Daily Archives: December 28, 2019

2019-12-28: News Headlines

Martha Grevatt (2019-12-28). After millions strike Nov. 21, Colombian people stay in the streets. workers.org A powerful strike rocked Colombia on Nov. 21, with millions participating across the country of 50 million people. The National Strike Committee initially called only a one-day strike to oppose anti-worker legislation. Dec. 21, "Medellin resists singing" concert supports weeks of strikes and protests. But masses of people have stayed . . . | Continue reading After millions strike Nov. 21, Colombian people stay in the streets at Workers.org

Wyatt Reed (2019-12-28). Evo Morales' potential successor speaks out after far-right Bolivia coup: Interview with union leader Andrónico Rodríguez. thegrayzone.com Andrónico Rodríguez could be the next president of Bolivia. The 30-year-old labor organizer speaks about the far-right US-backed coup, repression…

teleSUR (2019-12-28). Pabon: Fear and Persecution Can Hurt the Pillars of Democracy. telesurenglish.net The Prefect of Pichincha, Paola Pabon expressed, in an exclusive interview with Telesur, her concern about how hatred and political persecution in Ecuador have wounded the most important motivation of democracy: the confrontation of ideas and thoughts, and freedom to think. | RELATED: | Ecuador: Judge Releases Leftist Activists Accused of Rebellion | Pabon affirmed that her case proves the harassment that many of the leaders of the Revolución Ciudadana have suffered this last tw…

teleSUR (2019-12-28). Chile: 6 Military Police Detained for Sexual Abuse in Protests. telesurenglish.net The 10th Guarantees Court of Santiago Friday issued preventive detention for six Military police accused of torturing and sexually abusing a young man during the curfew that President Sebastian Piñera ordered during the first days of the social outbreak in Chile. | RELATED: | Chile: Piñera Signs Decree Calling Constitutional Referendum | The six members o…

Viva Evo (2019-12-28). Bolivia a military coup. Coup leader Fernando Camacho boasting. indybay.org It was a military coup. Coup leader Fernando Camacho boasting about how his father coordinated with military so they wouldn't be mobilised against the anti-Evo protests before the coup.

teleSUR (2019-12-28). Mexico: Zapatista Meeting of Women Who Fight Starts in Chiapas. telesurenglish.net Around 3,200 women from all over the world are gathered in the mountains of Chiapas, Mexico, to participate in the "Second International Meeting of Women who Fight," which has been convened by the Indigenous political group Zapatista Army of National Liberation (EZLN). | RELATED: | Mexico: EZLN Announces Creation of New Rebel Municipalities | Women from countries such as Argentina, Germany, Peru, Spain, and the United States are gathered at "The Footprints of Commander Ramona" ven…

Luiz ignacio lula Da silva (2019-12-28). Prison gave me a greater will to fight. zcomm.org Interview on the reality that Brazil is experiencing and the social protests that have occurred in several Latin American countries…

The Real News (2019-12-28). Chileans Demand New Constitution as Protests Continue. zcomm.org For two months, Chileans have been protesting all over the country on a daily basis…

Prensa Latina (2019-12-27). Evo Morales marcha junto a las Madres de Plaza de Mayo en Argentina. peoplesworld.org BUENOS AIRES — A los pies de la pirámide emplazada en la Plaza de Mayo, testigo de tantas luchas en Argentina, el expresidente boliviano Evo Morales acompañó hoy la marcha dos mil 176 de esas madres que siguen pidiendo justicia por los desaparecidos de la última dictadura militar (1976-1983). Con whipalas multiplicadas junto a las …

Ron Jacobs (2019-12-27). The Power of Song. counterpunch.org Woody Guthrie wrote the words "This guitar kills fascists" on his guitar. Victor Jara was murdered by the Chilean military authorities during the 1973 CIA-assisted coup in Chile; his hands were severed and then he was murdered. Phil Ochs, a folksinger and agitator for popular resistance to war and racism considered Jara his inspiration and More

Alan Macleod (2019-12-27). Pro-Coup Venezuelan Soldiers Who Fled to the US Now Locked Up in ICE Detention Center. mintpressnews.com In an ironic twist worthy of an Alanis Morissette song, participants in U.S.-backed coup are now in an ICE detention camp.

Vijay Prashad (2019-12-27). The People of India Are Taking It to the Streets to Challenge Modi's Bigoted and Dishonest Government. counterpunch.org Every day and in every part of India, hundreds of thousands of people—mainly young people—gather on the streets to express their anger at the government. Their protests, like those of the protests in Chile, emerged out of one particular grievance but then have cascaded outward. They are angry at the government's attempt to define citizenship More

Vijay Prashad (2019-12-27). We are the ones who will awaken the dawn. mronline.org Millions of people are on the streets, from India to Chile. Democracy is both their promise and it is what has betrayed them. They aspire to the democratic spirit but find that democratic institutions—saturated by money and power—are inadequate. They are on the streets for more democracy, deeper democracy, a different kind of democracy. | Source

Prof. Vijay Prashad (2019-12-27). The People of India Are Taking It to the Streets. globalresearch.ca Every day and in every part of India, hundreds of thousands of people — mainly young people — gather on the streets to express their anger at the government. Their protests, like those of the protests in Chile, emerged out …

Peoples Dispatch (2019-12-27). Six social leaders assassinated in past week in Colombia. peoplesdispatch.org The humanitarian tragedy in Colombia continues. In the past five days, too many families and communities have been shaken by the loss of loved ones who were targeted because of their commitment to fighting for peace and justice in the country. | Despite constant demands from movements to the government to take measures to protect the lives of social leaders, assassinations continue to occur with impunity. | Reinaldo Carrillo Vera: | Early on Christmas morning, while Reinaldo Carrillo Vera was celebrating with his family, three armed men came to his home on motorcycles and shot at him. He was immediately t…

teleSUR (2019-12-27). Barbados: Kwanzaa 2019 Celebrations Kicks in Haynesville. telesurenglish.net The Caribbean Movement for Peace and Integration (CMPI) and the Haynesville Youth Club started celebrations for this year's Kwanzaa in Barbados with a spectacular cultural showcase on Boxing Day, joined by the Cuban Barbadian Friendship Association and the Friends of Venezuela Solidarity Committee. | RELATED: | Christmas in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Meaningful Mosaic of Traditions | The General Secretary of the CMPI, David Denny said that as part of thi…

Staff (2019-12-27). Headlines for December 27, 2019. democracynow.org In Confidential Videos, Navy SEALs Say Gallagher Was "Toxic" & "Freaking Evil", Hospitals & Health Clinics Shuttered by Heavy Bombing in Idlib, Syria, Japan to Deploy Destroyer to Middle East Amid Rising Tensions in Gulf of Oman, Nigerian-American Journalist Omoyele Sowore Released from Prison, In India, Protests Rage Against "Anti-Muslim" Citizenship Law, Netanyahu Staves Off Party Leadership Challenge Ahead of General Election, Mexico to Bring Complaint Against Bolivia's Interim Government to ICJ, Congolese Asylum Seeker Died in Border Patrol Custody on Christmas Day, Los Angeles Prosecutors Consider Filing Cri…

Paul Antonopoulos (2019-12-27). Bolsonaro in 2019: A Year of False Hope and Failures for Brazil. globalresearch.ca Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, accompanied by First Lady Michelle Bolsonaro, made a Christmas address to their country on Tuesday night. The address was just as comical as Bolsonaro's year of failures, with the most interesting part being the …

news.un (2019-12-27). Accelerating towards a fairer future. news.un.org Cutting child mortality by a third in Brazil, reaching carbon neutrality in Finland and redirecting trillions of dollars of investment to funds that promote sustainability: these are some examples of initiatives from governments, civil society and the private sector, designed to speed up the UN's goal of achieving a fairer society for all.

teleSUR (2019-12-27). Lula To Fight Neoliberalism to Restore Democracy in Brazil. telesurenglish.net The former president of Brazil, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, said Thursday that he has the will to fight to restore democracy in his country and to fight against the current situation of people under the government of Jair Bolsonaro. | RELATED: | Brazil's Senate Advances Bill That May Send Lula Back to Prison | In an exclusive interview for teleSUR, the Workers Party leader reiterated that the South American nation has "all the conditions to recover a democratic debate … and co…

teleSUR (2019-12-27). Lula: Prison strengthened me and gave me a greater will to fight. peoplesdispatch.org In an exclusive interview for teleSUR, the former-president discussed the current context in Brazil as well as the anti-neoliberal uprisings that have occurred in several Latin American countries…

teleSUR (2019-12-27). Duque Accepts Resignation of Colombian Army Commander in Chief. telesurenglish.net The president of Colombia, Iván Duque, announced Friday that the army's Commander in Chief, Nicacio Martínez, will leave his post and will be replaced by General Eduardo Zapateiro. | RELATED: | Colombian Attorney Asks to Stop Murder of Social Leaders | During a press conference, Duque said from the Palace of Nariño that he had had a conversation with Martinez, where he had informed the president of his decision to leave for "family reasons." | This event occurs two weeks after the S…

teleSUR (2019-12-27). Chile: Piñera Signs Decree Calling Constitutional Referendum. telesurenglish.net Chile's President Sebastian Piñera Friday signed the decree that summons the constitutional plebiscite on April 26, 2020, which will allow Chileans to decide whether or not they want a new constitution. | RELATED: | Victims of Eye Trauma in Chile Demand Reparations | "We are going to live a transcendent period in these 121 days that we have until the plebiscite," P…

J. B. Gerald (2019-12-27). Human Rights and Political Conflict in Cameroon: The Anglophone Secessionist State of "Ambazonia" globalresearch.ca On an ugliness scale of one to ten, if the U.S. Guantanamo prison is 7, the French military in Algeria 8, Pinochet's controls of Chile 9, and the Inquisition 10, the severity, scale and number of Cameroon military human rights …

teleSUR (2019-12-27). Venezuela's Economy Will Grow in 2020 Despite US Blockade. telesurenglish.net In an interview with the international news agency Xinhua, the Venezuelan economist, Jesus Faria said that economic recovery is the number one issue on the country's agenda for 2020. | RELATED: | Venezuelan Oil Production Sets Historical Record in November | The also former Minister of Foreign Trade and International Investment of Venezuela (2016-2017) stated that "there is a perceived activation of trade and some productive activities as well as a stabilization of the oil activi…

Nino Pagliccia (2019-12-27). US Congress Approves Legislation to Wage a Hybrid "Humanitarian War" on Venezuela? globalresearch.ca Last December 16 both houses in the US approved the appropriation bill to be signed by president Trump. Aside from the mind-boggling amount of $1.4 trillion that was approved in total our interest was in looking at the details concerning …

teleSUR (2019-12-27). Venezuela: Social Program Meets Goal, Delivers 3 Million Homes. telesurenglish.net Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro Thursday announced that the Venezuelan Great Housing Mission (GMVV) achieved its 2019 goal by completing the delivery of 3 million dwellings to the Bolivarian people as planned. | RELATED: | Venezuela's Economy Will Grow in 2020 Despite US Blockade | "Despite the Imperialist economic, trade and financial blockade, which robbed us…

teleSUR (2019-12-27). Bolivia's De Facto Regime Harasses Spanish Diplomats. telesurenglish.net Mexico's Ambassador to Bolivia Teresa Mercado reported that Bolivian security officers harassed Spanish diplomats as they were trying to enter her official residence in La Paz on Friday morning. | RELATED: | Mexico Reiterates Demand that Bolivia End Siege on Embassy | "I am with the Spanish consul and charge d'affaires at the residence. Besides having assaulted them, they stopped their car, which has diplomatic plates," the Mexican ambassador tweeted. | The diplomats were accompan…

Eds. (2019-12-27). Bolivia's free territory of Chapare has ousted the coup regime and is bracing for a bloody re-invasion. mronline.org Spending time with the union members of Chapare, who run society in a collective fashion, offers special insights into the resistance to the coup. They succeeded in expelling the police, but now fear a bloodbath in retaliation. | Source

teleSUR (2019-12-27). Cuba: "We Condemn the Aggression of the Mexican Embassy" telesurenglish.net The president of Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel, condemned the aggression to the Mexican embassy in Bolivia and reiterated his support for the Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador Government. | RELATED: | Mexico Reiterates Demand that Bolivia End Siege on Embassy | Díaz-Canel shared in his official Twitter account an article from the Cuban press that stated that the "police operation before the Mexican embassy in Bolivia 'is out of proportion." | The Aztec nation has denounced the siege of its di…

teleSUR (2019-12-26). Colombia: Farmer Leader Shot to Death in Front of His Family. telesurenglish.net The National Association of Farmer Users (ANUC) activist Reinaldo Carrillo was killed at dawn on Wednesday by hitmen who entered his house and shot him in front of his family in Pitalito town, Department of Huila, Colombia. | RELATED: | Violence in Colombia Continues As Social Leader Assassinated | "We reject the murder of Reinaldo Carrillo. He was a member of a group of people which expected the government to grant them the ownership title of a vacant land called La Conaca," sai…

teleSUR (2019-12-26). Argentina Suspends Amend to Mining Law Allowing Toxic Chemicals. telesurenglish.net The government of the province of Mendoza, in the east of Argentina, suspended the rule of the mining law 7.722 that was giving the green light to chemicals like cyanure and sulfuric acid, substances that are usually prohibited. | RELATED: | Argentina Limits Police Use of Electroshock Weapons | Environmental groups stated that the law violated general law in Argentina as well as environmental…

teleSUR (2019-12-26). Colombian Attorney Asks to Stop Murder of Social Leaders. telesurenglish.net The Colombian attorney general, Fernando Carrillo, urged the government of Colombia led by Iván Duque to stop the systematic murder of social leaders in that country. | RELATED: | Colombia: Farmers Leader Shot to Deat in Front of His Family | The official urged the Government, through his Twitter account, to convene the National Security Guarantees Commission "immediately and ensure its operation." | He added that the threat against social leaders in Colombia "is latent and must…

teleSUR (2019-12-26). Chile: 245 Houses Destroyed by Forest Fires. telesurenglish.net The number of houses burned down in the high zone of Valparaiso, Chile totaled 245 on Thursday. | RELATED: | Chile: Massive Forest Fire Hits Valparaiso, 80 Homes Affected | Valparaiso Governor Jorge Martinez noted that more than 1,000 people were victims of the fire, and the final results of the disaster will be disclosed on Sunday. | The official explained that the fire has not yet been controlled, although it no longer prese…

teleSUR (2019-12-26). McDonald's Franchise Violated Safety Laws: Peruvian Watchdog. telesurenglish.net Peru ¥s labor watchdog has found McDonald's Corp ¥s Latin America franchisee Arcos Dorados guilty of six "very serious" violations of local safety and health laws following the deaths of two employees in a restaurant kitchen. | RELATED: | Peru: McDonald's Shuts for Inspection After Employee Deaths | The Labor Ministry's regulating body (Sunafil) prop…

Staff (2019-12-26). Headlines for December 26, 2019. democracynow.org Murkowski "Disturbed" by McConnell's "Coordination" with White House for Impeachment Trial, Trump Attacks Windmills with a Series of False Claims, The Intercept: Bloomberg Used Prison Labor to Make 2020 Campaign Calls, Thousands of Syrian Civilians Flee Government Offensive in Idlib, 35 Civilians Killed in Attack in Burkina Faso, China Calls on U.S. to Take "Concrete Steps" Toward Peace with North Korea, At Least 21 Killed as Typhoon Phanfone Slams into the Philippines, U.S. Ambassador to Zambia Recalled After Criticizing Criminalization of Homosexuality, Evo Morales Vows to Return to Bolivia by Next Christmas, H…

Ollie Vargas (2019-12-25). Bolivia's free territory of Chapare has ousted the coup regime and is bracing for a bloody re-invasion. thegrayzone.com Spending time with the union members of Chapare, who run society in a collective fashion, offers special insights into the…

Peoples Dispatch (2019-12-25). Around the world 75: Anti CAA protests in India and more. peoplesdispatch.org We also take a look at the attempts by coup regime in Bolivia to target Mexican embassy, and the repression against leftist and pro-democracy activists in Swaziland.

news.un (2019-12-25). The 2010 — 2020 UN News Decade in Review, part two. news.un.org With the 2020s now in full view, welcome to the second in our three-part series looking back at some of the major UN-related stories of the past decade. In part two, we take in the years 2014 to 2016, which saw the worst outbreak of Ebola ever recorded; new hope that the climate crisis could be tackled by world leaders, through the historic Paris climate agreement; a UN mission in Colombia to facilitate a much-awaited peace process; and the launch of the UN's 2030 Agenda, a plan of action for people, the planet and prosperity.

Peoples Dispatch (2019-12-24). "Water is worth more than gold": Mendoza, Argentina rejects advance of extractive industry. peoplesdispatch.org The province of Mendoza has been suffering from water crisis for more than 11 years and mining activities would be further aggravate the crisis…

Eds. (2019-12-23). Chile: TV broadcast live when two armored cars crushed citizen. mronline.org Real-time scenes evidenced once again how the Chilean state acts with rampant and absurd violence. | Source

news.un (2019-12-23). Much work needed to 'target unacceptable levels' of racism in Ecuador: UN experts. news.un.org Ecuador must implement and enforce laws and policies to protect the rights of Afro-Ecuadorians, the UN Working Group on People of African Descent said on Monday, calling for an end to the "discrimination, exclusion and extreme poverty they suffer."

Ricardo Vaz (2019-12-23). Venezuela Repels 'Terrorist' Attack on Military Bases, 1 Soldier Dead. venezuelanalysis.com The assailants stormed several military installations before being engaged by the Venezuelan army.

Binoy Kampmark (2019-12-21). Medical Opinion, Torture, and Julian Assange. dissidentvoice.org On November 27 this year, UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, Nils Melzer, delivered an address to the German Bundestag outlining his approach to understanding the mental health of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. These comprised two parts, the initial stage covering his diplomatic asylum in the Ecuadorean embassy, the second dealing with his formal detention in …

Alan Macleod (2019-12-20). Media, Human Rights Groups Silent Over Politically-Motivated Murder of Journalist in Bolivia. mintpressnews.com Sebastian Moro's last known words before he was found were denouncing the kidnappings of government officials and mob attacks on journalists and media outlets.

Joe Emersberger (2019-12-20). Notes on a private TV newscast in Bolivia. The contrast with Venezuela is clear as day. zcomm.org In August, I took detailed notes a news broadcast on one of Venezuela's largest TV networks. I summarized these notes in an interview I did with the Real News Network making the point that Venezuela's private media (which reaches 60-90% of households) is remarkably free — most especially when you consider the US is openly Read more…

Staff (2019-12-20). Headlines for December 20, 2019. democracynow.org Pelosi Delays Sending Impeachment Articles to Senate, 7 Democratic Candidates Debate in Los Angeles, Senate Passes $1.4 Trillion Spending Package, House Passes USMCA to Replace NAFTA, Protests Erupt in Lebanon as President Names New Prime Minister, Number of Killings by Police Soars in Brazil, Sudan Protesters Mark Anniversary of Uprising That Ousted Omar al-Bashir, Report: WA Republican Rep. Matt Shea Participated in Domestic Terrorism, Amazon Facing Criticism over Data Breach with Ring Home Security System…

Staff (2019-12-19). Chileans Demand New Constitution as Protests Continue. therealnews.com For two months, Chileans have been protesting all over the country on a daily basis.

Lucas Koerner and Ricardo Vaz (2019-12-18). Venezuela: Guaido Introduces Remote Voting in Bid to Secure Reelection. venezuelanalysis.com The opposition leader has been under fire amid recent scandals.

Staff (2019-12-18). Headlines for December 18, 2019. democracynow.org House to Hold Historic Impeachment Vote Today, Top U.S. Diplomat to Ukraine William Taylor to Step Down, Rick Gates Sentenced to 45 Days in Jail and $20,000 Fine, FISA Court Orders FBI to Change National Security Wiretaps After DOJ Report, Democratic Primary Debate to Go Forward After Labor Dispute Resolved, Senate Approves One of the Most Expensive Military Spending Bills in U.S. History, Trump Meets with Outgoing Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales, Indian Supreme Court to Hear Challenge to Controversial Citizenship Law, Strikes Continue Nationwide in France over Pension Overhaul, Bolivia's Evo Morales Names Two…

2019-12-28: Social Media Postees

Please be social by posting these 'POSTEES' on social media!

Evo Morales' potential successor speaks out after far-right Bolivia coup: Interview with union leader Andrónico Rodríguez
Wyatt Reed | thegrayzone.com | 2019-12-28
Andrónico Rodríguez could be the next president of Bolivia. The 30-year-old labor organizer speaks about the far-right US-backed coup, repression…
thegrayzone.com/2019/12/28/andronico-rodriguez-bolivia-coup-interview/

Pabon: Fear and Persecution Can Hurt the Pillars of Democracy
telesurenglish.net | 2019-12-28
The Prefect of Pichincha, Paola Pabon expressed, in an exclusive interview with Telesur, her concern about how hatred and political persecution in Ecuador have wounded the most important motivation of democracy: the confrontation of ideas and thoughts, and freedom to think. | RELATED: | Ecuador: Judge Releases Leftist Activists Accused of Rebellion | Pabon affirmed that her case proves the harassment that many of the leaders of the Revolución Ciudadana have suffered this last tw…
telesurenglish.net/news/pabon-fear-and-persecution-can-hurt-pillars-of-democracy-20191227-0010.html

After millions strike Nov. 21, Colombian people stay in the streets
Martha Grevatt | workers.org | 2019-12-28
A powerful strike rocked Colombia on Nov. 21, with millions participating across the country of 50 million people. The National Strike Committee initially called only a one-day strike to oppose anti-worker legislation. Dec. 21, "Medellin resists singing" concert supports weeks of strikes and protests. But masses of people have stayed . . . | Continue reading After millions strike Nov. 21, Colombian people stay in the streets at Workers.org
workers.org/2019/12/45175/

Chile: 6 Military Police Detained for Sexual Abuse in Protests
telesurenglish.net | 2019-12-28
The 10th Guarantees Court of Santiago Friday issued preventive detention for six Military police accused of torturing and sexually abusing a young man during the curfew that President Sebastian Piñera ordered during the first days of the social outbreak in Chile. | RELATED: | Chile: Piñera Signs Decree Calling Constitutional Referendum | The six members o…
telesurenglish.net/news/Chile-6-Military-Police-Detained-for-Sexual-Abuse-in-Protests-20191228-0003.html

Bolivia a military coup. Coup leader Fernando Camacho boasting
Viva Evo | indybay.org | 2019-12-28
It was a military coup. Coup leader Fernando Camacho boasting about how his father coordinated with military so they wouldn't be mobilised against the anti-Evo protests before the coup.
indybay.org/newsitems/2019/12/28/18829289.php

Mexico: Zapatista Meeting of Women Who Fight Starts in Chiapas
telesurenglish.net | 2019-12-28
Around 3,200 women from all over the world are gathered in the mountains of Chiapas, Mexico, to participate in the "Second International Meeting of Women who Fight," which has been convened by the Indigenous political group Zapatista Army of National Liberation (EZLN). | RELATED: | Mexico: EZLN Announces Creation of New Rebel Municipalities | Women from countries such as Argentina, Germany, Peru, Spain, and the United States are gathered at "The Footprints of Commander Ramona" ven…
telesurenglish.net/news/Mexico-Zapatista-Meeting-of-Women-Who-Fight-Starts-in-Chiapas-20191228-0002.html

Prison gave me a greater will to fight
Luiz ignacio lula Da silva | zcomm.org | 2019-12-28
Interview on the reality that Brazil is experiencing and the social protests that have occurred in several Latin American countries…
zcomm.org/zvideo/prison-gave-me-a-greater-will-to-fight/

Chileans Demand New Constitution as Protests Continue
The Real News | zcomm.org | 2019-12-28
For two months, Chileans have been protesting all over the country on a daily basis…
zcomm.org/zvideo/chileans-demand-new-constitution-as-protests-continue/

The People of India Are Taking It to the Streets
Prof. Vijay Prashad | globalresearch.ca | 2019-12-27
Every day and in every part of India, hundreds of thousands of people — mainly young people — gather on the streets to express their anger at the government. Their protests, like those of the protests in Chile, emerged out …
globalresearch.ca/people-india-taking-streets/5698899

The People of India Are Taking It to the Streets to Challenge Modi's Bigoted and Dishonest Government
Vijay Prashad | counterpunch.org | 2019-12-27
Every day and in every part of India, hundreds of thousands of people–mainly young people–gather on the streets to express their anger at the government. Their protests, like those of the protests in Chile, emerged out of one particular grievance but then have cascaded outward. They are angry at the government's attempt to define citizenship…
counterpunch.org/2019/12/27/the-people-of-india-are-taking-it-to-the-streets-to-challenge-modis-bigoted-and-dishonest-government/

We are the ones who will awaken the dawn
Vijay Prashad | mronline.org | 2019-12-27
Millions of people are on the streets, from India to Chile. Democracy is both their promise and it is what has betrayed them. They aspire to the democratic spirit but find that democratic institutions–saturated by money and power–are inadequate. They are on the streets for more democracy, deeper democracy, a different kind of democracy. | Source…
mronline.org/2019/12/27/we-are-the-ones-who-will-awaken-the-dawn/

Six social leaders assassinated in past week in Colombia
Peoples Dispatch | peoplesdispatch.org | 2019-12-27
The humanitarian tragedy in Colombia continues. In the past five days, too many families and communities have been shaken by the loss of loved ones who were targeted because of their commitment to fighting for peace and justice in the country. | Despite constant demands from movements to the government to take measures to protect the lives of social leaders, assassinations continue to occur with impunity. | Reinaldo Carrillo Vera: | Early on Christmas morning, while Reinaldo Carrillo Vera was celebrating with his family, three armed men came to his home on motorcycles and shot at him. He was immediately t…
peoplesdispatch.org/2019/12/27/six-social-leaders-assassinated-in-past-week-in-colombia/

Barbados: Kwanzaa 2019 Celebrations Kicks in Haynesville
telesurenglish.net | 2019-12-27
The Caribbean Movement for Peace and Integration (CMPI) and the Haynesville Youth Club started celebrations for this year's Kwanzaa in Barbados with a spectacular cultural showcase on Boxing Day, joined by the Cuban Barbadian Friendship Association and the Friends of Venezuela Solidarity Committee. | RELATED: | Christmas in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Meaningful Mosaic of Traditions | The General Secretary of the CMPI, David Denny said that as part of thi…
telesurenglish.net/news/barbados-kwanzaa-celebrations-kicks-in-haynesville–20191227-0007.html

Bolsonaro in 2019: A Year of False Hope and Failures for Brazil
Paul Antonopoulos | globalresearch.ca | 2019-12-27
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, accompanied by First Lady Michelle Bolsonaro, made a Christmas address to their country on Tuesday night. The address was just as comical as Bolsonaro's year of failures, with the most interesting part being the …
globalresearch.ca/bolsonaro-2019-false-hope-failures-brazil/5698908

Evo Morales marcha junto a las Madres de Plaza de Mayo en Argentina
Prensa Latina | peoplesworld.org | 2019-12-27
BUENOS AIRES — A los pies de la pirámide emplazada en la Plaza de Mayo, testigo de tantas luchas en Argentina, el expresidente boliviano Evo Morales acompañó hoy la marcha dos mil 176 de esas madres que siguen pidiendo justicia por los desaparecidos de la última dictadura militar (1976-1983). Con whipalas multiplicadas junto a las …
peoplesworld.org/article/evo-morales-marcha-junto-a-las-madres-de-plaza-de-mayo-en-argentina/

Lula: Prison strengthened me and gave me a greater will to fight
teleSUR | peoplesdispatch.org | 2019-12-27
In an exclusive interview for teleSUR, the former-president discussed the current context in Brazil as well as the anti-neoliberal uprisings that have occurred in several Latin American countries…
peoplesdispatch.org/2019/12/27/lula-prison-strengthened-me-and-gave-me-a-greater-will-to-fight/

Lula To Fight Neoliberalism to Restore Democracy in Brazil
telesurenglish.net | 2019-12-27
The former president of Brazil, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, said Thursday that he has the will to fight to restore democracy in his country and to fight against the current situation of people under the government of Jair Bolsonaro. | RELATED: | Brazil's Senate Advances Bill That May Send Lula Back to Prison | In an exclusive interview for teleSUR, the Workers Party leader reiterated that the South American nation has "all the conditions to recover a democratic debate … and co…
telesurenglish.net/news/lula-to-fight-neoliberalism-and-restore-democracy-in-brazil–20191226-0020.html

Accelerating towards a fairer future
news.un.org | 2019-12-27
Cutting child mortality by a third in Brazil, reaching carbon neutrality in Finland and redirecting trillions of dollars of investment to funds that promote sustainability: these are some examples of initiatives from governments, civil society and the private sector, designed to speed up the UN's goal of achieving a fairer society for all.
news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2019/12/1054411

Duque Accepts Resignation of Colombian Army Commander in Chief
telesurenglish.net | 2019-12-27
The president of Colombia, Iván Duque, announced Friday that the army's Commander in Chief, Nicacio Martínez, will leave his post and will be replaced by General Eduardo Zapateiro. | RELATED: | Colombian Attorney Asks to Stop Murder of Social Leaders | During a press conference, Duque said from the Palace of Nariño that he had had a conversation with Martinez, where he had informed the president of his decision to leave for "family reasons." | This event occurs two weeks after the S…
telesurenglish.net/news/duque-announces-resignation-commander-of-the-colombian-army-20191227-0006.html

Chile: Piñera Signs Decree Calling Constitutional Referendum
telesurenglish.net | 2019-12-27
Chile's President Sebastian Piñera Friday signed the decree that summons the constitutional plebiscite on April 26, 2020, which will allow Chileans to decide whether or not they want a new constitution. | RELATED: | Victims of Eye Trauma in Chile Demand Reparations | "We are going to live a transcendent period in these 121 days that we have until the plebiscite," P…
telesurenglish.net/news/Chile-Pinera-Signs-Decree-Calling-Constitutional-Referendum-20191227-0002.html

The Power of Song
Ron Jacobs | counterpunch.org | 2019-12-27
Woody Guthrie wrote the words "This guitar kills fascists" on his guitar. Victor Jara was murdered by the Chilean military authorities during the 1973 CIA-assisted coup in Chile; his hands were severed and then he was murdered. Phil Ochs, a folksinger and agitator for popular resistance to war and racism considered Jara his inspiration and…
counterpunch.org/2019/12/27/the-power-of-song/

Human Rights and Political Conflict in Cameroon: The Anglophone Secessionist State of "Ambazonia"
J. B. Gerald | globalresearch.ca | 2019-12-27
On an ugliness scale of one to ten, if the U.S. Guantanamo prison is 7, the French military in Algeria 8, Pinochet's controls of Chile 9, and the Inquisition 10, the severity, scale and number of Cameroon military human rights …
globalresearch.ca/anglophone-francophone-cameroon/5698914

US Congress Approves Legislation to Wage a Hybrid "Humanitarian War" on Venezuela?
Nino Pagliccia | globalresearch.ca | 2019-12-27
Last December 16 both houses in the US approved the appropriation bill to be signed by president Trump. Aside from the mind-boggling amount of $1.4 trillion that was approved in total our interest was in looking at the details concerning …
globalresearch.ca/us-approves-bill-may-legislate-hybrid-warfare-venezuela/5698859

Venezuela: Social Program Meets Goal, Delivers 3 Million Homes
telesurenglish.net | 2019-12-27
Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro Thursday announced that the Venezuelan Great Housing Mission (GMVV) achieved its 2019 goal by completing the delivery of 3 million dwellings to the Bolivarian people as planned. | RELATED: | Venezuela's Economy Will Grow in 2020 Despite US Blockade | "Despite the Imperialist economic, trade and financial blockade, which robbed us…
telesurenglish.net/news/Venezuela-Social-Program-Meets-Goal-Delivers-3-Million-Homes-20191227-0001.html

Venezuela's Economy Will Grow in 2020 Despite US Blockade
telesurenglish.net | 2019-12-27
In an interview with the international news agency Xinhua, the Venezuelan economist, Jesus Faria said that economic recovery is the number one issue on the country's agenda for 2020. | RELATED: | Venezuelan Oil Production Sets Historical Record in November | The also former Minister of Foreign Trade and International Investment of Venezuela (2016-2017) stated that "there is a perceived activation of trade and some productive activities as well as a stabilization of the oil activi…
telesurenglish.net/news/Venezuelas-Economy-Will-Grow-in-2020-Despite-US-Blockade-20191226-0019.html

Pro-Coup Venezuelan Soldiers Who Fled to the US Now Locked Up in ICE Detention Center
Alan Macleod | mintpressnews.com | 2019-12-27
In an ironic twist worthy of an Alanis Morissette song, participants in U.S.-backed coup are now in an ICE detention camp.
mintpressnews.com/pro-coup-venezuelan-soldiers-defected-to-us-locked-ice-prisons/263764/

Bolivia's De Facto Regime Harasses Spanish Diplomats
telesurenglish.net | 2019-12-27
Mexico's Ambassador to Bolivia Teresa Mercado reported that Bolivian security officers harassed Spanish diplomats as they were trying to enter her official residence in La Paz on Friday morning. | RELATED: | Mexico Reiterates Demand that Bolivia End Siege on Embassy | "I am with the Spanish consul and charge d'affaires at the residence. Besides having assaulted them, they stopped their car, which has diplomatic plates," the Mexican ambassador tweeted. | The diplomats were accompan…
telesurenglish.net/news/Bolivias-De-Facto-Regime-Harasses-Spanish-Diplomats-20191227-0003.html

Bolivia's free territory of Chapare has ousted the coup regime and is bracing for a bloody re-invasion
Eds. | mronline.org | 2019-12-27
Spending time with the union members of Chapare, who run society in a collective fashion, offers special insights into the resistance to the coup. They succeeded in expelling the police, but now fear a bloodbath in retaliation. | Source…
mronline.org/2019/12/27/bolivias-free-territory-of-chapare-has-ousted-the-coup-regime-and-is-bracing-for-a-bloody-re-invasion/

Cuba: "We Condemn the Aggression of the Mexican Embassy"
telesurenglish.net | 2019-12-27
The president of Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel, condemned the aggression to the Mexican embassy in Bolivia and reiterated his support for the Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador Government. | RELATED: | Mexico Reiterates Demand that Bolivia End Siege on Embassy | Díaz-Canel shared in his official Twitter account an article from the Cuban press that stated that the "police operation before the Mexican embassy in Bolivia 'is out of proportion." | The Aztec nation has denounced the siege of its di…
telesurenglish.net/news/cuba-we-condemn-the-aggression-on-the-mexican-embassy-20191227-0008.html

Colombia: Farmer Leader Shot to Death in Front of His Family
telesurenglish.net | 2019-12-26
The National Association of Farmer Users (ANUC) activist Reinaldo Carrillo was killed at dawn on Wednesday by hitmen who entered his house and shot him in front of his family in Pitalito town, Department of Huila, Colombia. | RELATED: | Violence in Colombia Continues As Social Leader Assassinated | "We reject the murder of Reinaldo Carrillo. He was a member of a group of people which expected the government to grant them the ownership title of a vacant land called La Conaca," sai…
telesurenglish.net/news/Colombia-Farmer-Leader-Shot-to-Death-in-Front-of-His-Family-20191226-0008.html

Argentina Suspends Amend to Mining Law Allowing Toxic Chemicals
telesurenglish.net | 2019-12-26
The government of the province of Mendoza, in the east of Argentina, suspended the rule of the mining law 7.722 that was giving the green light to chemicals like cyanure and sulfuric acid, substances that are usually prohibited. | RELATED: | Argentina Limits Police Use of Electroshock Weapons | Environmental groups stated that the law violated general law in Argentina as well as environmental…
telesurenglish.net/news/Argentina-Suspends-Amend-to-Mining-Law-Allowing-Toxic-Chemicals-20191226-0016.html

Colombian Attorney Asks to Stop Murder of Social Leaders
telesurenglish.net | 2019-12-26
The Colombian attorney general, Fernando Carrillo, urged the government of Colombia led by Iván Duque to stop the systematic murder of social leaders in that country. | RELATED: | Colombia: Farmers Leader Shot to Deat in Front of His Family | The official urged the Government, through his Twitter account, to convene the National Security Guarantees Commission "immediately and ensure its operation." | He added that the threat against social leaders in Colombia "is latent and must…
telesurenglish.net/news/colombian-attorney-asks-to-stop-murder-of-social-leaders-20191226-0010.html

Chile: 245 Houses Destroyed by Forest Fires
telesurenglish.net | 2019-12-26
The number of houses burned down in the high zone of Valparaiso, Chile totaled 245 on Thursday. | RELATED: | Chile: Massive Forest Fire Hits Valparaiso, 80 Homes Affected | Valparaiso Governor Jorge Martinez noted that more than 1,000 people were victims of the fire, and the final results of the disaster will be disclosed on Sunday. | The official explained that the fire has not yet been controlled, although it no longer prese…
telesurenglish.net/news/Chile-245-Houses-Destroyed-by-Forest-Fires-20191226-0015.html

McDonald's Franchise Violated Safety Laws: Peruvian Watchdog
telesurenglish.net | 2019-12-26
Peru ¥s labor watchdog has found McDonald's Corp ¥s Latin America franchisee Arcos Dorados guilty of six "very serious" violations of local safety and health laws following the deaths of two employees in a restaurant kitchen. | RELATED: | Peru: McDonald's Shuts for Inspection After Employee Deaths | The Labor Ministry's regulating body (Sunafil) prop…
telesurenglish.net/news/McDonalds-Franchise-Violated-Safety-Laws-Peruvian-Watchdog-20191226-0014.html

Bolivia's free territory of Chapare has ousted the coup regime and is bracing for a bloody re-invasion
Ollie Vargas | thegrayzone.com | 2019-12-25
Spending time with the union members of Chapare, who run society in a collective fashion, offers special insights into the…
thegrayzone.com/2019/12/24/bolivia-free-territory-chapare-coup-invasion/

Around the world 75: Anti CAA protests in India and more
Peoples Dispatch | peoplesdispatch.org | 2019-12-25
We also take a look at the attempts by coup regime in Bolivia to target Mexican embassy, and the repression against leftist and pro-democracy activists in Swaziland.
peoplesdispatch.org/2019/12/25/around-the-world-75-anti-caa-protests-in-india-and-more/

The 2010 — 2020 UN News Decade in Review, part two
news.un.org | 2019-12-25
With the 2020s now in full view, welcome to the second in our three-part series looking back at some of the major UN-related stories of the past decade. In part two, we take in the years 2014 to 2016, which saw the worst outbreak of Ebola ever recorded; new hope that the climate crisis could be tackled by world leaders, through the historic Paris climate agreement; a UN mission in Colombia to facilitate a much-awaited peace process; and the launch of the UN's 2030 Agenda, a plan of action for people, the planet and prosperity.
news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2019/12/1053701

"Water is worth more than gold": Mendoza, Argentina rejects advance of extractive industry
Peoples Dispatch | peoplesdispatch.org | 2019-12-24
The province of Mendoza has been suffering from water crisis for more than 11 years and mining activities would be further aggravate the crisis…
peoplesdispatch.org/2019/12/24/water-is-worth-more-than-gold-mendoza-argentina-rejects-advance-of-extractive-industry/

Much work needed to 'target unacceptable levels' of racism in Ecuador: UN experts
news.un.org | 2019-12-23
Ecuador must implement and enforce laws and policies to protect the rights of Afro-Ecuadorians, the UN Working Group on People of African Descent said on Monday, calling for an end to the "discrimination, exclusion and extreme poverty they suffer."
news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2019/12/1054201

Chile: TV broadcast live when two armored cars crushed citizen
Eds. | mronline.org | 2019-12-23
Real-time scenes evidenced once again how the Chilean state acts with rampant and absurd violence. | Source…
mronline.org/2019/12/23/chile-tv-broadcast-live-when-two-armored-cars-crushed-citizen/

Venezuela Repels 'Terrorist' Attack on Military Bases, 1 Soldier Dead
Ricardo Vaz | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-12-23
The assailants stormed several military installations before being engaged by the Venezuelan army.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14752

Medical Opinion, Torture, and Julian Assange
Binoy Kampmark | dissidentvoice.org | 2019-12-21
On November 27 this year, UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, Nils Melzer, delivered an address to the German Bundestag outlining his approach to understanding the mental health of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. These comprised two parts, the initial stage covering his diplomatic asylum in the Ecuadorean embassy, the second dealing with his formal detention in …
dissidentvoice.org/2019/12/medical-opinion-torture-and-julian-assange/

Media, Human Rights Groups Silent Over Politically-Motivated Murder of Journalist in Bolivia
Alan Macleod | mintpressnews.com | 2019-12-20
Sebastian Moro's last known words before he was found were denouncing the kidnappings of government officials and mob attacks on journalists and media outlets.
mintpressnews.com/human-rights-groups-media-murder-journalist-sebastian-moro-bolivia/263676/

Notes on a private TV newscast in Bolivia. The contrast with Venezuela is clear as day
Joe Emersberger | zcomm.org | 2019-12-20
In August, I took detailed notes a news broadcast on one of Venezuela's largest TV networks. I summarized these notes in an interview I did with the Real News Network making the point that Venezuela's private media (which reaches 60-90% of households) is remarkably free — most especially when you consider the US is openly Read…
zcomm.org/zblogs/notes-on-a-private-tv-newscast-in-bolivia-the-contrast-with-venezuela-is-clear-as-day/

Chileans Demand New Constitution as Protests Continue
Staff | therealnews.com | 2019-12-19
For two months, Chileans have been protesting all over the country on a daily basis.
therealnews.com/stories/chileans-demand-new-constitution-protests-continue

Venezuela: Guaido Introduces Remote Voting in Bid to Secure Reelection
Lucas Koerner and Ricardo Vaz | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-12-18
The opposition leader has been under fire amid recent scandals.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14749

US Venezuelan embassy protectors denied right to fair trial
The Grayzone | thegrayzone.com | 2019-12-17
Four US activists protecting Venezuela's embassy in Washington, DC face prison time after the Trump administration illegally arrested them. And now…
thegrayzone.com/2019/12/16/venezuelan-embassy-defenders-denied-right-fair-trial/

Why Elliott Abrams is Smurf villain Gargamel
Anya Parampil | thegrayzone.com | 2019-12-16
Trump Administration Special Representative for Venezuela Elliott Abram is not only the spitting image of Gargamel; the Smurfs are a…
thegrayzone.com/2019/12/16/elliott-abrams-smurf-villain-gargamel/

Viral Chilean feminist anthem reveals powerful international sentiment against sexual violence
Candice Yanez | liberationnews.org | 2019-12-16
The protest song was first performed for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 20 in Valparaíso, Chile.
liberationnews.org/viral-chilean-feminist-anthem-reveals-powerful-international-sentiment-against-sexual-violence/

Argentines Celebrate Inauguration of New Center-Left Government
Staff | therealnews.com | 2019-12-16
As President Alberto Fernandez and VP Cristina Fernandez take over in Argentina, expectations are high that the new government will reverse the neoliberal policies of the previous government and emphasize progressive social policies.
therealnews.com/stories/argentines-celebrate-inauguration-new-center-left-government