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Globe and Mail
17 hours ago
- Politics
- Globe and Mail
Leader of Tanzania's main opposition party could face death penalty
The security at the court building was extraordinary: a rooftop sniper, police with dogs and tear-gas launchers, vans with darkened windows, and a small army of black-masked guards with armoured jackets and submachine guns. But the defendant in the courtroom is not a dangerous terrorist. He is a politician, a leader of Tanzania's main opposition party who faces a highly organized operation to prevent him from running in this year's election. Tundu Lissu, chairman of the Chadema party, is on trial for treason − a charge that carries the death penalty. His prosecution, protested by human-rights groups around the world, exposes the sharp decline of democracy in a country that Western donors have long favoured with billions of dollars in aid. Mr. Lissu has endured countless arrests and attacks over the past decade. In 2017, gunmen with assault rifles sprayed dozens of bullets at his vehicle, nearly killing him. After three years in exile and a long recovery in hospital from 16 bullet wounds, he returned fearlessly to politics, contesting Tanzania's 2020 election as an opposition candidate and finishing second in official results. This year, Tanzania's authoritarian government seems determined to prevent him from running again. His party has been banned from the October election after authorities accused it of failing to accept an electoral code of conduct. Many of its top officials, along with other activists, have been arrested or harassed in recent weeks. And now, Mr. Lissu faces a potential death sentence. He was arrested in April after he called for reforms in Tanzania's electoral system. 'This is not a normal trial,' the 57-year-old politician told the judge at his latest hearing on Monday. 'I have not been sentenced, yet I am held in the death-row block. I am watched night and day. I cannot speak to my lawyers in private. Not a single private conversation has been allowed.' From 2020: Gunshots and tear gas fail to deter Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu He described how two guards keep him under constant watch, day and night. He is even barred from joining other detainees in the prison's exercise yard. Instead, he is required to walk alone in a dirty drainage-ditch area. Because his conversations with his lawyers are closely monitored, Mr. Lissu told the court that it is impossible for him to discuss strategy with them and he will be obliged to defend himself without any lawyers. Wearing a shirt emblazoned with the opposition slogan – 'No reforms, no election' – he smiled and flashed a victory sign at local reporters. Outside the court, his supporters chanted his name and waved placards demanding justice, but their voices were nearly drowned out by police sirens. Most of his supporters were denied permission to enter the crowded courtroom. A senior Tanzanian official told The Globe and Mail that the government's goal is to keep Mr. Lissu in prison until after the October election, to prevent him from running. After the vote, he will be quietly released, the official said. The Globe is not identifying the official because he could face retribution from the authorities for speaking out. Tanzania has been governed by a single party since its independence in 1961. The ruling party, today known as Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM, the Revolutionary Party), has dominated all aspects of Tanzanian life and rarely tolerates much dissent. Its opponents have accused it of rigging recent elections to deliver huge majorities to CCM. Freedom House, a U.S.-based democracy and rights group, recently announced that it had downgraded Tanzania's status from 'partly free' to 'not free' because of the government's repressive measures. Despite this, Tanzania has remained a Western aid darling, and one of the largest recipients of Canadian foreign aid. Canada has provided $3.4-billion in international assistance to Tanzania since its independence, including $141-million in 2023-24, according to data from Global Affairs Canada. As the election approaches, a growing number of opposition politicians and activists have been kidnapped in what amount to 'enforced disappearances,' according to a report by United Nations human-rights experts. They described it as 'a flagrant tactic to suppress dissent.' In one of the most shocking cases, two activists from Kenya and Uganda who tried to attend Mr. Lissu's treason trial were arrested and disappeared for days. They were later dumped in remote border towns. Both gave detailed accounts of how they were tortured and sexually assaulted by Tanzanian security agents. Even churches have fallen victim to the crackdown. This month, authorities ordered the shutdown of a prominent church and arrested a dozen of its worshippers after its bishop criticized the disappearance of opposition activists. The bishop, Josephat Gwajima, is an outspoken MP who has complained of 'creeping authoritarianism' in the country. Witnesses described how police raided the church, even arresting a disabled woman in a wheelchair, dragging her away and throwing her into a police vehicle. Mr. Gwajima has fled into hiding, leaving a prerecorded sermon in which he says: 'They can shut down the church, but they cannot shut down the people's spirit.' Last Sunday, hundreds of his followers held a defiant outdoor service. 'We are not criminals,' said Rehema Moses, a long-time congregant. 'We are citizens exercising our right to believe.'
Edinburgh Reporter
2 days ago
- General
- Edinburgh Reporter
Number of people with Gaelic skills on increase
The number of people with Gaelic skills in East Lothian has nearly doubled over the last 14 years, a new report has revealed. East Lothian Council says the 2022 census found 1, 396 residents above the age of three had some ability to use the traditional language. It added out of those, 638 said they spoke Gaelic with 452 people who said they could speak and read but not write Gaelic and 385 Gaelic literate speakers while 15 people said that Gaelic was their main language. The local authority highlighted the figures as it launched a public consultation on its new Gaelic Language Plan, which covers the period 2025-30. The draft plan, which the council has a statutory duty to renew, sets out actions to help meet a commitment to the aspirations and objectives included in the National Gaelic Language Plan and the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005. And it reveals the results of the census show use of the language is on the increase. In its report it says lowland Scots rather than Gaelic would have been spoken in East Lothian, however, there are some examples of place names in East Lothian having Gaelic origins, such as: • Cuil Choinnich – Cockenzie (the neuk of Coinneach) • Craobhbarraidh – Carberry (at the palisade) • Fan Taisidh – Phantassie (at the damp slope) • An garbh-Allt – Garvald (the rough burn) The report says the Jacobite army that fought in the Battle of Prestonpans (1745) was largely made up of Gaelic speaking Highland clansmen and the interest in commemorating the battle has resulted in the provision of some bi-lingual road signs and place names around the battlefield site. It says the council is now looking to build on its first Gaelic Language Plan, which covered the period 2020-25 and looked at ways to encourage and establish the use of the language and community engagement. A council spokesperson said the council hoped to build on the progress of recent years by continuing to develop Gaelic language provision in East Lothian in a proportionate way. They said: 'The draft plan recognises how the council can playing our part in making Gaelic more visible, valued and accessible — ensuring it thrives as part of our diverse and inclusive cultural landscape. 'Since 2011, there has been an increase in the number of people with Gaelic language skills in East Lothian. Gaelic, however, continues to face a number of challenges and that is why organisations such as East Lothian Council are required to play their part in supporting collective efforts to ensure the long-term sustainability of the language. We would encourage everyone with an interest to respond to the consultation.' The consultation runs until August 4. By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter Like this: Like Related
Kuwait Times
6 days ago
- Politics
- Kuwait Times
US official applauds Kuwait's inclusion of women in military
US official applauds Kuwait's inclusion of women in military Allowing Kuwaiti women to join military a milestone in gender equality: McGee NEW YORK: US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, Jacob McGee, praised Kuwait's recent steps to empower women through military service, calling the decision to allow women to join the armed forces a significant and commendable achievement. Speaking during a meeting with Ambassador Sheikha Jawaher Ibrahim Al-Duaij Al-Sabah, Kuwait's Assistant Foreign Minister for Human Rights Affairs, on the sidelines of the 18th session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, McGee highlighted the policy shift as a strong reflection of Kuwait's commitment to advancing women's rights and gender equality. His comments come as the Kuwaiti Army opens new pathways for female participation in military service. The General Staff recently announced two major initiatives. University-educated women can now apply to Ali Al-Sabah Military College, which offers them the chance to complete a one-year program at the Women's Police Institute before graduating with the rank of Second Lieutenant. Applications open from June 15 to July 3. Separately, starting May 4, female applicants with 11th-grade education or below were invited to join the military as volunteers, with rank assignments based on academic level, and a three-month non-residential training course. These steps follow a broader national effort to revive and expand women's military roles, which have faced political and religious scrutiny in recent years. While women were first permitted to apply for combat roles in December 2021, the program was suspended pending religious guidance. A fatwa issued in January 2022 limited women's participation to medical, technical, and support roles, under strict conditions. Despite early setbacks, senior officials have since renewed calls for inclusion. In January, First Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah underscored women's proven capabilities in various military sectors, urging greater integration. During the meeting in New York—also attended by Kuwait's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Tareq Al-Bannai—Ambassador Sheikha Jawaher reaffirmed Kuwait's broader commitment to human rights and combatting human trafficking, emphasizing the government's dedication to aligning with international human rights standards. — Agencies
Japan Times
6 days ago
- Politics
- Japan Times
Tens of thousands throng U.S. streets against 'king' Trump
A giant orange balloon depicting President Donald Trump in a diaper towered over one "No Kings" protest Saturday, as tens of thousands thronged streets across the United States to decry the president's policies. Protest organizers expected rallies in all 50 U.S. states, calling them the largest since Trump returned to office in January, with the aim of "rejecting authoritarianism, billionaire-first politics, and the militarization of our democracy." Wielding signs with messages like "No KKKings!" "No crown for the clown," and "The Trump fascist regime must go now!" the protests stood in stark contrast to the massive military parade in Washington held later Saturday. That parade was meant to commemorate the founding of the U.S. Army, but also falls on the president's 79th birthday. In New York alone, tens of thousands of people, wearing raincoats and carrying colorful umbrellas, marched down Fifth Avenue in the downpour to the sound of drums, bells and crowd chants of "Hey, hey, oh, oh, Donald Trump has got to go!" Actors Susan Sarandon and Mark Ruffalo were seen getting drenched among the protesters. "It is essential for us to demonstrate that democracy is still strong in this country," said Vikas Mehta, a 45-year-old doctor who was taking part in the demonstration with his wife and two children. "We also want to show our children that ... when democracy was threatened ... we chose to participate," he told AFP. Nearby, a man carried a photo montage showing Marilyn Monroe delivering her famous rendition of "Happy Birthday Mr. President." But instead of a kiss, she is making an obscene gesture. A few blocks away, Polly Shulman was preparing to join the march with her "Protect the Constitution" sign. "I'm here because I'm miserable and outraged about how this administration is destroying the ideals of the American Constitution and committing many illegal and immoral acts," the 62-year-old museum employee said. Protesters with U.S. flags, placards and a Donald Trump baby balloon march during a nationwide "No Kings" rally in Los Angeles on Saturday. | AFP-JIJI The most shocking thing, she said, was "the illegal deportations of law-abiding residents who did nothing wrong, and who have the right to due process." They are "being kidnapped and disappeared and sent to torture prisons in foreign countries," she lamented. In March, the Trump administration expelled more than 250 Venezuelans to a megaprison in El Salvador after accusing them of being members of the Tren de Aragua criminal gang, which it has declared a terrorist organization. "I think people are mad as hell," said Lindsay Ross, a 28-year-old musician. "What we're doing today is showing up in masses, showing the administration that we're not going to take this." Massive No Kings protests were also underway in Los Angeles, which in recent days has been rocked by demonstrations over the Trump administration's immigration crackdown, as federal agents carried out brutal arrests of even law-abiding people without papers. On Saturday, protesters gathered in front of federal buildings shouting "You are not welcome here" at some of the 4,000 National Guard members and 700 U.S. Marines that Trump dispatched to the city against the wishes of city and state authorities. With a giant orange Trump-in-a-diaper balloon towering above them, thousands filled the city streets, sporting slogans like "No faux-king way" and "Impeach Trump" as music played and law enforcement looked on. Members of Russian feminist protest and performance art group Pussy Riot held up a large red banner in front of LA City Hall warning: "It's beginning to look a lot like Russia." Iris Rodriguez, 44, explained that her family arrived in the United States without papers. "I find it really, really personal. ... If this was my mom, if this were the 80s, this would be happening to her," she said. "How could I not come and support other people who love their families just as much as I love my mom?" she asked. "I was a little scared, but I refuse to be too scared to not come."
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
The U.S. has 'No Kings' say hundreds of El Pasoans who joined anti-Trump protest
Chants of "No Kings" echoed through Edgemere Park as hundreds of El Pasoans joined the nationwide day of protests the policies of President Donald Trump. Protesters of all ages gathered on the corner of Airport Boulevard with creative signs condemning Trump's attacks on immigrants, in defense of U.S. democracy and echoing the popular Trump acronym, TACO — Trump Always Chickens Out. The protest quickly spread down Edgemere Boulevard as more people continued to arrive throughout the morning for the "No Kings" protests on Saturday, June 14. "We have to be active participants in our democracy, we can't just sit idly by," Christina Franco, a 55-year-old resident of El Paso, said "We don't have kings. We have equal branches of government that have to do each of their parts." People started to gather before 10 a.m. and many remained after 1 p.m. The protest coincided with the president's 79th birthday, Flag Day, and a military parade in Washington, D.C., marking the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, which will include displays by troops, tanks, and other military equipment. The protests were organized to condemn Trump's increasing overreach, disregard for the independence of the other branches of government and increasingly authoritarian actions. More: For the first time in decades, the US-Mexico border is silent. Here's why The protests were peaceful with organizers reminding the people who had gathered on the 100-plus-degree day to drink water. Police were a constant presence to guarantee the safety of those who were demonstrating. The protesters were joined by U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-El Paso, who has condemned the Trump administration's misuse of taxpayer's money, including the $45 million dollar military parade Saturday. "Our country is in a very precarious moment, as we see judges ignored, as we see democratically-elected leaders arrested, thrown to the ground, handcuffed, and as we see increasing egregious corruption and self-dealing," Escobar said. "I think most of us here understand the grave risk that our country is in. Our democracy is backsliding in a way none of us has seen in this country. Peaceful civic resistance is critical in this moment." More: 'It is a setup': ICE arrests migrants after their hearings at El Paso federal courthouse Millions of people across the United States joined anti-Trump protests Saturday in nearly 2,000 towns and cities. The national "No Kings" protests were organized by the 50501 movement in support of the U.S.'s democracy. The movement's name stands for 50 states, 50 protests, one movement. The protest in El Paso was organized by members of the Indivisible the 915 and EPTX United groups. Organizers were happy with the turnout, said Jackie Dean, an organizer with Indivisible the 915. More: El Paso joins national protests against ICE raids and military deployment Saturday's protests follow a week that saw massive protests in Los Angeles against Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in southern California. Trump deployed the California National Guard and active-duty Marines to Los Angeles in response to the protests. The protests in Los Angeles quickly spread over concerns of the heavy-handed raids by ICE. "I am out here because they are separating families," Rafael Pineda, a 30-year-old resident of El Paso, said during Saturday's protest. "They are leaving scars no just in our community, but across the world. Human rights aren't being respected. We are acknowledging that reality and that many of us are upset." Jeff Abbott covers the border for the El Paso Times and can be reached at:jdabbott@ @palabrasdeabajo on Twitter or @ on Bluesky. This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Hundreds in El Paso join 'No Kings' anti-Trump protest
