Tag: protests

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Migrant Crisis at Greece Border

Last Sunday, the Greco-Macedonian border blew up in chaos as Macedonian police stormed a congregate of refugees who were trying to break into a refugee camp in northern Greece.

Chemical weapons such as tear gas were used in fending off the migrants at the border.

International health organization, Medecines Sans Frontieres (MSF), or “Doctors Without Borders,” reported over 300 injured by the Macedonian police.

Spokesman for the Greek government, George Kyritsis, spoke out against this by stating in an interview, “The indiscriminate use of chemicals, rubber bullets and stun grenades against vulnerable populations… is a dangerous and deplorable act.”

Reuters, an American news agency, quoted a policeman from Macedonian who claimed that migrants had thrown stones at the Macedonian police first, and the gas was an act of defense. “The migrants were pushing against the fence, but standing on the Greek side of the border. The fence is still there, they have not broken through,” stated Macedonian police official.

A report from a local journalist, Katica Djurovic, also commented on the event, “I was teargassed at least twice. Not just me, another cameraman, other press people were also teargassed as well as refugees. Some of the tear gas [was] thrown at least 200 meters into the camp, into the tents where most of women and children were sitting.”

This is not the first time tensions have risen at the migrant camps in Greece. Two months ago, more than 52,000 migrants were trapped after being closed off by the Balkan states.

The migrant issue has also turned political in Greece. Golden Dawn, a far-right Greek party, has marched in several areas around migrant camps and gather points. The leader, however, was previously arrested for criminal organization after recent release announced that the party was planning a number of protests around the country to warn people of the “Islamizaiton of Greece by Music asylum seekers.”

Ilias Kasidiaris, the spokesman for the party, stated in an interview that they [the people of Greece] “…cannot accept that we will become a minority in our homeland… Whether you call them refugees or illegals, there’s no difference — we want them out.” The party also spoke openly about their alignment to statements made by U.S. presidential candidate, Donald J. Trump, and think it would be a “very positive development if he were to be elected president.”

On March 20, a European Union deal regarding the migrant crisis in Turkey went into effect. The deal requires mass deportations back to Turkey for any migrant attempting to leave after the signed date. Due to proximity, a large influx of these escaped migrants have fled to Greece. In response, Greek authorities have attempted to persuade migrants to move to reception camps, however, the refugee population has so far refused to move.

Since January 2016, over 150,000 migrants have arrived to Greece, with almost 40% of the population consisting of children.

Overall, more than one million refugees and other migrants have attempted to enter Europe by boat since last year, but with tensions rising, and borders closing, the number is likely to fall in the coming year.

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National // Riots in Ferguson Cause Unrest

On what many thought was an ordinary August day, within a suburb outside of St. Louis, in Ferguson MO, a not so ordinary incident occurred. Michael Brown an unarmed African American 18 year-old was shot and killed by a white police officer, Brian Wilson. The event initiated violent riots and protests throughout the country, which have continued and only heightened after the grand jury made their final decision. The account of the event has varied. However reliable sources state Brown fled from a Market and Liquor store where he and one other person stole cigarillos, a type of cigar.

A block away, Officer Wilson met him on the street. Wilson then proceeded to stop the men, calling them from his S.U.V.  A quarrel erupted between the two, where some witnesses say Brown attempted to grab the officer’s gun. Two shots were fired, missing and/or grazing the teenager. The officer supposedly proceeded to chase the suspect. Brown then turned and began to run towards the officer who fired several more shots. A majority of the evidence collected appears to support this testimony, investigators say.
The grand jury, made up of 9 whites and 3 blacks, was responsible for determining whether or not there was a probable cause to indict Officer Wilson with crime. A New York Times article reported the recently published transcripts, forensic and photographic evidence by the county prosecutor, which is traditionally kept clandestinely away from the public.

The Ferguson case is arguably unique and intricate in more than one way. First, typical court cases are usually presented to a jury within one day whereas the grand jury in the Ferguson case met over a span of 25 days within a 3 month period. Secondly, the grand jury received testimonies of the incident from over 60 witnesses. A jury will usually see only two to three witnesses per case. Thirdly, a jury doesn’t usually hear from the defendant themselves, however Officer Wilson’s testified for 4 hours. Fourthly, a prosecutor generally offers a range of specific charges, which a grand jury may base their indictment on. In the Ferguson case, Robert P. McCulloch, the county prosecutor, did not recommend any charges against Wilson. Lastly, under Missouri Law, all evidence and related material is kept secret within the courtroom, and may be submitted at a later trial. Not so here, McCulloch released all documents following the grand jury’s decision not to indict Officer Wilson.

However, the case doesn’t end here. Two investigations are underway. A civil rights inquiry was opened up by the F.B.I., involving the shootings that took place on August 11. The other civil rights investigation was opened by the Justice Department, who has begun to examine whether the policy in Ferguson have a historical background of discrimination and exploitation of force. The death of Michael Brown sparked numerous protests and riots for weeks. Buildings were set on fire and raids on business were reported. Police were forced to respond with tear gas and rubber bullets. Governor Jay Nixon deployed the state’s National Guard to curb the violent responses prior and post the jury’s decision.

KatharineLabrecqueRecently President Obama responded to the uprisings following the grand jury’s decision, suggesting this case represents “the broader challenges we still face as a nation,” involving discrimination. Furthermore, the President responded to accusations of racism in Ferguson as a result of the “legacy of racial discrimination in this country.”  These statements reflect the facts that Ferguson County consists predominantly of black communities.

Nearly the entire police force in Ferguson consists of white males, with the exception of four blacks. This ratio reflects a historical trend ‘white flight’ in many American cities over the last few decades. As many white families moved out to the suburbs, black families have moved into the suburbs. However, the large number of white officers may reflect the nature of job placement or historical relationships and ties to the community.

As riots and protests are breaking out around the country, people are wondering what will happen next. The death of Michael Brown has raised questions about the relationship between black communities and law enforcement. Perhaps the case reiterates the demand for our nation to address our criminal justice system. However, without a doubt in terms of dispensing true justice, many contend our system is the best in the world. “But, like every facet of the American democratic experience…,” CNN legal analysis and criminal defense attorney, Mark O’Mara remarks, “…it can use polishing.” Within these months and even years to follow, The Justice Department will be forced to grapple and respond to these harsh realities facing our nation today as it pertains to justice and discrimination.

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World//Hong Kong Protests Demand Democracy

Hong Kong has a long and unique history. After the First Opium War (1839-1842), the British Empire and China signed the Treaty of Nanking, ceding dominion of Hong Kong to the British. Roughly fifty years later, Britain and China signed the Second Convention of Peking, effectively leasing the UK the territory for 99 years without fee. Acknowledging Japanese occupation during World War II, the UK retained control for the given amount of time, relinquishing power over Hong Kong back to the Chinese government in 1997. Since then, Hong Kong has experienced much turmoil concerning its political relationship with the Communist Party.

Wynn HortonAs it currently stands, Hong Kong is governed by three branches of government as outlined in their constitution, The Basic Law: a judicial structure — which is not so controversial; a legislative council of 70 members, of whom 40 are directly elected (which has caused much anger); and the controversial executive branch. The lead official in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (as termed by China) is the Chief Executive Officer. Currently, the selection of the Chief Executive is an action performed by an electoral-college-style committee of 1200 members. This committee is, according to critics, an instrument of Beijing, inflicting the will of the Party upon the supposedly separate territory.

In response to a recent wave of criticism calling for democratic elections of all elected officials in the Region, China has responded with a concession – they will allow the direct election of the Chief Executive by all legal adult voters by 2017.  However, they said, a nomination committee made of members from the previous “electoral” committee would handpick the candidates. This small deviation from a more true democratic process, is what has garnered so much rage.

On September 22, 2014, a group of university students flooded the streets declaring a week-long boycott of all classes in response to the decision from Beijing. Six days later, an existing protest movement named Occupy Central With Peace and Love, which had been planning a protest anyway, decided to jump into the wave of momentum with the students, which added significant numbers to the crowds in the streets.

Initially a nonviolent campaign organized as a social protest, Occupy Central With Peace and Love was largely ignored by the city and its officials. Soon after, however, the protest stretched into its second and third weeks, with camps of students and other angry civilians blocking the entrances to major government buildings in certain neighborhoods of Hong Kong.  By October 2, the current Chief Executive had given up, offering his resignation – which the student leaders later accepted. The protesters erected barricades to block traffic and a large number have set up temporary camps in the streets and parks around Hong Kong’s central district. In recent days, police have worked to take down the barriers, work which has only led to significant clashes between the city workforce and the protesters. More than 50 people have already been injured in the alterations between police and workers and the protesting students and citizens.

On Tuesday October 12, 2014, five student leaders, wearing t-shirts that read “freedom now” met with officials from the government. Early reports have said that nothing much was accomplished, terms were offered and denied.  The students have a goal they are unwilling to relinquish. For now they will go on, garnering the support of activists from China (many from Tiananmen Square), Russian, Serbia, and other nations around the world. Committed to meeting with the representatives again, both parties are hopeful but determined to reach a conclusion.