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Category: Justice

  • MIL-OSI USA: H.R. 7375, Expression of Interest Sensibility Act

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    H.R. 7375 would modify the terms under which the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) collects a nonrefundable fee for submitting an expression of interest (EOI), which is an informal nomination to request certain federal land be included in a competitive oil and gas lease sale. 

    Under current law, EOIs are not automatically placed for sale when received nor does an EOI guarantee those lands will be offered at auction. The parcels must first be reviewed for availability and environmental concerns prior to being placed for sale. Public Law 117-169 established a $5 per acre fee to cover BLM’s cost of processing EOIs, which the agency collects at the time of submission. Those fees are recorded in the federal budget as offsetting receipts, that is, as reductions in direct spending.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Black Sturgeon Falls — Update – Lynn Lake RCMP investigating homicide

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On October 4, 2024, the 16-year-old male from Black Sturgeon Falls, also known as Marcel Colomb First Nation, was charged with 2nd Degree Murder and remanded into custody for a court appearance scheduled for today in Thompson Provincial Court.

    Lynn Lake RCMP, along with RCMP Major Crime Services, continue to investigate.

    On October 4, 2024, at approximately 1:55 am, Lynn Lake RCMP received a report of an assault in progress involving two teens outside a residence located in Black Sturgeon Falls.

    Officers attended and located a 16-year-old male, who was pronounced deceased, outside the residence.

    A 16-year-old male was arrested and remains in police custody.

    Lynn Lake RCMP, along with RCMP Major Crime Services and RCMP Forensic Identification Services, continue to investigate.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Experts of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women Praise Chile’s Laws on Violence against Women, Ask about Measures to Prevent Trafficking of Children and Sexual Abuse of Girls

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women today considered the eighth periodic report of Chile, with Committee Experts praising the State’s laws on violence against women and femicide, and raising questions about measures to prevent trafficking of children and sexual abuse of girls.

    One Committee Expert said Chile had impressive laws on violence against women and femicide.  What was the reparation regime for femicide?

    A Committee Expert said trafficking remained a problem in Chile.  There were around 20,000 illegal adoptions; the stealing of children was reportedly a lucrative business for criminal groups.  What measures were in place to support women and children who were at risk of trafficking?

    Another Expert said the Committee was concerned by the high rates of teenage pregnancy and sexual abuse of teenage girls.  What was being done to prevent early pregnancies, sexual abuse of girls, and delays in processing of abortion requests?

    Introducing the report, Antonia Orellana Guarello, Minister of Women and Gender Equity of Chile and head of the delegation, said an emblematic advance in the fight against violence in Chile was the enactment this June of the comprehensive law against gender violence. In the last two years, law reform had established a comprehensive protection and reparation regime for victims of femicide. National violence against women programmes had been redesigned to offer care to a wider range of victims.

    Ms. Orellana Guarello said the Government had developed the National Action Plan against Trafficking in Persons 2023-2026, focusing on prevention, protection of victims, prosecution of crimes, intersectoral coordination, and international cooperation.  This plan had made it possible to double the State’s capacity to care for adult victims.

    The delegation added that the State had a new procedure for assessing international adoptions and was supporting investigations into kidnapping of children. One individual who had been kidnapped had been identified and reunited with their family.  The State party was working to establish a genetic database to help reunite families and victims.

    Chile had seen a downward trend in teenage pregnancies since 2016, the delegation noted, influenced by the free distribution of contraception.  The State party was developing legislation that decriminalised abortion.  Around 70 per cent of girls under 14 who requested abortions did so on the grounds of rape.  An early referrals programme had been developed to speed up their access to abortions.

    In closing remarks, Ms. Orellana Guarello said Chile was committed to implementing the rights of women in all their diversity.  The State party would work to collect disaggregated data on women, achieve gender parity at all levels, increase access to abortion, promote the rights of older women and reform the pension system, and improve the situation of women deprived of liberty.

    Ana Peláez Narváez, Committee Chair, in concluding remarks, said that the dialogue had helped the Committee to better understand the situation of women and girls in the State party.  It would develop recommendations based on the dialogue to strengthen the implementation of the Convention for the benefit of all women and girls in Chile.

    The delegation of Chile consisted of representatives from the Supreme Court; Ministry of Justice and Human Rights; National Migration Service; Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ministry of Women and Gender Equity; Ministry of the Interior and Public Security; Public Prosecutor’s Office; Gendarmerie; Public Criminal Defender’s Office; Cabinet of the Minister of Social Development and Family; and the Permanent Mission of Chile to the United Nations Office at Geneva.

    The Committee will issue the concluding observations on the report of Chile at the end of its eighty-ninth session on 25 October.  All documents relating to the Committee’s work, including reports submitted by States parties, can be found on the session’s webpage.  Meeting summary releases can be found here.  The webcast of the Committee’s public meetings can be accessed via the UN Web TV webpage.

    The Committee will next meet in public at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, 16 October to consider the tenth periodic report of Canada (CEDAW/C/CAN/10).

    Report

    The Committee has before it the eighth periodic report of Chile (CEDAW/C/CHL/8).

    Presentation of Report

    ANTONIA ORELLANA GUARELLO, Minister of Women and Gender Equity of Chile and head of the delegation, said that since the last dialogue, Chile had experienced social protests, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the emergence of “anti-rights” groups.  Despite these challenges, the State had made progress in institutional, legal and administrative mechanisms to ensure the rights of women.  The National Equality Plan, updated in 2023, was the roadmap for equality policies in Chile. Minority groups had participated in the construction and monitoring of the plan.  In 2023 and 2024, six billion pesos were allocated to projects that directly benefited the diversity of women in different State institutions.

    An emblematic advance in the fight against violence was the enactment this June of the comprehensive law against gender violence, which established measures to punish and eradicate gender-based violence.  It created a judicial supervision mechanism, recognised children and adolescents as victims, and established an integrated data system on cases of gender violence. In the last two years, law reform had improved procedural guarantees and protected the rights of victims of sexual crimes; advanced the prevention, investigation and punishment of workplace sexual harassment; and established a comprehensive protection and reparation regime for victims of femicide, including a pension for sons and daughters, which until August 2024 has benefited 126 children and adolescents. National violence against women programmes had been redesigned to offer care to a wider range of victims.  The budget allocated to the prevention of violence against women had been increased by 22 per cent between 2021 and 2024.

    In 2022, a law prohibiting child marriage was enacted.  Thanks to this law, in the last two years there were no marriages with spouses under 18 years of age.  The Government had also developed the National Action Plan against Trafficking in Persons 2023-2026, focusing on prevention, protection of victims, prosecution of crimes, intersectoral coordination, and international cooperation. This plan had made it possible to double the State’s capacity to care for adult victims.  As of May 2024, humanitarian visas were issued to 21 women victims.  Progress had also been made with respect to the payment of child support through the creation of the National Registry of Alimony Debtors and the effective payment law. This had allowed the payment of more than 333 million United States dollars for alimony, benefiting more than 50,000 families as of May 2024.

    Chile was processing the bill that modified the Labour Code to promote equal pay between men and women, seeking to address the persistent gender wage gap, which stood at 23.3 per cent.  The Buenos Aires Commitment recognised the right to care and be cared for.  The Government had introduced a bill to establish a national policy on care to guarantee access to care in conditions of dignity.  Resources for care systems would be increased by 40 per cent by 2025, with the goal of serving 75,000 people with severe dependency.

    The More Women Scientists Programme had provided posts to women in science, technology, engineering and maths programmes at the university level.  The number of women selected for such programmes had since increased by 16.8 per cent.  The Government had implemented an inspection manual for the voluntary interruption of pregnancy law, which gave tools to local authorities for the supervision of health facilities.  It had also reduced the prices of oral, vaginal and long-acting contraception.

    The percentage of women participating in politics had increased in recent decades.  Chile was ranked sixth worldwide in high-level representation of women, with 58.3 per cent of members of the Cabinet of Ministers being women.  The Government was also promoting projects such as gender quotas in the elections of regional governors and councillors.  In the last two years, spaces had been created for women to participate in the evaluation and transformation of public policy, such as the Citizen Dialogues for the Care System, which had 12,614 participants, of which 80.4 per cent were women.  Dialogues were also held for rural women and for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex community, on sexual and reproductive rights and pension reform.

    In the last two years, 119 indigenous language and culture educators were recruited.  The Good Living Plan promoted the participation of Mapuche and rural women in political and social decisions through territorial dialogues.  The Government had also doubled the quota for hiring people with disabilities in companies and public institutions with 100 or more workers.  The National Policy on Migration and Foreigners provided comprehensive care for foreign women victims of domestic and gender-based violence.  Since 2023, the gender identity accompaniment programme had been implemented, serving more than 2,500 transgender and gender non-conforming children and adolescents.  This year, the Protocol for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders was approved, reaffirming the commitment of the State to protect women human rights defenders.  The Protocol on the Treatment of Pregnant Women in Detention sought to guarantee respect for and exercise of these women’s rights.  From 2022 to May of this year, a total of 321 pregnant women had benefited from this law.

    The Committee’s recommendations would allow the State to make progress in complying with its international commitments and to guarantee respect for human rights.

    LORETO CARVAJAL, Senator of the Republic, said she was a member of a group of parliamentarians that promoted the creation of the Commission on Women and Gender Equity, a space to debate policies against discrimination and violence against women. The law on labour conciliation enshrined the right to remote work for all workers who had children under 14 years of age in their care.  Another law prohibited sexual and workplace violence and harassment at work.  The National Congress had also established its first breastfeeding room, and the Senate had installed 24 kits with menstrual hygiene products in its bathrooms.  The Work-Life Balance Protocol supported women with family and care responsibilities. 

    Chile also faced several challenges.  The revision of the civil partnership regime was still pending, as was a bill to strengthen the anti-discrimination law.  It was essential that resources were appropriately allocated to initiatives that addressed gender-based violence and promoted women’s economic empowerment.  There also needed to be increased cooperation between the legislative branch, the executive and civil society.  The delegation would faithfully reflect on both the State’s progress and the challenges remaining regarding the implementation of the Convention.

    ANDREA MUÑOZ SÁNCHEZ, Minister of the Supreme Court of Chile, said Chile’s understanding of the need to increase women’s access to justice had improved over the reporting period, and legal instruments and rulings reflected this.  The Supreme Court of Justice had a technical secretariat on gender equality and a gender equality policy.  There had been rulings regarding cases of violence against women that dealt with abandonment and recognition of non-typical cases of violence, including the use of legitimate use of self-defence by women.  There had also been rulings on the rights of women deprived of liberty and rulings recognising non-binary gender, and alternatives to detention had been issued for pregnant women.  The judiciary had also implemented many measures to eradicate sexual harassment in the workplace.

    Statement by the National Human Rights Institute

    CONSUELO CONTRERAS LARGO, National Director, National Human Rights Institute of Chile, said Chile’s statistics on violence against women were not disaggregated based on ethnicity, location, age, disability, sexual orientation and migrant status; this needed to be done.  It was worrying that amendments to the conjugal partnership law and the anti-discrimination law had not progressed.  The gap in representation between men and women continued to be wide, especially in mayoral offices and in the Senate, where women made up only 17 per cent and 24 per cent of representatives, respectively.  There was no gender quota in municipal elections, and for parliamentary elections, the quota would be in force only until 2029. 

    Difficulties in reporting violence and accessing care for minority women were concerning. There was a low number of personnel responsible for investigating trafficking in persons in the investigative police.  It was also worrying that only 15 universities offered training in gender violence, women’s rights, and gender perspective, and there was no discussion in Congress about comprehensive sex education in the school curriculum. 

    Gaps in wages and employability of men and women remained, while unemployment rates continued to be higher in women than in men.  The Institute was also concerned about barriers that hindered the provision of access to voluntary termination of pregnancy, including training and conscientious objection, and about the situation of pregnant women and women with children in prisons and the lack of progress on the bill prohibiting pretrial detention for such women.  The Institute was concerned about the lack of cultural relevance of policies for the prevention of violence against indigenous women.

    Questions by a Committee Expert

    MARION BETHEL, Committee Expert and Rapporteur for Chile, said that the Committee welcomed the efforts by the State party to disseminate the Convention and the ratification of the Optional Protocol in 2020.  Capacity-building efforts had reached over 46,000 public servants.  Had the State party established a permanent accountability mechanism regarding the Convention?  Was the Convention promoted in rural areas and had it been translated into indigenous languages? 

    The recent reform of the Constitution was a unique opportunity to advance gender equality and incorporate comprehensive protections for women’s rights.  However, this process had faced challenges.  What steps had been taken to anchor women’s rights in the Constitution? The Committee was concerned about discrimination targeting indigenous women and women of African descent.  What steps had been taken to amend the law on discrimination in line with the Convention?  How many cases had been tried under the law and what reparation had been provided to minority women?  What steps had been taken to address the law’s inadequacies?

    The availability of legal assistance for minority women remained insufficient.  How was the State party addressing this?  What training was being provided on gender equality and support for women for members of the judiciary?  Did training provided for the police and prison service improve access to justice for indigenous women, and how was gender mainstreaming being incorporated in the judiciary?

    Ms. Bethel welcomed that the Convention had been invoked in court rulings.  The State party needed to collect disaggregated data to inform public policy on gender.  What had been the impact of the work of the Intersectoral Working Group on the Rights of Indigenous Women?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said Chile was committed to addressing gaps in monitoring the implementation of the Convention. The State party was making use of the “SEMORE” system, which collected data on the implementation of human rights treaties.  A mechanism had opened that allowed civil society to monitor the implementation of the Convention and a gender budgeting system would soon be implemented.

    More than 33,000 public servants had received training on gender equality.  The State was collaborating with the local office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to strengthen training on the Convention for public officials.  Between 2022 and 2024, around 7,500 members of the judiciary took courses on gender issues and more than 900 members of the investigative police had also received such training.  From this year, all criminal and family judges were required to undergo mandatory training on violence against women, and prosecutors also underwent training on the Convention.

    The judiciary provided defence for all individuals.  There were specialised defenders for indigenous women and intercultural communicators who supported these women.  A bill to reform the Anti-Discrimination Act addressed shortcomings in the legislation and the need to compensate victims; this bill had been rejected, but work was underway to reform it so that it could be passed.

    The Government was working to establish institutions, roadmaps and training programmes to promote the rights of indigenous women.  The judiciary had a handbook of good practices related to gender, and a repository of judgements related to gender had been published.  More than 11,000 judgements had referenced the Convention, including 8,000 judgements by family courts.

    The Sub-Commission on Gender Statistics had established a standard on statistics on gender identity.  Upcoming surveys on gender-based violence would cover rural areas.  The new national census would include questions on gender identity, ethnicity and other characteristics.

    Questions by Committee Experts 

    A Committee Expert congratulated the State party on the creation of the Ministry for Women and Gender Equity. What percentage of the national budget had been devoted to gender institutions in the last three years? How did the State party ensure compliance by public officials with the Convention?  What was the mandate of the National Service for Women and Gender Equity? How was the Women’s Ministry empowered to influence other ministries, institutions and the media?

    The fourth national action plan on equality between men and women was commendable.  What budget had been attached to the plan and what achievements had it made?  Were issues concerning disadvantaged women integrated into national priorities? What measures were in place to monitor the implementation of the plan?

    MARION BETHEL, Committee Expert and Rapporteur for Chile, commended the State party for its use of temporary special measures in promoting the representation of women in political bodies.  There was an absence of temporary special measures to promote the rights of disadvantaged women in other areas, however.  What groups of women had been targeted by temporary special measures and what steps had been taken to guarantee women’s rights in the economic recovery plan?  How were temporary special measures being used to address gender stereotypes and promote women’s access to employment?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said the National Service for Women and Gender Equity promoted gender equality and women’s empowerment in various areas.  The budget for the Service had been increased in recent years, and its programme to combat violence had been strengthened.  Its activities reached more than 150,000 women, preventing violence and promoting women’s political participation.

    Almost 46,000 members of the police service had received training on human rights and gender, including over 500 directors of the police force.  The share of women applying for posts within the police had increased to 40 per cent. 

    The Women’s Ministry had participated in drafting the post-pandemic economic recovery plan in 2022, incorporating gender perspectives into the plan.  The rate of female integration in the workforce had increased by two per cent since the implementation of the plan.  Subsidies were provided to employed women to access childcare, and structures providing care for the elderly had been strengthened to alleviate women’s care burden.  The childcare system had been reformed to increase access for marginalised women.

    The labour inclusion law had helped to double the number of women with disabilities who had access to the labour market.  There was currently a record number of women in construction in Chile.

    Questions by Committee Experts 

    MARION BETHEL, Committee Expert and Rapporteur for Chile, said there was a lack of temporary special measures for indigenous women, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex women, and other disadvantaged women.  Was the State party working to create these?

    ANA PELÁEZ NARVÁEZ, Committee Chair, asked how the State party ensured access to justice for vulnerable women.  Could indigenous women use their own languages in court?  What measures were in place to protect girls in the justice system?  How did the State ensure access to its national surveys for indigenous women, girls and women with disabilities? 

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said the Government was drafting a law on access to justice for gender-based crimes.  The judiciary had training programmes on gender and sexual diversity and there had been an inclusion protocol developed for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex community.

    The Government was working to ensure access to social programmes for marginalised groups of the population. Community care centres had been set up in rural areas to support the care burden for indigenous peoples. Information on sexual and reproductive rights was being provided to indigenous women in different indigenous languages and in Braille.  The national census was made available in the main three indigenous languages.  A law had been passed to recognise Chilean people of African descent, and the Ministry of Women had a body working to promote the rights of women of African descent.

    Questions by Committee Experts 

    A Committee Expert welcomed that Chile’s domestic legislation needed to be interpreted in line with the international human rights treaties ratified by Chile, and commended the State party’s efforts to address historical wrongs against women.  How was the State party advancing space exploration led by women and addressing the threats posed to women by autonomous weapons systems?  How would the State party incorporate women peacebuilders within its national action plan on women, peace and security?

    Technology-assisted violence disproportionately affected women.  How was the State party addressing algorithmic biases against women in artificial intelligence models?  The State had impressive laws on violence against women and femicide.  What was the reparation regime for femicide?  How did the State party monitor the implementation of the law on workplace harassment and prevent reprisals against women who reported it?  The State party needed to immediately promulgate the law on consent for sexual relations.  Was the monitoring mechanism for discrimination against HIV-positive people still in place?  Did the media law prohibit gender stereotyping? 

    Trafficking remained a problem in Chile. There were around 20,000 illegal adoptions; the stealing of children was reportedly a lucrative business for criminal groups.  Children in child protection centres were at risk of trafficking.  What reparations had been provided for victims of illegal adoptions?  What measures were in place to support women and children who were at risk of trafficking?

    ANA PELÁEZ NARVÁEZ, Committee Chair, congratulated the State party on implementing the ruling of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights regarding reparation for the forced sterilisation of a woman.  Was forced sterilisation of women with disabilities common?  When would the State party criminalise this practice? How was the State party ensuring protection for girls who were wards of the State from institutional violence?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said women were included in Chile’s armed forces.  The Commission of Peace and Understanding between the State and the Mapuche people, which included Mapuche women, was striving to achieve peace and an end to conflict with the Mapuche.  Chile had had a feminist foreign policy since 2022, and a gender lens was incorporated into foreign aid activities.  Chile was focusing on including women in international peace negotiations, such as negotiations with Colombia.  The State party had included a gender dimension in the regulation of autonomous weapons and in disarmament efforts.

    There were differing opinions on the effectiveness of establishing a law on consent for sexual relations; negotiation on this act was ongoing.  Laws had been implemented that increased penalties for obstetric violence and the non-consensual dissemination of pornographic material.  The new comprehensive law on violence against women addressed obstetric violence.  Courts were providing compensation for moral harm caused by obstetric violence and failed sterilisation procedures requested by women.

    Chile was promoting the inclusion of women in science, technology, engineering and maths careers and there had been an increase in women taking up these careers.  The State party had passed a law that promoted the inclusion of women in the mining sector.

    The State had a new procedure for assessing international adoptions and was supporting investigations into the kidnapping of children.  One individual who had been kidnapped had been identified and reunited with their family. The State party was working to establish a genetic database to help reunite families and victims.

    Chile had not received complaints related to the forced sterilisation of persons with disabilities.  It had recently adopted a law that required free, prior and informed consent for sterilisation procedures.  The State party had created a special body monitoring girls, boys and adolescents who were wards of the State.  Protection measures were implemented as a last resort.

    Questions by Committee Experts 

    A Committee Expert commended the State party’s commitment to female diplomacy and representation in all decision-making arena.  Would the State party implement quotas for 50 per cent representation of women at all levels of government?  The Expert welcomed the definition of “political violence” against women in the State’s legislation.  Was there a system for implementing this legislation?  What measures were in place to promote gender parity in the private sector? Was there a system to assess the environmental and gender impacts of foreign policies?

    Another Committee Expert welcomed efforts to address statelessness, including the implementation of the Statelessness Convention and the granting of Chilean nationality to all people born on Chilean territory.  Many children were born on migratory routes in Chile, increasing their risk of statelessness.  How was the State party working to register the births of migrant children?  Could it provide statistics in this regard?  How was the State party promoting access to refugee status determination procedures?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said Chile’s feminist foreign policy included measures promoting the representation of women in the foreign service.  Around 24 per cent of Chile’s ambassadors were female, up from around 12 per cent in 2022.  The State was approaching gender parity in its diplomatic corps.  All Chile’s trade agreements had specific chapters on women. Chile had won a prize from the World Trade Organization for promoting gender equality through trade.

    There had been a rise in female participation in the Congress.  Quotas had been established for electoral lists.  Women were currently heading 13 different ministries, including ministries typically led by men.  Quotas were also being implemented in the regional elections that were currently underway.  A tool had been developed to support women wishing to run for election.  The Government had recognised political violence as a form of discrimination.  The Electoral Service was developing clear standards on this form of violence.

    Currently, all children born on migratory routes had access to Chilean nationality.  The State project on statelessness had allowed for the provision of nationality to around 100 children.  The law on immigration respected the best interests of the child. A draft law had been developed to provide nationality to children who did not have identity documents.  The State party worked to prevent refoulement of migrants.

    Questions by Committee Experts 

    A Committee Expert commended the educational reforms implemented by the State party.  What strategy did the State party have to prevent the dissemination of gender stereotypes in education?  What redress systems were in place for victims of discrimination within education? What monitoring was in place to ensure that the language policy empowered and did not stigmatise indigenous children?  What temporary special measures were in place to promote access to education for minority girls? 

    Had the State party developed disability-friendly learning environments and promoted inclusive education?  What was the rate of return for girls who left the education system early?  How did the State party’s science, technology, engineering and maths education programme address structural barriers to women accessing careers in this field?  The reproductive health education programme started in the second education cycle and was not compulsory.  Would the State party make the programme compulsory, continuing and age appropriate?

    Another Committee Expert commended the State party’s gender parity initiative, the law to reduce the maximum weekly working hours, and the law to implement International Labour Organization Convention 190.  The gender pay gap persisted in the State party.  What measures would the State party take to address the gap, particularly in higher paying positions?  The labour participation rate for women was 48.1 per cent in 2021.  What measures were in place to increase the rate and eliminate horizontal and vertical discrimination against women in the workplace? How was the State party promoting women’s participation in the digital economy, and the employment of marginalised women?  How were self-employed women and domestic workers supported to access State benefits? What efforts had been made to promote the equal sharing of household responsibilities between men and women? Could data on this be provided?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said Chile had developed a draft bill on schooling that addressed discrimination within the educational community.  The bill was currently being assessed by Congress.  National days on non-sexist education had been held; over 450,000 children and parents had participated.  The admission system for higher education had been amended to support women’s access.  Textbooks had been updated to remove gender stereotypes.  The Government was also working to discourage violence in educational settings.  There were seven possible programmes for sex education, and schools could choose which programme they provided.  The State party planned to develop a bill that would improve the quality of sex education.  Educational institutions were being provided with guidance to implement inclusive education for children with disabilities.

    Between 2022 and 2024, women’s wages had increased by six per cent, and employment rates for women had returned to pre-pandemic levels.  The gender wage gap had decreased from 25 per cent in 2022 to 23 per cent in 2023. Most trade unions had greater participation of women than men.  Regulations had been implemented that allowed for shorter working hours for workers with children.  The number of days that parents could have off when their children were sick had been increased from 15 to 30.  Chile’s legislation established the joint responsibility of parents in caring for their children.  A programme had been developed to provide care for children in rural areas during holiday periods to allow their mothers to continue working.  This programme was now being expanded.

    Questions by Committee Experts 

    A Committee Expert said learners with auditory disabilities had complained that digital education portals were not accessible for them.  Had the State addressed this issue?  Each of the seven possible sexual health education programmes needed to be compliant with the Convention.  How many educational institutions had been fined for discrimination against girls?

    Another Committee Expert commended the State party’s initiative to decriminalise abortion on all grounds. The Committee was concerned by the high rates of teenage pregnancy and sexual abuse of teenage girls.  What was being done to prevent early pregnancies, sexual abuse of girls, and delays in processing of abortion requests?  Around 42 per cent of obstetric practitioners were conscientious objectors to abortion.  In rural areas, there were no alternatives if local doctors were conscientious objectors.  How was the State party addressing this?  Many women had experienced obstetric violence.  What support was the State party providing to ensure access to reparation for such violence?

    One Committee Expert commended the State’s pension and labour law reform.  Women’s unpaid working hours exceeded those of men by a large margin. Almost half of households were headed by women, many of which were impoverished.  There was a pay gap regarding pension payments for retirees. How was the State party preventing the widening of the gender wage gap and working to reduce the representation of women in the informal sector?  How would the State party correct the gender inequalities in the pension system and compensate women for unpaid care work?  Over 40 per cent of companies did not have women on their boards; how was this being addressed?

    What measures were in place to promote women and girls’ access to cultural and sporting activities, and to address discrimination against women in sports?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said Chile had seen a downward trend in teenage pregnancies since 2016, influenced by the free distribution of contraception.  To prevent the underground use of misoprostol, the State party was developing legislation that decriminalised abortion.  Under 10 per cent of health providers had conscientious objectors to abortions.  The State party supported the referral of persons seeking abortions to alternative abortion providers in cases of conscientious objection.  Conscientious objectors were required to provide abortions if there was a risk to the life of the mother.  Chile had amended legislation to require healthcare institutions to provide patients with information on their abortion rights in various languages.  Around 70 per cent of girls under 14 who requested abortions did so on the grounds of rape.  An early referrals programme had been developed to speed up their access to abortions.  Most family court cases concerning abortions for minors who had been raped were decided within two days.

    Coverage of the pension system had reached 80 per cent, increasing greatly in recent years.  The State party was implementing reforms to close the gender pension gap.  It had drafted a law towards this aim that was currently in its second reading.  A national survey was being carried out that assessed the distribution of domestic work responsibilities.  It would inform future support policies.

    Questions by Committee Experts 

    A Committee Expert asked if the State party had considered mechanisms to prevent backstreet abortions.  What support did the State provide to girls who underwent abortions?

    Another Committee Expert asked if girls aged 16 and over could access abortions in cases of rape.

    One Committee Expert asked about measures to support women entrepreneurs’ access to loans and credit.

    A Committee Expert asked about steps that had been taken to develop an action plan on rural women and girls that addressed their access to services and land.  Chile was the only country in Latin America that did not recognise indigenous peoples in its Constitution.  Would the State party establish a ministry of indigenous affairs, as the Committee had previously recommended? What measures were in place to guarantee the right to tenure and ownership of land for indigenous women? Women of African descent were not visible in the State party due to a lack of data. Not all women of African descent were recognised by the State party in its legislation; how would this be addressed?

    Another Committee Expert commended reforms that raised the minimum age of marriage to 18 without exception.  De facto early unions were still being carried out in Chile.  What measures were in place to identify such unions and to support their dissolution, particularly in rural areas?  How was the State party promoting access to adoption for same-sex couples?  What was the status of efforts to amend the marital regime and to educate the population in this regard?  How effectively were temporary protective measures implemented to protect women and children in cases of family violence?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said Chile planned to collect more data on people of African descent through its 2025 census. The Ministry of Women and Equity had implemented measures to support access to land tenure for indigenous peoples. There had yet to be progress on the draft law establishing a ministry of indigenous affairs; the Government would devote further efforts toward this aim.

    A national roundtable had been set up to support rural and indigenous women.  The roundtable had developed a programme to support access to water for these women.  There was also a programme supporting the development of rural and indigenous women as leaders.

    Amendments to the adoption law had been discussed for over 10 years.  The Government was working to establish a law that allowed for the adoption of children by same-sex couples.  Custody of children was not granted to violent parents.  Recent legislative reform defined children who experienced domestic violence as victims.  The State party was working to reform the marital property regime to increase women’s access to property in cases of divorce.

    Questions by Committee Experts 

    A Committee Expert said extractive industry activities had affected access to water in rural areas.  Would the State party strengthen environmental regulations to ensure that agribusiness activities did not negatively affect rural and indigenous women?  What steps had been taken to hold persons responsible for human rights violations occurring in the context of the 2019 protests?

    Another Committee Expert noted that a case had been brought before the Supreme Court in 2021 by two women regarding the shutting down of a power plant in Huasco.  What measures were in place to protect women in Huasco from pollution from power plants?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said a plan was being developed to gradually close power plants in Huasco and to provide reparations to persons who had been affected by pollution from these plants.  A draft bill had been put forward to address the loss of rural ecosystems caused by the activities of extractive industries.  A climate change adaption plan was also in place.

    Around 50 complaints had been brought against civil servants related to their actions in response to the 2019 protests, some of which had led to prosecutions.  Five of these cases involved female victims. 

    Concluding Remarks

    ANTONIA ORELLANA GUARELLO, Minister of Women and Gender Equity of Chile and head of the delegation, said the dialogue had been constructive.  The Committee’s inputs had been and would continue to be vital for the State party.  Chile was committed to implementing the rights of women in all their diversity. The State party had made progress but acknowledged that gaps remained.  The Committee’s recommendations would help the State party to move forward.  Chile would work to collect disaggregated data on women, achieve gender parity at all levels, increase access to abortion, promote the rights of older women and reform the pension system, and improve the situation of women deprived of liberty.

    ANA PELÁEZ NARVÁEZ, Committee Chair, said that the dialogue had helped the Committee to better understand the situation of women and girls in Chile.  It would develop recommendations based on the dialogue to strengthen the implementation of the Convention for the benefit of all women and girls in Chile.

    ___________

    Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the media; 
    not an official record. English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.

     

    CEDAW24.028E

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Artwork featuring materials from nature on display at the Atrium Gallery at One Capitol Hill through Jan. 22

    Source: US State of Rhode Island

    Providence, RI� The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA) announced today that works by three Charlestown-based artists Robin Spears Jr., Narragansett Indian Tribe citizen, his cousin, River Spears, Narragansett member, and Mikala Jackson, Kutzudika’a Paiute, Paiute Shoshone member, are currently on display in the Atrium Gallery at One Capitol Hill. The exhibition, Indigenous Innovations, features traditional artwork utilizing natural materials from the eastern woodland and coastal landscape.

    The Opening Reception — and an opportunity to meet the artists � will be on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m., in the Atrium Gallery, first floor of the state’s Administration Building, One Capitol Hill, Providence. The reception is free and open to the public.

    Official Bios (provided by the artists)

    Robin Spears Jr. is a hunter, fisherman and gatherer. He uses these gifts of the earth to create. He grew up in a family of stone masons and has spent more than 35 years doing the art of stonework. Lieutenant Spears is an Environmental Police Officer for the Narragansett Tribe, caring for the land and its resources. He especially enjoys working with antler, cedar, turtle shells, bone, stone, wampum and other natural materials to create dance sticks, fans, pipes, rattles and other pieces of art. He is inspired by nature, his family, and his Narragansett culture.

    River Sokenun Spears, Robin’s cousin, a Narragansett Tribal citizen, is a self-taught wampum jewelry artist and flint knapper. Drawing inspiration from the natural world, he gathers resources from the land to create traditional Indigenous weapons, projectile points, and jewelry that honor his heritage. Influenced by his Uncle Craig Spears Sr. and skilled craftsman Alan Hazard, River sculpts wampum into intricate pieces that tell stories of his people and culture. His passion for preserving tradition extends to flint snapping, where the crafts arrow points from flint, chert, obsidian, glass, dacite, and quartz. Currently, he is an apprentice under Spears Jr. through RISCA’s Folk Art Fellowship Program.

    Mikala Jackson is an indigenous 28-year-old self-taught artist. A descendent of Kutzudika’a Paiute from Mono Lake, California, as well as Paiute Shoshone from Fort McDermitt, Nevada. Her most significant inspirations come from her family and culture. Being an indigenous woman during this present time has encouraged her to explore her own identity and aims to encourage others to do the same. In 2022, she was invited to participate in the side-by-side art exhibit of Warwick center for the arts and was awarded third place. Today she continues working on her craft and often attends art markets where she sells her artwork and more.

    All the artists reside in Charlestown.

    Exhibit Details

    What: Indigenous Innovations showcases the artwork of Robin Spears Jr. and two emerging artists. When: On display until Jan. 22; open to the public, weekdays 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Where: First floor of the state’s Administration Building, One Capitol Hill, Providence. Opening Reception and Meet the Artist: Wednesday, Oct. 30, 5 p.m.-7 p.m., Atrium Gallery, One Capitol Hill, Providence. Free and open to the public.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Lebanon, Yemen, Statelessness & other topics – Daily Press Briefing (15 Oct 2024) | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

    Highlights:
    -Lebanon
    -Lebanon/Humanitarian
    -Occupied Palestinian Territory
    -Yemen
    -Ukraine
    -Statelessness
    -Women/Social protection
    -International Day of Rural Women
    -Briefings Tomorrow

    LEBANON
    The United Nations notes with concern the continued strikes across the Blue Line by Hizbullah and the Israel Defense Forces. Launches
    In this regard, the airstrike on Aitou in North Lebanon which resulted in at least 23 fatalities, according to Lebanese authorities, is deeply concerning. The Secretary-General strongly condemns the civilian loss of lives.
    The UN remains deeply concerned at the impact on civilians on both sides of the Blue Line but particularly in Lebanon. All actors must uphold obligations under international law, including International Humanitarian Law, and to protect civilians.
    The UN also notes that clashes continue in southern Lebanon, where the Israel Defense Forces has conducted ground operations since 1 October.
    In recent days the UN underscored our alarm about UNIFIL peacekeepers coming under fire, with at least five peacekeepers injured, and UN premises being impacted on at least 20 occasions since 1 October. The Secretary-General reiterates that UNIFIL personnel and its premises must never be targeted. Attacks against peacekeepers are in breach of international law, including international humanitarian law. They may constitute a war crime.
    As the President of the Security Council stated on behalf of all 15 Council members yesterday, “all parties [are] to respect the safety and security of UNIFIL personnel and premises”.
    The UN notes that the Council “… recalled that UN peacekeepers and UN premises must never be the target of an attack.”
    The UN appreciates the stated support of the Council for the work of our brave peacekeepers who remain in position, in support of efforts to create space for a diplomatic solution to this crisis and support a return to a cessation of hostilities and the full implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006).
    The UN reiterates its calls for an immediate ceasefire, noting this is the only way to ensure the safety and security of peacekeepers as well as to protect the populations of Lebanon and Israel from further suffering.

    LEBANON/HUMANITARIAN
    This crisis has a huge impact on civilians on both sides, in Lebanon and in Israel.
    In Lebanon, today, a 12-truck convoy carrying vital aid arrived in the villages of Marjeyoun [Marji-yun] and Klayaa in the south of the country.
    The inter-agency mission – supported by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the World Food Programme, the UN Refugee Agency, UNICEF and the UN Population Fund – delivered bottled water, family hygiene kits, blankets, pillows and mattresses, among other essential items.
    The UN and partners continue to support the tens of thousands of men, women and children impacted by the ongoing crisis across Lebanon.
    WFP provides ready-to-eat food and cash to some 200,000 people on a daily basis, while UNICEF and UNHCR continue to support primary health care services and provide water, hygiene kits, mattresses, blankets and other basic items.
    OCHA reports that ongoing hostilities continue to displace people. The national authorities in Lebanon report that 1.2 million people have been affected or displaced.
    As of October 13th, the International Organization for Migration has identified more than 740,000 people displaced by the escalation of hostilities within the country.
    Of these people, more than 188,000 are staying in about 1,000 government shelters.
    UNHCR is working with the Lebanese authorities to upgrade the shelters with weatherproofing and rehabilitation of water and sanitation facilities, as well as assessing more sites to host displaced people.
    Together with their partners, UNHCR continues to support people in Syria who have fled Lebanon at five border crossings by providing water, food, blankets and mattresses.
    The UN reiterates that all civilians, both in Lebanon, Israel and elsewhere, must be always protected whether they leave or stay. And aid must be allowed to reach civilians wherever they are, safely and without impediment.

    Full Highlights:
    https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=15%20October%202024

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCHZtzOb6Qc

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Lebanon, Yemen, Statelessness & other topics – Daily Press Briefing (15 Oct 2024) | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

    Highlights:
    -Lebanon
    -Lebanon/Humanitarian
    -Occupied Palestinian Territory
    -Yemen
    -Ukraine
    -Statelessness
    -Women/Social protection
    -International Day of Rural Women
    -Briefings Tomorrow

    LEBANON
    The United Nations notes with concern the continued strikes across the Blue Line by Hizbullah and the Israel Defense Forces. Launches
    In this regard, the airstrike on Aitou in North Lebanon which resulted in at least 23 fatalities, according to Lebanese authorities, is deeply concerning. The Secretary-General strongly condemns the civilian loss of lives.
    The UN remains deeply concerned at the impact on civilians on both sides of the Blue Line but particularly in Lebanon. All actors must uphold obligations under international law, including International Humanitarian Law, and to protect civilians.
    The UN also notes that clashes continue in southern Lebanon, where the Israel Defense Forces has conducted ground operations since 1 October.
    In recent days the UN underscored our alarm about UNIFIL peacekeepers coming under fire, with at least five peacekeepers injured, and UN premises being impacted on at least 20 occasions since 1 October. The Secretary-General reiterates that UNIFIL personnel and its premises must never be targeted. Attacks against peacekeepers are in breach of international law, including international humanitarian law. They may constitute a war crime.
    As the President of the Security Council stated on behalf of all 15 Council members yesterday, “all parties [are] to respect the safety and security of UNIFIL personnel and premises”.
    The UN notes that the Council “… recalled that UN peacekeepers and UN premises must never be the target of an attack.”
    The UN appreciates the stated support of the Council for the work of our brave peacekeepers who remain in position, in support of efforts to create space for a diplomatic solution to this crisis and support a return to a cessation of hostilities and the full implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006).
    The UN reiterates its calls for an immediate ceasefire, noting this is the only way to ensure the safety and security of peacekeepers as well as to protect the populations of Lebanon and Israel from further suffering.

    LEBANON/HUMANITARIAN
    This crisis has a huge impact on civilians on both sides, in Lebanon and in Israel.
    In Lebanon, today, a 12-truck convoy carrying vital aid arrived in the villages of Marjeyoun [Marji-yun] and Klayaa in the south of the country.
    The inter-agency mission – supported by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the World Food Programme, the UN Refugee Agency, UNICEF and the UN Population Fund – delivered bottled water, family hygiene kits, blankets, pillows and mattresses, among other essential items.
    The UN and partners continue to support the tens of thousands of men, women and children impacted by the ongoing crisis across Lebanon.
    WFP provides ready-to-eat food and cash to some 200,000 people on a daily basis, while UNICEF and UNHCR continue to support primary health care services and provide water, hygiene kits, mattresses, blankets and other basic items.
    OCHA reports that ongoing hostilities continue to displace people. The national authorities in Lebanon report that 1.2 million people have been affected or displaced.
    As of October 13th, the International Organization for Migration has identified more than 740,000 people displaced by the escalation of hostilities within the country.
    Of these people, more than 188,000 are staying in about 1,000 government shelters.
    UNHCR is working with the Lebanese authorities to upgrade the shelters with weatherproofing and rehabilitation of water and sanitation facilities, as well as assessing more sites to host displaced people.
    Together with their partners, UNHCR continues to support people in Syria who have fled Lebanon at five border crossings by providing water, food, blankets and mattresses.
    The UN reiterates that all civilians, both in Lebanon, Israel and elsewhere, must be always protected whether they leave or stay. And aid must be allowed to reach civilians wherever they are, safely and without impediment.

    Full Highlights:
    https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=15%20October%202024

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCHZtzOb6Qc

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pangnirtung  — Pangnirtung man charged with attempt murder

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Pangnirtung, Nunavut
    Date: 2024-10-15
    File: 2024-1516846

    Pangnirtung RCMP investigating an attempt murder that sent victim to Ottawa for medical treatment.

    On October 14, 2024, at approximately 4:30 a.m, the Pangnirtung RCMP responded to a complaint that a male was being treated at the local health center with serious injuries sustained during a weapon attack. Upon arriving to the health center, local RCMP members began applying first aid to the male victim and continued to provide aid until health professionals arrived.

    The victim, a 23-year-old male, sustained multiple laceration on his body and was being treated by local health center staff. Upon further investigation, the Pangnirtung RCMP learned that the incident occurred outside by the 700 block. A suspect was later identified and taken into custody without incident.

    The Pangnirtung has charged, 23-year old male, Gregory Atagoyuk with:

    – One count of Attempt Murder, Section 239(1)(b) C.C
    – Carry a weapon for the purpose of committing an offence, Section 88 C.C

    “The Pangnirtung RCMP would like to thank local residence for their co-operation, and encourage any witnesses who may have photographs or videos of the incident, to contact the local police station at 867-473-0123”, said acting detachment commander Cst. Adam O’Reilly.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Prince Albert — Prince Albert RCMP seek public assistance locating missing 38-year-old man

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On October 10, 2024, Prince Albert RCMP received a report of a missing 38-year-old man, Sylvester Bird.

    Sylvester was last seen on October 3, 2024 at a residence on Lincoln Park Road, southwest of Prince Albert.

    Sylvester is described as approximately 5’11” tall. He has brown eyes and short black hair. He also goes by the name Sly.

    Since Sylvester was reported missing, Prince Albert RCMP have been checking places he is known to visit and following up on information received. Officers are now asking members of the public to report information on Sylvester’s whereabouts.

    If you have seen Sylvester or know where he is, contact Prince Albert RCMP at 310-RCMP. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or http://www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ebb and Flow First Nation — Ste. Rose du Lac RCMP looking for missing man

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On October 13, 2024, at 10:30 pm, Ste. Rose du Lac RCMP received a report of a missing 35-year-old male from the Ebb & Flow First Nation.

    Joseph Sean Flett, 35, last made contact via social media earlier in the day.

    Flett is described as being 6’1″, 160 lbs with long black hair and brown eyes.

    His family is concerned with his wellbeing.

    Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the Ste. Rose du Lac RCMP at 204-447-3082, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 or a secure tip online at http://www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: California Businessman Sentenced for Tax Evasion

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Defendant Diverted Income from His Clothing Business and Dealt in Cash to Evade Taxes

    A California man was sentenced today to 15 months in prison for evading more than $1 million of individual and corporate income taxes owed to the IRS and California Franchise Tax Board.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Haim Jerry Kohen owned and operated a business that bought and sold bulk quantities of used clothing. Between 2005 and 2017, Kohen evaded his taxes by, among other things, filing false individual and corporate income tax returns with federal and state taxing authorities on which he underreported income.

    He also attempted to conceal this income from the IRS by diverting it from his business to himself and by dealing in cash. Kohen collected cash payments owed to his business from a significant customer and kept the cash for himself instead of depositing it into his business’ bank account. Kohen did not report the diverted cash on either the corporate tax returns or on his individual income tax returns. Kohen continued this conduct even after he became aware that he was under criminal investigation by the IRS.

    Additionally, in November 2013, that same customer owed Kohen’s business over $648,000. Kohen and the customer executed a promissory note where the customer agreed to repay the debt to Kohen personally, and not to his business. Kohen received payments pursuant to the note in cash and did not report them on any tax return. Over the years, Kohen also loaned money to people and did not report the interest payments he received on his personal returns.

    Kohen also did not report rental income from two properties he owned in Beverly Hills and Tarzana, California. Kohen bought the Beverly Hills property in 2011 and soon thereafter deeded it to close family members. However, Kohen continued to collect the rental income for the property and exercised ownership and control over it. He also did not report the rental income he received from the Tarzana property.

    In total, Kohen caused a tax loss to the IRS and State of California of $1,471,323.

    In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Stanley Blumenfeld, Jr. ordered Kohen to serve one year of supervised release, pay a fine of $95,000 and to pay $1,471,323 in restitution.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada for the Central District of California made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation’s International Tax and Financial Crimes group investigated the case.

    Senior Litigation Counsel Mark F. Daly and Trial Attorneys Sara E. Henderson and John C. Gerardi of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ranee Katzenstein for the Central District of California prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: RM of East St Paul — Update – Selkirk RCMP investigating after body found in the Red River

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Selkirk RCMP are requesting public assistance in identifying the body pulled from the Red River on September 21, 2024.

    A composite sketch of the male has been completed and Selkirk RCMP are asking anyone who can help identify this person to call 204-482-1222, call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 or secure tip online at http://www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

    Selkirk RCMP continue to investigate.

    On September 21, 2024, at approximately 1:00 pm, Selkirk RCMP responded to a report of a body floating in the Red River near the 3900 block of Henderson Highway, in the RM of East St Paul.

    The autopsy has confirmed that the cause of death is not criminal in nature however identification of the deceased is pending.

    Selkirk RCMP continue to investigate.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: California Businessman Sentenced for Tax Evasion

    Source: US State of Vermont

    Defendant Diverted Income from His Clothing Business and Dealt in Cash to Evade Taxes

    A California man was sentenced today to 15 months in prison for evading more than $1 million of individual and corporate income taxes owed to the IRS and California Franchise Tax Board.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Haim Jerry Kohen owned and operated a business that bought and sold bulk quantities of used clothing. Between 2005 and 2017, Kohen evaded his taxes by, among other things, filing false individual and corporate income tax returns with federal and state taxing authorities on which he underreported income.

    He also attempted to conceal this income from the IRS by diverting it from his business to himself and by dealing in cash. Kohen collected cash payments owed to his business from a significant customer and kept the cash for himself instead of depositing it into his business’ bank account. Kohen did not report the diverted cash on either the corporate tax returns or on his individual income tax returns. Kohen continued this conduct even after he became aware that he was under criminal investigation by the IRS.

    Additionally, in November 2013, that same customer owed Kohen’s business over $648,000. Kohen and the customer executed a promissory note where the customer agreed to repay the debt to Kohen personally, and not to his business. Kohen received payments pursuant to the note in cash and did not report them on any tax return. Over the years, Kohen also loaned money to people and did not report the interest payments he received on his personal returns.

    Kohen also did not report rental income from two properties he owned in Beverly Hills and Tarzana, California. Kohen bought the Beverly Hills property in 2011 and soon thereafter deeded it to close family members. However, Kohen continued to collect the rental income for the property and exercised ownership and control over it. He also did not report the rental income he received from the Tarzana property.

    In total, Kohen caused a tax loss to the IRS and State of California of $1,471,323.

    In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Stanley Blumenfeld, Jr. ordered Kohen to serve one year of supervised release, pay a fine of $95,000 and to pay $1,471,323 in restitution.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada for the Central District of California made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation’s International Tax and Financial Crimes group investigated the case.

    Senior Litigation Counsel Mark F. Daly and Trial Attorneys Sara E. Henderson and John C. Gerardi of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ranee Katzenstein for the Central District of California prosecuted the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman to leave tonight for an official visit to Mexico and USA from 17th to 26th October 2024

    Source: Government of India

    Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman to leave tonight for an official visit to Mexico and USA from 17th to 26th October 2024

    Union Finance Minister to attend Annual Meetings of the IMF-World Bank

    FM will also take part in  G20 Finance Ministers & Central Bank Governors meetings besides bilateral meetings with many countries and organisations

    Smt. Sitharaman will engage in multilateral discussions on multiple fora and also showcase India’s attractiveness as an investment destination

    Posted On: 15 OCT 2024 5:38PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman will embark on a visit to Mexico and USA on an official visit beginning 16th October, 2024.

    During the official leg of her maiden visit to Mexico from 17th to 20th October 2024, the Union Finance Minister will lead an Indian delegation of officials from the Ministry of Finance, underscoring a positive trajectory of growing bilateral economic and trade relations between the two countries.

    Beginning her visit in Guadalajara, Union Finance Minister Smt. Sitharaman will chair the Tech Leaders Roundtable that will bring together global technology leaders, including the major Indian IT giants present in Guadalajara. Later, Smt. Sitharaman will also visit the TCS headquarters in Guadalajara — a significant contributor to the Mexican IT ecosystem and known as the ‘Silicon Valley’ of Mexico with a significant presence of major global IT and tech companies. 

    Smt. Sitharaman will also hold a bilateral meeting with her counterpart H.E. Mr. Rogelio Ramirez de la O, Minister of Finance and Public Credit of Mexico. Besides, the Union Finance Minister will also hold discussions with several members of the Mexican Parliament to strengthen parliamentary cooperation and foster economic development.

    In Mexico City, Smt. Sitharaman will deliver a keynote address at the India-Mexico Trade and Investment Summit with participation from key industry captains from both the countries. Separately, Smt. Sitharaman will also engage with leading business figures and industry representatives from Mexico. These meetings with leading business leaders and investors are aimed at highlighting India’s policy priorities, and deliberate on measures to facilitate foreign investment by showcasing India’s attractiveness as an investment destination.

    In the last leg of her maiden visit to Mexico, the Union Finance Minister will participate in a community event, being hosted by the Indian diaspora.

    During the official leg of her visit to the USA from 20th to 26th Oct. 2024, Smt. Sitharaman will participate in the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, the 4th G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governor (FMCBG) Meetings, besides the G20 Joint Meeting of FMCBGs, Environment Ministers, and Foreign Ministers; and G7 – Africa Ministerial Roundtable.

    In the course of her two-city visit to New York City and Washington D.C., the Union Finance Minister will participate in the Pension Funds Roundtable at New York Stock Exchange; interact with students and faculty at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, and also at the Columbia University; and the Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable (GSDR) and take part in discussions organised by the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) respectively.

    The Union Finance Minister will take part in bilateral meetings with several countries, including United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Germany, besides holding one-on-one meetings with heads of World Bank (WB), Asian Development Bank (ADB), European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and CEOs of banking and financial institutions.

    In a high-level event, the Union Finance Minister will participate in a World Bank Group discussion ‘From Idea to Implementation: New Financial Solutions to Accelerate Development’.

    The Union Finance Minister will also share her thoughts during a discussion on Bretton Woods Institutions (BWI) with other panelists, Mr. Lawrence H. Summers; Mr. Carlos Cuerpo, Minister of Economy, Trade and Business, Spain; and Ms. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, Egypt. The event is organised by the Centre for Global Development (CGD).

    ****

    NB/KMN

    (Release ID: 2065036) Visitor Counter : 100

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah interacts with the IPS Probationers of 2023 Batch (76 RR) in New Delhi

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah interacts with the IPS Probationers of 2023 Batch (76 RR) in New Delhi

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Viksit Bharat in 2047 would be a terror-free and drug-free country, having internal security, and will ensure protection of human rights and rights of citizens

    Security agencies have established their complete dominance by reducing violence in the three hotspots of J&K, LWE affected areas and the Northeast

    All officers should eliminate anti-national activities with a ruthless approach

    Timely justice, sufficient evidence for conviction and use of technology incorporated in the three criminal laws

    Safety of citizens is the basis of national security

    Young police officers should focus on the safety of citizens and protection of their rights

    Protecting the rights of the poor, children and women are of prime importance

    When people remember your good works even after you leave the district is the biggest medal

    Posted On: 15 OCT 2024 8:17PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah interacted with the probationers of the 2023 batch (76 RR) of the Indian Police Service (IPS) in New Delhi today. During the interaction, trainee IPS officers shared their experiences related to training with the Union Home Minister. Many dignitaries including Union Home Secretary, Director, Intelligence Bureau (IB) and Director, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA) were present on the occasion.

    During the interaction, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Viksit Bharat in 2047 would be a terror-free and drug-free country, having internal security, and will ensure protection of human rights and rights of citizens. Shri Amit Shah said that the trainee IPS officers should contemplate and reflect on the time at which they have become IPS officers. He said that the trainee officers should contemplate because the batch that will emerge as IPS officers this time will have a bigger responsibility than the previous 75 batches. Shri Shah added that the trainee officers should reflect because it is completely up to them and the batches coming after them whether our country will change the scale and enter the next generation of policing or not.

    Shri Amit Shah said that as the Home Minister of the country, he can definitely say that now no one has the courage to insult our borders and our army. He said that we have done a lot to provide tight security to our borders and the rest is being done. Shri Shah added that earlier Jammu & Kashmir, North East and Left Wing Extremism affected areas were the three sores, but now we have succeeded in reducing violence by 70% in these three places. He said that today Indian agencies have complete dominance in these three hotspots. Shri Shah said that now the culture of making both demands and aspiration for change through democratic process has reached the bottom, due to which the big protests that were seen earlier have now ended.

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah said that now the time has come that the police system should come forward to protect the fundamental rights of our citizens, the police system should be alert to minimize the crimes happening within the borders of the country and the time has come that we should be able to give justice to the citizen in the shortest possible time.

    Shri Amit Shah said that today through Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS), 99% of the police stations of the country have become online, online data has been generated and radical changes have been made in many provisions through three new laws. In the new laws, emphasis has been laid on timely justice, increasing the proofs of conviction and maximum use of technology. Because we have made scientific evidences mandatory, the prosecution need not produce multiple witnesses, and now guilt can be proved on the basis of scientific evidences.

    The Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that the judicial process has been made time-bound in the new laws. In 5 years, the new laws will be fully implemented in every police station across the country, including installation of technology, development of software and training. After that, the process of justice will be completed within 3 years after the FIR is registered. Shri Shah said that the new laws have incorporated the latest technology and these laws have been made keeping in mind the changes that will take place in technology in the coming 100 years. Giving the example of e-summons, he said that provisions have been made in it to incorporate the technology of the coming 100 years. Provision has been made for the Director of Prosecution and Forensic Science Lab (FSL) has been made compulsory. No one can favour anyone because even if an officer compromises on his duties, due to the scientific evidences, he will not be able to do anything in front of the court. The FSL report will go directly to the court and a copy of it will also come from the police.

    Shri Amit Shah said that we have also secured the rights of citizens in the three new laws. The number of people in police custody will have to be declared online. Chargesheet will have to be filed within 90 days and videography of search and seizure will have to be done. Along with the fingerprint data on National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS), data on terrorism and narcotics has been generated separately. National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB) is also managing all the CCTNS data in a different way. The work of creating a data bank at the national level has been done with a lot of data. He said that now the Home Ministry team is also working to simplify your work by building software using artificial intelligence which will help in analysis.

    The Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that the security of the nation does not mean only the security of the border. The nation is made of its citizens. The security of the citizen is the basis of the security of the nation. He said that when he talks about security, it is not limited to the security of life and property, but the security of the rights given to the citizens by our Constitution also comes under it. The Constitution has given equal rights to the poorest of the poor as are enjoyed even by the Prime Minister of the country, and police officers have a lot of responsibility to protect their rights.

    Shri Amit Shah said that after 75 years, the time has come for us to focus on our core work. Now is the time to protect the rights of citizens and make efforts to prevent atrocities against them. The Union Home Minister said that protecting the rights of the poor, children and women are of prime importance.

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah told the probationers that there is no work that cannot be improved and there is no work that is less important. If they keep this in mind, they will be away from many disappointments in life. He said that the biggest medal for any police officer posted as SP in his youth will be that he is remembered by the people of his district for his good work for many years to come. Shri Shah said that all the young officers will have to work with a ruthless approach to eliminate anti-national activities. While doing police work, the security of the nation should always be in our mind and our eyes should always be open to ensure the security of the nation.

    ***

    RK/VV/ASH/PR

    (Release ID: 2065130) Visitor Counter : 19

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police investigating youth offending in Christchurch

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Please attribute to Canterbury Metro Area Commander Superintendent Lane Todd:

    Police are investigating after there were several serious incidents involving youth offenders in Christchurch overnight.

    The first incident occurred not long before 6pm outside a gym in Wigram, where a vehicle was stolen. Shortly after four young people threatened to take another person’s vehicle outside a store in Hornby.

    Just before 10pm, a 17-year-old man stepped off a bus on Mackworth Street in Woolston and a vehicle described as a Toyota Aqua attempted to drive at him. One of the offenders then got out of the vehicle and confronted the victim and attempted to take his phone.

    Around 45 minutes later on Skyhawk Road in Wigram, a group of young people has threatened a member of the public before taking off with their cell phone and dog. They then tried to drive their vehicle toward the victim. The dog has since been located.

    Following this serious incident, there was a burglary at a vape shop on Stanmore Road at about 4:36am where the offenders have smashed their way into the store, however, they fled as Police arrived and drove off in such a dangerous manner that Police were unable to initiate a pursuit.

    Early enquiries lead Police to believe that all of these incidents are linked however work to fully establish this is ongoing. We now have a number of officers working to identify and locate the people involved.

    This type of behaviour is completely unacceptable and we will ensure they are held accountable for their dangerous and reckless actions which has left a number of victims extremely shaken. We will be ensuring they receive Victim Support alongside ongoing police support.

    We have our Scene of Crime Officers carrying out forensic examinations at the relevant scenes and of vehicles of interest that have been located.

    Anyone with information which they think may be of assistance to the Police investigation, please update us online now  or call 105.

    Please use the reference number P060294419.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Prime Minister announces appointment of new Chief Justice of the Court Martial Appeal Court of Canada

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the appointment of the Honourable Mary J. L. Gleason, a judge of the Federal Court of Appeal and a judge of the Court Martial Appeal Court of Canada, as the new Chief Justice of the Court Martial Appeal Court of Canada.

    Chief Justice Gleason replaces the Honourable B. Richard Bell, who retired effective October 30, 2023.

    Quote

    “The Honourable Mary J. L. Gleason is a highly respected member of Canada’s legal community. As she takes on her new role as Chief Justice of the Court Martial Appeal Court of Canada, I wish her continued success. I know she brings a wealth of experience to the position and will continue to serve Canadians well.”

    Quick Facts

    • Chief Justices and Associate Chief Justices in Canada are responsible for the leadership and administration of their courts. They also serve as members of the Canadian Judicial Council, which works to improve the quality of judicial services in the superior courts of Canada.
    • Chief Justices and Associate Chief Justices are appointed by the Governor General on the advice of Cabinet and the recommendation of the Prime Minister.

    Biographical Note

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fargo, ND Man Indicted for Possession of Firearms and Ammunition by a Convicted Felon and by a Drug User or Addict, and Possession of a Firearm with an Obliterated Serial Number

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    Fargo – United States Attorney Mac Schneider announced that on October 15, 2024, Amire J. Logan, made his initial appearance and was arraigned in federal court. The United States District Court for the District of North Dakota unsealed an Indictment revealing that a federal grand jury indicted Logan on two counts of Possession of Firearms and Ammunition by a Convicted Felon, two counts of Possession of Firearms and Ammunition by a Drug User or Addict, and one count of Possession of a Firearm with an Obliterated Serial Number, arising from a June 24, 2024 incident in Fargo, and a September 24, 2024 incident in West Fargo.

    The Indictment in this case is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN is based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    This case is being investigated by the Fargo Police Department, the West Fargo Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jacob T. Rodenbiker.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: La Ronge — La Ronge investigating fatal collision

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On October 12, 2024 at approximately 1:30 a.m., La Ronge RCMP received a report of a single vehicle rollover on Highway #165, approximately 15 minutes south of Hall Lake, SK.

    Officers responded along with local EMS. A passenger in the vehicle was transported to hospital by EMS where he was later declared deceased. He has been identified as a 15-year-old male from the La Ronge area. His family has been notified.

    The driver of the vehicle reported no physical injuries to police.

    As a result of continued investigation, an adult male from the La Ronge area was arrested and is charged with:

    • one count, operation while impaired (drug) of motor vehicle causing death, Section 320.14(3), Criminal Code;
    • one count, operation while impaired (alcohol) of motor vehicle causing death, Section 320.14(3), Criminal Code; and
    • one count, dangerous operation of motor vehicle causing death, Section 320.13(3), Criminal Code.

    The adult male appeared in court in La Ronge on October 15, 2024.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Repeat Sex Trafficker Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Traffic Four Women Using Violence and Threats

    Source: United States Department of Justice (Human Trafficking)

    Defendant began recruiting women upon release from state prison for sex trafficking

    BOSTON – A Stoughton man, previously convicted of multiple counts of sex trafficking, pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to sex trafficking multiple adult women.

    Marvin Pompilus, 39, pleaded guilty to four counts of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine. Pompilus was previously arrested and charged in in November 2023, and indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2024. U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for Jan. 23, 2025.

    In February 2018, Pompilus was convicted in Suffolk Superior Court of multiple counts of trafficking a person for sexual servitude and deriving support for prostitution. He was sentenced to six years in state prison and was released in October 2021.

    “Marvin Pompilus targeted and brutalized his victims, and this was promptly after he was released from jail following his conviction on similar state charges,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “These crimes are a violation of human dignity and human rights. Our office, along with our federal, state and local partners, are dedicating substantial resources to both protecting victims of trafficking and holding defendants accountable by prosecuting them to the fullest extent of the law. This is especially true for repeat offenders like Mr. Pompilus.”

    “This defendant callously picked up right where he left off when he was released from state prison, believing that he could profit by peddling drugs and misery to people suffering with substance abuse issues,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The defendant specifically targeted victims who were struggling with addiction to opioids and cocaine, coerced them into sex trafficking and cruelly exploited them because of their vulnerability. The Justice Department will continue to investigate and prosecute human traffickers who exploit for their own personal gain the most vulnerable members of society, such as those experiencing substance abuse disorders.”

    “Marvin Pompilus admitted today that after being released from state prison for sex trafficking, he started doing it again, targeting and exploiting four vulnerable women using violence and threats to force them to engage in commercial sex. What he did is unconscionable, and the harm he’s inflicted on these women is immeasurable,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Boston Division. “The FBI will do everything in its power to protect trafficking victims from further harm and see the predators who so viciously abuse them brought to justice.”

    Following his release from state custody in October  2021, Pompilus conspired to exploit and recruit multiple women into the commercial sex trade, using a combination of physical violence, sexual violence, threats of violence, verbal abuse and withholding of controlled substances from drug dependent victims to coerce and/or force them to engage in commercial sex acts. He then collected all of the proceeds.  Pompilus required his victims to check in with him, forbade them from interacting with other men, and precluded them from obtaining drugs from anyone other than him. If one of the victims attempted to keep any of the proceeds from commercial sex or attempted to refuse to see a sex buyer, Pompilus would become physically violent, at times striking the victim in the face and kicking them. Pompilus would also engage in other forms of abuse as well such as using degrading names toward his victims, spitting on them, and throwing drinks on them, as well as isolating them from others.

    If you or someone you know may be impacted or experiencing commercial sex trafficking, please contact USAMA.VictimAssistance@usdoj.gov.

    The charge of conspiracy to sex traffic by force, fraud, or coercion provides for a sentence of up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least two years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Levy; AAG Clarke; and FBI SAC Cohen made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Boston and Randolph Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Riley, Chief of the Human Trafficking & Civil Rights Unit and Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Tokash of the Justice Department’s Human Trafficking Protection Unit are prosecuting the case.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Iqaluit — Update: Air India Flight 127, emergency landing to Iqaluit, Nunavut

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Iqaluit, Nunavut
    Date: 2024-10-15

    The investigation into the emergency landing of Air India flight 127, to Iqaluit, Nunavut is now being handled by the RCMP Federal Policing Northwest Region’s Federal Arctic Unit. Assistance will be provided by the Nunavut RCMP Criminal Operations Unit and the Northwest Regions National Security Unit.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Issues Consumer Alert Reminding California Workers of Their Rights

    Source: US State of California

    No-poach, non-compete, and others anti-competitive agreements that restrict employee mobility are generally unlawful in California 

    OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today issued a consumer alert with information and resources for workers about unlawful restraints on employee mobility, including no-poach agreements, non-compete agreements, and Training Reimbursement Agreement Provisions (TRAPS). These agreements, along with other provisions in employment contracts that limit workers’ ability to move to competitors, can stifle job mobility and suppress wages and advancement, often in violation of California law.

    “Employees deserve the freedom to seek better opportunities and better wages by finding new employment within their industry. Agreements that restrict employee mobility such as non-compete agreements, no-poach agreements, and TRAPs undermine this freedom,” said Attorney General Bonta. “I urge all Californians to be aware of the unlawful nature of anticompetitive contracts and their potential impacts on career advancement and wage growth. If you believe you are being affected by this type of agreement, report it to my office at oag.ca.gov/report.”

    Non-Competes

    Understanding Non-Compete Agreements

    Non-compete agreements are between an employer and an employee and generally found within an employment contract. These agreements typically prevent employees from working for competitors or starting their own businesses within a certain time frame or geographic area, with limited statutory exceptions. These agreements can significantly impact workers by:

    • Limiting Employment Opportunities: By restricting the types of jobs or companies workers can join, non-compete agreements can hinder workers’ ability to find new employment within their field or industry.
    • Suppressing Wages and Career Growth: Workers may face stagnated wages and limited career progression due to reduced competition and fewer job offers.
    • Deterring Job Mobility: The fear of legal repercussions or financial penalties may prevent workers from seeking better opportunities or moving to a different company.

    Non-compete provisions in employment contracts have generally been void in California for decades. As of January 1, 2024, it is also illegal under California law for an employer to enter into or attempt to enforce such void agreements (see below).

    Recognizing Non-Compete Agreements

    Signs that you may be affected include:

    • Explicit Contractual Clauses: Review your employment contract carefully for any clauses that outline restrictions on working for competitors, starting a similar business, or otherwise limiting your future employment options.
    • Restrictions on Future Employment: If your employer has specifically mentioned or enforced restrictions on your ability to work for certain types of businesses or within particular geographic areas after leaving or you are asked to sign an agreement that limits your future employment options. 

    No Poach Agreements

    Understanding No-Poach Agreements

    No-poach agreements are arrangements made between companies to refrain from hiring each other’s employees. Such agreements can violate California law. These agreements can negatively impact workers by: 

    • Limiting job opportunities and career growth.
    • Restricting wage increases and competitive job offers.
    • Creating a stagnant labor market where workers are less likely to find better employment conditions.

    Such agreements can be illegal under California antitrust laws, which are designed to ensure fair competition and protect workers’ rights.

    Recognizing No-Poach Agreements

    While these agreements might not always be overtly stated, signs that you may be affected include:

    • Being discouraged from applying for jobs at competing companies.
    • Statements from a prospective employer that they cannot hire from your current employer.
    • Policies at your current employer that restrict hiring from certain competitors.

    Training Reimbursement Agreement Provisions (TRAPs)

    Understanding Employer-Driven Debt Products 

    TRAPs are agreements between an employer and employee where an employer provides necessary training to a worker, but requires the worker to reimburse the employer for training costs if the worker leaves their job before a certain date, sometimes even if the worker is fired or laid off. Similar employer-driven debt provisions require departing workers to reimburse the cost of employer-supplied equipment or supplies. These types of arrangements are often unlawful. Like non-competes and no-poach agreements, employer-driven debt products like TRAPs can:

    • Limit job opportunities and career growth. 
    • Restrict wage increases and competitive job offers.
    • Create a stagnant labor market where workers are less likely to find better employment conditions.

    Last year, Attorney General Bonta issued a legal alert to remind all employers of the state-law restrictions on employer-driven debt.

    Recognizing TRAPs

    Explicit Contractual Clauses: Review your employment contract carefully for any clauses that detail an obligation to pay your employer for required training, equipment, supplies or the like if you leave employment before a particular timeframe or under certain conditions.   

    New California Laws

    California’s Senate Bill 699: Non-Compete Agreements Are Illegal 

    Effective January 1, 2024, Senate Bill (SB) 699 makes it generally illegal for employers to enter into noncompete agreements with California employees. This applies to agreements signed both within and outside California. Employers who enter into or attempt to enforce void agreements will be committing a civil violation.

    The new law extends its protection to workers even where the contract was signed or the employment was maintained outside of California. If a former employer tries to enforce a noncompete agreement in California, SB 699 can be used to challenge such enforcement.

    Additionally, employees can now seek damages, injunctive relief, and reasonable attorneys’ fees if their employers try to enforce unlawful non-compete agreements. 

    California’s Assembly Bill 1076: Existing Non-Compete Agreements Are Void

    Assembly Bill (AB) 1076 codifies that any existing noncompete agreements in employment are void, unless they satisfy an explicit statutory exception.

    Employers were required to notify current and certain former employees, whose contracts include unenforceable noncompete clauses, that these agreements are void, by February 14, 2024. Failure to have done so constitutes an act of unfair competition.

    Resources for Workers 

    If you believe you are being affected by an unlawful restriction upon your job mobility, you can take the following steps:

    1. Report to Authorities: File a complaint with the California Department of Justice at oag.ca.gov/report. 
    2. Seek Legal Advice: To find a free or low-cost legal aid office near where you live, visit LawHelpCA.org. If you do not qualify for legal aid, you may also obtain a referral to a certified lawyer referral service by contacting the California State Bar.

    Attorney General Bonta is dedicated to upholding workers’ rights and combating unfair labor practices. In 2024, Attorney General Bonta took action by defending wages and overtime owed in the West Coast Drywall Lawsuit; he also secured a settlement with Amalfi Stone & Masonry Company, Inc., resolving allegations of unfair competition and payroll tax, and labor violations. In 2023, Attorney General Bonta took action to protect workers by launching a historic investigation into gender discrimination in the National Football League, joining 17 attorneys general in supporting the Federal Trade Commission’s proposed rule limiting non-compete agreements, launching a legal fight for in-home-healthcare workers, and fighting for the rights of transportation workers and immigrant children.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Prime Minister announces appointment of new Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of British Columbia

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the appointment of the Honourable Ronald A. Skolrood, a judge of the Court of Appeal for British Columbia, as the new Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of British Columbia.

    Chief Justice Skolrood replaces the Honourable Christopher E. Hinkson, who retired effective May 7, 2024.

    Quote

    “I wish the Honourable Ronald A. Skolrood every success as he takes on his new role as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of British Columbia. He is a respected member of the legal community and has extensive experience in many areas of law. I am confident he will be a great asset to the people of British Columbia.”

    Quick Facts

    • Chief Justices and Associate Chief Justices in Canada are responsible for the leadership and administration of their courts. They also serve as members of the Canadian Judicial Council, which works to improve the quality of judicial services in the superior courts of Canada.
    • Chief Justices and Associate Chief Justices are appointed by the Governor General on the advice of Cabinet and the recommendation of the Prime Minister.

    Biographical Note

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Biographical Notes – Shereen Miller

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Ms. Shereen Miller is a human rights lawyer by training, with more than 20 years of experience in various executive roles with the Government of Canada.

    Prior to her appointment as Commissioner of the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada, Ms. Miller served as Senior Assistant Deputy Minister of Service Innovation at Shared Services Canada.

    From 2019 to 2023, she was Senior Assistant Deputy Minister of Next Generation Human Resources and Pay at Shared Services Canada. From 2017 to 2019, Ms. Miller was Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada’s Deputy Chair of Refugee Protection; and, from 2013 to 2017, was Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s Assistant Deputy Minister of Small Business, Tourism and Market Place Services.

    Ms. Miller has extensive expertise shaping strategic policy, conceptualizing, guiding and directing key programs, working with financial institutions and overseeing operations in both service delivery and regulatory bodies. She led the creation of the Build in Canada Innovation Program and the Innovative Solutions Canada Program.

    Her extensive experience includes driving initiatives that empower businesses to grow by providing the capital and tools they need. During her time at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), she implemented game-changing endeavors such as the Venture Capital Action Plan and the Accelerated Growth Service. She has also managed regulatory functions and was responsible for the Office of Consumer Affairs while at ISED.

    In addition, Ms. Miller led the creation and launch of the Canadian Innovation Centre for Mental Health in the Workplace. Her leadership experience includes process and organizational change, digital transformation, executive team management, and strategic partnership building.

    Ms. Miller holds a Bachelor of Arts from McGill University, a Master of Arts in Criminology from the University of Pennsylvania, and a Juris Doctor from Osgoode Hall Law School. She is a long-standing advocate for human rights, diversity, and inclusion.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: WTO 2024 SPS Transparency Champions Course concludes in Geneva

    Source: WTO

    Headline: WTO 2024 SPS Transparency Champions Course concludes in Geneva

    Participants were trained on the importance of transparency in the SPS Agreement, with particular attention to notifications of health and safety regulations. They also gained hands-on experience of the ePing SPS&TBT Platform designed to facilitate this process.
    The course’s programme included sessions dedicated to supporting participants in developing action plans to improve SPS transparency frameworks in their respective governments. Participants further benefited from the expert guidance and contributions of SPS practitioners from Brazil and Uganda, and from various organizations, including Codex Alimentarius, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), and the Advisory Centre on WTO Law (ACWL).
    In his remarks at the opening session of the course, Edwini Kessie, Director of the WTO Agriculture and Commodities Division, underscored the critical role of transparency in international trade.
    “Non-tariff measures like SPS regulations are a double-edged sword. While they play a vital role in safeguarding public health and safety, they can sometimes be misused as disguised restrictions to trade. Therefore, being ‘transparent’ about these measures is critical to facilitating trade, and ensuring a stable, predictable business environment, which, in turn, encourages investment,” said Edwini Kessie​. He further emphasised the significance of tools like ePing in streamlining notifications and fostering coordination on SPS regulations.
    Upon completion of the course, Sakshee Pipliyal, from India’s Food Safety and Standards Authority, highlighted the engaging format of the course, which combined theoretical insights with real-world examples: “The course offered an in-depth exploration of the SPS Agreement and its transparency provisions, significantly enhancing my understanding of both the legal framework and practical implementation.”
    For Sonam Dorji N, from Bhutan’s Ministry of Health, the training was an eye-opener: “The course expanded my capability to understand how to manage SPS related issues and communicate effectively with the traders and private industries, which is important for exporting agricultural products.”​
    Jabulani Njabulo Mkhonta, from Eswatini’s Ministry of Agriculture, stressed the broader economic benefits of SPS transparency among his key takeaways: “Being transparent on SPS measures benefits the country by boosting participation in global trade.” He also noted that the interactive and practical aspects of the programme were particularly enriching, allowing participants to network and share experiences across diverse sectors.
    After the training programme, participants are expected to implement the action plans developed during the course to strengthen transparency in their SPS frameworks. A follow-up session, scheduled for 2025, will provide them with the opportunity to report on their progress and share lessons learned.
    The WTO members and observers represented at the training course included: Angola, Bangladesh, Barbados, Bhutan, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Eswatini, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Morocco, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Russian Federation, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, Türkiye, and Zambia.

    Share

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI: Enterprise Bancorp, Inc. Announces Quarterly Dividend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LOWELL, Mass., Oct. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Enterprise Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) (NASDAQ:EBTC)

    On October 15, 2024, the Board of Directors of Enterprise Bancorp, Inc. declared a quarterly dividend of $0.24 per share to be paid on December 2, 2024, to shareholders of record as of November 11, 2024.

    Enterprise Bancorp, Inc. is a Massachusetts corporation that conducts substantially all its operations through Enterprise Bank and Trust Company, commonly referred to as Enterprise Bank. Enterprise Bank is principally engaged in the business of attracting deposits from the general public and investing in commercial loans and investment securities. Through Enterprise Bank and its subsidiaries, the Company offers a range of commercial, residential and consumer loan products, deposit products and cash management services, electronic and digital banking options, as well as wealth management, and trust services. The Company’s headquarters and Enterprise Bank’s main office are located at 222 Merrimack Street in Lowell, Massachusetts. The Company’s primary market area is the Northern Middlesex, Northern Essex, and Northern Worcester counties of Massachusetts and the Southern Hillsborough and Southern Rockingham counties in New Hampshire. Enterprise Bank has 27 full-service branches located in the Massachusetts communities of Acton, Andover, Billerica (2), Chelmsford (2), Dracut, Fitchburg, Lawrence, Leominster, Lexington, Lowell (2), Methuen, North Andover, Tewksbury (2), Tyngsborough and Westford and in the New Hampshire communities of Derry, Hudson, Londonderry, Nashua (2), Pelham, Salem and Windham.

    Contact Info: Joseph R. Lussier, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (978) 656-5578

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Kimmirut — Search and Rescue operation in Kimmirut, Nunavut

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Kimmirut, Nunavut
    Date: 2024-10-15
    File: 2024-1508067

    On October 12, 2024 the Kimmirut RCMP received a report that local boaters had discovered a capsized boat off the coast of Big Island, which is about 30 km southwest of Kimmirut, Nunavut.

    Background: On the morning of October 11, 2024, two men were seen travelling west along the coast of Big Island to locate soapstone. On that same day at 10:00 p.m, they used VHF radio that they were on their way back to Kimmirut. On October 12, 2024, in the early hours, boaters discovered the capsized boat and located one deceased male in the water. The search continued for the other male. That same night, a Coast Guard Cormorant helicopter arrived and continued their search for the missing male.

    On October 13, 2024 several local boaters proceeded to the search area to assist. At 6:15 p.m, the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre advised Kimmirut RCMP their search had ceased. Kimmirut RCMP continue to work in cooperation with local Search and Rescue volunteers in their efforts to locate the missing male.

    The Kimmirut RCMP would like to thank those who have assisted during this difficult time, our hearts and prayers are with the family.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The lasting scars of war: How conflict shapes children’s lives long after the fighting ends

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Kerry McCuaig, Fellow in Early Childhood Policy, Atkinson Centre, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto

    The world is witnessing some of the highest levels of conflict in decades, with more than 110 armed conflicts occurring across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Latin America and Europe.

    The impact of these wars on children is vast and multifaceted. The trauma inflicted is enduring and will shape the rest of their lives — and by extension, the societies in which they, and we live.

    As researchers who study how public policies can intervene to reduce adverse outcomes for children, we contend that wars are not bound by geography. Airstrikes terrorize children in conflict zones, while those living in the nations involved in these conflicts also experience trauma in the form of poverty, neglect, and discrimination.

    Children as collateral — and targets

    In the first decade of the 21st century, civilians accounted for 90 per cent of deaths in armed conflicts. Of these casualties, a significant number were children.

    Modern conflicts are markedly lop-sided where often only one combatant has fighter jets, tanks, and explosives. Entire cities become war zones where children are not just caught in the crossfire, but are deliberately targeted.

    War is the ultimate abuse of children’s rights. According to the United Nations there were a record 32,990 grave violations against 22,557 children in 26 conflict zones, in 2023. “The highest numbers of grave violations occurred in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Myanmar, Somalia, Nigeria and Sudan.”

    The United Nations Children’s Fund and other global humanitarian organizations have raised the alarm, saying women and children “are disproportionately bearing the burden” of the violence.

    Beyond direct violence, children are subjected to the toxic stress of war. Suspended supply chains and agricultural production leave besieged populations vulnerable to acute and chronic malnutrition, with devastating consequences for children’s growth, immune and metabolic systems, and cognitive development. The destruction of schools, hospitals, and homes compounds the trauma, while attacks on humanitarian assistance eliminate any respite.

    The disruption of vaccination programs allows preventable diseases to proliferate. Polio, once on the verge of global eradication, is spreading in Gaza. The direct targeting of sanitation and water treatment facilities creates conditions ripe for cholera outbreaks. Mpox, a deadly virus that causes painful blistering rashes, kills children at a far higher rate than adults and is prevalent in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

    The situation is particularly dire for infant and maternal health. Pregnancy in war zones is associated with fewer live births, increased preterm delivery, and low birth weight. War-generated pollution has been linked to birth defects. The fallout reaches beyond the war zone. A study found greater incidents of pregnancy complications and birth defects in the children of U.S. war veterans.

    The psychological toll of war

    Witnessing constant violence, death and destruction can permanently change how a child’s brain develops. Research has shown that trauma in early childhood particularly affects the areas of the brain responsible for stress responses. This means that children who experience war are more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression, and stress disorders.

    As they grow into adulthood, these mental health issues can manifest in more profound ways, increasing the likelihood of depression and even neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

    Extreme stress also affects parenting, putting children at risk for maltreatment and neglect. Even when the fighting stops or families leave combat zones, parental substance abuse or deteriorating mental health can leave children vulnerable. Studies have documented increased physical and emotional mistreatment among the children of returning U.S. military personnel.

    The experiences of trauma are cumulative and far-reaching, not only affecting children’s immediate mental health, but also their ability to form relationships, learn, and thrive later in life.

    Impact on education

    Armed conflicts devastate the critical infrastructure needed to support healthy child development. Children can spend months fleeing war zones or sheltering against bombardment disrupting their education. Schools are often destroyed or repurposed. Teachers are displaced or killed. For many, attending school is simply too dangerous, leaving millions of children without basic education, significantly reducing their future opportunities.

    Girls are more likely to be kept out of school to fill in for absent or deceased adults. Those separated from their family are at increased risk for gender violence, exploitation, and teen pregnancy, further entrenching cycles of poverty and inequality that are difficult to break even after the conflict ends.

    A BBC news report about a school in Yemen destroyed during the war.

    Children in other countries also suffer, as public revenues are diverted from schools, health care, and other poverty-reduction measures to finance the machinery of war.

    The long-term societal impact is profound. Education is one of the strongest tools for reducing violence and rebuilding societies. Yet tragically, less than three per cent of humanitarian aid funding goes towards education in war zones.



    Read more:
    The war in Gaza is wiping out Palestine’s education and knowledge systems

    Breaking the cycle of violence

    Despite the enormous challenges, there are pathways to reduce the harm inflicted on children. Humanitarian organizations work to provide safe spaces for children to play, learn, and heal.

    These interventions, while often simple, are crucial for giving children a sense of normalcy during chaos. Supporting caregivers is another essential element, as the mental health of parents and guardians directly affects their children’s well-being.

    While invaluable, these efforts are only band-aid solutions. The international community must increase funding for child protection and education in humanitarian responses and undertake serious action to eliminate the causes of war.

    Kerry McCuaig receives funding from the Margaret and Wallace McCain Family Foundation, the Atkinson Foundation and the Lawson Foundation.

    Emis Akbari receives funding from The Margaret and Wallace McCain Family Foundation, The Lawson Foundation and The Atkinson Foundation.

    – ref. The lasting scars of war: How conflict shapes children’s lives long after the fighting ends – https://theconversation.com/the-lasting-scars-of-war-how-conflict-shapes-childrens-lives-long-after-the-fighting-ends-240640

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Summary and Assessment of Agency 2024 Chief FOIA Officer Reports and New Guidelines for 2025 CFO Reports Issued

    Source: United States Attorneys General 7

    Today the Office of Information Policy (OIP) is pleased to release its summary and assessment of agencies’ 2024 Chief FOIA Officer (CFO) Reports.  OIP’s 2024 summary and assessment focuses on steps agencies have taken to improve FOIA administration in five key areas highlighted in the Attorney General’s 2022 FOIA Guidelines:

    • FOIA Leadership and Applying a Presumption of Openness;
    • Ensuring Fair and Effective FOIA Administration;
    • Proactive Disclosures;
    • Utilizing Technology to Improve Efficiency; and
    • Steps Taken to Remove Barriers to Access, Improve Timelines, and Reduce Backlogs.

    This past March marked the fifteenth year that agency CFOs submitted these reports to the Department of Justice.

    OIP encourages agencies and the public to read both OIP’s summary and each agency’s individual report to gain a comprehensive understanding of the various steps taken to improve the administration of the FOIA across the government.

    In addition to the summary, OIP’s 2024 assessment provides a broad overview of agency efforts in several key areas of FOIA administration.  The assessment covers those agencies that received more than 50 requests and distinguishes between high and medium volume agencies, using a five-step scoring system to denote agency success for each milestone.  For the 2024 assessment, OIP selected twenty-two milestones for scoring high volume agencies and twenty milestones for scoring medium volume agencies.  The full assessment, including a detailed methodology, is available as both a spreadsheet and PDF.

    Based on the review of the 2024 reports, OIP has included guidance to assist agencies in making further improvements to FOIA administration in the years ahead.  This guidance addresses FOIA training and the role of the Chief FOIA Officer, maintaining current FOIA websites, and timely processing of and reporting accurate metrics for requests for expedition. 

    OIP’s yearly assessment is intended to serve as a vehicle to both recognize agency successes and to identify areas where further improvement can be made.  You can read OIP’s 2024 Summary and Assessment of Agency CFO Reports on our Reports page alongside previous summaries and assessments.  OIP’s guidance for further improvement based on our review of agency 2024 CFO Reports is available both as a part of this year’s summary as well as on our Guidance page.

    OIP is also issuing new guidelines for agencies’ 2025 CFO Reports, which continue to focus on the five key areas of FOIA administration highlighted in the Attorney General’s 2022 FOIA Guidelines.  The 2025 CFO Report Guidelines once again include separate reporting requirements for agencies depending on the number of FOIA requests received in the prior fiscal year.  Agencies that received 50 requests or less in Fiscal Year 2023 are encouraged to report on any efforts or success stories that are not captured in their Fiscal Year 2024 Annual FOIA Report.  All other agencies receiving more than 50 requests have more extensive reporting requirements.

    Agencies that received more than 50 requests must submit their draft 2025 Chief FOIA Officer Reports to OIP for review by no later than Monday, January 13, 2025.  For the remaining agencies receiving 50 requests or less in Fiscal Year 2023, if they do have information to report, they must provide their reports by no later than Friday, February 7, 2025.  A listing of all agencies with a link to their reporting requirements is included at the end of the Guidelines.

    Additional details on the review and submission process are included in the Guidelines.  OIP will once again host refresher training on the preparation of the 2025 Chief FOIA Officer Reports.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Virginia Contractor Settles False Claims Act Liability for Failing to Secure Medicare Beneficiary Data

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    ASRC Federal Data Solutions LLC (AFDS), headquartered in Reston, Virginia, has agreed to resolve False Claims Act allegations in connection with a government contract related to its storage of unsecured personally identifiable information of Medicare beneficiaries. Under the resolution, AFDS will pay $306,722. It will also waive any rights to reimbursement for remediating a data breach involving the information, including at least $877,578 in costs it incurred notifying beneficiaries and providing credit monitoring. AFDS promptly notified the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) of the data breach, worked with CMS to address the impact of the breach, cooperated with the Justice Department’s investigation and took other remedial measures.

    “Government contractors that handle personal information must take required steps to safeguard that information from cyberattacks,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We will vigilantly pursue contractors that fail to comply with required cybersecurity protocols, while at the same time extending cooperation credit where warranted for self-disclosure, cooperation and remediation.”

    AFDS provided certain Medicare support services under a contract with CMS. The settlement resolves allegations that from March 10, 2021, through Oct. 8, 2022, AFDS and a subcontractor stored screenshots from CMS systems containing personally identifiable information and potentially personal health information of Medicare beneficiaries on the subcontractor’s server without individually encrypting the files to protect them against exposure in the event of a breach. The subcontractor’s server employed disk-level encryption that protected files from unauthorized access but not from access using authorized credentials. The subcontractor’s server was breached by a third party in October 2022 and the unencrypted screenshots were allegedly compromised during that breach.

    The United States alleged that the storing of screenshots on the subcontractor’s server violated AFDS’ contractual cybersecurity requirements, and that AFDS knowingly billed CMS in violation of these requirements.

    “Safeguarding patients’ sensitive personal information is of paramount importance,” said Special Agent in Charge Stephen Niemczak of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “This settlement demonstrates the commitment by HHS-OIG and our law enforcement partners to use every available tool to protect the health care data of all Americans and to investigate allegations of fraud, waste and abuse against the public and taxpayer-funded health care programs.”

    On Oct. 6, 2021, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco announced the department’s Civil Cyber-Fraud Initiative, which aims to hold accountable entities or individuals that put U.S information or systems at risk by knowingly providing deficient cybersecurity products or services, knowingly misrepresenting their cybersecurity practices or protocols or knowingly violating obligations to monitor and report cybersecurity incidents and breaches. Information on how to report cyber fraud can be found here.

    The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and HHS-OIG.

    Senior Trial Counsel Jonathan H. Gold of the Civil Division’s Fraud Section handled the matter.

    The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.

    Settlement

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Former Air Force Member Indicted for 2019 Sexual Assault at Air Base in the United Kingdom

    Source: US State of Vermont

    A former U.S. Air Force member was charged in an indictment unsealed today in the Southern District of Florida with sexually assaulting another service member at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, United Kingdom, in May 2019.

    The indictment charges James Loubeau, 36, of Miami, with one count of sexual abuse and two counts of abusive sexual contact. Loubeau made his initial court appearance today in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.

    According to the indictment, on May 4, 2019, Loubeau sexually assaulted the victim at Royal Air Force Mildenhall. Loubeau was later discharged from the Air Force in March 2020. The charges were brought under the Military Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act (MEJA), which establishes U.S. jurisdiction over certain offenses committed abroad by, among others, persons who served with the armed forces but who are no longer subject to military prosecution.

    If convicted, Loubeau faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida; Special Agent in Charge Michael Koellner of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI); and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of FBI’s Miami Field Office made the announcement.

    The Air Force OSI and FBI are investigating the case.

    Trial Attorney Ryan Lipes of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Arielle Klepach for the Southern District of Florida are prosecuting the case.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL OSI USA News –