Page 775 – Toward Freedom

Prejudice and Provocation at Budapest’s Gay Pride Parade

John Horvath July 15, 2008 John Horvath

At Budapest's Gay Pride Parade

For a second year running, the Budapest July 5th gay pride parade was marred by violence as protesters against the parade threw eggs, tomatoes, and even bottles at participants. This happened in spite of a heavy police presence; there were about two police officers for each parade participant. Protesters then clashed with police pelting them with rocks and even Molotov cocktails. The police, in turn, responded with water cannon and tear gas.

The Bipartisan Road to War in Iran and The Activist Response

Jeff Nall July 14, 2008 Jeff Nall

More than 100 House Democrats have joined 117 House Republicans in co-sponsoring a bill which peace activists fear may further pave the road to war with Iran. The Bill, House Concurrent Resolution 362, describes Iran as a threat to international peace, stability in the Middle East, and US National Security. Introduced on May 22 by New York Democrat Gary Ackerman, the bill calls for an affective blockade against Iran, which, according to international law, is an act of aggression.

India: Gay Pride Parade Mobilizes Against Discrimination

Sammy Loren July 10, 2008 Sammy Loren

Rainbow Pride Parade

As the locals of Calcutta, India began relaxing over tea on a humid Sunday afternoon, supporters of the city's sexual minorities, including lesbians, bisexuals, gays, transgender, Hijras (eunuchs), and heterosexuals took to the streets for a Rainbow Pride Parade. Much of India is still deeply conservative. Indeed, homosexuality in the Indian subcontinent is illegal.

Inside Africa’s PlayStation War

John Lasker July 8, 2008 John Lasker

Children Mining Coltan in Congo

In the rugged volcanic mountains of the Congo the conflict known as Africa's World War continues to smolder after ten grueling years. The conflict earned its name because at the height of the war eight African nations and over 25 militias were in the combatant mix. But more recently the conflict was given another name: The PlayStation War. The name came about because of a black metallic ore called coltan, which is used to make cell phones, laptops and other electronics made by SONY. Extensive evidence shows that during the war hundreds of millions of dollars worth of coltan was stolen from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Israeli-Hamas Truce: Bold Steps for Gaza

Rene Wadlow July 7, 2008 Rene Wadlow

The truce between the Israeli government and the Hamas-led authorities of the Gaza strip began on June 19. There are many in Israel, in Gaza, and in the Fatah-led West Bank who believe that the truce will be short lived and will not change the deep divisions among Palestinians and between Palestinians and Israelis. The truce is fragile in an area where only a few sparks are needed to start a blaze.

Call for Solidarity with Counter-G8 Protesters in Japan

No! G8 Legal Team July 7, 2008 No! G8 Legal Team

Activists and organizers are asking local groups and individuals to call, e-mail, visit and protest at Japanese embassies over the unjust arrests, detentions, deportations, and repression occurring around counter-G8 mobilization in Japan. Japanese police continue to escalate repression against protesters of the Group of 8 Summit. This is part of a growing trend of the suppression of human rights in Japan.