last week that the situation across Sudan is “a crisis of epic proportions; it is wholly man-made”.

The director of operations at the UN humanitarian affairs office, OCHA, Edem Wosornu, warned the same meeting that the siege by the RSF of El Fasher posed an extreme and immediate danger to civilians there and in other parts of Darfur, where more than nine million are in dire need of assistance.

World News in Brief: Support for Haiti mission, challenge of ‘commodity dependence’, Iran’s ‘strict’ hijab law

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4 May 2024

World News in Brief: Support for Haiti mission, challenge of ‘commodity dependence’, Iran's 'strict' hijab law

Kenya has offered to lead the multinational mission that aims to provide much needed back up to the national police in a bid to regain control of the streets from gang rule, which has plunged the country into chaos in recent months.

Kenya was joined by the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Benin, Chad and Jamaica in pledging support. The UN Spokesperson’s Office said “other countries have expressed interest, including publicly, but have not notified the Secretary-General yet.”

Currently, $18 million has been deposited in the support mission’s Trust Fund, provided by Canada ($8.7 million), France ($3.2 million) and the United States ($6 million).

Meanwhile, armed violence continues across the country, with Port-au-Prince and the Ouest department the worst hit.

The situation also remains volatile at the national port, said UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric.

“The Varreux fuel terminal is now closed after several attacks by gangs. However, on a more positive note, our humanitarian colleagues tell us that in the past three weeks, more than 100 humanitarian containers were retrieved at the Caribbean Port Service.”

Meanwhile, the humanitarian response continues, and the World Food Programme (WFP) has provided daily food assistance to displaced people in Port-au-Prince, and in other departments. 

UN health agency WHO and the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have set up mobile clinics at displacement sites to provide medical consultations. Migration agency IOM is also providing basic medical and psychosocial services to people displaced.

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General Assembly President raises alert over ‘commodity dependence’

The President of the General Assembly on Friday called for Member States and stakeholders to address commodity dependence in countries and its effect on the global economy during an informal dialogue on the issue.

According to Dennis Francis, commodity dependence is “a scenario where 60 per cent or more of a country’s export revenue depends on basic goods”, disproportionately affecting mainly developing countries.

While commodity markets are important to the global economy, excessive commodity dependence leaves countries and their citizens vulnerable to economic instability, he said.

Mr. Francis called for the issue to be addressed urgently amid ongoing global discussions over debt sustainability and reform of the international financial architecture.

“I believe that breaking free from commodity dependence, while challenging, is achievable,” Mr. Francis said.

Dependent nations

Based on UN trade and development body UNCTAD’s State of Commodity Dependence report, 85 per cent of the world’s least-developed countries are commodity dependent along with many landlocked developing nations and small island developing States, leaving their economies “vulnerable and highly susceptible to external shocks”.

The Assembly President said the two-decade long increase in countries impacted should “sound the alarm bell” for Member States as addressing the issue is necessary for achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

Iran police enforces ‘strict’ hijab rules, OHCHR says

Police in Iran are enforcing a violent crackdown against women and girls under the country’s hijab laws, resulting in the arrest and harassment of girls between ages 15 and 17, said Jeremy Laurence, spokesperson for the UN human rights office, OHCHR, on Friday.

The Tehran head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced on 21 April a new body that would allow them to enforce existing mandatory hijab laws; members of the IRGC are reportedly allowed to implement these laws “in a more serious manner” when in public.

OHCHR is concerned about the Supporting the Family by Promoting the Culture of Chastity and Hijab draft bill, which, in its earlier form, states that violators of the mandated dress code could face flogging, fines or up to 10 years in prison.

Mr. Laurence reiterated that corporal punishment is arbitrary under international law.

As the draft bill is nearing final approval by the Guardian Council, OHCHR is calling for its shelving.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, is calling on the Iranian government to remove “all forms of gender-based discrimination and violence, including through the revision and the repeal of harmful laws, policies and practices, in line with international human rights norms and standards”.

Pillay: Israel is helped by ‘powerful States’ in violation of Palestinians’ rights

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4 May 2024

Pillay: Israel is helped by ‘powerful States’ in violation of Palestinians’ rights

When tensions erupted in East Jerusalem in April 2021 at the beginning of the holy Muslim month of Ramadan, daily clashes involving Palestinians, Israeli settlers and Israeli forces led to spiraling violence and death. In response, the Human Rights Council set up a top panel of independent rights experts to investigate reports of violations of international law.

Today, more than ever amid the ongoing war in Gaza, this independent commission of inquiry has its work cut out. We took a closer look at its role, speaking to its chair, former UN Human Rights Commissioner and judge Navi Pillay, who provided fresh insight into the developing situation and what’s happening in the field of international law.

“Every country and every member of the United Nations is equal in terms of their obligations to observe international law,” she told UN News.

An injured man is helped by rescue workers in Ramallah, in the West Bank, in May 2021. (file)

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Background to the ‘Day of Rage’

In 2021, the imminent threat of forced eviction of Palestinian families from their homes – initiated by Israeli settler organisations – provoked unrest in and around the Old City of Jerusalem.

This later extended to the wider occupied West Bank, culminating in a “Day of Rage” on 14 May 2021, when Israeli forces killed 10 Palestinians, the highest number recorded at that time by the UN in a single day.

These tragic events led the Human Rights Council to “urgently establish an ongoing, independent, international commission of inquiry to investigate in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and in Israel, all alleged violations of international humanitarian law and abuses of international human rights law leading up and since 13 April 2021”.

A tower block lies in ruins in Gaza City following an Israeli air strike in May 2021. (file)

Expanded complicity probe

Three years on, the Commission’s mandate has become broader, particularly since Hamas-led terror attacks on southern Israel on 7 October, which killed some 1,200 people and left more than 250 taken hostage prompting the intense bombardment of Gaza by Israeli Defense Forces.

To date, more than 34,500 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza and over 77,700 Palestinians injured, according to the enclave’s health authorities, while deadly clashes have resumed in the occupied West Bank.

The Commission’s mandate now includes additional issues, including reporting on States that transfer military and other weapons to Israel, raising questions about potential complicity in violations of international law.

Its chair brings years of experience. Ms. Pillay previously served as the first non-white woman judge of the High Court of South Africa, as a judge on the International Criminal Court and President of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda.

Machetes and bullets in Gisenyi, Rwanda, 26 July 1994.

Rwanda recall

Ms. Pillay said a unique aspect of the current situation in the Middle East is that evidence of war crimes is being gathered in real time, meaning that the world is conscious of the events unfolding.

“I have experience of apartheid era crimes in my own country,” she said. “I served as a judge and president of the Rwanda Tribunal. The Rwandan genocide occurred over 100 days and the world didn’t even know that it was happening. So, in the courtroom, we had to rely very much on recollections of what had happened.”

She said that’s not the case with the ongoing situation in Gaza.

“Here, things are very different, and that’s why it’s so much more shocking,” she insisted.

Navi Pillay, Chair of the Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

First to call for a ceasefire

Nobody could have predicted what happened on 7 October and what has followed, the rights expert continued, noting that the Commission was “the first” on 10 October to issue a statement calling for a cessation of hostilities.

This was “long before other organs of the UN spoke up”, she said, “long before the political organs of the UN reacted. Even now, we have the Security Council resolution, the last one calling for a ceasefire, and yet the United States representative feels that resolution does not have any validity.”

It’s disturbing, she continued, when one country continues to violate international law with the help of powerful States who say they support human rights.

“It’s very disturbing if one country gets away with that.”

Suggested caption: Large parts of Gaza, following seven months of Israeli bombardment, stand in ruins in May 2024.

Large parts of Gaza, following seven months of Israeli bombardment, stand in ruins in May 2024.

Growing need for the rule of law

The veteran human rights expert believes that there is a resurgence of – and a growing need for – the rule of law, a trend highlighted by an unprecedented number of applications before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) since its creation in 1945.

She said South Africa’s recent petition to the ICJ alleging that Israel’s actions in Gaza violate the Genocide Convention signals a significant development in the application of universal jurisdiction. It also marks the first time that a third country has brought an application to the ICJ, she noted.

“How come it’s only now that the occupation itself is being challenged, that the ICJ had not been asked to give legal advice on the lawfulness of the occupation itself and [on] the responsibilities of States towards an unlawful endeavour?” Ms. Pillay asked.

Destruction in northern Gaza in March 2024. (file)

Surge of genocide allegations

“The call to rely on the rule of law has been there a long time,” she said. “I see now that we have a surge of this – countries bringing genocide allegations against other countries because of their military support. We have not seen this before and questioning the lawfulness of the occupation [is] also new, and I hope that that trend spreads.”

Earlier this month, Nicaragua brought a case to the UN’s top court to stop German military and other aid to Israel, alleging that it was enabling acts of genocide and violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza. The court ultimately rejected the request.

“Israel would not have been able to continue with this level of actions against Palestinians [and] violations of Palestinian rights had they not had the help of other States in terms of military aid,” Ms. Pillay said.

Above all, she highlighted, is the obligation incumbent on all nations to uphold international law.

Fleeing from Jordan to Greece because of their change of religion

By

Willy Fautre

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3 May 2024