NewzIntel.com

Category: Justice

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Charges – Aggravated assault – Alice Springs

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a 40-year-old female in relation to a road rage incident that occurred in Alice Springs yesterday.

    Around 6:40am on Tuesday 18 March, police responded to reports of a collision involving two vehicles at the intersection of Tuncks Road and South Terrace. A 54-year-old female driver had failed to give way to oncoming traffic, causing a collision with another vehicle.

    The 40-year-old female driver of the second vehicle allegedly approached the 54-year-old female driver after the collision and physically assaulted her, resulting in minor injuries. No injuries were reported to police in relation to the initial accident.

    Police attended and conducted roadside breath tests and drug tests on both drivers. The 40-year-old female tested positive for cannabis and was subsequently charged with:

    • Aggravated assault
    • Drive motor vehicle unlicensed
    • Drive with prohibited drug in body
    • Drive unregistered / uninsured
    • Disorderly behaviour in Police Station
    • Damage property

    She is due to appear in court today.

    Police continue to urge anyone who witnesses crime or antisocial behaviour to call police on 131 444. In an emergency call 000. You can also report anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Charges – Breach Domestic violence order – Karama

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a 19-year-old male in relation to a domestic violence incident that occurred in Karama this morning.

    About 12:50am, police received reports of a disturbance at residence in Karama involving a group allegedly armed with weapons. The group were reportedly armed with a bow and allegedly threw bottles and loosed arrows at the home. One of the offenders is known to one of the victims.

    General duties and Dog Operations Unit members commenced investigations and subsequently located the 19-year-old man at a residence in Gunn. He was arrested for Breach domestic violence order and was remanded in custody to appear in Darwin Local Court tomorrow.

    Investigations remain ongoing.

    If anyone has any information in relation to this incident police urge you to make contact on 131 444. You can anonymously report crime via Crime Stopper by calling 1800 333 000.

    If you or someone you know are experiencing difficulties due to domestic violence, support services are available, including, but not limited to, 1800RESPECT (1800737732) or Lifeline 131 114.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Address to the Corones’ Law Competition Reform event, Sydney

    Source: Australian Treasurer

    I acknowledge the Gadigal of the Eora Nation. I pay my respects to Elders past and present and extend that respect to First Nations people taking part in today’s event.

    Fresh out of law school, I had the privilege of working as one of Justice Michael Kirby’s High Court associates. I answered the phone, put thousands of letters in envelopes, made hundreds of cups of Ceylon Orange Pekoe tea and occasionally had the chance to do some legal research (Leigh 2016).

    One of the things I learned was that lawyers would be lost without resources like Corones’ Competition Law (Svetiev 2023). Pages dog‑eared and tabbed to death, Corones is a trusted source of how the courts have ruled and how arguments have been won and lost.

    Corones texts also stand as a record of reform. Over many editions, it has captured everything from judgments on the original 1974 legislation, to reforms allowing third parties to access infrastructure in the 1990s, to the introduction of criminal cartel sanctions in the 2000s.

    And today, a new round of competition reforms takes shape. This includes the new merger regime – the largest shakeup of Australia’s merger settings in half a century. And it includes a revitalised National Competition Policy agenda. These are the 2 areas I want to cover today, with a focus on the microdata underpinning these macro reforms.

    Building an innovative economy

    Ultimately, competition reform is about improving the long‑term prosperity of the Australian people. This means getting the policy settings right if we want to build a stronger, more resilient and dynamic economy.

    Think of the end‑game as more like Lego than Monopoly. In Monopoly, one person gets everything while everyone else watches in frustration. In Lego, all the players get to build something – though in both cases, stepping on a piece can be painful.

    As US congressman Jake Auchincloss put it, ‘Everybody, when they think about playing with Legos, has this sense of creativity and empowerment.’ (Klein 2025)

    Competitive markets help ensure Australians pay fair prices for goods and services (Leigh 2024a). Without competition, businesses can charge whatever they like – kind of like airport food courts, where a ham and cheese sandwich requires a mortgage.

    Competition also promotes choice and freedom.

    The challenge is Australia’s competitiveness has been declining since the 2000s, while market concentration has nearly doubled since 2010 (Chalmers and Leigh 2024).

    Using microdata to get a better picture

    The Australian Government’s establishment of a Competition Taskforce within the Treasury in 2023 reflects the importance we place on competition reform and finding solutions.

    In just over a year, the Competition Taskforce has made significant contributions.

    This includes using microdata to identify competition issues and develop tailored policy and regulatory responses (Leigh 2024b).

    For example, the Competition Taskforce has relied on data to:

    • develop a robust evidence base on the prevalence and use of non‑compete clauses in Australian labour contracts to inform policy (Andrews and Jarvis 2023, ABS 2024)
    • provide new and powerful insights into how competition can reduce airfares (Majeed, Breunig and Domazet 2024)
    • explain patterns and trends in mergers and show how competition has declined in Australia (Competition Taskforce 2024).

    Understanding competition

    Unit‑level records that track businesses and households over time allow granular analysis of the way policies are influencing the economy.

    Using bigger datasets, more refined econometric techniques and most up to date theories, economists have provided new insights on trends in market concentration and the relationship between competition and productivity.

    For example, researchers found an increase in market power partly explained Australia’s productivity growth slowdown. Industries with the greatest increase in concentration also had the greatest increases in markups (Hambur 2021).

    In this context, high‑growth firms act like Lego builders in the economy – constantly assembling, adapting, and expanding their creations. Rather than dominating like a monopoly, these firms thrive by snapping together innovative ideas, new markets, and fresh talent, driving the majority of turnover and employment growth.

    Typically small and young, they grow by more than 20 per cent over a three‑year period, often reshaping the landscape and challenging the older, more rigid structures of established incumbents. Think of them as the startups disrupting the economy – just as streaming services disrupted DVDs, Uber disrupted taxis, and toddlers disrupt your ability to get a full night’s sleep. As vital builders of sales and employment, a decline in high growth firms can lead to a less dynamic, less flexible economy (Majeed et al., 2021).

    Concentration hot spots

    The Competition Taskforce is working with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to develop a microdata screening tool to identify concentration hot spots. This innovative tool leverages the increasingly detailed geospatial data that the Australian Bureau of Statistics has added to its microdata assets.

    The resulting tool will identify regions or segments of the economy that are already very concentrated, where further market consolidation through mergers and acquisitions poses the greatest risk to competition. Concentration hotspots are like a heat map of where Monopoly is being played a little too well, allowing policymakers to find solutions before someone tries to build hotels on every property.

    The Taskforce’s use of administrative data to systematically understand economic activity at the local level will be a novel approach to competition policy both in Australia and among our peers. It will complement the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s thorough knowledge of markets developed through its many inquiries and day‑to‑day experience administering the competition laws.

    This hot‑spot tool should help the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission administer the new merger system and inform decisions about the sectors requiring mandatory notification. After all, if a Monopoly player already owns Park Place (or Park Lane), it’s best for the other players that they don’t own all the other dark blue properties. When monopolists dominate the board, it can be expensive for everyone else in the economy to move forward.

    These examples showcase how increased availability of microdata has transformed the way we can use empirical evidence in the policy decision making process: to better identify issues, understand the problems, and develop effective and targeted solutions.

    Microdata gives us the tools and understanding to target policies.

    National Competition Policy

    Building a more productive, dynamic and resilient economy and giving Australian consumers access to a wider range of higher quality products and services at lower prices from across the country and overseas requires collaboration and trust.

    That is why Australian, state and territory governments have been working together to coordinate competition reform efforts under a revitalised National Competition Policy agenda.

    Almost 30 years ago, states, territories and the Commonwealth agreed to put competition policy front and centre by agreeing to the National Competition Policy following the Hilmer Report. This was the era of economic reform, as well as grunge music, dial‑up internet, Blockbuster video rentals, Tamagotchis, and arguing over whether Ross and Rachel were really on a break.

    The original Hilmer reforms outlined a set of competition principles that transformed our economy in ways we largely take for granted today. These included structural reform of public monopolies, introducing competitive neutrality so that government businesses do not enjoy unfair advantages over their private peers, arrangements for third‑party access to nationally significant infrastructure, and an obligation on all governments to review and reform laws that restrict competition.

    These reforms, which focused on removing regulatory barriers in the non‑traded sector, were credited with boosting Australia’s GDP by 2.5 per cent – equivalent to around $5,000 per household per year today. That’s basically the economic equivalent of finding an extra $50 in your jeans – twice a week, every week.

    Commonwealth, state and territory treasurers agreed in November to revitalise National Competition Policy to drive growth, improve choice and put downward pressure on prices (Chalmers 2024). Renewing the government’s commitment to put competition policy front and centre once again but tailored for the new challenges and opportunities of the modern economy – we’re now a digital economy, we’re looking for ways to make the transition to net zero at least cost, and we have a growing care and support economy.

    We have also updated the original National Competition Principles to drive better outcomes for the community, requiring governments to consider the competition impacts of government decisions and establish protections against poorly managed privatisations, empower consumers and address remaining barriers to the movement of goods, services and workers across the country.

    Competition reform isn’t straightforward. If it was easy, past governments would have done it already. Competition reform can be like assembling flat‑pack furniture – you know it’ll be worth it in the end, but along the way, there’s a lot of frustration and some pieces don’t seem to fit where they should.

    Trajectory of the government’s competition reforms

    This recommits governments to a new wave of pro‑competitive reforms over the next decade. Work is already underway on a first tranche of 5 priority reforms to ease the cost‑of‑living pressure and reduce regulatory complexity. The 5 pillars are:

    • Streamlining commercial planning and zoning systems to improve competition by encouraging firm entry and expansion and reducing business and regulatory costs.
    • Lowering barriers to the adoption of international and overseas standards in regulation. As a first step, we are fast‑tracking the recognition of equivalent or superior overseas product safety standards, rather than relying only on domestic standards, to deliver safer and cheaper products. Following this, we will be working collaboratively to identify the priority sectors for the next phase of this reform.
    • Supporting modern methods of construction such as prefab and modular by levelling the regulatory playing field with traditional methods of construction, unlocking time and cost savings, overcoming labour shortages and boosting lagging construction productivity.
    • A nationally consistent worker screening check to boost labour mobility for care workers.
    • Developing broader rights to repair, including for agricultural products, which could reduce repair costs and waste by providing consumers and businesses more choice for repair services.

    State and territory reforms are backed by the government’s $900 million National Productivity Fund. This allows for the fiscal benefits of these reforms – which mostly flow to the Commonwealth – to be shared with those states and territories that choose to implement them. The idea is to encourage states and territories to undertake meaningful reforms for the benefit of the Australian people and the economy.

    And this is just the start. The government will continue to work closely with industry and state and territories to build a more productive economy through national pro‑competitive reform options.

    Further reform rounds will be informed by community consultation and the Productivity Commission’s 5 new inquiries.

    They include inquiries into:

    • creating a more dynamic and resilient economy
    • building a skilled and adaptable workforce
    • harnessing data and digital technology
    • delivering quality care more efficiently, and
    • investing in cheaper, cleaner energy and the net zero transformation.

    Significant benefits flow from National Competition Policy

    Significant benefits will flow from a revitalised National Competition Policy.

    To help us understand the magnitude of the benefits, the Productivity Commission modelled the impact of 19 potential competition reforms (Productivity Commission 2024).

    The Productivity Commission estimated that a revitalised National Competition Policy could result in an ongoing boost to GDP of up to $45 billion, an increase of up to $5,000 for every Australian household per year as well as lower prices by an estimated 0.7 to 1.5 per cent in the long run. This is significant. It is an enduring benefit for consumers, businesses and the economy. On‑par with the highly successful reform efforts of the 1990s and 2000s.

    And the benefits of the reforms extend beyond their economic effect. For example, reforms in the care and support economy would increase the quality of care in areas such as health and disability support.

    There is tough reform work to be done, but the benefits of delivering meaningful reform speak for themselves.

    Closing remarks

    I’d like to leave you with this final thought.

    When Danish carpenter Ole Kirk Christiansen created his iconic company almost a century ago, he named it LEGO after the Danish phrase ‘leg godt’, which means ‘play well’ (LEGO n.d).

    Christiansen understood that openness, rather than monopolistic drive, enabled dynamic, productive and constructive play that benefitted everyone involved.

    Instead of a blood sport where players knocked each other out one by one, participants benefitted when they could create, learn, collaborate and share ideas.

    Today, Lego is the world’s most popular toy, with consumers buying over 30 billion blocks per year.

    Raising my 3 sons, I found that an afternoon spent playing Lego inspired creativity and laughter. Our evenings spent playing Monopoly often ended in tears.

    In much the same way, we are all grappling with changes that are shifting the parameters of the playing field. The digital economy and transition to net zero are equivalent to that moment in time that Congressman Auchincloss described as ‘…throwing the board’, when people ‘get so frustrated that another person – out of, frankly, pure luck – ends up on Park Place and is able to just extract rents every time you cross or you pass go’ (Klein 2025).

    Through microdata‑driven analysis of market concentration, revitalised National Competition Policy, and the continuation of productive collaboration between the Commonwealth, state and territory governments, competition should foster innovation and opportunity. More Lego, less Monopoly.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Ossoff Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Combat Child Trafficking

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) joined Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) in introducing the Preventing Child Trafficking Act. The bipartisan legislation aims to strengthen federal child trafficking prevention initiatives by enhancing coordination between the Departments of Justice (DOJ) and Health and Human Services (HHS). The bill unanimously passed the Senate last Congress.
    “The federal government can and must do more to prevent children from falling prey to the evils of human trafficking. By strengthening collaboration between federal agencies, our bill aims to more effectively prevent future instances of trafficking, prosecute criminals and safeguard vulnerable children,” Grassley said.
    “Child trafficking in Georgia and nationwide is a crisis. That’s why I’m introducing this bipartisan bill with Senator Grassley to strengthen Federal protections for vulnerable children and increase support for victims of trafficking,” Ossoff said.
    Bill text is available HERE.
    Background:
    A 2023 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report found agencies within the DOJ and HHS lack collaboration mechanisms dedicated solely to combatting child trafficking. The GAO report notes this type of collaboration is a critical first line of defense against trafficking, and would allow federal agencies to better address the distinct needs of child trafficking survivors.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Is police abolition official Green Party policy?

    Source: ACT Party

    ACT Justice spokesperson Todd Stephenson is calling on the Green Party to confirm it does not support police abolition.

    “Tonight, Green MP Tamatha Paul will give a talk in Christchurch about ‘the police, and what alternatives we could have to the police, and what radical police abolition could look like in real terms‘. Those are her own words, from a TikTok video.

    “This is just nutty stuff. It’s easy to be anti-police until you find yourself threatened by crime. That’s when we all rely on the ability to call police with the tools and powers to protect us from violence and theft.

    “She’s also out of touch with the communities she claims to represent. Poorer New Zealanders and Māori are disproportionately likely to be victims of crime, and more likely to need the protection of police.

    “This comes just a few weeks after she told her 37,000 young TikTok followers that the ‘vast majority‘ of people in prison are there for non-violent offences that they’ve ‘had to do as a response to poverty‘. In the real world, more than half of prisoners are there for homicide, sexual assault, acts intended to cause injury, and unlawful entry with intent/burglary.

    “Tamatha Paul went on to say people are in prison because ‘They’re being punished for being disabled, they’re being punished for being poor, they’re being punished for being Māori, they’re being punished for our system that we have in our country.‘

    “At best, Tamatha Paul has deluded herself. At worst, she is using her platform to actively misinform her followers and make them more likely to support radically pro-crime policies like police abolition.

    “I’m proud to say that, with ACT in Government, we have scrapped Labour’s prisoner reduction targeted, while introducing tougher sentences so dangerous criminals are locked up for longer. On issues of public safety and justice, we are the anti-Greens – delivering consequences for crime and putting victims first,” says Mr Stephenson.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai meets delegation led by Minister of Foreign Affairs Denzil Douglas of Saint Christopher and Nevis

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Details
    2025-03-17
    President Lai meets Japan-ROC Diet Members’ Consultative Council Chairman Furuya Keiji
    On the afternoon of March 17, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Japanese House of Representatives Member and Japan-ROC Diet Members’ Consultative Council Chairman Furuya Keiji. In remarks, President Lai thanked the Consultative Council for doing its utmost to strengthen the relationship between Taiwan and Japan. He also stated that Taiwan and Japan are both part of the first island chain’s key line of defense, and in addition to continuing to bolster its economic strength and enhance its self-defense capabilities, Taiwan will work together with Japan and other like-minded countries to promote regional and global democracy, peace, and prosperity. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I would like to extend a warm welcome to Chairman Furuya, who is visiting us once again. I am also delighted to meet House of Councillors Member Yamamoto Junzo and House of Representatives Member Hiranuma Shojiro today. Although the Japanese Diet is currently in session, our distinguished guests overcame many hurdles and organized a delegation to attend the 2025 Yushan Forum and deliver speeches, providing valuable insights into issues of mutual concern in the Indo-Pacific region and demonstrating the support for Taiwan in the Diet. Here, I would like to express my deepest gratitude. During the Yushan Forum, it was especially inspiring when Chairman Furuya spoke Taiwanese when he emphasized that “if Taiwan has a problem, then Japan has a problem.” Over the past few years under Chairman Furuya’s leadership, the Consultative Council has done its utmost to strengthen the relationship between Taiwan and Japan. In addition to passing resolutions every year supporting Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Organization and Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), the council has established four internal research groups regarding the CPTPP, exchanges for women legislators, encouraging local-level exchanges, and the Taiwan Relations Act, using an issue-oriented approach to deepen Taiwan-Japan relations. Thanks to the Consultative Council’s long-term assistance and promotional efforts, the Japanese Ministry of Justice has announced that beginning this May, members of the Taiwanese overseas community in Japan included in the country’s family registry system may list “Taiwan” in the field designating their nationality or region of origin. This demonstrates the friendly relations between Taiwan and Japan, and the Taiwanese people will always remember the council’s continued concrete actions in support of Taiwan. In his remarks at the Yushan Forum today, Chairman Furuya mentioned that there are many areas in which Taiwan and Japan can engage in industrial cooperation. We can continue to deepen our partnership in semiconductors, energy, AI, unmanned aerial vehicles, and other areas related to economic security and supply chain resilience, all of which have significant room for cooperation, creating win-win situations for both Taiwan and Japan. As authoritarianism consolidates, democratic nations must come closer in solidarity. Taiwan and Japan are both part of the first island chain’s key line of defense. In addition to bolstering our economic strength and enhancing our self-defense capabilities, Taiwan will also work with Japan and other like-minded countries to promote regional and global democracy, peace, and prosperity. All of our distinguished guests are good friends of Taiwan, and are very familiar with Taiwan. I hope to continue working together with you all to carry Taiwan-Japan relations to an even higher level. Chairman Furuya then delivered remarks, first thanking President Lai for taking time out of his busy schedule to see them. He then noted that Japan, Taiwan, and quite a few other nations around the world changed leaders last year, and conditions around the world are becoming increasingly unstable. One cannot see what the world will be like a few years from now, he said, which is why he is counting so heavily on the strong leadership of President Lai. Chairman Furuya said that, in addition to collaboration in foreign affairs and security matters, economic cooperation between Taiwan and Japan is also very important. He mentioned new technologies, and said he had spoken quite a bit on the topic that very morning at the Yushan Forum. The clearest example, he said, is the establishment by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company of a wafer plant in Japan’s Kumamoto Prefecture, which has sparked robust economic activity. He added that cooperation addressing such matters as cyberattacks and supply chain resilience is also very important. Chairman Furuya noted that President Lai had mentioned in his remarks that beginning from May, Taiwanese overseas community members in Japan will be able to list “Taiwan” on their family registers. The chairman expressed his view that this is not a foreign affairs issue, but rather a human rights issue for the Taiwanese people, and an excellent way to show respect for Taiwan. He further noted President Lai’s mentioning of the four research groups that the Consultative Council has established, and said that these groups will ramp up their work. He also expressed hope that Taiwan and Japan will work together to address challenges that face both countries, such as issues pertaining to democracy and peace in the Taiwan Strait, so that they can together push for international peace and stability. Chairman Furuya stated that reciprocal visits by Taiwanese and Japanese people reached an all-time high last year. He said that in the future, in addition to further promoting local exchanges between the two countries, he also hopes that Japanese middle school and high school students planning to go on overseas study trips will choose Taiwan as their destination, because he feels that any student who visits Taiwan will become a fan of this place. Also in attendance was Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Taipei Office Chief Representative Katayama Kazuyuki.

    Details
    2025-03-17
    President Lai addresses opening of 2025 Yushan Forum
    On the morning of March 17, President Lai Ching-te attended the opening of the 2025 Yushan Forum, the theme of which was “New Southbound Policy+: Taiwan, the Indo-Pacific, and a New World.” In remarks, President Lai stated that the New Southbound Policy has led to great success in economic and trade cooperation, professional exchanges, resource sharing, and building regional links. He said that in the past, Taiwanese industries went from moving westward across the Taiwan Strait, to shifting southbound, to working closer with the north, but that now, Taiwan is confidently stepping across the Pacific, reaching eastward, to the Americas and other regions. While staying firmly rooted in Taiwan, he said, Taiwan’s enterprises are expanding their global presence and marketing worldwide. The president stated that Taiwan will strive alongside its partners in democracy to bolster non-red supply chains and digital solidarity, and together respond to the threats and challenges posed by expanding authoritarianism. He indicated that the Yushan Forum is a place to share experiences, and more importantly, lay down firm foundations for exchanges and cooperation among participants’ countries to create greater stability for the region and greater prosperity for the world. A transcript of President Lai’s remarks follows: On behalf of all the people of Taiwan, I want to welcome our good friends joining us from around the world. Your presence shows support for a peaceful and stable Taiwan and a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The Yushan Forum has become more than just an important platform for the New Southbound Policy. Over these eight years, more than 3,600 participants from Taiwan and 28 other countries have helped deepen Taiwan’s connections with nations around the world. The New Southbound Policy has led to great success in economic and trade cooperation, professional exchanges, resource sharing, and building regional links. Looking ahead, the Yushan Forum will be taking on the important mission of carrying its legacy forward and transforming it into action. Not only must we turn consensus into action plans for close cooperation among countries in the region; we must also work with partners around the world to forge ahead with cooperative plans for mutual prosperity. We hope to envision a new world from Taiwan – and see Taiwan in this new world. We are also embracing an era of smart technology. The government sessions of this Yushan Forum are therefore centered around topics including smart healthcare, smart transportation, and resilient supply chains for semiconductors. Taiwan is intent on working side by side with other countries to face the challenges of this new era. Today’s Taiwan celebrates not only the democratic achievements that are recognized by the international community, but also our strengths in the semiconductor and other tech industries, which enable us to play a key role in restructuring global democratic supply chains and the economic order. We are building on Taiwan as a “silicon island” for semiconductors while accelerating innovation and AI applications for industry. These efforts will help Taiwan become an “AI island” as well. We are also developing forward-looking fields such as quantum technology and precision medicine, which will create an industry ecosystem that is highly competitive and innovative. The government will also develop economic models powered by innovation. This will help SMEs (small- and medium-sized enterprises) upgrade and transform through the power of digital transformation and net-zero transition. In the past, Taiwanese industries went from moving westward across the Taiwan Strait, to shifting southbound, to working closer with the north. But now, we are confidently stepping across the Pacific, reaching eastward, to the Americas and other regions. While staying firmly rooted in Taiwan, our enterprises are expanding their global presence and marketing worldwide. Taiwan will continue to engage with the world, and we welcome the world to come closer to Taiwan. As we gather here today, I am confident that we share the same goal: Through international cooperation, we hope to build an even more inclusive, resilient, prosperous Indo-Pacific, while jointly defending the democracy, freedom, and peace we so firmly believe in. I want to thank you all once again for supporting Taiwan. We will strive alongside our partners in democracy to bolster non-red supply chains and digital solidarity, and together respond to the threats and challenges posed by expanding authoritarianism. Yushan is also known as Jade Mountain. It is Taiwan’s highest peak and stands as firm as our unwavering spirit. During this critical time of global change and transformation, the Yushan Forum is a place where we can share our experiences, and more importantly, lay down firm foundations for exchanges and cooperation among our countries. This way, we can create greater stability for the region and greater prosperity for the world. I wish everyone a successful forum. Thank you. Also in attendance at the event were former Prime Minister of Denmark and Alliance of Democracies Foundation Chairman Anders Fogh Rasmussen, former Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia Janez Janša, Japan-ROC Diet Members’ Consultative Council Chairman Furuya Keiji, and American Institute in Taiwan Taipei Office Director Raymond Greene.

    Details
    2025-03-13
    President Lai attends Ministry of Foreign Affairs 2025 Spring Banquet  
    On the evening of March 13, President Lai Ching-te attended the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 2025 Spring Banquet for foreign ambassadors and representatives stationed in Taiwan. In remarks, President Lai thanked our diplomatic allies and like-minded countries for continuing to demonstrate their high regard and support for Taiwan at international venues. The president stated that a stronger Taiwan will be able to contribute even more to the world, explaining that is why he established the National Climate Change Committee, the Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee, and the Healthy Taiwan Promotion Committee. He added that he hopes to pool our strengths so as to formulate national development strategies and enhance Taiwan’s international collaboration. The president also expressed hope of developing opportunities for cooperation with other countries across many domains to jointly advance democracy, peace, and prosperity throughout the region and around the world. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: Today is my first time attending the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spring Banquet since becoming president. It is a pleasure to be able to meet and socialize with esteemed guests from other countries and good friends from all sectors of Taiwan. The global landscape has changed rapidly over the past year. Geopolitical volatility, the restructuring of supply chains, technological advancements, and other factors have had a profound impact on nations’ strategic plans. I want to take this opportunity to thank our diplomatic allies and like-minded countries for continuing to demonstrate their high regard and support for Taiwan at international venues. Last month, the leaders of the United States and Japan, the US secretary of state and the foreign ministers of Japan and the Republic of Korea, and the G7 foreign ministers all issued joint statements emphasizing the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, underscoring Taiwan’s vital role in global progress and prosperity.  I would especially like to thank members of the diplomatic corps for working with us to build even closer partnerships between our countries. I have always believed that a stronger Taiwan will be able to contribute even more to the world. That is why, after taking office, I established the National Climate Change Committee, the Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee, and the Healthy Taiwan Promotion Committee under the Office of the President. These committees continue to address global concerns and seek to solve important issues that impact our own people. I hope to pool our strengths so as to formulate national development strategies and enhance Taiwan’s international collaboration.  Last year, I visited our Pacific allies – the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and the Republic of Palau. I deeply appreciated our friends’ warm hospitality and came to feel very deeply that we are like a family. Through local visits and mutual exchanges, we deepened our diplomatic alliances and cooperation, creating win-win outcomes. We also showed Taiwan’s determination to work with allies to tackle the many challenges related to climate change, net-zero transition, and digital transformation. At the start of this month, Taiwan hosted the first-ever workshop on whole-of-society defense resilience under the Global Cooperation and Training Framework. Experts and scholars from 30 countries participated in the discussions. I once again thank the diplomatic corps for their support and assistance. In the future, we look forward to developing opportunities for cooperation with other countries across many domains to jointly advance democracy, peace, and prosperity throughout the region and around the world. In the face of authoritarian expansion, Taiwan will continue to bolster its national defense capabilities. We will stand shoulder to shoulder with fellow democracies to demonstrate the strength of deterrence. We will also join hands to build non-red supply chains, strengthen our economic resilience, and promote an initiative on semiconductor supply chain partnerships for global democracies. All of this will ensure steady technological and economic development.  In my New Year’s Day address, I said that in this new year, we have many more brilliant stories of Taiwan to share with the world. Everyone gathered here tonight is a dear friend of Taiwan. And each of you plays an important role in the stories this land has to tell.  I am deeply grateful to you all for the incredible efforts you make in support of Taiwan. In so many ways, you connect Taiwan to the rest of the world and allow the world to see the many different sides of this amazing nation. I believe that through even deeper and more extensive cooperation, we will create many more wonderful stories of Taiwan and build an even brighter future together. I wish you all a pleasant evening. Also in attendance at the event were Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Ambassador Andrea Clare Bowman and other members of the foreign diplomatic corps in Taiwan.

    Details
    2025-03-04
    President Lai meets US Heritage Foundation founder Dr. Edwin Feulner
    On the afternoon of March 4, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by founder of the US-based Heritage Foundation Dr. Edwin Feulner. In remarks President Lai thanked the foundation for publishing the 2025 Index of Economic Freedom, in which Taiwan ranked fourth globally and which recognized Taiwan’s sound legal foundation and ideal investment environment. The president said that Taiwan and the United States are important economic and trade partners and engage closely in industrial exchange. The president also expressed hope to expand investment in and procurement from the US in such areas as high-tech, energy, and agricultural products, and to work with the US and other democratic partners to create more resilient and diverse semiconductor supply chains to address new circumstances. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: It is a pleasure to welcome Dr. Feulner back to Taiwan today. I recall meeting with Dr. Feulner and Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts here at the Presidential Office at the end of last February. We had a fruitful discussion on Taiwan-US relations and regional affairs. When President Donald Trump was elected for his first term, Dr. Feulner played a crucial role in the administration’s transition team. Today, I look forward to hearing his thoughts on possible ways to further deepen relations between Taiwan and the US. I would like to thank the Heritage Foundation for publishing the 2025 Index of Economic Freedom, in which Taiwan ranked fourth globally. The report also recognized Taiwan’s sound legal foundation and ideal investment environment. Taiwan and the US are important economic and trade partners and engage closely in industrial exchange. The Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s (TSMC) historic US$65 billion investment in Arizona–negotiated and finalized during President Trump’s first term–is a case in point. And today, TSMC Chairman C.C. Wei (魏哲家) and President Trump jointly announced that the company would be expanding its investment in the US with new facilities. Looking ahead, we hope to expand investment in and procurement from the US in such areas as high-tech, energy, and agricultural products. We also look forward to working with the US and other democratic partners to create more resilient and diverse semiconductor supply chains to address new circumstances. At present, we continue to face authoritarian expansionism. As a country that deeply loves and staunchly defends freedom, Taiwan will collaborate with the US and other like-minded countries to maintain regional peace and stability. I would like to thank President Trump for his recent joint statement with Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru, which emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. And last month, the US was also part of a G7 foreign ministers’ statement in which “they strongly opposed any attempts to change unilaterally the status quo using force.” We firmly believe that only peace attained through one’s own strength can truly be called peace. Currently, Taiwan’s defense budget stands at approximately 2.5 percent of GDP. Going forward, the government will prioritize special budget allocations to ensure that Taiwan’s defense budget exceeds 3 percent of GDP. Also, we will continue to reform national defense in the conviction that help comes most to those who help themselves. This will allow us to contribute even more to regional peace and stability. In closing, I once again thank Dr. Feulner for visiting and for demonstrating support of Taiwan. I wish you all a smooth and successful trip. Dr. Feulner then delivered remarks, first stating that on behalf of his successor, President Roberts, and all of his colleagues at the Heritage Foundation, it is his pleasure to present President Lai with the first copy of the 2025 Index of Economic Freedom. Pointing out that in the Index the Republic of China (Taiwan) is number four of 176 countries around the world in terms of its economic freedom, Dr. Feulner extended his congratulations to President Lai.  Dr. Feulner said he looks forward to a discussion about the present situation and how we can improve relations between the US and Taiwan. Dr. Feulner expressed his gratitude on hearing the wonderful announcement from TSMC, which was released right before his visit, that it will be expanding its investment in the US. In past trips, he said, he has had the opportunity to visit the TSMC headquarters in Taiwan, and fairly recently he has had the opportunity to view the site in Arizona where the construction continues and where the initial operations are beginning. He stated that they are proud to have TSMC now as an integral part of our responsible bilateral relationship. Dr. Feulner noted that while TSMC is of course very big, he also wants to express appreciation for all of the hundreds and hundreds of Taiwan-based companies that are strong, close partners throughout the US with American companies and with American people in terms of making a close and unified alliance of two freedom-loving countries.

    Details
    2025-03-04
    President Lai attends opening ceremony of GCTF Workshop on Whole-of-Society Resilience Building, Preparation, and Response
    On the morning of March 4, President Lai Ching-te attended the opening ceremony of the Global Cooperation and Training Framework (GCTF) Workshop on Whole-of-Society Resilience Building, Preparation, and Response. In remarks, President Lai stated that global challenges such as extreme weather, pandemics, and energy crises continue to emerge, and growing authoritarianism presents a grave threat to freedom-loving countries. These challenges have no borders, he said, and absolutely no single country can face them alone. The president said that as a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan is both willing and able to contribute even more to the democracy, peace, and prosperity of the world, and that the GCTF is an important platform where Taiwan can make those contributions by sharing its experiences with the rest of the world. President Lai indicated that Taiwan will join the forces of the central and local governments to enhance social resilience across the board, enhance disaster response capabilities in the community, and leverage its strengths to make contributions to the international community. He said that we are demonstrating to the world our determination to create an even more resilient Taiwan, and expressed hope to advance mutual assistance and exchanges with all the countries involved, so that we can together promote stability and prosperity around the world. A transcript of President Lai’s remarks follows: To begin, I would like to welcome more than 60 distinguished guests from 30 countries, as well as experts from Taiwan. You are all here for this GCTF workshop to discuss whole-of-society resilience building, preparation, and response. As a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan is both willing and able to contribute even more to the democracy, peace, and prosperity of the world. The GCTF is an important platform where Taiwan can make those contributions by sharing its experiences with the rest of the world. I want to thank our full GCTF partners, the United States, Japan, Australia, and Canada. Over the past several years, we have worked with even more countries through this framework and have expanded our exchanges into even more fields. Together, we have met all kinds of new challenges. I am confident that as our cooperation grows stronger, so will our ability to promote global progress. Each of today’s guests is contributing a vital force in that regard. I extend my sincere thanks to you all. Global challenges such as extreme weather, pandemics, and energy crises continue to emerge. And growing authoritarianism presents a grave threat to freedom-loving countries. These challenges have no borders, and absolutely no single country can face them alone. Taiwan holds a key position on the first island chain, and stands at the very frontline of the defense of democracy. With this joint workshop, we are demonstrating to the world our determination to create an even more resilient Taiwan. We are also aiming to advance our mutual assistance and exchanges with all the countries involved, so that we can make our societies more resilient and together promote stability and prosperity around the world. Moving forward, we will continue advancing the following three initiatives: First, we will join the forces of the central and local governments to enhance social resilience across the board. Just last year, I established the Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee at the Presidential Office. Civilian force training, strategic material preparation, and critical infrastructure operation and maintenance are all key discussion areas for our committee. These aim to enhance Taiwan’s resilience in national defense, economic livelihoods, disaster prevention, and democracy. They are also items on the agenda for this GCTF workshop. To cover all the bases, Taiwan must unite and cooperate as a team. Last year, our committee held the very first cross-sector tabletop exercise at the Presidential Office which included central and local government officials as well as civilian observers. We aim to test the government’s emergency response capabilities in high-intensity gray-zone operations and near-conflict situations. We will continue to hold exercises to help the central and local governments work together more efficiently, and strengthen Taiwan’s overall disaster response capabilities. Second is to enhance disaster response capabilities in the community. We fully understand that to build whole-of-society resilience, we must help people increase risk awareness, know how to respond to disasters, and develop abilities to help themselves, help one another, and work together. We are grateful to the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) for collaborating with the Taiwan Development Association for Disaster Medical Teams to host “Take Action” workshops around the country since 2021. A 2.0 version is already in practice, and continues to train the public in first aid skills. Director of the AIT Taipei Office Raymond Greene and I took part in a Take Action event in New Taipei City last year and personally saw the positive outcomes of the training. In addition to the Take Action workshops, the government is also providing Disaster Relief Volunteer training for ages 11 to 89, and is continuing to expand its target audience. We have also set up Taiwan Community Emergency Response Teams at key facilities nationwide, enhancing the ability of these important facilities to respond independently to disasters. Civilian training will continue to be refined and expanded so that members of the public can serve as important partners in government-led disaster prevention and relief. Third, we will leverage Taiwan’s strengths to make contributions to the international community. The inspiration for our Disaster Relief Volunteer training comes from a similar program run by The Nippon Care-Fit Education Institute in Japan. I am confident that through exchanges like this workshop, Taiwan and other countries can also inspire one another in many areas, and enhance whole-of-society resilience in multiple ways. Taiwan also excels in information and communications and advanced technology. We will set up even more robust cybersecurity systems, expand usage of emerging technologies, and improve the ways we maintain domestic security. We hope that by leveraging our capabilities and sharing our experiences, Taiwan can contribute even more to the international community. I want to welcome all our partners once again, and thank AIT for co-hosting this event. Let’s continue down the path of advancing global security and developing resilience together. Because together, we can travel farther, and we can travel longer. Also in attendance at the event were Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Deputy Representative Takaba Yo, Australian Office in Taipei Representative Robert Fergusson, and Canadian Trade Office in Taipei Executive Director Jim Nickel.

    Details
    2025-03-13
    President Lai holds press conference following high-level national security meeting
    On the afternoon of March 13, President Lai Ching-te convened a high-level national security meeting, following which he held a press conference. In remarks, President Lai introduced 17 major strategies to respond to five major national security and united front threats Taiwan now faces: China’s threat to national sovereignty, its threats from infiltration and espionage activities targeting Taiwan’s military, its threats aimed at obscuring the national identity of the people of Taiwan, its threats from united front infiltration into Taiwanese society through cross-strait exchanges, and its threats from using “integrated development” to attract Taiwanese businesspeople and youth. President Lai emphasized that in the face of increasingly severe threats, the government will not stop doing its utmost to ensure that our national sovereignty is not infringed upon, and expressed hope that all citizens unite in solidarity to resist being divided. The president also expressed hope that citizens work together to increase media literacy, organize and participate in civic education activities, promptly expose concerted united front efforts, and refuse to participate in any activities that sacrifice national interests. As long as every citizen plays their part toward our nation’s goals for prosperity and security, he said, and as long as we work together, nothing can defeat us. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: At many venues recently, a number of citizens have expressed similar concerns to me. They have noticed cases in which members of the military, both active-duty and retired, have been bought out by China, sold intelligence, or even organized armed forces with plans to harm their own nation and its citizens. They have noticed cases in which entertainers willingly followed instructions from Beijing to claim that their country is not a country, all for the sake of personal career interests. They have noticed how messaging used by Chinese state media to stir up internal opposition in Taiwan is always quickly spread by specific channels. There have even been individuals making careers out of helping Chinese state media record united front content, spreading a message that democracy is useless and promoting skepticism toward the United States and the military to sow division and opposition. Many people worry that our country, as well as our hard-won freedom and democracy and the prosperity and progress we achieved together, are being washed away bit by bit due to these united front tactics. In an analysis of China’s united front, renowned strategic scholar Kerry K. Gershaneck expressed that China plans to divide and conquer us through subversion, infiltration, and acquisition of media, and by launching media warfare, psychological warfare, and legal warfare. What they are trying to do is to sow seeds of discord in our society, keep us occupied with internal conflicts, and cause us to ignore the real threat from outside. China’s ambition over the past several decades to annex Taiwan and stamp out the Republic of China has not changed for even a day. It continues to pursue political and military intimidation, and its united front infiltration of Taiwan’s society grows ever more serious. In 2005, China promulgated its so-called “Anti-Secession Law,” which makes using military force to annex Taiwan a national undertaking. Last June, China issued a 22-point set of “guidelines for punishing Taiwan independence separatists,” which regards all those who do not accept that “Taiwan is part of the People’s Republic of China” as targets for punishment, creating excuses to harm the people of Taiwan. China has also recently been distorting United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758, showing in all aspects China’s increasingly urgent threat against Taiwan’s sovereignty. Lately, China has been taking advantage of democratic Taiwan’s freedom, diversity, and openness to recruit gangs, the media, commentators, political parties, and even active-duty and retired members of the armed forces and police to carry out actions to divide, destroy, and subvert us from within. A report from the National Security Bureau indicates that 64 persons were charged last year with suspicion of spying for China, which was three times the number of persons charged for the same offense in 2021. Among them, the Unionist Party, Rehabilitation Alliance Party, and Republic of China Taiwan Military Government formed treasonous organizations to deploy armed forces for China. In a democratic and free society, such cases are appalling. But this is something that actually exists within Taiwan’s society today. China also actively plots ways to infiltrate and spy on our military. Last year, 28 active-duty and 15 retired members of the armed forces were charged with suspicion of involvement in spying for China, respectively comprising 43 percent and 23 percent of all of such cases – 66 percent in total. We are also alert to the fact that China has recently used widespread issuance of Chinese passports to entice Taiwanese citizens to apply for the Residence Permit for Taiwan Residents, permanent residency, or the Resident Identity Card, in an attempt to muddle Taiwanese people’s sense of national identity. China also views cross-strait exchanges as a channel for its united front against Taiwan, marking enemies in Taiwan internally, creating internal divisions, and weakening our sense of who the enemy really is. It intends to weaken public authority and create the illusion that China is “governing” Taiwan, thereby expanding its influence within Taiwan. We are also aware that China has continued to expand its strategy of integrated development with Taiwan. It employs various methods to demand and coerce Taiwanese businesses to increase their investments in China, entice Taiwanese youth to develop their careers in China, and unscrupulously seeks to poach Taiwan’s talent and steal key technologies. Such methods impact our economic security and greatly increase the risk of our young people heading to China. By its actions, China already satisfies the definition of a “foreign hostile force” as provided in the Anti-Infiltration Act. We have no choice but to take even more proactive measures, which is my purpose in convening this high-level national security meeting today. It is time we adopt proper preventive measures, enhance our democratic resilience and national security, and protect our cherished free and democratic way of life. Next, I will be giving a detailed account of the five major national security and united front threats Taiwan now faces and the 17 major strategies we have prepared in response. I. Responding to China’s threats to our national sovereignty We have a nation insofar as we have sovereignty, and we have the Republic of China insofar as we have Taiwan. Just as I said during my inaugural address last May, and in my National Day address last October: The moment when Taiwan’s first democratically elected president took the oath of office in 1996 sent a message to the international community, that Taiwan is a sovereign, independent, democratic nation. Among people here and in the international community, some call this land the Republic of China, some call it Taiwan, and some, the Republic of China Taiwan. The Republic of China and the People’s Republic of China are not subordinate to each other, and Taiwan resists any annexation or encroachment upon our sovereignty. The future of the Republic of China Taiwan must be decided by its 23 million people. This is the status quo that we must maintain. The broadest consensus in Taiwanese society is that we must defend our sovereignty, uphold our free and democratic way of life, and resolutely oppose annexation of Taiwan by China. (1) I request that the National Security Council (NSC), the Ministry of National Defense (MND), and the administrative team do their utmost to promote the Four Pillars of Peace action plan to demonstrate the people’s broad consensus and firm resolve, consistent across the entirety of our nation, to oppose annexation of Taiwan by China. (2) I request that the NSC and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs draft an action plan that will, through collaboration with our friends and allies, convey to the world our national will and broad social consensus in opposing annexation of Taiwan by China and in countering China’s efforts to erase Taiwan from the international community and downgrade Taiwan’s sovereignty. II. Responding to China’s threats from infiltration and espionage activities targeting our military (1) Comprehensively review and amend our Law of Military Trial to restore the military trial system, allowing military judges to return to the frontline and collaborate with prosecutorial, investigative, and judicial authorities in the handling of criminal cases in which active-duty military personnel are suspected of involvement in such military crimes as sedition, aiding the enemy, leaking confidential information, dereliction of duty, or disobedience. In the future, criminal cases involving active-duty military personnel who are suspected of violating the Criminal Code of the Armed Forces will be tried by a military court. (2) Implement supporting reforms, including the establishment of a personnel management act for military judges and separate organization acts for military courts and military prosecutors’ offices. Once planning and discussion are completed, the MND will fully explain to and communicate with the public to ensure that the restoration of the military trial system gains the trust and full support of society. (3) To deter the various types of controversial rhetoric and behavior exhibited by active-duty as well as retired military personnel that severely damage the morale of our national military, the MND must discuss and propose an addition to the Criminal Code of the Armed Forces on penalties for expressions of loyalty to the enemy as well as revise the regulations for military personnel and their families receiving retirement benefits, so as to uphold military discipline. III. Responding to China’s threats aimed at obscuring the national identity of the people of Taiwan (1) I request that the Ministry of the Interior (MOI), Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), and other relevant agencies, wherever necessary, carry out inspections and management of the documents involving identification that Taiwanese citizens apply for in China, including: passports, ID cards, permanent residence certificates, and residence certificates, especially when the applicants are military personnel, civil servants, or public school educators, who have an obligation of loyalty to Taiwan. This will be done to strictly prevent and deter united front operations, which are performed by China under the guise of “integrated development,” that attempt to distort our people’s national identity. (2) With respect to naturalization and integration of individuals from China, Hong Kong, and Macau into Taiwanese society, more national security considerations must be taken into account while also attending to Taiwan’s social development and individual rights: Chinese nationals applying for permanent residency in Taiwan must, in accordance with the law of Taiwan, relinquish their existing household registration and passport and may not hold dual identity status. As for the systems in place to process individuals from Hong Kong or Macau applying for residency or permanent residency in Taiwan, there will be additional provisions for long-term residency to meet practical needs. IV. Responding to China’s threats from united front infiltration into Taiwanese society through cross-strait exchanges  (1) There are increasing risks involved with travel to China. (From January 1, 2024 to today, the MAC has received reports of 71 Taiwanese nationals who went missing, were detained, interrogated, or imprisoned in China; the number of unreported people who have been subjected to such treatment may be several times that. Of those, three elderly I-Kuan Tao members were detained in China in December of last year and have not yet been released.) In light of this, relevant agencies must raise public awareness of those risks, continue enhancing public communication, and implement various registration systems to reduce the potential for accidents and the risks associated with traveling to China. (2) Implement a disclosure system for exchanges with China involving public officials at all levels of the central and local government. This includes everyone from administrative officials to elected representatives, from legislators to village and neighborhood chiefs, all of whom should make the information related to such exchanges both public and transparent so that they can be accountable to the people. The MOI should also establish a disclosure system for exchanges with China involving public welfare organizations, such as religious groups, in order to prevent China’s interference and united front activities at their outset. (3) Manage the risks associated with individuals from China engaging in exchanges with Taiwan: Review and approval of Chinese individuals coming to Taiwan should be limited to normal cross-strait exchanges and official interactions under the principles of parity and dignity, and relevant factors such as changes in the cross-strait situation should be taken into consideration. Strict restrictions should be placed on Chinese individuals who have histories with the united front coming to Taiwan, and Chinese individuals should be prohibited from coming to Taiwan to conduct activities related in any way to the united front. (4) Political interference from China and the resulting risks to national security should be avoided in cross-strait exchanges. This includes the review and management of religious, cultural, academic, and education exchanges, which should in principle be depoliticized and de-risked so as to simplify people-to-people exchanges and promote healthy and orderly exchanges. (5) To deter the united front tactics of a cultural nature employed by Chinese nationals to undermine Taiwan’s sovereignty, the Executive Yuan must formulate a solution to make our local cultural industries more competitive, including enhanced support and incentives for our film, television, and cultural and creative industries to boost their strengths in democratic cultural creation, raise international competitiveness, and encourage research in Taiwan’s own history and culture. (6) Strengthen guidance and management for entertainers developing their careers in China. The competent authorities should provide entertainers with guidelines on conduct while working in China, and make clear the scope of investigation and response to conduct that endangers national dignity. This will help prevent China from pressuring Taiwanese entertainers to make statements or act in ways that endanger national dignity. (7) The relevant authorities must adopt proactive, effective measures to prevent China from engaging in cognitive warfare against Taiwan or endangering cybersecurity through the internet, applications, AI, and other such tools. (8) To implement these measures, each competent authority must run a comprehensive review of the relevant administrative ordinances, measures, and interpretations, and complete the relevant regulations for legal enforcement. Should there be any shortcomings, the legal framework for national security should be strengthened and amendments to the National Security Act, Anti-Infiltration Act, Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area, Laws and Regulations Regarding Hong Kong & Macao Affairs, or Cyber Security Management Act should be proposed. Communication with the public should also be increased so that implementation can happen as soon as possible. V. Responding to threats from China using “integrated development” to attract Taiwanese businesspeople and youth (1) I request that the NSC and administrative agencies work together to carry out strategic structural adjustments to the economic and trade relations between Taiwan and China based on the strategies of putting Taiwan first and expanding our global presence while staying rooted in Taiwan. In addition, they should carry out necessary, orderly adjustments to the flow of talent, goods, money, and skills involved in cross-strait economic and trade relations based on the principle of strengthening Taiwan’s foundations to better manage risk. This will help boost economic security and give us more power to respond to China’s economic and trade united front and economic coercion against Taiwan. (2) I request that the Ministry of Education, MAC, Ministry of Economic Affairs, and other relevant agencies work together to comprehensively strengthen young students’ literacy education on China and deepen their understanding of cross-strait exchanges. I also request these agencies to widely publicize mechanisms for employment and entrepreneurship for Taiwan’s youth and provide ample information and assistance so that young students have more confidence in the nation’s future and more actively invest in building up and developing Taiwan. My fellow citizens, this year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. History tells us that any authoritarian act of aggression or annexation will ultimately end in failure. The only way we can safeguard freedom and prevail against authoritarian aggression is through solidarity. As we face increasingly severe threats, the government will not stop doing its utmost to ensure that our national sovereignty is not infringed upon, and to ensure that the freedom, democracy, and way of life of Taiwan’s 23 million people continues on as normal. But relying solely on the power of the government is not enough. What we need even more is for all citizens to stay vigilant and take action. Every citizen stands on the frontline of the defense of democracy and freedom. Here is what we can do together: First, we can increase our media literacy, and refrain from spreading and passing on united front messaging from the Chinese state. Second, we can organize and participate in civic education activities to increase our knowledge about united front operations and build up whole-of-society defense resilience. Third, we can promptly expose concerted united front efforts so that all malicious attempts are difficult to carry out. Fourth, we must refuse to participate in any activities that sacrifice national interests. The vigilance and action of every citizen forms the strongest line of defense against united front infiltration. Only through solidarity can we resist being divided. As long as every citizen plays their part toward our nation’s goals for prosperity and security, and as long as we work together, nothing can defeat us.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: MSD fraud investigations “intrusive, excessive and inconsistent with legal requirements” – Privacy Commissioner

    Source: Privacy Commissioner

    An Office of the Privacy Commissioner (OPC) inquiry has found the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) systematically misused its investigatory powers while pursuing benefit fraud, unjustifiably intruding on the privacy of many beneficiaries.

    The inquiry found MSD’s exercise of its information gathering powers to be inconsistent with legal requirements under the Social Security Act 1964 and the Privacy Act 1993. This failure has resulted in infringements of individual privacy, particularly in relation to the collection of information from third parties.

    In the course of its inquiry, OPC interviewed beneficiaries and reviewed fraud investigation files provided by MSD. As a result, it saw cases where individual privacy was infringed. Examples included:

    • Failing to ask beneficiary clients for information before seeking it from a third party leading to inaccurate assessments of the information;
    • Overly broad requests leading to the provision of unnecessary and sensitive information (in one case a woman’s birthing records);
    • Disproportionate and inappropriate requests for information (in some cases, every text message sent and received by an individual over lengthy periods);

    Mr Edwards says the inquiry reviewed MSD files that contained text messages between parties in a relationship, sometimes of a sexual, familial or otherwise intimate nature.

    “In one instance, a beneficiary described to us how MSD obtained, from a telecommunications company, an intimate picture shared by that individual with a sexual partner. The photograph was then produced at an interview by MSD investigators seeking an explanation for it.”

    MSD has powers under the section 11 of the Social Security Act (as regulated by a Code of Conduct) to collect “any information” about a person on a benefit in order to assess their entitlements – including retrospectively, as in the case with fraud investigations.

    As well as the Privacy Act, MSD’s Code of Conduct required MSD to first seek information from a beneficiary client directly before seeking it from a third party, unless to so would prejudice the maintenance of the law.

    A change in practice

    But in 2012, MSD advised its fraud investigation staff they could bypass the requirement to seek information directly from a beneficiary and instead go direct to third parties. MSD believed that an amendment to the Code enabled this.

    The 2012 practice change resulted in MSD using its powers to collect large amounts of highly sensitive information about beneficiaries from third parties without approaching beneficiaries first. The information collected included text messages, domestic violence and other Police records, banking information and billing records from a range of providers.

    MSD investigates thousands of fraud allegations a year. Of these, a large proportion result in no formal finding of fraud.

    Mr Edwards said since 2012, MSD’s failure to first ask beneficiaries for information before approaching third parties has likely affected thousands of beneficiaries.

    “Due to poor record keeping practices and inconsistencies between fraud teams, we have been unable to establish whether the Ministry has been bypassing beneficiaries in all fraud investigations or only those categorised as ‘high risk’. It is disappointing that MSD does not keep accurate records of when and how many section 11 notices are issued by its staff.”

    Mr Edwards also noted MSD is required to review the Code every three years but had not done so since 2012.

    Recommendations

    The report makes five recommendations including that MSD immediately cease its blanket application of the ‘prejudice to the maintenance of the law’ exception when issuing section 11/schedule 6 notices.

    It also recommends MSD undertake a comprehensive review of the Code and to develop training material and guidance for all its fraud investigation teams.

    View the Privacy Commissioner’s Inquiry into the Ministry of Social Development’s Exercise of Section 11 (Social Security Act 1964) and Compliance with the Code of Conduct report 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: International Anti-Money Laundering rule changes support government reforms

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee has welcomed changes to international anti-money laundering standards which closely align with the Government’s reforms.

    “The Financial Action Taskforce (FATF) last month adopted revised standards for tackling money laundering and the financing of terrorism to allow for simplified regulatory measures for businesses, organisations and sectors that pose a lower risk of money laundering,” Mrs McKee says.

    “This Government is committed to meeting its international obligations to address money laundering and organised crime and the damage they cause to New Zealand’s society and the international economy.  But our anti-money laundering and countering financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) regime needs to recognise that a one-size-fits-all regulatory model places an undue regulatory burden on businesses, organisations and sectors that pose low risk.  

    “We’ve heard numerous stories about children, disabled and unhoused people, as well as the elderly struggling to get bank accounts; community groups being subjected to unreasonable scrutiny; and people being driven out of business because the AML/CFT settings do not encourage simplified measures where risks are lower.

    “That is why we promoted these changes at FATF, and I’m pleased other FATF members have joined us in taking a common-sense approach.   My AML/CFT reform work programme will implement the FATF’s new standard by, amongst other things, allowing simplified measures for low-risk activities and entities” Mrs McKee says.

    “These changes are in line with FATF’s new best practice that countries should not only address their AML/CFT risks but also apply a risk-based approach to ensure that measures to target money laundering and terrorist financing don’t make it impossible for innocent people to access financial services. Our focus should be on knuckling down on organised criminals and fraudsters harming our communities, not wasting time and effort digging into the affairs of ordinary people and community groups.

    “New Zealand’s experiences working to address the complex issues which make it harder and more expensive for our Pasifika communities to send money home has played an important part in changing the standards.  The FATF has listened to our experience and moved to address the AML piece of the puzzle.

    “This Government’s intended reforms aim to improve the regime and deliver regulatory relief, to support tackling organised crime and to improve New Zealand’s compliance with international standards.  The changes will be part of a wider package of reform to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the AML/CFT regime for businesses, agencies, and ordinary New Zealanders.

    “We are working hard to build efficient government structures to enable risk-based settings that empower common sense to stop wasting people’s time – and instead help businesses focus on the practical actions that they can take to help keep criminals out of our financial system.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Missing Belmont boy located

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police are pleased to advise that a teenage boy, reported missing from Belmont, has been located.

    He is safe and is being taken home.

    Police thank the wider North Shore community for their response to our appeal today.

    ENDS

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Arrests made following early morning burglaries in Rangiora

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Attributable to Senior Sergeant Stephen McDaniel:

    The quick work of Police staff has led to the apprehension of three young people following a string of offences in Rangiora this morning.

    Alarm activations, the proactive work of officers on the ground in Rangiora, and proactive reporting led to the arrests following three commercial burglaries on High Street, and Ashley Street.

    Police were called to action after a patrol unit conducting proactive patrols in Rangiora saw the fog cannon of a phone store had been activated on Ashley Street around 4:10am.

    Following this sighting, Police were notified of two further burglaries after two more store alarms were activated, including a fog cannon at one of the stores. 

    A vehicle was seen leaving from near one of the stores in the Rangiora CBD, however, was not pursued and was subsequently located abandoned outside another store.

    Later this morning, a vehicle freshly reported stolen was seen driving on Ohoka Road and signalled to stop, however the driver failed to do so and continued onto Williams Street. A pursuit was not initiated.

    Around 4:40am Police came across the vehicle crashed on Main North Road near Doubledays Road, Kaiapoi.

    As a precaution, the three occupants were checked over by ambulance staff, but they were uninjured.

    All three young people were well known to Police. They have been remanded in custody and are due to reappear in the Christchurch Youth Court on charges including failing to stop, unlawfully getting into a vehicle, and burglary.

    This behaviour is understandably frustrating for business owners and residents in our community. We are glad to have held these offenders accountable almost immediately after the offences were reported.

    Police continue to encourage the community to report suspicious behaviour by calling 111 if it is happening now, or 105 if it is after the fact.

    ENDS

    Issued by Polcie Media Centre 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Name release: Fatal crash, Omakau

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Police can now release the name of the man who died following a crash on Glassford Road, Omakau on 21 February.

    He was 25-year-old Callum Sean Russell Pattison, from Lauder, Central Otago.

    Our thoughts are with those close to him at this difficult time.

    Work is ongoing to determine the circumstances leading up to the crash.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police on the scent in Flat Bush

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    A vehicle of interest to Police in the Flat Bush area has been located with drugs, cash, and offensive weapons.

    Police approached the vehicle parked up on Murphys Road on Tuesday afternoon.

    Inspector Rakana Cook, Counties Manukau East Area Prevention Manager says officers approached the vehicle to speak with the driver.

    “On approach, a strong odour of cannabis reeked from the vehicle,” he says.

    “A search of the vehicle was invoked which located cannabis divvyed up into eight bags.”

    At the same time a large knife was located on the driver’s side of the vehicle, invoking a further search for offensive weapons.

    “Police located another large knife in the vehicle as well as a wooden baseball bat and around $1500 in cash.”

    Around 139 grams of cannabis was located. The 20-year-old man was arrested by Police.

    Inspector Cook says he faces charges of possession of cannabis for supply and possession of an offensive weapon.

    “Our Area Prevention Unit are continuing to do great work in targeting and preventing harm in the Flat Bush community,” he says.

    “It’s the second discovery of bagged up cannabis in a vehicle travelling through our area this week.”

    Police continue to encourage the community to report suspicious activity in their area by calling 111.

    ENDS.

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Arrests made in Operation Sove – Stokes Valley murder and arson

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Attributable to Detective Inspector Haley Ryan:

    Hutt Valley Police have arrested three men in connection to the murder of a man in his 80s and the arson of his residential property last year.

    A homicide investigation was launched in November 2024, after one of three arsons at the Hanson Grove, Stokes Valley residential property resulted in the death of 82-year-old Ian David Moller.

    This morning, Police executed multiple search warrants within the Hutt Valley area, targeting the three men aged in their 20s and 30s. Two of the men have been charged with murder, arson and conspiring to commit arson and the third male has been charged with arson and conspiring to commit arson.  All three men have also been charged with participating in a in a criminal group. 

    All were due to appear in the Hutt Valley District Court this afternoon. Four others were arrested during the course of today’s warrants on unrelated matters.

    This has been a long and protracted enquiry, which has culminated in today’s arrests through the dedicated work of a team of detectives in the Hutt Valley and wider Wellington District.

    I have spoken with the Moller family who were relieved to hear the news, in what is a further step forward in coming to terms with what happened.

    Police would like to thank the Stokes Valley community who their continual support throughout this enquiry.

    We are confident there are further witnesses who may now feel comfortable coming forward and speaking with us and I would like to take this opportunity to urge them to do so.

    The three incidents occurred on Tuesday 5 November, Thursday 10 November, and Monday 14 November on Hanson Grove all occurring during the early hours of the morning.

    If you have information that may assist in our continued enquiry, please contact Police.

    You can report information to us on 105 either online or over the phone. Please reference file number 241105/2249 and quote Operation Sove. 

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China makes progress in advancing sustainable development, human rights protection: experts

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    China makes progress in advancing sustainable development, human rights protection: experts

    People taste grapes at a grape fair in Turpan, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 17, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    GENEVA, March 18 — China has made significant progress in pursuing sustainable development and human rights protection in recent years, experts said at a side event during the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council on Monday.

    The event, titled “The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Human Rights Protection,” was co-hosted by the China Society for Human Rights Studies and the China Foundation for Human Rights Development.

    Sun Meng, a professor at the Human Rights Institute of China University of Political Science and Law, emphasized China’s commitment to a path that integrates sustainable development with human rights protection.

    She added that China has always adhered to the development concept of innovation, coordination, greenness, openness and sharing, as well as the people-oriented development principle, and fully implemented the idea of human rights protection.

    Senior residents learn calligraphy at an elderly care center in Dongcheng District in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 31, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Zhou Shaoqing, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, stated that one of the reasons behind the rise of ideologies and movements that severely impact social cohesion and even political stability worldwide is the extreme disparity in wealth and the high inequality of economic and social rights.

    He emphasized that China addresses this issue through relevant policies and legislation to ensure economic and social equality, with a particular focus on promoting equal development for ethnic minority regions and remote regions. China’s systematic policy framework, development priorities, and the goal of “common prosperity” provide valuable references for addressing global governance inequality, he added.

    Tang Yingxia, deputy director of Nankai University’s Human Rights Center, stated that human rights, climate change, and sustainable development are closely interconnected, and this intrinsic link calls for active measures at the national level.

    Women attend an event celebrating the International Women’s Day with their children at a kindergarten in Nanjing, east China’s Jiangsu Province, on March 7, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    She highlighted that China is addressing climate change by proposing and implementing its dual carbon goals to protect environmental rights. Furthermore, China has adopted relevant measures at various levels and achieved remarkable success in the development of a low-carbon economy.

    Da Lu, an associate professor from China’s Southwest University of Political Science and Law, noted that there are still many challenges ahead in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. He called on the international community to adhere to the principles of consultation, joint construction and sharing, promote the building of a more just and reasonable international order, and inject more positive impetus into global development.

    This photo taken on Feb. 29, 2024 shows an exterior view of the United Nations (UN) Office in Geneva, Switzerland. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: UPDATE: Charges – Take or Interfere with protected wildlife – Knuckey Lagoon

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force has charged a 19-year-old male with property offences and Interfere with protected wildlife following an unlawful entry in Knuckey Lagoon last Friday.

    Yesterday about 2:15pm, Strike Force Trident and Dog Operations Unit members tracked down the 19-year-old to a residence in Malak and apprehended him without incident.

    He has since been charged with:

    • Burglary – Building
    • Damage to Property x 4
    • Trespass – Entering Without Authority x 2
    • Take/Interfere With Protected Wildlife
    • Theft
    • Driving, Using/Riding Motor Vehicle Without Consent
    • Learner Driver – No Person in Front Seat
    • Drive Without L Plates When Required

    He will appear in Darwin Local Court today.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray Leads Colleagues in Reintroducing Legislation to Prevent the Shackling and Mistreatment of Pregnant Women in ICE and CBP Custody

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    Legislation would provide permanent safeguards for pregnant and postpartum women in ICE and CBP custody; Rep. Garcia to introduce companion legislation in the House

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) led 22 senators last week in reintroducing her Stop Shackling and Detaining Pregnant Women Act. The legislation will protect the health and safety of pregnant, postpartum, and lactating women in immigration detention by establishing a presumption of release, prohibiting any agency under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security from shackling pregnant women in its custody—including those in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP)—and setting new standards of care and transparency for the treatment of pregnant women and youth. Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia (D, TX-29) will soon be reintroducing companion legislation in the House.

    “Shackling pregnant women in immigration custody is not only unnecessary, it is dangerous and traumatic for women and their pregnancies—and there is simply no justifiable reason for this barbaric practice,” said Senator Murray. “At a time that we have a president whose approach to immigration appears to be cruelty for cruelty’s sake, it is more important than ever that we act to ensure all pregnant women in custody are treated humanely and with respect. I will continue to fight against the gross mistreatment of pregnant women in immigration detention and am proud to join my friend Rep. Garcia in reintroducing this important legislation.”

    The mistreatment of pregnant women in ICE detention has been well-documented—and without basic protections, pregnant women in ICE detention are at higher risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, and other pregnancy-related health complications. A Government Accountability Office study published in 2020 found that between 2016 and 2018, ICE detained pregnant women over 4,600 times. As Congress increased its oversight of the detention of pregnant, postpartum, and nursing women that number has dropped to just 158 pregnant, postpartum, and nursing women detained in the first half of Fiscal Year 2024.

    The Stop Shackling and Detaining Pregnant Women Act is supported by: The American Civil Liberties Union, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Center for Reproductive Rights, Church World Service, Families USA, In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda, MomsRising, National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum, National Council of Jewish Women, National Immigrant Justice Center, National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice, National Women’s Law Center, Reproductive Freedom for All, and Planned Parenthood Federation of America.

    In the Senate, the legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ed Markey (D-MA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

    A one-pager on the legislation is HERE.

    The full text of the legislation is HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Peter Dutton wants to deport criminal dual citizens. We already have laws for that

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Luke Beck, Professor of Constitutional Law, Monash University

    Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has floated the idea of amending the Australian Constitution to allow government ministers to strip dual citizens of their Australian citizenship if they commit serious crimes related to terrorism.

    Almost immediately, Dutton’s coalition colleague and Shadow Attorney-General Michaelia Cash walked back the idea, saying the Coalition had “no plan” for a referendum.

    Dual citizens can already lose their Australian citizenship if they commit terrorism offences.

    So what does the Constitution say about the issue?

    Citizenship cessation

    Under the Australian Citizenship Act, there are three main ways an Australian citizen can cease their Australian citizenship.

    First, a dual citizen can voluntarily renounce their Australian citizenship. Some people choose to do this if they move overseas and don’t intend to return to Australia.

    Second, the government can revoke a dual citizen’s Australian citizenship if they obtained it by fraud. The logic here is that the person was never really eligible for Australian citizenship in the first place.



    Read more:
    View from The Hill: Dutton’s talk about a citizenship referendum is personal over-reach and political folly

    Third, and most seriously, a court can – if the government asks it to – strip a dual citizen of their Australian citizenship as part of the sentencing process for serious crimes such as terrorism and foreign incursions.

    In deciding whether to impose this punishment, the court must be satisfied the person’s crime was “so serious and significant that it demonstrates that the person has repudiated their allegiance to Australia”.

    In other words, dual citizen terrorists can already lose their Australian citizenship.

    What does the Constitution say?

    Federal parliament can make laws only on certain subject matters, as listed in the Constitution. One of those subject matters is “naturalisation and aliens”.

    In a 2022 case called Alexander, the High Court confirmed the naturalisation and aliens power allows the federal parliament to pass laws taking away a person’s citizenship if the person has done something that shows they had repudiated their allegiance to Australia.

    That case concerned an Australian-Turkish dual citizen who travelled to Syria to fight with the Islamic State militant group. That kind of voluntary conduct clearly repudiates allegiance to Australia.

    The High Court has made a series of rulings against government attempts to strip citizenship.
    Shutterstock

    But to be valid, a federal law must not only fall under one of the listed subject matters such as “naturalisation and aliens”, it also must not breach any limitation on the federal parliament’s power.

    An important limitation on the federal parliament’s lawmaking power is keeping federal judicial power separate from the power of the parliament and the executive. This is called the “separation of powers”.

    The separation of federal judicial power is an important constitutional concept. The idea is that it prevents the parliament or government ministers interfering in the role of the courts or usurping the role of the courts.

    Attempts at legislation

    Only courts can exercise federal judicial power. Judicial power includes things like imposing punishments on people for criminal conduct. This is where past citizenship stripping laws have run into trouble.

    The problem with the law in the Alexander case was that it allowed a government minister to take away the terrorist’s Australian citizenship, rather than a court, and even if the person had not been first convicted by a court.

    So while the High Court ruled the parliament could legislate under the aliens power, it found ministers cannot decide guilt or punishment.

    The government thought the problem with the law was simply the lack of criminal conviction. So the parliament passed a new law allowing a government minister to strip dual citizen terrorists of their Australian citizenship, but only if they had first been convicted by a court.

    But the High Court struck down that law in a 2023 case called Benbrika.



    Read more:
    Is a terrorist’s win in the High Court bad for national security? Not necessarily

    Benbrika had been convicted of terrorism offences in the courts, then a government minister made an order taking away his citizenship.

    The problem with the law, the High Court said, was that a government minister was imposing a punishment. Only courts can impose punishment under the separation of powers.

    So in response to that decision, the federal parliament passed another law. This time the new law allowed the courts to strip a dual citizen of their Australian citizenship as a punishment as part of the sentencing process for serious crimes like terrorism.

    This is the law that’s currently in place. It avoids the separation of powers issue. There is no constitutional problem with courts imposing punishment for crimes.

    So what does Peter Dutton want to do?

    Peter Dutton’s comments suggest he wants government ministers – rather than courts – to impose the punishment of removing citizenship. He hasn’t said why or what purpose this would serve, apart from “keeping our country safe”.

    The only way to allow federal ministers to impose punishments is to change the Constitution through a referendum that inserts a new provision overriding separation of powers rules.

    Given Australia’s long history of defeated referendums, such a vote is unlikely to succeed.

    That’s if it makes it out of the gate. Reported tensions within the Liberal party suggest it may not get off the ground to become official Coalition policy.

    Luke Beck is a rank and file member of the ALP. The views expressed in this piece are his own.

    – ref. Peter Dutton wants to deport criminal dual citizens. We already have laws for that – https://theconversation.com/peter-dutton-wants-to-deport-criminal-dual-citizens-we-already-have-laws-for-that-252507

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Hochul is a Guest on “PBS Newshour”

    Source: US State of New York

    arlier today, Governor Kathy Hochul was a guest on PBS NewsHour with Amna Nawaz to discuss how governors across the nation are responding to threats from the federal administration including DOGE, tariffs, and entitlement cuts.

    VIDEO: The interview is available to stream on YouTube here.

    AUDIO: The Governor’s interview is available in audio form here.

    A rush transcript of the Governor’s remarks is available below:

    Amna Nawaz, PBS News:  As President Donald Trump’s cost cutting agenda continues through the government, Democratic governors are now looking to recruit fired federal workers to their states. The State of New York has launched a campaign for those impacted by DOGE cuts, including billboards in New York City’s Moynihan Train Hall and in train and metro stations throughout Washington, D.C.

    Joining me now to discuss that effort and the other ways that New York is pushing back against the Trump administration is New York Governor Kathy Hochul. Governor, welcome back to the NewsHour. Thank you for joining us.

    Governor Hochul: Thank you.

    Amna Nawaz, PBS News: Let’s start with that effort then to recruit some of those fired federal workers. Have you had fired federal workers applying for those jobs? How many have you been able to hire so far?

    Governor Hochul: No, we certainly have. In fact, a couple weeks ago, I did a roundtable inviting a number of recently fired federal employees from the New York City area to come and one of them was a father of four. He’d done four tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. He worked at the VA. He was one week from ending his probation and he was dismissed and he was so upset and distraught about it.

    And I gathered others who were just really still reeling from the unexpectedness of it. They never thought this would happen to them. So, I told them we would take care of these individuals. I literally have almost 7,000 open jobs in state government. We are not back to our pre-pandemic levels, and we certainly have openings in law enforcement and education and social work, a lot of issues – we want to take care of our citizens.

    So, I think it’s a great opportunity. I was literally meeting with President Trump in the White House last week. I went to Union Station afterward and I saw our billboard that said, “DOGE may say ‘You’re fired,’ but in New York, we say, ‘You’re hired.’” And it’s been really successful. And I will give you the real numbers once we know for sure. But a lot more have applied than we expected. And I find that exciting.

    Amna Nawaz, PBS News: So tell me a little bit more about that meeting with President Trump last week, because you and the President have disagreed and clashed before, right? You’ve accused him of federal overreach. You’ve disagreed on his immigration approach, but you said it’s important to keep that dialogue open. So where can you work with this president? What did you agree on in that meeting?

    Governor Hochul: One area where we should all be able to agree on is infrastructure. Continuing important investments. Many started under the Biden Administration. But I want to make sure that we look at an asset like Penn Station in New York City, which is really the welcome mat for millions of people who come through that station, and it looks deplorable. We’ve been renovating certain parts of it, but I want to make it to be a beautiful train hall. Something that natural light comes in and that people will come through there and feel that this is a really world class experience. So, knowing that Donald Trump is a New Yorker, I appealed to his sense of understanding how important this asset is to our city and its identity. And we agreed to work on this together.

    Amna Nawaz, PBS News: What about on tariffs? Because we’ve seen publicly he has doubled down on the use of tariffs, particularly in Canada – which I know impacts your state quite a bit. You said you’ve told him that the tariffs are devastating for upstate farm and factory workers. Was he receptive to that?

    Governor Hochul: You know, he does believe that it’s short term pain for long term gain. Just that the people who are expecting prices to go down on Inauguration Day, are really in for a rude awakening. Not only did they not go down as promised, but they’re going up. And if you look at the possible impacts of $2,000 to $3,000 more a year for a family. I mean, especially in places like upstate New York, on the border with Quebec, and western New York – where I’m from – on the border of Ontario, this is not a foreign country to us. This is a natural trading partner. It’s part of a larger, broader community. So this really sent shockwaves through our state. And I wanted him to know that a lot of these people supported him. Many areas of Upstate New York did support him in the election, and now they’re just wondering what happened.

    Amna Nawaz, PBS News: Governor, on the immigration front, we know New York City has been in this administration’s crosshairs for a while. You’ve said you are not going to allow ICE to come in and take people off the streets, but the reports show that they’ve sort of already been doing that to some extent. We saw local New York reports show that during one week in February, there were 100 people arrested. Do you know how many people ICE has arrested and potentially deported from New York?

    Governor Hochul: Well, I had a conversation with the President about this a couple of times, and I said, “I am aligned with your interest in removing dangerous criminals off the streets and sending them back to where they came from.” It’s in my interest. My number one priority is public safety, and that particularly includes Venezuelan gang members who have been terrorizing parts of our city since their arrival. So this is not a bad outcome to have them removed. But we understand there’s a difference, and I explained this once again, saying, “We’re not separating families. We’re not going to allow that to happen.”

    Amna Nawaz, PBS News: But Governor, we know among the thousands of people already deported have been people who have no criminal record. Do you know how many of those people have been from New York?

    Governor Hochul: No, I don’t know how many, but I will say that we don’t cooperate in those cases. That’s why I don’t have information. We will cooperate — my State Police will cooperate — in a situation where you have a warrant, or it’s someone on a terrorism watch list; someone who’s committed crimes in their own country or here. That’s a different category from where we will not cooperate when it comes to just saying, – identifying who these people are and we’re going to take them. We’re not going to help with that.

    Amna Nawaz, PBS News: I need to ask you, too, about the Democratic Party, because it’s been a rough few weeks. You’ve seen the leader of your party in the Senate under fire from fellow Democrats, including your fellow New Yorkers, Hakeem Jeffries and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, for choosing to avoid a government shutdown and back a Republican funding bill. In your view, was that the right choice?

    Governor Hochul: I know that Senator Schumer has New York State’s best interest at heart, because he’s also not just a majority leader for the Senate, but also our state. He has delivered time and time again for New Yorkers. There can be disputes within our party. This is not unusual in a family to have disagreements on a strategy. But also at the end of the day – he and Hakeem Jeffries put out a statement together, working together to fight the Medicaid cuts. We cannot afford these cuts. So, already there’s a unity that’s restored.

    And again, going down the road, there will be more disagreements. That’s okay. But the bottom line is, who brought us to this place? Never forget it was the Republicans. And every day that we’re hitting each other, is another day that Republicans are getting away with what they’re doing. I’m going to continue to remind everybody, let’s stand together as often as we can, as loudly as we can, against what the Republicans are trying to do to undermine – not just our democracy, but our basic sense of security here. The chaos of the stock market, what you’re doing with tariffs, what you’re doing to make lives more expensive here — we have to stand up and call that out.

    Amna Nawaz, PBS News: Governor, there was clearly a divide within your party though on this one issue. Was it the right choice for Senator Schumer to vote for that bill?

    Governor Hochul: Listen, I’m focused on New York State here. I spent time in Congress, I would answer questions on federal issues when it came to that. He made a decision that he thought was best not to have the shutdown. Others disagree with that. I’m focused on making sure that New York can get through this tumultuous time, whatever happens, and agree that a shutdown would have been difficult for our state.

    Amna Nawaz, PBS News: That is New York Governor, Kathy Hochul, joining us tonight. Governor Hochul, good to see you again. Thank you again for making the time.

    Governor Hochul: Thank you.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Nominations open for 2025 Resilient Australia Awards

    Source: Government of Australia Capital Territory

    As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.

    Released 19/03/2025

    Do you know of an ACT initiative making the community safer, more connected, and better prepared for disasters and emergencies? Now is your chance to have these efforts recognised by nominating for a 2025 ACT Resilient Australia Award.

    Submissions are open in categories for business, community, government, local government, schools, mental health and wellbeing, and photography.

    “This is such a great opportunity to acknowledge the vital, collaborative, and proactive efforts in the community to build a safer, more resilient Canberra – one that can withstand the impact of emergencies and recover even stronger,” Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Dr Marisa Paterson said.

    “As we face the growing challenges posed by climate change, it is crucial that we continue to work together to enhance our disaster resilience. These awards provide the perfect opportunity to celebrate the dedication and innovation demonstrated by Canberrans,” she said.

    Professor Marta Yebra, Director of the ANU Bushfire Research Centre of Excellence, was among three ACT winners of last year’s Resilient Australia Awards. Her photograph, Generations in Resilience, was a powerful visual reminder of the enduring strength found in familial love and support during times of adversity.

    “Disasters remind us how vulnerable we all are, but especially our elders, whose resilience is deeply tied to the support and love they receive. My photo captured a deeply personal moment, holding my father’s hand during an emergency trip to Spain, uncertain if I would see him again,” Professor Yebra said.

    “Aging comes with many challenges, and in moments of crisis, being connected and surrounded by care can make all the difference.

    “Building resilience to disasters is not just about response and recovery, it’s about proactive preparation and empowering communities with the right knowledge and tools. Moments of crisis reveal the strength of our connections, and initiatives like the Resilient Australia Awards help showcase the incredible ways individuals and communities come together to support one another in adversity. That is why I love so much being part of the award ceremony.”

    Established in 2000, the awards recognise outstanding contributions in each state and territory across multiple sectors and disciplines. The awards endorse a wide range of initiatives, with past projects cantered around risk assessment and mitigation, planning and preparation, and response and recovery.

    Winners from each state and territory are considered for the national awards. The Resilient Australia Awards is proudly sponsored by the Australian Government in partnership with states and territories and managed by the Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience.

    Nominations close Tuesday, 3 June 2025. For more information and to make your submission, visit www.aidr.org.au/raa.

    – Statement ends –

    Marisa Paterson, MLA | Media Releases

    «ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China makes progress in advancing sustainable development, human rights protection

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China has made significant progress in pursuing sustainable development and human rights protection in recent years, experts said at a side event during the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council on Monday.

    The event, titled “The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Human Rights Protection,” was co-hosted by the China Society for Human Rights Studies and the China Foundation for Human Rights Development.

    Sun Meng, a professor at the Human Rights Institute of China University of Political Science and Law, emphasized China’s commitment to a path that integrates sustainable development with human rights protection.

    She added that China has always adhered to the development concept of innovation, coordination, greenness, openness and sharing, as well as the people-oriented development principle, and fully implemented the idea of human rights protection.

    Zhou Shaoqing, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, stated that one of the reasons behind the rise of ideologies and movements that severely impact social cohesion and even political stability worldwide is the extreme disparity in wealth and the high inequality of economic and social rights.

    He emphasized that China addresses this issue through relevant policies and legislation to ensure economic and social equality, with a particular focus on promoting equal development for ethnic minority regions and remote regions. China’s systematic policy framework, development priorities, and the goal of “common prosperity” provide valuable references for addressing global governance inequality, he added.

    Tang Yingxia, deputy director of Nankai University’s Human Rights Center, stated that human rights, climate change, and sustainable development are closely interconnected, and this intrinsic link calls for active measures at the national level.

    She highlighted that China is addressing climate change by proposing and implementing its dual carbon goals to protect environmental rights. Furthermore, China has adopted relevant measures at various levels and achieved remarkable success in the development of a low-carbon economy.

    Da Lu, an associate professor from China’s Southwest University of Political Science and Law, noted that there are still many challenges ahead in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. He called on the international community to adhere to the principles of consultation, joint construction and sharing, promote the building of a more just and reasonable international order, and inject more positive impetus into global development. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Road blocked, SH2, Whakamārama

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Police are responding to a crash involving four vehicles on State Highway 2 near Francis Road, Whakamārama.

    Emergency services were alerted around 12:20pm.

    It appears six people were involved, with one person in a moderate to serious condition, and the others with minor to moderate injuries.

    The road is closed near Francis Road as we work at the scene and diversions are in place, motorists are advised to expect delays.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police switch onto offenders after burglary

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Two burglars face charges after failing to flee from Police with their lights off in Ōrewa.

    The pair had been travelling north after earlier allegedly committing a burglary at a Birkenhead store on the North Shore.

    Just after 4am, a Police unit observed a suspicious vehicle on Hibiscus Coast Highway.

    “On seeing the patrol vehicle, the car’s headlights were quickly turned off,” Inspector Mike Rickards, relieving Waitematā North Area Commander says.

    “Ironically, this attracted our staff’s attention even further and the vehicle was signalled to stop.”

    The vehicle fled but was not pursued.

    Inspector Rickards says traffic cameras were used to track the vehicle into the Pūhoi area.

    “Eagle had already deployed into the area, and with spikes successfully deployed on Fowler Access Road there was nowhere to go for the pair.”

    After the vehicle came to a stop, both men ran into nearby bushland.

    “Eagle directed our staff on the ground to the two men’s location and they were both arrested,” Inspector Rickards says.

    Inside the vehicle was a range of new equipment which was suspected to be stolen.

    North Shore Police have since confirmed a burglary had taken place in Birkenhead roughly half an hour prior to the vehicle being seen in Ōrewa.

    “A retail store on Mokoia Road was burgled at around 3.30am and was in the process of being reported when our staff were dealing with this pair.

    “The Tactical Crime Unit has now charged them with burglary and are in the fortunate position of being able to return the stolen property.”

    Those arrested are two men, aged 35 and 40, who will appear in the North Shore District Court.

    ENDS.

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Injured man dies in hospital after incident, Melville

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Attributable to Detective Senior Sergeant Scott Neilson,

    A man located in a critical condition after an incident in Hamilton over the weekend has died in hospital.

    Emergency services were called to Beatty Street, Melville at around 4.30am on Saturday 15 March. Upon arrival, a 26-year-old man was located deceased at the scene.

    A second man located in critical condition and transported to hospital died today, Wednesday 19 March.

    Our thoughts are with the families of the two deceased during this difficult time, and continue to offer them support.

    Police continue to make enquiries into this incident and continue to ask anyone with information of CCTV footage to contact us.

    A 41-year-old man has been remanded in custody and is due to reappear in the High Court at Hamilton on 1 April.

    Further charges are being considered.

    You can provide information to Police online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report” or by calling 105.

    Please use the reference number 250315/0371.

    You can also provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tillis, Padilla Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation to Help Find Missing Persons on Federal Land

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Carolina Thom Tillis

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Chris Murphy (D-CT) introduced the TRACE Act, bipartisan, bicameral legislation that would require the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to include an additional category to the existing National Missing and Unidentified Persons Systems (NamUs) database so the public and law enforcement partners can denote cases where the person went missing or was identified on federal land—including by providing specific location details.

    The bill also requires DOJ to submit an annual report to Congress on the number of cases of persons missing on public lands or suspected of going missing on public lands from the previous year. With this new feature, family and friends of people who have gone missing on public lands could more easily find and include this information in NamUs, while law enforcement agencies can simultaneously work to improve the national records of individuals missing on public lands.  

    “Every year, thousands of people go missing on public lands without being recorded in the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System,” said Senator Tillis. “This oversight is impeding law enforcement from keeping track of those who go missing to help search and rescue efforts. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan, bicameral legislation so these cases can be added to the database and potentially save hundreds of lives in the future.”

    “Thousands of people go missing on public lands every year in the United States, but without an effective tracking system, law enforcement faces significant challenges in finding them,” said Senator Padilla. “Public lands should be safe for everyone. That’s why Senator Tillis and I are introducing bipartisan legislation to improve data accuracy and accessibility, give law enforcement better tools to resolve cases, and bring peace of mind to affected families.”

    “Our law enforcement must have the proper resources and tools to bring home missing people,” said Senator Blumenthal. “This legislation would improve oversight and search and rescue efforts—bolstering the safety and security of our country’s public spaces. By equipping our law enforcement with the necessary data to track missing individuals on public lands, the TRACE Act will help recover those individuals and potentially save countless lives in the future.”

    Background:

    According to a NamUs report, over 600,000 people go missing in the United States annually. While the majority of these cases are resolved, tens of thousands of people remain missing every year. 

    There are approximately 640 million acres of federal land which include national parks, national forests, and Bureau of Land Management lands. Estimates suggest that at least 1,600 people have gone missing on public lands, though the number is likely much higher, as isolated or rugged terrain on public lands can make it especially difficult to find or identify people who go missing. Despite this, there is no functional system to report people who have gone missing on public lands. Having accurate data on how many people go missing on our public lands every year is crucial to aid search and rescue efforts and resolve cases. 

    NamUs is the main system used by law enforcement, families and friends of missing persons, medical examiners, and coroners to report unidentified remains and missing persons, and is also used by the public.

    The TRACE Act is endorsed by the Public Lands Solution, Jewish Women’s Institute, Major County Sheriffs Association, Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies (ASCIA), NDAA, Raven, National Association to End Sexual Violence, and the Outdoor Industry Association.

    Full text of the bill is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Married At First Sight should be a platform to talk about domestic violence – too much is left unsaid

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Toone, Lecturer in Social Work, University of South Australia

    Nine

    Married at First Sight Australia (colloquially known as “MAFS”) is one of Australia’s most popular reality TV shows, averaging two million viewers an episode. But this year’s season has come under fire for multiple narratives plagued by domestic violence.

    In particular, one episode brought up three troubling facets of violence: physical violence, coercive control, and expectations of male dominance. Parallels between these three relationships are evident to those of us who work with gendered violence.

    Disappointingly, the show has only directly addressed physical violence. By failing to address properly these other facets of violence, MAFS missed an opportunity to examine the way men’s violence against women exists on a continuum.

    How does the show work?

    The premise of the show is simple: individuals who are unlucky in love are matched by three relationship “experts”. The first time they meet is at the end of the aisle.

    The spouses move in together and are put through a series of exercises designed to “fast track” their connection – although success rates are quite low.

    In weekly commitment ceremonies, each couple, in front of the group, receives relationship therapy from the show’s expert panel: registered psychologist John Aiken, relationship coach Mel Schilling, and sexologist Alessandra Rampolla.

    Each week, each member of the couple chooses to stay or leave. If only one member of a couple wants to leave, both must stay.

    ‘This is deeply troubling’

    At the commitment ceremony in the episode that aired on March 2, groom Paul Antoine confessed he punched a hole in a door during an argument with his wife Carina Mirabile.

    The experts appear to take Antoine’s violence seriously. They threaten to expel him from the show. Other grooms speak directly to camera about the seriousness of physical violence.

    Mirabile downplays his behaviour. She says the incident happened after she talked about a previous relationship, and Antoine’s actions show “he does have strong feelings towards me” and it is “a real relationship”.

    Expert Schilling responds, saying:

    I cannot sit here and listen to this justification from you […] This is not normal behaviour, sweetheart […] This is deeply troubling.

    The incident is being investigated by New South Wales Police. At the time of writing, the couple remain in the series.

    A difficult relationship

    Before the season began airing, it came to light that a member of one couple, Adrian Araouzou, was previously charged with domestic assault, before being acquitted. At the time of writing, this history has not been addressed on screen.

    At the same commitment ceremony, Araouzou whispers requests to his wife, Awhina Rutene, that she not talk about an argument between his sisters and Rutene’s sister.

    Another groom, Dave Hand, criticises Araouzeou’s behaviour, saying

    let her say how she really feels […] She looks at you for permission to speak, mate.

    Aiken says this is a “serious statement”. Rutene says she doesn’t need permission, although she sometimes feels speaking will cause “a rift between us” and she does not want to “hurt Adrian’s feelings”.

    Rutene votes to leave. Because Araouzeou chooses to stay, she is also compelled to stay.

    Looking for ‘domination’

    In the same episode, bride Lauren Hall says she was horrified to come home and find her husband, Clint Rice, cleaning. Hall says she expects a husband to be “very dominating”.

    Sexologist Rampolla suggests Rice embracing domination could “grow the spark” within the relationship. The experts ask Rice whether he feels he can live up to Hall’s gendered expectations. He agrees to try.

    A national emergency

    Given the national platform of the show, and the “national emergency” of domestic and family violence, the failure to seize any opportunity to send a strong message about gender equality to the public is deeply disappointing.

    A 2021 survey found 23% of Australians believe domestic violence is a normal reaction to stress. This points to a mainstream acceptance of violence within intimate relationships. There is a need for further public discourse – and MAFS is very well positioned to contribute to it.

    When MAFS allows people to stay on the show after they have enacted violence, the show sends the message that violence is not enough of a reason to leave a relationship. A 2016 survey from the Australian Bureau of Statistics found that 46% of women who have experienced violence from their partner and have never separated have wanted to leave the relationship.

    People should be able to leave a relationship at any time, and for any reason. It is estimated it takes seven attempts for a woman to leave a relationship characterised by violence. In MAFS, one member of a couple can effectively force the other to stay. This suggests the ultimate goal of marriage is lasting commitment, rather than happiness, fulfilment and safety.

    While the experts openly addressed Antione’s violence in the March 2 episode, there has been no further discussion of the incident since. This sends the message intimate partner violence is easily solved, and not important enough for ongoing attention.

    When the experts supported the idea that Rice should be “dominant” in a relationship, they missed an opportunity to explore the intricate ways patriarchal expectations play out in intimate relationships. Research shows relationships characterised by dominant forms of masculinity are precursors for male violence against women.

    Had MAFS seized this opportunity to open up this discussion (perhaps in a group therapy session with all of the grooms, including with quietly supportive Rice, and strong and respectful Hand) they could have used their platform to push back on the idealised image of a dominating man.

    Research from 2020 found most representations of masculinity on Australian television show men as “inherently chauvinistic, sexist, and misogynist”. MAFS has an opportunity to delve into Australian masculinity and question these stereotypes. What a shame this opportunity has been missed.

    Kate Toone is a member of the Australian Association of Social Workers.

    – ref. Married At First Sight should be a platform to talk about domestic violence – too much is left unsaid – https://theconversation.com/married-at-first-sight-should-be-a-platform-to-talk-about-domestic-violence-too-much-is-left-unsaid-251485

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: West Papua liberation group demands Indonesia releases 12 arrested activists

    Asia Pacific Report

    A West Papuan liberation advocacy group has condemned the arrest of 12 activists by Indonesian police and demanded their immediate release.

    The West Papuan activists from the West Papua People’s Liberation Movement (GR-PWP) were arrested for handing out pamphlets supporting the new “Boycott Indonesia” campaign.

    The GR-PWP activists were arrested in Sentani and taken to Jayapura police station yesterday.

    In a statement by the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), interim president Benny Wenda, said the activists were still “in the custody of the brutal Indonesian police”.

    The arrested activists were named as:

    Ones M. Kobak, GR-PWP leader, Sentani District
    Elinatan Basini, deputy secretary, GR-PWP Central
    Dasalves Suhun, GR-PWP member
    Matikel Mirin, GR-PWP member
    Apikus Lepitalen, GR-PWP member
    Mane Kogoya, GR-PWP member
    Obet Dogopia, GR-PWP member
    Eloy Weya, GR-PWP member
    Herry Mimin, GR-PWP member
    Sem. R Kulka, GR-PWP member
    Maikel Tabo, GR-PWP member
    Koti Moses Uropmabin, GR-PWP member

    “I demand that the Head of Police release the Sentani 12 from custody immediately,” Wenda said.

    “This was an entirely peaceful action mobilising support for a peaceful campaign.

    “The boycott campaign has won support from more than 90 tribes, political organisations, religious and customary groups — people from every part of West Papua are demanding a boycott of products complicit in the genocidal Indonesian occupation.”

    Wenda said the arrest demonstrated the importance of the Boycott for West Papua campaign.

    “By refusing to buy these blood-stained products, ordinary people across the world can take a stand against this kind of repression,” he said.

    “I invite everyone to hear the West Papuan cry and join our boycott campaign. No profit from stolen land.”

    Source: ULMWP

    The arrested Sentani 12 activists holding leaflets for the Boycott for West Papua campaign. Image: ULMWP

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Marshals, Partner VI Agencies Arrest, Return Murder Suspect to St. Thomas to Face Charges

    Source: US Marshals Service

    St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands – A murder suspect is back in custody in St. Thomas thanks to the efforts of the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) in the District of the Virgin Islands, the USMS Florida Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force (FCRFTF), the Virgin Islands Police Department, the USMS Foreign Field Office Jamaica and the British Virgin Islands Department of Immigration.

    Demare A. Encarnacion, 32, is alleged to have participated in the early morning Oct. 13, 2024, shooting death of Cecil Scatliffe in the area of Kronprindsens Gade.

    Encarnacion was charged by arrest warrant Oct. 17, 2024, with first-degree murder, use of a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence, possession of an unlicensed firearm within 1,000 feet of a school.

    FCRFTF investigators developed information in December 2024 that Encarnacion was in Tortola, British Virgin Islands. He was apprehended in Tortola earlier today and returned to the USVI by BVI Immigration officers.

    “As the enforcement arm of the U.S. Courts, the U.S. Marshals’ commitment to partnerships with federal, local and international law enforcement agencies to track down violent fugitives is unwavering,” said Acting U.S. Marshal for the District of the Virgin Islands, Kwesi Howard. “Although we cannot arrest our way out of problems, we can help bring closure to families who are affected by crimes of violence.”

    The mission of the FCRFTF is to locate and apprehend fugitives, with priority given to fugitives wanted for violent crime.  Founded July 1, 2008, the task force is supported by eight federal and 101 state and local agencies and operates within the southern, northern and middle districts of Florida, as well as the District of the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Supervisory Official Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division Delivers Remarks Following Verdict in San Antonio Human Smuggling Case

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Thank you U.S. Attorney Leachman for the Western District of Texas, Craig Laraby, Special Agent in Charge of HSI’s San Antonio Field Office, and everyone for being here. My name is Matthew Galeotti, and I am the Acting Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.

    Today is a momentous day in the Department’s relentless fight against the leaders, organizers, and key facilitators of human smuggling networks – thanks to the work of our partners in the Western District of Texas and at ICE-HSI.

    As Attorney General Pamela Bondi has announced, the Department is committed to the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations. To help meet this goal, the Department is laser-focused on dismantling human smuggling networks. Working with our U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and law enforcement partners, the Criminal Division is on the front lines of that fight.

    You have already heard from U.S. Attorney Leachman on the extraordinary work in this case, but let me take a moment to recognize the victims and the extraordinary efforts of the prosecution team that bring us all here today.

    As you heard, in June 2022, 64 aliens, from Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico were loaded into a tractor-trailer without functioning air conditioning by members of an alien smuggling organization for the three-hour drive from Laredo to San Antonio, ultimately leading to the deaths of 53 people, including children and one pregnant woman. Eleven others were hospitalized.

    Today, two of the people responsible, Felipe Orduna-Torres and Armando Gonzalez-Ortega, were held accountable for this tragedy by a United States jury. In total, eight members of this alien smuggling organization have now been convicted for their roles in this horrific event. This investigation and prosecution are the direct result of the hard work of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas and the dedicated special agents of Homeland Security Investigations, in close coordination with Joint Task Force Alpha and the Criminal Division.

    The crimes committed — and the tragedy caused — by this type of pernicious alien smuggling organization epitomize why the Attorney General is elevating Joint Task Force Alpha to be run directly out of her Office. The goal is to eliminate the scourge of human smuggling.

    Joint Task Force Alpha’s mission is to target and prosecute the leaders and organizers of transnational criminal organizations engaged in human smuggling and human trafficking throughout the Americas.

    Since its creation, Joint Task Force Alpha has tirelessly pursued significant smuggling indictments and extradition efforts across the country. In just the past seven weeks, the Department has charged more than 760 defendants involved in human smuggling.

    And we’re not done – not even by a long shot.

    In fact, we are continuing to prosecute those responsible for this mass casualty alien smuggling event.

    Just yesterday, Rigoberto Miranda-Orozco made his first court appearance here in the Western District of Texas after his extradition from Guatemala. His detention hearing is on Thursday. This Joint Task Force Alpha case will be prosecuted by trial attorneys from the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant United States Attorneys from the Western District of Texas.

    Miranda-Orozco was indicted and has been charged for allegedly conspiring with other smugglers to facilitate the travel of four aliens from Guatemala through Mexico, and ultimately, to the United States. He allegedly charged the aliens, or their families and friends, approximately $12,000 to $15,000 for the journey. The indictment alleges that three of these aliens passed away in the tractor-trailer in June 2022, and the fourth suffered serious bodily injury. For his actions, Miranda-Orozco is charged with six counts related to migrant smuggling resulting in death or serious bodily injury and he faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.

    This extradition sends the message that the Department of Justice will pursue human smugglers who violate U.S. law no matter where they are.

    I want to express my deep appreciation to our key law enforcement partners who built this investigation: HSI San Antonio and the HSI Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C., along with U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s National Targeting Center; U.S. Border Patrol; ATF; the San Antonio Police Department; and the Palestine Police Department. I would also like to thank our Criminal Division trial attorneys from the Office of International Affairs and resident legal advisors from the Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training (OPDAT) who provided significant assistance in coordinating with our foreign partners.

    I also want to thank our foreign law enforcement partners, especially Guatemalan law enforcement, for their assistance with this investigation and extradition.

    As I mentioned, the Department is vigorously prosecuting human smugglers to the fullest extent of the law.

    The Department of Justice has been working with members of Congress to advance a proposal to increase the sentencing guidelines in such cases to accurately account for the full scope of harm that can result from human smuggling.

    People around the country may not be familiar with the prevalence and seriousness of human smuggling cases. This case exemplifies why we all must pay attention. Human smuggling is dehumanizing, dangerous and it can be deadly. Smuggling victims are often subject to rape, kidnapping, extortion, exploitation and more. It will not stand.

    Our resolve in tackling these crimes will not waver. Joint Task Force Alpha, along with our partners, will continue to pursue the leaders and organizers of human smuggling and trafficking networks wherever they operate, with an enhanced focus on alien smuggling and trafficking by cartels and transnational criminal organizations.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Attorney General Bondi Statement on Violent Attacks Against Tesla Property

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Attorney General Pamela Bondi released the following statement this evening regarding a spate of recent attacks on Tesla property:

    “The swarm of violent attacks on Tesla property is nothing short of domestic terrorism. The Department of Justice has already charged several perpetrators with that in mind, including in cases that involve charges with five-year mandatory minimum sentences. We will continue investigations that impose severe consequences on those involved in these attacks, including those operating behind the scenes to coordinate and fund these crimes.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Judge Sentences Man to 17 Years in Prison for June 2024 Killing in Northeast D.C.

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON – Antonio Johnson, 33, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced on March 18, 2025, to 204 months in prison for shooting Marcellus Jackson in Northeast Washington D.C., announced U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr. and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

                Johnson pleaded guilty to one count of voluntary manslaughter while armed in December 2024, in the Superior Court for the District of Columbia.  

                According to the charges, on June 20, 2024, Johnson and Mr. Jackson were outside of an apartment building at 4400 Hunt Place, Northeast, having a verbal argument, when Johnson pointed a loaded firearm at Mr. Jackson, told him to stop playing with him, and then shot him. The defendant then fled the scene.

                He was arrested on June 20, 2024, and has been in custody since.

                In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Martin and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case form the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialist Grazy Rivera and Victim/Witness Advocate Christie Bloodworth.

                Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Ganjei, who investigated and prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –