The ruling could come any day now. And what does the EU say?
Whistleblower Chelsea, aka Bradley Manning, has long since returned to freedom, while Julian Assange has had to fight for his freedom for thirteen years. The High Court in London will now decide on his extradition. Last week, there was still a debate in the EU Parliament. More here.
Breeding and “use” of houndogs in Spain under scrutinyl
The EU Commission is planning a regulation to improve the protection of dogs and cats as pets. Will houndogs like the Galgo in Spain benefit from this – or will these sensitive greyhounds continue to be exempt from animal protection? More here.
The old case of a woman’s murderer takes on new relevance.
Since 1992, indigenous people in the city of Vancouver have been organizing a memorial march on Valentine’s Day for the murdered and missing indigenous women in Canada. Among them, victims of serial killer Robert Pickton. Now the police want to dispose of evidence in unsolved cases. So there will be many marching in Vancouver today. More here.
On World Radio Day: a journey through time of the German-Polish city of Breslau/Wroclaw
With the “Schlesische Funkstunde”, the German city of Wroclaw made radio history before the Second World War. After the war, Wroclaw, now Polish, remained a haven of culture and civil disobedience. The Jewish community was also revived. From my archive on World Radio Day. On February 13, 1946, United Nations Radio broadcast for the first time. More here.
60 years ago: Rescue of Czech Torah scrolls to London
1564 Torah scrolls from communist Czechoslovakia were brought to the Westminster Synagogue in London on February 4, 1964. There they were restored and given on permanent loan to Jewish communities all over the world. The Westminster Synagogue and the Memorial Scrolls Trust celebrated the 60th anniversary of their arrival with a celebratory service. More here.
The EU Parliament backs conservationists’ demands.
In a vote today, the Parliament of the European Union clearly opposed Norway’s plans for deep-sea mining in the Arctic. Scientists and nature conservation organizations warn of the enormous and incalculable risks that deep-sea mineral extraction poses to marine ecosystems, fish stocks and the ocean’s carbon cycle. More here.
February 1 is World Galgo Day. Appeal to humanity.
In Spain, it is not only bullfighting that is still a tradition. Greyhound races are also held extensively here. The animals are mercilessly exploited by their owners. And sorted out at the end. In February, after the hunting season, tens of thousands of the native galgos die an agonizing death every year. More here.
Guest post by Volker Seitz on the “World Persecution Index” 2024
Christians are persecuted for their faith in many countries. Every year, the “World Persecution Index” lists the 50 countries in which Christians are most at risk. The Index also describes what persecution and discrimination actually look like and how they affect people. Nigeria is once again in the top places. More here.
USA: Campaign in remembrance of the Hamas hostages in Gaza
More than 120 people in Gaza are still being held hostage by Hamas. The nationwide “Blue Ribbons for Israel” campaign in the USA aims to remember them. There are also various regional initiatives. More here.
Today is the Jewish New Year of the Trees.
Tu BiShvat (ט״ו בִּשְׁבָט) is a Jewish holiday occurring on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shevat. This year, in 2024, Tu BiShvat begins at sunset on January 24 and ends in the evening of January 25. It is also called Rosh HaShanah La’Ilanot (ראש השנה לאילנות), literally “New Year of the Trees”. In contemporary Israel, the day is celebrated as an ecological awareness day, and trees are planted in celebration.