.png.3b3332cc2256ad0edbc2fe9404feeef0.png.8488ab72b8bb2e508209bfe3211b6e08.png)
-
Recently Browsing 0 members
- No registered users viewing this page.
Announcements
-
Topics
-
-
Latest posts...
-
799
K bank E-mail with Tax Forms attached ?
So it's a day after the 20th which was suppose to be the deadline. I never got any emails or requests so I did nothing as I am not in Thailand right now. Just did a transfer today on the app, all working fine, same as before. -
57
Who Is Controlling the Budget Bill? Trump, Johnson, or Musk?
You really don't keep up, do you? -
136
Amnesty International "It's a Genocide in Gaza"
A lot of foreign journalists want to get into Gaza but Israel won"t let them. https://pressgazette.co.uk/news/gaza-journalists-foreign-correspondents-israel-egypt-access/ -
1
Recent stay Good Hotel near Swampy
Oriole Residence. See my review from last week. Very detailed assessment. -
0
Judge Cites Distrust in Media Over Anonymity Order in Sara Sharif Case
The judge at the center of a contentious anonymity ruling in the tragic Sara Sharif case claimed that the media could not be trusted to report matters fairly, sparking intense debate over the principles of open justice. Urfan Sharif, 43, Sara’s father, and her stepmother, Beinash Batool, 30, were recently sentenced to life imprisonment for the 10-year-old’s murder. Following their trial, details of a family court decision that allowed Sara to remain in her parents' care despite warnings of potential abuse came under scrutiny. Mr. Justice Williams permitted the publication of information about the family court proceedings but prohibited the identification of the judges involved. He argued that such disclosure could provoke harassment in the digital age, citing the risk of a "lynch mob" mentality fueled by social media. "Experience regrettably shows that some reporting is better than others and that is not a reliable end point," he stated, acknowledging that while many media outlets report responsibly, others do not. His ruling revealed that during prior family court proceedings, Surrey County Council raised repeated concerns about Sara's vulnerability to physical and emotional abuse by her parents. However, allegations were never adequately tested in court, and Sara was returned to her father and stepmother in 2019. Tragically, she was murdered in their home in Woking, Surrey, in August last year. Mr. Justice Williams defended his anonymity decision, asserting, "The responsibility for Sara’s death lies on her father, her stepmother, and her uncle, not on social workers, child protection professionals, guardians, or judges." Nonetheless, his decision is now being challenged by several media organizations, including *The Telegraph*, with an appeal scheduled for January 14 and 15 in the Court of Appeal. Media groups argue that concealing the judges' identities undermines the principle of transparency central to public trust in the judicial system. Sir Geoffrey Vos, who granted permission for the appeal, acknowledged the issue's significance, stating, "It raises questions that are of considerable public importance, and it is in the public interest that the Court of Appeal considers them." The controversy comes amid broader debates over judicial anonymity, with other recent cases also sparking criticism. These include a ruling shielding the identity of an alleged Chinese spy barred from the UK and decisions in immigration tribunals where convicted criminals facing deportation were granted anonymity. One such case involved a Turkish crime boss, described as one of Britain’s largest heroin dealers, who avoided deportation despite a 16-year prison sentence. This growing trend of granting anonymity in high-profile cases highlights tensions between safeguarding individuals from undue harm and upholding the principles of open justice. As public and legal scrutiny intensifies, the forthcoming Court of Appeal decision in the Sara Sharif case could set a critical precedent. Based on a report by Daily Telegraph 2024-12-21 -
0
Lord Mandelson’s Past Remarks on Trump Resurface Amid Ambassadorship Appointment
Lord Peter Mandelson, a prominent Labour peer and architect of New Labour under Tony Blair, faces renewed scrutiny over his past criticisms of Donald Trump as he prepares to assume the role of British ambassador to the United States. His appointment by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer comes as Trump readies his return to the White House for a second term. In 2019, Lord Mandelson spoke candidly about his views on Trump during an interview with Italian journalist Alain Elkann. He described the former president as “a danger to the world” and “little short of a white nationalist and racist.” These remarks, made on Elkann’s podcast, now risk complicating efforts by Downing Street to build a positive relationship with the Trump administration. In the interview, Mandelson lamented the United Kingdom’s shift in global alliances, stating, “I wake up today and discover that not only am I seeing my country, which I love, being forced out of its own European neighbourhood, but is crossing the Atlantic to make common cause with an American president who is little short of a white nationalist and racist.” He expressed deep concern over Britain aligning itself with Trump, emphasizing, “This disturbs me greatly because it’s completely different from all my upbringing, whether my family or in politics, what I believe, and the identity I see for my own country.” Mandelson also criticized Trump’s approach to governance and diplomacy, arguing that his values are incompatible with those of the UK. “What Donald Trump represents and believes is anathema to mainstream British opinion,” he said, adding, “Even those who have a sneaking admiration for Donald Trump, because of the strength of his personality, nonetheless regard him as reckless and a danger to the world.” The Labour peer pointed to instances where Trump insulted British leaders and institutions, including the treatment of Her Majesty’s ambassador in Washington. “The way in which he has conducted himself in relation to the British government, our Prime Minister, who he has insulted, and the way in which he treated Her Majesty’s ambassador in Washington has been shocking to British people,” Mandelson remarked. Despite these past statements, Mandelson’s appointment is viewed as a strategic move by Starmer to signal a serious approach to engaging with the Trump administration. The decision bypassed other high-profile candidates, including David Miliband, Baroness Amos, and Baroness Ashton, reflecting Starmer’s confidence in Mandelson’s experience and political acumen. Trump’s endorsement of Nigel Farage for the ambassadorship in an autumn tweet added further intrigue to Mandelson’s selection. Farage, the leader of Reform UK, has been a vocal supporter of Trump, but his nomination was not entertained by Downing Street. Mandelson’s tenure begins at a critical time, with the UK navigating the threat of US tariffs on British exports and seeking to expand its services sector across the Atlantic. His ability to reconcile his past criticisms with the demands of fostering a constructive relationship with the Trump administration will be a key test of his diplomatic skills. As Trump resumes his role as president, Mandelson’s comments from 2019 serve as a reminder of the challenges that lie ahead in mending strained transatlantic relations. Based on a report by Daily Telegraph 2024-12-21 -
0
Neo-Nazi with Arsenal Sentenced to a Decade in Prison for Plotting LGBT Attack
Alan Edward, a 55-year-old neo-Nazi from Redding, Falkirk, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after police uncovered an arsenal of weapons in his home and evidence of his intention to carry out a terror attack against an LGBT group. Edward’s plans came to light during an investigation that revealed his extremist ideology and communication detailing violent threats. In September 2022, armed officers from Police Scotland raided Edward’s residence, seizing an alarming cache of weapons that included a crossbow, machetes, a tomahawk, a samurai sword, knuckledusters, an extendable baton, a stun gun, and a variety of knives—some adorned with Nazi and SS insignia. Additional items recovered included an air pistol, a skull mask resembling SS regalia, goggles, a respirator, hardened-knuckle gloves, and hunting tips for crossbow arrows. Prosecutors referred to the collection as an “armoury,” indicative of his dangerous intent. Edward’s violent ambitions were discovered through a series of WhatsApp messages where he discussed targeting an LGBT group in Falkirk. Among his chilling remarks, Edward stated, “They have been pushing their luck for years, now they will pay in blood.” He also suggested carrying out the attack masked, saying, “We should get masked up and go do a few of them in at their little gay club.” The court heard further evidence of Edward’s neo-Nazi ideology, including a document on his computer referring to Anders Breivik—the far-right extremist responsible for killing 77 people in Norway in 2011—as “Saint Anders.” Police Scotland’s Operation Lightbox investigation revealed that Edward had posted and shared racist, homophobic, and violent content online, along with materials associated with extreme right-wing groups. Detective Superintendent Stephen Clark, head of counter-terrorism investigations at Police Scotland, described Edward’s actions as an effort to spread fear and hatred. “Edward shared extreme racist and homophobic content online with the aim of stirring up hatred and spreading fear and alarm,” Clark said. Edward first drew the attention of counter-terrorism officers when he posted a video of a National Action rally in 2016, shortly before the group was banned in the UK under the Terrorism Act. His online activity continued over several years, as he disseminated videos, memes, and images supporting neo-Nazi ideologies. Former Police Scotland superintendent and counter-terrorism expert Martin Gallagher emphasized the gravity of Edward’s potential threat, noting his idolization of Breivik. “I would not put someone who is acting alone on a different level from a group—they can be just as deadly,” Gallagher remarked. The case has left many shaken, with Christopher Clannachan of the Equality Network calling it “very frightening.” He highlighted the need for vigilance in combating the spread of extremist views that target marginalized groups. Edward’s sentence underscores the ongoing threat posed by far-right extremism and the importance of robust counter-terrorism efforts to prevent such individuals from carrying out acts of violence. Based on a report by Sky News 2024-12-21 -
0
Lord Coe Vows to Protect Women's Sports from Transgender Participation in Olympics
Sebastian Coe, renowned for his leadership of the 2012 London Olympics, has pledged to prioritize the integrity of women’s sports should he become president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Coe, one of seven contenders for the role, emphasized his commitment to implementing "science-based policies that safeguard the female category" during the announcement of his candidacy. In a conversation with Sky News, Coe confirmed his intention to explore a potential ban on transgender women competing in women’s Olympic events if he is elected. "We’ve taken the lead at World Athletics, as you know, and I think for me the principle is very clear," Coe stated. Referring to controversies at the Paris Olympics, Coe remarked, "If you have a vacuum around this policy position, then you end up with some of the things that we witnessed in Paris," a pointed reference to Imane Khelif, whose gold medal win in women’s boxing became contentious after a failed gender eligibility test. Coe underlined the importance of collaboration in shaping these policies. "I would have a very clear policy that would be unambiguous, clear-cut, but co-curated with all those stakeholders—so that it is relevant to the athletes, sport scientists, the national Olympic committees, the international federations. And they’re telling me that they want to be part of that journey," he explained. As the current president of World Athletics since 2015, Coe has already spearheaded restrictions on male-to-female transgender athletes and tightened rules regarding athletes with differences in sex development (DSD). His approach aligns with that of other international sports federations, such as swimming, which have adopted similarly restrictive policies. While Coe’s stance has drawn support from some, others have raised concerns about its implications for the transgender community. Balancing fairness in competition with inclusivity remains a polarizing issue. Juan Antonio Samaranch, a fellow IOC presidential candidate and current vice president, echoed the need for clarity but stopped short of endorsing a blanket ban. "We must do better," Samaranch told Sky News. "We need to find the scientific parameters that can help us put in a decision that affects everybody." Another candidate, Johan Eliasch, president of the International Ski Federation, argued for a unified policy across sports. "The IOC should lead the way, establishing a simple and clear policy to ensure a fair and safe environment for all athletes, particularly women," Eliasch wrote in his manifesto. In contrast, David Lappartient, head of World Cycling, advocated for a nuanced approach that respects the complexities of the issue. "It is a complex matter that must be dealt with rationally to strike the right balance between the need to respect human rights and the obligation to ensure fair competition," he wrote, emphasizing the need for solid scientific evidence. Not all candidates have addressed the issue in detail. Prince Feisal al Hussein of Jordan, Morinari Watanabe of the International Gymnastics Federation, and former Olympic swimmer Kirsty Coventry from Zimbabwe have largely refrained from proposing concrete measures. Coventry’s manifesto briefly mentions "strengthening women’s sports by protecting female athletes" without elaboration. Based on a report by Sky News 2024-12-21
-
-
Popular in The Pub
-
.thumb.jpg.82631abb512ae61a745d964452c5b1b9.jpg)
.thumb.jpg.3ee24d9400fb02605ea21bc13b1bf901.jpg)
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now