Global Pulse

分类： society

  • Palestinian activist sues Betar USA for violation of civil rights

    Palestinian activist sues Betar USA for violation of civil rights

    A landmark federal civil rights lawsuit has been initiated by Nerdeen Kiswani, a prominent Palestinian-American activist and founder of the pro-Palestinian organization Within Our Lifetime, against the far-right Zionist group Betar USA. The legal action, filed in the Southern District of New York, alleges a systematic campaign of violent intimidation, threats, and harassment spanning several months.

    Kiswani, a naturalized U.S. citizen who arrived as a Palestinian refugee in childhood, asserts that Betar USA orchestrated a targeted campaign against her that transcended protected speech. The complaint details how the group utilized social media platforms to offer cash rewards for delivering beepers to Kiswani—a menacing reference to Israel’s 2024 use of exploding pagers against Hezbollah operatives in Lebanon. The lawsuit further describes physical confrontations where Betar affiliates allegedly cornered Kiswani on public sidewalks and at demonstrations while shouting threats.

    The legal team from Lee & Godshall-Bennett LLP and Emery Celli Brinckerhoff Abady Ward & Maazel LLP contends that Betar unlawfully targeted their client. The group reportedly submitted Kiswani’s name to federal authorities during the Trump administration, advocating for the revocation of her citizenship and her deportation. This tactic aligns with Betar’s publicly acknowledged practice of collecting names of pro-Palestine activists for submission to government officials, which previously resulted in the harassment, arrest, and forced self-deportation of several international students in New York City.

    The lawsuit invokes the Ku Klux Klan Enforcement Act of 1871, a Reconstruction-era statute originally designed to protect freed slaves and Republican activists from organized racial terror. The legal action aims to terminate what plaintiffs characterize as Betar’s “campaign of terror” against those opposing Israel’s actions in Gaza.

    This development follows the recent dissolution of Betar’s New York chapter after an investigation by the state attorney general found the group repeatedly targeted individuals based on their faith and ethnic origin, specifically Muslim, Arab, Palestinian, and Jewish New Yorkers.

    Founded in 1929 and recently obtaining US tax-exempt nonprofit status in July 2024, Betar USA describes itself as “loud, proud, aggressive and unapologically Zionist.” The group traces its origins to the right-wing Zionist ideologue Ze’ev Jabotinsky’s 1923 formation of a youth paramilitary organization in Latvia, formally named Brit Yosef Trumpeldor after a Jewish settler killed in a 1920 firefight with Palestinians.

    The case represents a significant test of civil rights protections against organized intimidation tactics in the context of highly charged political discourse surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

  • Bondi hero cop Cesar Barraza to wait for commendation, hearing told

    Bondi hero cop Cesar Barraza to wait for commendation, hearing told

    A New South Wales budget estimates hearing has revealed that Detective Senior Constable Cesar Barraza, the officer whose precise marksmanship ended the Bondi Beach shooting massacre, will not receive formal recognition until judicial proceedings conclude. The December 14 incident saw Constable Barraza neutralize alleged attackers Sajid and Naveed Akram from approximately 40 meters away using his service handgun while positioned behind minimal cover.

    The delayed commendation stands in stark contrast to the swift recognition afforded to other recent heroes. Detective Inspector Amy Scott received her bravery award within months of fatally stopping the Bondi Westfield attacker in April 2024. Similarly, civilian responder Ahmed al-Ahmed received multiple honors including a city key and lifetime beach pass within weeks of the terrorist incident.

    Police Minister Yasmin Catley defended the timeline distinction, explaining that Inspector Scott’s situation differed fundamentally as her perpetrator ‘was killed immediately.’ Regarding Constable Barraza’s case, Minister Catley emphasized the necessity of allowing court processes to conclude before bestowing honors, despite acknowledging his ‘brilliant shooting’ and stating ‘we are indebted to him.’

    NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon confirmed that Constable Barraza and other responding officers have been preliminarily identified for future commendation. The awaiting judicial process involves defendant Naveed Akram, who remains in custody facing fifteen murder charges among other offenses. Due to the case’s severity, it is destined for superior court and may require several years before resolution.

  • Remains found in Tasmania most likely belong to missing Belgian backpacker

    Remains found in Tasmania most likely belong to missing Belgian backpacker

    Authorities in Tasmania have made a significant breakthrough in the long-running case of a missing Belgian backpacker, confirming that human remains discovered in a remote rainforest are most likely those of Celine Cremer. The 31-year-old woman vanished in 2023 after embarking on a solo hike near Philosopher’s Falls in the northwestern region of Waratah.

    Despite extensive search operations conducted by Tasmania Police in the immediate aftermath of her disappearance, no trace of Cremer was found at the time. The challenging terrain and severe weather conditions—characterized by heavy rainfall, freezing temperatures, and even snow—severely hampered official search efforts, ultimately leading to the suspension of the operation.

    The case took a dramatic turn in recent months when a privately organized search party, comprising dozens of dedicated volunteers, located critical evidence including bones, teeth, personal clothing, and a mobile phone. This discovery prompted police to resume their investigative efforts in the area.

    On Friday, with formal consent from Cremer’s grieving family, Tasmania Police issued a statement indicating that the remains had been ‘provisionally identified’ as belonging to the missing backpacker. Commander Nathan Johnston emphasized that expert analyses had provided ‘compelling evidence’ supporting this preliminary conclusion.

    Commander Johnston extended his deepest sympathies to Cremer’s family and loved ones, acknowledging that while the confirmation cannot alleviate their loss, it may offer them a degree of clarity and closure. He also expressed profound gratitude to community members, search and rescue personnel, and volunteers who contributed significant time and resources across multiple phases of the operation.

    According to reports from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), the private search initiative was coordinated by a professional investigator hired by Cremer’s family. The volunteer team received specialized training to navigate the dense wilderness effectively. Many participants were motivated to join the effort after viewing documentary content created by a local filmmaker who had been closely monitoring the case.

    The identification process will now proceed to the coroner’s office, where an official report will be prepared to conclusively determine the identity of the remains and establish the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.

  • Watch dramatic rescue of skier buried in deep snow

    Watch dramatic rescue of skier buried in deep snow

    In a heart-stopping operation that tested the limits of emergency response, rescue teams successfully extracted a skier who had become completely buried under an estimated four feet of compacted snow. The incident, which occurred at an undisclosed mountainous location, nearly ended in tragedy as the victim’s arm had already gone limp—a critical sign of deteriorating condition—by the time rescuers reached him.

    Eyewitness accounts and official reports from the rescue team describe a race against time, employing specialized avalanche transceivers and probe poles to locate the submerged individual. The dramatic footage of the extraction shows teams digging frantically with shovels and their hands to avoid causing further injury. Medical personnel on site immediately administered emergency care, focusing on potential hypothermia and trauma, before transporting the skier to a nearby medical facility for further treatment.

    This event has reignited discussions within the winter sports community about the critical importance of avalanche safety preparedness. Experts emphasize that carrying essential gear like beacons, shovels, and probes—and knowing how to use them—can mean the difference between life and death. The successful outcome of this rescue serves as both a cautionary tale and a testament to the skill and swiftness of professional mountain rescue services.

  • US plaintiff decries harmful social media addiction

    US plaintiff decries harmful social media addiction

    In a groundbreaking Los Angeles courtroom drama, 20-year-old Kaley G.M. delivered compelling testimony about her decade-long struggle with social media addiction that began at age six. The plaintiff’s emotional account detailed how platforms owned by Meta and Google allegedly exacerbated her mental health challenges, including severe depression, body dysmorphia, and self-harm tendencies.

    Kaley described to jurors how YouTube and Instagram became inescapable fixtures in her childhood, revealing that attempts to disconnect consistently failed. ‘Anytime I tried to separate myself from it, it just didn’t work,’ she testified, noting that even cyberbullying couldn’t deter her engagement due to intense fear of missing out.

    The trial, expected to continue through late March, represents the first of three scheduled proceedings that could establish precedent for thousands of similar cases nationwide. At its core is the accusation that tech giants deliberately engineered addictive platforms that harmed young users’ psychological wellbeing.

    During cross-examination, Kaley recounted childhood behaviors that demonstrated her dependency, including secretly retrieving her phone after her mother enforced nighttime restrictions. Court records indicate she spent up to 16 consecutive hours on Instagram in single day.

    In a striking contradiction, the plaintiff expressed interest in pursuing social media management professionally, suggesting she hopes to leverage skills developed through her extensive platform usage. The case’s outcome may set standards for resolving numerous lawsuits alleging social media companies fueled a mental health crisis among youth through deliberately addictive design.

  • Convicted stowaway arrested again after a new alleged ticketless flight from US to Italy

    Convicted stowaway arrested again after a new alleged ticketless flight from US to Italy

    NEW YORK – Svetlana Dali, a Russian citizen with U.S. residency previously convicted for aviation stowaway offenses, has been apprehended again after successfully boarding an international flight from Newark Liberty International Airport to Milan, Italy without authorization. The incident occurred despite her ongoing probation from a 2024 conviction for similar offenses.

    According to law enforcement officials familiar with the investigation, Dali was taken into custody Thursday at Milan’s Malpensa Airport. The individual, who spoke anonymously due to lack of authorization to discuss the case publicly, confirmed this marks at least the third documented instance of Dali bypassing airport security protocols.

    Federal Bureau of Investigation spokesperson Emily Molinari acknowledged the Newark field office’s awareness of “the alleged stowaway” incident, confirming coordination with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and the Transportation Security Administration regarding the ongoing investigation. United Airlines, operator of the Milan-bound flight, stated it is “investigating this incident and working with the appropriate authorities.”

    Dali’s legal history reveals a pattern of security breaches. In May 2024, she was convicted for slipping past Delta Air Lines staff at John F. Kennedy International Airport and hiding in an aircraft lavatory during a New York-to-Paris flight. Surveillance footage documented her blending with legitimate passengers to avoid detection. Upon discovery near Paris, she was returned to New York where she told FBI agents she believed people were poisoning her in the United States.

    Court documents indicate Dali received a sentence of time served in July 2024 with one year of supervised release that included mandatory mental health evaluation and treatment. Standard probation terms prohibited her from leaving her authorized judicial district without court permission.

    Prosecutors have documented additional security breaches prior to her conviction. Two days before the Paris incident, she penetrated TSA checkpoints at Connecticut’s Bradley International Airport near Hartford, unsuccessfully attempting to board a flight. In February 2024, U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents discovered her hiding in a Miami International Airport restroom after she allegedly provided false arrival information.

    Michael K. Schneider, Dali’s federal defender handling her appeal of previous charges, declined comment regarding her recent actions or compliance with mental health evaluation requirements.

  • Could a horseshoe medal solve a 26-year mystery?

    Could a horseshoe medal solve a 26-year mystery?

    A distinctive horseshoe-shaped medal bearing the inscription “MacGinty” has emerged as the pivotal clue in solving a 26-year-old mystery surrounding an unidentified man recovered from Cork’s River Lee. The case, recently featured on RTÉ’s Crimecall program, represents one of Ireland’s most perplexing unidentified person investigations.

    In July 1999, authorities recovered the body of a man believed to be between 40-60 years old from the river just outside Cork city. Despite extensive investigations by An Garda Síochána (Irish police), the man’s identity remains unknown. The victim carried no personal documentation, making the collection of items found with him crucial to solving the mystery.

    David Varian of Cork City Missing Persons Search And Recovery suggests the distinctive spelling on the medal could indicate origins beyond the Republic of Ireland. “The Gardaí have done extensive searching here in Ireland and nobody has been able to trace it back to this individual,” Varian noted. “The MacGinty name is popular in Scotland and Northern Ireland, with this particular spelling more common in Scotland.”

    The investigation revealed several unusual aspects about the case. The man was dressed in multiple layers of clothing, including navy trousers, green striped trousers, and blue jeans worn simultaneously. His possessions included wooden rosary beads, holy water, religious medals, a Silver Philip Mercier watch with gold face, and a Claddagh ring. His brown boots contained paper lining labeled “Reality April 99.”

    Despite comprehensive efforts including DNA analysis and cross-referencing with missing persons databases, no matches have been found. The post-mortem examination confirmed drowning as the cause of death, but decomposition prevented establishing how long the body had been in the water. Gardaí initially believed the man may have lived a “transient lifestyle.”

    The physical description indicates a man approximately 5’10” with a strong build, short neck, dark hair, and short grey facial hair. Investigators are now expanding their appeal internationally, hoping the distinctive medal and personal effects might trigger recognition from communities in Northern Ireland or Scotland.

    As Varian emphasized: “It could help give closure to a family” who may have been wondering about their missing relative for over two decades. Gardaí continue to request anyone with information to come forward.

  • Man, 82, crushed to death in car at Munich scrapyard

    Man, 82, crushed to death in car at Munich scrapyard

    A fatal industrial accident occurred at a Munich scrapyard this week, resulting in the death of an 82-year-old local resident. The incident unfolded on Wednesday afternoon at a recycling facility located in the Obersendling district, though authorities have only recently disclosed details to the public.

    According to Munich police reports, the tragedy occurred when a 60-year-old equipment operator was processing vehicles designated for demolition. Using heavy excavation machinery, the employee compressed the vehicle’s roof before inverting the car—completely unaware that the elderly man had entered the vehicle unnoticed.

    The situation was discovered when an observant witness spotted the occupant during the crushing process. Despite immediate emergency response from firefighters, paramedics, and police units, the victim sustained catastrophic injuries during the roof compression phase that proved fatal.

    Rescue teams required specialized equipment to extract the man’s body from the severely damaged vehicle. Police confirmed the automobile did not belong to the deceased individual, suggesting the Munich resident may have been scavenging for scrap metal at the time of the incident.

    Munich traffic police have initiated a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding this industrial mishap. The case highlights ongoing safety concerns regarding unauthorized access to hazardous industrial sites.

  • Exclusive: UK charity regulator found ‘mismanagement’ by Campaign Against Antisemitism

    Exclusive: UK charity regulator found ‘mismanagement’ by Campaign Against Antisemitism

    The UK Charity Commission has formally identified administrative mismanagement within the Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA), a charitable organization purportedly dedicated to combating antisemitism through legal advocacy and public awareness initiatives. This regulatory action stems primarily from a September 2024 statement issued by the CAA that vehemently criticized the British government’s decision to impose a partial arms embargo on Israel, which the charity labeled as “obscene.

    The Commission’s investigation was initiated following an October 2024 complaint filed by Labour MP John McDonnell, who accused the charity of engaging in inappropriate political activism. In its findings, the regulator determined that trustees failed to maintain proper documentation demonstrating how the controversial statement advanced the organization’s charitable objectives. This deficiency in record-keeping was specifically cited as evidence of administrative failure.

    Additionally, the Commission revealed it had examined separate complaints regarding the CAA’s conduct, including its 2023 campaign against Goldsmiths University lecturer Ray Campbell. The university ultimately dismissed all allegations against Dr. Campbell after a five-month investigation and issued a formal apology for the distress caused.

    The regulatory body has mandated the implementation of a remedial Action Plan requiring CAA trustees to enhance governance protocols and administrative practices. This development occurs within a broader context of ongoing scrutiny concerning the charity’s operational methods, particularly allegations that it frequently conflates criticism of Israeli government policies with antisemitism, thereby potentially stifling legitimate political discourse on Palestinian rights.

    Despite previous exonerations in prior investigations, including the closure of a case brought by Jewish Voice for Labour (now Jewish Voice for Liberation) in May 2024, the Commission’s current intervention represents a significant regulatory challenge for the organization. The CAA has not responded to multiple requests for comment regarding these developments.

  • Former deputy head of China Tobacco sentenced to 12 years for bribery

    Former deputy head of China Tobacco sentenced to 12 years for bribery

    In a significant ruling against corruption, Zhang Tianfeng, former deputy director of China’s State Tobacco Monopoly Administration, has been sentenced to 12 years imprisonment for accepting bribes exceeding 34 million yuan ($4.98 million). The Ganzhou Intermediate People’s Court in Jiangxi province delivered the verdict on Thursday, additionally imposing a 2 million yuan fine and ordering confiscation of all illicit gains to be transferred to the state treasury.

    Judicial investigations revealed that between 2004 and 2023, Zhang systematically exploited his official positions to provide unlawful advantages to various entities and individuals. His corrupt activities encompassed project contracts, recruitment processes, position adjustments, and career advancements, with bribes totaling over 34.07 million yuan.

    The court determined that Zhang’s conduct unequivocally constituted bribery offenses warranting severe punishment. However, the sentence reflected some leniency due to mitigating factors including his voluntary disclosure of numerous bribery cases previously unknown to investigators, his full confession, and proactive restitution of illegal proceeds.

    Zhang’s career spanned decades within tobacco monopoly bureaus in Shaanxi province and Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region before his 2017 appointment to the national administration. He served as deputy director from February 2020 until June 2023. His downfall began with a January 2025 investigation, followed by expulsion from the Communist Party of China six months later. After November 2025 indictment on bribery charges, his case received public trial on January 8 leading to this week’s sentencing.