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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Tuesday 10 December 2024
Thailand police crackdown on pornographic content production By Ryan Turner Photo via KhaoSod Thai police launched a new operation dubbed Rabbit Slaughter: Suppressing Sex Creators, targeting both Thai and foreign nationals involved in producing and distributing pornographic content globally. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1345748-thailand-police-crackdown-on-pornographic-content-production/ -
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Trump Pledges to Review Pardons for January 6 Defendants Immediately Upon Return to Office
Donald Trump has reiterated his intention to review the cases of individuals convicted in connection with the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Speaking during an interview with NBC’s Kristen Welker on *Meet the Press*, the president-elect stated that he plans to act swiftly, declaring that he will “look at everything” on his “first day” back in the White House. Trump, who has often referred to the defendants as "hostages," reaffirmed his commitment to offering clemency but provided few details about the process or criteria he might use to evaluate their cases. This promise has already impacted ongoing legal proceedings, as some defendants have sought to delay their cases in anticipation of potential pardons after his inauguration. "I'm going to be acting very quickly ... First day," Trump emphasized, adding that the imprisonment of his supporters was unjust. He described the conditions in which they are being held as “filthy” and “disgusting,” suggesting the facilities should not even be operational. However, he clarified that he intends to examine each case individually rather than issue blanket pardons. In the same interview, Trump criticized members of the House January 6 select committee, suggesting that they, too, should face imprisonment. He singled out former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.), accusing her of bearing responsibility for his ongoing legal troubles, though some of those cases have been reconsidered following his re-election. Trump also named Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), the committee’s former chair, as a target of his disdain. This isn’t the first time Trump has directed sharp rhetoric at Cheney. Throughout his presidency and subsequent campaigns, he has often attacked political opponents with threats of retribution. The issue has also surfaced on Trump’s social media platform, Truth Social. In a recent post, he responded to President Joe Biden’s pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, by juxtaposing it with the treatment of the so-called “J-6 Hostages.” Trump accused Biden of engaging in “an abuse and miscarriage of Justice!” Trump’s pledge to review the cases highlights the enduring polarization surrounding the events of January 6. For his supporters, it reflects a promise to stand by those who acted in his name, while critics argue it signals an unsettling tolerance for lawlessness. Regardless, Trump’s comments are certain to keep the Capitol attack and its fallout at the forefront of public discourse as he prepares to assume office once again. Based on a report by AXIOS 2024-12-10 -
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Trump Vows 'Retribution Through Success' as He Rejects Pursuit of Political Enemies
Donald Trump, in his first interview since securing the presidency for a second term, pledged that his administration would not be marked by retribution against political opponents. Speaking on NBC’s *Meet the Press*, the president-elect emphasized that his focus would be on policies such as energy independence and migration reform, not revenge. "Retribution will be through success," Trump declared, signaling a shift away from the combative tone many critics anticipated. The 78-year-old president-elect, who has spent the last month assembling his new administration, stated that his upcoming inauguration speech on January 20 would call for "unity." When pressed about whether he would use the federal government to pursue figures like Liz Cheney, a prominent critic and member of the committee investigating the January 6 Capitol riots, Trump dismissed the idea. Referring to Cheney and others as “political thugs” who “should go to jail,” he clarified that he would not direct the FBI to prosecute her. Instead, he reiterated his intention to prioritize energy policies, underscoring his commitment to “drill, baby, drill.” Rejecting claims that his presidency would revolve around vendettas, Trump remarked, “I’m not looking to go back into the past. Retribution will be through success.” Trump also addressed foreign policy during the interview, renewing his critique of NATO allies who he believes are not contributing their fair share to defense. He proposed raising the alliance's spending target to three percent of GDP, a 50 percent increase from current levels. Trump accused countries like France and Germany of "free-riding" on the strength of the U.S. military. “If they’re treating us fairly, the answer is absolutely, I’d stay with NATO,” he said. However, he warned that the U.S. could leave the alliance if member nations failed to “pay their bills.” In a notable policy stance, Trump suggested that Ukraine should “probably” expect a reduction in U.S. military aid under his administration. He attributed the blame for Russia’s invasion in February 2022 to President Joe Biden, claiming that it was avoidable under different leadership. On the Israel & Hamas war Donald Trump tells NBC News that he does not think many of the hostages held in Gaza are alive, 14 months on from the October 7 Hamas onslaught in southern Israel. “I’m not a big believer in the fact that there are too many of them living, sadly,” he says, when asked about the 96 hostages still believed to be captive in Gaza. “I hate to say it, I think you have far fewer hostages than people think,” he tells NBC. “It’s only my opinion, but I’ve been right on just about everything.” Asked whether he would pressure Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to end the war in Gaza, where Israel has been battling Hamas, Trump says: “Yeah. Sure.” “I want him to end it, but you have to have a victory,” he says. “People forget about October 7…I noticed that a lot of people are saying ‘Oh, it never really happened.’ That’s like the Holocaust,” Trump continues. “You know, you have Holocaust deniers. Now you have October 7th deniers, and it just happened. The interview, recorded ahead of a trilateral meeting between Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, comes as Trump seeks to position himself as a leader focused on policy-driven governance rather than partisan retribution. The meeting took place on the sidelines of a ceremony celebrating the reopening of Paris’s Notre-Dame Cathedral, further underscoring Trump’s intent to engage in global diplomacy while reshaping his domestic agenda. Based on a report by Daily Telegraph | TOI 2024-12-10 -
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Over Thirty Thousand Rally in London Against Escalating Antisemitism and Extremism
A massive demonstration took place in London, with approximately 32,000 people marching to demand stronger action against the surge in antisemitism and extremism in Britain. Organized by the Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA), the protest sought to address what the group described as "unprecedented levels" of anti-Jewish sentiment and growing societal extremism. The protest comes in the wake of what the CAA describes as a "tidal wave" of antisemitism following Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7 of the previous year. The group reported that hate crimes targeting Jews have quadrupled in the past year. Official data reflects this alarming trend, with the Metropolitan Police recording 2,170 antisemitic hate crimes in the 11 months since October 7, surpassing Islamophobic hate crimes, which stood at 1,568 during the same period. Amichai Chikli, Israel’s Diaspora Affairs Minister and a member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud Party, labeled London the most antisemitic city in the West. He attributed this to the influence of "radical Left and Islamic extremism," claiming the city is no longer safe for Jews. "Today in the UK, Jews are hiding their yarmulkes and their stars of David. They know that if they speak Hebrew on the subway, they might get hit," he said. Chikli also highlighted the broader implications of this issue for British society, pointing out that even iconic symbols like the statue of Winston Churchill now require security. The surge in antisemitism is the highest recorded in recent years, with hate crimes against Jews tripling compared to the previous peak during the 2020-2021 Gaza conflict. Protesters emphasized the need for immediate and effective measures to counter this alarming rise in hostility, calling on the government and broader society to act decisively against hate and extremism. Based on a report by WP 2024-12-10 -
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UK Universities Urged to Tackle Antisemitism or Face Funding Cuts
Sir Vernon Bogdanor, a distinguished academic at King’s College London and former professor at the University of Oxford, has called for government funding cuts to universities failing to address antisemitism effectively. He argues that institutions not adequately combating discrimination are in violation of the Equality Act 2010 and must face consequences to ensure accountability. Bogdanor's remarks come in the wake of an open letter, signed by hundreds of academics, directed to Lord Hague of Richmond, the newly appointed chancellor of Oxford University. The letter condemned a recent Oxford Union debate on Israel, during which a motion was passed labelling the nation as an "apartheid state responsible for genocide." The letter claimed the event subjected Jewish students to antisemitism and intimidation, thereby violating the law. Criticizing the event, Bogdanor, 81, remarked, “It wasn’t a debate in any sense. It was a kangaroo court with comments which were antisemitic and were against the law. It is also fairly clear that there was so much intimidation that several students were rather frightened to attend. So, it wasn’t really a proper debate of the sort that the Oxford Union ought to have.” Under the Equality Act 2010, discrimination based on religion or belief is prohibited, and the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 classifies incitement to racial hatred as a hate crime. At the Oxford debate, one speaker reportedly described an attack on Israel as "heroism," leading to criticism over the event's inflammatory rhetoric and alleged intimidation. Jonathan Sacerdoti, a Holocaust survivor’s son and the opposing speaker, accused the Union of promoting "bigotry, hatred, and mob rule." Bogdanor clarified his stance on the matter, emphasizing the importance of open dialogue. “There are no grounds for stopping a debate on the Gaza war and Israeli policies in the Union. There should be such a debate, and students are entitled to feel strongly on both sides of the issue. But as I said, there was freedom of speech for those who were hostile to Israeli policies and not for those who wished to defend them, and that’s not a debate,” he said. He noted that such incidents reflect troubling attitudes among some students. The issue of antisemitism is not isolated to Oxford. At Cambridge University, pro-Palestinian protests during graduation ceremonies disrupted events for hundreds of students. In response, the university warned the Cambridge for Palestine movement of potential legal action while affirming its support for peaceful protest. However, it condemned the disruptions caused by these demonstrations. The broader conflict in Gaza has heightened tensions on university campuses across the U.K., prompting calls for decisive action. In May, government ministers urged universities to address antisemitic abuse and ensure that protests do not interfere with academic life. Bogdanor believes such measures should remain a priority under future governments. “Rishi Sunak reminded [universities] of their responsibilities, and I think Keir Starmer should do the same,” he said. Drawing a comparison to the U.S., Bogdanor pointed out that former President Donald Trump had threatened to cut federal funding from universities failing to address antisemitism. “I don’t think Keir Starmer should appear to be less diligent in dealing with racism than Donald Trump,” he added. Universities UK, the representative organization for the country’s higher education institutions, declined to comment, stating it was unable to address individual cases. As debates over free speech, discrimination, and campus safety continue, Bogdanor’s calls for funding cuts underscore the urgency of holding universities accountable for creating inclusive and respectful environments for all students. Based on a report by The Times 2024-12-10 Related Topics: Oxford Union Faces Anti-Terror Probe Into Israel Debate Oxford Union Society Debate - Is Israel an Apartheid State? -
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Mass Walkout at The Guardian: Journalists Strike to Defend Observer's Legacy
Nearly 500 journalists from *The Guardian* and its sister publication, the *Observer*, went on strike last week to protest plans to sell the historic Sunday newspaper to a small digital startup. The strike, which began on Wednesday, lasted for two days and may resume this week if demands are not addressed. Carole Cadwalladr, a prominent investigative journalist and feature writer for the *Observer*, described the planned sale as a grave mistake. “We believe it’s a total betrayal of the Guardian’s values and promises that it’s made," she said. “The sale of the *Observer* to a loss-making startup is potentially the death of this historic brand." The journalists hope their action will prompt the Scott Trust, which owns the Guardian Media Group, to reconsider its approach. Cadwalladr explained that the strike is aimed at slowing down what many view as a rushed and predetermined process. The union representing the journalists believes other potential buyers could emerge if the decision-making process is extended and the situation reassessed. The *Observer*, first published in 1791, holds the distinction of being the world's oldest Sunday newspaper. Known for its liberal stance, it has hosted illustrious writers such as George Orwell and played a pivotal role in the establishment of Amnesty International. However, its future now hangs in the balance. The proposed buyer, Tortoise Media, is a small but respected news outlet founded in 2019 by James Harding, the former BBC News director and editor of *The Times*. While Tortoise Media is well-regarded, critics argue that it lacks the resources and stability to steward such a historic and significant brand. The Scott Trust, which operates similarly to a U.S. nonprofit, oversees the Guardian Media Group and is tasked with upholding the values of liberal journalism. In a joint letter to the Trust's board, the striking journalists emphasized the importance of preserving the *Observer*’s legacy. “The cause of liberal journalism is a fragile one, in Britain and beyond,” the letter stated. “We urge that the Scott Trust should act with a great sense of its duty of stewardship towards a title which has such a magnificent and storied history.” The Guardian Media Group acquired the *Observer* in 1993, and its content is widely accessible, with the work of its 70-plus journalists featured on the *Guardian*’s free website and in the print edition of the *Observer*. Despite concerns over the sale, the Guardian Media Group’s overall strategy has paid off in other areas. Its focus on a digital-first approach has helped the company secure significant revenue streams, particularly from international markets. According to the Trust’s latest annual report, more than a third of its revenue — and over half of its digital revenue — now comes from outside the U.K. The group has expanded its global presence, celebrating 10 years of *Guardian Australia*, launching *Guardian Europe* in September, and strengthening its American footprint. Still, for many, the *Observer* represents a legacy worth protecting. As the strike continues, the journalists and supporters hope their collective action will ensure that this historic title is given the thoughtful consideration and respect it deserves. Based on a report by OPB 2024-12-10 -
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Transgender Advocates Stage Bathroom Sit-In at U.S. Capitol in Protest of Proposed Policy
A group of over two dozen transgender advocates and allies staged a sit-in protest at a U.S. Capitol women’s restroom on Thursday, voicing their opposition to a proposed policy targeting the first openly transgender member of Congress. The demonstration took place near House Speaker Mike Johnson’s office and was organized in response to a measure introduced by Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., that seeks to restrict access to restrooms based on biological sex. Among the 25 demonstrators, about 15 were arrested for violating a Washington, D.C., code related to crowding and obstructing within the Cannon House Office Building, according to Brianna Burch, a spokesperson for the U.S. Capitol Police. High-profile participants included Chelsea Manning, a former Army intelligence officer and transgender advocate, and Raquel Willis, a prominent journalist and author. Manning, reflecting on her participation, emphasized the personal stakes of the fight. “I’m not here as a leader or a spokesperson but simply as another member of my community who shows up unconditionally to support my siblings in this fight,” she said in a statement. “I will stand beside them no matter what. We didn’t start this fight, but we are together now.” The sit-in underscored the growing tensions surrounding transgender rights and representation in political spaces. Protesters criticized the proposed policy as an attempt to marginalize and erase the experiences of transgender individuals, urging lawmakers to reconsider measures they view as discriminatory. The protest marks a significant act of resistance in an ongoing battle for LGBTQ+ rights within the U.S. legislative landscape. Based on a report by NBC News 2024-12-10
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