new authoritarianism

Undercover Mail journalist arrested as police raid Take Back Power non-violence training event

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https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/undercover-mail-journalist-arrested-police-raid-take-back-power-non-violence-training-event

 Take Back Power protesters outside Parliament, February 2026 [Pic: Will Colebourne]

AN UNDERCOVER Daily Mail journalist was among seven people arrested at a non-violent training event organised by Take Back Power, the activist group revealed today.

Dozens of officers arrived at Millman Street Community Centre in London at around 12.30pm on Saturday.

Scotland Yard said the event was part of “plans for mass shoplifting and the unlawful occupation of shops” and seven people were held on suspicion of conspiracy to commit theft before being released on bail.

Police also raided the home of a Take Back Power supporter at 3.20pm. The 25-year-old handed himself in after finding out there was a warrant for his arrest. Police, however, raided his home again at 2am today, said the activists.

Take Back Power activists threw apple crumble and custard at the Crown Jewels in December.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner James Harman said: “There is a clear difference between lawful protest and criminal acts.”

https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/undercover-mail-journalist-arrested-police-raid-take-back-power-non-violence-training-event

dizzy: Difficulties are encountered trying to select a part of this article since it’s so short. Looks like the statement “There is a clear difference between lawful protest and criminal acts.” is unfinished … and that there are exceptions. There is something to be said here about applying laws unequally. [ed 9.25 harshly, severely, hastily …]

Continue ReadingUndercover Mail journalist arrested as police raid Take Back Power non-violence training event

Iran is seeking to end war ‘with dignity,’ says President Pezeshkian

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Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian delivers a speech during an inspection visit to the Ministry of Sports and Youth in Tehran, Iran on April 19, 2026. [Iranian Presidency – Anadolu Agency]

Iran is seeking to end the war with the US and Iran “with dignity,” the country’s President Masoud Pezeshkian said Sunday, arguing that US President Donald Trump has no right to deprive Tehran of its nuclear rights, Anadolu reports.

“Trump says Iran should not use its nuclear rights, but does not explain what crime Iran has committed,” Pezeshkian said during a visit to Iran’s Sports and Youth Ministry, the ISNA news agency reported.

He also called for the nation to stand “firm against a bloodthirsty and brutal enemy.”

Iran must manage the current atmosphere in a way that “does not portray us as war-mongers” as “we are defending ourselves,” he added.

“Our girls in Australia have delivered a strong blow to the enemy. Those two dear girls who were misled by the enemies are always welcome back whenever they return; our arms are open to them,” Pezeshkian added, referring to the Australian Women Football Team’s performance at last month’s Asian Cup, as well as two of its players who sought asylum.

On Feb. 28, the U.S. and Israel launched a joint offensive on Iran, and Tehran retaliated with strikes on Israel and other regional countries hosting U.S. assets.

The war has been on hold since April 8, when Pakistan mediated a two-week ceasefire.

Washington and Tehran held talks in Pakistan last weekend towards a lasting peace, and efforts for another session in Islamabad are underway.

US military prepares to board Iran-linked ships in coming days: Report

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Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Straight of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don't need people to join wars after they've already won. He's challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Straight of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don’t need people to join wars after they’ve already won. He’s challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel's genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism "without qualification". Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism “without qualification”. Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Donald Trump sings and dances, says that it's fun to kill everyone ...
Donald Trump sings and dances, says that it’s fun to kill everyone …

Continue ReadingIran is seeking to end war ‘with dignity,’ says President Pezeshkian

Brazil urges UN Security Council to end ‘war madness’

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Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva deliver a joint statement during their appearance before the media following bilateral meetings held as part of the Spanish-Brazilian summit on April 17, 2026, in Barcelona, Spain. [Lorena Sopena Lopez – Anadolu Agency]

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Saturday called on the UN Security Council to halt what he described as “war madness,” urging world powers to take immediate action to end ongoing conflicts, particularly in the Middle East, Anadolu reports.

Speaking at an event in Barcelona, Spain, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva addressed the five permanent members of the Security Council – the US, China, Russia, France, and the UK – calling on them to fulfill their responsibility to maintain global peace.

“Fulfill your obligations to guarantee peace in the world, hold a meeting, and put an end to this war madness, because the world can no longer bear it,” Lula said.

He also cited a 2010 diplomatic initiative involving Brazil, India, and Türkiye aimed at limiting Iran’s uranium enrichment program.

“When we published the agreement, I imagined they would praise us because Iran would not enrich uranium. What happened?

“The EU and the US did not accept the agreement, and now they are again spreading the idea that Iran is building an atomic bomb,” he said, referring to one of US President Donald Trump’s justifications for the war on Iran launched with Israel on Feb. 28.

READ: Iran is seeking to end war ‘with dignity,’ says President Pezeshkian

This work by Middle East Monitor is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. 

Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Straight of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don't need people to join wars after they've already won. He's challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Straight of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don’t need people to join wars after they’ve already won. He’s challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel's genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism "without qualification". Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism “without qualification”. Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Donald Trump sings and dances, says that it's fun to kill everyone ...
Donald Trump sings and dances, says that it’s fun to kill everyone …

Continue ReadingBrazil urges UN Security Council to end ‘war madness’

Israel preparing to strike energy facilities if Iran truce collapses: Report

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Hundreds of pro-Iranian demonstrators take streets to protest against Israeli-US attacks on Iran and Middle East, in San Francisco, California, United States on April 8, 2026. [Tayfun Coşkun – Anadolu Agency]

Israel, along with its ally the US, is preparing for a possible collapse of the ceasefire with Iran, with energy facilities could be potential targets, local media reported on Sunday, Anadolu reports.

“There is close coordination between the two sides, and if fighting resumes, the targets will also include Iranian energy facilities,” the Israeli newspaper Maariv said, citing a senior unnamed Israeli military official.

“Iran insists on its previous position regarding its right to uranium enrichment, and there is no optimism among mediators” in talks between Washington and Tehran, the report claimed.

On Feb. 28, the US and Israel launched a joint offensive on Iran, killing more than 3,300 people. Tehran retaliated with strikes on Israel and other regional countries hosting US assets.

The war was brought to a halt on April 8 under a two-week ceasefire mediated by Pakistan.

Washington and Tehran held rare direct talks in Pakistan last weekend, but the talks ended without any agreement. Mediators are seeking to hold another round of discussions in Islamabad.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said Sunday that major differences remain between Tehran and Washington despite progress in negotiations.

READ: Iran is seeking to end war ‘with dignity,’ says President Pezeshkian

This work by Middle East Monitor is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. 

Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Straight of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don't need people to join wars after they've already won. He's challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Straight of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don’t need people to join wars after they’ve already won. He’s challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel's genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism "without qualification". Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism “without qualification”. Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Donald Trump sings and dances, says that it's fun to kill everyone ...
Donald Trump sings and dances, says that it’s fun to kill everyone …

Continue ReadingIsrael preparing to strike energy facilities if Iran truce collapses: Report

Lebanese army reopens key routes disrupted by Israeli attacks

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Tens of thousands of displaced Lebanese have started returning to their homes after being forced to flee due to Israeli strikes, following the implementation of a 10-day temporary ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon announced by U.S. President Donald Trump in April 18, 2026. [Elif Öztürk – Anadolu Agency]

Following damage caused by weeks of Israeli strikes, the Lebanese army said its specialized units have fully reopened the Khardali–Nabatieh road in southern Lebanon and partially restored access to the Burj Rahal–Tyre bridge, Anadolu reports.

Restoration work on the Tayr Falsah–Tyre bridge is also ongoing in coordination with the National Litani River Authority, the army said in a statement carried by Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency.

It added that efforts to reopen roads, dismantle barriers, and uphold internal security are continuing.

Since March 2, Israel has waged an offensive on Lebanon that has killed some 2,300 people, wounded over 7,500, and displaced over 1 million, according to the latest official figures from Lebanon.

A 10-day temporary ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon that took effect last Thursday has been followed by reported violations.

READ: Protesters in Swedish capital condemn Israel’s West Bank annexation plans, strikes on Lebanon

This work by Middle East Monitor is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. 

Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Straight of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don't need people to join wars after they've already won. He's challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Straight of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don’t need people to join wars after they’ve already won. He’s challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel's genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism "without qualification". Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism “without qualification”. Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Donald Trump sings and dances, says that it's fun to kill everyone ...
Donald Trump sings and dances, says that it’s fun to kill everyone …

Continue ReadingLebanese army reopens key routes disrupted by Israeli attacks