Turkish prosecutors have indicted a journalist on charges of insulting President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan due to his criticism of the president on TV, the private DHA news agency reported.
Journalist Levent Gültekin is facing a prison sentence of up to four years, eight months, according to an indictment drafted by the Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office in İstanbul.
The investigation into the journalist was launched based on a complaint filed by Erdoğan’s lawyers.
Gültekin, who testified to the prosecutors as part of the investigation, denied the insult charges and said his remarks were only political criticism.
The journalist’s remarks that sparked the investigation into him concerned a terrorist attack on a police station in the southern province of Mersin in September 2022, which claimed the life of a policeman.
Gültekin said the government’s polarizing discourse was responsible for such incidents to take place in the country.
“If there is a separatist in Turkey, it is Tayyip Erdoğan,” Gültekin said, accusing the president of polarizing the people and trying to hang onto power by fomenting enmity in the public. He also accused Erdoğan and his government of engaging in corruption and not having any plans to leave power.
He was speaking on the pro-opposition Halk TV station.
In Turkey thousands of people are investigated, prosecuted or convicted of insult charges against the president, which is a crime in Turkey, according to the controversial Article 299 of the Turkish Penal Code (TCK). Whoever insults the president can face up to four years in prison, a sentence that can be increased if the crime was committed through the mass media. Source:Turkish Minute
An anti-migrant vigilante organisation in South Africa has registered as a political party and plans to contest seats in next year’s general elections.
Operation Dudula, whose name means “to force out” in Zulu, wants all foreign nationals who are in the country unofficially to be deported.
The party, which first emerged in Johannesburg’s Soweto township after riots in 2021, claims to have widespread support, with a formal presence in seven of South Africa’s nine provinces. It claims to be planning to stand candidates in 1,500 of the country’s 4,468 voting districts.
Many Operation Dudula followers have faced allegations of hate speech and physical violence. They have staged protests outside embassies, turned people away outside hospitals to prevent foreign nationals from accessing state medical services, and conducted door-to-door searches of businesses in poorer areas demanding to see identity documents.
In August, Philani Gumede, a 36-year-old from Durban, was convicted of hate speech after sending a voice-note to members calling on them to evict foreigners from businesses in the city. Nomalungelo Ntshangase, a regional court prosecutor, told the court that this had led directly to xenophobic attacks and looting.
In 2022, Operation Dudula followers camped outside Kalafong hospital in Atteridgeville, a suburb of South Africa’s administrative capital, Pretoria, preventing people, including pregnant women, from entering the hospital.
“People were turned away by the protesters based on their appearance and accent,” said Sibusiso Ndlovu, a health promotion supervisor for Médecins Sans Frontières. “They have even demanded that critically ill patients who are migrants must be ‘unplugged’ and taken out.”
Civil society groups have taken the party to court over unlawful evictions and conducting unauthorised citizenship checks in public. A court date has not yet been set.
The Operation Dudula party’s spokesperson, Isaac Lesole, said the transition from civil movement to political party would mean a tempering of tactics.
“We want to demilitarise Operation Dudula. We know the military angle did not appeal to a lot of people,” he said. “Now we’ve taken a new posture, we need to guarantee that we can still achieve a lot without people being militants and killing or kicking things. As a political party, we are governed by a different set of rules.”
But its core ideology would not change, he said. “We view illegal immigrants as criminals, and they must go back to their countries.”
About 3.95 million immigrants live in South Africa, according to 2022 estimates by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS). However, there is no such thing as an “illegal foreigner” in South Africa, as its constitution – widely hailed as one of the most progressive in the world – confers limited rights upon all people within the country’s borders, regardless of nationality or birthplace.
Operation Dudula has its roots in the riots that swept across KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces in June 2021. In the absence of police, some citizens banded together to protect shops and businesses from thieves.
“You saw a lot of communities starting to self-protect. They started cordoning off malls, and protecting them from being looted. Some of these organisations also felt emboldened to have more operations, under the auspices of ‘anti-crime’,” said Lizette Lancaster, an ISS researcher.
Lancaster said the chronic failures of the state in South Africa, which has high rates of corruption, unemployment and violence, created the space for the party to thrive.
“South Africans have been trying [to hold the state accountable] through protests, but are not getting anywhere,” she said.
“It is almost natural for people to look for another scapegoat. The most obvious scapegoat would be our brothers and sisters that have come here to look for better opportunities.”
Although not expected to win any outright majorities, the fractured nature of South African politics means that small parties can influence the formation of coalition governments – and can demand major concessions in return. The current mayor of Johannesburg, for example, is from the Al Jama’ah, a fringe Islamist party that won just one of the city’s 135 wards.
Established parties are struggling to respond to Operation Dudula, with seemingly contradictory messages.
In April, President Cyril Ramaphosa called it a “vigilante-like force” taking “illegal actions” against foreigners. “These things often get out of hand,” he said. “They always mutate into wanton violence against other people.”
However, with the ruling African National Congress seeing its support eroded in recent years by a series of corruption scandals, rising inequality, high unemployment and violent crime, it has also begun to echo the rhetoric of Operation Dudula in a bid to shore up its electoral chances.
Last year an ANC spokesperson, Pule Mabe, told the Mail & Guardian newspaper that Operation Dudula was affirming the views of the ANC. “These [foreign] people come here to sell drugs, seat [live] here illegally, undermine our sovereignty, create illegal business.”
Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), a militant leftwing party, said in a speech in July: “South Africans are not xenophobic. [Operation Dudula] is a group of criminals who are in cahoots with some ministers. They are small boys who must be put in their place.”
However, in a sign of how politically expedient xenophobia has become in South Africa, even the ostensibly pan-Africanist EFF has campaigned for restaurants to employ more South Africans. Malema visited restaurants last year demanding to see the identity documents of workers as he demanded businesses hire locals.
Amir Sheikh, spokesperson for the African Diaspora Forum, said: “At the end of the day, Dudula will not be the only party that is right wing or anti-immigrant, even including the ruling party, which is leaning towards the right wing.”
Many foreigners are returning home with their families, or moving to more friendly countries, although that is in part due to high crime rates and economic decay, said Sheikh. “Even the locals with the means to travel out of the country are doing so.” By Simon Allison in Johannesburg, Guardian
The Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa tasked the government to provide social protection, economic empowerment and education programmes that directly support Persons with Disabilities(PWDs).
The Deputy Speaker who pledged to become “a full-time partner of the deaf community and an advocate of the Persons with Disabilities” was the chief guest at the 50 years’ celebration and fundraising gala of the Uganda National Association of the Deaf(UNAD) at Mestil Hotel in Kampala on Friday, 22 September 2023.
“How come we build for others and when it comes to the deaf and other PWDs, we sit privately and fundraise? Are they not taxpayers? Are they not Ugandans?” Tayebwa wondered adding that, “as a government, we must put money in the budget to support the deaf community and other people with special needs’.
The Deputy Speaker promised to arrange a meeting with the Education Minister, Hon. Janet Museveni, the Uganda National Association of the Deaf and all the MPs representing PWDs, to among others discuss special needs education challenges and the skilling centre for the deaf.
According to statistics from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, the deaf community has a population of about 1.2 million representing three per cent of the country’s total population with more than 90 per cent of adults suspected not to have been to school at all.
We need to put in place all the necessary measures and regulations that cater for the needs of the deaf and other people with disabilities
In last year’s Primary Leaving Examination results, 2,257 pupils with disabilities sat exams and those with hearing impairments performed poorly.
Out of 263 pupils who sat PLE, none passed in division One. Only 50 pupils managed division two, 41 in division three, 56 in division four and 116 pupils were ungraded.
The UNAD blames poor funding and lack of access to sign language teachers as the main cause of the poor performance.
The Deputy Speaker promised to follow up on all the issues raised and described the 50th anniversary as, “a very beautiful story and in a special way thanked the development partners and all other stake holders in the private sector for supporting PWDs.
“We need to put in place all the necessary measures and regulations that cater for the needs of the deaf and other people with disabilities… I pledge to work with the relevant ministries to ensure effective implementation of the Disability Act,” he added.
The Minister of State for Gender, Labour and Social Development (Disability Affairs), Hon. Hellen Asamo, urged Parliament to support the Ministry of Public Service to have all public institutions staffed with sign language interpreters, for meaningful inclusion of the deaf community at work.
“The recognition of sign language as an official language in the Constitution of Uganda is important for the inclusion of the deaf people in Uganda’s Vision 2014 and achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals agenda of leaving no one behind,” the Minister told Parliament last year.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.
Unstoppable Africa 2023 has concluded, leaving a profound mark on the African continent. The two-day Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI) (https://www.GABI.biz) event aims to boost Africa’s standing in the global economy and establish the continent as the foremost destination for business, trade, and investment. This transformative gathering on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly has not only chartered the course for economic growth but has also solidified GABI’s pivotal role as a catalyst for change and progress.
On the second day of the event, Caroline Wanga, CEO of Essence Ventures, emphasized the importance of authentically portraying African narratives. She highlighted that the continent's rich heritage has traditionally been expressed through its unique storytelling methods. Wanga stated, "In discussing Africa, it's vital to engage in genuine dialogue. We've celebrated our heritage through our distinct method of storytelling, which the world is longing for now more than ever. As the overseer of Essence Ventures and other platforms, I am committed to ensuring our tales are told from a position of strength and authenticity."
The final day featured a chorus of leading private sector voices. Notably, leaders from the business and media world such as Jeff Wong, EY Global Chief Innovation Officer; Niraj Varia, CEO of iProcure Ventures; Lakeshia Ford, Founder of Ford Communications; Claudia Kwarteng–Lumor, Founder of Kollage Media, producers of GLITZ AFRICA Magazine and Somachi Chris-Asoluka, CEO of The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF). Complementing these luminaries were esteemed figures from government and international organizations, including President Masisi, H.E. Felix Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Adebayo Olawale Edun, Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy for Nigeria, Joy Basu, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of African Affairs at the US Department of State.
Also speaking were NBA stars Bismack Biyombo and Gorgui Dieng from the sports world and Senegalese singer Baaba Maal.
Assistant Secretary-General Sanda Ojiambo, CEO of the United Nations Global Compact, the entity that coordinates GABI, underlined the critical importance of unleashing Africa’s green potential. Ojiambo’s message stressed the urgent need for businesses to expedite and amplify their efforts toward achieving “just, inclusive, and sustainable growth.”
Assistant Secretary-General Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of the International Trade Centre extended an invitation to businesses to participate in the ITC SheTrades network. This flagship program for women’s economic empowerment has already made a substantial impact, offering vital support to over 200,000 women entrepreneurs since its inception in 2015. The ITC SheTrades initiative plays a pivotal role in maximizing the boundless opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.
With over a thousand attendees, GABI’s influence is gaining momentum across Africa, setting the stage for a future defined by opportunity and sustainable development. With over a thousand attendees, GABI’s influence is gaining momentum across Africa, setting the stage for a future defined by opportunity and sustainable development. The vibrant exchange of ideas, the engaging, thought-provoking discussions, and the connections forged during the event solidify its position as a premier convening for those invested in Africa’s growth and economic future.
UNDP's Ahunna Eziakonwa, Assistant Secretary-General, Assistant Administrator, and Director of the Regional Bureau for Africa, announced the Timbuktoo initiative, an ambitious movement dedicated to harnessing Africa's rich heritage of innovation and knowledge. Ms. Eziakonwa stated, "Inspired by the historical heartland of civilization, 'Timbuktu' is our commitment to bridge the gap between the burgeoning talent in Africa and global opportunities that await. We envision tearing down barriers that have historically limited Africa's vast potential, creating a future where the continent's talent seamlessly connects with global prosperity."
The event concluded with inspiring remarks from UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed, highlighting the importance of collective action in realizing Africa’s potential and achieving sustainable development. She called for unity and support from the global community and the private sector. She closed by emphasizing that this is just the beginning of a new chapter in Africa’s story, one marked by sustainable economic growth, empowerment, and the realization of the continent’s full potential.
Information, multimedia and press materials on the Global Africa Business Initiative including the program for “Unstoppable Africa 2023”, speaker video quotes, photos and video highlights from the event, please visit GABI’s Website (https://apo-opa.info/3EQ2mvo).
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Global Africa Business Initiative.
UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala addresses party delegates at Mosocho in Kisii. [Sammy Omingo, Standard]
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Party has distanced itself from Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei’s proposal on the extension of presidential term limits.
In a statement by UDA Secretary-General Cleophas Malala on Monday morning, the party says it has respect for all lawmakers’ views.
“The UDA Party respects and upholds the Senator's personal views but particularly on the referenced subject, those views do not reflect the perspectives of the UDA Party and/or its Party Leader, the President, William Ruto,” Malala’s statement reads in part.
“The President solemnly swore to respect, uphold and defend the Constitution which is abundantly clear and categorical on the Presidential term limit.”
Malala says the ruling party’s focus is on delivering on its promises to the People of Kenya.
In his proposal, Malala suggests that five years in office is not sufficient for the running of government and forming a formidable team to implement the election manifesto.
The constitution only stipulates a five-year term and allows for a chance to get re-elected only once. Cherargei also wanted the talks team to establish the Office of the Prime Minister who will sit in parliament and be the official spokesman of government in the house.
The proposal has elicited mixed reactions online with some supporting the proposal as the opposition and its supporters strongly criticized the move. By Winfrey Owino, The Standard
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