Bruce Springsteen endorses Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in US election

Bang Showbiz
5 Oct, 2024 


Bruce Springsteen endorses Kamala Harris and Tim Walz for the 2024 US election. Photo / via X, Twitter

Bruce Springsteen has endorsed Kamala Harris in the 2024 US presidential election.

“The Boss”, 75, who appeared at a string of Barack Obama’s rallies during his election campaigns, joins the likes of Taylor Swift and Jennifer Lawrence as another celebrity Harris supporter.

He showed his support for the Democrat by posting an Instagram Reel in which he voiced his support for her in a video recorded at a diner.

Springsteen declared in the clip: “Friends, fans, and the press have asked me who I’m supporting in the most important of elections.

“And with full knowledge of my opinions (being) no more or less important than any of my fellow citizens, here’s my answer: I’m supporting Kamala Harris for President and Tim Walz for Vice President.”

Springsteen added November’s US presidential election was the “most consequential” in his life and said America has not felt as divided “politically, spiritually, and emotionally” since the nation’s Civil War.

The E Street Band frontman added: “At this moment, it doesn’t have to be this way.”

Springsteen also slated Harris’ White House race rival Donald Trump the “most dangerous” candidate for president in his lifetime – adding: “He doesn’t understand the meaning of this country, its history, or what it means to be deeply American.”

He aded Harris and her running mate Walz are “committed to a vision of this country that respects and includes everyone, regardless of class, religion, race, your political point of view or sexual identity”.

Springsteen went on: “They want to grow our economy in a way that benefits all – not just for a few like me on top.

Satellite observations show accelerating greening of Antarctic Peninsula

4 October, 2024 News stories

New research released today in Nature Geoscience reveals that vegetation cover on the Antarctic Peninsula has increased more than tenfold in the past four decades.

Researchers from University of Exeter, University of Hertfordshire and British Antarctic Survey used satellite data to measure the extent and speed of “greening” occurring in the Antarctic Peninsula as a response to climate change. They found that vegetation cover in the Peninsula rose from less than one square kilometre in 1986, to nearly 12 square kilometres by 2021.

The study also identified an acceleration in this greening trend of over 30% in recent years (2016-2021) compared to the overall study period (1986-2021) – with an annual increase of more than 400,000m2 during this timeframe. 

A figure from the paper shows the greening trend on the Antarctic Peninsula over the past 35 years (https://doi.org/10.1038/s41561-024-01564-5)

The Antarctic Peninsula is warming at a rate that exceeds the global average, with extreme heat events becoming increasingly frequent in the region.

In earlier research involving core samples from moss-dominated ecosystems on the Antarctic Peninsula, the team found significant evidence of heightened plant growth rates in recent decades. This new study corroborates the widespread greening trend across the Antarctic Peninsula, showing that it is both occurring and accelerating.


Dr Thomas Roland, an environmental scientist from from University of Exeter, said:

“The plants on the Antarctic Peninsula – mostly mosses – grow in perhaps the harshest conditions on Earth. The landscape is still almost entirely dominated by snow, ice and rock, with only a tiny fraction colonised by plant life. But that tiny fraction has grown dramatically – showing that even this vast and isolated ‘wilderness’ is being affected by anthropogenic climate change.”



The research suggests that it is likely that the extent of greening in Antarctica will continue to increase, as emerging ecosystems grow and become more established, and the climate warms.


Dr Olly Bartlett, from the University of Hertfordshire, added:

“Soil in Antarctica is mostly poor or non-existent, but this increase in plant life will add organic matter, and facilitate soil formation – potentially paving the way for other plants to grow. This raises the risk of non-native and invasive species arriving, possibly carried by tourists, scientists or other visitors to the continent.”

The researchers emphasise the urgent need for further research to establish the specific climate and environmental mechanisms that are driving the “greening” trend.


Dr Roland added:

“Our findings raise serious concerns about the environmental future of the Antarctic Peninsula, and of the continent as a whole. In order to protect Antarctica, we must understand these changes and identify precisely what is causing them.”

The researchers are currently exploring how newly deglaciated landscapes are being coloniSed by plants and how this process may evolve in the future.

“Sustained greening of the Antarctic Peninsula observed from satellites”
by Thomas P. Roland, Oliver T. Bartlett, Dan J. Charman, Karen Anderson, Dominic A. Hodgson, Matthew J. Amesbury, Ilya Maclean, Peter T. Fretwell & Andrew Fleming is published today in Nature Geoscience.

ANOTHER GLOBAL CRISIS

More seniors applying for jobs to cope with rising cost of living

MALAYSIA MAIL

ANN/THE STAR – A rising number of seniors are applying for jobs post-retirement to cope with the rising cost of living and a longer life expectancy, says Jobstreet by SEEK.

The online employment company’s managing director Vic Sithasanan said there has been a 13-per-cent rise in job applications from seniors aged 60 and above between January 2023 and the end of August 2024.

He said this was likely due to factors such as the rising cost of living and extended life expectancy, which necessitates longer careers for financial stability.

“The reasons reflect personal motivations and broader economic factors, but the most pressing is the rising cost of living.

“On Jobstreet’s platform, we’ve seen the number of senior users aged 60 to 99 grow 2.6 times from 2022 to 2023, with a 2.4-fold increase in Q1 (the first quarter) of 2024 alone compared with 2022.

“Seniors are motivated to extend their careers to increase their financial safety net,” he said.

He added that with longer life expectancies, seniors feel the need to sustain their income for a longer duration, prompting many to seek employment opportunities beyond the retirement age.

Sithasanan said an estimated one per cent of the current 3.9 million seniors are actively searching for jobs, which reflects a significant portion of the aged population engaging in the job market.

“As the workforce ages and the value of experience becomes more apparent, companies will – if they have not yet already – recognise the benefits of hiring senior talent.

“This requires a shift in perception, and the need to create a working environment that supports and encourages the hiring of older workers.”

He said many companies are implementing upskilling and reskilling programmes specifically designed for older employees, ensuring they stay up to date with the latest technologies and industry trends.

“Doing this will appeal to senior hires, who are looking for ways to remain relevant and leverage their vast experience to mentor and guide younger employees, fostering a culture of knowledge transfer and intergenerational collaboration.”

Sithasanan said companies offering flexibility at the workplace could also appeal to older talent who prioritise the ability to manage family or health commitments.

He added that government has several initiatives that support and incentivise older workers in the workforce, such as income tax reductions for employers who hire older workers, as well as training and development programmes to help older workers acquire new skills.

“The Human Resources Ministry has also stepped in to issue age-friendly workplace guidelines to address the specific needs of older workers, such as ergonomic workstations and accessible facilities,” he said.

Sithasanan said Jobstreet’s Laws of Attraction (LOA) survey has shown that Malaysian talent is largely driven by salary and compensation, but more mature generations such as Gen X and Baby Boomers typically look for roles that can showcase their wealth of experience and knowledge, with job security at the forefront of their minds.

“Seniors have also expressed a desire to stay active and engaged in the workforce, as a way to maintain a sense of purpose and contribute to society,” he said.

He said in terms of competitiveness in the workforce, the inclusion of senior workers complement the workforce as they prefer roles that differ from those sought by younger candidates, such as part-time, consultancy, or mentorship positions.

Sithasanan said companies are increasingly aware of the unique skills and perspectives of senior employees, particularly those who can mentor younger employees and position the company for sustained success.

“Their experience enables them to efficiently navigate challenges, making them valuable assets in decision-making processes, especially in roles that require specialised knowledge.

“This can be particularly beneficial to productivity and stability, especially in industries facing skills shortages.”

In terms of the type of jobs senior citizens are seeking, the highest number of job applications on Jobstreet are from the manufacturing, transport & logistics industries (15 per cent), followed by accounting (12 per cent), and human resources & recruitment sectors (10 per cent).

Sithasanan said awareness, government support, age-friendly workplace policies, and a commitment to inclusivity is necessary to help seniors rejoin the workforce

“Employers must be made aware of various policies and initiatives that exist to incentivise the hiring of senior citizens. “The government could also expand funding for training and development programmes that help senior workers acquire new skills, ensuring they remain competitive in a rapidly evolving job market,” he said.

Sri Lanka approves controversial foreign debt deal

Published: 05 Oct 2024 


Colombo: Sri Lanka's new government has approved a controversial restructure of $14.7 billion in foreign commercial credit tentatively agreed by its predecessor, the finance ministry said Saturday.

Former leader Ranil Wickremesinghe announced a deal with international sovereign bondholders and the China Development Bank just two days before he lost presidential elections last month.

The new leftist President Anura Kumara Dissanayake had called for better terms, but after two days of talks with an IMF delegation in Colombo, his government said it would honour his predecessor's deal.

"Sri Lankan authorities confirm their endorsement of... the agreement in principle terms as announced on September 19," the finance ministry said in a statement.

The debt restructuring is a key International Monetary Fund demand to rebuild the island's economy, which suffered its worst crisis in 2022 when it shrank by 7.8 percent.

In June, the government concluded a deal with its bilateral lenders to restructure its official credit amounting to $6 billion.

Under the deal announced on September 19, private creditors holding more than half of international sovereign bonds and foreign commercial loans to the South Asian nation agreed to a 27 percent haircut on their loans.

They also agreed to a further 11 percent reduction on the interest owed to them.

International sovereign bonds account for $12.5 billion and the balance of $2.2 billion is owed to the China Development Bank.

Sri Lanka's external debt stood at $46 billion at the time of its foreign debt default in 2022, when it ran out of foreign exchange to finance even the most essential imports such as food and fuel.

The bond restructuring endorsed by the new government must still go to parliament for ratification.

Dissanayake dissolved the assembly days after he was sworn in and called a snap election for November 14, a year ahead of schedule. The legislature is set to have its first session on November 21.

Austerity measures in line with the IMF bailout loan of $2.9 billion secured last year helped stabilise the economy but also caused severe hardships for low income Sri Lankans.

The IMF has said that Sri Lanka returned to growth in the wake of the crisis, but warned its economy was still not out of the woods.

AFP

CLIMATE CRISIS

Record 164-day drought grips Brazil’s capital Brasilia, wildfires and heat intensify, ‘orange alert’ issued for critically low humidity


This aerial view shows smoke billowing from a forest fire affecting the Brasilia National Park in Brasilia on September 16, 2024. Brazil is suffering the effects of a multiplication of fires from north to south in the midst of an extreme drought linked to climate change. — AFP pic

Saturday, 05 Oct 2024 

SAO PAULO, Oct 5 — Brasilia, the capital of Brazil, has set a new record for its longest dry spell, with 164 straight days without rain, the National Institute of Meteorology (Inmet) reported yesterday, said Xinhua.

The prolonged drought has fuelled widespread wildfires and grassland burns, which have surged across various regions of the country since August.

The previous record was set in 1963, just three years after Brasilia’s founding, with 163 consecutive rainless days. The city, located in Brazil’s central region, is now grappling with the dual threat of extreme heat and low humidity.


Smoke from wildfires covers part of Brasilia on the day the Brazilian capital broke the historic drought record set in 1963 by reaching 164 consecutive days without rain, according to the Meteorological Institute, in Brasilia, Brazil October 4, 2024.

 — Reuters pic

Authorities have issued an “orange alert” due to the critically low humidity level of 15 per cent, combined with temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius.

A report from the National Institute for Space Research (INPE) highlighted a 269 per cent increase in wildfires in Brasilia this year compared to previous years.

Inmet forecasts relief with rain expected on October 8, following Thursday’s sweltering 36.8 degrees Celsius — the hottest day of the year so far.

Brasilia is situated in the Cerrado biome, a vast tropical savanna, which has seen record-breaking wildfires this year. — Bernama-Xinhua


A bird is seen in a burned area of the Embrapa Biological Reserve on the day the Brazilian capital broke the historic drought record set in 1963 by reaching 164 consecutive days without rain, according to the Meteorological Institute, in Brasilia, Brazil October 4, 2024.

 — Reuters pic

 

EU's push for tariffs on Chinese EVs faces backlash from member states, auto industry

(Xinhua) 14:08, October 05, 2024

BRUSSELS, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- European countries and auto industry leaders have criticized the EU's push for punitive tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), warning the move could boomerang and, in turn, hurt the EU's competitiveness.

Though the European Commission said it had secured necessary support from member states, 12 EU members abstained and five voted against the decision. Meanwhile, the Commission also called on the two sides to explore an alternative solution.

OPPOSITION FROM MEMBER STATES

The loudest outcry against the tariff came from Germany.

"Tariffs on Chinese electric cars would be wrong ... We have to speak plainly and negotiate with China - but trade wars only have losers," said German Finance Minister Christian Lindner Thursday on X, former Twitter, in the wake of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's call for continuing negotiations with China on Wednesday.

Echoing these concerns, Hungary voted against the imposition. "What they are making us do right now, or what the EU wants to do, is an economic Cold War," Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban told state radio in a Friday interview, referring to the proposed EU tariffs.

Matjaz Han, Slovenia's minister of economy, tourism and sport, also voiced opposition to the tariffs, warning of "too high a price" for Europe. Instead, he advocated for more practical economic and trade cooperation between the EU and China.

Finland abstained from the Friday vote. Jukka Kuurma, a senior Finnish foreign ministry official, told local media that there was not enough proof of damage caused to the EU by the "so-called" Chinese state support to the EV industry. "We are not quite convinced that the import tariffs would be in the overall interest of the Union," Kuurma said.

Spain was also among the countries that abstained from the vote. Spanish Minister for Economy, Trade and Business, Carlos Cuerpo, said the decision to abstain was to keep the negotiation with China open and find a negotiated solution.

INDUSTRY OUTCRY

The Commission's announcement on the controversial tariffs has provoked an outcry from the European automotive industry. They warned that the move may hurt the competitiveness of local carmakers and undermine the interests of consumers.

In a statement released on Friday, Hildegard Muller, president of the German Association of the Automotive Industry, depicted the vote as a further step away from global cooperation.

Germany's auto giant Volkswagen also issued a statement, calling for a negotiated solution. The planned tariffs, it said, are the wrong approach and would not improve the competitiveness of the European auto industry.

"Today's vote is a fatal signal for the European automotive industry," BMW CEO Oliver Zipse told local media. "Now a quick solution is needed between the European Commission and China to prevent a trade conflict that will ultimately only have losers."

Mercedes also fretted about its negative effects on the industry. "We are convinced that punitive tariffs worsen the competitiveness of an industry in the long term," a spokeswoman was quoted by German news agency DPA as saying.

On top of harming competitiveness, industry insiders also believe the tariffs could undercut the interests of European consumers.

"Ultimately, tariffs won't help anyone, they will only harm European consumers, who will lose out, as well as the countries themselves," said Hrvoje Prpic, president of the Croatian Electric Vehicle Drivers Association.

CALL FOR NEGOTIATION

Following the EU announcement, the China Chamber of Commerce to the EU (CCCEU) expressed deep disappointment over and strong dissatisfaction with the EU's adoption of protectionist trade measures.

"We strongly encourage the EU to approach the final measures with caution, delay the implementation of these tariffs and prioritize resolving disputes and trade tensions through consultations and dialogue," the CCCEU said in a statement on Friday.

In an interview after the EU vote, Holger Goerg, director of the Kiel Centre for Globalization, told Xinhua that he hoped that both sides would maintain a cool head and remain at the negotiating table as negotiations between China and the EU are still ongoing.

In a joint statement, the largest single trade union in Germany IG Metall and the works councils of major car manufacturers in Germany proposed an alternative CO2-oriented trade and support regime that applies equally to all manufacturers.

"In view of the future prospects for hundreds of thousands of employees at German car manufacturers and their suppliers, we say unequivocally: tariffs are the wrong approach...," it said. 

(Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Wu Chaolan)

Taiwan’s Representative to Saudi Arabia: 260,000 Pagers Exported in Two Years

Taiwan’s representative to Saudi Arabia Samee Chang. 

(Asharq Al-Awsat)

Riyadh: 

Fatehelrahman Yousif
5 October 2024 

AD ـ 02 Rabi’ Al-Thani 1446 AH

Taiwan is investigating who is responsible for modifying the pagers that were turned into explosives in the hands of the Lebanese people, including members of Hezbollah.

Taiwan’s representative to Saudi Arabia Samee Chang told Asharq Al-Awsat that 260,000 pagers were exported from his country between 2022 and 2024, and 16 percent of them were sent to the United States and Europe.

He expressed his regret that the pagers were planted with explosives that were used in the attack in Lebanon last month, clarifying that the devices were not directly exported from Taiwan to Lebanon.

He explained that the components of the device are made of material that is not liable to explode.

Apollo Gold, the Taiwanese company that exported the pagers between 2022 and 2024, has never received any complaints that its devices have caused harm or exploded.

The attack in Lebanon has raised several questions and they are being probed by authorities in Taiwan, he went on to say.

One thing is for certain, the devices were not harmful in the shape they were exported from the country, stressed Chang.

Asked about whether the attack may harm Taiwan’s economy, he replied that his country’s industry sector has a strong reputation that will be difficult to undermine given the trust it has from clients.

The size of the sector and Taiwan’s investments cannot be measured by a small number of pagers, as they only make up a mere fraction in the country’s trade relations with countries all over the world, he stressed.

Separately, Chang revealed that Taiwan was considering cooperation with Saudi Arabia in the chip industry, saying he was optimistic over the broad potential for cooperation in the technology sector.

There are no limits to the cooperation between them, he added.

Taiwan constantly wants to maintain the relations and discuss opportunities for joint investments, he stated.

Taiwan was among the first countries to leap to cooperate with Saudi Arabia in all fields to help the Kingdom achieve its Vision 2030 that is spearheaded by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Chang said.

Defects uncovered in two newest Virginia-class US Navy subs

By Boyko Nikolov On Oct 5, 2024

The U.S. Navy recently flagged concerns over substandard welds in two of its newest Virginia-class submarines, the Hyman G. Rickover and the New Jersey. Similarly, the Navy has found welding issues in the aircraft carrier George Washington after its recent refurbishment. Fortunately, the Navy clarified that these weld defects do not compromise the ships’ safety or operational capabilities.

U.S. Navy photo by John Narewski

In a correspondence with the House Armed Services Committee, Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro revealed that the welding problems affected ships like the George Washington and the newly built submarines Hyman G. Rickover and New Jersey. The issue stems from welders not properly following established welding procedures. However, Del Toro assured that naval experts confirmed the welds did not threaten critical systems, ensuring the vessels’ safety. He learned about the situation on September 24, and investigations are ongoing into welds on 23 other ships under construction or maintenance.

HII, the parent company of Newport News Shipbuilding, acknowledged last week that certain welders bypassed specific welding protocols when working on these military ships, but emphasized that there was no “malicious intent” behind their actions. HII stated that they immediately informed their clients and regulators and are collaborating with the Navy to address the issue. The Department of Justice is investigating, with Navy Secretary Del Toro expressing his readiness to fully cooperate as the Navy explores all legal avenues. Meanwhile, Congress remains vigilant, seeking detailed information about the breadth of this problem.

Photo credit: Ashley Cowan / U.S. Navy

This week, perhaps coincidentally, the Department of Defense has awarded a substantial contract to General Dynamics Electric Boat Corp. Valued at nearly USD 244 million, this contract is designated for the supply of spare parts and specialized material for Virginia-class submarines.

Recently discovered substandard welds in some submarines, while not compromising critical systems, have sparked important discussions about the long-term integrity and functionality of these vessels. Naval experts have reassured us that the integrity and mission capability of these submarines remain unaffected. Naval Sea Systems Command [NAVSEA] technical assessments have confirmed that there’s no immediate risk to the crews or submarine operations.

However, looking into the future, these defects present a potential risk of accelerating wear or leading to structural weaknesses. Even non-essential welds might compromise the overall hull stability over time, especially when subjected to high pressure and extreme underwater conditions. If unresolved, these issues could escalate maintenance costs and necessitate earlier repairs. The Navy is taking proactive measures by inspecting another 23 ships to ensure these defects do not impact the long-term functionality and durability of the fleet.

Photo by Ashley Cowan

The Virginia-class submarines are a cornerstone of the U.S. Navy’s fleet, celebrated for their cutting-edge technology and adaptability. With a displacement close to 7,800 tons and stretching to about 115 meters in length, these submarines boast remarkable flexibility and stealth capabilities. They run on a reactor that doesn’t need refueling throughout the vessel’s lifespan, granting them an unlimited range. Capable of a top underwater speed of around 25 knots, they dive to depths exceeding 240 meters. Armed with torpedoes and Tomahawk cruise missiles, Virginia-class submarines are adept at launching powerful strikes on both land and sea targets.

The U.S. defense apparatus leans heavily on Virginia-class submarines for their stealth and diverse mission capabilities across the world’s oceans. Their design enables operations in both deep and shallow waters, making them valuable in various military contexts. These submarines are instrumental in reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and special forces’ amphibious operations. Their strategic significance is underscored by their capability to assert American influence in critical regions like the Pacific Ocean and the Arctic, where geopolitical challenges are on the rise.

Virginia-class submarines are versatile players, executing diverse missions from traditional engagements against enemy vessels to contemporary roles like cyber warfare and underwater intelligence gathering. They are also pivotal in supporting special operations, with the ability to transport and deploy SEAL forces into hostile territories. Their adaptability and technological prowess are essential in preserving the US’s global military dominance, while also offering a robust strategic defense in an ever-evolving global landscape.

Photo credit: Navantia

American shipbuilding history has witnessed instances where inadequate welds on warships and submarines impacted their combat capabilities and performance. A notable case from the 1970s involved the USS Swordfish [SSN-579], part of the US Navy’s nuclear submarine fleet.

The weld issues emerged during routine inspections when defects were discovered in some of the hull welds. This forced the submarine into temporary non-operative status and necessitated extensive repairs to ensure both safety and combat effectiveness. While these challenges did not lead to serious accidents or loss of life, operations were delayed, prompting criticism of the shipbuilding quality control measures of that era.

Similarly, in 1985, the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson [CVN-70] faced issues with substandard welds during its initial years after commissioning. Structural components were affected, resulting in costly and prolonged repair work.

Photo credit: 1945

Despite no severe incidents occurring due to these defects, they brought to light deficiencies in the shipyard’s quality assurance processes, which led to stricter regulations and oversight of welding practices in subsequent years. These cases underscore the critical need for high standards in shipbuilding, especially for vessels of strategic importance.

***

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Community center ‘shocked’ to learn NYC mayor ghosted them on orders from Turkish gov’t

ByTurkish Minute
October 4, 2024

In this file photo, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams speaks about a food drive with the Turkish Cultural Center, Oct. 8, 2015. 

Credit: Via Turkish Cultural Center News Release

Two people who are involved with a Turkish community center mentioned in an indictment against New York Mayor Eric Adams have said they were shocked to learn that the mayor cut off ties with them on orders from the Turkish government, New York-based local news outlet The City reported.

Adams is charged with bribery, wire fraud, conspiracy and soliciting campaign contributions from foreign nationals in a 57-page indictment unsealed on September 26. The indictment accuses him of accepting illegal donations and more than $100,000 worth of free plane tickets and luxury hotel stays from wealthy Turkish nationals and at least one government official in a nearly decade-long corruption scheme.

According to the indictment, a Turkish government official told Adams, who had a relationship with the Turkish community center in Brooklyn, in or around 2016, that the community center was affiliated with a Turkish political movement that was hostile to Turkey’s government and that if Adams wanted to continue receiving support from the government, he could no longer be associated with the community center, a demand to which Adams acquiesced.

The Turkish organization is referred as the “Community Center” in the indictment without mention of its name, but it is believed to be the Gülen-linked Turkish Cultural Center Brooklyn, part of a non-profit organization promoting intercultural and inter-religious dialogue.

Two people from the Turkish Cultural Center Brooklyn who spoke on condition of anonymity to The City out of security concerns said they didn’t know why Adams stopped associating with the cultural center until they read the indictment.

Adams attended multiple events in association with and hosted by the center, as far back as 2012, when he was a state senator. As Brooklyn borough president, Adams co-hosted a meat drive for food pantries with the center and attended the center’s annual “friendship dinner” in 2016 but didn’t make the event in 2017, one year after a coup attempt in Turkey.

The Gülen movement is accused by the Turkish government and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of masterminding the failed coup in 2016 and is labeled as a “terrorist organization,” although the movement denies involvement in the coup attempt or any terrorist activity.

“I was surprised to learn he stopped talking to our community members after he got a request or order from the Turkish regime,” said one of the people, referencing Erdoğan. “It was shocking news for us.”

That person said the organization didn’t have much communication with Adams since about 2016 and that an outreach coordinator could not get a response from Adams’ office around that time.

He added, “We thought he was our friend.”

A third person involved with the center said back in 2016 he had tried to warn Adams that those associated with the Turkish regime were trying to influence him. Adams waved him off, he said.

“A lot of elected officials were actually informed by the Turkish government supporters, but only Eric Adams stayed away from us. The others continued their relationship with us,” the person said. “As the Brooklyn borough president, when he wasn’t meeting with us any more, it was a little bit disappointing to us.”

Following the coup attempt the Turkish government launched a massive crackdown on Gülen-linked people and organizations not only in Turkey but also abroad, pressuring other countries’ governments to close down Gülen-affiliated organizations and to close their doors to Gülen followers.

Former NBA player and activist Enes Kanter Freedom also said earlier this week to US media that Adams withdrew his support for him due to orders from the Turkish government since Freedom is a follower of the Gülen movement.

He told cable news network NewsNation’s “Elizabeth Vargas Reports” he felt he got the cold shoulder from Adams after the two of them were invited to Greece to accept an award.

“Me and Eric had a conversation about organizing free basketball camps for kids in New York. And I remember he got so excited. He gave me his phone number and said, ‘As soon as you come back, let me know,’” Freedom said.

But the former player, who spent two seasons with the New York Knicks, said that when he returned from the 2022 trip, Adams ghosted him.

Others ‘likely’ to face charges in NYC mayor’s trial over corrupt dealings with Turkish gov’t

By Turkish Minute
October 3, 2024

New York City Mayor Eric Adams arrives to appear in court after being indicted on federal charges of accepting bribes and illegal campaign contributions from Turkish nationals, in New York, September 27, 2024. (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP)

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who pleaded not guilty last week to fraud and bribery charges, returned to Manhattan federal court on Wednesday as a US prosecutor suggested that additional charges could soon be brought against others involved in the case, which centers on Adams’ alleged corrupt dealings with Turkish officials, Agence France-Presse reported.

Adams, 64, is the first sitting mayor of New York City to be criminally indicted. The charges against him include wire fraud, soliciting illegal campaign donations and conspiring with Turkish nationals and at least one Turkish official to accept bribes in exchange for political favors. According to the indictment, the mayor allegedly received luxury gifts, including business-class international flights, hotel suites and high-end restaurant meals, as part of the conspiracy.

During the hearing prosecutor Hagan Scotten told U.S. District Judge Dale Ho that it was “likely” additional charges would be filed against other individuals involved in the scandal and hinted that Mayor Adams could face more counts. Scotten emphasized the ongoing nature of the investigation, which could expand to include other potential co-conspirators.
Bribery allegations

The scandal dates back over a decade to Adams’ tenure as Brooklyn’s borough president, a position he held before becoming mayor of the nation’s largest city. Prosecutors allege that Adams accepted gifts and bribes from Turkish associates in return for political influence and favors. One key example involves Adams allegedly using his position to pressure New York City’s fire department to expedite approval for Turkey’s new high-rise consulate in Manhattan, despite safety concerns raised by fire officials.

Prosecutors claim that just days after helping push the project through, Adams solicited additional travel benefits from his Turkish contacts. The indictment describes a pattern of concealed financial dealings and secret arrangements designed to provide Adams with lavish perks while allowing his associates to benefit from his political influence.

The charges have already led to calls for Adams’ resignation from some city and state officials. Notably, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, an influential lawmaker from New York, has publicly called for Adams to step down, arguing that his continued leadership would harm the city. The mayor, however, has remained defiant, refusing to resign and stating that he looks forward to defending himself in court.

The political implications of the case are significant, especially with the 2024 presidential election approaching. The indictment is a potential embarrassment for the Democratic Party, as Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump face off in a tight race.

Adams, who was once considered a rising star in the Democratic Party, now finds himself at the center of a scandal that threatens to tarnish his legacy.

Adams’ defense team, led by attorney Alex Spiro, filed a motion on Wednesday to dismiss one of the five charges against the mayor.

Spiro has requested that the trial be scheduled before March to potentially conclude proceedings before the Democratic primary for the next mayoral election. Adams, who is up for re-election in 2025, has expressed his intention to clear his name before facing voters once again.

Judge Ho reserved his decision on the motion and the trial date but scheduled a procedural hearing for October 31.

Documentary on Turkey’s post-coup purge victims banned again for being ‘provocative’

THE TRUTH ALWAYS IS

ByTurkish Minute
October 4, 2024

The governor’s office in the southern Turkish province of Antalya has banned a documentary depicting the plight of victims of a post-coup purge in Turkey at a film festival in the city, in the latest example of censorship faced by the documentary’s director, the Gazete Duvar news website reported.

The documentary, titled “Kanun Hükmü” (The Decree), has faced censorship since it was released in 2023 for focusing on a sensitive issue in Turkish society — the challenges faced by more than 130,000 civil servants who were purged from their jobs through government decrees in the aftermath of a coup attempt in July 2016.

The civil servants were removed from their jobs under the pretext of an anti-coup fight.

The documentary would have been screened at the Free Orange Film Days, starting on October 3, in Antalya, organized by a group of writers, actors and other prominent figures named the “Arts for Freedom Initiative.”

However, the governor’s office notified director Necla Demirci in a letter that the documentary, which it described as “provocative,” cannot be shown during film days because it undermines national unity and solidarity and openly provokes a segment of the public to hatred and hostility against another segment based on their different characteristics in terms of social class, race, religion, sect or region.

According to the governor’s office, terrorist organizations aim to keep their bases alive through such productions as part of their perception management efforts in addition to bolstering the morale and motivation of their members and damaging the reputation of Turkey in the international arena.

Turkish authorities associate most purge victims with the faith-based Gülen movement.

The movement, inspired by US-based Turkish cleric Fethullah Gülen, is accused by the Turkish government of masterminding the 2016 coup attempt and labelled as a terrorist organization.

The group denies involvement in the abortive putsch and describes itself as a peaceful civil society organization focused on education, charity and interfaith dialogue.

Accusing the documentary of capitalizing on the “so-called victims,” the governor’s office also said the “distortion” of facts in the documentary not only destroys Turkey’s image but also shakes public confidence in the judicial system.

The documentary attracted international attention when it was first censored at the famous Golden Orange Film Festival in Antalya in 2023, leading to the cancellation of the festival.

In September 2023, the 60-year-old Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival in Antalya was abruptly canceled following a controversy surrounding a decision by the festival’s organizing committee to remove the documentary.

The decision to remove the documentary sparked outrage, drawing strong criticism from victims of the purge as well as activists.

The festival’s cancellation came after the Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry withdrew its support, accusing the festival organizers of allowing “terrorist propaganda,” and sponsors followed suit.

This festival has only been canceled twice before, in 1979, when a conflict between right-wing and left-wing groups that killed over 5,000 people devastated Turkey, and in 1980, when the Turkish military took power and began to rule the country with an iron fist.

The documentary also faced other bans and censorship efforts in other cities by local authorities despite a decision by the Constitutional Court, which found that the local authorities’ ban on filming violated freedom of expression and awarded Demirci 13,500 Turkish lira in damages.