New York has implemented a series of legislative measures designed to limit the role of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) within its borders. Governor Kathy Hochul recently signed into law the New York for All Act and the Dignity Not Detention Act as part of the state’s Fiscal Year 27 Enacted Budget. These acts impose…
In a significant move by Spain’s National Court, Judge Santiago Pedraz authorized the Civil Guard’s Central Operational Unit to secure documents and electronic records from the headquarters of the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE). This decision is part of an extensive investigation into alleged attempts to disrupt judicial and police processes, as detailed here. Central…
Ghana’s parliament has approved a controversial bill that criminalizes the promotion of LGBTQ+ activities, imposing prison sentences of up to 10 years for those who promote, sponsor, or advocate LGBTQ+ acts. This legislation, known as the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values bill, also bans funding related to LGBTQ+ groups and activities, reflecting a broader…
During a recent virtual public comment hearing hosted by the US Environmental Protection Agency, environmental advocates expressed strong opposition to proposed regulations that would weaken requirements for cleaning up coal ash residue. This residue, a byproduct of burning coal for electricity, poses significant risks to water supplies, making the proposed rollbacks highly contentious. Amidst these…
Human Rights Watch has called on Ricardo Couto, the interim governor of Rio de Janeiro, to enact legislation that would establish fully independent forensic services. The call highlights the ongoing struggle to ensure forensic work in the state is free from police influence, a factor that has consistently thwarted justice and perpetuated impunity. The organization…
In a pivotal decision, the US Supreme Court has overturned a previous ruling regarding Terry Pitchford, a Black inmate on death row in Mississippi, challenging the alleged racial bias during his jury selection process. Pitchford, at 18, was convicted of capital murder after a 2004 robbery resulted in the death of a white store owner,…
In a significant ruling, Thailand’s Criminal Court has acquitted Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, a prominent political figure and founder of the Progressive Movement Party, of charges related to lèse majesté. The charges stemmed from his 2021 comments criticizing the government’s procurement of COVID-19 vaccines. The court determined that Juangroongruangkit’s criticisms targeted the administration of then-Prime Minister Prayut…