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Communist Crackdown Is Toughest Yet On Activists

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(Via Reuters)

BEIJING (Reuters) – China sentenced a prominent rights activist to eight years in jail for subversion on Tuesday, his lawyer said, the harshest sentence passed in a government crackdown on activism that began more than two years ago.

In a separate case, a rights lawyer avoided criminal punishment despite being found guilty of inciting subversion, because he admitted his crimes, the Chinese court trying him said.

Wu Gan, a blogger better known by his online name “Super Vulgar Butcher”, plans to appeal against the eight-year sentence handed down by the Tianjin Municipality’s No. 2 Intermediate People’s Court, his lawyer, Yan Xin, told Reuters.

The harshness of the sentence prompted the German embassy in Beijing to issue a statement expressing disappointment.

Wu regularly championed sensitive cases of government abuses of power, both online and in street protests. He was detained in May 2015 and charged with subversion.

The activist criticized China’s political system online and used performance art to create disturbances, as well as insulting people and spreading false information, according to a statement from the court posted on its website.

“He carried out a string of criminal actions to subvert state power and overthrow the socialist system and seriously harmed state security and social stability,” the court said.

Before his arrest, Wu used his platform to cast doubt on the official version of events in an incident in early May 2015, in which a police officer shot a petitioner in a train station in northern Heilongjiang province.

Wu’s refusal to bow to pressure or admit guilt likely explains his harsh sentence, said Kit Chan, Hong Kong-based director of China Human Rights Lawyers Concern Group.

“Wu Gan is being punished for his non-conformity,” she said.

His sentence is the most severe in what rights groups have called an unprecedented attack on China’s rights activists and lawyers, known as the 709 crackdown, which began in full force on July 9, 2015.

The hardline approach to rights activism has shown no sign of softening as Chinese President Xi Jinping enters his second five-year term in office.

In the other case concluded on Tuesday, rights lawyer Xie Yang received no punishment after being found guilty of inciting subversion and disrupting court order, the Changsha Intermediate People’s Court said on social media.

The court released a video of the proceedings, in which Xie said he accepted the outcome and would not appeal. He also thanked authorities and said he will be a law-abiding citizen.

Xie had worked on numerous cases deemed sensitive by Chinese authorities, such as defending supporters of Hong Kong’s pro-democracy protests. In May, he confessed to the charges against him in what rights groups called a scripted “sham” trial.

In January, Xie’s wife and lawyer released detailed accounts of torture suffered by Xie at the hands of the authorities, which were widely reported on in the international media.

Chinese state media branded those reports “fake news” and said the accounts were concocted as a means of gaining attention. Xie’s lawyer told Reuters he stands by the account.

“In both cases these have been serious concerns about violations of due process of law,” the German embassy in Beijing said in a statement.

The decision to hand down both sentences the day after Christmas, when there would likely be less attention from diplomats and international observers, “reeks of cynical political calculation”, said Patrick Poon, Hong Kong-based researcher for Amnesty International.

Asked about the verdicts, China’s foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a regular briefing that Amnesty is biased when it comes to China and should not be believed, adding that China abides by the rule of law.

(Reporting by Christian Shepherd; Editing by Nick Macfie)

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Media

Assange’s Freedom: A Blow to the Neo-Con and Neo-Liberal Elite

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In a surprising turn of events, Julian Assange, the controversial founder of WikiLeaks, has been freed from prison, sending shockwaves through the political establishment. For years, Assange has been a thorn in the side of the global elite, exposing their secrets and lies to the world. Now, as he walks free, many on the right-wing populist side of the aisle are celebrating, while others, particularly those with skeletons in their closets, are trembling in fear.

The release of Julian Assange is a victory for truth and transparency. For too long, the powers that be have operated in the shadows, manipulating the masses and advancing their own agendas. Assange and WikiLeaks have been instrumental in shining a light on the dark underbelly of global politics, revealing the corruption and deceit that permeates our institutions.

However, not everyone is happy about Assange’s newfound freedom. Neo-cons and neo-liberals, who have long been in cahoots with the global elite, are terrified that their treasonous activities will be exposed. They fear that Assange’s release will lead to a flood of information that will expose their lies and destroy their carefully constructed narratives.

Take, for example, Mike Pence, the former Vice President of the United States. Pence, a known neo-conservative, has been a vocal opponent of Assange and WikiLeaks. Why? Because he knows that his own treasonous actions could be exposed. Pence has been accused of colluding with foreign powers and selling out the American people for his own gain. The release of Assange could be the final nail in the coffin for Pence and his ilk.

The truth is, the opposition to Assange’s release is not about national security or protecting classified information. It’s about protecting the interests of the global elite and their puppets in government. The neo-cons and neo-liberals are terrified of losing their grip on power, and they will do anything to silence those who threaten their reign.

But the people are waking up. They are tired of being lied to and manipulated. They are hungry for the truth, and they will not be silenced. The release of Julian Assange is a step in the right direction, but it is only the beginning. The fight for truth and transparency is far from over.

As a right-wing populist, I believe that the people have a right to know the truth about their leaders and the institutions that govern them. I believe that the global elite and their puppets in government should be held accountable for their actions. I believe that Julian Assange is a hero, and his release is a victory for the people.

So, to Mike Pence and all the other neo-cons and neo-liberals who oppose Assange’s release, I say this: The truth will come out, and you will be exposed for the traitors that you are. The people will not be silenced, and they will not be fooled. The fight for truth and transparency is just beginning, and we will not rest until justice is served.

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Politics

Populist Politicians Must Separate From Zionism To Truly Win

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In a stunning turn of events, populist parties across Europe have made significant gains in the recent elections. From Italy to France, Germany to the Netherlands, these political outsiders have captured the hearts and minds of millions of disillusioned voters.

In Italy, the right-wing populist Brothers of Italy party secured the highest vote share of any single party in the nation’s recent election, making its leader, Giorgia Meloni, the likely prime minister. Meloni’s party has been riding a wave of anti-establishment sentiment, promising to put “Italians first” and curb immigration.

In France, the National Rally party, led by Marine Le Pen, made significant gains in the European Parliament elections. Le Pen’s party has been a thorn in the side of the French establishment for years, advocating for stricter immigration controls and a more nationalist agenda.

In Germany, the right-leaning Alternative for Germany (AfD) saw a surge in support, coming in second place in the European Parliament elections. The AfD has been gaining traction with its anti-immigration stance and skepticism towards the European Union.

In the Netherlands, the populist Forum for Democracy party made significant gains in the European Parliament elections, coming in second place. The party has been tapping into Dutch voters’ concerns about immigration and the influence of the European Union.

The rise of populist parties across Europe is a clear sign that many voters are fed up with the traditional political establishment. These parties have been able to tap into a deep well of discontent, promising to shake up the status quo and put the interests of ordinary citizens first.

However, the true success of these populist movements will come when they disassociate Europe from zionism and focus on the European people, their cultures, and their interests. Populism isn’t about being anti-anyone. It’s about being pro-European. It’s about standing up for our people, our culture, and our interests. And as long as populist movements stay true to that mission, they will continue to thrive.

So, to all the populist leaders out there, keep doing what you’re doing. Keep fighting the good fight. And remember, the people are watching. Don’t let them down.

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Politics

Mexico to Elect a Jewish President, Creating Concerns of Representation

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In a historic turn of events, Mexico is on the verge of electing its first president with a Jewish background, Claudia Sheinbaum. This milestone in the nation’s history has sparked a wide array of reactions, ranging from excitement to skepticism.

The potential election of Sheinbaum, a former mayor of Mexico City, represents a significant shift in the country’s political landscape. If elected, she would join the ranks of the few Jews outside Israel who have been elected to their country’s highest office, including Janet Jagan of Guyana, Ricardo Maduro of Honduras, Pedro Pablo Kuczynski of Peru, and Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine. This achievement underscores the diversity and inclusivity of Mexican society.

However, this development has also raised questions about representation. Some argue that Mexico, a country with a rich and diverse history, should be led by someone who is “Mexican” in the traditional sense. This argument stems from a desire to see the country’s leadership reflect its population, which is predominantly Catholic and of mixed European and indigenous descent.

The debate over what it means to be “Mexican” is not new. It’s a complex issue that has been debated for centuries, with various groups claiming to represent the true essence of the nation. The potential election of a Jewish president adds another layer to this ongoing conversation.

On one hand, Sheinbaum’s potential election could be seen as a step towards a more inclusive and diverse representation of Mexico. It challenges the traditional notions of what it means to be Mexican and could pave the way for greater acceptance and understanding of different cultures and religions within the country.

On the other hand, some argue that Mexico should be represented by someone who shares the same cultural and religious background as the majority of its population. They believe that a president who understands the unique challenges and experiences of the Mexican people would be better equipped to lead the nation.

The truth is, Mexico is a diverse country with a rich tapestry of cultures, religions, and traditions. The election of a Jewish president would not diminish the country’s Mexican identity, but rather add to it. It would demonstrate that Mexico is a nation that embraces diversity and is open to different perspectives and ideas.

However, there are concerns that Sheinbaum may use her position of power to help Israel or the Jewish community, potentially at the expense of focusing on the issues that directly affect Mexicans. This fear stems from the fact that she is the first Jewish president in a country where the majority of the population is not Jewish.

While it’s important to address these concerns, it’s also crucial to remember that a president’s primary responsibility is to serve the entire nation, not just a particular group. Sheinbaum, if elected, will be the president of all Mexicans, not just the Jewish community.

In the end, the question of whether Mexico should be represented by a Jewish president or not is a complex one. It’s a question that goes beyond the identity of the president and touches upon the very heart of what it means to be Mexican. Regardless of the outcome of the election, one thing is clear: the debate over representation in Mexico is far from over.

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