US commemorates the victims of Easter Sunday bombings

by Viruben
Apr 21, 2020

US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, and US Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Alaina B. Teplitz, issued statements commemorating the loss of over 250 people who were killed during the Easter Sunday bombings.

The attacks on the 21 April 2019, targeted Christian churches and tourist hotels on Easter Sunday, killed over 250 people. The attack was claimed by ISIS.

In Mike Pompeo’s statement, he maintained the importance of “respecting civil liberties” in counter-terrorism responses as well as reaffirming accountability for these attacks.

Concerns over civil liberties in Sri Lanka have been raised by a number of human rights organisations such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International. This concern has been raised during the coronavirus as Sri Lanka’s security forces have arrested several people for spreading false information. Security forces have also local councillors providing voluntary relief packages to vulnerable villagers. As of writing over 16 people have been arrested. 

Pompeo’s statement maintains the importance of mutual respect, freedom of religion and respect civil liberties. Alaina B. Teplitz, statement similarly maintained the importance of paying respect to different religious and ethnic groups in Sri Lanka. Teplitz’s statement draws particular focus on doctors, first-responders and community and faith leaders for their role in supporting communities during the crisis.

Read Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo’s statement here.

Read Ambassador Teplitz’s statement here.

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This demonstration, which culminated in a rally and speeches in Punchbowl, highlighted the plight of refugees denied permanent visas for over 12 years. Speakers at the event shed light on the profound impact of the current system, including barriers to higher education, employment, and access to essential services.

The protest has now entered its 100th day, with Tamil asylum seekers and their supporters continuing their relentless demand for permanent protection. For 38 days, they camped outside Australia’s Minister for Home Affairs, Tony Burke’s office in Sydney, calling on the government to end the visa limbo that has left many without basic rights and stability. Tamil asylum seekers have been in Australia for over a decade, living on short-term visas that must be renewed regularly. Without permanent residency, they are excluded from Medicare—Australia’s universal health insurance scheme—and are denied the right to work, study, travel, or access essential services. Many are also required to report to visa offices weekly.

The crisis is compounded by the controversial 'Fast Track' system introduced in 2014 by the Abbott government. According to the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, this system has resulted in the rejection of around 8,500 asylum seekers' cases. It specifically targets individuals who sought asylum by sea and arrived in Australia between August 13, 2012, and December 31, 2013. Tamil asylum seekers, stuck in visa limbo for years, have launched protests nationwide, with 24-hour encampments in Melbourne, Perth, and Brisbane.

Amaran - Problematic propaganda

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The genre of war epic makes its grand re-entry to Tamil cinema with director Rajkumar Periasamy’s sophomore feature film, ‘Amaran.’ As is often the case with this genre, one cannot help but feel the events of the ‘true story’ onscreen have been heavily modified for easy consumption.

 

 

 

The patriotic military films of Tamil cinema had taken a back seat for a while. The subject matter is now seldom a prominent theme of a film, instead lurking in the shadows peeking through such as via the heroes in the works of Nelson Dilipkumar. The genre of war epic makes its grand re-entry to Tamil cinema with director Rajkumar Periasamy’s sophomore feature film, ‘Amaran.’ As is often the case with this genre, one cannot help but feel the events of the ‘true story’ onscreen have been heavily modified for easy consumption.

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Krishna's rating: 2.5 stars

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Official trailer for film below.

UN Special Committee finds Israel warfare methods in Gaza consistent with Genocide

un_spcial

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(b) Leverage their influence to ensure Israel ceases its policies and practices negatively affecting the human rights of the Palestinian people and other Arabs of the occupied territories;  

(c) Halt all offensive arms transfers, including weapons, explosives, guns and/or ammunition, to Israel;

(d) Hold nationals, including those with dual Israeli citizenship, involved in settler violence or violations in Gaza, accountable for violations of international law;  

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Read more here

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