Teachers press school safety in wake of Denver shooting

By COLLEEN SLEVIN, JESSE BEDAYN and THOMAS PEIPERT

1 of 15
Students and parents from schools across Colorado take part in a rally, Friday, March 24, 2023, outside the State Capitol in Denver, calling for state lawmakers to consider gun control measures during the current legislative session. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

DENVER (AP) — Colorado teachers flooded into the state Capitol Friday to press for better protections for students and school staff after a 17-year-old Denver student shot two administrators, fled to the mountains and killed himself.

Roughly 1,500 teachers and their supporters called for improved school security, more mental health support and tighter gun control measures, adding to pressure on lawmakers a day after students and parents converged at the Capitol to make similar demands.

School shootings are becoming increasingly frequent in the U.S., and teachers at the rally voiced the fears they feel during safety lockdowns that are now regular occurrences.

They also raised questions about the circumstances surrounding Wednesday’s shooting at East High School, which came as the boy was being patted down for weapons, a daily requirement because of his behavioral issues including a pending firearm charge, according to school officials.

Some East High School teachers at Friday’s rally said they did not know any students at the school were being regularly patted down until the shooting.

“I want to go into a building every day where I don’t need to ask if my kids are getting a pat down because I know nobody is bringing guns into the school,” said English teacher Josh Garfinkel.

Schools were canceled Friday in Denver in response to the shooting. Officials have said they’ll put armed officers into city high schools through the remainder of the school year, reversing a policy enacted just a few years ago in response to protests over racial injustice following the killing of George Floyd by police.

The teachers Friday gathered on the steps in front of the Colorado capitol for speeches and chants, then circled the building as some played brass instruments and drums before filing inside.

Elementary school teacher Raegan Haines said she’s had three lockdowns at her school this year. She said lawmakers need to make it harder to access guns.

“You think, what am I going to do with these kids? How can I keep these kids quiet? Who am I going to put my body in front and why do I have to make that choice?”

She added that when the teachers entered the Capitol, “we had to walk through metal detectors and everything is plated in gold. We don’t get that same sense of security at schools.”

Colorado Democrats hold majorities in both state chambers and have made gun control a priority.

Pending bills would expand who can petition to temporarily remove a firearm from someone who poses a danger, raise the minimum age to possess a firearm from 18 to 21, require three-day waiting periods after buying guns, and ban semi-automatic firearms.

The semi-automatics ban is unlikely to find traction. The fate of the others could fall to Colorado Gov. Jared Polis. He’s supported expanding red flag laws but not specifically endorsed raising the age to possess guns or the three-day waiting period.

Teachers said their students also face more mental health problems and not enough social workers or psychologists to help.

At East High School, about a half-dozen psychologists and social workers at East High must take care of 2,500 students, said Kristy Skarphol, a math teacher at the school. This year they’ve also been reaching out to teachers who might be struggling amid all the lockdowns.

“We’re just spread way too thin for what we need,” Skarphol said.

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Associated Press reporter Matthew Brown contributed from Billings, Montana.

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Bedayn is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.

Turkey elections: Pro-Kurdish HDP will not field presidential candidate

Move by left-wingers paves way for united front by opposition against Erdogan

CHP leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu (C), with HDP co-chairs Pervin Buldan (L) and Mithat Sancar (R) at a press conference after a meeting in the parliament in Ankara on 20 March 2023 (AFP)

By MEE staff
Published date: 22 March 2023 

Turkey's pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democracy Party (HDP), the third-largest party in parliament, announced on Wednesday it will not be putting forward a presidential candidate in the upcoming May elections, opening the way for a united opposition against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Party co-chair Pervin Buldan made the statement on behalf of the Labour and Freedom Alliance - which includes the HDP, the Turkish Workers Party (TIP) and other leftist parties - at a press conference in Ankara.

'We will fulfill our historical responsibility towards one-man rule in the presidential elections'

- HDP co-chair Pervin Buldan

“We will fulfill our historical responsibility towards one-man rule in the presidential elections," she said.

"We are determined to hold accountable those responsible for the great destruction from this government, which has maintained an administration based on poverty, corruption, plunder and rent, for the realisation of democracy, fundamental rights and freedoms, and social justice in the country."

Although she did not make it explicit in the press conference, it is widely assumed the HDP will throw its weight behind Kemal Kilicdaroglu, the Republican People's Party (CHP) leader who is the nominated candidate for the opposition National Alliance.

Kilicdaroglu met with the HDP leadership in the Turkish parliament building on Tuesday, the day before the announcement, during which he reportedly promised to remove restrictions on the Kurdish language and address other issues related to Turkey's largest minority.
Overcoming obstacles

The National Alliance had formally resisted allying with the HDP due to the Turkish nationalist sentiments of many of those involved, particularly the centre-right Iyi Party.

However, supporters of the HDP are widely seen as potential kingmakers in the election and Kilicdaroglu has made numerous appeals to Kurdish and left-wing voters.

Turkey: Leftist leader says Erdogan 'should be put on trial' for earthquake response

Read More »

A report by the independent Medyascope outlet on Wednesday indicated a surge in parliamentary candidate applications for the CHP, a party long associated with Turkish nationalism, in Kurdish-majority cities in Turkey.

The HDP has faced numerous obstacles in the run-up to the elections, which have been set by Erdogan for 14 May.

In March 2021, the chief public prosecutor of the Court of Cassation, Bekir Sahin, applied to the Constitutional Court for the HDP to be banned, citing its alleged links to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK).

The HDP has denied any PKK links and claims the closure case is an attempt by the government to shut down the party.

Dozens of HDP members and officials, including two former co-leaders, are currently in jail in Turkey.

On Wednesday, the Constitutional Court rejected the HDP's request to delay the outcome of the closure case until after the May election.

Morocco: Human rights activists and academics call for an end to normalization with Israel.

March 24, 2023\

A group of activists gather to protest in Rabat, Morocco 

[Abu Adem Muhammed - Anadolu Agency]

March 24, 2023 

Human rights activists, academics and community figures in Morocco yesterday called to stop the normalisation of Rabat with Israel and demanded to sever relations with it.

This comes at a time of increased military, economic and educational agreements linking Morocco and Israel, at a time when Israeli operations against the Palestinian people are escalating.

For several months now, the Israeli army has continued to carry out operations in the northern occupied West Bank, concentrating in the cities of Nablus and Jenin, under the pretext of pursuing wanted persons, resulting in the death, injury, and arrest of dozens of Palestinians.

The signatories of the statement condemned the "military occupation of Palestine" and demanded "to sever any relationship with the Israeli government and any relationship with the apartheid regime occupying Palestine."

"Such decisions will not only put Morocco on the side of justice and international legitimacy but will also respond to the deep aspirations of Moroccans and their historical attachment to the cause of the liberation of Palestine," they said.

The signatories pointed out that the demand to stop normalisation comes considering "the deteriorating situation of the Palestinian issue, positions calling for the extermination of Arabs and the demolition of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and the extremism of the Israeli government."

In February, Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita said his country's relationship with Israel "will not affect the relationship with the Palestinian people."

1st hijab-wearing judge join bench at US Court in New Jersey

As the first hijab-wearing judge on the bench, US attorney Nadia Kahf has been appointed to the New Jersey Superior Court, according to local media.

March 24, 2023

US attorney Nadia Kahf has been appointed to the New Jersey Superior Court, becoming the first hijab-wearing judge on the bench, local media reported.

Kahf, who is of Syrian origin, is a law and immigration attorney from the township of Wayne. She took the oath of office yesterday with her hand on a copy of the Quran, the Muslim holy book, according to local news website North Jersey.

She will serve as a Passaic County Superior Court judge after New Jersey's Governor Phil Murphy nominated her a year ago, according to local media.

Though Kahf is not the first Muslim woman to serve as a state judge, she is the first to wear a hijab on the bench.

Since 2003, she has sat on the board of the New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, a Muslim civil rights organisation where Kahf now serves as chairwoman.

She is also the legal adviser to Wafa House, a nonprofit domestic violence and social services agency based in the city of Clifton, and chairwoman of the Islamic Centre of Passaic County.

UK: London lights up for Ramadan for the first time ever

To celebrate the holy Islamic month of Ramadan, which is anticipated to begin on Wednesday depending on the sighting of the new moon, Central London's famous West End has been decked with lights for the first time

March 19, 2023


For the first time ever, Central London's iconic West End has been decorated to mark the holy Islamic month of Ramadan, which is expected to commence on Wednesday, pending sighting of the new moon.

London's Coventry Street, which connects two of the city's busiest squares – Piccadilly and Leicester Square has been illuminated with the message "Happy Ramadan" along with lights depicting crescent moons and stars and traditional lanterns known as fanoos which are commonly used to decorate streets across the Middle East for the fasting month, especially in Egypt where they are thought to have originated.

READ: Gaza readies for Ramadan

The West End is already a popular shopping and tourist destination and during Ramadan it isn't uncommon for surge in wealthy Gulf tourists during the fasting month, which has been referred to by the British media as the "Ramadan Rush". London also has the highest concentration of Muslims, with 15 per cent of Londoners describing themselves as Muslim.

The historic decorations come days after the Royal Mint, the UK's oldest company and official maker of coins announced that it had issued a gold-minted bullion, depicting the Kaaba in Islam's holiest site in Makkah.

Algeria's gas vs. rightwing ideology: Will Italy change its position on Jerusalem?

March 19, 2023 

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (R) welcomes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (L) with a ceremony at Chigi Palace in Rome, Italy on March 10, 2023. 

[Israeli Gov't Press Office (GPO) -


Dr Ramzy Baroud
March 19, 2023

When Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu left Tel Aviv for Rome on 9 March, he was flown to Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv by a helicopter because anti-government protesters blocked all the roads around it.

Netanyahu's visit was not met with much enthusiasm in Italy, either. A sit-in was organised by pro-Palestine activists in downtown Rome under the slogan, 'Non sei il benvenuto' – 'You Are Not Welcome'. An Italian translator, Olga Dalia Padoa, also refused to translate his speech at a Rome synagogue, which was scheduled for 9 March.

Even Noemi Di Segni, President of the Union of Italian Jewish Communities, though unsurprisingly reiterating her love and support for Israel, expressed her concern for Israeli state institutions.

Back in Tel Aviv, Netanyahu's trip to Italy was slammed by Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid as "a wasteful and unnecessary weekend on the country's dime." But Netanyahu's trip to Italy had other goals, aside from spending a weekend in Rome or distracting from the ongoing protests in Israel.

In an interview with the Italian newspaper La Repubblica, published on 9 March, the Israeli prime minister explained the lofty objectives behind his trip to Italy. "I would like to see more economic cooperation," he said. "We have natural gas: we have plenty of it and I would like to talk about how to bring it to Italy to support its economic growth."

In recent weeks, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has shuttled between several countries in search of lucrative gas contracts. Not only does Meloni want to secure her country's need for energy following the Russia-Ukraine crisis, but she wants Rome to be a major European hub for gas imports and exports. Israel knows this, and is particularly wary that Italy's major gas deals in Algeria on 23 January could undermine Israel's economic and political position in Italy, as Algeria continues to serve as a bulwark of Palestinian solidarity throughout the Middle East and Africa.

READ: Hamas urges Algeria to adopt Palestinian prisoners' issue

Netanyahu had other issues on his mind, aside from gas. "On the strategic front, we will discuss Iran. We must prevent it from going nuclear because its missiles could reach many countries, including Europe, and no one wants to be taken hostage by a fundamentalist regime with a nuclear weapon," Netanyahu said with the usual fear-mongering and stereotypical language pertaining to his enemies in the Middle East.

Netanyahu has two main demands from Italy: not to vote against Israel at the United Nations and, more importantly, to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Though East Jerusalem is recognised by the international community as an occupied Palestinian city, Netanyahu wants Rome to change its position, which is consistent with international law, based on the flimsy logic of the "strong and ancient tradition between Rome and Jerusalem."

Using the same logic, that of natural resources and arms exports in exchange for political allegiance to Israel at the UN, Netanyahu has achieved much success in normalising ties between his country and many African nations. Now, he is applying the same modus operandi to Italy, a European power and the world's ninth-largest economy.

Whether this strategy is an outcome of the growing subservience of Europe to Washington and Tel Aviv, or Netanyahu's own failure to appreciate the changing geopolitical dynamics around the world, is a different matter. But what is clear is that Netanyahu has perceived Italy as a country in desperate need of Israeli help. During the meeting with Meloni, Netanyahu promised to make Italy a gas hub for Europe and help Rome solve its water issues, while Meloni, for her part, reiterated that "Israel is a fundamental partner in the Middle East and at a global level."

The most enthusiastic response to Netanyahu's visit, however, came from far-right Italian Minister of Infrastructure, Matteo Salvini, who strongly backed the Israeli call to recognise Jerusalem as its capital "in the name of peace, history and truth." This response, although inconsistent with Italian foreign policy, was hardly a surprise. The leader of the La Lega Party has often been criticised for his racist language in the past. Salvini, however, was 'reformed' in recent years, especially following a visit to Israel in 2018, where he declared his love for Israel and criticism of Palestinians. It was then that Salvini began rising in the mainstream, as opposed to regional, Italian politics.

OPINION: Palestinians are not liars: confronting the violence of media delegitimisation

But this is not Salvni's position alone. The Italian government welcomed Netanyahu's visit without making a single criticism of his far-right government's extremist policies carried out in Occupied Palestine. While this position is in line with Italian foreign policy, it is hardly surprising from an ideological point of view, as well.

Although Italian politics, in the past, showed great solidarity with the Palestinian people's struggle for liberation and right of self-determination – thanks to the revolutionary forces that had a tremendous impact on shaping the Italian political discourse during World War II and the country's subsequent liberation from fascism – that position shifted throughout the years. As Italy's own politics itself reared towards the Right, its foreign policy agenda in Palestine and Israel completely moved towards a pro-Israel stance. Those now perceived to be pro-Palestine in the Italian government are a few and are often branded as radical politicians.

However, despite the official pro-Israel discourse in Italy, things for Netanyahu are not as easy as they may appear, especially when it comes to recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

Indeed, Meloni did not express an outright commitment to the Israeli demand. To the contrary, in an interview with Reuters last August, even before becoming Italy's prime minister, Meloni seemed cautious, merely stating that this is "a diplomatic matter and should be evaluated together with the foreign ministry".

There is a reason behind Meloni's hesitation. Italy's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital would place Rome outside the consensus of international law. In an open letter to Meloni, United Nations Special Rapporteur, Francesca Albanese, reminded the Italian government that the recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital would constitute a stark violation of international law.

Italy's foreign policy is also accountable to the collective policies of the European Union, of which Rome is an integral member. The EU supports the UN's position that East Jerusalem is an occupied Palestinian city and that Israel's annexation of the city in 1980 is illegal.

Moreover, Italy's recent landmark deal with Algeria's state-owned gas company, Sonatrach, in January, makes it particularly difficult for Rome to take an extreme position in support of Israel. The delicate geopolitical balances resulting from the gas crisis, itself a direct outcome of the Russia-Ukraine war, make any shifts in Italian foreign policy on Palestine and Israel akin to an act of self-harm.

OPINION: The 'principal threat': Time to talk about the Palestinian class struggle

For Italy, at least for now, Arab gas is far more important than anything that Netanyahu could possibly offer. The new Rome-Algiers deal would grant Italy 9bn cubic meters of gas, in addition to the gas supply already flowing through the TransMed pipeline, 'BNE Intellinews' reported. This vital infrastructure connects Algeria to Italy via Sicily which, in turn, flows through pipelines under the Mediterranean Sea. "The expansion of these vital routes has already been planned, aiming to augment the current capacity of 33.5 bcm per year," the business news website added.

Meloni, although a far-right politician with no particular affinity or respect for established international norms, understands that economic interests trump ideology. "Today Algeria is our first gas supplier," Meloni said in a press conference in Algiers after signing the agreement. The deal, she said, would supply the country with "an energy mix that could shield Italy from the ongoing energy crisis."

Such a fact would make it impossible for Italy to deviate, at least for now, from its current position regarding Jerusalem, and the illegality of the Israeli occupation of Palestine. While Israel would find it difficult to persuade Italy to change its position, Algeria, Tunisia and other Arab countries might finally find an opening to dissuade Italy from its blind support of Israel.

Israel’s Netanyahu heckled by hundreds of protesters during London visit

Women's rights activists protest during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Britain, London, March 24, 2023. 

© Toby Melville, Reuters

Issued on: 24/03/2023 - 
Text by: NEWS WIRES

Hundreds of protesters rallied Friday outside Downing Street in central London to heckle the arrival of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a meeting with his British counterpart Rishi Sunak.

Netanyahu has faced weeks of escalating protests in Israel over his government’s judicial reform programme, which would increase politicians’ power over the courts and critics argue is a threat to democracy.

Demonstrators in the UK capital, many holding Israeli flags and placards critical of the country’s veteran leader, shouted “shame” in Hebrew as he greeted Sunak at the door of 10 Downing Street.

They erected the letters of the word “democracy” on Whitehall opposite the entrance to the gated street, while wielding signs accusing Netanyahu of dragging Israel towards “dictatorship”.

“It’s important to be here because maybe at some point they won’t have the right to protest in Israel,” Dana Drori, a mother-of-two in her 30s, told AFP at the protest, alongside her young daughters.

“It’s anger, it’s sadness,” she said of her emotions. “It’s just hard to believe it’s becoming a dictatorship.”

In a televised address hours before departing for London, Netanyahu pledged to restore unity within his increasingly fractured country, but gave little away about how he would do that while still pursuing the reforms.
‘Strategic ties’

Some of Israel’s allies abroad, including the leaders in the United States and Germany, have raised concerns about the controversial overhaul.

However, Sunak and his ministers have not commented on it.

The UK government released few details about the two-day visit, but Netanyahu’s office said in a statement his meeting with the British leader will “focus on the Iranian issue”.

The pair will discuss “the need to formulate a united international front against Iran in order to stop its nuclear program”, it added.

They are also expected to talk about strengthening bilateral “strategic ties” as well as issues including the war in Ukraine and developments in the Middle East, the statement noted.

Netanyahu is also set to meet hardline interior minister Suella Braverman—who has herself faced stinging criticism over contentious UK plans to deter asylum-seekers—to discuss countering global terrorism.

Further protests by pro-Palestinian groups are expected in central London later Friday, with some Palestinians attending the morning rally.

“As Palestinians from the diaspora we see ourselves at the front line of the fight for a free Palestine and when Netanyahu comes to visit in our backyard we have to protest it,” said one 24-year-old protester, who gave her name only as Yasmine.

(AFP)

Hundreds gather in London to protest Netanyahu's visit to the UK

Groups of people have gathered in the streets of London to protest Netanyahu’s visit to the UK

March 24, 2023 












Hundreds of people gathered outside Downing Street today in the British capital, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met his British counterpart Rishi Sunak.

The protest was called for by the Palestinian Forum in Britain (PFB), Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC), Stop the War Coalition, Friends of Al-Aqsa, Muslim Association of Britain (MAB).

Since the start of the year, 90 Palestinians – including 17 children and one woman – have been killed across the Occupied Palestinian Territories. With this year being one of the bloodiest for Palestinians in decades, state-sponsored terrorism – such as the recent pogrom in the Palestinian village of Huwara – symbolise a reality whereby thesecurity of Palestinians is increasingly coming under threat.

With Netanyahu at the helm of these developments, the PFB said it was "shocked that he is being welcomed with open arms to the United Kingdom. Netanyahu not only has a long history of human rights violations against Palestinians – including the expansion of illegal settlements in the West Bank, the bombing of Gaza, and the construction of a Separation Wall – but has also been singled out for criticism by Israelis themselves."

There have been calls for the UK to cancel Netanyahu's visit on the basis of his move towards growing authoritarianism and anti-Palestine racism.

"Amidst these developments, the UK – rather than welcome Netanyahu with open arms – should be issuing an arrest warrant for him for the war crimes he has committed against the Palestinian people." said Zaher Birawi, chairman of the PFB.

READ: Israelis and Jews protest against Netanyahu's visit to London

Israel Attorney-General accuses Netanyahu of breaking the law

March 24, 2023

 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends the weekly cabinet meeting at his office in Jerusalem, on March 19, 2023

 [ABIR SULTAN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images]

March 24, 2023 

Israel's Attorney-General, on Friday accused Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, of breaking the law by ignoring a conflict of interest over his ongoing trial for corruption and getting directly involved in his government's judicial overhaul plan, Reuters reports.

In the face of intensifying protests against the proposed changes, which its critics charge would weaken the Supreme Court, Netanyahu said on Thursday he was putting aside all other considerations and would do "anything it takes" to reach a solution.

The letter from Attorney-General, Gali Baharav-Miara, added to the headwinds facing the plans, which have caused a deep split in Israeli society, bringing tens of thousands of protesters to the streets, alarming the business establishment and opening cracks in the right-wing coalition itself.

Israel's Channel 12 reported that, following Netanyahu's speech, about 200 elite reservist air force pilots said they were suspending their service on Friday due to the planned legislation, escalating protests from within the military.

After media reports that Defence Minister, Yoav Gallant, would call for the plans to be halted on Thursday, Netanyahu summoned his Defence Chief who outlined the potential impact of the overhaul on the armed forces, where growing numbers of reservists have declared they will not serve.




Netanyahu and the judicial reform overhaul – Cartoon [Sabaaneh/Middle East Monitor]

However, Netanyahu, who is on trial on corruption charges that he denies, has pushed ahead, declaring in a televised address on Thursday that he would try to pass a central part of the package next week.

On Thursday, the Knesset amended a law to limit the circumstances in which a prime minister can be removed from office, but Baharav-Miara said Netanyahu had to stay out of the judicial overhaul package, which has been handled by Justice Minister, Yariv Levin.

"The legal situation is clear: you must refrain from any involvement in initiatives to change the judiciary," she wrote in the letter made public by the office of the Justice Ministry spokesperson. "Your statement last night and any action you take in violation of this matter is illegal."

The letter followed Baharav-Miara's earlier warnings that Netanyahu must stay out of his coalition's push for a judicial overhaul because of what she deemed a conflict of interest arising from his trials.

In a message distributed by the ruling Likud party, an unnamed source close to Netanyahu denied the Prime Minister violated any laws or conflict of interest agreements in his statement and said it had no repercussions on his trial.

READ: Netanyahu's coup over Israel's judiciary explained

The source said it was incumbent on the Premier to try to reach a wide consensus at a time of national crisis that carried implications for the country, both domestically and abroad.

Far-right National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, accused the Attorney-General, appointed by the former centre-right government, of acting as de facto head of the opposition.

"If Ms Baharav-Miara wants to make decisions on behalf of elected officials, she is welcome to form a party and run for Parliament," he wrote on Twitter.

Following the Attorney-General's letter, the watchdog group, Movement for Quality Government in Israel, said it would file a motion for contempt of the Court and demand that Netanyahu be subjected to sanctions as stipulated by law, including heavy fines and imprisonment.

Netanyahu's religious-nationalist coalition has been pursuing changes to the judiciary that would give the government sway in choosing judges and limit the Supreme Court's power to strike down laws.

Proponents say the plan would rein in Supreme Court overreach and restore balance between the branches of government. Critics say it would weaken the courts, endanger civil liberties and harm the economy.

The proposed plan has sparked weeks of nationwide demonstrations and drew concern among the country's Western allies.

The protests followed Netanyahu to London on Friday, where he met British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak.

Hundreds of people stood outside 10 Downing Street waving Israeli flags and banging drums. Some could be heard shouting "Netanyahu go to jail, you can't speak for Israel."

Broadcasters had expected to be able to film the start of the meeting between Sunak and Netanyahu, but that appeared to have been cancelled.

Israel's attorney general: Netanyahu's involvement in judicial overhaul is illegal

March 24, 2023

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem 

[MENAHEM KAHANA/POOL/AFP via Getty Images]

March 24, 2023 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu violated the law by saying he would get personally involved in a judicial overhaul plan, the attorney-general said today, Reuters reports.

In the face of intensifying protests against the proposed changes, Netanyahu said yesterday he was putting aside all other considerations and would do "anything it takes" to reach a solution.

Netanyahu, who is on trial on corruption charges which he denies, said his hands had been tied but a law amended yesterday to limit the circumstances in which a prime minister can be removed gave him more space for manoeuver.

However, Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara, in a letter addressed to Netanyahu, disagreed.

"The legal situation is clear: you must refrain from any involvement in initiatives to change the judiciary, including the makeup of the committee for the appointment of judges, as such activity is a conflict of interest."

READ: Thousands protest Netanyahus judicial overhaul proposal

"Your statement last night and any action you take in violation of this matter is illegal and tainted by a conflict of interest," Baharav-Miara said.

The letter followed Baharav-Miara's earlier warnings that Netanyahu must stay out of his coalition's push for a judicial overhaul because of what she deemed a conflict of interest arising from his trials.

In a message distributed by the ruling Likud party, an unnamed source close to Netanyahu denied the prime minister violated any laws or conflict of interest agreements in his statement and said it had no repercussions on his personal affairs.

The source said it was incumbent on the premier to try and reach a wide consensus during a time of national crisis that carried implications on the country both domestically and abroad.

Netanyahu's religious-nationalist coalition has been pursuing changes to the judiciary that would give the government sway in choosing judges and limit the Supreme Court's power to strike down laws.

Proponents say the plan would rein in Supreme Court overreach and restore balance between the branches of government. Critics say it would weaken the courts, endanger civil liberties and harm the economy.

The proposed plan has sparked weeks of nationwide protests and drew concern among the country's Western allies.

READ: Smotrich displayed brazen Israeli arrogance and exposed Palestinian weakness

Israel will not become Netanyahu's property: Lieberman

March 24, 2023

Israeli Former Finance Minister Avigdor Lieberman 

[MENAHEM KAHANA/AFP via Getty Images]

March 24, 2023 

Israel will not become the property of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's family, former finance minister, and the leader of the Yisrael Beiteinu Party, Avigdor Lieberman, said yesterday.

Lieberman was quoted by the local media as saying that his bloc would submit a petition to the Israeli Supreme Court to invalidate a new law passed yesterday which prevents the attorney general from declaring a prime minister unfit for office.

"We will not allow the State of Israel to become a Netanyahu monarchy," he reiterated.

The Israeli Knesset yesterday ratified the second and third readings of a bill by a majority of 61 members. The bill was proposed by the governing Likud coalition.

It also conditions an announcement about the Prime Minister's inability to perform their duties on the approval of at least 80 Knesset members.

Netanyahu is facing charges in three corruption cases and many believe he is putting in place laws which protect him from being removed from office or serving time as a result. He denies that there is any link between the cases against him and government moves for a judicial overhaul or to protect the status of the prime minister.

Palestine Teachers' Movement rejects government initiative to resolve crisis

March 23, 2023

Palestinian school teachers stand in front of their closed school during a protest, demanding their rights, in the city of Nablus in the occupied West Bank 

[Nasser Ishtayeh/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images]

March 23, 2023

The Unified Teachers Movement in the West Bank has rejected the government's initiative to resolve the crisis with the teachers, stressing that any initiative that does not include the full implementation of their demands will not succeed.

The Movement said in a statement that "the abolition of previous penalties is not part of the movement's demands, as it is a right that cannot be discussed as a demand and, therefore, it is not possible to return to full-time work without removing the penalties imposed on any male and female teacher".

The Movement has also affirmed the continuation of the strike in public schools in its current form, until the government finds a radical solution to the crisis.

A spokesman for the Palestinian government, Ibrahim Melhem, announced in a press conference, held Thursday, that the Palestinian government agreed to return all amounts deducted from the salaries of teachers who had been on strike and implement the 15 per cent bonus, of which 5 per cent will be dispersed in March.

Melhem said the government has responded to all demands necessary to return public schools to normal, starting next Sunday morning.

He stressed that the Ministry of Education has developed a special program to compensate students for lessons they had missed, and will provide everything necessary to hold elections for the Teachers Union.

This Russian call to occupy Istanbul is an outrageous provocation

March 23, 2023 

Semyon Bagdasarov (L) [Ministry of Defence/Wikipedia]

Huseyin Ozdemir
March 23, 2023 


A Russian "expert" recently made controversial comments about Turkiye following the 6 February earthquakes. Semyon Bagdasarov is a reserve army colonel of Armenian descent. He served as a deputy in the Duma, the lower house of the Federal Assembly, and is the director of the Moscow-based Centre for the Study of the Middle East and Central Asia.

Bagdasarov has become known for appearing frequently on Russian television and making controversial statements in order to attract publicity for himself. Many television channels feature commentators with extreme viewpoints to attract viewers and increase their ratings; Bagdasarov is one such person. However, his occasional appearances on Russian state television, Rossiya-1, may be part of a larger strategy within Russia's political landscape.

This "expert" has a long history of making hostile comments about Turkiye; he denies Turkiye's territorial integrity, for example, by referring to it as "Western Armenia". He has expressed hostility towards the Turkish state several times and called for cooperation with the Kurdish PKK terrorist organisation. Moreover, he advocated for PKK terrorists to fight on Armenia's side during the Second Karabakh War and praised them as good fighters and socialists on Rossiya-1. In recent months, he even suggested that the PKK should fight on behalf of Russia in Ukraine. He has also called for "mechanisms" to be implemented to overthrow the Turkish government and "take back Constantinople".

Bagdasarov has suggested that Russian politicians and the army should take advantage of Turkiye's difficulties post-earthquake and "reclaim" the land which was, he said, historically part of Russia. One of his suggestions is that an Orthodox Christian crucifix should be attached to the roof of the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque in Istanbul, with prayers sung in Aramaic and Russian.

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While Bagdasarov's provocative words appear to be marginal and do not represent an official Russian line, they have still attracted widespread condemnation on social media. Moreover, they do not stand up to serious scrutiny.

The claim that Istanbul (Constantinople) was once part of the Russian Empire is totally false. Throughout its long history, Istanbul has never been under Russian control, not even for a single day. However, this so-called expert might believe that Russia is the heir to the Byzantine Empire and, by extension, an inheritor of present-day Turkiye.

Regardless of his absurd historical interpretations, his calls for Russia to invade Turkiye, a NATO member, are reckless, and expose a total lack of understanding of the potential consequences. Russia would face severe and devastating consequences because NATO's Article 5 would be invoked, necessitating a forceful response from all NATO members. That alone should convince Moscow not to even consider such a move.

Moreover, Bagdasarov's suggestion to exploit Turkiye's recent earthquakes, which caused immense damage and human suffering, with the loss of more than 50,000 lives, reveals his cruel and heartless mindset. What kind of degenerate person would contemplate taking advantage of a bereaved nation? Countries with long-standing disputes with Turkiye, such as Greece, have adopted a conciliatory tone and engaged in humanitarian diplomacy, offering peace and reconciliation a fresh start.

The rhetoric that portrays Turkiye as an enemy can exacerbate an already difficult situation for Russia. It is important to note that Turkiye is attempting to mediate in the ongoing war in Ukraine. As well as playing a crucial role in the signing of the grain corridor deal, Turkiye has also initiated prisoner exchanges between the two countries.

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The relationship between Russia and Turkiye is complex and cannot be oversimplified as portrayed by media vultures like Bagdasarov. While there have been periods of conflict between the two countries, there have also been times of amicable relations. Despite some differences, Russia and Turkiye continue to maintain diplomatic links. Countries can minimise conflicts by resolving them through common sense and consensus. In times of crisis, governments must keep a level head to prevent the situation from escalating and causing more significant harm. This principle has been central to the relationship between Russia and Turkiye, especially in recent years.

As Russia finds itself increasingly isolated in the international community, the Kremlin must act rationally and avoid any provocations that could further damage its relationship with Ankara. Moscow is already paying a heavy price for attempting to redraw the borders through its ongoing war in Ukraine. The situation is not helped by agent provocateurs undermining Russia's relations with Turkiye and fanning the flames of discord. This Russian call to occupy Istanbul is an outrageous provocation and should be condemned.

The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Monitor.