NewzIntel.com

Category: Law

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Five killed in helicopter collision in Finland

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    TALLINN, May 18 (Xinhua) — Two civilian helicopters taking off from Tallinn on Saturday morning collided near Eura airfield in southwestern Finland, killing all five people on board, the Estonian Foreign Ministry confirmed.

    Shortly after 12:30 (09:30 GMT), the Satakunta Province Rescue Service received a report from the road near Eura Airfield that two helicopters had collided in mid-air and crashed to the ground, the Estonian Broadcasting Corporation /ERR/ and the Finnish television channel Yle reported.

    Police said there were five people on board the two four-seat Robinson R44 Raven light helicopters at the time of the collision: two in one helicopter and three in the other.

    At a press conference on Saturday evening, Margus Sarglepp, head of the Estonian Foreign Ministry’s consular assistance department, said there were no survivors. Finnish police are working to identify the dead.

    Several Estonian media outlets reported that Estonian businessmen Oleg Synajalg and Priit Jaagant were among the dead. The names of the other passengers have not yet been released. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Body located in search for missing man on Hobart’s Eastern Shore

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Body located in search for missing man on Hobart’s Eastern Shore

    Sunday, 18 May 2025 – 12:39 pm.

    Sadly, police can confirm a body believed to be that of a missing 63 year old Rokeby man was located earlier today.
    Inspector Andrew Keane said that the man’s body was located in a creek just off Droughty Point Road about 9.30am.
    The man was found following an extensive land, air and sea search after the 63-year-old man was reported missing on Hobart’s Eastern Shore on Thursday afternoon.
    “Our thoughts are with the man’s family and loved ones at this tragic time,” Inspector Keane said.
    “Initial investigations suggest that there are no suspicious circumstances however forensic examinations will now take place as is the usual process and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.”
    Inspector Keane thanked members of the Eastern Shore community who helped search for the man and provided valuable information throughout the past three days.
    “Every piece of information provided by members of the community was assessed and was followed up as a matter of priority,” he said.
    “We appreciate the assistance of the local community at this very sad time.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal crash, Waipawa

    Source: New Zealand Police

    One person has died after a single-vehicle crash in Waipawa early this morning.

    Emergency services were called to Racecourse Road about 4.05am.

    Sadly, one person has died.

    The Serious Crash Unit has examined the scene, and enquiries are ongoing.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lansdowne Station — Ground and air search efforts in Pictou County as missing persons investigation continues

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Ground and air search efforts were conducted today (May 17) in Pictou County as the missing persons investigation into the disappearance of Lilly and Jack Sullivan continues.

    More than 100 volunteer searchers from Colchester, Halifax, East Hants, Pictou County, and Strait Area ground search and rescue and the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association focused on specific areas around Gairloch Rd. in an effort to locate Lilly and Jack and advance the RCMP investigation. The search was supported by Nova Scotia Public Safety Field Communications and EHS Emergency Preparedness Special Operations.

    This search follows a large-scale air and ground search that began on May 2 and was scaled back on May 7 in favour of more specific searches.

    On May 8 and 9, the RCMP’s Underwater Recovery Team (URT) scoured bodies of water around Lansdowne Station; URT’s two-day operation did not uncover evidence.

    The search will resume tomorrow (May 18). We continue to ask that the public avoid the search area to allow trained searchers to do their work.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Police investigate serious pedestrian crash near Devonport

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Police investigate serious pedestrian crash near Devonport

    Sunday, 18 May 2025 – 7:20 am.

    Police are investigating a serious crash on the Bass Highway in Devonport last night.Police and emergency services were called to the scene about 8pm last night (17/5/25) after a 17 year old male youth was crossing the Bass Highway near the Homemaker Centre, Devonport.The youth was struck by a westbound Nissan X Trail travelling at approximately 110kph, in the right hand lane.The driver of the car stopped immediately to lend assistance and call for help.The youth was treated at the scene and taken by ambulance to the North West Regional Hospital in Burnie with what are believed to be non life threatening injuries.The Bass Highway was closed for around three hours while police Crash Investigaton Serices, Forensic Services, and SES volunteers attended and worked through the scene.Initial investigations suggest the youth was part of a small group who had crossed the highway to buy food when he was struck.The driver of the car had his two children in his car with him at the time. They were all understandably shaken, but uninjured.Anyone with information including dash cam footage should contact Devonport Police on 131444.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Upgrades for Gungahlin residents

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Yerrabi Pond District Park has recently been upgraded

    If you live in Gungahlin, you’ve likely spotted some construction and maintenance activity in your neighbourhood.

    The ACT Government has been busy upgrading some of your favourite spots on the northside.

    Here’s what’s been happening:

    Yerrabi Pond District Park

    A visit to Yerrabi Pond District Park always makes for a fun family day out.

    Recent upgrades include:

    • new unisex accessible toilets with baby change tables
    • new barbecue facilities
    • rubbish bins
    • better lighting
    • two new drinking fountains
    • bicycle parking
    • new garden beds and trees.

    Further upgrades are underway and are expected to be completed by May 2025 (weather permitting).

    Gungahlin Town Centre

    It’s going to get easier to walk cycle and travel around Gungahlin.

    Active travel designs for 13 new routes are in the works. Proposed improvements include:

    • new and upgraded paths
    • priority crossings
    • intersection upgrades
    • path widening and paving.

    Cycle paths

    Recent maintenance works means Canberrans can enjoy smoother rides on:

    • Gungahlin Drive, Ngunnawal
    • Gungahlin Drive to Lexcen Avenue, Nicholls
    • Keeleway Avenue to Decima Circuit, Nicholls.

    Franklin Dog Park

    Franklin Dog Park opened in mid-January.

    The fully enclosed area includes:

    • weave poles
    • hoop tunnels
    • log balance beams
    • a new car park with two accessible spaces and five bike rails.

    Dog poo bag dispensers and bins are also available.

    Gungahlin memorial hall and condolence lounge

    Construction has begun to build a new non-denominational memorial hall and condolence lounge.

    It will accommodate approximately 100 people.

    It’s expected to be completed early 2026, weather permitting.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Second arrest in connection with arson attacks

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A second man has been arrested in connection with a series of arson attacks in north London.

    The 26-year-old was arrested around 13:45hrs on Saturday, 17 May at London Luton Airport on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life.

    The arrest was made by counter terrorism officers from the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit. The man has been taken into police custody in London.

    The arrest relates to three incidents – a vehicle fire in NW5 on 8 May, a fire at the entrance of a property in N7 on 11 May and a fire at a residential address in NW5 in the early hours of 12 May.

    All have previous connections with a high-profile public figure, and therefore officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command have led the investigation into the fires.

    Anyone with information that could assist the investigation should call police on 101 quoting CAD 441/12 May.

    We would ask the public to remain vigilant and if they see or hear anything that doesn’t look or feel right, then to report it to police – either by calling police, in confidence, on 0800 789 321 or via www.gov.uk/ACT

    + A 21-year-old man has already been charged with three counts of arson with intent to endanger life and appeared in court.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Four arrested in CT investigation released from custody

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Four men arrested as part of a Counter Terrorism Policing investigation have been released from custody.

    The men [A-D] were arrested on Saturday, 3 May at addresses in London, Swindon and Greater Manchester.

    Commander Dominic Murphy, Head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command said: “We made these arrests due to concerns about a suspected plot to target a specific premises. Since those arrests, detectives have been working to assess all the evidence we’ve gathered and to question the men.

    “They are now being released from custody but our investigation remains active and is ongoing.

    “We are working very closely with the premises we identified as the suspected target of the alleged plot, and we continue to provide them with support. This has been, and continues to be, a highly complex investigation, and we will not hesitate to take further action if we believe there is any imminent threat to the public.

    “I would like to thank the public for their support and understanding – particularly in the areas and communities across the UK who have felt the direct impact of our activity.

    “I’d like to ask people to remain vigilant and contact us if anything doesn’t look or feel right. Information from the public is crucial to our work.”

    Anyone who sees or hears something that doesn’t feel right can call police, in confidence, on 0800 789 321, or report it via www.gov.uk/ACT.

    Five men were arrested on 3 May, as part of a pre-planned operation:

    [A] a 29-year-old man was arrested in the Swindon area
    [B] a 46-year-old man was arrested in west London
    [C] a 29-year-old man was arrested in the Stockport area
    [D] a 40-year-old man was arrested in the Rochdale area
    [E] a 24-year-old man was arrested in the Manchester area

    The five men, who are all Iranian nationals, were arrested on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act, contrary to section 5 of the Terrorism Act (TACT), 2006. Four of the men [A-D] were detained under TACT and after obtaining various warrants of further detention, all four were released from custody on 17 May.

    The fifth man [E] was detained under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE). He was previously released on bail, with conditions, to a date in May.

    As part of the investigation, officers continue to carry out searches at a number of addresses in the Greater Manchester, London, Swindon and High Wycombe areas.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: District Man Sentenced to 15 Year Prison Term For Two Shootings in Starburst Plaza

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON – Renard Levenberry, 29, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to a total of 180 months in prison for multiple convictions stemming from two different shootings at Starburst Plaza during the summer of 2024, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

                Mr. Levenberry pleaded guilty February 24th in D.C. Superior Court to one count of aggravated assault while armed and one count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in relation to a June 13, 2024, shooting, and to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in relation to an August 20, 2024, shooting. 

               According to the government’s evidence, on June 13, 2024, Levenberry was at Starburst Plaza—an often-crowded public plaza located at 1501 Maryland Avenue, NE.  Levenberry robbed an individual during an attempted drug transaction.  When the victim pursued Levenberry, the Defendant shot the victim in the leg before escaping. 

               On August 20, 2024, Levenberry was again in Starburst Plaza when an unknown individual entered the area on a moped. Upon seeing that person and without provocation, Levenberry pulled out a black semiautomatic pistol and began firing at the moped driver.  The moped driver appeared to fire one shot back at Levenberry.  One of the shots Levenberry fired struck a bystander who was waiting at a nearby bus stop. 

                Both shootings were captured on video and the government’s investigation was supported by DNA and ballistics evidence.

                In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department.  Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin Helfand and Kraig Ahalt, who investigated and prosecuted the case.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Guilty Plea Entered in Metropolitan Branch Trail Robbery Spree

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    WASHINGTON – Jalique Wiseman, of the District, and Leon Kirksey, of Maryland, both 20, pleaded guilty today to charges stemming from a string of armed and unarmed robberies along the Metropolitan Branch Trail in October and November of 2023, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).   

    Wiseman and Kirksey each pleaded guilty in Superior Court to three counts of armed robbery and three counts of robbery.  Sentencing is scheduled for August 8, 2025, before Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro.

    According to the government’s evidence, between October 2, 2023 and November 23, 2023, Wiseman and Kirksey robbed multiple people on six separate instances on or near the Metropolitan Branch Trail, using either physical violence or at gunpoint, taking the victims cell phones and other property. Wiseman and Kirksey demanded the victims’ passcodes and used that information to access the victims’ financial accounts to transfer money to accounts that Wiseman and Kirksey controlled. Wiseman committed a number of the robberies while wearing a distinctive red, white, and blue Moncler jacket and distinctive Penny Hardaway shoes.

    The plea agreement is the culmination of an investigation into a string of robberies along the Metropolitan Branch Trail in the fall of 2023.

    This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kraig Ahalt.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Govt condemns US senators’ bill

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today strongly condemned US senators who requested a review, through a so-called bill, that includes a number of judges and the Department of Justice’s prosecutors in a so-called list of sanctions, in an attempt to intimidate Hong Kong SAR personnel who safeguard national security.
     
    In a press statement, the Hong Kong SAR Government made it clear that safeguarding national security falls within the internal affairs of a sovereign jurisdiction, and the implementation of the National Security Law is free from any intervention.
     
    It further pointed out that the US politicians, however, insisted on turning a blind eye to facts and even clamoured for so-called sanctions against the Hong Kong SAR personnel and judges who dutifully safeguard national security.
     
    Stressing that it despises any so-called sanctions and shall never be intimidated, the Hong Kong SAR Government said the city shall continue to resolutely discharge the responsibility of safeguarding national security. It also strongly urged the US politicians concerned to discern facts from fallacies, stop acting against the international law and basic norms of international relations, and stop interfering in Hong Kong matters, which are purely China’s internal affairs.
     
    Separately, the Hong Kong SAR Government said its law enforcement agencies have been taking enforcement actions based on evidence and strictly in accordance with the law in respect of the acts of the people or entities concerned, which have nothing to do with their political stance, background or occupation.
     
    It also emphasised that the Department of Justice is in charge of criminal prosecutions of the Hong Kong SAR makes all its prosecutorial decisions on an objective analysis of all admissible evidence and applicable laws.
     
    Furthermore, the Hong Kong SAR Government noted that the Judiciary exercises judicial power independently in accordance with the law, and everyone charged with a criminal offence has the right to a fair hearing.

    It explained that the courts decide cases strictly in accordance with the evidence and all applicable laws, and cases will never be handled any differently owing to the professions, political beliefs or backgrounds of the persons involved. Additionally, the prosecution has the burden to prove beyond reasonable doubt the commission of an offence before a defendant may be convicted by the court.
     
    The Hong Kong SAR Government stressed that any attempt to interfere with Hong Kong’s judicial proceedings by means of political power is a reprehensible act undermining the city’s rule of law. Making any statement with the intent to interfere with or obstruct the course of justice, or engaging in conduct with the same intent, is very likely to constitute the offence of criminal contempt of court or the offence of perverting the course of justice.
     
    Furthermore, it elucidated that it will, as always, resolutely, fully and faithfully implement the National Security Law, the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance and other relevant laws safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong SAR, to effectively prevent, suppress and impose punishment for acts and activities endangering national security in accordance with the law.

    The Hong Kong SAR Government added that it will uphold the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people in accordance with the law, so as to ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of “one country, two systems”.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: UPDATE: Three remanded in custody following court appearance

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A Counter Terrorism Policing investigation has resulted in three men being charged with offences under the National Security Act.

    The three men, who are all Iranian nationals, were arrested and detained on Saturday, 3 May, under Section 27 of the National Security Act (NSA), 2023. Warrants of further detention were obtained meaning the three men could be detained until Saturday, 17 May.

    The investigation is being led by officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command and on Friday, 16 May, the Crown Prosecution Service authorised charges against the three men:

    Mostafa Sepahvand, 39 (22.9.85) of St John’s Wood, London
    Farhad Javadi Manesh, 44 (22.9.80) of Kensal Rise, London
    Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori, 55 (23.9.69), of Ealing, London

    All three were charged with engaging in conduct likely to assist a foreign intelligence service between 14 August 2024 and 16 February 2025, contrary to Section 3 of the National Security Act 2023.

    Sepahvand was also charged with engaging in conduct, namely surveillance, reconnaissance and open-source research, between 14 August 2024 and 16 February 2025, intending to commit acts, namely serious violence against a person in the United Kingdom, contrary to Section 18(1)(a) of the National Security Act 2023.

    Manesh and Noori have also been charged with engaging in conduct, namely surveillance and reconnaissance, with the intention that acts, namely serious violence against a person in the United Kingdom, would be committed by others, contrary to section 18(1)(b) of the National Security Act 2023.

    The foreign state to which the charges relate is Iran.

    Commander Dominic Murphy, from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said: “These are extremely serious charges under the National Security Act, which have come about following what has been a very complex and fast-moving investigation.

    “Since the men were arrested two weeks ago, detectives have been working around the clock and we have worked closely with colleagues in the CPS to reach this point. We have been in contact with the individuals directly affected, and we continue to provide them with support.

    “Now that these men have been charged I would urge people not to speculate about this case, so that the criminal justice process can run its course.”

    The three men were remanded in custody to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, 17 May. They will next appear in custody at the Old Bailey on Friday, 6 June.

    On Friday, 9 May, a fourth man, aged 31, was also arrested as part of the investigation and he was detained under Section 27 of the National Security Act 2023. A warrant of further detention was obtained, meaning he could be detained until Friday, 16 May. He was released without charge on Thursday, 15 May.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Backgrounder – Canada’s commitments at 2025 United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial meeting

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Following the 2025 United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial (UNPKM) meeting in Berlin, Germany, Canada committed to providing more than $40 million in new projects and contributions to continue supporting UN peace operations and related peacebuilding efforts.

    These commitments include a pledge to continue providing tactical airlift support to UN peace operations until 2027. Canada will also continue to support the protection of civilians (including women and children) and providing specialized training and to counter the threat of misinformation, disinformation, malinformation and hate speech in the context of UN peace operations. As a historic partner in supporting UN peace operations, Canada remains committed to advancing the meaningful participation of uniformed women in peace operations and to supporting critical UN capacity gaps.

    Peacekeeping training, capacity building and partnerships

    Canada’s pledging commitments include:

    • more than $11.4 million to support training, capacity building and partnerships
    • more than $3 million to support training and capacity-building efforts to help prepare more than 450 personnel from partner countries to deploy to UN peace support operations
    • an expansion of tactical airlift capabilities and support to the UN through airlift capabilities on an opportunity basis (subject to aircraft availability)
    • assistance to 2 peacekeeping training institutions in the Indo-Pacific region (Vietnam and Malaysia) to build their capacity to plan and deliver their own UN-certified Staff Officer and Civil-Military Cooperation courses
    • delivery of 3 combat first-aid train-the-trainer courses to provide selected partners with an important prerequisite for deployment and to create a national cadre of instructors.

    Canada’s Military Training and Cooperation Program will continue to provide member nations with a wide range of training courses that directly or indirectly strengthen their ability to participate in peace support operations and help improve the interoperability of their personnel in multinational peace support operations. Canada will increasingly share peacekeeping capacity-building activities with like-minded partners and, where appropriate, through the UN Light Coordination Mechanism, to increase opportunities for effective international collaboration and achieve greater impact.

    Through the Canadian Police Arrangement, the RCMP will:

    • augment training and capacity-building partnerships, including through the deployment of subject-matter experts to 3 peacekeeping regional training centres
    • support pre-deployment training for individual women police officers from contributing nations to help them meet UN requirements and increase the number of women police officers in UN missions
    • set up a community of practice consisting of previously deployed women to serve as a resource to support women peacekeepers around the world.

    Enhancing Peace Operations Through Training and Capacity-Building Support to the UN

    Project partner: UN Department of Peace Operations and UN Department of Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance

    Funding announced: $3.3 million

    This funding will support multiple UN teams that focus on: strengthening child protection; countering improvised explosive devices and explosive ordnance capabilities; protecting civilians; preventing sexual exploitation and abuse (the SEA Programme of Action); leadership training (for section commanders and force chiefs of staff); preventing conflict-related sexual violence and peacekeeping intelligence; as well as new and emerging areas such as UN transitions and integrated planning and analysis. 

    Contributing to Addressing and Mitigating Misinformation and Disinformation in UN Peace Operations

    Project partner: UN Department of Peace Operations and UN Department of Operational Support

    Funding announced: $2.2 million

    This funding will support several UN teams that focus on strategic communications and countering misinformation, disinformation, malinformation and hate speech in the context of peace operations, including training and technology tools.

    Improving the Capacities of Uniformed Medical Personnel in Peace Operations Settings

    Project partner: UN Institute for Training and Research

    Funding announced: $2 million

    This funding will support capacity building of uniformed men and women, medical and paramedical personnel deployed in peace operations through the delivery of basic field trauma training, including mental health components and advanced medical training or a train-the-trainers course.

    Driving Excellence: Support to Peacekeeping Training Institutions

    Project partner: UN Institute for Training and Research

    Funding announced: $2 million

    This funding will build the capacity of targeted peacekeeping training institutions in Senegal and Indonesia to successfully develop and deliver national and peacekeeping pre-deployment training to uniformed personnel.

    Increasing Access to Peacekeeping Training Through E-Learning

    Project partner: Peace Operations Training Institute

    Funding announced: $1.5 million

    This funding will provide complementary e-learning training to peacekeepers individually, at a regional/national peacekeeping training institution or in field missions.

    Protection of Civilians in UN Peace Operations and Effects of Disinformation

    Project partner: Henry L. Stimson Center

    Funding announced: $242,285

    This funding will support research on how the full spectrum of UN peace operations can better protect civilians and understand how misinformation and disinformation affect the ability of UN peace operations to protect civilians in the context of 5 UN peace operations: including Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lebanon, South Sudan and Sudan.

    Supporting the Cyprus Peace Process II

    Project partner: UN Development Programme

    Funding announced: $136,000

    This funding will provide support to the UN Good Offices Mission in Cyprus and the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus to better develop and refine approaches to peacekeeping and peacebuilding in the country through evidence-based research data.

    Supporting Military Gender Advisors and Gender Focal Points

    Project partner: UNITAR

    Funding announced: over $2 million

    This funding will support UNITAR to train military gender advisers and gender focal points for UN peace support operations and to train trainers and deliver national-level gender-mainstreaming courses to selected UN troop-contributing countries.

    Supporting the UN Integrated Training Service (ITS)

    Project partner: UN ITS

    Funding announced: over $800,000

    This funding will support UN ITS to deliver 4 train-the-trainer courses for UN staff officers and 1 train-the-trainer course for UN military observer using the newly updated UN curriculums to bolster national training cadres.

    UN Triangular Partnership Programme (TPP)

    Project partner: UN TPP

    Funding announced: $600,000

    This funding will support the UN TPP to deliver a 9-week cross-pillar training course in Cambodia focusing on explosive hazard awareness and heavy equipment operation. 

    Women, Peace and Security

    Canada will provide more than $26.5 million to support the UN’s Women, Peace and Security agenda, including the Elsie Initiative Fund, and training and capacity building. The RCMP commits to supporting women in peace operations by:

    • providing subject-matter experts to support pre-deployment training for individual women police officers (pre-SAAT)
    • meeting and exceeding the UN Secretary-General’s Uniformed Gender Parity Strategy targets with more than 30% women representation in international deployments
    • Establishing a national mentoring/networking program involving previously deployed women

    United Nations Elsie Initiative Fund for Uniformed Women in Peace Operations

    Project partner: United Nations Development Programme

    Funding announced: $15 million

    This project provides direct support to the Elsie Initiative Fund to: support barrier assessments; construct gender-sensitive accommodations; offer training and daycare facilities; provide financial premiums for gender-strong unit deployments; and develop gender policies, strategies and action plans, as well as training and capacity building.

    Supporting Uniformed Women’s Participation in UN Peace Operations

    Project partner: United Nations Institute for Training and Research

    Funding announced: $3.4 million

    This funding will support selected troop- and police-contributing countries in operationalizing the results of assessments of barriers to the meaningful participation of women in uniform in peace operations.

    Supporting the UN to Increase Meaningful Participation of Women in Peace Operations

    Project partner: UN Department of Peace Operations and UN Department of Operational Support

    Funding announced: $3 million

    This funding will support several UN teams that focus on accelerating the UN’s implementation of the Women, Peace and Security agenda, strategic communications and women’s outreach courses in information communications technology, including Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR), with the UN C4ISR Academy for Peace Operations.

    Promoting Gender-Sensitive Strategies, Policies and Training for UN Peacekeeping

    Project partners: UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, UN Department of Peace Operations

    Funding announced: $2.4 million

    This funding will support the development and coordination of concrete strategic and policy changes, as well as targeted initiatives at all levels within UN headquarters and in field missions, to create an inclusive workplace culture and promote gender parity.

    Amplifying the Elsie Initiative Through Data-informed Capacity Building

    Project partner: Cornell University

    Funding announced: $2.1 million

    This additional funding will support global policy discussions, national security sector actors and research entities in targeted troop- and police-contributing countries. The aim is to increase country-level capacity and motivation to advance women’s meaningful participation in UN peacekeeping by using data-informed technical assistance in 6 countries and producing policy recommendations and papers.

    Women, Peace and Security Mandate in the Indo-Pacific

    Project partners: Kingston Leadership Team Inc. and UN Women in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

    Funding announced: $720,000

    This funding will support several sub-projects that focus on: supporting UN peacekeeping through its Indo-Pacific Strategy; continued partnership with the Malaysian Peacekeeping Centre to deliver bilateral and multilateral Women, Peace and Security training, including train-the-trainer courses; and contribute toward a project delivered by UN Women and the UNDP in collaboration with Vietnam’s Ministry of National Defence to advance Women, Peace and Security, including in peace support operations.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Five arrested following violent disorder in Thamesmead

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Officers investigating a violent incident in Thamesmead on Saturday, 17 May have made five arrests.

    Police were called at 04:19hrs to Nathan Way, SE28 following reports of multiple people injured at a music event.

    Officers were supported by the London Ambulance Service and five people were taken to hospital with stab wounds. Three of the victims sustained injuries which are not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing.

    Two other victims are still undergoing medical assessment.

    Those in hospital, aged 22, 24, 24, 31 and 32 have been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder.

    Detective Inspector Steven Andrews, who is leading the investigation, said:

    “Officers responded quickly to provide medical assistance to the five injured people alongside the London Ambulance Service and ensure the safety of around 300 people, who were at this music event.

    “The five men who have been injured have been arrested for violent disorder and we continue to work to establish any wider involvement.

    “There will be a continued police presence on Nathan Way throughout today while we continue this investigation.

    “We encourage anyone with any information to contact police to assist with enquiries.”

    Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or message @MetCC on X giving the reference 1106/17MAY25.

    To remain 100 per cent anonymous contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: UPDATE: Arrest – Fatal crash – Palmerston

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Fugitive Taskforce has arrested a man who allegedly fled the scene of a fatal crash in Palmerston yesterday. 

    The 38-year-old was arrested without incident in Farrar earlier today.

    He remains in custody and investigations into the cause of the crash remain ongoing.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: UPDATE #2 – Charges – Serious harm – Alice Springs

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    A 22-year-old man has been charged in relation to a serious assault that occurred in Alice Springs on Thursday afternoon.

    Detectives have now charged the man with one count of Acts Intended to Cause Serious Harm and he has been remanded to appear in Alice Springs Local Court on Monday 19 May 2025.

    The 27-year-old victim has since been conveyed to Adelaide for further treatment.

    Commander James Grey-Spence said, “Investigations indicate that this incident was confined to those directly involved and not part of any broader conflict.

    “Police are working closely with Traditional Owners, Elders, community members, Land Councils, and other government agencies to enhance community safety and prevent further incidents.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: UPDATE: Second man charged with assault at London venue

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A second man has been charged following an investigation by detectives in the Metropolitan Police Service.

    Omolulu Akinlolu, 38 (1.1.87), a US national, will appear at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, 17 May charged with grievous bodily harm with intent.

    The charge relates to an assault, which reportedly took place at a venue in Hanover Square in London, on Sunday, 19 February 2023.

    A man has already appeared in court in connection with the same matter:

    Chris Brown, 36 (05.05.89), also a US national , was charged on Thursday, 15 May with grievous bodily harm with intent.

    He appeared in custody at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 16 May. He was remanded in custody to appear at Southwark Crown Court on Friday, 13 June.

    The charge relates to an assault, which reportedly took place at a venue in Hanover Square in London, on Sunday, 19 February 2023.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Three charged with National Security Act offences

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A Counter Terrorism Policing investigation has resulted in three men being charged with offences under the National Security Act.

    The three men, who are all Iranian nationals, were arrested and detained on Saturday, 3 May, under Section 27 of the National Security Act (NSA), 2023. Warrants of further detention were obtained meaning the three men could be detained until Saturday, 17 May.

    The investigation is being led by officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command and on Friday, 16 May, the Crown Prosecution Service authorised charges against the three men:

    Mostafa Sepahvand, 39 (22.9.85) of St John’s Wood, London
    Farhad Javadi Manesh, 44 (22.9.80) of Kensal Rise, London
    Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori, 55 (23.9.69), of Ealing, London

    All three were charged with engaging in conduct likely to assist a foreign intelligence service between 14 August 2024 and 16 February 2025, contrary to Section 3 of the National Security Act 2023.

    Sepahvand was also charged with engaging in conduct, namely surveillance, reconnaissance and open-source research, between 14 August 2024 and 16 February 2025, intending to commit acts, namely serious violence against a person in the United Kingdom, contrary to Section 18(1)(a) of the National Security Act 2023.

    Manesh and Noori have also been charged with engaging in conduct, namely surveillance and reconnaissance, with the intention that acts, namely serious violence against a person in the United Kingdom, would be committed by others, contrary to section 18(1)(b) of the National Security Act 2023.

    The foreign state to which the charges relate is Iran.

    Commander Dominic Murphy, from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said: “These are extremely serious charges under the National Security Act, which have come about following what has been a very complex and fast-moving investigation.

    “Since the men were arrested two weeks ago, detectives have been working around the clock and we have worked closely with colleagues in the CPS to reach this point. We have been in contact with the individuals directly affected, and we continue to provide them with support.

    “Now that these men have been charged I would urge people not to speculate about this case, so that the criminal justice process can run its course.”

    The three men have been remanded in custody and are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, 17 May.

    On Friday, 9 May, a fourth man, aged 31, was also arrested as part of the investigation and he was detained under Section 27 of the National Security Act 2023. A warrant of further detention was obtained, meaning he could be detained until Friday, 16 May. He was released without charge on Thursday, 15 May.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Police investigate attempted arson at West Coast football clubrooms

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Police investigate attempted arson at West Coast football clubrooms

    Saturday, 17 May 2025 – 2:49 pm.

    Police are investigating an attempted arson at the Rosebery/Toorak Football Clubrooms in Rosebery overnight.Tasmania Fire Service and emergency services were called to the scene in Primrose St about 2.45am, after a neighbour heard a window being smashed.Quick action by the neighbour with a small fire extinguisher saw the fire extinguished prior to the brigades’ arrival.Damage to the building was minimal, with some scorching and a broken window.TFS investigations today determined the fire had been deliberately lit, and it is believed some object with an accelerant was thrown through the window.Police are seeking any information from the public, including any details around a small dark coloured hatchback that was seen leaving the area immediately after.Anyone with information should contact Police on 131444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800333000 or crimestopperstas.com.au, quoting reference number 775130.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Scalise Honors Police Week in the House

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Scalise (1st District of Louisiana)

    WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) joined Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.), and Congressman John Rutherford (R-Fla.) to discuss the progress House Committees are making on reconciliation in order to pass President Trump’s agenda of energy independence, border security, lower taxes, reduced government spending, and protection for America’s most vulnerable. As the House celebrates Police Week with legislation on the floor, Leader Scalise also highlighted a brave Capitol Police Officer in his life, David Bailey, who took a bullet to save the lives of Members of Congress during the Congressional Baseball Game shooting in 2017.

    Click here or the image above to view Leader Scalise’s full remarks. 
    On the heroism of our law enforcement:“Well, I’m proud to join my colleagues in celebrating National Law Enforcement Week, bringing a number of bills to the floor to give better protections to our men and women in law enforcement, and just continue to remind those brave heroes that we have their back, like Sheriff Rutherford and so many others in law enforcement, they now serve in Congress. Pete Stauber, who was a cop on the beat, I room with. You know the kind of heroes that they are, and we hear about heroes a lot. “You sometimes hear stories about heroes in law enforcement. I get to walk with one of those heroes every day. I’m going to embarrass him, and he’s going to be upset with me, but he happens to be with me this morning. That’s David Bailey. You want to meet a real-life American hero. It’s that man right there. I wouldn’t be here today, and probably about a dozen other Members of Congress wouldn’t be here today, if not for his bravery, that I got to experience firsthand. I didn’t get to see it all, but I heard it all. Over 100 rounds of gunfire. When a gunman came out on a ball field and tried to kill all of us, and the only reason we’re alive today is because he put himself between us and the gunfire, risked his life, got hit during the shootout. The only reason we’re alive and [the gunman is] not is because of the bravery of David Bailey and Crystal Griner. “While we hear about heroes every now and then, when you actually get to see one and walk around with one, and he came back to work when he got out of the hospital for his treatment, he wanted to go back to work because he loves what he does. He cares about his training. It’s not talked about a lot because many men and women in law enforcement might never have to use their revolver. Hopefully, they don’t, and they don’t want to. But they go to training every day in case they have to, so they’re ready to risk their lives to protect us and our communities. And that’s what David did. The reason that we’re all here today, including him, is because he took his training so seriously. In the days where you could have just phoned it in. He said, ‘You know what? If I’m ever called on to be ready, I want to be prepared to do the job.’ We know there’s so many brave men and women just like David, but I got to see it and experience it. I’m here because of him, and I’m always going to pay tribute to the great heroism of what law enforcement represents. I hope we all remember that. It’s not just a talking point. It’s not just stories that we hear about. I got to experience it, and a number of my colleagues would tell you the exact same thing.” On House Committees’ progress on reconciliation:“We also, of course, are moving through the reconciliation bill and finishing it up this week. This incredibly important work, we’re doing what a lot of people said couldn’t be done. We’re doing it because families are relying on us to get this done. We’ve had many meetings with President Trump, including the last one with the Speaker and the Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee [Jason] Smith, Chairman of Energy and Commerce Committee [Brett] Guthrie last week in the Oval Office to finalize some of the final pieces of this bill. A lot of work has gone into getting 11 committees ready to complete all of their work today. By the end of today, think about that: 11 committees.“When we did this in 2017, which is an important bill, Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, to get economic growth, to get our economy moving again, to create jobs, to put more money in the paychecks of workers. There were only two committees involved in that back in 2017. There’s 11 involved this time. Each one of them has hit their mark. And by the end of today, all of them will have exceeded the things that they were asked by us to do, and they will be delivering a great product for all Members of Congress to vote on.” On reconciliation benefitting lower and middle-income American families:“Now, we all know not all Members of Congress will vote for that bill. But everybody who casts a no vote is going to have some tough questions to answer back home. Why would you vote against tax relief for work and families? You can lie all day long, as the Whip pointed out, about the rich and the billionaires. The rich and the billionaires are always going to figure out how to get through whatever the tax code looks like. You know who can’t figure out every single component of it, especially if a tax goes up on you? It’s the lower and middle-income families of America who have been struggling. We were losing our middle class before 2017, when we finally lowered rates for those hardworking families. We saw the benefits primarily to lower and middle-income families.“They would be the ones hit the hardest if this bill were not to pass. Luckily, we’re going to come together and figure it out as we have every step of the way to get this done for the American people, because failure is not an option. We’re going to get our economy moving again. We will give President Trump the resources he needs to keep our border secure. Now that he has secured it, he needs additional tools for our border patrol agents. We’re going to make America energy independent again. It’s in this bill. We’re going to remove the threat of a debt crisis in this bill. So many other important things. We’re getting people back to work in this bill. It’s an important piece of legislation, but I want to commend all the committees, all 11 committees who have worked hours and hours tirelessly, get their work done, starting with the leadership of President Trump, making sure that every step of the way, when there were questions, when there were final decisions that had to be made, he was always one phone call away, and he’ll continue to be. This process isn’t over. We’re just getting close to maybe halftime. When we pass this bill next week through the House, it’ll go to the Senate. They’ll do their work. But we will get this bill to President Trump’s desk before the July Fourth deadline that the White House has asked for.”On the leadership of Speaker Johnson:“The reason that we’ve been able to hit all of these marks is because in every meeting, and I’ve been in all these meetings, the Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, has been about as patient of a man as I’ve seen, listening to our Members. Believe me, you know this, we have Members that have a lot of different points of view, have a lot of different views on how the bill should be put together. They are not ashamed to express those views, but at the end of the day, we’ve all got to come together. He has brought our Members together on every tough issue. There are a lot of tough issues. Might be one remaining to solve, but we’ve gotten through every one of them because he’s had the patience of Job and continues to lead us in the right direction for those families who are counting on us.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Resolution Honoring Fallen Law Enforcement Officers Introduced by Pappas, Guest, and Letlow

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

    Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), Congressman Michael Guest (MS-03), and Congresswoman Julia Letlow (LA-05) introduced the House Resolution to honor and memorialize fallen law enforcement officers. The resolution was introduced during National Police Week and recognizes the 345 officers who lost their lives in the line of duty last year, as well as their families. 

    “Police Week is an important way to thank our dedicated law enforcement officers and honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty,” said Congressman Pappas. “Those who put on the uniform to protect and serve our communities, as well as their family members, deserve our gratitude and respect. I will always work to ensure our police departments have the resources they need and that our officers and their families have the support they have earned. I’m honored to once again help lead this legislation to pay tribute to fallen law enforcement officers.

    “Police officers are the heroes of our communities, protecting us from crime and defending innocent citizens from those who seek to do harm,” said Congressman Guest. “I am honored to lead this legislation that expresses that the Members of the House of Representatives support our law enforcement officers, appreciate all they do for our communities, and pay tribute to those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.”

    “Our law enforcement community works tirelessly to keep us safe and protect our communities. Thank you to our heroic police officers for the sacrifices they make every day,” said Congresswoman Letlow.

    President Kennedy signed Public Law 87-725 in 1962, which authorized the proclamation of Peace Officers Memorial Day on May 15 each year to honor law enforcement officers killed or injured in the line of duty. The legislation also authorized the recognition of the week in which it falls as National Police Week. Peace Officers Memorial Day 2025 honors 345 law enforcement officers who were killed in the line of duty and those whose stories were recovered in the past year. This resolution expresses unwavering support for law enforcement and recognizes the sacrifices of families who have lost loved ones. 

    This measure is supported by the National Association of Police Organizations and the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: New Hampshire Congressional Delegation Honors Fallen Law Enforcement Officers at Annual Memorial Ceremony in Concord

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

    Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), alongside U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (NH-02) joined members of the law enforcement community to honor fallen officers at the annual New Hampshire Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Association Ceremony. The memorial honors New Hampshire law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. Today, there are 55 names on the monument representing 34 New Hampshire law enforcement agencies.

    “It was an honor to join members of New Hampshire’s law enforcement community at the Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial today,” said Congressman Pappas. “On this solemn occasion, we recognize the courage, commitment, and sacrifice of members of law enforcement and pay tribute to those tragically lost in the line of duty. I’m forever grateful for those who put on the uniform to protect our communities and for family members who serve and sacrifice alongside them.”

    “I was honored to join the 33rd annual New Hampshire Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Association Ceremony this morning in Concord to pay tribute to those courageous officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice protecting our communities,” said Senator Shaheen. “As National Police Week comes to a close, the memorial is an important recognition of just how much our law enforcement officers do every day to provide safety and security for us all.”

    “New Hampshire’s law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to protect their fellow Granite Staters and keep our communities safe,” Senator Hassan said. “The Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial Ceremony is an important opportunity to come together to pay tribute to our fallen heroes and recommit ourselves to supporting their families, loved ones, and fellow officers.”

    “We owe a debt of gratitude we can never fully repay to the fifty-five brave New Hampshire law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty,” said Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander. “It was an honor to be with people from across our state to commemorate their service and the sacrifices of their families and loved ones. Today and every day, I am grateful to New Hampshire’s law enforcement officers who dedicate their lives to keeping us all safe.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The NSU team took first place in the intellectual game “Puzzles of state and municipal service”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    The intellectual game “Puzzles of the state and municipal service” took place within the walls of the Corporate University of the Government of the Novosibirsk Region. The game was held for the fifth time and gathered a record number of participants and universities, including: SIU RANEPA, NSUEM, NSAU, SUSPS, NUIL (f) TSU, SibUPK, NSU, SSUGIT and NSPU.

    Eleven teams of talented students competed in a tense battle for the title of the best, striving to prove themselves and win.

    — We quickly decided to participate because this year our entire team will be applying, some for master’s degree, and some for postgraduate studies. We all needed achievements. We also liked the format — we decided to try ourselves in this. In addition, all team members are interested in public service, since we are lawyers, — said Yusub Ozmanyan, the team captain.

    The game participants were asked a variety of questions covering key aspects of the activities of state and municipal employees. The questions concerned the structure and functions of government bodies, historical aspects of state development and the specifics of local self-government.

    The Quiz “Puzzles of the State and Municipal Service” included three rounds: the first – “Quiz”, the second – “Own Game”, the third – “True or False”. In the “Quiz” round, all teams had to answer 10 questions in a row. In the “Own Game” round, each team independently chose the category and difficulty of the question, answering one after the other in turn. In the final round “True or False”, one representative from each team participated, who answered 5 questions in a row one after the other.

    – We prepared very carefully, besides, we have been studying in for many years Institute of Philosophy and Law of NSU, so the base is serious. The third round was the most exciting, because only one participant from the team answered. We were confident in it, but worried. In the end, Danila Isaev did an excellent job! We were very happy to win, because initially we came only for the first place! Everything went great, we are satisfied and happy, – Yusub shared his emotions.

    At the end of the game, the places between the teams were distributed as follows:

    1st place – NSU team “ResPublica” (consisting of: Yusub Ozmanyan, Vladislav Cherenkov, Vitaly Kamorny, Denis Kostornov, Danila Isaev);

    2nd place – the team “Law Faculty” of NSUEM;

    3rd place – the team “Managers” of SSUPS.

    We congratulate the winners and wish them further success!

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lofgren, Salinas, Padilla, Bennet Reintroduce Legislation to Provide Disaster Relief for Farmworkers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose)

    Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) and Rep. Andrea Salinas (OR-06), the daughter of a former farmworker and a leader in the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, along with U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Michael Bennet (D-CO), reintroduced the Disaster Relief for Farm Workers Act. This legislation would provide compensation for farmworkers who lose out on wages due to extreme weather, public health emergencies, and other disasters beyond their control. The bill was first introduced in the 118th Congress.

    “When extreme weather occurs, farmworkers across our country continue to feed the nation. And yet, these essential workers and their families face great uncertainty when unexpected disasters harm their communities and livelihood. For example, hundreds of farmworkers in my congressional district faced displacement and lost wages after severe flooding devastated the Pajaro community in early 2023. We owe them – and all farmworkers – more. The Disaster Relief for Farm Workers Act ensures America’s indispensable farmworkers can receive disaster relief funding they need and have earned,” said Rep. Lofgren.

    “Extreme weather and natural disasters are only getting worse with climate change. Unfortunately, many of the hardworking individuals who grow and harvest our food do not receive direct financial support when they are forced to miss work and lose wages as a result of these disasters,” said Rep. Salinas. “My legislation would finally correct this injustice by providing federal disaster relief for farmworkers. This change is well-deserved and long-overdue, and I will continue to advocate for the brave men and women who help feed America.”

    “California’s farm workers often work under extreme conditions to help put food on the table for hundreds of millions of Americans,” said Sen. Padilla. “But increasingly frequent natural disasters, including historic flooding in Pajaro, have devastated California’s agricultural communities. We must protect the heart of our nation’s food supply by providing critical emergency assistance to these essential workers.”

    “Agriculture is the backbone of Colorado’s economy and central to our Western way of life, but as climate-fueled disasters become increasingly common, our state’s farm workers are paying the price,” said Sen. Bennet. “Our bill will help ensure the people that grow America’s fruits, vegetables, and other crops get the assistance they need in the wake of emergencies like drought, wildfires, and other natural disasters.”

    Oregon is home to over 100,000 farmworkers, many of whom live and work in the Willamette Valley and power the state’s $42 billion agriculture economy. Yet despite their importance to our food systems, the average farmworker family in Oregon earns less than $25,000 per year. Ninety-six percent reported living in overcrowded housing and about thirty percent are living below the poverty line. When farmworkers cannot work due to extreme weather or other unexpected disasters, they can lose wages and even their jobs—pushing them deeper into housing and food insecurity.

    The Disaster Relief for Farm Workers Act would address this problem by providing direct relief funding for farmworkers. Specifically, this bill would:

    • Make grants available to eligible farmworker organizations to provide emergency relief to farm workers affected by a disaster.
    • Ensure USDA develops and executes a promotional plan prior to and throughout the distribution of the relief grants to increase awareness of the assistance available.
    • Require USDA to work with eligible farmworker organizations.
    • Provide definitions for a covered disaster, eligible farmworker organization, and migrant or seasonal farmworker.
    • Amend Section 2281 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to allow for emergency assistance for farmworkers.

    In addition to Reps. Lofgren and Salinas, the Disaster Relief for Farm Workers Act is cosponsored by Reps. Nanette Barragán (CA-44), André Carson (IN-07), Judy Chu (CA-28), Jim Costa (CA-21), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Paul Tonko (NY-20), and Juan Vargas (CA-52).

    The legislation is endorsed by the following organizations, in alphabetical order: A Better Balance, Alianza Americas, Alianza Nacional de Campesinas, Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs (AFOP), Borderlands Resource Initiative, California Human Development, Campesinos Sin Fronteras, Care in Action, CASA of Oregon, Center for Employment Training, Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE), Central Valley Opportunity Center, Centro de los Derechos del Migrante, Inc (CDM), Child Labor Coalition, CHILDREN AT RISK, CIERTO, Civic Empowerment Coalition, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), Columbia Legal Services, CRLA Foundation, Davidson County Local Food Network, El Futuro es Nuestro, Farm Worker Ministry Northwest, Farmworker and Landscaper Advocacy Project-FLAP, Farmworker Housing Development Corporation (FHDC), Farmworker Justice, Food Empowerment Project, GALEO Impact Fund, Hand in Hand/Mano en Mano, Hispanic Affairs Project, Hispanic Federation, Houston Immigration Legal Services Collaborative, Immigrant Defenders Law Center, La Union del Pueblo Entero (LUPE), Latino Outdoors, League of Conservation Voters, Make the Road CT, Make the Road NJ, Make the Road NV, Make the Road NY, Make the Road PA, Make the Road States, Michiganders for a Just Farming System, National Association of Social Workers, National Association of Social Workers – Florida and Virgin Islands Chapter, National Consumers League, National Domestic Workers Alliance, National Employment Law Project, National Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Association, NC FIELD, Inc., NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, North Carolina Council of Churches, North Carolina Farmworker Advocacy Network, North Carolina Justice Center, Nourish Up, Opportunity Arizona, Oregon Human Development Corporation, Organización en California de Lideres Campesinas, Inc, PCUN, Oregon’s Farmworker Union, Pesticide Action and Agroecology Network (PAN), Popular Democracy, Presente.org, Progress Michigan, Proteus Inc., Puente de la Costa Sur, Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), Slow Food USA, Student Action with Farmworkers, Sur Legal Collaborative, TODEC Legal Center, Toxic Free North Carolina, UFW Foundation, Unidos Yamhill County, United Farm Workers, Voces Unidas de las Montañas.

    “Farm workers are always on the front lines of fires, floods, and storms — yet are too often excluded from federal disaster relief programs,” said Teresa Romero, President of United Farm Workers (UFW). “If the federal government can provide emergency support to farm owners who lose crops in natural disaster, then the federal government can emergency provide support to farm workers who lose work in that same disaster. The Disaster Relief for Farm Workers Act will ensure that farm workers who put food on all our tables can continue to put food on their family’s table when disaster strikes.”

    “Every year we see an alarming number of natural disasters that drastically and disproportionately impact the farm worker community. As climate change gets worse, these types of disasters will only worsen and farm workers are the ones who are affected the most by these calamities. Just last year, we saw heavy California rains flooding Ventura County farm areas and Hurricane Helen devastating Georgia’s farm worker communities, leading to organizations like ours stepping up to do what we can. But that is not enough. We must have a federal response to these kinds of disasters. From wildfires to tornadoes to hurricanes, farm workers have little to no safety net to help them recover from unexpected disasters,” said Erica Lomeli Corcoran, Chief Executive Officer at UFW Foundation. “This is exactly why the UFW Foundation is supporting the Disaster Relief for Farm Workers Act. It would provide resources and aid to those who truly need it and would ensure that those responsible for our nation’s food supplies are not overlooked, as they have been in the past. Farm workers have been largely ignored and neglected by the law, shut out from basic protections provided to all workers. It is time that Congress acts and ensures that our nation’s farm workers are given the support they need to overcome times of emergencies and to provide equity to all workers.” 

    “Farmworkers are frontline workers, which means they are the hardest hit by the impacts of extreme weather conditions across the country. Many farmworkers feel that they are risking their health with extreme heat and colder days, but losing even one day of work is not an option for their families’ economic situation. Outdoor protections are important, yet there are days that are becoming too extreme to even be outside. Our vision is to be a resilient workforce for the agricultural industry. Disaster relief means we can start investing in addressing the issues that workers are facing today by building resilience for climate change in the future, without sacrificing the economic well-being of farmworkers,” said Reyna Lopez, Executive Director of Pineros y Campesinos Unidos del Noreste (PCUN).

    To read the full text of the legislation, click here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Jim Costa Honors Fresno Police Sergeant George Imirian with Congressional Recognition on National Police Week

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

    WASHINGTON – During National Police Week, Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) presented a special congressional recognition to Fresno Police Sergeant George Imirian in Washington D.C. This honor was given to commend Sergeant Imirian’s outstanding service and to celebrate his recent recognition as a recipient of the prestigious Top Cop Award by the National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO).In addition to receiving the Top Cop Award, Sgt. Imirian was selected as the Citizen’s Choice Award recipient, NAPO’s highest honor, chosen from hundreds of nominations across the country. This special award is reserved for the officer whose story of bravery, resilience, and service resonates most with the American people. ABOUT SGT. GEORGE IMIRIANOn October 26, 2024, Sgt. Imirian’s life and career took a harrowing turn. While responding to a call involving a homicide suspect, he was ambushed and shot multiple times in the line of duty. Despite the critical injuries he sustained, Sgt. Imirian survived and made a remarkable return to the force.  Today, Sgt. Imirian is back on full duty, continuing to serve the Fresno community with the same dedication, professionalism, and pride that defined his service before the attack.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Jim Costa Champions Bill to Invest in Small Police Departments

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

    WASHINGTON – During National Police Week, Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) is pushing a bipartisan bill to support local law enforcement by backing the Invest to Protect Act, legislation that would deliver critical resources to small and midsize police departments across the country. “During National Police Week, we honor the service and sacrifice of the brave men and women in uniform who put their lives on the line every day to protect our neighborhoods,” said Costa. “The Invest to Protect Act is about making sure they have the tools, training, and support they need to do their jobs safely and effectively, especially in rural and underserved areas.” BACKGROUNDRoughly 94% of police departments in the United States employ fewer than 100 sworn officers, often operating with limited budgets and outdated equipment. The Invest to Protect Act, led by Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), would establish a targeted federal grant program to help departments with less than 175 law enforcement officers fund de-escalation and safety training, mental health support, recruitment and retention efforts, victim-centered response programs, and modern safety equipment. Costa is an original cosponsor of the bill.  This bill would directly benefit departments throughout the San Joaquin Valley, including those serving Dinuba, Exeter, Farmersville, Fowler, Kingsburg, Orange Cove, Parlier, Reedley, Sanger, Selma, Visalia, and Woodlake. Neighboring communities such as Atwater, Chowchilla, Dos Palos, Gustine, Livingston, Los Banos, Madera, and Merced would also stand to gain.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pallone Recognizes Outstanding High School Students at Spring Awards Ceremony

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank Pallone (6th District of New Jersey)

    Long Branch, NJ – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today announced the recipients of the Congressional Award, this year’s U.S. Service Academy nominees, and the winners of the 2025 Sixth Congressional District High School Arts Competition at an awards ceremony. 

    Pallone also announced the winners of the Congressional App Challenge and the winners of the tenth-annual Poetry Showcase. Students representing multiple local schools were honored at a reception at Middlesex College. 

    Pallone honored the 2025 recipients of the Congressional Award. Created by his predecessor, the late U.S. Rep. Jim Howard, the Congressional Award recognizes the initiative, achievement, and volunteer services of young people. The recipients include:

    Bronze Congressional Award Recipients:

    • Brody Gray, Rumson
    • Nyla Martin, Rumson
    • Timothy McCooey, Rumson

    Silver Congressional Award Recipients:

    • Hunter Barrett, Rumson
    • Aditya Herekar, Edison
    • Mahi Mahitcha, Edison
    • Ethan Poon, Edison

    Gold Congressional Award Recipients:

    • Suhani Sengupta, Edison

    “The Congressional Award is given to individuals whose accomplishments and dedication to their communities exemplifies the best qualities of the future,” Pallone said. “I’m proud to award this honor to this year’s recipients, and I wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors.” 

    The New Jersey Congressman also honored the candidates he nominated to the U.S. Service Academies. The nominees include:

    U.S. Air Force Academy

    • Brody Cannan, Sayreville War Memorial High School
    • Jackson Gervais, Christian Brothers Academy
    • Cole Pangborn, Rumson Fair Haven Regional High School
    • Satyam Shah, Northwestern Preparatory School
    • Sanjna Thoguru, Rutgers Preparatory School
    • Brandon Trivino, Saint Joseph High School

    U.S. Naval Academy                                      

    • Carter Braun, Marine Academy of Science and Technology
    • Thomas Clark, Marine Academy of Science and Technology
    • Ryan Miller, Middletown High School North
    • Sanjna Thoguru, Rutgers Preparatory School
    • Brandon Trivino, Saint Joseph High School
    • Caitlin Williams, Trinity Hall

    U.S. Military Academy at West Point

    • Tyler Boelhower, Woodbridge High School
    • Carter Braun, Marine Academy of Science and Technology
    • Max Fredericks, Keyport High School
    • Reed Kerstetter, St. Thomas Aquinas High School
    • Ryan Miller, Middletown High School North
    • Hannah Nitka, High Technology High School
    • Kyle Pear, South Plainfield High School
    • Cassidy Robertson, Saint Rose High School
    • Brandon Trivino, Saint Joseph High School

    U.S. Merchant Marine Academy                  

    • Owen Bradford, Spotswood High School
    • Carter Braun, Marine Academy of Science and Technology
    • Robert Gallagher, Arthur L. Johnson High School
    • Reed Kerstetter, St. Thomas Aquinas High School
    • Ryan Miller, Middletown High School North
    • Brandon Trivino, Saint Joseph High School
    • Jacob Weir, Seneca High School

    “The value of military service to our nation cannot be overstated, and I am proud of the commitment that these nominees have shown to serving their country,” said Pallone. “These nominees showed outstanding academic and extra-curricular achievements, leadership, and motivation in serving our country. Our nation’s service academies are some of the highest caliber institutions that are committed to graduating leaders of character, honor, and integrity. New Jersey’s 6th Congressional District is home to so many bright and qualified students. I wish all of the nominees the very best of luck in the future and thank them for their willingness to serve.”

    Young artists from various schools in Middlesex and Monmouth counties participated in this year’s art competition. Local judges chose first, second and third place winners. They also awarded 15 honorable mentions. The first-place winner, Sylphania Njoku, will have her artwork displayed for the next year in the United States Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.  

    Congressional Art Competition Winners:

    First Place: Sylphania Njoku, Piscataway High School

    Second Place: Emily Hsu, John P. Stevens High School

    Third Place: Elizabeth Poole, Piscataway High School

    Honorable Mentions: 

    • Shruthika Adaki, John P. Stevens High School
    • Mishti Bajaj, John P. Stevens High School
    • Gabriel DeJesus, Sayreville War Memorial High School
    • Yoskar Deleon, Perth Amboy High School
    • Julia Liu, John P. Stevens High School
    • Aaliyah Matias, Perth Amboy High School
    • Chasity McNamara, Edison High School
    • Haley Norris, Red Bank Regional High School
    • Ash Peña Martinez, Red Bank Regional High School
    • Gabrielle Petit-Homme, Piscataway High School
    • Patrick Powers, Raritan High School
    • Sofia Rojas, Piscataway High School
    • Mia Vargas, East Brunswick Magnet School
    • Ava Wallenstein, Sayreville War Memorial High School
    • Alexander Zayas, Perth Amboy High School

    “I have long believed that Congress should play a major role in encouraging interest in the arts,” Pallone said. “This competition provides a forum to help the aspiring young artists of our area gain recognition and exposure. Young artists can gain confidence in themselves and their abilities by displaying their work and having it evaluated by knowledgeable judges.”

    Pallone also announced the winners of the 2025 Congressional App Challenge. The competition encourages students to explore STEM education and highlights the value of computer science.

    First Place: Ekya Dogra, Sahil Ghosh and Adithiya Venkatakrishnan, all from Edison Academy Magnet School, with the app RADR: Rapid Amber Detection Response, which is an initiative to enhance amber alerts & assist in child abduction cases.  The core mission is to provide a faster, more efficient way of not just tracking abducted children, but any suspected vehicles supplementing law enforcement officers with autonomous technology. 

    Second Place: Ishaan Kunwar from Edison High School with the app CataSight, which aims to detect cataracts in fundus images, which are images of the back of the eye taken with an ophthalmoscope (fundus camera), using a machine learning approach that involves a Multilayer Perceptron Layer (MLP) model. The web app, developed using Streamlit, allows users to upload a fundus image and receive a diagnosis of “Cataract” or “Normal,” along with the probability of the prediction, which is out of 1 and rounded to the nearest 2 decimal places.

    Third Place: Neerav Gupta from John P. Stevens High School, with the app Symptix, an innovative app designed to assist users in navigating healthcare information and making informed decisions about their health. At its core, Symptix leverages cutting-edge AI technology to provide fast and reliable medical guidance based on user input. One of the key features of the app is an AI-powered chatbot, powered by the Gemini 1.0 pro model, which allows users to input their symptoms and receive an instant diagnosis. 

    “The Congressional App Challenge is an important platform for students to showcase their skills in programming and computer science while supporting the next generation’s interest in STEM subjects. I will continue to support investments in STEM education so that our country remains at the forefront of innovation and research. I congratulate this year’s winners and encourage everyone who has an idea to submit it for the competition next year,” said Pallone.

    Finally, Pallone announced the winners of the tenth-annual Poetry Showcase. The Poetry Showcase coincides with National Poetry Month, which is celebrated during the month of April. The showcase allows students of all ages to express themselves in writing under one of three thematic categories: civic engagement, the environment, and social justice. 

    “The Poetry Showcase is a wonderful opportunity for students of all ages to express themselves in writing while exploring themes that I believe resonate with their community,” Pallone concluded. “This year, we received over 600 submissions, which is a testament to our students’ dedication to literature and language. I want to thank everyone who participated and commend them for their commitment to this literary art.” 

    Category: Civic Engagement

    • Harshikha Anumala, Oak Tree Road School (Woodbridge) (Grades K-5)
    • Ameirah Gordon, Assumption Catholic School (Perth Amboy) (Grades 6-8)
    • Libby Peckman, Highland Park High School (Grades 9-12)

    Category: Environment 

    • Samantha Rybakov, Alan B. Shepard Elementary School (Old Bridge) (Grades K-5)
    • Sujena Maheshwaran Subashini, Thomas Jefferson Middle School (Edison) (Grades 6-8)
    • Alexander Poon, Edison Academy Magnet School (Grades 9-12)

    Category: Social Justice

    • Sophia Santos, South Amboy Elementary School (Grades K-5)
    • Scarlett Garcia, Carteret Junior High School (Grades 6-8)
    • Haniya Arif, Piscataway High School (Grades 9-12)

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Quigley Concludes Trip to Texas Primate Facilities, Introduces Bipartisan “Captive Primate Safety Act”

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05)

    Quigley and lawmakers introduced the bill to ban the private ownership of primates like chimpanzees, monkeys, and lemurs, bolstering public safety and animal welfare.

    Today, Congressman Mike Quigley (IL-05) concluded a trip to Texas to visit the Born Free USA Primate Sanctuary and the San Antonio Zoo, following his introduction of the Captive Primate Safety Act with Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Julia Brownley (CA-26), and Nancy Mace (SC-01) earlier this week.

    “Monkeys and apes belong in the wild—not in living rooms. This bill will ban private possession of these animals, ensuring that we are safe and primates are able to live freely,” said Congressman Mike Quigley (IL-05), co-chair of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus. “As the lead sponsor of the Big Cat Public Safety Act which was later signed into law, I’m proud to sponsor the Captive Primate Safety Act to advance the same protections for primates.”

    Signed into law in 2022, Quigley’s Big Cat Public Safety Act banned the private ownership and breeding of big cats including lions, tigers, and pumas. Similarly, the bipartisan Captive Primate Safety Act  will ban private ownership of non-human primates like chimpanzees, monkeys, and lemurs. The bill will also prohibit interstate or foreign commerce of these animals, further preventing people from having them as pets. Senator Richard Blumenthal (CT) also introduced this legislation in the Senate.

    “Primates are intelligent and social creatures. But when primates are kept as pets—in captivity and restrained—they can become highly unpredictable and dangerous,” Senator Blumenthal (CT). “Wild animals belong in the wild, and this legislation ends the inhumane exploitation of these animals as pets—protecting both people and primates.”

    “Private ownership of primates is a dangerous and outdated practice that puts both animals and communities at risk,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick (PA-01). “As a Co-Chair of the Animal Protection Caucus, I’m taking action to put an end to this cruelty and close the legal gaps that allow it to continue. The Captive Primate Safety Act will ban the unlicensed trade and private possession of primates—reducing the threat of disease, preventing future tragedies, and ensuring these intelligent animals are no longer subjected to neglect and abuse. It’s time to get this done.”

    “Your family shouldn’t have to worry about wild monkeys next door. When reckless owners treat primates like pets, it’s law enforcement, taxpayers, and innocent families who pay the price,”  said Congresswoman Mace (SC-01). “The Captive Primate Safety Act  is simple: protect the public, protect law enforcement, and stop this dangerous trend before someone else gets hurt.”

    “Too many times, our sanctuary team has received frantic phone calls from primate pet owners desperate for us to help them. They purchase a monkey when they are just a few weeks old and have no idea that this small, vulnerable animal will soon become a dangerous risk to them and their families,” said Angela Grimes, CEO of Born Free USA. “When the monkey reaches adolescence, the owners start to see instances of aggression – a natural behavior in monkeys – and these instances often escalate to the point of someone being seriously harmed. It is then that a sanctuary is called in to take on the monkey, as the owner realizes that they have made a mistake. Law enforcement is not trained to deal with these animals. This puts their staff in danger when they find illegally kept primates, or it means that confiscation is simply not possible for lack of somewhere for the monkeys to go. Given the dangers posed by primates to humans – including injury and disease transmission – forcing law enforcement agencies to take responsibility for the fallout of the primate pet trade is unacceptable.”

    “Primates are highly intelligent, social animals with complex needs that cannot be met in private homes,” said Allison Ludtke, legislative affairs manager at the Animal Legal Defense Fund. “The reintroduction of the Captive Primate Safety Act offers a federal solution that is needed to end the trade of nonhuman primates as ‘pets’ in the U.S., instead of the current patchwork of laws that fail to fully address this issue. Keeping nonhuman primates as pets not only causes immense suffering for the animals but also puts the public at serious risk — resulting in injuries, physical and emotional trauma, and costly emergency responses from law enforcement who are unfairly put in the position of managing dangerous wild animals. ALDF applauds Senator Blumenthal, Congressman Quigley, Congressman Fitzpatrick, Congresswoman Mace, and Congresswoman Brownley for their leadership on this impactful and common sense legislation.”

    “Primates are wild animals, not pets or playthings” said Susan Millward, CEO and executive director of the Animal Welfare Institute. “Primates have natural instincts that can make them aggressive and unpredictable toward humans, and nobody wins when they’re kept inside a home. These animals suffer permanent physical and mental trauma when they are mutilated, isolated, caged, and malnourished. The Captive Primate Safety Act would protect primates from a lifetime of cruelty.”

    “Primates are not pets and the primate pet trade is a risk to human health, individual animal wellbeing, and fuels the illegal wildlife trade,” said Lincoln Park Zoo President & CEO Megan Ross, Ph.D. “The Captive Primate Safety Act not only ends the now-legal pet trade, but will protect these cognitively advanced animals.”

    To read the full text of the Captive Primate Safety Act, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Kelly condemns Trump Administration for flooding streets with dangerous rapid-fire devices

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Robin Kelly IL

    CHICAGO – U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) condemned the Trump Administration for permitting the sale of forced reset triggers, which enable semi-automatic weapons to fire rapidly like machine guns.

    The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) settled a lawsuit with the National Association for Gun Rights, which challenged a rule by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to ban forced reset triggers. 

    “President Donald Trump just put people’s lives at risk in exchange for the gun lobby’s support. This is not about the Second Amendment – this is about a dangerous device that can do irreparable harm to communities. Anyone can buy or 3D print a forced reset trigger without a background check and without question as to why someone needs a gun with the same firing capacity as a machine gun. Machine guns have been illegal since 1934, and it’s time our laws catch up to the 21st Century to ban devices that cause the same damage, pain and grief.”

    Rep. Kelly has dedicated her career in public service to ending gun violence. Most recently, she led a letter to President Trump demanding he reinstate funds to community violence intervention organizations.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Jury Convicts Nampa Man of Attempting to Produce Child Sexual Abuse Material

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOISE – After a three-day trial, a federal jury sitting in Boise found William Walls, 52, of Nampa, guilty of three counts of attempted sexual exploitation of a child, Acting U.S. Attorney Justin Whatcott announced today. Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill presided over the trial, which began on May 12, and concluded with guilty verdicts on May 14.

    According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Walls used his cellphone to surreptitiously record three female children in the bathroom of his apartment. Walls was babysitting the victims at the time. The video captured one of the children showering and the other two children changing their clothes.

    The charge of attempted sexual exploitation of a child carries a minimum of fifteen years and up to life in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and at least five years and up to lifetime of supervised release. Walls will be required to register as a sex offender as a result of the conviction.

    Sentencing is set for July 31, 2025, before Judge Winmill at the federal courthouse in Boise.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott commended the Nampa Police Department for a thorough and professional investigation, which led to the charges. Assistant United States Attorneys Kassandra McGrady and Erin Blackadar prosecuted the case.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. As part of Project Safe Childhood, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho and the Idaho Attorney General’s Office partner to marshal federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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    MIL Security OSI –