(2021-04-02). Tanzania's Late President Magufuli: 'Science Denier' or Threat to Empire? globalresearch.ca While his COVID-19 policies have dominated media coverage regarding his disappearance …
(2021-04-02). Four FundaREDES 'Candid Activists' Detained in Apure State. orinocotribune.com 
On March 31, Venezuelan NGO FundaREDES denounced the arrest of two of its members in Apure state, and of two journalists from the Colombian channel NTN24 by the Bolivarian National Guard (GNB). | The opposition activist Javier Tarazona is promoting a smear campaign on social media, referring to the "forced disappearance" of four Venezuelans for allegedly "documenting the violation of human rights in the area" by Venezuelan military deployed to defend Venezuelan sovereignty. | These claims are contradicted by the fact that, while claiming a missing persons case, organizations like the National Union of Press Worke…
(2021-04-02). Two More Venezuelan Soldiers Killed by Colombian Paramilitaries in Apure. orinocotribune.com 
This Thursday, April 1, two Venezuelan soldiers died as a result of the detonation of a landmine by Colombian criminal groups upon a patrol operating in the El Ripial sector of José Antonio Páez municipality, in Apure state, where the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB) is executing operation Bolivarian Shield 2021 against drug trafficking and paramilitary cells, which intend to enter Venezuelan territory to expand their criminal networks. | "We report that First Sergeant Andriel Istúriz Sojo and Second Sergeant Jesús Alexander Vásquez Pérez died today," read a statement by the Venezuelan ministry for defense…
(2021-04-02). How Cutting Down Military Spending Could Bring About Peace. popularresistance.org Since the end of WWII, especially since the breakup of the Soviet Union, it appears as if US political leaders feel they are trapped in a time warp and are unable to break free. They seem to believe that they must repeat the same disastrous foreign policy of regime change over and over. Since 9/11, the US has attacked or supported attacks against Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Syria and Yemen. | The attacks, especially the horrendous US-led war crime against Iraq, have destabilized and created havoc in the Middle East, devastated these nations and caused death and appalling suffering for the people. | In addition, the…
(2021-04-02). An Unannounced Rupture in Venezuelan Politics. counterpunch.org 
The brilliant Venezuelan thinker Reinaldo Iturriza has been writing about "disaffiliation" recently. Iturriza believes that a great many Chavista voters and militants have become disaffiliated. They are not exactly depoliticized, in his view. Rather, the country's politics has become so empty — lacking in substance — that they are standing aside and waiting. Iturriza has
(2021-04-02). Extinction Rebellion Sprays Bank Of England With 'Oil'. popularresistance.org City of London – Several people have been arrested as Extinction Rebellion's 'Fossil Fool' protesters sprayed the Bank of England with fake oil to highlight the "societal collapse" the activist group say global financial institutions are driving the planet towards. | XR's latest theatrical protest saw suit-clad activists descend on the heart of London's financial district, demanding the Bank of England regulate the banks which continue to fund fossil fuel companies. | The biodegradable fake oil, a mixture of black pond dye and guar gum extracted from beans, was sprayed from fire extinguishers onto the grand entra…
(2021-04-02). New Developments In Alex Saab Case. popularresistance.org The plot around the kidnapping of the Venezuelan diplomat Alex Saab in Cape Verde peaks, intensifies and continues to be a trending topic on Twitter, while the United States government relentlessly applies pressure to bring the diplomat to its territory. | Meanwhile, social media networks again reflect opinions about the case—#EEUUCompraCaboVerde was a trending topic in Venezuela this Wednesday, March 31. This, with respect to the most recent movements of Washington through a policy that, in general, is based on blackmail and financial suffocation. | The complaints about new agreements signed between the US…
(2021-04-02). Some Standard Cynical CIA-Style Cuba Covid Reporting at The Washington Post. counterpunch.org 
Never underestimate the cynicism of American corporate media. As the Scotland-based historian Helen Yaffe recently observed on Counterpunch, the socialist state of Cuba currently has five COVID-19 vaccines in clinical trials "and is set to be among the first nations to vaccinate its entire population." Further: "Cuba has gone on the offensive against Covid-19, mobilizing
(2021-04-02). Two letters to the editor on the pandemic lockdown. indybay.org Our collective thinking has often been manipulated and corrupted (eg Vietnam, Iraq, Nicaragua, Iran). According to GlobalResearch.ca, the WHO made a late admission on Jan 20, 2021 that "the lockdown has no scientific basis" and test results are misleading. "Release the vaccines and put an end to the lockdown," urges Jens Berger, editor of nachdenkseiten.de.
(2021-04-02). Butler University blocks Angela Davis event. zcomm.org "Time and again Palestine activists have faced false claims that they broke the rules followed by attempts to either blame them for their own censorship or drown their victories in red tape"
(2021-04-02). Iran Activates Fourth Cascade of Centrifuges to Enrich Uranium. news.antiwar.com The IAEA has confirmed that Iran has Iran intends to activate six cascades overall and enrich up to 5% purity. The new cascades are IR-2m centrifuges, more advanced and more efficient than those which Iran had at the start of the nuclear deal. | Under the deal, Iran was allowed to improve its centrifuge technology, but putting the new ver…
(2021-04-02). Suez canal: what the 'ditch' meant to the British empire in the 19th century. juancole.com 
By Jonathan Parry | — The week-long blockage of the Suez canal by the Ever Given container ship has reminded us that the canal, though immensely important to the world's commerce, is also very vulnerable. Since its completion in 1869, it has symbolised global interconnectedness. But it has also demonstrated how fears, rivalries and bottlenecks …
(2021-04-02). Will Georgia's Voting Law Be Repealed as Big Business Joins Critics Opposing "Jim Crow" Suppression? democracynow.org 
Activists are demanding accountability from Georgia-based companies in opposing a law that heavily restricts voting rights in the state, which many are calling the worst voter suppression legislation since the Jim Crow era. While some companies, including Coca-Cola and Delta, have weighed in on the Republican-backed crackdown on voting rights, Cliff Albright, co-founder and executive director of Black Voters Matter, says voicing opposition is not enough. "We're calling for a repeal of this voter suppression law, and we're asking these companies to divest future support that they've given," Albright says. "Stand b…
(2021-04-02). Friday 4/2: Virtual Forum: 60-year Blockade on Cuba & Unions Fight for Safe Schools. indybay.org bit.ly/education4thepeople…
(2021-04-02). In Video: Saudi Warplanes Destroy Houthi Ballistic Missile At Ma'rib Front. southfront.org 
File image | On April 1, the Saudi-led coalition claimed that its air forces had destroyed a ballistic missile of the Houthis (Ansar Allah). | Coalition warplanes targeted the ballistic missile, which was loaded on a launcher in the central Yemeni province of Ma'rib, with a pinpoint airstrike. The coalition claimed that the Houthis were planning to launch the missile at civilian areas in Ma'rib. | The Saudi Press Agency shared a video of the airstrike. However, the target seen in the video can't be identified. This leave…
(2021-04-02). Iran Begins Enriching Uranium With New Centrifuge Cascade. southfront.org 
Click to see full-size image | As of March 31st, Iran is enriching uranium with its forth cascade of advanced IR-2m machines at its Natanz plant, a new report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said. | The UN nuclear agency reported on March 8 that Tehran had begun enriching uranium with the third cascade of advanced IR-2m centrifuges at its Natanz nuclear facility."On 31 March 2021, the Agency verified at FEP (Fuel Enrichment Plant) that: Iran had begun feeding natural U…
(2021-04-01). Canadian Solidarity Network Sends 2 Million Syringes to Cuba. telesurenglish.net This initiative is part of the Network's campaign on January 8 to raise funds in Canada to send a donation of much-needed medical supplies to Cuba. | RELATED: | In announcing this new action in solidarity with the Cuban people, the Network recognized the relevant achievements made by Cuba in the area of health and its contributions to other nations, even at a time when Cuba is facing a double pandemic: COVID-19 an…
(2021-04-01). Jorge Arreaza: Colombia's Reaction Confirms Accurate Blow to Narco-Paramilitaries in Apure. orinocotribune.com Foreign Affairs Minister of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Jorge Arreaza, criticized Colombia's response to the actions of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces in Apure state, labeling them as "absurd, fanciful and schizoid." Arreaza was referring to an interview conducted by the Colombian news outlet Noticias RCN with the Colombian minister for defense, Diego Molano, who tried to implicate the Bolivarian National Armed Force (FANB) with FARC dissidents, in an attempt to hide the responsibility of his government in the recent clashes between the Venezuelan Army and Colombian criminal groups. | Arreaza wrot…
(2021-04-01). Solidarity With Palestine Activists Being Prosecuted. popularresistance.org On Wednesday, six activists from the Palestine Action campaign appeared at Highbury Magistrates Court charged with conspiracy to commit criminal damage and burglary, in connection with their actions at the London headquarters of Israeli arms company Elbit Systems last year. | Outside the court room around a dozen protesters representing various groups showed up in solidarity while inside, the judge committed the case to trial at Crown Court. | Elbit Systems has been the target for direct actions at various sites around the UK, but back in 2016, after their Shenstone factory was closed down by occupiers, the compa…
(2021-04-01). Stop anti-Asian hate rally in Tallahassee, FL. fightbacknews.org Tallahassee, FL – On March 27, around 100 activists from across the Tallahassee community gathered in front of the State Capitol building to commemorate the eight victims from the recent Atlanta shooting, and to speak out against Asian American oppression. | The Tallahassee Community Action Committee (TCAC), along with various local organizations such as Asian Coalition of Tallahassee, FSU's Filipino Student Association, Freedom Road Socialist Organization, Dream Defenders and other community members took a stand for the victims of the shooting in grief and healing. | The event started off with Daisy Sim, a Korea…
(2021-04-01). Activists slam UK government commission's denial of systemic racism in the country. peoplesdispatch.org 
The commission was formed after the Black Lives Matter protests rocked the country last year. It said that while there was racial discrimination in the country, it was not systemic or deliberate…
(2021-04-01). #EEUUCompraCaboVerde: New Developments in Alex Saab Case. orinocotribune.com 
The plot around the kidnapping of the Venezuelan diplomat Alex Saab in Cape Verde peaks, intensifies and continues to be a trending topic on Twitter, while the United States government relentlessly applies pressure to bring the diplomat to its territory. | Meanwhile, social media networks again reflect opinions about the case—#EEUUCompraCaboVerde was a trending topic in Venezuela this Wednesday, March 31. This, with respect to the most recent movements of Washington through a policy that, in general, is based on blackmail and financial suffocation. | The complaints about new agreements signed between the US…
(2021-04-01). Biden's American Jobs Plan met with criticism from progressive activists and environmentalists. nationofchange.org "There are a lot wins for us in this package. Despite those wins, the plan lacks a commitment to the full scale of transformation that is needed of our economy."
(2021-04-01). People's Action Member Orgs Mobilize to Call On Congress to Pass Transformational Recovery Package. peoplesaction.org As President Biden Announced American Jobs Plan, Grassroots Activists Took Action Across the Country to Urge Congress Pass $10 Trillion Package Addressing Climate, Care, Jobs, and Justice Contact: Johanna Kichton, press@peoplesaction.org, 240.206.1145 WASHINGTON, D.C.—People's Action member organizations across the country yesterday called on Congress to pass a transformational economic recovery and infrastructure package, like the …
(2021-04-01). Tens Of Millions In Florida Properties Linked To Ecuadorian Candidate. popularresistance.org In March 2017, ahead of Ecuador's second-round presidential election, CEPR reported that Florida-based shell companies linked to then-candidate Guillermo Lasso owned 144 properties in Broward and Miami-Dade counties valued at over $30 million. In that election, voters approved a referendum barring politicians and civil servants from holding assets in tax havens and giving them one year to divest or transfer their holdings. Though Florida is not included among the list of tax havens, it is considered a "low tax jurisdiction," which authorities will handle on a case-by-case basis. | Four years later, Ecuador is aga…
(2021-04-01). Opposing All Governments Equally Is Supporting The Most Powerful Government. popularresistance.org The US-centralized empire is waging nonstop wars that have killed millions of human beings just since the turn of this century, and people will still say things like "We've really got to do something about Cuba." | The US-centralized empire is circling the planet with hundreds of military bases, working to destroy any nation which disobeys its dictates and brandishing armageddon weapons at its enemies like a drunken hillbilly with a shotgun, and people are still like "Something must be done about China's intellectual property theft!" | Among the violent and destructive governments in our world, one towers high ab…
(2021-04-01). China-Iran Deal Aims To Expand 'Common Interests In A Win-Win Manner'. popularresistance.org Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has presented "some points" of a landmark cooperation deal that was recently concluded between Beijing and Tehran. | In a message posted on his Instagram account on Thursday, Zarif underscored that the Sino-Iranian Comprehensive Strategic Partnership focuses on a "practical promotion" of bilateral ties and provides "a roadmap and long-term horizon" toward such relations. | According to him, the accord paves the way for full-blown collaboration between the two sides in the fields of politics, economy, trade, culture, defence, and security. | The Iranian foreign ministe…
(2021-04-01). Iran Celebrates 42 Years as Islamic Republic Amid US Blockade. telesurenglish.net Iran commemorates on Thursday 42 years since the proclamation of the Islamic Republic and the fall of Shah Pahlevi's regime in 1979. | RELATED: | In a nationwide referendum held just a few months after the victory of the revolution led by Imam Khomeini, 98 percent of the population showed that they wanted the monarchical system to change to an "Islamic Republic." | This political decision implied important social refo…
(2021-04-01). Cuba, Biden, and the Romantic Interlude. orinocotribune.com By Wafica Ibrahim — Mar 28, 2021 | For those who dreamed of an idyl between the United States and Cuba after Joe Biden's victory was confirmed in the U.S. elections, reality is starting to show the confrontational and interventionist nature of the U.S. establishment, once again. | As is the custom in "liberal democracies," after tallying up the final vote totals, the electoral campaign and its promises are left behind. Although in rallies and interviews, Biden may have promised indifferently to change policy toward Cuba and to return to the progress made by Barack Obama, the reality is that, with respect to…
(2021-04-01). Nicaragua And The Western Human Rights Industry. popularresistance.org Every area of reporting has become increasingly shaped by corporate funding either directly or else indirectly, via government bodies strongly under corporate influence. The Western intellectual managerial classes have generally abandoned basic reporting standards. This is self-evident to anyone who has tried to challenge false received wisdom in relation to NATO country aggression against sovereign nations from Cuba and Venezuela to Libya and Syria. | Western organizations and institutions claiming to be accountable and transparent are not — neither UN bodies nor regional institutions like the Organization…
(2021-04-01). The Blockade Against Cuba and Venezuela: If they Touch One, we all Respond. orinocotribune.com By Gabriela Cultelli — Mar 29, 2021 | March is the month of women, and the slogan "If they touch one, they touch us all" or "If they touch one, we all respond" as the song says, is more valid today than ever, it resounds everywhere. | The time has come to raise the voice for Cuban and Venezuelan women, because the economic blockade and the restrictive measures that the United States is carrying out against these sisters is a particularly aggressive form of gender violence, fundamentally affecting the most vulnerable populations, and therefore women, girls, young women, adults, workers of yesterday, today, to…
(2021-04-01). Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Borisov: Cuba Is a "Key Partner" telesurenglish.net On Thursday, Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Yury Borisov said that Cuba is a "key partner" in Latin America as representatives from both countries meet in Havana for the Russian-Cuban intergovernmental commission on trade, economic, scientific, and technical cooperation. | RELATED: | "Cuba is our key partner and reliable ally in the region of Latin America and the Caribbean. We appreciate the strategic nature of Russian-Cuban…
(2021-04-01). Headlines for April 1, 2021. democracynow.org Witness in Derek Chauvin Murder Trial Breaks Down After Viewing Footage of George Floyd's Killing, Four Killed as Gunman Opens Fire on Office Complex in Orange County, California, Biden Defends Infrastructure Plan as Progressives Push for $10 Trillion to Fight Climate Crisis, Wisconsin Supreme Court Voids Governor's Mask Mandate as COVID-19 Cases Rise Across U.S., Brazil's Cemeteries Hold Nighttime Funerals as COVID-19 Deaths Reach New Highs, Yemen Receives First COVID-19 Vaccine Shipments as Doctors Report Surge in Cases, Global Deforestation Increased by 12% in 2020 with Amazon Most Severely Affected, U.S. Cour…
(2021-04-01). Venezuela and Russia Ramp up Economic Ties with 10-Year Plan. venezuelanalysis.com The two nations signed treaties to boost the Venezuelan transportation system, oil industry security and access to COVID-19 vaccines.
(2021-04-01). MN groups stand in solidarity with Palestinians around the world on Land Day 2021. fightbacknews.org Minneapolis, MN – On March 30, over 50 activists gathered to show solidarity with Palestinians in their struggle against Israeli apartheid and occupation. They waved Palestinian flags and dropped banners on the footbridge over Interstate 94 between the Walker Sculpture Garden and Loring Park – across all eight lanes of traffic – demanding an end of U.S. aid to Israel, an end of Israeli occupation, the right of return for Palestinians, and an end to vaccine apartheid. The response from people passing by was overwhelmingly positive with a lot of honks from cars. | The action coincided with Land Day, which commemora…
(2021-04-01). Activists Demand Action on Anti-Trans Laws. zcomm.org On Trans Day of Visibility, we look at the wave of anti-trans laws being enacted across the U.S., with dozens more anti-trans bills making their way through state legislatures…
(2021-04-01). EU Agrees to Mediate with Biden on Cuba Terrorism Designation. telesurenglish.net According to the Cuban lawmaker Machado on Twitter, "Cuba does not sponsor or encourage terrorism. We nurture peace, solidarity, and collaboration among peoples." | RELATED: | The statement was made after the favorable response given on Wednesday by Josep Borrell Fontelles, High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission, to mediate with the U.S. gover…
(2021-04-01). US Envoy Sees Productive Meetings on Yemen Peace Talks. news.antiwar.com US Special Envoy for Yemen Tim Lenderking has returned to the US after a series of meetings in Saudi Arabia and Oman. The State Department Details aren't all clear, but the meetings were with Omanis, Saudis, and Yemenis. It isn't clear if the Yemeni participant included any members of the Houthi opposition, or just the Saudi-backed government. | Six years into the war there have…
(2021-04-01). State Dept Report Faults Iraq on Human Rights Over Shi'ite Militias. news.antiwar.com The annual State Department human rights report has singled out Iraq for criticism with regard to the nation's approach, and The PMF groups are part of the Iraqi security apparatus, but operate somewhat independently. Being Shi'ite militias, the US accuses them of being pro-Iran, and says the government doesn't control them enough. | A particular problem is the civilian protest movements in Iraq, which seek to elect parties that are not d…
(2021-04-01). Report: Biden Reducing Military Forces in Saudi Arabia. news.antiwar.com According to The report said the US has removed at least three Patriot antimissile batteries from t…
(2021-04-01). We Need Diplomacy, Not War. Time to Ramp Up the Pressure on Biden. truthout.org 
Two tidbits of note regarding the United States and its well-fed war machine, the first regarding a familiar problem child: the
(2021-04-01). Facebook reassurances on 'Zionist' hate speech interpretation met with skepticism. middleeasteye.net 
Facebook reassurances on 'Zionist' hate speech interpretation met with skepticism | Jewish and Palestinian activists, awaiting a final decision, remain largely unconvinced a slated new policy won't stifle free speech | Thu, 04/01/2021 – 15: 58 | Protesters in Boston deliver a petition to Facebook arguing against the platform's possible new policy change in early 2021. (Provided). | A Facebook annou…
(2021-04-01). Facebook reassurances on 'Zionist' hate speech policy met with skepticism. middleeasteye.net Facebook reassurances on 'Zionist' hate speech policy met with skepticism | Jewish and Palestinian activists, awaiting a final decision, remain largely unconvinced a slated new policy won't stifle free speech | Thu, 04/01/2021 – 15: 58 | Protesters in Boston deliver a petition to Facebook arguing against the platform's possible new policy change in early 2021. (Provided). | A Facebook announcement…
(2021-04-01). France must investigate its potential war crime in Mali, activists demand. middleeasteye.net 
France must investigate its potential war crime in Mali, activists demand | French defence ministry has disputed UN's findings that it bombed a wedding party in January | Thu, 04/01/2021 – 17: 33 | According to Minusma, the UN mission in Mali, a French air strike killed 19 civilians in the Malian village of Bounti on 3 January, 2021 (AFP) | Human rights activists are demanding France open an investigation into…
(2021-04-01). Saudi man arrested as a child could face execution despite reforms: HRW. middleeasteye.net 
Saudi man arrested as a child could face execution despite reforms: HRW | Abdullah al-Huwaiti is still on death row despite a royal decree that ended death sentences for crimes committed as a minor | Thu, 04/01/2021 – 18: 37 | Demonstrators in Washington protest against death sentences given to children in the kingdom (AFP/File photo) | A Saudi man who was convicted following a "grossly unfair trial" for crime…
(2021-04-01). Saudi man arrested as child could face execution despite reforms: HRW. middleeasteye.net Saudi man arrested as child could face execution despite reforms: HRW | Abdullah al-Huwaiti is still on death row despite a royal decree that ended death sentences for crimes committed as a minor | Thu, 04/01/2021 – 18: 37 | Demonstrators in Washington protest against death sentences given to children in the kingdom (AFP/File photo) | A Saudi man who was convicted following a "grossly unfair trial" for crimes…
(2021-04-01). Turkey exporters re-routing products to avoid Saudi boycott, say traders. middleeasteye.net 
Turkey exporters re-routing products to avoid Saudi boycott, say traders | Turkish officials have told MEE that Riyadh declared an unofficial blockade on Turkish goods in response to 'hostility' from Ankara | Thu, 04/01/2021 – 14: 42 | The Cosco Shipping Danube, a container ship of the China Ocean Shipping Company (COSCO), sails in the Bosphorus, on its way to the Mediterranean Sea, in Istanbul (Reuters) | Tur…
(2021-04-01). China and Iran: A Natural Anti-imperialist Alliance. dissidentvoice.org On 15 July 2015 — the day after the United States agreed to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA; also called the Iran nuclear deal) along with China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, plus Germany — then US president Barack Obama said in an interview that Iran was "a great civilization." Without listing any …
(2021-04-01). The Saker: "Understanding Anti-Putin PSYOPs: Preparing For War" southfront.org 
ILLUSTRATIVE IMAGE | Written by The Saker; Originally appeared at Intro: cause vs pretext | It is not an exaggeration to say that in the mythology of the AngloZionist Empire Putin is something akin to Satan or, at least, that he is a kind of "Sauron" who is the epitome of evil. And, we all heard that recently, Biden, in a recorded interview, declared that Putin is "a killer". When given a chance to soften…
(2021-04-01). Houthi Suicide Drones Hit ¥Sensitive' Targets In Saudi Capital. southfront.org 
Illustrative image, source: the Houthis media wingH | On April 1, the Houthis (Ansar Allah) announced that they had attacked several "sensitive" and "important" targets in the Saudi capital, Riyadh. | Brig. Gen. Yahya Sari, a spokesman for the Yemeni group, said that the targets were struck with four suicide drones. The spokesman claimed that the attack was successful, without providing any further details."Our operations will continue as long as the aggression and siege are ongoing," the spokesman said, calling the att…