{"issues":[{"id":"legislation","name":"Legislation","slug":"legislation","description":null,"page_title":null,"icons":{"black":"/assets/images/icons/default-black-issue-icon.svg","grey":"/assets/images/icons/default-grey-issue-icon.svg","white":"/assets/images/icons/default-white-issue-icon.svg"},"cover_image_url":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/m8q3wkaM/66e6ac/explore.jpg","is_following":false},{"id":"short-video","name":"Short Video","slug":"short-video","description":null,"page_title":null,"icons":{"black":"/assets/images/icons/default-black-issue-icon.svg","grey":"/assets/images/icons/default-grey-issue-icon.svg","white":"/assets/images/icons/default-white-issue-icon.svg"},"cover_image_url":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/m8q3wkaM/66e6ac/explore.jpg","is_following":false},{"id":"news","name":"News","slug":"news","description":null,"page_title":null,"icons":{"black":"/assets/images/icons/default-black-issue-icon.svg","grey":"/assets/images/icons/default-grey-issue-icon.svg","white":"/assets/images/icons/default-white-issue-icon.svg"},"cover_image_url":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/m8q3wkaM/66e6ac/explore.jpg","is_following":false}],"legislators":[{"id":3,"chamber":"house","first_name":"Pete","last_name":"Aguilar","nickname":null,"party":"D","gender":"M","district":"31","state":"CA","state_name":"California","state_rank":"","birthday":"1979-06-19","senate_class":null,"term_start":"2021-01-03","term_end":"2023-01-03","title":"Rep","twitter_id":"reppeteaguilar","facebook_id":"reppeteaguilar","youtube_id":null,"website":"https://aguilar.house.gov","phone":"+1-202-225-3201","fax":null,"photos":{"small":"https://assets.weholdthesetruths.org/legislator/photo/A000371/small_rep_aguilar_1558565219.jpg","medium":"https://assets.weholdthesetruths.org/legislator/photo/A000371/medium_rep_aguilar_1558565219.jpg"},"represented_district_name":"California 31st Congressional District","ocd_id":"ocd-division/country:us/state:ca/cd:31","upper":false,"lower":true,"legislative_body_id":3}],"legislative_bodies":[{"name":"United States House","id":3,"district_id":"us"}],"districts":[{"name":"United States","ocd_id":"ocd-division/country:us","state":null,"cover_images":{"large":"https://countable-us.s3.amazonaws.com/district/cover_image/default.png"},"released":false,"id":"us"}],"articles":[{"title":"One Big Thing: Do you support the new cyber security laws?","id":467,"slug":"467-big-thing-do-support-new-cyber-security-laws","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/467-big-thing-do-support-new-cyber-security-laws","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=467","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/467/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Join us and take our poll","cta_type":"reactions","cta_text":"React","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"7.28.21","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/9a8aa7/9a8aa7-0248_637317913147707069.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/9a8aa7/9a8aa7-0248_637317913147707069.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/9a8aa7/9a8aa7-0248_637317913147707069.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/9a8aa7/9a8aa7-0248_637317913147707069.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/9a8aa7/9a8aa7-0248_637317913147707069.jpg"},"profile_id":4,"action_count":54,"html_content":"

Today, President Joe Biden signed a National Security Memorandum (NSM) into effect on Improving Cybersecurity for Critical Infrastructure Control Systems. This new NSM will addresses cybersecurity for critical infrastructure and seeks to work with the private sector to build safeguards against destructive ransomware.

This follows last week’s new cyber security law passed by the House of Representatives which aims to prepare cities across the country for ransomware attacks. The new legislation includes $400 million grant program which will be administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to state and local governments. This will allow state and local governments to employ their own cybersecurity plans and must build maintenance of it into their own budgets.

Recently, there have been a slew of disruptive cyber-attacks on important US infrastructure including medical treatment, remote learning, and public transportation. Currently, less than three percent of states’ IT budgets are spent on cyber security measures and the new congressional legislation intends to fill this funding gap.

Read President Biden’s NSM HERE

Read the Congressional legislation HERE

Read more about recent cyber-attacks HERE

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Read President Biden’s NSM HERE

Read the Congressional legislation HERE

Read more about recent cyber-attacks HERE

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What’s the story?

A controversial immigration law enacted in Hong Kong has sparked concerns among pro-democracy activists that the Chinese Communist Party-backed government will seek to prevent them from leaving the city. Exit bans have become increasingly prevalent in mainland China for use against citizens and foreigners alike, including Americans.
The Hong Kong Bar Association said the law, which will take effect on August 1st, gives the government the power to bar any person from entering or leaving Hong Kong for an indefinite period without obtaining a court order. The government dismissed those concerns as “nonsense.”
Hong Kong’s national security police have reportedly compiled a list of people to arrest if they try to flee the city, which resulted in the apprehension of a writer from the Apple Daily. The Apple Daily was the last major pro-democracy newspaper in Hong Kong and shuttered its bureau in the city after several editors and executives were arrested by the CCP.
\nPolitico obtained a letter from a coalition of pro-democracy Hong Kongers in exile calling on Congress to pass a bill in the chamber to grant priority refugee status to Hong Kongers.

What would the bill do?

Introduced by Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) in the Senate and Rep. John Curtis (R-UT) in the House, the Hong Kong Safe Harbor Act would designate certain Hong Kong residents and their immediate family members with priority status for refugee consideration, known as “Priority 2” refugee status.
Priority 2 refugee status would be available to Hong Kongers who suffered persecution or have a well-founded fear of persecution as a result of peaceful political activity; or have been formally charged, detained, or convicted for certain peaceful actions. This would also allow Hong Kong refugees to be admitted without counting against numerical limits refugee admissions.
Under the bill, Hong Kongers couldn’t be denied admission to the U.S. due to a politically motivated government action against them (such as revocation of citizenship) stemming from their involvement in the 2019-2020 protests against China’s encroachment on Hong Kong’s autonomy. Those whose Hong Kong residency was revoked would remain eligible for refugee status as victims of political persecution.
Additionally, the bill would ease the path to an asylum claim for Hong Kongers who were arrested amid the protests by waiving the consideration of immigration intent in the asylum application process.

— Eric Revell

(Photo Credit: Studio Incendo via Flickr / Creative Commons)

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What’s the story?

A controversial immigration law enacted in Hong Kong has sparked concerns among pro-democracy activists that the Chinese Communist Party-backed government will seek to prevent them from leaving the city. Exit bans have become increasingly prevalent in mainland China for use against citizens and foreigners alike, including Americans.
The Hong Kong Bar Association said the law, which will take effect on August 1st, gives the government the power to bar any person from entering or leaving Hong Kong for an indefinite period without obtaining a court order. The government dismissed those concerns as “nonsense.”
Hong Kong’s national security police have reportedly compiled a list of people to arrest if they try to flee the city, which resulted in the apprehension of a writer from the Apple Daily. The Apple Daily was the last major pro-democracy newspaper in Hong Kong and shuttered its bureau in the city after several editors and executives were arrested by the CCP.
\nPolitico obtained a letter from a coalition of pro-democracy Hong Kongers in exile calling on Congress to pass a bill in the chamber to grant priority refugee status to Hong Kongers.

What would the bill do?

Introduced by Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) in the Senate and Rep. John Curtis (R-UT) in the House, the Hong Kong Safe Harbor Act would designate certain Hong Kong residents and their immediate family members with priority status for refugee consideration, known as “Priority 2” refugee status.
Priority 2 refugee status would be available to Hong Kongers who suffered persecution or have a well-founded fear of persecution as a result of peaceful political activity; or have been formally charged, detained, or convicted for certain peaceful actions. This would also allow Hong Kong refugees to be admitted without counting against numerical limits refugee admissions.
Under the bill, Hong Kongers couldn’t be denied admission to the U.S. due to a politically motivated government action against them (such as revocation of citizenship) stemming from their involvement in the 2019-2020 protests against China’s encroachment on Hong Kong’s autonomy. Those whose Hong Kong residency was revoked would remain eligible for refugee status as victims of political persecution.
Additionally, the bill would ease the path to an asylum claim for Hong Kongers who were arrested amid the protests by waiving the consideration of immigration intent in the asylum application process.

— Eric Revell

(Photo Credit: Studio Incendo via Flickr / Creative Commons)

","custom_cta_text":null,"cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"valid_count":1,"issue_ids":["legislation"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"How do you plan on practicing Maverick voting?","id":219,"slug":"219-do-plan-practicing-maverick-voting","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/219-do-plan-practicing-maverick-voting","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=219","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/219/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":641,"cta_prompt":"Will your vote challenge the status quo; defend the dignity of all people; and support causes greater than one’s self?","cta_type":"record_video","cta_text":"Record Video","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"5.4.20","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/QlNPLoI-F1o/0.jpg","xsmall":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/QlNPLoI-F1o/0.jpg","small":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/QlNPLoI-F1o/0.jpg","medium":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/QlNPLoI-F1o/0.jpg","large":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/QlNPLoI-F1o/0.jpg"},"profile_id":8,"action_count":19,"html_content":"

Almost two years ago, we made the call for Mavericks – people who challenge the status quo; people who defend the dignity of all; and people who work in service of a cause greater than oneself. Thousands, maybe millions, have answered the call.

As the 2020 Election approaches, we need mavericks more than ever before. Like the original maverick, Senator John McCain, we ask you to use your vote to challenge the status quo, defend the dignity of all people and support causes greater than one’s self.

Watch the video and let us know how you plan on Maverick Voting. Post your responses and videos here and/or on Twitter and Facebook pages and take the pledge if you haven’t already at https://www.mavericksneeded.org/.

","comments_count":3,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2020-05-04T17:58:39.126Z","status":"published","snippet":"Almost two years ago, we made the call for Mavericks – people who challenge the status quo; people who defend the dignity of","share_count":2,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2020-05-04T17:58:39.123Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":"https://www.youtube.com/embed/QlNPLoI-F1o","video_dimensions":"480,270","video_aspect_ratio":"16x9","og_title":null,"og_description":null,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"How do you plan on practicing Maverick voting?","cta_prompt":"Will your vote challenge the status quo; defend the dignity of all people; and support causes greater than one’s self?","html_content":"

","custom_cta_text":"Record Video","cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"valid_count":3,"issue_ids":[],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"Local News Source Guide - Western Region","id":395,"slug":"395-local-news-source-guide-western-region","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/395-local-news-source-guide-western-region","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=395","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/395/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Join us and spread the word to your community","cta_type":"share","cta_text":"Share","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"3.4.21","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/e0773c/West%20region.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/e0773c/West%20region.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/e0773c/West%20region.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/e0773c/West%20region.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/e0773c/West%20region.jpg"},"profile_id":10,"action_count":2,"html_content":"

Arizona - AZ AZCentral

New Mexico - NM Albuquerque Journal

Oregon - OR The Oregonian

Nevada - NV Las Vegas Review Journal

California – CA Los Angeles Times

Washington - WA The Seattle Times

Utah - UT Deseret News

Colorado - CO The Denver Post

Hawaii - HI Honolulu Star Advertiser

Alaska - AK Anchorage Daily News

","comments_count":1,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2021-03-04T18:07:43.123Z","status":"published","snippet":"Arizona - AZ AZCentral New Mexico - NM Albuquerque Journal Oregon - OR The Oregonian Nevada - NV Las Vegas Review Journal","share_count":1,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2021-03-04T18:07:43.121Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"Local News Source Guide - Western Region","cta_prompt":"Join us and spread the word to your community","html_content":"

Arizona - AZ AZCentral

New Mexico - NM Albuquerque Journal

Oregon - OR The Oregonian

Nevada - NV Las Vegas Review Journal

California – CA Los Angeles Times

Washington - WA The Seattle Times

Utah - UT Deseret News

Colorado - CO The Denver Post

Hawaii - HI Honolulu Star Advertiser

Alaska - AK Anchorage Daily News

","custom_cta_text":"Share","cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"valid_count":1,"issue_ids":[],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"Ask the Expert - Episode 6: When can you expect to know the election result?","id":359,"slug":"359-ask-expert-episode-6-expect-know-election-result","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/359-ask-expert-episode-6-expect-know-election-result","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=359","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/359/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Watch the Video Here","cta_type":"share","cta_text":"Share","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"12.4.20","image_urls":{"small":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/QPdVFA0dxMg/0.jpg","medium":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/QPdVFA0dxMg/0.jpg","large":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/QPdVFA0dxMg/0.jpg","thumb":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/QPdVFA0dxMg/0.jpg","xsmall":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/QPdVFA0dxMg/0.jpg"},"profile_id":9,"action_count":10,"html_content":"

As a part of the We Hold These Truths 2020 Election Center, the Ask the Expert Series with Trevor Potter will provide you with important voter information and answer all your questions about the upcoming 2020 election. For more, check out Campaign Legal Center's State and Locally Focused Resources for Supporting Voting Rights.

","comments_count":2,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":["short-video"],"private":false,"created_at":"2020-12-04T20:56:04.486Z","status":"published","snippet":"As a part of the We Hold These Truths 2020 Election Center , the Ask the Expert Series with Trevor Potter will provide you with","share_count":2,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2020-12-04T20:56:04.483Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":"https://www.youtube.com/embed/QPdVFA0dxMg","video_dimensions":[480,270],"video_aspect_ratio":"16x9","og_title":null,"og_description":null,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"Ask the Expert - Episode 6: When can you expect to know the election result?","cta_prompt":"Watch the Video Here","html_content":"

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The second annual John McCain Prize for Leadership in Public Service has been awarded to the people of Hong Kong in recognition of their fight for democracy. The award, which was presented to the people of Lesbos, Greece, last year was presented this year to former lawmaker Emily Lau Wai-hing and activist Figo Chan Ho-wun on Saturday, November 23rd. The two accepted the award from Cindy McCain, the wife of late Senator John McCain, alongside the Halifax Security Forum, on behalf of all protesters in Hong Kong.

Giving this award to the people of Hong Kong makes the Halifax Security Forum—a network of international experts, academics, military officials, entrepreneurs and authors—the first international organization to recognize the struggles of the city’s people. This certainly comes at a delicate time: last week, the US Congress almost unanimously voted to pass the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act. This act would impose stricter monitoring of Hong Kong and, should any action be taken by the government to erode at the city’s freedoms, sanctions against China. President Trump, who has been in the process of working out a new trade deal with Beijing as a focal point of his re-election campaign, has yet to comment on whether he will sign the act into law or not.

In this context, the Halifax Forum’s recognition of the Hong Kongese could be seen as a challenge to Beijing itself. However, the Forum stands firm in its decision. Cindy McCain, who is also a board member of the Forum, said that she hopes “this tribute to those who are struggling for their rights in Hong Kong will encourage more people around the world to raise their voices in support of their cause, especially in my country’s government. They are fighting for something larger than themselves.”

Article: People of Hong Kong awarded 2019 John McCain Prize for Leadership in Public Service – an honour that comes at delicate time in US-China relations

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Article: People of Hong Kong awarded 2019 John McCain Prize for Leadership in Public Service – an honour that comes at delicate time in US-China relations

","custom_cta_text":"Contact Reps","cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"valid_count":3,"issue_ids":["news"],"legislator_ids":[3]},{"title":"Introducing the Diplomacy Caucus","id":119,"slug":"119-introducing-diplomacy-caucus","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/119-introducing-diplomacy-caucus","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=119","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/119/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":898,"cta_prompt":"A bipartisan group of lawmakers are banding together to support America's diplomats","cta_type":"share","cta_text":"Share","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"12.4.19","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/ZBVBgDke/a2c50b/brandon-mowinkel-H2b1a5WNSW0-unsplash.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/ZBVBgDke/a2c50b/brandon-mowinkel-H2b1a5WNSW0-unsplash.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/ZBVBgDke/a2c50b/brandon-mowinkel-H2b1a5WNSW0-unsplash.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/ZBVBgDke/a2c50b/brandon-mowinkel-H2b1a5WNSW0-unsplash.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/ZBVBgDke/a2c50b/brandon-mowinkel-H2b1a5WNSW0-unsplash.jpg"},"profile_id":6,"action_count":7,"html_content":"

The ongoing impeachment hearings in Washington, DC have had the unintended consequence of dragging down the morale of America’s foreign service as U.S. diplomats have been caught up in the partisan crossfire. To remedy this, four members of congress, two Republicans and two Democrats, have announced the creation of the Diplomacy Caucus. The caucus will bring together lawmakers of both parties in the interest of strengthening the U.S. diplomatic corps through legislation. Do you feel that America’s public servants are being protected enough by Congress, or is the creation of this caucus a necessity?

Article: With State Department Under Fire, Lawmakers Form a Diplomacy Caucus

","comments_count":1,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":["news"],"private":null,"created_at":"2019-12-04T19:22:29.919Z","status":"published","snippet":"The ongoing impeachment hearings in Washington, DC have had the unintended consequence of dragging down the morale of America’s","share_count":3,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2019-12-04T19:22:29.917Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"Introducing the Diplomacy Caucus","cta_prompt":"A bipartisan group of lawmakers are banding together to support America's diplomats","html_content":"

Article: With State Department Under Fire, Lawmakers Form a Diplomacy Caucus

","custom_cta_text":null,"cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"valid_count":1,"issue_ids":["news"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"One Big Thing: Do you support pro-democracy protests in Tunisia?","id":457,"slug":"457-big-thing-do-support-pro-democracy-protests-tunisia","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/457-big-thing-do-support-pro-democracy-protests-tunisia","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=457","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/457/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Join us and take our poll","cta_type":"reactions","cta_text":"React","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"7.27.21","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/d79f51/d79f51-56726743_303.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/d79f51/d79f51-56726743_303.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/d79f51/d79f51-56726743_303.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/d79f51/d79f51-56726743_303.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/d79f51/d79f51-56726743_303.jpg"},"profile_id":4,"action_count":35,"html_content":"

Over the weekend, Tunisian President Kais Saied fired Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi and suspended the parliament for a month. Saied was supported by the military who surrounded parliament, imposed a nighttime curfew, and have banned gatherings of more than three people. Many experts have characterized the attack on parliament as a coup as Saied now controls the executive, legislative and judicial branches of the government. This pivot seeks to reestablishing the same type of authoritarian government the Arab Spring revolution ousted a decade ago. In response, Tunisian citizens have taken to the streets to show their support for either the president or the prime minister.

Tunisia has been in turmoil since the 2011 Arab Spring revolutions swept the country. Since, the country has faced troubling economic decline as government leaders have been unable to deliver solutions for the rampant unemployment, poverty, inflation, and poor social services. Recently, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have thrust the economy and healthcare system to the brink of collapse, creating public unrest with the current administration.

Historically, countries that experienced revolutions fueled by the Arab Spring movement have seen violent civil war subsequently ensue. Syria, Yemen and Libya have been undone by highly publicized civil wars and many fear that Tunisia is on the same path.

Read more about the protests in Tunisia HERE

","comments_count":6,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2021-07-27T16:09:54.133Z","status":"published","snippet":"Over the weekend, Tunisian President Kais Saied fired Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi and suspended the parliament for a month .","share_count":0,"reaction_config":[{"text":"Support","color":"#333373","stance":"support"},{"text":"Oppose","color":"#DB0F06","stance":"oppose"}],"reaction_config_id":7,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2021-07-27T16:09:54.040Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"One Big Thing: Do you support pro-democracy protests in Tunisia?","cta_prompt":"Join us and take our poll","html_content":"

Read more about the protests in Tunisia HERE

","custom_cta_text":null,"cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"valid_count":6,"issue_ids":[],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"Senate Unanimously Passes Bill to Sanction Companies Using Forced Labor From Uyghur Concentration Camps in China","id":465,"slug":"465-senate-unanimously-passes-bill-sanction-companies-using-forced-labor-uyghur-concentration-camps-china","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/465-senate-unanimously-passes-bill-sanction-companies-using-forced-labor-uyghur-concentration-camps-china","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=465","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/465/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":2989,"cta_prompt":"Do you support or oppose the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act?","cta_type":"reactions","cta_text":"React","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"7.28.21","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/W28YdLBe/8bb8cc/8bb8cc-SenateUyghurForcedLaborPrevention1.png","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/W28YdLBe/8bb8cc/8bb8cc-SenateUyghurForcedLaborPrevention1.png","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/W28YdLBe/8bb8cc/8bb8cc-SenateUyghurForcedLaborPrevention1.png","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/W28YdLBe/8bb8cc/8bb8cc-SenateUyghurForcedLaborPrevention1.png","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/W28YdLBe/8bb8cc/8bb8cc-SenateUyghurForcedLaborPrevention1.png"},"profile_id":11,"action_count":0,"html_content":"

What’s the story?

The Senate on Wednesday cast a unanimous vote to pass a bill to sanction Chinese companies and individuals who benefit from the use of forced labor, particularly from the Xinjiang region where Uyghurs and other ethnic Muslim minorities have been detained in concentration camps and forced to work.
The U.S. declared China’s actions in Xinjiang a “genocide” earlier this year and enacted the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2020 a year ago to authorize sanctions along the lines of what the Senate bill would impose.
The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act would sanction companies and individuals involved with the use of forced labor in Xinjiang under authorities created by, which became law last year. Additionally, the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act would prohibit the importation of goods presumed to have been made with forced labor in Xinjiang or by entities affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party.
The bill’s contents were included in the U.S. Competition and Innovation Act, a broad package of technological and geopolitical provisions aimed at bolstering American competitiveness with China. The U.S. Competition and Innovation Act cleared the Senate on a bipartisan vote of 68-32 in June 2021 but hasn’t been considered yet by the House.
Following Wednesday’s vote by the Senate, the standalone version of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act now heads to the House. It’s unclear when the House will add it to the schedule, although a vote could occur as early as next week when the chamber returns from its Fourth of July recess. Nearly identical legislation stalled at the end of the last Congress amid a lobbying push by companies such as Coca-Cola, Disney, and Nike, which was referenced in a hearing on the issue during the current Congress at which survivors of the concentration camps testified.
The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act’s lead sponsor is Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL), who also was the lead sponsor of the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2020. Rubio called on the House to follow the Senate’s lead in passing the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act in a statement:

“The message to Beijing and any international company that profits from forced labor in Xinjiang is clear: no more. We will not turn a blind eye to the CCP’s ongoing crimes against humanity, and we will not allow corporations a free pass to profit from those horrific abuses. Once this bill passes the House and is signed by the President, the United States will have more tools to prevent products made with forced labor from entering our nation’s supply chains. We cannot afford any further delay, and I call on my colleagues in the House to promptly send this bill to the President.”

Lead Democratic cosponsor Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) added:

“Today the Senate is sending a clear message that the United States will not be complicit in the Chinese government’s genocide of Uyghur Muslims. Uyghurs and other predominantly Muslim ethnic minorities in Xinjiang are being forced into labor, tortured, imprisoned, forcibly sterilized, and pressured to abandon their religious and cultural practices by the Chinese government. No American corporation should profit from these abuses. No American consumers should be inadvertently purchasing products from slave labor.”

— Eric Revell

(Photo Credit: Uyghur Concentration Camp: Radio Free Asia / Fair Use)

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What’s the story?

The Senate on Wednesday cast a unanimous vote to pass a bill to sanction Chinese companies and individuals who benefit from the use of forced labor, particularly from the Xinjiang region where Uyghurs and other ethnic Muslim minorities have been detained in concentration camps and forced to work.
The U.S. declared China’s actions in Xinjiang a “genocide” earlier this year and enacted the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2020 a year ago to authorize sanctions along the lines of what the Senate bill would impose.
The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act would sanction companies and individuals involved with the use of forced labor in Xinjiang under authorities created by, which became law last year. Additionally, the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act would prohibit the importation of goods presumed to have been made with forced labor in Xinjiang or by entities affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party.
The bill’s contents were included in the U.S. Competition and Innovation Act, a broad package of technological and geopolitical provisions aimed at bolstering American competitiveness with China. The U.S. Competition and Innovation Act cleared the Senate on a bipartisan vote of 68-32 in June 2021 but hasn’t been considered yet by the House.
Following Wednesday’s vote by the Senate, the standalone version of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act now heads to the House. It’s unclear when the House will add it to the schedule, although a vote could occur as early as next week when the chamber returns from its Fourth of July recess. Nearly identical legislation stalled at the end of the last Congress amid a lobbying push by companies such as Coca-Cola, Disney, and Nike, which was referenced in a hearing on the issue during the current Congress at which survivors of the concentration camps testified.
The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act’s lead sponsor is Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL), who also was the lead sponsor of the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2020. Rubio called on the House to follow the Senate’s lead in passing the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act in a statement:

“The message to Beijing and any international company that profits from forced labor in Xinjiang is clear: no more. We will not turn a blind eye to the CCP’s ongoing crimes against humanity, and we will not allow corporations a free pass to profit from those horrific abuses. Once this bill passes the House and is signed by the President, the United States will have more tools to prevent products made with forced labor from entering our nation’s supply chains. We cannot afford any further delay, and I call on my colleagues in the House to promptly send this bill to the President.”

Lead Democratic cosponsor Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) added:

“Today the Senate is sending a clear message that the United States will not be complicit in the Chinese government’s genocide of Uyghur Muslims. Uyghurs and other predominantly Muslim ethnic minorities in Xinjiang are being forced into labor, tortured, imprisoned, forcibly sterilized, and pressured to abandon their religious and cultural practices by the Chinese government. No American corporation should profit from these abuses. No American consumers should be inadvertently purchasing products from slave labor.”

— Eric Revell

(Photo Credit: Uyghur Concentration Camp: Radio Free Asia / Fair Use)

","custom_cta_text":null,"cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"valid_count":0,"issue_ids":["news","legislation"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"Local News Source Guide - Midwest Region","id":394,"slug":"394-local-news-source-guide-midwest-region","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/394-local-news-source-guide-midwest-region","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=394","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/394/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Join us and spread the word to your community","cta_type":"share","cta_text":"Share","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"3.4.21","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/4c91d0/Midwest%20region.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/4c91d0/Midwest%20region.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/4c91d0/Midwest%20region.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/4c91d0/Midwest%20region.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/4c91d0/Midwest%20region.jpg"},"profile_id":10,"action_count":1,"html_content":"

Illinois - IL Chicago Tribune

Idaho - ID Idaho Statesman

Indiana - IN Indianapolis Star

Iowa - IA The Des Moines Register

Kansas - KS Wichita Eagle

Michigan - MI Detroit News

Minnesota - MN Duluth News Tribune

Montana - MT Billings Gazette

Missouri - MO St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Nebraska - NE Lincoln Journal Star

Wyoming - WY Casper Star-Tribune

Ohio - OH Cincinnati Enquirer

Wisconsin - WI Wisconsin State Journal

North Dakota - ND Bismarck Tribune

South Dakota - SD Rapid City Journal

","comments_count":0,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2021-03-04T18:07:00.175Z","status":"published","snippet":"Illinois - IL Chicago Tribune Idaho - ID Idaho Statesman Indiana - IN Indianapolis Star Iowa - IA The Des Moines Register Kansas","share_count":1,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2021-03-04T18:07:00.169Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"Local News Source Guide - Midwest Region","cta_prompt":"Join us and spread the word to your community","html_content":"

Illinois - IL Chicago Tribune

Idaho - ID Idaho Statesman

Indiana - IN Indianapolis Star

Iowa - IA The Des Moines Register

Kansas - KS Wichita Eagle

Michigan - MI Detroit News

Minnesota - MN Duluth News Tribune

Montana - MT Billings Gazette

Missouri - MO St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Nebraska - NE Lincoln Journal Star

Wyoming - WY Casper Star-Tribune

Ohio - OH Cincinnati Enquirer

Wisconsin - WI Wisconsin State Journal

North Dakota - ND Bismarck Tribune

South Dakota - SD Rapid City Journal

","custom_cta_text":"Share","cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"valid_count":0,"issue_ids":[],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"Ask the Expert - Episode 5: What is \"Ballot Harvesting\" or \"Ballot Assistance\"?","id":358,"slug":"358-ask-expert-episode-5-ballot-harvesting-ballot-assistance","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/358-ask-expert-episode-5-ballot-harvesting-ballot-assistance","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=358","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/358/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Watch the Video Here","cta_type":"share","cta_text":"Share","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"12.4.20","image_urls":{"small":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/aajlcjVZyVo/0.jpg","medium":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/aajlcjVZyVo/0.jpg","large":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/aajlcjVZyVo/0.jpg","thumb":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/aajlcjVZyVo/0.jpg","xsmall":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/aajlcjVZyVo/0.jpg"},"profile_id":9,"action_count":4,"html_content":"

","comments_count":1,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2020-12-04T20:55:31.252Z","status":"published","snippet":"As a part of the We Hold These Truths 2020 Election Center , the Ask the Expert Series with Trevor Potter will provide you with","share_count":0,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2020-12-04T20:55:31.250Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":"https://www.youtube.com/embed/aajlcjVZyVo","video_dimensions":[480,270],"video_aspect_ratio":"16x9","og_title":null,"og_description":null,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"Ask the Expert - Episode 5: What is \"Ballot Harvesting\" or \"Ballot Assistance\"?","cta_prompt":"Watch the Video Here","html_content":"

","custom_cta_text":null,"cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"valid_count":1,"issue_ids":[],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"Congressman Introduces Bill Requiring Arrested Protesters to Pay for Police Overtime","id":89,"slug":"89-congressman-introduces-bill-requiring-arrested-protesters-pay-police-overtime","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/89-congressman-introduces-bill-requiring-arrested-protesters-pay-police-overtime","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=89","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/89/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":27,"cta_prompt":"Should protesters have to pay for police? Tell your Rep. how you feel.","cta_type":"contact_reps","cta_text":"Contact Reps","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"10.8.19","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/dc7cc9/WHTT_ArrestedProtestersPayPoliceOvertime_TakeAction_20191007.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/dc7cc9/WHTT_ArrestedProtestersPayPoliceOvertime_TakeAction_20191007.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/dc7cc9/WHTT_ArrestedProtestersPayPoliceOvertime_TakeAction_20191007.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/dc7cc9/WHTT_ArrestedProtestersPayPoliceOvertime_TakeAction_20191007.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/dc7cc9/WHTT_ArrestedProtestersPayPoliceOvertime_TakeAction_20191007.jpg"},"profile_id":5,"action_count":44,"html_content":"

Republican Representative Jim Banks responded to September’s climate protests by introducing a bill that would force arrested protestors to pay for police overtime.

Rep. Banks (R-Ind.) said \"Hoosier taxpayers shouldn't be on the hook for illegal protests — it is a violation of their 1st Amendment rights.”

Despite Banks’ statements, such a bill would erode First Amendment protections and make citizens less likely to protest.

\nArticle: GOP lawmaker to introduce bill requiring arrested DC protesters pay for police overtime\n

Banks claims that this bill would not prohibit other demonstrations or protests, but historically speaking, many of our nation’s most important civil rights victories have come from protests that led to arrests. It seems likely that adding financial responsibility on top of the threat of arrest may prevent would-be-activists from participating in future protests.

Is this an intimidation tactic? If so, is it a violation of our First Amendment rights?

What do you think? Should activists ever be on the hook for police overtime?

","comments_count":4,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":["legislation","news"],"private":null,"created_at":"2019-10-08T16:57:59.427Z","status":"published","snippet":"Republican Representative Jim Banks responded to September’s climate protests by introducing a bill that would force arrested","share_count":13,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2019-10-08T17:09:45.576Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"Congressman Introduces Bill Requiring Arrested Protesters to Pay for Police Overtime","cta_prompt":"Should protesters have to pay for police? Tell your Rep. how you feel.","html_content":"

Republican Representative Jim Banks responded to September’s climate protests by introducing a bill that would force arrested protestors to pay for police overtime.

Rep. Banks (R-Ind.) said \"Hoosier taxpayers shouldn't be on the hook for illegal protests — it is a violation of their 1st Amendment rights.”

Despite Banks’ statements, such a bill would erode First Amendment protections and make citizens less likely to protest.

\nArticle: GOP lawmaker to introduce bill requiring arrested DC protesters pay for police overtime\n

Is this an intimidation tactic? If so, is it a violation of our First Amendment rights?

What do you think? Should activists ever be on the hook for police overtime?

","custom_cta_text":"Contact Reps","cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"valid_count":4,"issue_ids":["news","legislation"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"New California Law Prohibits Political Deepfakes","id":100,"slug":"100-new-california-law-prohibits-political-deepfakes","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/100-new-california-law-prohibits-political-deepfakes","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=100","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/100/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":27,"cta_prompt":"Should deepfake videos be considered protected speech?","cta_type":"reactions","cta_text":"React","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"10.22.19","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/843872/WHTT_PoliticalDeepFake_Explore_20191021.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/843872/WHTT_PoliticalDeepFake_Explore_20191021.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/843872/WHTT_PoliticalDeepFake_Explore_20191021.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/843872/WHTT_PoliticalDeepFake_Explore_20191021.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/843872/WHTT_PoliticalDeepFake_Explore_20191021.jpg"},"profile_id":6,"action_count":15,"html_content":"

California recently became the second state to pass a bill restricting the use of “deepfake” technology to spread false information about political candidates.

Specifically, the bill applies to instances where deepfake technology is used to intentionally spread false information about a candidate within 60 days of an election.

The bill includes exceptions for parody and satire, as well as cases where the broadcaster or publisher makes it clear that the media has been manipulated.

Article: California Becomes The Second State To Restrict Political “Deepfakes”

The bill has already drawn harsh criticism from free speech advocates, including the ACLU, who claimed \"this bill will not solve the problem of deceptive political videos; it will only result in voter confusion, malicious litigation, and repression of free speech.”

It’s worth noting that libel and defamation have never been protected by the first amendment, and many deepfake videos could be classified as libel or defamation.

Do you think outlawing deepfake videos is an attack on the first amendment? Can we stop the spread of misinformation without relying on censorship? Let us know in the comments below.

","comments_count":3,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":["legislation","news"],"private":null,"created_at":"2019-10-22T14:57:04.556Z","status":"published","snippet":"California recently became the second state to pass a bill restricting the use of “deepfake” technology to spread false","share_count":2,"reaction_config":[{"text":"Yes","color":"#333373","stance":"yes"},{"text":"Maybe","color":"#9F1962","stance":"maybe"},{"text":"No","color":"#DB0F06","stance":"no"}],"reaction_config_id":6,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2019-10-22T15:29:37.361Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"New California Law Prohibits Political Deepfakes","cta_prompt":"Should deepfake videos be considered protected speech?","html_content":"

California recently became the second state to pass a bill restricting the use of “deepfake” technology to spread false information about political candidates.

Specifically, the bill applies to instances where deepfake technology is used to intentionally spread false information about a candidate within 60 days of an election.

The bill includes exceptions for parody and satire, as well as cases where the broadcaster or publisher makes it clear that the media has been manipulated.

Article: California Becomes The Second State To Restrict Political “Deepfakes”

It’s worth noting that libel and defamation have never been protected by the first amendment, and many deepfake videos could be classified as libel or defamation.

Do you think outlawing deepfake videos is an attack on the first amendment? Can we stop the spread of misinformation without relying on censorship? Let us know in the comments below.

","custom_cta_text":"React","cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"valid_count":3,"issue_ids":["news","legislation"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"One Big Thing: Will Aluminum Producers Heed the Call to Respect Human Rights?","id":456,"slug":"456-big-thing-aluminum-producers-heed-call-respect-human-rights","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/456-big-thing-aluminum-producers-heed-call-respect-human-rights","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=456","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/456/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Join us and take our poll","cta_type":"reactions","cta_text":"React","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"7.26.21","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/hqpR9kLDKh4/0.jpg","xsmall":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/hqpR9kLDKh4/0.jpg","small":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/hqpR9kLDKh4/0.jpg","medium":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/hqpR9kLDKh4/0.jpg","large":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/hqpR9kLDKh4/0.jpg"},"profile_id":4,"action_count":13,"html_content":"

Automobile manufacturers have heralded electric cars as a greener alternative to traditional gasoline cars which emit 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide every year on average. However, a new report from Human Rights Watch (HRW) and Inclusive Development International (IDI) found that the picture is not so rosy. According to the report, transitioning to electric cars would require manufacturers to “double their aluminum consumption by 2050.”

This could have devastating effects: “The impacts of mining and refining the raw materials needed for aluminum include large-scale destruction of communities’ lands and damage to their water sources. The aluminum industry’s reliance on coal also means it is responsible for 2 percent of global annual greenhouse gas emissions.”

The West African country of Guinea has the world’s largest bauxite deposits, the ore from which aluminum is produced. In 2019, the government conducted a study which forecasted that bauxite mining over the next 20 years would “remove 858 square kilometers of agricultural land and destroy more than 4,700 square kilometers of natural habitat, an area six times bigger than New York City.” In a primarily agricultural region, this would be disastrous for residents’ livelihoods.

Elsewhere in Brazil’s Pará State, a group representing around 11,000 families sued Norsk Hydro, a Norwegian aluminum producer, for improper disposal of toxic waste which has contaminated waterways.

There have been some positive developments in the automobile manufacturing industry, such as the Aluminum Stewardship Initiative (ASI), which tries to ensure responsible sourcing of aluminum and keep aluminum producers in line with human rights and environmental standards through third-party audits.

Additionally, Drive Sustainability, which brings together 11 different car companies, launched a project in May to gauge the human rights risks in producing aluminum and nine other raw materials.

Jim Wormington, senior HRW Africa researcher, noted the importance of car companies leading the charge for change. “Pressure from car manufacturers that purchase aluminum can play a key role in pushing mining companies to constructively resolve communities’ complaints,” he said.

“Once car companies and other industries communicate clearly to aluminum producers that they will only buy aluminum that is free of human rights abuses, we think mining companies and the aluminum sector more broadly will quickly up their game.”

Read HRW and IDI’s full report HERE

Watch a 2 minute video from HRW about the impact of aluminum production on human rights HERE

Authored by Paulina Song

","comments_count":1,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2021-07-26T19:17:06.012Z","status":"published","snippet":"Automobile manufacturers have heralded electric cars as a greener alternative to traditional gasoline cars which emit 4.6 metric","share_count":0,"reaction_config":[{"text":"Yes","color":"#333373","stance":"yes"},{"text":"Maybe","color":"#9F1962","stance":"maybe"},{"text":"No","color":"#DB0F06","stance":"no"}],"reaction_config_id":6,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2021-07-26T19:17:05.990Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":"https://www.youtube.com/embed/hqpR9kLDKh4","video_dimensions":"200,113","video_aspect_ratio":"16x9","og_title":null,"og_description":null,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"One Big Thing: Will Aluminum Producers Heed the Call to Respect Human Rights?","cta_prompt":"Join us and take our poll","html_content":"

Additionally, Drive Sustainability, which brings together 11 different car companies, launched a project in May to gauge the human rights risks in producing aluminum and nine other raw materials.

Read HRW and IDI’s full report HERE

Watch a 2 minute video from HRW about the impact of aluminum production on human rights HERE

Authored by Paulina Song

","custom_cta_text":null,"cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"valid_count":1,"issue_ids":[],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"Should the U.S. Restore Internet Access for Cubans When the Communist Dictatorship Cuts Them Off?","id":464,"slug":"464-u-s-restore-internet-access-cubans-communist-dictatorship-cuts","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/464-u-s-restore-internet-access-cubans-communist-dictatorship-cuts","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=464","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/464/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":2989,"cta_prompt":"Should the U.S. try to provide Internet access to the Cuban people when their government shuts it down?","cta_type":"reactions","cta_text":"React","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"7.28.21","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/W28YdLBe/055d48/055d48-CubaProtestsInternet.png","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/W28YdLBe/055d48/055d48-CubaProtestsInternet.png","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/W28YdLBe/055d48/055d48-CubaProtestsInternet.png","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/W28YdLBe/055d48/055d48-CubaProtestsInternet.png","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/W28YdLBe/055d48/055d48-CubaProtestsInternet.png"},"profile_id":11,"action_count":0,"html_content":"

UPDATE 7/15/21

In remarks at a press conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, President Joe Biden was asked about the Cuban government cutting off the Internet access for its people and responded, \"We are considering whether we have the technological ability to reinstate that access.\"
Biden also said that \"communism is a failed system, a universally failed system, and I don't see socialism as a very useful substitute, but that's another story.\"

The original story appears below.

What’s the story?

The protests by the Cuban people against their government’s repression which began on Sunday were the largest in decades, but the Communist Party of Cuba moved quickly to cut off the public’s access to the Internet and social media platforms that protesters were using to community amongst themselves and with the rest of the world. That has prompted calls for the U.S. government and American telecommunications companies to restore Internet access to the Cuban people.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) wrote a letter to President Joe Biden making a request to that effect, which read in part:

“As you know, the Cuban people are taking to the streets to protest the Communist regime, and the Cuban government has responded with violence. At first, the world could see the images and videos of this mass movement, but now the tyrannical regime of President Miguel Díaz-Canel has shut off access to the Internet. The Cuban people have lost their ability to communicate with one another, and many Floridians born in Cuba have no information on the safety of their loved ones. Equally as important, the world has also lost the ability to see what is happening on the ground as the Cuban people rise in support of freedom.”

DeSantis explained, “Technology exists to provide Internet access into Cuba remotely, using the innovation of American enterprise” and urged the president “to provide all necessary authorizations, indemnifications, and funding to American businesses with the capability to provide Internet access for the people of Cuba.”
Federal Communications Commissioner Brendan Carr released a statement concurring with DeSantis’s call for the federal government to help provide Internet access to the people of Cuba and the technical feasibility of doing so:

“While Cuba’s communist regime is blocking Internet access in an effort to hide their brutal crackdown on freedom, American enterprises have the technical capability to beam connectivity to the Cuban people and help power their real and ongoing struggle for life and liberty. With the backing and authorization of the federal government, these private sector innovators can get to work immediately.”

Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) said in an interview that the U.S. could boost Internet access in Cuba from Key West and the Dry Tortugas in Florida, in addition to the American naval base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. He also wrote a letter to President Biden calling for the federal government to help restore the Cuban people’s access to the Internet:

“In recent years, American firms have made significant strides in telecommunications technologies, including fiber-less solutions that can be deployed to remote regions at relatively short notice. For example, in 2017, during the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, the island of Puerto Rico received emergency connectivity through balloon-supplied internet. American technical capacity, coupled with the physical proximity of Cuba to the United States and its interests, make providing unrestricted access to the island an attainable and morally imperative goal. Today, U.S. companies stand ready and willing to support this effort with the support of the federal government.”

— Eric Revell

(Photo Credit: Cuba: iStock.com / molloykeith | Internet: iStock.com / ipopba)

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UPDATE 7/15/21

In remarks at a press conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, President Joe Biden was asked about the Cuban government cutting off the Internet access for its people and responded, \"We are considering whether we have the technological ability to reinstate that access.\"
Biden also said that \"communism is a failed system, a universally failed system, and I don't see socialism as a very useful substitute, but that's another story.\"

The original story appears below.

What’s the story?

The protests by the Cuban people against their government’s repression which began on Sunday were the largest in decades, but the Communist Party of Cuba moved quickly to cut off the public’s access to the Internet and social media platforms that protesters were using to community amongst themselves and with the rest of the world. That has prompted calls for the U.S. government and American telecommunications companies to restore Internet access to the Cuban people.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) wrote a letter to President Joe Biden making a request to that effect, which read in part:

“As you know, the Cuban people are taking to the streets to protest the Communist regime, and the Cuban government has responded with violence. At first, the world could see the images and videos of this mass movement, but now the tyrannical regime of President Miguel Díaz-Canel has shut off access to the Internet. The Cuban people have lost their ability to communicate with one another, and many Floridians born in Cuba have no information on the safety of their loved ones. Equally as important, the world has also lost the ability to see what is happening on the ground as the Cuban people rise in support of freedom.”

DeSantis explained, “Technology exists to provide Internet access into Cuba remotely, using the innovation of American enterprise” and urged the president “to provide all necessary authorizations, indemnifications, and funding to American businesses with the capability to provide Internet access for the people of Cuba.”
Federal Communications Commissioner Brendan Carr released a statement concurring with DeSantis’s call for the federal government to help provide Internet access to the people of Cuba and the technical feasibility of doing so:

“While Cuba’s communist regime is blocking Internet access in an effort to hide their brutal crackdown on freedom, American enterprises have the technical capability to beam connectivity to the Cuban people and help power their real and ongoing struggle for life and liberty. With the backing and authorization of the federal government, these private sector innovators can get to work immediately.”

Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) said in an interview that the U.S. could boost Internet access in Cuba from Key West and the Dry Tortugas in Florida, in addition to the American naval base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. He also wrote a letter to President Biden calling for the federal government to help restore the Cuban people’s access to the Internet:

“In recent years, American firms have made significant strides in telecommunications technologies, including fiber-less solutions that can be deployed to remote regions at relatively short notice. For example, in 2017, during the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, the island of Puerto Rico received emergency connectivity through balloon-supplied internet. American technical capacity, coupled with the physical proximity of Cuba to the United States and its interests, make providing unrestricted access to the island an attainable and morally imperative goal. Today, U.S. companies stand ready and willing to support this effort with the support of the federal government.”

— Eric Revell

(Photo Credit: Cuba: iStock.com / molloykeith | Internet: iStock.com / ipopba)

","custom_cta_text":null,"cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"valid_count":0,"issue_ids":["news","legislation"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"Local News Source Guide - North East Region","id":393,"slug":"393-local-news-source-guide-north-east-region","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/393-local-news-source-guide-north-east-region","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=393","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/393/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Join us and spread the word to your community","cta_type":"share","cta_text":"Share","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"3.4.21","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/8f6e67/NE%20region.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/8f6e67/NE%20region.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/8f6e67/NE%20region.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/8f6e67/NE%20region.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/8f6e67/NE%20region.jpg"},"profile_id":10,"action_count":0,"html_content":"

Region: North East

New Hampshire - NH Concord Monitor

New York - NY New York Times

Massachusetts - MA Boston Globe

Connecticut - CT Hartford Courant

Delaware - DE The News Journal

Maine - ME Portland Press Herald

Maryland - MD Maryland Independent

Pennsylvania - PA York Dispatch

Rhode Island - RI The Providence Journal

Vermont - VT Burlington Free Press

West Virginia - WV The Herald-Dispatch

","comments_count":0,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2021-03-04T18:06:21.302Z","status":"published","snippet":"Region: North East New Hampshire - NH Concord Monitor New York - NY New York Times Massachusetts - MA Boston Globe Connecticut -","share_count":0,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2021-03-04T18:06:21.300Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"Local News Source Guide - North East Region","cta_prompt":"Join us and spread the word to your community","html_content":"

Region: North East

New Hampshire - NH Concord Monitor

New York - NY New York Times

Massachusetts - MA Boston Globe

Connecticut - CT Hartford Courant

Delaware - DE The News Journal

Maine - ME Portland Press Herald

Maryland - MD Maryland Independent

Pennsylvania - PA York Dispatch

Rhode Island - RI The Providence Journal

Vermont - VT Burlington Free Press

West Virginia - WV The Herald-Dispatch

","custom_cta_text":"Share","cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"valid_count":0,"issue_ids":[],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"Ask the Expert - Episode 4: How might China, Russia & Iran meddle with our election?","id":357,"slug":"357-ask-expert-episode-4-china-russia-iran-meddle-election","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/357-ask-expert-episode-4-china-russia-iran-meddle-election","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=357","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/357/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Watch the Video Here","cta_type":"share","cta_text":"Share","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"12.4.20","image_urls":{"small":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/uy1tqtjjSqk/0.jpg","medium":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/uy1tqtjjSqk/0.jpg","large":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/uy1tqtjjSqk/0.jpg","thumb":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/uy1tqtjjSqk/0.jpg","xsmall":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/uy1tqtjjSqk/0.jpg"},"profile_id":9,"action_count":2,"html_content":"

","comments_count":2,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":["short-video"],"private":false,"created_at":"2020-12-04T20:54:40.156Z","status":"published","snippet":"As a part of the We Hold These Truths 2020 Election Center , the Ask the Expert Series with Trevor Potter will provide you with","share_count":0,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2020-12-04T20:54:40.152Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":"https://www.youtube.com/embed/uy1tqtjjSqk","video_dimensions":[480,270],"video_aspect_ratio":"16x9","og_title":null,"og_description":null,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"Ask the Expert - Episode 4: How might China, Russia & Iran meddle with our election?","cta_prompt":"Watch the Video Here","html_content":"

","custom_cta_text":null,"cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"valid_count":2,"issue_ids":["short-video"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"One Year After Jamal Khashoggi’s Death, Many Questions Remain","id":85,"slug":"85-year-jamal-khashoggi-s-death-questions-remain","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/85-year-jamal-khashoggi-s-death-questions-remain","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=85","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/85/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":27,"cta_prompt":"Do you think Congress Should Reopen an Investigation?","cta_type":"contact_reps","cta_text":"Contact Reps","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"10.2.19","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/d363a5/WHTT_CountablePetition_20190926.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/d363a5/WHTT_CountablePetition_20190926.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/d363a5/WHTT_CountablePetition_20190926.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/d363a5/WHTT_CountablePetition_20190926.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/d363a5/WHTT_CountablePetition_20190926.jpg"},"profile_id":5,"action_count":18,"html_content":"

Wednesday, October 2nd marks one year since journalist Jamal Khashoggi died inside the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul, Turkey. Khashoggi was a known political dissident, and many of his articles were critical of the Saudi government. The exact circumstances of his murder remain suspicious and largely unverified, and one year later, there are still many questions surrounding his death.

Here’s what you need to know about Khashoggi:

Jamal Ahmad Khashoggi was a Saudi born author, journalist and political dissident.
He was assassinated on October 2nd, 2018 inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.
Khashoggi was a legal resident of the United States, and a columnist for the Washington Post at the time of his death.
Saudi Arabia initially denied any knowledge of Khashoggi's death.
Later, the Saudi government claimed his death was the result of rogue actors.
\nBy November, the CIA had concluded Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman ordered Khashoggi's assassination.\n
A United Nation’s Report concluded that he was killed and dismembered by Saudi state actors.
His remains have never been found.
\nInitially, President Trump promised “severe punishment” if it became clear that the Saudi government had assassinated Khashoggi. One month later, he backpedaled on this claim, citing his reluctance to “destroy the economy” by straining Saudi-U.S. relations.\n
\nA trial for 11 men accused of killing Khashoggi began in January, 2019 but has taken place in Saudi Arabia, mostly outside of public view.\n
\nLast week, Saudi Crown Prince admitted that Khashoggi’s death “happened under my watch.”\n
\nMohammed bin Salman still denies ordering the killing of Khashoggi.\n

Article: Khashoggi's murder: One year on, here's what we know

Even after multiple investigations and a Saudi trial, the exact details of the murder are still unknown. Khashoggi’s murder is a brutal blow to global press freedoms and an alarming strain to U.S.-Saudi relations. People deserve to know the truth about what happened to Jamal Khashoggi, and as long as the Saudi government and the White House continue to shroud this event in secrecy, people will continue to harbor suspicions about our government’s willingness to pursue justice and our democratic commitment to a free press.

Do you think Congress should demand an investigation into Khashoggi’s death? If so, let your Representative know.

You can also sound off on twitter using the hashtags #JusticeforKhashoggi and #RememberKhashoggi

Or, you can reach out to the 2020 Presidential candidates below using #JusticeforKhashoggi and #RememberKhashoggi

","comments_count":1,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":["news"],"private":null,"created_at":"2019-10-02T15:59:54.482Z","status":"published","snippet":"Wednesday, October 2nd marks one year since journalist Jamal Khashoggi died inside the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul, Turkey.","share_count":5,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2019-10-02T16:04:51.013Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"One Year After Jamal Khashoggi’s Death, Many Questions Remain","cta_prompt":"Do you think Congress Should Reopen an Investigation?","html_content":"

Here’s what you need to know about Khashoggi:

Jamal Ahmad Khashoggi was a Saudi born author, journalist and political dissident.
He was assassinated on October 2nd, 2018 inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.
Khashoggi was a legal resident of the United States, and a columnist for the Washington Post at the time of his death.
Saudi Arabia initially denied any knowledge of Khashoggi's death.
Later, the Saudi government claimed his death was the result of rogue actors.
\nBy November, the CIA had concluded Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman ordered Khashoggi's assassination.\n
A United Nation’s Report concluded that he was killed and dismembered by Saudi state actors.
His remains have never been found.
\nInitially, President Trump promised “severe punishment” if it became clear that the Saudi government had assassinated Khashoggi. One month later, he backpedaled on this claim, citing his reluctance to “destroy the economy” by straining Saudi-U.S. relations.\n
\nA trial for 11 men accused of killing Khashoggi began in January, 2019 but has taken place in Saudi Arabia, mostly outside of public view.\n
\nLast week, Saudi Crown Prince admitted that Khashoggi’s death “happened under my watch.”\n
\nMohammed bin Salman still denies ordering the killing of Khashoggi.\n

Article: Khashoggi's murder: One year on, here's what we know

Do you think Congress should demand an investigation into Khashoggi’s death? If so, let your Representative know.

You can also sound off on twitter using the hashtags #JusticeforKhashoggi and #RememberKhashoggi

Or, you can reach out to the 2020 Presidential candidates below using #JusticeforKhashoggi and #RememberKhashoggi

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In July of 2018, investigative reporter Susan Greene filmed an interaction between Denver police and a naked, handcuffed man. Police asked Greene to stop recording, and when she refused, they seized her phone, handcuffed her, and pushed her into a police car. The interaction was captured on police body cam footage.

\nArticle: Denver Police Agree to First Amendment Training After Unlawful Arrest of Journalist\n

The right to record police officers have been repeatedly upheld by the courts as an essential element of free speech and free press.

After a 7 month internal investigation, the Denver Police Department agreed to provide First Amendment training for their officers, specifically conceding the right to photograph and record in public.

Is this a win for free speech? Let us know in the comments below.

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\nArticle: Denver Police Agree to First Amendment Training After Unlawful Arrest of Journalist\n

The right to record police officers have been repeatedly upheld by the courts as an essential element of free speech and free press.

Is this a win for free speech? Let us know in the comments below.

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On July 12th, The United States imposed visa restrictions on 100 Nicaraguan officials who are accused of being involved in President Daniel Ortega’s crackdown on political opponents. In a statement, the State Department announced that the restrictions would affect members of Nicaragua’s judicial system and assembly members, as well as some of their family members. US visas held by the designated individuals have been revoked but the department did not specify which individuals were targeted.

According to the State Department, the US hopes that these visa restrictions will “promote accountability not only for regime leaders but also officials who enable the regime’s assaults on democracy and human rights”. The restrictions are a direct response to Ortega’s undemocratic crackdown on opposition leaders in the run-up to the November presidential elections. More than 24 student activists, opposition leaders, and presidential hopefuls have been arrested in the past month. Ortega justified the arrest by saying those who were arrested were plotting a coup against him. But many human rights groups have accused the 75-year-old president of increasing authoritarian behavior.

“The gravity and intensification of the Ortega government’s brutal crackdown on critics and members of the opposition in recent weeks requires a redoubling of international pressure,” said José Miguel Vivanco, Americas director at Human Rights Watch. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged the Nicaraguan authorities to uphold the country’s international human rights obligations and release the detained opposition leaders.

Before July 12th, the US had imposed sanctions on President Ortega’s daughter as well as a top army official. These sanctions were meant to force Nicaragua to turn in a democratic direction after the first few waves of arrests. Their effect has clearly been ineffective as the arrests continue to occur.

Recently, President Ortega has defended the recent arrests and criticized the US for interfering in the nation’s affairs. “The Yankee imperialists continue to conspire,” Ortega said. “They think with sanctions they are going to break Nicaragua. Nicaragua has been through a lot worse”.

The Nicaraguan President’s sheer defiance in the face of US pressure begs the question of whether it is time for the United States to look at other avenues for increasing pressure on Ortega's government.

Read more about Daniel Ortega’s rise to power HERE

Check out Nicaragua’s human rights record HERE

Authored by James Robson

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Read more about Daniel Ortega’s rise to power HERE

Check out Nicaragua’s human rights record HERE

Authored by James Robson

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Weekly Roundup: April 9, 2020

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