47.8 F
New York
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Home Blog Page 2

New York City Council Begs Court to Authorize Voting Rights for 800,000 Foreign Nationals

0
People vote early at Brooklyn Borough Hall in the 10th Congressional District primary, Aug. 17, 2022.Ben Fractenberg/THE CITY

John Binder(Breitbart)

The New York City Council is begging an appellate court to authorize more than 800,000 foreign nationals to vote in the city’s municipal elections.

In January 2022, Democrats on the 51-member New York City Council approved an ordinance to give more than 800,000 foreign nationals with green cards, visas, and work permits the opportunity to vote in citywide elections so long as they have resided in the city for at least 30 consecutive days.

Following lawsuits over the ordinance, the New York Supreme Court in June 2022 ruled that giving local voting rights to foreign nationals violated the state’s constitution, which explicitly reserves voting for American “citizens.”

In February, that ruling was upheld by the New York Appellate Division.

On Tuesday, New York City Council spokesperson Rendy Desamour announced that councilmembers are pleading with the Appellate Division for the Second Judicial Department of the Supreme Court of the State of New York to override both rulings and allow the council to start implementing the ordinance.

Today’s filing to appeal the Second Department’s recent decision seeks a determination from the state’s highest court that the law is consistent with the state constitution, election law, and the municipal home rule law,” Desamour said:

Empowering New Yorkers to participate in our local democratic process can only strengthen New York City by increasing civic engagement. We look forward to the Court of Appeals’ consideration of the Council’s appeal.
[Emphasis added]

As Breitbart News noted, the ordinance was set to massively influence local elections while diluting the votes of American citizens living in the city. In 2021, for instance, Mayor Eric Adams (D) won the Democrat mayoral primary by less than 7,200 votes.

Former councilman Rev. Ruben Diaz (D-Bronx) said that the ordinance would dilute the votes of citizens while shifting electoral power to foreign nationals with ties to the United Nations, Wall Street, and the global financial system which has long been based in New York City.

Media ignores startling Palestinian public opinion survey

0
Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in Gaza, May 24, 2021. (AP/John Minchillo)

By Chaim Lax, HonestReporting

On March 20, 2024, the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research published the results of its quarterly survey on the sentiments within Palestinian society regarding Israel, the ongoing war in Gaza, internal Palestinian politics, and the international community.

With much of the media’s attention turned to Gaza and Judea and Samaria, and with Western leaders hoping to restart negotiations for a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians, one would think that the results of this survey would have been covered by all the mainstream media organizations.

 

However, with limited exceptions, practically no mainstream news outlet outside of Israel even reported on this survey’s findings and those that did cover it (NewsweekThe New YorkerNBC News, and USA Today) only reported on certain results while ignoring others.

 

In its report on the survey’s findings, NBC News highlighted the fact that support for Hamas has dropped among both Palestinians in Judea, Samaria, and Gaza. NBC also reported that, among Gazans, support for “armed armed struggle” has dropped while support for a two-state solution has risen.

The New Yorker similarly noted the seemingly promising results concerning the lower support for “armed struggle,” and the rise in support for a two-state solution among Gazans.

However, there are several flies in the ointment.

For example, while support for Hamas has fallen within Palestinian society, it is still the organization with the most support among Palestinians in both Gaza and Judea and Samaria, and its support in Judea and Samaria is still 20% higher than it was in September 2023 (before the October 7 attack and subsequent Israeli war against Hamas).

Furthermore, in response to a question about who Palestinians would vote for if another election was held today, Hamas still enjoys the most support among the Palestinian electorate, and it continues to poll higher today than it did in September 2023 (30% in March 2024 versus 21% in September).

 

Similarly, while it is true that support for “armed struggle” has fallen among those surveyed, it is still supported by the largest percentage of respondents — and in Judea and Samaria, it is supported by the majority.

As both NBC News and the New Yorker noted, support for a two-state solution has risen among Palestinian respondents in Gaza.

However, in Judea and Samaria (which would likely also be part of a two-state solution), support for a two-state solution hovered around little more than 30%.

Even in Gaza, where support for a two-state solution has risen to 62%, 52% of respondents opposed the restarting of negotiations for a two-state solution.

Other noteworthy results from this survey include:

  • The number of respondents who support Hamas’ launching of the October 7 attacks rose 14% in Gaza compared to December 2023, but dropped 11 percentage points to 71% in Judea and Samaria.
  • The vast majority of respondents believe that Hamas did not commit atrocities during the October 7 attack. Among those who have watched videos from the attack, 81% believe that Hamas did not commit atrocities, while among those who did not watch these videos, the number rises to 97%.
  • Among Gazan respondents, the vast majority (70%) reported that aid distribution in the war-torn territory was discriminatory. Broken down, 90% said that aid distributed by local Palestinian groups was given out in a discriminatory fashion, while 70% said the same for aid given out by UNRWA.
  • The percentage of Palestinians who blame Hamas for the current suffering in Gaza dropped from 11% to 7% between December 2023 and March 2024. Among Gazans, the number of people who blame Hamas for their suffering dropped from 19% to 9% during this time period.
  • In both Gaza and Judea and Samaria, the vast majority are still satisfied with the way Hamas and Yahya Sinwar have performed during the current war. While satisfaction with Hamas’ performance dropped to 75% in Judea and Samaria, satisfaction with Hamas among Gazans actually rose 10 points to 62% since December 2023.
  WATCH: SOLDIERS FROM NAHAL OZ BASE SHARE THEIR AMAZING STORIES OF SURVIVAL

By either disregarding the entire survey or only focusing on a select few results, the media appears to be intent on continuing to spread the narrative that a two-state solution is tenable in the near future (and that a failure to reach one will fall largely at the feet of Israel’s right-wing government), that Hamas does not represent the Palestinians, and that UNRWA is a legitimate provider of aid in Gaza.

By choosing to continue with its simplistic image of Palestinian society by largely ignoring the uncomfortable results found in this survey, the media has not only failed to provide its audience with a complete picture of the situation in Gaza and Judea and Samaria, it is also helping to construct a false paradigm through which foreign policymakers and domestic electorates will view the current conflict between Israel and Hamas.

 

 

Trump’s New York Hush Money Case is Set for Trial April 15

0
The first of Donald Trump’s four criminal trials will begin April 15, a Manhattan judge ruled Monday.

By: Michael R. Sisak, Jake Offenhartz & Eric Tucker

The first of Donald Trump’s four criminal trials will begin April 15, a Manhattan judge ruled Monday after tearing into the former president’s lawyers for what he said were unfounded claims that the hush-money case had been tainted by prosecutorial misconduct.

Judge Juan M. Merchan scoffed at the defense’s calls to delay the case longer or throw it out entirely because of a last-minute document dump that had bumped the first-ever trial of a former president from its scheduled Monday start. Trump vowed to appeal the ruling.

Barring another delay, the presumptive Republican nominee will be on trial as a criminal defendant in just three weeks — an inauspicious homecoming in the city where he grew up, built a real estate empire and gained wealth and celebrity that propelled him to the White House.

The trial, involving allegations related to hush money paid during Trump’s 2016 campaign to cover up marital infidelity claims, had been in limbo after his lawyers complained about a recent deluge of nearly 200,000 pages of evidence from a previous federal investigation into the matter.

Trump’s lawyers accused Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office of intentionally failing to pursue evidence from the 2018 federal investigation, which sent Trump’s former lawyer Michael Cohen to prison. They contended prosecutors working under Bragg, a Democrat, did so to gain an unfair advantage in the case and harm Trump’s election chances. Cohen, now a vocal Trump critic, is poised to be a key prosecution witness against his ex-boss.

Merchan bristled at the defense’s claims at a hearing Monday, saying the DA’s office had no duty to collect evidence from the federal investigation, nor was the U.S. attorney’s office required to volunteer the documents. What transpired was a “far cry” from Manhattan prosecutors “injecting themselves in the process and vehemently and aggressively trying to obstruct your ability to get documentation,” the judge said.

“It’s just not what happened,” Merchan said.

Merchan grew impatient, pressing Trump lawyer Todd Blanche to cite even a single legal precedent for his argument.

When the lawyer couldn’t, the judge laid into him, saying: “You’re literally accusing the Manhattan DA’s office and the people assigned to this case of engaging in prosecutorial misconduct and of trying to make me complicit in it. And you don’t have a single cite to support that position.”

Assistant District Attorney Matthew Colangelo said the number of relevant, usable, new documents in the recently provided evidence “is quite small” — around 300 records or fewer. Trump’s lawyers contend thousands of pages are potentially important and require painstaking review. They argued the delayed disclosures warranted dismissing the case or at least pushing it off three months.

“We are not doing our jobs if we don’t independently look at the new material,” Blanche told the judge. “Every document is important.”

The DA’s office denied wrongdoing and blamed Trump’s lawyers for bringing the time crunch upon themselves by waiting until Jan. 18 to subpoena the records from the U.S. attorney’s office — a mere nine weeks before the trial was originally supposed to start. Merchan, who earlier this month postponed the trial until at least mid-April to deal with the evidence issue, told defense lawyers that they should have acted sooner if they believed they didn’t have all the records they wanted.

Trump complained about the ruling outside court, renewing his complaint that the case is “election interference.”

(AP)

Murder in Manhattan Apt Linked to Squatter Craze; Property Take Overs Continue

0
Nadia Vitels, 52, met a tragic fate inside her late mother’s apartment. Credit: Facebook

By: Jared Evan

In a grim turn of events, a murder mystery unfolds in Manhattan, shedding light on the perils associated with squatter laws and the current surge in squatting trends.

Videos, have popped up online teaching potential property thieves  how to invade private property, when owners  are on on vacation or away from their homes for an extended period of time,  and take it over, due to legal loopholes.

According to police sources, Nadia Vitels, 52, met a tragic fate inside her late mother’s New York City apartment in the Kips Bay neighborhood.

Two suspects on the run were apprehended by the US Marshals Regional Fugitive Task Force in York, Pennsylvania, in connection with the homicide of 52-year-old Nadia Vitel, whose body was discovered in a duffel bag in her upscale Manhattan apartment last week, two senior law enforcement officials said Friday.

The individuals, a 19-year-old and a 16-year-old, are now facing charges related to Vitel’s death. Specifics on the charges weren’t immediately clear, nor were details regarding their capture, NBC News NY reported

Halley Tejada, 19, and Kensly Alston, 18, were tracked down by US Marshals in York, west of Philadelphia, just before 11 a.m. and taken into custody, the sources said.

NY Post reported: Investigators believe the suspects had been squatting in the upscale apartment and beat Vitels to death when they came face to face with her there on March 12, police said.

Reports suggest that Vitels, who had traveled from Spain to prepare the apartment for occupation by a family friend, was unaware of the two individuals unlawfully residing there. Surveillance footage captured her movements as she visited the vacant apartment, unaware of the presence of the squatters.

Tragically, upon her arrival, the suspects returned to the scene, leading to a confrontation resulting in Vitels’ death from blunt force trauma to the head. Her body was discovered concealed in a duffel bag within the apartment’s front closet.

The superintendent of the building, Jean Pompee, expressed shock and dismay, recounting the grim discovery made by concerned family members. The suspects, identified through surveillance footage, were seen fleeing the scene in Vitels’ Lexus, which was later involved in an accident in Pennsylvania.

The incident underscores the urgent need for reevaluation of squatter laws in New York and beyond. Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz has been vocal about the need to address loopholes that afford squatters legal protection after a mere 30 days of occupancy.

NY Post reported on Squatter craze.

Blumencranz’s proposed legislation aims to mitigate the risks associated with squatters’ rights, aiming to prevent situations where individuals exploit the system for personal gain. Squatting, a growing concern across the nation, poses significant threats to homeowners’ rights and public safety.

In a disturbing trend, online forums and dark web platforms offer guidance on trespassing and establishing residency in vacant properties. Squatters strategically target homes based on various criteria, often exploiting properties left unattended for extended periods.

While high-profile cases, such as mansion takeovers, garner attention, instances like Vitels’ tragic death underscore the broader implications of squatting on individuals and communities.

As Vitels’ grieving son mourns the loss of his mother, the call for action to safeguard property rights grows louder. With thousands of homes vulnerable to invasion by squatters, urgent measures are needed to address this pressing issue and protect homeowners’ rights across the country.

NYS Announces 2025 Deadline for Casino Bids as Developers Prepare Proposals

0
Robert Williams, executive director of the state’s Gaming Commission, said the state would wait for all applicants to finish the lengthy environmental reviews. Credit: YouTube.com

By:   Benyamin Davidsons

New York State officials finally announced a deadline for casino bids.  As reported by Crain’s NY, the state announced Monday that it will not officially open up to NYC Casino bids till 2025.  The lucrative and highly anticipated casino operator selection process has been slow-moving with the state failing to put a firm deadline on bids by developers and entertainment companies vying  to open casinos.  Since 2022, developers, gaming firms and lobbyist have been anxiously preparing their proposals in high hopes of being selected to open one of the three approved casino licenses to be awarded in the five boroughs of NYC.  Many of them were  hoping that the official bidding would be opened this spring.

On Monday, Robert Williams, executive director of the state’s Gaming Commission, said the state would wait for all applicants to finish the lengthy environmental reviews they are required under state law, as well as the additional land-use permits that several of the candidates still need to complete for their specific sites—setting the deadline for submission for mid-2025.

Per Crain’s, the state could have answered the second round of questions posted by applicants and set a 30-day deadline for the casino bids. Williams noted, however, that starting the process now would have forced the bidders to submit all the reams of paperwork only to have to revise them again in line with the reviews.  “The establishment of an early [application] filing would require continual update  of all market-based responses, and all financial answers will likely have to be modified over time,” Williams said. “This would pose an administrative nightmare.”

The Community Advisory Committees, or six-member panel of local officials who will vote on each proposal, will also be formed by mid-2025, Williams said.  The 2025 timeline will allow lobbyists and the bidding company’s more time for their vigorous efforts to influence lawmakers.  Per Crain’s, one lobbyist involved in the process said Monday that the timeframe set was surprisingly actually “pretty  aggressive”, and shows the state is eager to start reaping the estimated $200 million to $400 million in tax revenues from the casinos as quickly as possible.  The candidates who win an approval will also need to pay a $500 million license fee.

The city too is making strides to quicken the process.  Last week, an effort to change the city’s own zoning code passed one more hurdle.  The city council is likely to support an overwhelming zoning change, which would eliminate the need for each casino bid to pass through an individual lengthy city rezoning process before even being eligible by the state.

Still, zoning issues will continue to be a challenge for several of the bidders.  Four of the projects would still need the city to sign off on land-use changes for before they could be considered, Williams said.  These include the casinos proposed by Related Companies for Hudson Yards, Steve Cohen for Willets Point, Thor Equities in Coney Island, and Bally’s at the former Trump Golf Links in the Bronx.

Williams said Monday that the process has not been delayed, and is on track for the state to start reaping casino revenues in 2026,  as per the budget estimates.  “Thus, the process remains ahead of schedule,” he said.

Top Aide to Bklyn DA Gonzelez Departs Over Anti-Semitism Accusations

0
Maritza Ming. Credit: Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office.

Edited by: TJVNews.com

In a recent turn of events, Maritza Ming, once a prominent figure as a top aide to Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, has left the district attorney’s office amidst a storm of controversy. Reports suggest that Ming’s departure is linked to accusations of anti-Semitism and other forms of misconduct, raising questions about her conduct and professional integrity, according to a recently published reported in the New York Post.

The saga surrounding Ming’s exit from the Brooklyn DA’s office began to unfold eight months ago when allegations surfaced from multiple current and former staffers. Among the accusations were claims that Ming engaged in disparaging Jewish employees, exhibited bullying behavior towards subordinates, and allegedly misused office resources and staff, as was reported by the Post.  These complaints painted a troubling picture of a workplace fraught with tension and impropriety, ultimately leading to scrutiny of Ming’s leadership and managerial practices.

It was revealed in the Post report that Ming had transitioned to a role at a personal-injury law firm, Harris, Keenan & Goldfarb, in Manhattan.  The shift from a high-ranking official to what was derisively described as an “ambulance chaser” serves as a humbling reminder of the consequences of unchecked behavior and ethical lapses.

Further complicating the narrative is the revelation regarding Ming’s prolonged absence from the DA’s office. Despite reports suggesting that Ming had not been present at the office since July of the previous year, she remained on the payroll, drawing a substantial salary that included a sizable bonus, the Post report revealed.

In response to inquiries about Ming’s status, the Brooklyn DA’s office initially offered vague explanations, with spokesman Oren Yaniv stating that Ming was on leave without providing further details. However, subsequent revelations suggest that Ming’s absence was more protracted and financially lucrative than previously acknowledged, as was indicated in the Post report. The discrepancy between official statements and the documented reality highlights the importance of independent oversight and investigative journalism in holding institutions accountable for their actions.

The internal probe, commissioned by Gonzalez himself, focused on the handling of discrimination complaints within the office, a process overseen by Ming, the Post reported.  Additionally, the city Department of Investigation has launched its own inquiry into Ming’s conduct, further complicating the situation.

Gonzalez’s decision to hire Guidepost Solutions to conduct the internal probe reflects the seriousness of the allegations surrounding Ming’s tenure. The investigation, initiated in response to concerns raised by employees, delves into accusations of discrimination and misconduct within the office. However, the Post report said it’s worth noting that Ming herself has been at the center of these allegations, raising questions about the efficacy of an investigation led by a firm hired by the very office under scrutiny.

Maritza Ming’s tenure within the Brooklyn DA’s office spans over two decades, with her rise to the position of chief of staff in 2018 and subsequent promotion to “confidential executive assistant district attorney” last year, according to the report in the Post.

The controversy surrounding Ming’s conduct has not only impacted her own career but has also reverberated within the wider political landscape. Sources suggest that Gonzalez, who harbors aspirations of becoming state attorney general, has faced backlash from members of the Jewish community over Ming’s continued employment despite accusations of anti-Semitism, the Post report explained. Leaders within the Jewish community have expressed concerns about Gonzalez’s association with Ming, emphasizing the importance of their support for his political ambitions. The potential loss of support from the Jewish community could prove to be a significant setback for Gonzalez, potentially altering the course of his political trajectory.

Appointees to NY’s “Committee on Reparations” Asked to Resign Over Anti-Semitic Remarks

0
Republican members of the state Senate have called for the resignation of two appointees, Ron Daniels and Lurie Daniel Favors. Credit: X.com

Edited by: Fern Sidman

In a recent development concerning New York’s newly formed committee on reparations and racial justice, Republican members of the state Senate have called for the resignation of two appointees, Ron Daniels and Lurie Daniel Favors, as was recently reported in The New York Post. These calls stem from what the GOP deems as “disturbing” anti-Semitic and anti-police remarks made by the two individuals.

According to reports, Daniels and Favors were appointed to New York’s nine-member commission by state Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (D-Bronx). However, the Post report indicated that their appointment has sparked controversy and backlash from Republican lawmakers.

“The deeply offensive views of these members should completely disqualify them from serving in any government-appointed position, especially one supposedly intended to unify our state,” stated Minority Leader Robert Orr and other Republicans in the state Senate in a joint statement.

The GOP’s concerns revolve around comments made by Daniels and Favors that they believe undermine the integrity and impartiality of the commission. According to the information provided in the Post report, Daniels has been criticized for his statements linking white people to climate change and expressing support for Hamas’ activities against Israel. Meanwhile, Favors has faced scrutiny for her advocacy to defund the police.

“When announcing the members of the newly created reparations commission, Governor Hochul referred to the appointees as an ‘extraordinary group of highly-qualified individuals,’ as was noted in the Post report. The announcement failed to acknowledge the disturbing anti-Semitic and anti-police rhetoric espoused by commission members Ron Daniels and Lurie Danie Favors,” the GOP statement highlighted.

Republican lawmakers have emphasized that irrespective of one’s stance on the necessity of the commission, the anti-Semitic and anti-police rhetoric attributed to Daniels and Favors renders them unfit to serve, the Post report explained.  They have urged Governor Kathy Hochul and the Senate and Assembly Majorities to demand the immediate resignation of the two appointees.

One of the focal points of criticism is a statement made by Daniels. In an October 25, 2021 post on the platform X, Daniels is quoted as saying, “White Folks Messed Up the Weather = Black Folks Save the Planet,” the report in the Post indicated.

The Post also reported that Daniels made several incendiary comments regarding the conflict between Israel and Hamas. In the aftermath of the October 7th attack by Hamas on Israel in which 1200 Israelis and others were brutally massacred, Daniels expressed his views on the matter, stating, “With silence, comes complacency. No Homeland. No Peace. No Justice, No Peace in Israel.” These remarks have drawn condemnation from various quarters for their perceived insensitivity and lack of nuance.

Another figure at the center of the controversy is Favors, the executive director at the Center for Law and Social Justice at CUNY’s Medgar Evers College. The Post noted in their report that in a July 7, 2019 post on X, Favors unleashed a scathing critique, stating, “In the name of our ancestors who weep over our fractured communities; in the name of our families whose genealogy is at best a guess and a prayer; in the name of all that is holy & just: F—K YOU & YOUR RACE APOLOGETICS. WE WILL NOT BE SILENT. WE WILL NOT MAKE YOU COMFORTABLE.”

Disney Proxy Fight: Nelson Peltz Scores a Major Win

0
Nelson Peltz has secured a significant victory in his proxy battle with Disney, marking a pivotal moment in the corporate landscape. Photo Credit: Kareem Elgazzar/The Cincinnati Enquirer via AP

Edited by: TJVNews.com

In a dramatic turn of events, Nelson Peltz has secured a significant victory in his proxy battle with Disney, marking a pivotal moment in the corporate landscape. As was recently reported in The Wall Street Journal, the latest development came as Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS), a powerhouse in proxy-advisory services, threw its weight behind Peltz’s bid to join Disney’s board. The recommendation from ISS, issued on Thursday, adds a new layer of complexity to an already contentious shareholder showdown.

According to a comprehensive 34-page report sent to investors, ISS endorsed nearly all of Disney’s nominees, save for one notable exception—former Disney finance chief Jay Rasulo, put forward by Peltz’s Trian Partners, according to the WSJ report. This strategic move by ISS underscores the nuanced dynamics at play in this high-stakes battle for corporate control.

However, ISS’s support for Peltz wasn’t without its caveats. The proxy firm declined to endorse Rasulo, signaling a measured approach that recognizes both the potential benefits of Peltz’s involvement and the need for scrutiny over specific nominees, as was indicated in the WSJ report. Furthermore, ISS recommended against three nominees proposed by another activist investor, Blackwells Capital, further complicating the landscape of shareholder allegiances.

The contrasting stance taken by another major proxy adviser, Glass Lewis, earlier in the week further highlights the uncertainty surrounding the outcome of Disney’s upcoming annual shareholder meeting on April 3, as per the information in the NYT report. While Glass Lewis backed all of Disney’s nominees, ISS’s selective endorsement adds a layer of intrigue to the impending showdown.

The significance of proxy advisers’ recommendations cannot be overstated, given their immense influence over director elections. Institutional shareholders often rely heavily on these assessments to inform their voting decisions, amplifying the impact of endorsements such as the one issued by ISS in Peltz’s favor.

A report released by Barclays in 2023 sheds light on the formidable sway wielded by proxy advisers, revealing that a staggering 75% of nominees backed by ISS ultimately secure election—a statistic that underscores the pivotal role these firms play in shaping corporate governance, the WSJ report said.

At the heart of Trian Partners’ campaign lies a compelling narrative centered on revitalizing Disney’s fortunes. Peltz and his cohorts argue that their expertise can help “restore the magic” to Disney’s financial performance, which has faced challenges in recent years. As was noted in the WSJ report, key areas of focus include establishing clearer chief-executive succession plans, enhancing the guest experience at Disney’s iconic theme parks, and exploring strategic options for Hulu, among other initiatives.

ISS’s rationale for supporting Peltz’s bid to join Disney’s board is multifaceted, with a particular emphasis on bolstering the company’s succession planning efforts. The tumultuous leadership transition at Disney, which saw Bob Iger return to the CEO role in 2022 following the ousting of his successor, Bob Chapek, coincided with Peltz’s strategic accumulation of Disney shares, the WSJ report explained.  This backdrop underscores the urgency of ensuring a smoother succession process moving forward, with ISS viewing Peltz as a key figure in providing reassurance to investors regarding the board’s commitment to effective governance.

The report in the WSJ explained that in its analysis, ISS highlighted Peltz’s potential contributions to the succession process, noting, “Dissident nominee Peltz, as a significant shareholder, could be additive to the succession process, providing assurance to other investors that the board is properly engaged this time around. He could also help evaluate future capital allocation decisions.”

However, Disney has swiftly pushed back against ISS’s recommendation, signaling a divergence of opinion between the corporate giant and the influential proxy advisory firm. The WSJ reported that Disney reiterated its stance on Thursday, expressing disagreement with ISS’s call for investors to support Peltz’s candidacy—a stance that sets the stage for a showdown at the upcoming shareholder meeting.

Despite the escalating tensions surrounding the proxy battle, Disney has been proactive in addressing shareholder concerns and charting a course for future growth. According to the WSJ report, the company’s establishment of a committee tasked with selecting its next CEO, coupled with Bob Iger’s commitment to remain at the helm through 2026, reflects a concerted effort to navigate the complexities of executive leadership transitions.

Moreover, Disney’s strategic maneuvers in recent months have garnered positive reception from shareholders, with notable initiatives including an investment in the popular gaming platform Epic Games, plans to stream Taylor Swift’s highly anticipated Eras Tour concert movie on Disney+, and a groundbreaking partnership with Fox and Warner Bros. Discovery to launch a sports-focused streaming service.

The market’s response to Disney’s proactive measures has been palpable, with Disney shares surging nearly 30% since the beginning of the year, signaling renewed investor confidence in the company’s long-term prospects, the WSJ reported. However, it’s worth noting that despite the recent rally, Disney shares remain below their peak levels from 2021, underscoring the lingering challenges and uncertainties facing the entertainment giant.

ISS has underscored the importance of effective governance in navigating Disney’s leadership succession and strategic shifts. The WSJ report said that while acknowledging Bob Iger’s leadership acumen, ISS has raised questions about the board’s preparedness for overseeing the transition to the next CEO, whenever that may occur.

According to ISS, “there are lingering questions about the board’s ability to properly oversee the next CEO transition, whether it happens in 2026 or in later years, and the significant strategic changes the company is undertaking.” This sentiment reflects broader concerns within the investor community regarding Disney’s long-term planning and governance practices.

In contrast, Disney has rallied considerable support from key stakeholders, bolstering its position in the proxy battle. According to the information contained in the WSJ report, notable endorsements include “Star Wars” creator George Lucas, a major individual shareholder, who publicly expressed support for the company earlier in the week. Additionally, Disney enjoys backing from members of the Disney family, JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon—who leads the bank defending Disney in the proxy fight—and hedge fund ValueAct Capital.

The outpouring of support from influential figures and entities underscores the depth of confidence in Disney’s leadership and strategic direction. This united front could prove instrumental in swaying shareholders’ votes and solidifying Disney’s position amidst the ongoing proxy battle.

Furthermore, Disney’s unique shareholder base, characterized by a significant proportion of individual investors controlling more than one-third of the company’s stock, may serve as an advantage. Unlike institutional investors, individual shareholders often exhibit a predisposition to support companies, particularly those with iconic brands and a track record of success.

However, the effectiveness of Disney’s support network hinges on the turnout of individual investors at the upcoming shareholder meeting. While their collective voting power could tip the scales in Disney’s favor, ensuring widespread participation remains a critical factor in securing victory in the proxy battle.

With the April 3 shareholder meeting looming, the outcome of this high-stakes showdown will shape Disney’s governance structure and strategic trajectory for years to come.

Kushner Owned Monmouth Mall in NJ Set to Transform into “Monmouth Square”

0
The rebranded Monmouth Square will undergo a “de-malling” to convert its remaining retail spaces into an open-air configuration, as seen in this project rendering from the developer. Photo Credit: Kushner Companies

Edited by: TJVNews.com

The Monmouth Mall, a once-vibrant shopping destination in Eatontown, New Jersey, is undergoing a transformative makeover that promises to reshape its identity and revitalize its appeal. With major changes on the horizon, stakeholders are eager to share their vision for the mall’s future.

Owned by New York-based real estate developer Kushner Companies, the Monmouth Mall is preparing for a significant overhaul, with demolition crews clearing out approximately 40% of its retail space, according to a report on Monday on the NJ.com web site. The goal? To pave the way for the creation of an open-air shopping center combined with luxury residential apartments—a venture that aims to redefine the traditional mall experience.

According to site plans, Kushner Companies intends to downsize the mall’s current 1.5 million square feet of retail space to approximately 900,000 square feet. NJ.com reported that in its place, the developer plans to construct 1,000 luxury apartments, catering to a diverse range of residents seeking upscale living accommodations.

The ambitious project involves a process known as “de-malling,” which entails the demolition of certain sections of the existing structure while removing the roof in other areas to facilitate the transition to an open-air environment, as was indicated in the NJ.com report. This approach reflects a strategic shift away from the traditional enclosed mall model toward a more contemporary, pedestrian-friendly town center concept.

The reimagined Monmouth Square will be an open air shopping center with a mix of shopping, restaurants, and apartments. Photo Credit: Kushner Companies

Already, signs of change are evident as parts of the mall undergo demolition to make space for new developments. One notable addition on the horizon is a supermarket, set to enhance the convenience and accessibility of the Monmouth Square complex.

Michael Sommer, Kushner’s chief development officer, emphasized the vision behind the project, stating, “We feel the best use is a true town center environment. That walkable type of environment where people can live, dine, and shop all on one property,” as was pointed out in the NJ.com report. This sentiment underscores the project’s overarching aim to create a vibrant, integrated community hub that fosters a seamless blend of residential, retail, and dining experiences.

Formerly bustling anchors such as JCPenney and Lord & Taylor have fallen victim to shifting consumer habits, succumbing to the pressures of online shopping and dwindling mall foot traffic, according to the information contained in the NJ.com report.

However, amid the closures and impending demolition, portions of the mall continue to buzz with activity. The remaining tenants, including Macy’s, AMC Theatres, and Boscov’s, alongside smaller retailers and dining establishments, remain operational, offering visitors a glimpse of the mall’s enduring vitality, the NJ.com report said.

Despite the significant changes underway, Kushner Companies, the mall’s owner, assures the public that Monmouth Mall will remain accessible and functional throughout the redevelopment process. As per the NJ.com report, visitors can still enjoy shopping at Old Navy and other clothing stores or grab a bite at Burger King, Chipotle, or Shake Shack while witnessing the evolution of their beloved shopping center.

Looking ahead, Kushner Companies envisions a revitalized Monmouth Mall that transcends its traditional retail roots. Plans include a diverse mix of stores, restaurants, and amenities, complemented by the addition of luxury apartments and medical office space, as was detailed in the NJ.com report.

In discussing the project, officials from Kushner Companies expressed optimism about the mall’s future prospects, highlighting their commitment to breathing new life into this regional landmark. By embracing innovation and adaptability, they aim to transform Monmouth Mall into a vibrant hub of activity, where shopping, dining, and living converge to create a thriving urban environment.

One of the most significant additions to Monmouth Square will be a flagship Whole Foods Market, marking a significant milestone for the mall’s evolution. NJ.com reported that news of the 40,000-square-foot lease agreement, announced in June by the mall’s owner, has sparked widespread anticipation among shoppers and residents alike.

“The addition of Whole Foods to Monmouth Square represents a major step forward in our vision for the mall’s future,” remarked a spokesperson for Kushner Companies, according to NJ.com. “We are thrilled to partner with such a respected brand that shares our commitment to quality, sustainability, and community.”

Preparations for the arrival of Whole Foods are already underway, with workers actively transforming the space currently occupied by Barnes & Noble, the beloved bookstore chain. Despite the ongoing changes, Barnes & Noble continues to serve its customers, providing a seamless transition as the mall prepares for its next chapter.

While Barnes & Noble will bid farewell to its current location, fans need not despair, as plans are underway to relocate the bookstore within the mall, as was mentioned in the NJ.com report.  Details regarding the new location have yet to be disclosed, but patrons can expect the same exceptional selection and service that Barnes & Noble is known for.

In discussing the forthcoming changes, mall officials emphasize their commitment to enhancing the shopping experience and catering to the diverse needs of the community. With Whole Foods anchoring the lineup of retailers and dining options, Monmouth Square is poised to become a vibrant destination where shoppers can indulge in premium groceries, dine at upscale eateries, and explore a curated selection of shops.

As anticipation builds for the unveiling of Monmouth Square, excitement abounds over the prospect of a reimagined shopping center that seamlessly blends commerce, convenience, and community. With Whole Foods leading the charge, Monmouth Mall’s transformation is set to captivate audiences and redefine the retail landscape for generations to come.

Moscow Theater Shooting Fans Flames of a Disinformation War

0
People light candles and lay flowers at a makeshift memorial in front of the Crocus City Hall. (Sergei Vedyashkin, Moscow News Agency via AP)

By: Jim Heintz

Flames were still leaping from the Moscow concert hall besieged by gunmen when Russian officials began suggesting who was really to blame. They presented no evidence, only aspersions and suspicion and counterfactual speculation, but in Russia’s eyes the culprit was clear: Ukraine.

The allegations that Ukraine, now in its third year of fighting after Russia invaded, was behind Friday’s attack that killed at least 137 people, were the first salvo in a disinformation war that has clouded the hearts and minds of people trying to come to grips with the shocking attack.

First came Dmitry Medvedev, the former Russian president who was once regarded as a mild reformer but who has become a vehement hawk since the start of the Ukraine war.

“Terrorists understand only retaliatory terror … if it is established that these are terrorists of the Kyiv regime, it is impossible to deal with them and their ideological inspirers differently,” he wrote on the Telegram message app about 90 minutes after first news came of the attack.

While not overtly accusing Ukraine, the strong implication was in line with Russia’s portrayal of Ukraine as a nest of vipers and suggested that Russia was prepared to step up its air assaults on Ukraine, which already had notably intensified in recent days.

Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry quickly grabbed the baton, not only rejecting Russia’s accusations but suggesting that the brutal shootings and fire may have been a false flag operation. A ministry statement Friday evening referenced the 1999 apartment bombings that many critics have suggested were done by Russian security agents to justify launching the second Chechnya war.

“There are no red lines for (President Vladmir) Putin’s dictatorship. It is ready to kill its own citizens for political purposes, just as it has killed thousands of Ukrainian civilians during the war against Ukraine as a result of missile attacks, artillery shelling and torture,” the ministry said at the time.

The claim of responsibility by a cell of the Islamic State did nothing to quiet the accusations, even though the group is a reliable villain to almost every country and despite Russia having claimed to have thwarted an IS-planned assault on a synagogue this month.

The United States’ confirmation of the IS claim only hardened Russia’s position.

“On what basis do officials in Washington draw any conclusions about anyone’s innocence in the midst of a tragedy? If the United States has or had reliable information in this regard, then it must be immediately transferred to the Russian side,” said Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.

“If there is no such data, then the White House has no right to issue indulgences to anyone,” she said.

All that was on Friday.

On Saturday, Russian officers chased down four suspects in the Bryansk region, about 350 kilometers (210 miles) south of Moscow. Bryansk is on the border with Ukraine and Russians were outraged.

In the afternoon, Putin, having waited about 19 hours to address the nation about the bloodshed, claimed without presenting evidence that the suspects were aiming to pass through a border “window” that had been arranged in advance.

How such passage could be arranged between warring countries was also unexplained. On Monday, Putin said the attackers were “radical Islamists,” but that it still needed to be explained why they tried to flee to Ukraine.

(AP)

Things to Know About the Turkish Local Elections that will Gauge Erdogan’s Popularity

0
Here’s a deeper look at what’s at stake and what the results could hold for Turkey’s future. Credit: AP/Francisco Seco

By: Suzan Fraser

On Sunday, millions of voters in Turkey head to the polls to elect mayors and administrators in local elections which will gauge President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s popularity as his ruling party tries to win back key cities it lost five years ago.

A victory for Erdogan’s party might spur the Turkish leader into pursuing constitutional changes that could allow him to rule beyond his current term’s limit.

Meanwhile, retaining the key cities’ municipalities would help invigorate Turkey’s opposition, left fractured and demoralized following a defeat in last year’s presidential election.

Here’s a deeper look at what’s at stake and what the results could hold for Turkey’s future.

In the last local elections held in 2019, a united opposition won the municipalities of the capital Ankara and the commercial hub of Istanbul, ending the ruling party’s 25-year hold over the cities.

The loss of Istanbul especially was a major blow to Erdogan, who began his political career as mayor of the metropolis of nearly 16 million in 1994.

Erdogan has named Murat Kurum, a 47-year-old former urbanization and environment minister, to run against incumbent mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu — a popular politician from the center-left Republican People’s Party, or CHP. Imamoglu has been touted as a possible presidential candidate to challenge Erdogan.

This time around, however, Imamoglu, 52, is running in the local elections without the support of Turkey’s main pro-Kurdish party or the nationalist IYI Party who are fielding their own candidates.

Meanwhile, a new religious-conservative party, the New Welfare Party, or YRP, has also thrown its hat into the ring. Appealing to conservative and religious voters who have been disillusioned with Erdogan’s handling of the economy, it is expected to steal some votes from Erdogan’s candidates.

Opinion polls point to a neck-and-neck race between Imamoglu and Kurum who have both promised infrastructure projects to render buildings earthquake-proof and to ease the city’s chronic traffic congestion.

The opposition is widely expected to maintain its hold on Ankara where the incumbent mayor Mansur Yavas, who has also been named as a future presidential candidate, remains popular.

Leaving nothing to chance, Erdogan, who has been in power as prime minister and then as president for more than two decades, has been holding election rallies across the country, campaigning on behalf of candidates running for mayor.

Analysts say winning back Istanbul and Ankara and achieving a strong showing in the ballots would stiffen Erdogan’s resolve to introduce a new constitution that could allow him to rule beyond 2028 when his current term ends. The current constitution sets a two-term limit on the presidency. Erdogan, 70, ran for a third term last year, citing a technicality, because the country switched to a presidential system in 2018 and his first term was held under the previous system.

Erdogan and his allies don’t currently have sufficient seats in parliament to enact a new constitution, but another electoral triumph may sway some conservative opposition parliamentarians to switch sides, analysts say.

Earlier this month, Erdogan said Sunday’s election would be his last according to the constitution. Critics see his comments as a ploy to win sympathy votes of supporters reeling from a cost-of-living crisis, as well as a strategy to push for the constitutional amendments.

The alliance’s supporters were left demoralized after it failed to unseat Erdogan despite the economic turmoil and the fallout from a catastrophic earthquake.

(AP)

Japan Approves Plan to Sell Fighter Jets in Latest Break from Pacifist Principles

0
Japan has long restricted arms exports under the country’s pacifist constitution. Credit: AP

By: Mari Yamaguchi

Japan’s Cabinet on Tuesday approved a plan to sell future next-generation fighter jets that it’s developing with Britain and Italy to other countries, in the latest move away from the country’s postwar pacifist principles.

The contentious decision to allow international arms sales is expected to help secure Japan’s role in the joint fighter jet project and part of a move to build up the Japanese arms industry and bolster its role in global security.

The Cabinet also endorsed a revision to Japan’s arms equipment and technology transfer guidelines to allow coproduced lethal weapons to be sold to countries other than the partners.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said the changes are necessary given Japan’s security environment, but stressed that Japan’s pacifist principles remain unchanged.

“In order to achieve a fighter aircraft that meets the necessary performance and to avoid jeopardizing the defense of Japan, it is necessary to transfer finished products from Japan to countries other than partner countries,” Hayashi told reporters, adding that Tokyo will follow a strict approval process for jet sales. “We have clearly demonstrated that we will continue to adhere to our basic philosophy as a peaceful nation,” he said.

Japan has long restricted arms exports under the country’s pacifist constitution, but has rapidly taken steps to deregulate amid rising regional and global tensions, especially from nearby China.

The decision on jets will allow Japan to export lethal weapons it coproduces to other countries for the first time.

Japan is working with Italy and the U.K. to develop an advanced fighter jet to replace its aging fleet of American-designed F-2 fighters, and the Eurofighter Typhoons used by the U.K. and Italian militaries.

Japan, which was previously working on a homegrown design to be called the F-X, agreed in December 2022 to merge its effort with a British-Italian program called the Tempest. for deployment in 2035. The joint project, known as the Global Combat Air Program or GCAP, is based in the U.K.

Japan hopes the new plane will offer advanced capabilities Japan needs amid growing tensions in the region, giving it a technological edge against regional rivals China and Russia.

Because of its wartime past as aggressor and the devastation that followed its defeat in World War II, Japan adopted a constitution that limits its military to self-defense. The country long maintained a strict policy to limit transfers of military equipment and technology and ban all exports of lethal weapons.

Opponents have criticized Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s government for committing to the fighter jet project without providing an explanation to the public or seeking approval for the major policy change.

BY MARI YAMAGUCHITo address such concerns, the government is limiting exports of codeveloped lethal weapons to the jet for now, and has promised that no sales will be made for use in active wars.

The government also assured that the revised guideline for the time being only applies to the jet and that it would require Cabinet approval to do so. Potential purchasers will be also limited to the 15 countries that Japan has signed defense partnership and equipment transfer deals with.

Recent polls suggest that public opinion is divided on the plan.

In 2014, Japan began to export some nonlethal military supplies, and in a latest move last December, it approved a change that would allow sales of 80 lethal weapons and components that it manufactures under licenses from other countries back to the licensors.

(AP)

Colombia Threatens to Break Ties with Israel if it Doesn’t Comply with a UN Cease-Fire Resolution

0
Colombian President Gustavo Petro threatened to break off diplomatic ties with Israel if the country doesn’t comply with a U.N. Security Council resolution that calls for an immediate cease-fire in the Gaza Strip. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)

By: Manuel Rueda

Colombian President Gustavo Petro on Tuesday threatened to break off diplomatic ties with Israel if the country doesn’t comply with a U.N. Security Council resolution that calls for an immediate cease-fire in the Gaza Strip.

Petro made the announcement on X, formerly known as Twitter. On Monday, he published another message in which he celebrated the resolution’s approval and urged other nations to suspend ties with Israel if it doesn’t cease its military offensive in the Gaza Strip, which has resulted in the deaths of more than 32,000 people, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry replied to Petro’s threat on Tuesday with a tweet, which said that the Middle Eastern nation will “continue to protect its people and will not give in to any pressures and threats.”

The foreign ministry accused Petro of being a “supporter of Hamas terrorists” who massacred children and women during an Oct. 7 raid on Israeli communities that unleashed the current invasion of Gaza, and said that Petro’s stance is a “disgrace to the Colombian people.”

The confrontation on X signals a growing deterioration in the relations between both nations, which have gone from being military and commercial partners, to becoming bitter ideological rivals.

For decades, Colombia used Israeli-built warplanes and machine guns to fight drug cartels and rebel groups, and both countries signed a free trade agreement in 2020.

But relations began to cool in 2022, when Petro was elected to office.

Petro, a leftist and longtime supporter of the Palestinian cause, has described Israel’s military offensive in Gaza as “genocide.” In February, he suspended military purchases from Israel, after the country’s troops fired on Palestinians who gathered around aid trucks, in a tragedy in which more than 100 people were killed.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry had suspended defense cooperation with Colombia in October, after Petro had failed to condemn the Hamas raid on villages in southern Israel, and instead compared Israel’s military to Nazi troops.

Military analysts in Colombia have said that the deterioration of relations with Israel jeopardizes the South American nation’s defense capabilities.

Colombia depends on Israeli companies for the maintenance of its fleet of more than 20 Israeli-built Kfir jets, which are the only planes in Colombia’s arsenal that are capable of launching laser-guided bombs.

Colombia has also made multiple contracts with Israel for the provision of military communications equipment, and produces assault rifles for its troops under a license from an Israeli manufacturer.

In other news related to Colombia, the AP reported last week that President Petro suspended a ceasefire with one of a handful of armed groups with which he hoped to negotiate peace accords, saying its fighters violated the truce by attacking an Indigenous community.

The government said that starting last week it would resume military operations against Estado Mayor Central, a group of fighters who broke away from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia when it signed a peace pact in 2016.

Indigenous leaders in the war-torn western region of Cauca said an attack by the dissident group Saturday wounded at least three people and a young student was taken away by force.

(AP)

Ukraine Ramps Up Spending on Homemade Weapons to Help Repel Russia

0
A worker assembles mortar shells at a factory in Ukraine, on Wednesday, January 31, 2024. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

By: Hanna Arhirova

Ukraine needs any edge it can get to repel Russia from its territory. One emerging bright spot is its small but fast-growing defense industry, which the government is flooding with money in hopes that a surge of homemade weapons and ammunition can help turn the tide.

The effort ramped up sharply over the past year as the U.S. and Europe strained to deliver weapons and other aid to Ukraine, which is up against a much bigger Russian military backed by a thriving domestic defense industry.

The Ukrainian government budgeted nearly $1.4 billion in 2024 to buy and develop weapons at home — 20 times more than before Russia’s full-scale invasion.

And in another major shift, a huge portion of weapons are now being bought from privately owned factories. They are sprouting up across the country and rapidly taking over an industry that had been dominated by state-owned companies.

A privately owned mortar factory that launched in western Ukraine last year is making roughly 20,000 shells a month. “I feel that we are bringing our country closer to victory,” said Anatolli Kuzmin, the factory’s 64-year-old owner, who used to make farm equipment and fled his home in southern Ukraine after Russia invaded in 2022.

Yet like many aspects of Ukraine’s war apparatus, its defense sector has been constrained by a lack of money and manpower – and, according to executives and generals, too much government red tape. A more robust private sector could help root out inefficiencies and enable factories to churn out weapons and ammunition even faster.

The stakes couldn’t be higher.

Russia controls nearly a quarter of Ukraine and has gained momentum along the 1,000 kilometer (620 mile) front line by showing a willingness to expend large numbers of troops to make even the smallest of advances. Ukrainian troops regularly find themselves outmanned and outgunned, and this has contributed to falling morale.

“You need a mortar not in three years, you need it now, preferably yesterday,” said Taras Chmut, director of the Come Back Alive Foundation, an organization that has raised more than $260 million over the past decade to equip Ukrainian troops with machine guns, armored vehicles and more.

Kuzmin, the owner of the mortar factory, fled the southern city of Melitopol in 2022 after Russia invaded and seized his factory that mostly made spare parts for farm equipment. He had begun developing a prototype for mortar shells shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2014, when it illegally annexed the Crimean Peninsula.

Kuzmin took over a sprawling warehouse in western Ukraine last winter. His long-term goals include boosting production to 100,000 shells per month and developing engines and explosives for drones.

He is just one of many entrepreneurs transforming Ukraine’s weapons industry, which was dominated by state-owned enterprises after the break-up of the Soviet Union. Today, about 80 percent of the defense industry is in private hands — a mirror image of where things stood a year ago and a stark contrast with Russia’s state-controlled defense industry.

Each newly made projectile is wrapped in craft paper and carefully packed into wooden crates to be shipped to Romania or Bulgaria, where are loaded with explosives. Several weeks later, they’re shipped back and sent to the front.

“Our dream is to establish a plant for explosives,” said Kuzmin, who is seeking a partner to make that happen.

(AP)

UK Court Says Assange Can’t be Extradited on Espionage Charges Until US Rules Out Death Penalty

0
A British court ruled Tuesday that Julian Assange can’t be extradited to the United States on espionage charges unless U.S. authorities guarantee he won’t get the death penalty, giving the WikiLeaks founder a partial victory in his long legal battle over the site’s publication of classified American documents. Photo Credit: AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali

By: Sylvia Hui & Jill Lawless

A British court ruled Tuesday that Julian Assange can’t be extradited to the United States on espionage charges unless U.S. authorities guarantee he won’t get the death penalty, giving the WikiLeaks founder a partial victory in his long legal battle over the site’s publication of classified American documents.

Two High Court judges said they would grant Assange a new appeal unless U.S. authorities give further assurances within three weeks about what will happen to him. The ruling means the legal saga, which has dragged on for more than a decade, will continue — and Assange will remain inside London’s high-security Belmarsh Prison, where he has spent the last five years.

Judges Victoria Sharp and Jeremy Johnson said the U.S. must guarantee that Assange, who is Australian, “is afforded the same First Amendment protections as a United States citizen, and that the death penalty is not imposed.”

The judges said that if the U.S. files new assurances, “we will give the parties an opportunity to make further submissions before we make a final decision on the application for leave to appeal.” The judges said a hearing will be held May 20 if the U.S. makes those submissions.

The U.S. Justice Department declined to comment Tuesday.

Assange’s supporters say he is a journalist protected by the First Amendment who exposed U.S. military wrongdoing in Iraq and Afghanistan that was in the public interest.

Assange’s wife Stella Assange said the WikiLeaks founder “is being persecuted because he exposed the true cost of war in human lives.”

“The Biden administration should not issue assurances. They should drop this shameful case, which should never have been brought,” she said outside the High Court in London.

The ruling follows a two-day hearing in the High Court in February, where Assange’s lawyer Edward Fitzgerald said American authorities were seeking to punish him for WikiLeaks’ “exposure of criminality on the part of the U.S. government on an unprecedented scale,” including torture and killings.

The U.S. government said Assange’s actions went beyond journalism by soliciting, stealing and indiscriminately publishing classified government documents that endangered many people, including Iraqis and Afghans who had helped U.S. forces.

The judges rejected six of Assange’s nine grounds of appeal, including the allegation that his prosecution is political. They said that while Assange “acted out of political conviction … it does not follow however that the request for his extradition is made on account of his political views.”

The judges also said Assange could not appeal based on allegations, made by his lawyers, that the CIA developed plans to kidnap or kill Assange during the years he spent holed up in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London, to prevent him from trying to flee.

The judges said “plainly, these are allegations of the utmost seriousness,” but concluded they had no bearing on the extradition request.

“Extradition would result in him being lawfully in the custody of the United States authorities, and the reasons (if they can be called that) for rendition or kidnap or assassination then fall away,” the ruling said.

They accepted three grounds or appeal: the threat to Assange’s freedom of speech, Assange’s claim that he faces disadvantage because he is not a U.S. citizen, and the risk he could receive the death penalty.

U.S. authorities have promised Assange would not receive capital punishment, but the judges said that “nothing in the existing assurance explicitly prevents the imposition of the death penalty.”

Jennifer Robinson, one of Assange’s lawyers, said that “even if we receive the assurances, we’re not confident we can rely on them.”

Assange, 52, a computer expert, has been indicted in the U.S. on charges over Wikileaks’ publication in 2010 of hundreds of thousands of classified documents.

U.S. prosecutors say he conspired with U.S. army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning to hack into a Pentagon computer and release secret diplomatic cables and military files on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Assange faces 17 counts under the Espionage Act and one charge of computer misuse. If convicted, his lawyers say he could receive a prison term of up to 175 years, though American authorities have said any sentence is likely to be much lower.

Assange’s wife and supporters say his physical and mental health have suffered during more than a decade of legal battles and confinement.

“My concerns about the precarious mental health of Julian Assange and his unfitness to be extradited, as well as the potential for him to receive a wholly disproportionate sentence in the United States, have not been assuaged by the court,” said Alice Jill Edwards, the United Nations’ special rapporteur on torture, an independent expert for the world body.

Assange’s legal troubles began in 2010, when he was arrested in London at the request of Sweden, which wanted to question him about allegations of rape and sexual assault made by two women. In 2012, Assange jumped bail and sought refuge inside the Ecuadorian Embassy.

The relationship between Assange and his hosts eventually soured, and he was evicted from the embassy in April 2019. British police immediately arrested and imprisoned him for breaching bail in 2012. Sweden dropped the sex crimes investigations in November 2019 because so much time had elapsed.

A U.K. district court judge rejected the U.S. extradition request in 2021 on the grounds that Assange was likely to kill himself if held under harsh U.S. prison conditions. Higher courts overturned that decision after getting assurances from the U.S. about his treatment. The British government signed an extradition order in June 2022.

(AP)

Netanyahu: UN Resolution “Gives Hamas Hope” – Cancels Delegation to WH

0
Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Permanent Representative of the United States to the UN, casts her abstention during voting on the resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza for the month of Ramadan. Photo Credit: AP

Edited by:  TJVNews.com

Israeli government officials have expressed strong condemnation in response to Monday’s U.N. Security Council resolution, which demanded a two-week halt to the war in Gaza that was launched by the Iranian-backed Hamas terrorists in early October. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu particularly criticized the decision of the United States to abstain from exercising its veto power in the Security Council.

The Jewish News Syndicate reported that in a statement released by his office, Netanyahu remarked, “The United States has abandoned its policy in the U.N. today.” He highlighted the recent support from Washington for a draft resolution that directly tied a call for a ceasefire to the release of hostages held by Hamas; contrasting it with the current resolution’s more ambiguous stance.

Netanyahu expressed dismay over the resolution, stating, “Resolution 2728 gives Hamas hope that international pressure will force Israel to accept a ceasefire without the release of our hostages,” emphasizing the potential harm to both military operations and diplomatic efforts.

The U.N. resolution, aimed at halting the fighting until the end of Ramadan on April 9, garnered support from 14 nations, including veto holders China, Russia, the United Kingdom, and France. Notably, U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield abstained from the vote, effectively allowing the measure to pass.

Ambassador Gilad Erdan, Permanent Representative of Israel to the UN, addresses the Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East. Photo Credit: news.un.org

The resolution, while calling for the “immediate and unconditional release of all hostages,” has left room for interpretation regarding its connection to the ceasefire demand. This aspect of the resolution has drawn significant scrutiny from Israeli officials.

Likud Party lawmaker Danny Danon, who served as ambassador to the United Nations between 2015 and 2020, echoed Netanyahu’s sentiments. According to the JNS report on Monday, Danon likened the situation to the U.N. Security Council’s 2016 vote, during which the Obama administration chose to abstain instead of exercising its veto power. That resolution, known as UNSC resolution 2334, condemned Israeli construction beyond the 1967 lines.

Danon also cautioned against the implications of allowing the resolution to pass, stating, “One cannot ignore the fact that allowing this resolution to pass is a change in policy; our colleagues in Washington are aware of it. This isn’t only about the language, which is problematic. This is a slippery slope for more resolutions to pass.”

Richard Goldberg, a senior adviser at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, weighed in on the resolution, emphasizing its shortcomings.  The JNS report indicated that Goldberg pointed out that while the resolution demands both a ceasefire and the release of hostages, it fails to establish a direct link between the two. This observation underscores the concerns raised by Israeli officials regarding the resolution’s efficacy in addressing the ongoing conflict.

Goldberg further highlighted what he perceived as a significant policy shift on the part of the United States. He noted that the decision to abstain from the vote represented a departure from the administration’s previous stance, despite assertions from the White House to the contrary.

According to Goldberg, the recent proposal by the Americans for a draft resolution that explicitly tied the ceasefire to the release of hostages underscores the inconsistency in the U.S. approach. According to the information provided in the JNS report, he noted, “Just last Friday, the Americans proposed a draft that called for a ceasefire in connection with the release of hostages. Three days later, the standard is merely that you talk about a ceasefire and the release of hostages in the same general location [of the text], not that the two must go hand in hand.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed dismay over the resolution, stating, “Resolution 2728 gives Hamas hope that international pressure will force Israel to accept a ceasefire without the release of our hostages,” emphasizing the potential harm to both military operations and diplomatic efforts. Photo Credit: AP

Furthermore, the Goldberg added, “The United States makes itself look weaker on the world stage by abstaining on the resolution backed by China and Russia…The more Washington projects distance from a close ally, the more America’s adversaries take note and get emboldened,” as was noted in the JNS report. This sentiment reflects concerns over the broader implications of the U.S. abstention in terms of global perceptions of American strength and resolve.

In response to the developments at the United Nations, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office took decisive action, canceling the departure of a high-level delegation scheduled to fly to Washington, the JNS report said. This decision reflects the seriousness with which Israeli officials regard the implications of the U.S. abstention for ongoing diplomatic relations.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who arrived in the U.S. capital on Monday, emphasized the moral imperative of continuing military efforts in Gaza as long as hostages remained in captivity. JNS reported that he also warned of the potential consequences of failing to achieve a decisive victory, cautioning that it could escalate tensions and lead to further conflict with Iranian proxies in Lebanon.

Minister-without-Portfolio and War Cabinet member Benny Gantz echoed Gallant’s sentiments, vowing to persist in military operations “until the hostages are returned and the terrorist threat is removed,” as was reported by JNS.

The leader of the National Unity Party in Israel dismissed the UNSC decision as “lacking operational significance” for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). While downplaying the resolution’s impact on military operations, he reiterated the determination to continue the fight against Hamas until all hostages are safely returned home.

Gantz urged Netanyahu to travel to the United States for direct dialogue with President Joe Biden and senior officials, the JNS report revealed. Emphasizing the importance of the special relationship between Israel and the United States, Gantz stressed the need for continued engagement, even in the face of challenges and disputes.

Foreign Minister Israel Katz took to Twitter to assert Israel’s stance, stating, “The State of Israel will not cease fire. We will destroy Hamas and will continue to fight until the return of all hostages to home.”

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich echoed similar sentiments, pledging to continue fighting in Gaza until the Iranian-backed Hamas terror group is completely destroyed and all hostages are returned. As was pointed out in the JNS report, he too criticized the U.S. decision not to impose a veto in the Security Council, arguing that it plays into Hamas’s hands and undermines efforts to stabilize the region.

Israel’s Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, expressed disdain for the UNSC’s decision, using the Hebrew expression “Um-Shmum” to convey his utter disgust for the bias against Israel, according to the JNS report. The term “Um-Shmum” was first coined by Israel’s very first prime minister, the late David Ben Gurion. His tweet reflects the frustration felt by many Israeli officials towards the patently unfair treatment of Israel by international bodies.

Amichai Chikli, Minister of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Anti-Semitism, condemned the UNSC resolution, accusing the body of having lost its moral compass. He highlighted what he referred to as “Hamas rapists and child murderers,” underscoring the gravity of the situation and the need to address anti-Semitism at the international level.

Richard Goldberg, a senior adviser at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies pointed out that while the resolution demands both a ceasefire and the release of hostages, it fails to establish a direct link between the two. Credit: YouTube.com

In a poignant address, an unnamed official directed a rhetorical question at those in leadership positions, questioning their commitment to the victims and hostages of the conflict, as was noted in the JNS report.  “You claimed to stand with the victims when their blood was flowing; you claimed to stand with the hostages when their cries still echoed; are you deserting them now?”

Meanwhile, Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid of the Yesh Atid party directed his criticism primarily at Netanyahu, accusing him of fabricating unnecessary clashes with the Biden administration for political gain. JNS reported that Lapid described Netanyahu’s actions as “alarming irresponsibility,” suggesting that they risked damaging diplomatic relations without serving Israel’s interests. However, Lapid also noted that the recent Security Council decision held little practical importance for Israel, signaling a nuanced perspective on the broader implications of the resolution.

Despite political divisions, recent surveys suggest that even Israelis who do not support Netanyahu’s leadership continue to back some of his key war policies. This includes opposition to the two-state solution and a steadfast insistence on defeating Hamas battalions in Rafah, as was detailed in the JNS report.

In the diplomatic arena, Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant held separate meetings with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan in Washington, D.C., to discuss Israel’s ongoing military operations against Hamas on Monday, the JNS report said.  Gallant reiterated Israel’s commitment to continuing operations in Gaza until all hostages are returned, emphasizing the need for a decisive victory to bring an end to the conflict.

In response, the U.S. State Department reaffirmed its support for defeating Hamas, including in Rafah. However, there was opposition expressed to a major ground operation in the city, with Secretary Blinken advocating for alternatives that would ensure Israel’s security while minimizing harm to Palestinian civilians. Additionally, the JNS report indicated that discussions centered on the urgent need to provide humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza to address their immediate needs amidst the ongoing conflict.

Gallant’s meeting with White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan delved into crucial topics, including securing the release of hostages held in Gaza and dismantling Hamas’s military infrastructure. JNS reported that the meeting, which lasted over an hour and was held in private, underscored the gravity of the situation and the importance of close coordination between the two allies.

“The outcomes of this war will shape the region for years to come,” remarked Gallant, highlighting the significance of the conflict not only for Israel but for the broader Middle East, according to the information in the JNS report. He emphasized that the resolution of the conflict would send a signal to common enemies shared by both Israel and the United States.

Sullivan echoed these sentiments, expressing satisfaction with the constructive nature of the discussion. He tweeted, “I was pleased to welcome Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant to the White House today. We had a constructive discussion on how best to ensure Hamas’ lasting defeat in Gaza,  JNS reported. Sullivan reaffirmed President Biden’s unwavering support for Israel’s security and defense against all threats, including Iran, while also acknowledging the need to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Gallant’s visit to Washington also included a scheduled meeting with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, further highlighting the depth of engagement between Israeli and American defense officials. As was noted in the JNS report, Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, Pentagon press secretary, outlined the expected focus of the conversation, stating, “Addressing the threat of Hamas, while also taking into account civilian safety,” as a key priority.

Meanwhile, Hamas reiterated its demands for a “permanent ceasefire,” despite earlier praise for the passing of a temporary ceasefire resolution by the U.N. Security Council. The terrorist group accused Netanyahu and his government of obstructing negotiation efforts and thwarting the possibility of reaching an agreement.

Despite the deadlock in negotiations, interlocutors from the United States, Egypt, Israel, and Qatar have been actively engaged in shuttle diplomacy, seeking to broker a ceasefire agreement that would see the release of remaining hostages held by the Hamas terrorists in Gaza, JNS reported. This comes in the wake of the October 7th massacre in the northwestern Negev, where 253 hostages were captured by Hamas and over 1,200 people, mostly Israeli civilians, were brutally slaughtered by the Iranian-backed terror group,

Recent developments have seen Israeli delegations, led by Mossad chief David Barnea, engaging in talks in the Qatari capital. Reports suggest that Israel may have softened its stance on critical components of a potential deal, awaiting a response from Hamas’s leadership in Gaza, according to the information contained in the JNS report.  While the main delegation returned to Israel over the weekend, a small group of Mossad officials remains in Doha for ongoing negotiations.

Responding to the resolution,  Hamas expressed a willingness “to engage in an immediate prisoner exchange process that leads to the release of prisoners on both sides.” Additionally, the group articulated its hope for “a permanent ceasefire that leads to the withdrawal of all Zionist forces from the Gaza Strip and the return of the displaced [Palestinians] to the homes from which they left.”

Netanyahu on Monday canceled a high-level delegation’s planned visit to Washington after the Biden administration failed to veto the resolution.

Following Monday’s vote, Jerusalem announced that “in light of the change in the American position, Prime Minister Netanyahu decided that the delegation will not depart.”

Netanyahu said that the changed U.S. position “hurts the war effort and the effort to release the hostages” by giving the Hamas terrorist organization hope that international pressure will bring about a ceasefire without freeing the captives, the JNS report said.

The prime minister on Tuesday responded to the Hamas terrorists rejection of the latest proposal, saying that the terror group’s “position clearly proves that the terrorists are not interested in continuing negotiations for a deal, and is an unfortunate testimony to the damage of the Security Council’s decision,” according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.

“Hamas once again rejected any American compromise proposal and repeated its extreme demands: an immediate end to the war, a complete withdrawal of the IDF from the Gaza Strip and remaining in power so that it could repeat the massacre of October 7 again and again, as it had promised to do,” the premier continued.

In news from the battlefield in Gaza, JNS reported on Sunday that Israeli forces arrested 480 Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorists as part of the battle at the Shifa Hospital compound in Gaza City that has gone on for almost a week, the Israel Defense Forces said.

In addition, troops located weapons and terrorist infrastructure in the medical facility.

Meanwhile, Hamas announced the death of Yagev Buchshtab, 34, who was abducted from Kibbutz Nirim on Oct. 7 along with his wife, the JNS report said. Rimon Kirsht Buchshtab, 36, was released on Nov. 28 as part of a deal brokered by Qatar and the United States.

The terrorist group said on its Telegram channel that he died “as a result of a lack of medicine and food.”

Meanwhile, the IDF on Sunday announced the death of Staff Sgt. Lior Raviv, 21, from Rishon Lezion, who was killed in action in the northern Gaza Strip. His death raises the total number of soldiers killed in action since the start of the Gaza ground invasion on Oct. 27 to 252, with 596 on all fronts since the start of the war on Oct. 7.

(Additional reporting by: Fern Sidman)