NewzIntel.com

Category: Law

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Durbin, Klobuchar, Colleagues to Trump Admin: No Refunds for January 6 Insurrectionists

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    Padilla, Durbin, Klobuchar, Colleagues to Trump Admin: No Refunds for January 6 Insurrectionists

    Senators to Attorney General Bondi: “To take the position that January 6 insurrectionists should now receive refunds is unacceptable”
    “The Department should direct Interim U.S. Attorney Martin to change course”
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) led six of their Senate colleagues in strongly objecting to the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) misguided position that the federal government should refund restitution payments made by convicted January 6 insurrectionists for damage they caused to the Capitol building. In their letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi, the Senators urged her to direct Interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Ed Martin to reverse course.
    “We write to strongly object to the Department of Justice’s argument in an April 8 court filing that the federal government should refund restitution payments made by some of the convicted January 6 insurrectionists. The arguments advanced by the government in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia under Interim U.S. Attorney Edward Martin’s leadership are both insulting to the American people and inconsistent with separation of powers principles,” wrote the Senators.
    The violent mob that stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021 attempting to prevent the certification of the 2020 election results caused roughly $3 million in damages to the Capitol building, injured more than 100 law enforcement officers, and threatened members and their staff. Damage to the building included widespread vandalism, ruined furniture, shattered glass, broken doors, defaced artwork, and the desecration of the halls of Congress. Convicted January 6 insurrectionists paid about $400,000 in court-ordered restitution to cover the damages they caused, which has since been transferred to the Treasury Department, from where they can only be withdrawn by Congress.
    The DOJ argued in an April 8, 2025 court filing that the federal government should refund a convicted January 6 insurrectionist who paid $570 in restitution for his role in the insurrection after his case was vacated on appeal because of President Trump’s sweeping pardon of convicted January 6 insurrectionists. The Senators expressed serious policy and legal concerns with this position, including that it would violate the fundamental U.S. principle of separation of powers and that it would fully shift the cost of January 6-related repairs from the convicted insurrectionists to taxpayers.
    “The Department should direct Interim U.S. Attorney Martin to change course and forgo any attempt to use the pardon power as a basis to usurp the United States’ right to the January 6 restitution payments and impair Congress’ ability to use these funds to offset the cost to taxpayers of repairs from the January 6 insurrection,” continued the Senators.
    “We condemn the Justice Department’s position that the federal government should financially reward January 6 insurrectionists who ransacked the Capitol, attacked law enforcement officers, and threatened the lives of those who serve here,” concluded the Senators. “The roughly $400,000 received in restitution is little justice for the $3 million’s worth of damage done to the Capitol, the injuries sustained by Capitol Police and D.C. Metropolitan Police Department officers serving on that day, and the terror inflicted on those trapped inside during the attack. To take the position that January 6 insurrectionists should now receive refunds is unacceptable.”
    In addition to Padilla, Durbin, and Klobuchar, the letter was also signed by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.).
    Senator Padilla has repeatedly condemned the deadly January 6 Capitol insurrection and helped pass legislation to prevent similar attacks from threatening our democracy. He previously cosponsored and applauded the passage of the bipartisan Electoral Count Reform and Presidential Transition Improvement Act, which modernized the outdated Electoral Count Act of 1887 to ensure the electoral votes tallied by Congress accurately reflect each state’s vote for president.
    Full text of the letter is available here and below:
    Dear Attorney General Bondi:
    We write to strongly object to the Department of Justice’s argument in an April 8 court filing that the federal government should refund restitution payments made by some of the convicted January 6 insurrectionists. The arguments advanced by the government in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia under Interim U.S. Attorney Edward Martin’s leadership are both insulting to the American people and inconsistent with separation of powers principles.
    On January 6, 2021, a violent mob stormed the U.S. Capitol, attacking and injuring more than 100 law enforcement officers, causing nearly $3 million in damages, and threatening the lives of those who serve here. After violently overpowering law enforcement to illegally enter the Capitol, insurrectionists desecrated the halls of Congress by graffitiing the building, smashing windows and doors, damaging artwork, and destroying furniture, in an attempt to disrupt Congress from certifying the results of the 2020 election.
    While we can never undo the harm these insurrectionists caused to our nation and our Capitol, many of those convicted for their crimes were ordered to pay restitution to cover some of the physical damage they inflicted. Hundreds of individuals were convicted for their roles in the January 6 attack and paid about $400,000 in court-ordered restitution. The Justice Department’s assertion that the government should now offer refunds to insurrectionists and instead have the American taxpayer pay the full cost for the damage these offenders caused is offensive and flies in the face of legal precedent limiting the pardon power.
    As the Justice Department acknowledged in its April 8 court filing, a pardon does not affect the vested rights of others, and the United States’ right to restitution vests when the restitution has been sent to the Treasury Department. Once these funds are in the Treasury, only Congress has the power to withdraw the funds; the President cannot use his pardon power to do so. The Department should direct Interim U.S. Attorney Martin to change course and forgo any attempt to use the pardon power as a basis to usurp the United States’ right to the January 6 restitution payments and impair Congress’ ability to use these funds to offset the cost to taxpayers of repairs from the January 6 insurrection.
    We condemn the Justice Department’s position that the federal government should financially reward January 6 insurrectionists who ransacked the Capitol, attacked law enforcement officers, and threatened the lives of those who serve here. The roughly $400,000 received in restitution is little justice for the $3 million’s worth of damage done to the Capitol, the injuries sustained by Capitol Police and D.C. Metropolitan Police Department officers serving on that day, and the terror inflicted on those trapped inside during the attack. To take the position that January 6 insurrectionists should now receive refunds is unacceptable.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Schiff, Torres Slam DHS Immigration Enforcement in Pomona Harming Economy, CA Communities

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    Padilla, Schiff, Torres Slam DHS Immigration Enforcement in Pomona Harming Economy, CA Communities

    Lawmakers urge DHS to “focus enforcement against those who pose a legitimate risk to public safety and to work with Congress on a pathway to citizenship for the immigrants who are essential to our economic success.”
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), and Representative Norma Torres (D-Calif.-35) condemned the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) indiscriminate immigration enforcement raids in Pomona, California as part of President Trump’s cruel mass deportation agenda that are terrorizing California communities and harming the economy. The lawmakers demanded answers on recent egregious DHS enforcement actions — without notice or coordination — including the arrest of at least 10 day laborers outside of a Home Depot, the detainment of a small business owner at gunpoint outside of his barbershop, and an enforcement raid at a Pomona auto body shop conducted with the Riverside County Sherriff’s department.
    Padilla, Schiff, and Torres underscored the deep distrust and economic chaos these enforcement raids foster, hurting entire communities and national supply chains and keeping consumers at home out of fear.
    “We write with deep concern regarding recent immigration enforcement actions conducted in Pomona, California, that have caused widespread fear, disrupted local businesses, and harmed community trust in law enforcement,” wrote the lawmakers.
    “Enforcement actions that indiscriminately disrupt immigrant communities – particularly without transparency or local coordination – threaten not only individual rights but also the economic stability and public safety of entire cities like Pomona,” continued the lawmakers. “Pomona’s small businesses are already feeling the impact. Customers are afraid to shop. Workers are afraid to show up for work.”
    The lawmakers highlighted that California’s economy — now the fourth largest in the world — relies on the contributions of immigrant labor, as immigrants and their children make up the majority (55 percent) of California’s workforce, with immigrants alone comprising 34 percent of the state’s population. Last year, undocumented immigrants contributed $87 billion in household income, $66 billion in spending power, $50 billion to Social Security, and $14 billion to Medicare. They emphasized that immigrant workers make up a significant portion of California’s leading agriculture, health care, and construction sectors. Immigrant construction workers comprise over 40 percent of California’s construction workforce, and are already doing essential work to help Los Angeles County rebuild from the devastating wildfires earlier this year.
    The lawmakers stressed that rather than indiscriminately targeting long-term residents with no criminal records, DHS should work with Congress to help provide these immigrants with a pathway to citizenship. Senator Padilla previously introduced the Citizenship for Essential Workers Act, which would create a pathway to citizenship for immigrant essential workers, including Dreamers, as his first bill in Congress.
    “While no one disagrees with targeting violent criminals for deportation, the enforcement actions in Pomona demonstrate that the Department is indiscriminately targeting all noncitizens for removal — including those who have no criminal records and who have been living in and contributing to our communities for decades,” added the lawmakers. “These actions do not make us safer and are contrary to the ideals that we all stand for. We urge you to instead focus enforcement against those who pose a legitimate risk to public safety and to work with Congress on a pathway to citizenship for the immigrants who are essential to our economic success.”
    The lawmakers concluded their letter by demanding information on the raids, including why local officials were not notified and what steps DHS is taking to rebuild trust with immigrant communities.
    “We urge your Department to review these operations carefully and to recommit to an immigration enforcement strategy that prioritizes public safety, upholds civil rights, and reflects the economic realities and moral values of our nation,” concluded the lawmakers.
    Senator Padilla blasted the Pomona immigration raids last week, emphasizing that indiscriminate immigrant enforcement hurts our communities and economy.
    Full text of the letter is available here and below:
    Dear Secretary Noem,
    We write with deep concern regarding recent immigration enforcement actions conducted in Pomona, California, that have caused widespread fear, disrupted local businesses, and harmed community trust in law enforcement.
    According to press reports, the City of Pomona in our home state of California has been at the epicenter of recent immigration enforcement activity, much of which has been conducted without giving notice to local officials:
    On Tuesday, April 22, Martin Majin-Leon, a long-time resident and small business owner, was detained at gunpoint in front of his barbershop, terrorizing his family and community. He was released after 30 hours, but the trauma persists. Pomona Mayor Tim Sandoval expressed frustration, commenting to federal officials that they were “terrorizing our community.” Reports suggest DMV records may have played a role in his targeting, raising concerns about data-sharing between state agencies and federal immigration authorities.
    Meanwhile, that same day, federal immigration enforcement agents detained as many as 20 day laborers outside a Home Depot in Pomona, where witnesses saw agents arrive in marked and unmarked vehicles around 8 a.m. The Pomona Police Department had no prior knowledge of the operation, and conflicting reports have persisted regarding whether U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), or other federal law enforcement entities were responsible for the detentions.
    Later that week, on Friday, April 25, another major enforcement action occurred at Moon Auto Collision in Pomona, executed jointly by Riverside County Sheriff’s deputies and Homeland Security Special Response Teams under the auspices of a narcotics warrant. Pomona city officials, including Mayor Tim Sandoval, were given no prior notice. Mayor Sandoval, upon visiting the scene, underscored the devastating impact these operations have had on community trust and the economic health of local businesses.
    Enforcement actions that indiscriminately disrupt immigrant communities – particularly without transparency or local coordination – threaten not only individual rights but also the economic stability and public safety of entire cities like Pomona. Pomona’s small businesses are already feeling the impact. Customers are afraid to shop. Workers are afraid to show up for work. One local business owner told reporters, “Customers are scared. They are not coming to buy anything. They are not coming to get repairs done.”
    While no one disagrees with targeting violent criminals for deportation, the enforcement actions in Pomona demonstrate that the Department is indiscriminately targeting all noncitizens for removal — including those who have no criminal records and who have been living in and contributing to our communities for decades. These actions do not make us safer and are contrary to the ideals that we all stand for. We urge you to instead focus enforcement against those who pose a legitimate risk to public safety and to work with Congress on a pathway to citizenship for the immigrants who are essential to our economic success.
    California’s economy – now the fourth largest in the world – demonstrates the strength and contributions of immigrant labor. Immigrants and their children comprise 55 percent of California’s workforce. Immigrants alone account for 34 percent of the state’s population and paid $168 billion in taxes last year, while generating over $400 billion in spending power. Undocumented immigrants contributed $87 billion in household income and $66 billion in spending power, alongside $50 billion to Social Security and $14 billion to Medicare.
    Additionally, in the wake of the destructive wildfires that devastated Los Angeles County earlier this year, immigrant construction workers—who make up more than 40 percent of the workforce in California—are essential to the community’s ability to rebuild and recover. Put simply, in critical sectors such as agriculture, construction, and health care, immigrant workers are indispensable to our community.
    Accordingly, we respectfully request answers to the following:
    1. Why weren’t local officials in Pomona notified about recent enforcement actions?
    2. Which federal law enforcement entities were involved in or aware of these enforcement actions?
    3. Has DHS responded to local law enforcement’s request for answers?
    4. What protocols exist to coordinate with local law enforcement and elected officials before conducting large-scale enforcement actions?
    5. How does DHS plan to comply with the April 29, 2025 court order from the Eastern District of California barring Border Patrol agents from detaining or arresting individuals without reasonable suspicion of illegal presence, as required by the Fourth Amendment?
    6. Was California Department of Motor Vehicles data accessed in the case of Martin Majin-Leon?
    7. What safeguards exist to prevent improper use of state data for immigration enforcement purposes?
    8. What steps is DHS taking to rebuild trust with immigrant communities that have been traumatized by these events?
    We urge your Department to review these operations carefully and to recommit to an immigration enforcement strategy that prioritizes public safety, upholds civil rights, and reflects the economic realities and moral values of our nation.
    Thank you for your prompt attention to this urgent matter.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto, Blackburn Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen After School Programs, Reduce Crime Among At-Risk Youth

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) reintroduced the bipartisan Advancing Frequent and Tailored Education to Rebuild Safe Communities and Help Orchestrate Opportunities and Learning (AFTER SCHOOL) Act. This bill would create and support after school programs focused on reducing violent crime. 
    “Providing young Nevadans in at-risk neighborhoods with after school activities not only enriches their lives, but also reduces crime,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “Unfortunately, many communities across the Silver State don’t have the resources they need to fund these programs. This bipartisan legislation fills that gap.”
    A recent study found a 28 to 35 percent reduction of total arrests and a 45 to 50 percent reduction in violent crime by youth participating in specific after school programs, as well as a 21 percent reduction in recidivism. The AFTER SCHOOL Act would establish a grant program through the Department of Justice to help schools and non-profits establish, maintain, and strengthen these after school programs that are so effective. School districts and non-profits in counties with a juvenile offense rate higher than 10 percent would be eligible to receive funds through the non-competitive grant. 
    You can find the full bill text here.
    Senator Cortez Masto has delivered critical support to students and schools across Nevada. She helped secure nearly $12 million in funding for the Communities in Schools (CIS) program, which works with local partner organizations to provide eligible students and their families with essential services, including mental health care and access to high-quality afterschool and leadership programs. She has also secured $950,000 to help Clark County School District better support students recovering from substance abuse and mental health struggles. Cortez Masto’s provision to increase the number of mental health professionals in schools was included in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which was signed into law. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Statement On President Trump’s Budget Proposal

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    May 02, 2025
    The proposal continues President Trump’s petulant, destructive efforts to slash critical public health funding and foreign aid assistance
    CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today released the following statement on President Trump’s abysmal budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2026 that cuts funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by nearly half:
    “It’s no surprise that President Trump proposed a federal budget that reflects his true priority – funding tax breaks for billionaires by betraying hard-working Americans and gutting the basic programs that keep us healthy and safe.  He is eviscerating funding for school districts that serve low-income students, rental and utility bill assistance, and child care programs, while decimating medical research that cancer and Alzheimer’s patients rely on.  What about this ‘makes America great again?’
    “But Congress ultimately holds the power of the purse.  I will fight tooth and nail to restore lifesaving funding for our federal research agencies like NIH and advocate for the foreign aid our allies need.  I hope that my Republican colleagues will find the courage to stand up for their constituents and fund these critical programs, rather than bow to President Trump and his band of billionaires.”
    President Trump’s proposed budget:
    Entirely eliminates the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) which helps low-income households pay critical energy bills.
    Delivers an $18 billion cut to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) — including by eliminating some institutes altogether – severely hampering research and development that lead to breakthroughs in cancer, Alzheimer’s, HIV/AIDS, cardiovascular disease, and countless other conditions.
    Slashes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) budget by over $3.5 billion, while entirely eliminating critical programs preventing youth smoking, suicide, childhood lead poisoning, and cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
    Guts the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) by $1.7 billion, worsening access to medical, dental, and behavioral health care for rural communities, pregnant women, and children.
    Cuts the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration’s (SAMHSA) budget by over $1 billion, imperiling patient access to critical treatments in the midst of an opioid epidemic, and slashing funding for youth mental health services.
    Cuts the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) by $674 million, undermining the key Agency charged with ensuring access to health insurance coverage, including Medicare and Medicaid benefits.
    Delivers the first-ever $1 trillion Pentagon topline—funneling billions into wasteful nuclear weapons modernization and a so-called “Golden Dome” missile shield that represents a dangerous escalation in nuclear brinkmanship.
    Reduces the Internal Revenue Service budget by $2.5 billion below FY2025 levels. This would be a 20 percent cut to the IRS budget, which has been frozen at $12.3 billion since FY2023.
    Cuts $4.5 billion from Title 1 and K-12 funding by reducing Department of Education staff that handle Title 1 funds and consolidates 18 competitive and formula grant programs into a $2 billion formula grant, giving States more discretion with Title 1 funds.
    $27 billion in cuts to the State Rental Assistance Block Grant, which provides for Tenant-Based Rental Assistance, Public Housing, Project-Based Rental Assistance, Housing for the Elderly, and Housing for Persons with Disabilities.
    Cuts $3.3 billion from the Community Development Block Grant, which provides funds for local governments to pursue affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization services.
    $770 million cut to the Community Services Block Grant, which provide for basic needs support and poverty alleviation in local communities facing economic need.
    Guts U.S. diplomacy and global engagement with an 83 percent cut to the State Department and International Affairs budget. This includes a drastic reduction in foreign aid, slashing over $20 billion from programs that support global health, humanitarian relief, and democracy promotion.
    Cuts $15 billion in IIJA clean energy grants.
    Cuts $1.5 billion from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which is tasked with monitoring, predicting, and forecasting the weather and climate.
    Nearly $1 billion in cuts to Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) programs that support tribal operations.
    Cuts $3.5 billion in basic assistance to refugees like housing, food, clothing, access to basic services; cuts another $2.6 billion in humane services to migrants that provide shelter, access to community services, and education—including to migrant farmworkers’ children.
    Eliminates the EPA’s Environmental Justice Program.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Foreign Nationals Indicted For Selling Drugs And Unlawful Possession Of Firearms

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LAS VEGAS – Two foreign nationals unlawfully residing in the United States made their initial court appearances Wednesday to face a 12-count indictment in connection to an alleged drug trafficking conspiracy to distribute heroin, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine, and unlawful possession of firearms, including a privately made firearm, in furtherance of the drug trafficking crimes.

    According to allegations contained in court documents, from September 2024 to March 27, 2025, Jose Luis Castillo-Alvarez, also known as “Celso Ramses Ibarra-Angulo” and “Oscar,” and Kevin Omar Cruz-Lima, also known as “Kevin Omar Lima-Cruz” and “Cesar,” conspired with each other to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin; 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; 10 grams or more of fentanyl; and cocaine. Furthermore, on March 27, 2025, Castillo-Alvarez and Cruz-Lima allegedly possessed an AM15 5.56x45mm semiautomatic rifle and a privately made 9x19mm semiautomatic pistol in furtherance of the drug trafficking crimes. Castillo-Alvarez and Cruz-Lima were unlawfully in the United States at the time of the alleged crimes. Castillo-Alvarez had been previously deported from the United States.

    Heroin is a Schedule I controlled substance; and methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine are Schedule II controlled substances.

    Castillo-Alvarez and Cruz-Lima are each charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances; two counts of distribution of heroin; one count of prohibited person in possession of a firearm; and two counts of possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.

    Additionally, Castillo-Alvarez is charged with one count of deported alien found in the United States. Castillo-Alvarez was previously deported and removed from the United States on April 20, 2020, and reentered the country illegally. Cruz-Lima is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin; one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl; and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

    United States Magistrate Judge Youchah scheduled a jury trial before United States District Judge Richard F. Boulware II to begin on June 30, 2025.

    If convicted, both Castillo-Alvarez and Cruz-Lima face the total maximum statutory penalty of confinement for life.

    United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada, Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Cicolani for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Salt Lake City Field Office Director Michael Bernacke made the announcement.

    This case was investigated by ATF, the ICE Salt Lake City, Las Vegas Sub-Office, and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Dan Cowhig and Special Assistant United States Attorney Clay Plummer are prosecuting the case.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhoods.

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

    ###

     

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Indiana Congressional Candidate Sentenced to Federal Prison for Falsifying Campaign Finance Records

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    INDIANAPOLIS— Gabriel Whitley, 27, of Indianapolis, has been sentenced to three months in federal prison followed by one year of supervised release after pleading guilty to making materially false statements to the Federal Election Commission.

    According to court documents, during the 2024 primary election, Gabriel Whitley was a candidate for United States Congress in Indiana’s 7th Congressional District. Whitley did not win the primary election, which was held on May 7, 2024. As set forth below in more detail, rather than raise funds in the normal course for his campaign, Whitley fabricated contributions that he had received and falsely reported to the Federal Election Commission (“FEC”) that he had in fact received those contributions. Whitley knew the FEC filings were riddled with falsehoods, and in making those fraudulent statements, deceived the American public about his candidacy.

    As set forth in Court documents, on October 11, 2023, Whitley, acting as Treasurer for his principal campaign committee, “Honest Gabe for Congress,” filed a report with the FEC covering the period from July 1, 2023, to September 30, 2023. In that report, Whitley lied and falsely documented that 67 people, not including himself, made contributions to his campaign, totaling approximately $222,690. These reports included made-up names, occupations, employers, and addresses for multiple fictitious contributors.

    On January 31, 2024, Whitley, again acting as Treasurer for his campaign committee, filed another report with the FEC repeating the same scheme he had engaged in previously, lying and falsely reporting contributions that he knew he had never received.

    Finally, on April 15, 2024, Whitley filed yet another false report with the FEC. In that report, he lied again and falsely conveyed that he loaned his campaign $100,000 on March 7, 2024, while knowing that he had not in fact loaned his campaign this money and did not have the funds to do so.

    In total, approximately $234,000 of the purported contributions to Honest Gabe for Congress never occurred.

    “Gabriel Whitley intentionally created an illusion that he was a legitimate candidate for office with the financial support of the electorate, denying the public of its most powerful tool for casting informed ballots: transparency,” said John E. Childress, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Federal election laws require all federal candidates to make a true, accurate accounting of the contributions they have received, so that citizens can properly choose their own leaders. This sentence should reassure the public of our government’s ability to police and punish conduct that corrupts elections and denies the public the right to cast informed votes.”

    “When you are a candidate for public office, you have the same responsibility to follow the law just like the people you seek to represent,” said FBI Indianapolis Acting Special Agent in Charge Dominique Evans. “This wasn’t a mistake by Mr. Whitley – it was a deliberate effort to deceive the public by violating campaign finance laws for his own gain. The FBI remains committed to investigating those who violate public trust and ensure they are held accountable.”

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James R. Sweeney II.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Childress thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany J. Preston and Trial Attorney of the Public Integrity of the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice, Nicole Lockhart, who prosecuted this case, with substantial assistance from former PIN Trial Attorney Jacob Steiner

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Grand Jury Indicts Louisville Man for Methamphetamine, Fentanyl, and Cocaine Trafficking Conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Louisville, KY – A federal grand jury in Louisville, Kentucky, has indicted a local man with a drug conspiracy involving methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine.  

    U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Acting Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson of the FBI Louisville Field Office, Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department, and Sheriff John Aubrey of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office made the announcement.

    According to the indictment, Jordan Watkins, 34, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine, over 40 grams of fentanyl, and cocaine for an offense occurring between September 24, 2023, and March 9, 2025, in Jefferson County, Kentucky.

    On April 25, 2025, Watkins made an initial court appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. A detention hearing is scheduled for May 5, 2025. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    This case is being investigated by the FBI and LMPD, with assistance from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank Dahl is prosecuting this case.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

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

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: D.C. Felon Indicted After Officers Find Firearm in Vehicle

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant Charged as Part of Make D.C. Safe Again Initiative

    WASHINGTON – Jerone D. Robinson, 48, a resident of the District of Columbia, has been indicted on a federal firearms charge as part of the Make D.C. Safe Again initiative. The indictment was announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr., Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

    Make D.C. Safe Again is a public safety initiative led by U.S. Attorney Martin that is surging resources to reduce violent crime in the District of Columbia. The initiative prioritizes federal firearms violations, seeks tougher penalties for offenders, and aims to detain dangerous individuals facing federal firearms charges.

    Robinson is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon.

    According to court documents, on Jan. 18, 2024, MPD officers were conducting proactive patrols on Benning Road NE when they observed an unattended, running vehicle. Officers noted a sole occupant, later identified as Robinson, sitting in the driver’s seat. Through the windshield, an officer spotted a firearm on the floorboard in front of the driver’s seat.

    Robinson was detained without incident. Officers secured the firearm, which was identified as a loaded, Glock-style semi-automatic handgun.

    Officers also observed a Styrofoam cup containing a yellow liquid with the odor of alcohol in the center console. When questioned, Robinson admitted it was “a mixed drink.” He was arrested and transported to the Fifth District Station.

    A background check confirmed the firearm was not legally registered, that Robinson lacked a license to carry, and that he is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a prior felony conviction.

    This case is being investigated by the ATF Washington Field Office and the Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven B. Wasserman is 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 Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: ATF Louisville host press conference on combatting firearms trafficking to Mexico

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

    LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Louisville Field Division hosted a joint press conference to showcase recent efforts to combat the trafficking of firearms to Mexico. ATF was also joined by the IRS, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Louisville Metro Police Department and Jeffersontown Police Department.

    “ATF is on the frontline in the fight against gun-related violence associated with organized gangs and drug trafficking organizations,” said ATF Louisville Field Division Special Agent in Charge John Nokes. “These crimes present a grave threat to public safety, and our law enforcement partnerships are critical as we work together to stop firearms trafficking by criminal groups.”

    In response to the growing threat posed by Transnational Criminal Organizations and the administration’s emphasis on combating them, ATF has been working swiftly and diligently with partners to effectively combat the flow of illegal firearms trafficked to Mexico.

    Over the past four years, Cartels have infiltrated the United States through the southern border and are operating within our communities. These Cartels have established and expanded their networks throughout the United States to carry out their illicit activities such as, fentanyl trafficking and human smuggling.

    Cartels rely on specific firearms to facilitate, expand and protect their criminal enterprise, including large caliber and/or belt fed rifles such as, the Ohio Ordinance M2 .50 caliber, FN M240 7.6mm, FN M249 5.56, and the Barrett M82 .50 semi-automatic rifle.

    Under President Trump’s and Attorney General Bondi’s leadership, ATF has prevented nearly 9,700 firearms from falling into the hands of dangerous criminals or terrorist. In Fiscal Year to Date 2025, ATF initiated 15,825 violent crime cases and seized 18,286 firearms, 13,031 firearms parts and accessories, 1,161,501 rounds of ammunition and 13,304 assorted explosives.

    ATF is the only federal law enforcement agency whose mission is to reduce violent crime. While our mission is clear and concise, it is also immense and dangerous. And, as a small agency with just about 5,000 employees, we can only succeed with our local, state, and federal partners. These partnerships, including the U.S. Attorney’s Offices, Homeland Security Investigations, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), other government agencies, state and local law enforcement, help to stem the flow of illegal firearms being trafficked to Mexico.

    ATF is the federal agency with jurisdiction for investigating firearms, fires and crimes of arson. More information on ATF can be found at www.atf.gov

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Israel/OPT: Two months of humanitarian aid ban in Gaza is ‘genocide in action’ – harrowing testimonies from residents

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Israel’s ban on aid and goods into Gaza has now entered its second month

    Starvation and denial of life-saving essentials are being used as weapons of war

    ‘You may send your child to bring water only for him to return in a body bag. Every day is like this here’ – Gaza resident

    ‘Israel has relentlessly and mercilessly turned Gaza into an inferno of death and destruction’ – Erika Guevara Rosas

    Israel must immediately end its devastating siege on the occupied Gaza Strip which constitutes a genocidal act, a blatant form of unlawful collective punishment, and the war crime of using starvation of civilians as a method of warfare, said Amnesty International.

    By blocking the entry of supplies critical for the survival of the population, Israel continues its policy of deliberately imposing conditions of life on Palestinians in Gaza calculated to bring about their physical destruction; this constitutes an act of genocide.  

    Harrowing new testimonies, gathered by Amnesty throughout April, reveal the catastrophic human cost of Israel’s two-month long total siege, where starvation and denial of life-saving essentials are being used as weapons of war in flagrant violation of international law. 

    Erika Guevara Rosas, Amnesty International’s Senior Director for Research, Advocacy, Policy, and Campaigns, said:

    “The extent of human suffering in Gaza for the past 19 months has been unimaginable, and it is a direct consequence of Israel’s ongoing genocide. Apart from a brief respite during the temporary truce, Israel has relentlessly and mercilessly turned Gaza into an inferno of death and destruction.

    “For the past two months, Israel has completely cut off the supply of humanitarian aid and other items indispensable to the survival of civilians in a clear and calculated effort to collectively punish over two million civilians and to make Gaza unliveable. This is genocide in action.  

    “The international community must not continue to stand by as Israel perpetrates these atrocities with impunity. Governments, especially Israel’s allies, must act now and take concrete measures to pressure Israel into immediately lifting its total siege and allowing the unhindered entry of humanitarian aid and its safe distribution across all of Gaza. A sustained ceasefire is essential to ensure that can happen.” 

    Testimonies from residents and internally displaced people

    Amnesty conducted interviews with 35 internally displaced people seeking shelter in Gaza City and six residents of Beit Lahia, which paint a grim picture of a population teetering on the brink of survival.  

    In addition to blocking entry of all aid, Israel’s decision to cut power to Gaza’s main desalination plant on 9 March has further crippled access to clean water. The plant was the only facility in Gaza reconnected to Israel’s electricity grid in November 2024, after a full electricity blackout had been imposed since 11 October 2023.  

    The collapse of the truce with Israel’s resumption of attacks on 18 March, which have killed at least 2,325 people, including 820 children, shattered any semblance of hope for Palestinians in Gaza.  

    A resident told Amnesty:

    “We thought we would finally have a chance to mourn our dead in peace, to bury those we couldn’t bury and to start life. Conditions were very tough, but at least we could start planning for something other than death.” 

    Expansive “evacuation” orders and no-go zones now engulf nearly 70% of the Gaza Strip, forcing people to abandon what is left of the scarce sources of sustenance and access to livelihoods for farmers and fishermen.  

    The consequences are irreversible damage to the Palestinian population. Basic food items -including fish and meat- have become prohibitively expensive, pushing countless families into hunger. 

    One fisherman described the deadly gamble he is forced to take due to the risk of being shot at by the Israeli military while at sea: 

    “When I go fishing, I know that the danger of not returning home to my family is great… but we have no other option. My family’s survival depends on the money we can get out of selling the fish in the market – and it may cost you your life.”  

    The severe food scarcity is being exploited and exacerbated by individuals hoarding or looting supplies, selling them at extortionate prices. Amidst a severe cash liquidity crisis, commissions to withdraw money may reach 30%. Most Palestinians in Gaza now can only rely on overcrowded community kitchens, where displaced people endure hours-long waits for minimal sustenance, often just a single meal per day.  

    A displaced parent said:

    “We don’t ask if food is nutritious or not, if it’s fresh or good; that’s a luxury, we just want to fill the stomachs of our children. I don’t want my child to die hungry.”

    Throughout the conflict, including during the truce, local authorities in Gaza have failed to take any meaningful steps to stop such exploitation and profiteering. Their apparent disregard for civilians has prompted hundreds of protesters in Gaza, particularly in Beit Lahia, to take to the streets demanding the downfall of Hamas in recent weeks.   

    The crisis has had a particularly devastating impact on infants and breastfeeding and pregnant mothers. According to OCHA, 92% of infants aged 6-23 months and pregnant and breastfeeding mothers are not meeting their nutrient requirements.   

    Water scarcity, an endemic problem in Gaza due to Israel’s 17 year-long blockade, has now become critical, with some resorting to drinking seawater. Damaged infrastructure and fuel shortages have severely limited access to clean water. Residents in Beit Lahia said they had no water for domestic use for five consecutive days.  

    Another resident said:

    “I woke up thirsty, not even able to speak. If we wanted to get just a few bottles of drinking water, I had to send my son to queue for water for hours and he had to walk long distances. With the relentless bombardment and danger lurking everywhere, you don’t know. You may send your child to bring water only for him to return in a body bag. Every day is like this here.” 

    The lack of cooking gas and the scarcity and unaffordability of wood are forcing people to burn hazardous materials like waste and nylon for cooking and heating, leading to widespread respiratory illnesses, particularly among women, who often are the ones making fire for cooking.   

    Gaza’s healthcare system has largely collapsed under Israel’s military attacks and denial of humanitarian aid access. Doctors at the Al-Rantissi pediatric hospital in Gaza City, which only managed to reopen during the truce, report critical shortages of essential medical supplies and equipment.  

    A doctor said:

    “We are the only hospital in Gaza dedicated to providing dialysis for children… following the siege, we’ve been having shortages, including in AV fistulas which doctors need to prepare patients for dialysis treatment. We also notice the impact of the hunger on the children who come here to receive treatment: they are fading… you recommend that the parent give the child specific attention, specific food, and you know that what you are recommending is an impossibility.” 

    Another doctor highlighted the growing number of severely malnourished children, including infants lacking baby formula, and a critical shortage of life-saving medications like insulin. 

    Amnesty opposes any attempts to weaponise aid, use it for forced displacement, or create discriminatory aid distribution zones, all of which would violate international law. 

    ICJ hearings this week

    This week in the Hague, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is holding public hearings to examine Israel’s obligations in relation to the presence and activities of the United Nations and other international organisations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT), including the provision of humanitarian assistance. Amnesty reiterates the critical urgency of allowing UNRWA, other UN agencies and humanitarian organisations, to carry out their life-saving work across the OPT without obstructions.  

    Israel’s refusal to allow aid into Gaza also flouts repeated ICJ orders to ensure Palestinians have access to sufficient humanitarian assistance and basic services. 

    System of apartheid

    Since June 2007, Israeli authorities have imposed an illegal land, sea and air blockade on Gaza, effectively controlling the entire strip and depriving residents of their most basic rights. This blockade has isolated Palestinians in Gaza from the rest of the OPT, and helped maintain Israel’s system of apartheid. Immediately following the Hamas-led 7 October attacks, Israel imposed a full siege on Gaza for almost two weeks, but even after Israel was pressured into lifting the total siege, it has maintained suffocating restrictions on the delivery of aid into and inside Gaza.  

    Erika Guevara Rosas at Amnesty added:

    “Governments contemptible failure to live up to their legal responsibilities to prevent and bring an end to Israel’s genocide in Gaza, as well as their obligation to ensure respect for international humanitarian law throughout the OPT, is deplorable. Decades of inaction helped establish pervasive impunity for Israel’s persistent violations and it is now exacting an unprecedent toll of death, destruction and suffering on Palestinians.

    “Governments must take action to render Israel’s violations against Palestinians politically, diplomatically and economically unsustainable – the siege on Gaza must end now. They must impose a comprehensive arms embargo on Israel and fully support and cooperate with the International Criminal Court.” 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI USA: McClellan Statement on Shuttering of Georgia-Pacific Emporia Plant

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (Virginia 4th District)

    Washington, D.C. –Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) issued the following statement after Georgia-Pacific announced the closure of the Emporia facility due to the current economic downturn:

    “Today, 554 employees went to work at the Georgia-Pacific Emporia Plywood mill only to receive word that they are laid off, some effective immediately. Georgia-Pacific’s decision to close its Emporia facility by July 1st leaves these workers, their families, and the community devastated, their futures uncertain.

    “My heart goes out to every family who now faces increased anxiety and potential hardship because of these layoffs, and I encourage impacted families to reach out to my office for help navigating resources they may need during this time. My office remains in contact with Georgia-Pacific and local officials to ensure the impacted employees receive access to job placement resources and support agencies.” 

    Rep. McClellan’s Brunswick Office
    100 Athletic Field Road
    Lawrenceville, VA  23868
    Phone: (804) 486-1840
    10am – 4:30pm — every Thursday, or by appointment
    Mailing Address: P.O. Box 211 Lawrenceville, VA 23868

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lawler, Meng, and Fetterman Introduce Bicameral Bill to Return Stolen Snap Benefits

    Source: US Congressman Mike Lawler (R, NY-17)

    Washington, D.C. – 5/2/25… Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17), Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06), and U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) introduced the Fairness for Victims of SNAP Skimming Act, legislation to make sure that people don’t go hungry if criminals and frauds steal their essential benefits. The bill would allow state SNAP agencies to reimburse SNAP recipients for benefits stolen through skimming or other methods. 

    “Skimming” is a form of fraud that uses illegal devices attached to card processing machines to collect individuals’ data. Skimming scams directly copy card and personal identification number (PIN) information from EBT cardholders and then use this stolen data to access EBT accounts and spend SNAP and cash benefits. Thousands of Americans have lost millions of dollars in benefits since mid-2022 due to this scam.

    The current legislation allows replacement of benefits stolen between October 1, 2022, and September 30, 2024. It also limits replacement to either 1) the full amount stolen or 2) two months of benefits, whichever is less. The Fairness for Victims of SNAP Skimming Act would permanently extend this provision to ensure state agencies continue to replace benefits, as well as lift the cap on repayment to ensure the replacement is for the full amount stolen. States are currently not permitted to use federal funds to replace stolen benefits after Congress allowed the authority to lapse late last year.

    “No family in America should go hungry because criminals are stealing their SNAP benefits through skimming,” said Congressman Lawler. “This bipartisan bill will give states the tools needed to make victims whole and ensures tax dollars support hardworking families, not thieves. I’m proud to work with Senators Fetterman and Gillibrand to introduce this common-sense solution.”

    “SNAP is a critical lifeline for millions of Pennsylvanians. It is despicable that thieves are targeting hungry families, literally taking food from a baby’s mouth,” said Senator John Fetterman.“We can’t let vulnerable children go hungry because of these criminals. I’m committed to doing everything in my power to protect and extend SNAP benefits. We need to make sure American families get fed – this bill is a critical step in doing just that.”

    “SNAP is a lifeline for thousands of New Yorkers. Stealing these benefits from hungry families is unconscionable,” said Congresswoman Grace Meng. “That’s why I have fought to help over nearly 85,000 New Yorkers recover more than $39.9 million in SNAP benefits. However, beneficiaries in Queens and communities across the country continue to be targeted by scammers looking to steal their benefits. Since 2022, Congress has made sure that victims of this crime don’t go hungry. However, late last year, Congress failed to extend this provision. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan, bicameral bill to ensure that no one who relies on SNAP to put food on the table goes hungry because their benefits were stolen by bad faith actors.” 

    Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York’s 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

    ###

    Full text of the bill can be found HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Coons, Tillis, colleagues introduce bipartisan, bicameral legislation to restore American innovation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Judiciary Committee’s Intellectual Property Subcommittee, and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property, reintroduced the Patent Eligibility Restoration Act (PERA). This bipartisan, bicameral legislation will restore patent eligibility to important inventions across many fields while also resolving legitimate concerns over the patenting of mere ideas, the mere discovery of what already exists in nature, and social and cultural content that everyone agrees is beyond the scope of the patent system. It also affirms the basic principle that the patent system is central to promoting technology-based innovation.
    Representatives Kevin Kiley (R-Calif.) and Scott Peters (D-Calif.) introduced a companion bill in the U.S. House of Representatives.
    “When American innovators know their ideas are eligible for patent protection, they take the risks that push us into the future – whether that’s the next medical test or the latest AI technology,” said Senator Coons. “PERA restores clarity to the law on what can be patented and what cannot – guidance that federal courts have been requesting for years and that the Supreme Court has refused to provide. Congress must step up to provide America’s inventors with the stable legal foundation they need to produce the cutting-edge technologies that power our economy.”
    “Clear, reliable, and predictable patent rights are imperative to enable investments in the broad array of innovative technologies that are critical to the economic and global competitiveness of the United States, and to ensuring the national security of our great country,” said Senator Tillis. “Unfortunately, a series of Supreme Court decisions have rendered patent eligibility law unclear, unreliable, and unpredictable, resulting in U.S. inventors being unable to obtain patents in areas where our economic peers offer patent protection. This is particularly concerning in the economically critical areas of biotechnology and artificial intelligence. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation maintains the existing statutory categories of eligible subject matter, which have worked well for over two centuries, while addressing inappropriate judicially created eligibility limitations by creating clear rules for what is eligible. We cannot allow foreign adversaries like China to overtake us in key areas of technology innovation due to the current state of patent eligibility law. I look forward to continuing to work with all stakeholders on this important matter. Passing patent eligibility reform is one of my top legislative priorities.”
    “American innovators have been at a disadvantage in recent years because of the U.S. patent system,” said Representative Kevin Kiley. “Convoluted Supreme Court rulings and tests on subject matter eligibility have made it increasingly difficult for inventors to receive patents, leading to foreign companies overtaking our own. That’s why I’m proud to introduce the bi-partisan Patent Eligibility Restoration Act, which will dramatically reverse this trend, and unleash a tide of economic growth and job creation here at home.”
    “For more than two centuries, a U.S. patent has guaranteed inventions will be protected from theft, helping the U.S. become the innovation capital of the world. San Diego, in particular, is the proud home of a thriving life sciences and technology ecosystem that has benefited from these protections,” said Representative Peters. “Over the last 15 years, however, several Supreme Court decisions have created confusion about what exactly is eligible for a patent. Innovators, consumers, and even the judges who adjudicate patent law have called on Congress to provide clarity on what can be patented. I look forward to working with Congressman Kiley, Senator Coons, and Senator Tillis to advance our Patent Eligibility Restoration Act and protect American innovation.” 
    Due to a series of Supreme Court decisions, patent eligibility law in the United States has become confused, constricted, and unclear in recent years. This has resulted in a wide range of well-documented negative impacts – inconsistent case decisions, uncertainty in innovation and investment communities, and unpredictable business outcomes.
    In 2021, all 12 then-sitting judges of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit lamented the state of the law. Witnesses and stakeholders from a wide array of industries, fields, interest groups, and academia have testified and submitted comments confirming the uncertainty and detailing the detrimental effects of patent eligibility confusion in the United States. There is now widespread bipartisan agreement in Congress and across all recent administrations that reforms are necessary to restore the United States to a position of global strength and leadership in key areas of technology and innovation, such as medical diagnostics, biotechnology, personalized medicine, artificial intelligence, and 5G technology.
    The Patent Eligibility Restoration Act achieves this critical goal by restoring patent eligibility to important inventions across many fields, while also resolving legitimate concerns over patenting of mere ideas, the mere discovery of what already exists in nature, and social and cultural content that everyone agrees is beyond the scope of the patent system, which is a system aimed at promoting technology-based innovation. As a general approach, the Patent Eligibility Restoration Act maintains the existing statutory categories of eligible subject matter, which have worked well for over two centuries, but eliminates the overly malleable set of current judicial exceptions – replacing them with five specific and clear statutory exclusions. By eliminating and replacing the current judicial exceptions, the Patent Eligibility Restoration Act provides predictable patent eligibility for important computer-implemented technological developments and medical advances, creating a solid bedrock for America’s innovation future.
    The following organizations support the Patent Eligibility Restoration Act: Innovation Alliance, C4IP, AUTM, AIPLA, IEEE-USA, USIJ, MDMA, BIO, NCLifeSci, Adeia, Nokia, Sisvel, Conservatives for Property Rights, Eagle Forum Education & Legal Defense Fund, U.S. Business & Industry Council, Center for a Free Economy, Center for Individual Freedom, American Policy Center, Less Government, 60 Plus Association, American Association of Senior Citizens, Frontiers of Freedom, Consumer Action for a Strong Economy, Center for American Principles, Prosperity for Us Foundation, Market Institute, Inventors Defense Alliance, Lauder Partners, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Heritage Action, 21C, Netlist, and FICPI.
    “Congress has not made substantive changes to what subject matter is patentable in the United States since the Patent Act of 1793, making it difficult for courts, inventors, and the public to understand how 21st-century technologies fit within an 18th Century patent statute,” said Andrei Iancu, board co-chair of C4IP and former Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and USPTO Director from 2018 to 2021. “I commend Congress for advancing PERA in order to finally modernize our patent laws and promote U.S. global leadership in biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and other modern technologies.” 
    “PERA provides the clarity needed to unlock the full potential of cutting-edge technologies and solidify U.S. leadership in scientific and technological breakthroughs,” said David Kappos, board co-chair of C4IP and former Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and USPTO Director from 2009 to 2013. “We cannot allow legal uncertainty to stall the next wave of American innovation.”
    “Patent Eligibility is an important issue for cancer patients – both for life-saving, early diagnosis and for promising new treatments.  PERA will provide the certainty needed to enable innovative breakthroughs to reach patients. Dana-Farber Cancer Institute applauds Congress for introducing and advancing this important bill – the patients are waiting,” said the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
    “Passing PERA is essential if the US is to catch up to Europe and Asia, especially China,” said Judge Paul Michel (retired). “They make eligible for patenting many classes of inventions held ineligible here. The very uncertainty of the zone of eligibility is itself an obstacle to companies getting the investments they need to compete both domestically and globally. Only Congress can fix this chaotic mess because the courts are trapped in their own harmful precedents.” 
    “In my former court, which hears patent cases on appeal, concurring and dissenting opinions in patent eligibly cases have proliferated,” said Judge Kathleen O’Malley (retired). “Veteran jurists have described the state of affairs as ‘incoherent,’ ‘unclear,’ ‘fraught,’ and ‘inconsistent.’ The Patent Eligibility Restoration Act would return clarity to patent eligibly law and encourage continued innovation in key emerging technologies – technologies that are central to the United States remaining the world’s innovation leader.”
    “NCLifeSci thanks Senator Tillis for reintroducing the Patent Eligibility Restoration Act of 2025, which restores the confidence in our nation’s patent laws by bringing much needed clarity to Section 101 of the Patent Act. Confidence that the life sciences industry needs to robustly invest in the future of medicine. For too long, fields like diagnostics, precision medicine, cell and gene therapy, RNA medicine, and digital health have been threatened by unclear and uncertain patent-eligibility standards that put America’s innovators at a disadvantage, and that discourage local investment. Through this legislation, our members – which include leading innovators who operate cutting-edge gene therapy manufacturing facilities here in North Carolina and research potential treatments and cures for Alzheimer’s and cancer —will be able to continue to take the bold risks and make the high levels of investment necessary to take fields like these to their next level, with the confidence that our patent laws will continue to hold up through future waves of technological progress,” said the NC Life Sciences Organization.
    “The Innovation Alliance applauds Senators Tillis and Coons and Representatives Kiley and Peters for sponsoring the Patent Eligibility Restoration Act, which will provide much needed predictability and clarity to the hopelessly confused law of patent eligibility.  The Supreme Court has provided no workable framework to guide patent owners or the courts, and it has repeatedly refused to clarify the law, rejecting requests by the Federal Circuit and others to do so time and again. Investment dollars are flowing out of the United States as a result, jeopardizing the future of America’s innovation economy. It is past time for Congress to act,” said the Innovation Alliance.  
    “This bipartisan and much-needed bill would strike a decade of judicial tinkering that has needlessly turned the question of patent eligibility into a confusing mess and harmed the U.S. versus our economic competitors. While the U.S. has spent a decade holding back innovations in areas such as fintech, diagnostic solutions and medical devices trying to figure out whether they are ‘abstract’ or not, our competitors are moving forward and protecting these inventions. PERA would be particularly beneficial to American startups and innovators by providing the clarity needed to attract investment for new ventures in essential areas such as medical devices, diagnostics, manufacturing and a whole new range of advancements powered by software,” said the Alliance of U.S. Startups & Inventors for Jobs.
    “AUTM – the association representing technology transfer professionals – thanks Senators Tillis and Coons and others for their leadership in introducing PERA. This legislation is crucially needed to address the ambiguities that the courts have created about what is, and what is not, patent eligible. At a time when the U.S. is competing for innovation leadership, its patent system needs to clearly delineate this process so that it can move forward on numerous discoveries that otherwise would wither on the vine,” said AUTM.
    “The reintroduction of the Patent Eligibility Restoration Act (PERA) marks a pivotal move toward restoring clarity and consistency in U.S. patent law. By providing clear statutory guidelines, PERA offers inventors, entrepreneurs, and research institutions the certainty needed to innovate confidently. We commend Senator Tillis and Senator Coons for their leadership on this critical issue and remain committed to collaborating with Congress to support a patent system that fosters transparency and predictability,” said the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA).
    “The Coalition for 21st Century Patent Reform applauds Congress for reintroducing PERA. This legislation represents a significant step forward in clarifying patent eligibility while maintaining necessary standards on what is ultimately patentable. 21C applauds these efforts as they will make sure that the United States remains the most attractive place in the world to invest, invent, and grow,” said the Coalition for 21st Century Patent Reform (21C).
    The text of the bill is available here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Four Mexican Nationals Residing Unlawfully in the United States Charged for Their Roles in an International Conspiracy to Smuggle Aliens from Canada into the U.S.

    Source: United States Department of Justice

    Four Mexican nationals unlawfully residing in the United States have been charged for their roles in an international human smuggling conspiracy that illegally brought aliens across the Canadian border to the United States for profit.

    Edgar Sanchez-Solis, 23, unlawfully residing in Kansas City, Kansas; Ignacio Diaz-Perez, 35, unlawfully residing in Oakwood, Georgia; Samuel Diaz-Perez, 26, unlawfully residing in Dublin, Ohio; and Salvador Diaz-Diaz, 32, unlawfully residing in Columbus, Ohio, were charged by indictment with conspiracy to bring aliens to the United States and 25 counts of bringing aliens illegally to the United States for profit. The defendants were arrested at multiple locations throughout the United States and are currently detained. Ignacio Diaz-Perez and Salvador Diaz-Diaz had been previously removed from the United States.

    “As alleged, these defendants illegally entered this country and then sought to smuggle hundreds of aliens per week to the United States from Mexico, Central America, and South America through the Canadian border,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The defendants instructed smuggled aliens to make testimonial videos touting the enterprise’s services. In reality, the defendants imperiled their human cargo and innocent American lives when they repeatedly engaged in life-threatening conduct, including multiple high-speed getaways from law enforcement.”

    “This case demonstrates our relentless efforts to secure our northern border against the criminal organizations profiting from human smuggling and other illegal activities,” said U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III for the Northern District of New York. “We are grateful for our partnership with Joint Task Force Alpha as we work to dismantle these transnational criminal organizations and make our North Country communities safer.”

    According to court documents, the four defendants were part of an alien smuggling organization that has been operating for the last two years in Mexico, Canada, and the United States. The four defendants, in exchange for money, conspired with others to smuggle hundreds of aliens per week from Mexico, Central America, and South America through Canada, into northern New York, including Franklin and Clinton Counties, as alleged in court documents. The aliens or their family members paid thousands of dollars to be smuggled into the United States. The defendants and their co-conspirators allegedly facilitated the illegal travel of the aliens from Mexico to Canada and then across the northern border, where they were picked up and driven farther into the United States.

    On multiple occasions members of the alien smuggling organization led local and federal law enforcement officers on high-speed vehicle chases along the U.S. northern border, creating a grave public safety risk, according to court documents. For example, in April 2023, smugglers allegedly fled the Burke Border Patrol Station’s sector at a high rate of speed after setting off a border sensor. Border Patrol successfully stopped the vehicle and apprehended the smugglers, who were transporting seven adult aliens and three minors. In another incident, in May 2023, the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office used a tire deflation device to stop a van carrying aliens after it allegedly failed to yield to both federal and state law enforcement. The smugglers and aliens allegedly fled on foot after the vehicle was disabled. As additionally alleged, in August 2023, a vehicle carrying aliens that was fleeing from Border Patrol drove into Plattsburgh, New York, where it drove erratically, passed vehicles in a congested traffic area, ran a red light, and struck a motorist at an intersection. The driver and six illegal aliens fled the accident scene on foot but eventually were apprehended.

    “These individuals acted in blatant disregard of our nation’s laws, allegedly smuggling hundreds of aliens into the United States for thousands of dollars each,” said Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Buffalo. “They’re alleged to have repeatedly put the public at risk through dangerous vehicle chases with law enforcement further demonstrating their contempt for the law and safety of others. We work every day with our partners in the U.S. Border Patrol and are proud to support the security of our borders and uphold public safety in our communities.”

    “These charges are a testament to the hard work of the men and women of the United States Border Patrol and its partner agencies,” said Chief Patrol Agent Robert N. Garcia of the U.S. Border Patrol’s Swanton Sector. “The days of catch-and-release are over, and the reality is clear; if you attempt to enter the United States illegally, if you attempt to smuggle or traffic human beings, you will be apprehended and you will face severe consequences.”

    The investigation and arrests of the defendants were coordinated under Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). JTFA, a partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has been elevated and expanded by the Attorney General with a mandate to target cartels and other transnational criminal organizations to eliminate human smuggling and trafficking networks operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, and Colombia that impact public safety and the security of our borders. JTFA currently comprises detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the border. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by the Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) and supported by the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, the Office of Enforcement Operations, and the Office of International Affairs, among others. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 360 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling; more than 330 U.S. convictions; more than 275 significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets.

    Mr. Galeotti expressed his gratitude to Joint Task Force Alpha, which is focused on combatting human smuggling organizations, and its partners in this case, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York and HSI. HSI Rouses Point and U.S. Border Patrol Burke Station led U.S. investigative efforts, with substantial assistance from HSI’s Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C. and CBP’s National Targeting Center International Interdiction Task Force.

    Trial Attorney Jenna Reed of the Criminal Division’s HRSP and Assistant U.S. Attorney Carling Dunham for the Northern District of New York are prosecuting the case.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and other transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Project Safe Neighborhood.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Experts of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination Commend Kyrgyzstan on Eradicating Statelessness, Ask about Measures to Prevent Hate Speech and Bride Kidnapping

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    The Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination today concluded its consideration of the combined eleventh and twelfth periodic reports of Kyrgyzstan, with Committee Experts commending the State on resolving all known cases of statelessness, and asking about measures to prevent hate speech and the practice of bride kidnapping.

    Mazalo Tebie, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, and other Committee Experts commended Kyrgyzstan on having resolved all known cases of statelessness in 2019.  They asked how the State party was bringing its legislation on statelessness in line with international standards.

    Guan Jian, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur, said conflicts between the country’s various ethnic groups had occurred in recent years.  The State party needed to consider early detection and preventative measures to prevent hate speech.  Could the delegation provide data on crimes motivated by racist hate speech occurring online and in the media?

    Ms. Tebie also said there was a phenomenon in Kyrgyzstan called “ala kachuu” (bride kidnapping), in which young women or girls from marginalised and vulnerable ethnic groups were abducted by men and forced into marriage.  How did the State ensure the effective implementation of laws prohibiting the practice?

    In opening remarks, Marat Tagaev, Deputy Minister of Culture, Information and Youth Policy of Kyrgyzstan and head of the delegation, said Kyrgyzstan fully adhered to its international obligations under the Convention.  The President had approved the national development strategy until 2040, one of the main priorities of which was to ensure interethnic harmony and strengthen the unity of the people.

    In addition, Mr. Tagaev said Kyrgyzstan continued systematic and continuous work on the issues of refugees, internally displaced persons and stateless persons.  In 2019, it became the first country in the world to resolve all known cases of statelessness.  It had also introduced a universal system that ensured 100 per cent registration of births.

    On measures to address hate speech, the delegation said a new bill on the media had been prepared in 2022 which prevented the spread of disinformation online.  In 2025, only 25 complaints related to online hate speech had been received by the State; the State had moved to block websites in response in seven cases.

    The delegation said bridal theft was a form of violence against women.  Persons who abducted women for the purpose of marriage were punished with up to seven years imprisonment, or up to 20 years for the abduction of minors. In 2022, courts found 42 individuals guilty of these crimes.  In all schools, a special subject was taught that addressed kidnapping and abductions, explaining that these actions were crimes.

    In concluding remarks, Michal Balcerzak, Committee Chair, said the dialogue had been very constructive, addressing many issues.  The information provided by the delegation would allow the Committee to develop targeted concluding observations.

    Mr. Guan, in concluding remarks, thanked the State party for its contributions to the dialogue, which had helped to make it a success.

    Mr. Tagaev, in his concluding remarks, said that the Committee’s comments and questions would help the State party to strengthen measures to promote equality and prevent discrimination. Kyrgyzstan would continue to take active steps to prevent racial discrimination and implement the Convention, working in collaboration with civil society.

    The delegation of Kyrgyzstan consisted of representatives of the Supreme Court; General Prosecutor’s Office; Ministry of Internal Affairs; Ministry of Health; Ministry of Labour, Social Security, and Migration; Ministry of Education and Science; Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ministry of Economy and Commerce; Cabinet of Ministers; State Commission on Religious Affairs; Administration of the President; and the Permanent Mission of Kyrgyzstan to the United Nations Office at Geneva.

    The Committee will issue its concluding observations on the report of Kyrgyzstan after the conclusion of its one hundred and fifteenth session on 9 May.  The programme of work and other documents related to the session can be found here.  Summaries of the public meetings of the Committee can be found here, while webcasts of the public meetings can be found here.

    The Committee will next meet in public on Friday, 9 May at 4 p.m. to close its one hundred and fifteenth session.

    Report

    The Committee has before it the combined eleventh and twelfth periodic reports of Kyrgyzstan (CERD/C/KGZ/11-12).

    Presentation of Report

    MARAT TAGAEV, Deputy Minister of Culture, Information and Youth Policy of Kyrgyzstan and head of the delegation, said that since Kyrgyzstan gained independence, the human rights and freedoms of its citizens, regardless of their racial and ethnic affiliation, had remained absolute and unchanged in the State.  Kyrgyzstan fully adhered to its international obligations under the Convention.  It was a multi-ethnic State with representatives of more than 100 different ethnic groups, including Uzbeks, Russians, Dungans, Uyghurs, Tajiks and other ethnic groups.  The Constitution prohibited discrimination based on race, language, ethnicity, religion, origin, as well as other circumstances.  The commission of a crime based on racial, ethnic, national, religious or interregional enmity was an aggravating circumstance.

    Set up in 2013, the Coordinating Council on Human Rights aimed to improve the mechanisms for ensuring the protection of human and civil rights and freedoms, and the implementation of international obligations in the field of human rights.  The Council included the heads of key State bodies whose activities were related to the protection of human rights, and it was headed by the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan.

    Kyrgyzstan continued systematic and continuous work on the issues of refugees, internally displaced persons and stateless persons.  In 2019, it became the first country in the world to resolve all known cases of statelessness.  It had also introduced a universal system that ensured 100 per cent registration of births.  Draft laws on Kyrgyzstan’s accession to the 1954 Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons and the 1961 Reduction of Statelessness Convention had also been submitted for public discussion. 

    The courts of the country applied not only the laws of Kyrgyzstan but also international treaties that had entered into force.  The Convention was thus an integral part of the legal system.  The President had approved the national development strategy until 2040, one of the main priorities of which was to ensure interethnic harmony, strengthen the unity of the people, and protect the rights of citizens, regardless of their ethnicity.

    In November 2020, the President of Kyrgyzstan had approved the plan for the promotion of a civil identity Kyrgyz jarany (Kyrgyz citizen) for the period 2021-2026.  The purpose of the plan was to develop a favourable environment for the promotion of the civic identity of Kyrgyz jarany, including through forming of a conscious understanding of the civil identity of Kyrgyz citizens; strengthening the unity of the people of Kyrgyzstan, increasing tolerance and promoting diversity; developing and promoting the State language and preserving multilingualism; promoting equal access to decision making; and increasing confidence in political institutions and public authorities.  Various national and international stakeholders were involved in developing the plan. 

    The People’s Assembly, which included 30 ethnic associations, played an important role in strengthening interethnic harmony, and preserving languages, culture and traditions of ethnic groups living in Kyrgyzstan.  In April 2025, the National Agency for Religious Affairs and Interethnic Relations was established, which implemented State policy in the field of religious relations, strengthening interethnic harmony, providing early warning, and preventing interethnic conflicts.

    Public reception offices for interethnic relations operated in 23 multiethnic districts, carrying out preventive measures, monitoring work in places where multiethnic communities lived, and promoting effective interaction with the civil sector.  In 2024, these offices carried out more than 1,100 early warning and prevention measures regarding interethnic conflicts, and close to 4,000 measures over the past four years.  As a result of this work, the number of interethnic incidents had decreased four-fold.

    Kyrgyzstan had created a legal framework to prevent discrimination in the courts.  The constitutional principle of equality before the law and the courts was reflected in the Criminal Procedure Code and laws on the status and behaviour of judges, as well as on the Supreme Court and local courts.

    The State party supported members of all ethnic groups in Kyrgyzstan to preserve, study and develop their native languages. In 161 local schools, students had the opportunity to study in Uzbek.  In 22 of them, education took place only in Uzbek.  The State strove to implement a balanced language policy that would foster a new trilingual generation of Kyrgyz citizens who spoke the official languages and one foreign language, while ensuring guarantees for the preservation of the native languages of ethnic communities.  Kyrgyzstan had developed a regulatory framework for its multilingual and multicultural education programmes.

    Questions by a Committee Expert

    GUAN JIAN, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur, said that the high-level delegation showed the great importance that the State party attached to the dialogue.

    The demographic data that the State party had provided was not sufficiently comprehensive or specific. How did the State party apply the principle of self-identification in data collection on ethnicity, and how would it implement the Committee’s recommendations on data collection as soon as possible?

    Mr. Guan commended the State party’s legislative work.  However, in its previous concluding observations, the Committee expressed concern about the persistent lack of anti-discrimination legislation, calling on the State party to adopt such legislation in line with the Convention, with assistance from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.  Had progress been made in this regard?  How did the Criminal Code of 2019 contribute to combatting racial discrimination?  A draft anti-discrimination law was submitted to Parliament in 2023 but was subsequently removed from its agenda for revision.  Why was this?

    The previous concluding observations also called for compliance with Convention obligations in the judicial field. During the reporting period, law enforcement units initiated 189 criminal cases related to incitement to ethnic, racial, religious or interregional hostility.  Were all these cases brought before the courts?  Did the judicial system have internal guidelines for handling cases involving racial discrimination?  Were there rules and procedures on cooperation between judicial bodies and the Office of the Ombudsperson on such cases?  Were regular training courses on anti-racial discrimination provided for judicial personnel?  Could the delegation provide examples of cases of racial discrimination where the provisions of the Convention had been invoked in, or applied by, domestic courts?

    Mr. Guan expressed appreciation for the State party’s policy efforts related to racial discrimination, including the national action plan on development of the civil identity of Kyrgyz jarany (Kyrgyz citizen) for the period 2021-2026 and the national development strategy for 2018-2040.  What preliminary achievements had been made by these policies, and by the State programme for the security and socioeconomic development of border areas, and what challenges remained?

    The Committee was concerned that the Office of the Ombudsperson was not in compliance with the Paris Principles and that it received a low number of complaints of racial discrimination. What measures had the State party taken to strengthen the mandate of the Office to effectively promote human rights and to independently monitor and evaluate progress in the implementation of the Convention, while ensuring adequate financial and human resources to carry out its mandate?  Had the State adopted a 2017 bill aiming to strengthen the independence of the institution? Why had its head been dismissed in 2023?

    Mr. Guan expressed appreciation for the State party’s endeavours to prohibit and punish racist hate speech and hate crimes, including in the media and over the internet, according to its Constitution, Criminal Code and other laws.  The State party had also reported that there were no recorded cases over the reporting period of racist statements in the media or incitement to hatred by politicians or public figures.  However, conflicts between the country’s various ethnic groups had occurred in recent years, and development gaps and uneven opportunities between different ethnic groups in some regions still existed. 

    The State party needed to consider early detection and preventative measures to prevent hate speech, including awareness raising campaigns, incentives for strengthening self-regulation of media, systematic monitoring of online hate speech, and capacity building for State authorities.  Could the delegation provide data on cases of hate speech and ethnic groups involved in conflict, and rates of completion of trials on such cases?

    The Committee had previously called on the State party to put an end to racial profiling by the police, undertake effective investigations into all allegations of racial profiling, hold those responsible accountable, and provide effective remedies to victims, as well as to develop training programmes for law enforcement officers on identifying, investigating and prosecuting racist incidents.  Mr. Guan welcomed educational seminars and training of citizens as part of the programme on Kyrgyz jarany (Kyrgyz citizen).  What measures were in place to ensure that law enforcement officers did not engage in racial profiling?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said Kyrgyzstan was committed to its obligations under the Convention and took every effort to prevent racial discrimination.  A bill on the rights of minorities had been prepared to strengthen legal mechanisms to prevent racial discrimination.  However, Parliament had called for the revision of this bill to consider different views and proposals; this process was ongoing.

    Kyrgyzstan was a poly-ethnic State. As of January 2025, the State had a population of 7.2 million.  The 2022 census revealed that Kyrgyz, Uzbeks, Russians, Uyghurs and Kazakhs represented the largest ethnic groups.  Citizens had the right to voluntarily report their ethnic identity in the census.  The Constitution enshrined the equality of all citizens regardless of their nationality or ethnicity.

    Discrimination in all forms was prohibited in Kyrgyzstan.  No person could be discriminated against based on race, ethnicity or other characteristics.  The State provided judicial protection from all forms of discrimination.  Courts treated people equally regardless of their ethnicity.  All persons subjected to discrimination could file a complaint with the courts.  The Supreme Court had called on the State party to revise laws that contravened the Constitution.  In cases of serious crimes such as murder and ill-treatment, discriminatory motives based on race, ethnicity, religion, language or other grounds were considered to be aggravating circumstances and could be qualified as crimes against humanity.

    The Ministry of the Interior provided 1,000 hours of training for newly recruited law enforcement officers, which included classes on human rights, international human rights law, and preventing all forms of discrimination.  Disciplinary cases had been brought against 5,400 officials in recent years.  A service had been established for submitting complaints against law enforcement officers. There were 53 cases related to racial discrimination in 2023 and 47 in 2024.  The judicial academy, from 2019, had also trained 429 judges on international human rights standards.  There were judges of Russian, Tartar and Kurd ethnicity in the Supreme Court.

    The Office of the Ombudsperson provided oversight on human rights issues in the State.  A new constitutional law on increasing the independence and powers of the Office and bringing the Office in line with the Paris Principles had been developed.  Recently, the Office’s budget had been increased to allow it to carry out its activities more effectively.

    Follow-Up Questions by Committee Experts

    GUAN JIAN, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur, asked whether the national statistics committee had a fixed term for carrying out the next census.  How many staff members did the Ombudsperson’s Office have and what were their roles?  What were the sources of its funding and what was its annual budget?  How did it work with courts and law enforcement?  Did the Office have branches in each region of the country?

    A Committee Expert said racist incidents in the country seemed to have increased over the years, but disciplinary measures against the police seemed to be decreasing.  In how many disciplinary cases had police officers been convicted?  What were the outcomes of disciplinary proceedings?

    One Committee Expert congratulated the State party on having completely eradicated statelessness.  Did the State party ensure the independence of the Council of Human Rights, which was under the President’s Office?  What findings had the Council made?  How did it cooperate with civil society?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said that currently, 115 persons worked for the Ombudsperson’s Office, which had branch offices in seven regions.  The Office’s financial resources had increased each year in recent years.  The Office had departments for oversight on human rights and children’s rights, a complaints department, and a department for judicial activities.  The Office monitored the rights and freedoms of citizens during both open and closed judicial proceedings.  It cooperated with law enforcement agencies and monitored the compliance of these agencies with their human rights obligations.

    All law enforcement agents underwent training activities on human rights.  Disciplinary offences for police officers were not administrative or criminal processes; they were internal processes.  Persons could submit complaints against officers via social media and email.  If investigations found that crimes had been committed, cases were transferred to the Prosecutor’s Office.  There had been an increase in complaints recently, which had led to an increase in disciplinary proceedings, but around half of complaints were found to be groundless.

    The Kyrgyz jarany (Kyrgyz citizen) project promoted respect for diversity, social cohesion and statehood. Under the project, some 23 regions had established offices that carried out monitoring and activities to prevent interethnic conflicts, including meetings with ethnic community representatives and training activities.

    The State programme on the development of border areas aimed at improving the living conditions of the population in these areas, strengthening the State border and reducing internal migration.  There were plans to develop infrastructure, agriculture and electrical supply, and reduce natural disasters in these areas.  The comprehensive programme of socio-economic development of regions was also in place, which included policies for the development of mountainous and border regions.

    Questions by a Committee Expert

    MAZALO TEBIE, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, said public offices responsible for interethnic issues had received 167 requests in 2022 related to preventing discrimination against ethnic groups.  What follow-up was given to these requests?  Could the delegation provide data on investigations into crimes motivated by racist hate speech and hate crimes occurring online and in the media? How did the State help victims to access legal aid and support services?

    Reportedly, women and girls belonging to ethnic minorities, such as Uzbeks, Tajiks and Dungans, and rural women remained underrepresented in the public and political sphere, and patriarchal norms and socio-economic barriers restricted their access to education and professional opportunities.  How were they encouraged to participate in public and private life?  What measures were in place to prevent gender and ethnic stereotypes?  Were there quotas or mechanisms to ensure fair representation of women from ethnic minorities in decision-making bodies?  How did the State party support access to basic social services for minority women?

    Members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex community had reportedly faced difficulties in accessing health services, and were frequently exposed to blackmail, intimidation, extortion, as well as arbitrary arrests and ill-treatment. What measures were in place to include these persons in awareness raising campaigns, prevent and investigate discrimination and violence against them, and ensure their access to legal protection?

    There were reports of restrictions of rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, association and opinion in the State party.  Human rights defenders and journalists were frequently exposed to threats, stigmatisation, arrests, arbitrary detentions, and sanctions such as fines, expulsions or closures of entities.  Kyrgyzstan had fallen 50 places in the 2023 World Press Freedom Index, to 122nd out of 180 countries.  What was being done to prevent the intimation of human rights defenders, to guarantee freedom of expression and other fundamental freedoms, and to release detained journalists, human rights defenders and non-governmental organization leaders?

    In 2024, the President promulgated a law on “foreign agents”.  How would the State party address concerns related to this law, which seemingly could force some non-governmental organizations to close or self-censor?  What safeguards were in place to ensure that civil society organizations could operate freely, regardless of their foreign funding?  Many non-governmental organizations had reported an increase in negative attitudes to their work by State representatives.  What measures were in place to protect non-governmental organizations from interference and intimidation by public authorities?

    A general ban on public assemblies had been imposed in 2022 to prevent certain peaceful assemblies.  Why was this ban introduced?  How did the State party ensure that citizens could exercise their right to freedom of assembly?  What measures were planned to prevent abuses of this ban by the police? Were there any redress mechanisms for citizens sanctioned under this ban?

    New laws had been implemented that banned wearing of religious clothing, including the niqab, in public spaces, and proselytising outside places of worship.  Why had these new restrictions, which ran the risk of violating the right to freedom of religion, been introduced?  How did the State party protect the right to freedom of religion and prevent religious minorities from being marginalised by these laws?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said non-profit organizations played an important part in life in Kyrgyzstan, helping to solve societal problems.  Amendments were brought to the law on non-commercial organizations in 2024 that aimed to ensure transparency and accountability for these organizations. Inclusion of these organizations in the State register ensured transparency in their finances.

    The State party banned discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons, who were guaranteed equal access to justice.  In one case, it was found that a television station had recorded a member of this community without their permission; the station was issued with a fine in response.

    There were 21,000 civil service employees, of which 35 per cent were women.  There were 340 members of minority groups in the civil service. There were no quotas for employment in the civil service.

    The draft bill on freedom of worship and religious associations sought to bring State legislation on religion in line with international norms.  It included regulations on registration of religious organizations and sites and labour relations in such organizations.  Freedom of worship was a fundamental right enshrined in the Constitution and the legal system.  There was no ban specifically on religious clothing, only a ban on covering one’s face in public institutions.  Religious organizations could not proselytise, but there were no other bans on their activities.

    Under State law, no one had the right to restrict peaceful assemblies.  Laws prevented citizens from being forced to participate in meetings. Public authorities needed to ensure public safety, and could ban public meetings that threatened public order.

    A new bill on the media had been prepared in 2022.  The bill was now under review in the President’s Office.  Representatives of the media fully supported this bill, which prevented the spread of disinformation online.  In 2025, only 25 complaints related to online hate speech had been received by the State; the State had moved to block websites in response in seven cases.

    Questions by Committee Experts

    MAZALO TEBIE, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, said that the State party had established several measures to prevent discrimination against minorities.  How did it evaluate the effectiveness of these measures? Could women wear the niqab?  How did the State party ensure freedom of religion?

    There was a phenomenon in Kyrgyzstan called “ala kachuu” (bride kidnapping), in which young women or girls were abducted by men and forced into marriage.  This practice was said to mainly affect women and girls from rural communities, and from marginalised and vulnerable groups.  What actions had been taken to ensure the effective implementation of laws prohibiting the practice, and to raise awareness among rural communities about women’s rights?  What support services were available to abducted women and girls?  Did the State party have up-to-date data on the most affected ethnic groups or regions?

    Another Committee Expert asked whether there was a framework for the participation of minorities in all law-making processes.

    FAITH DIKELEDI PANSY TLAKULA, Committee Expert and Follow-Up Rapporteur, said that the Committee’s previous concluding observations had called on the State party to implement the views of the Human Rights Committee and pardon Azimjan Askarov, considering his poor health.  The Committee deeply regretted that he had passed away five days after the State party had reported that his health was improving.  What measures were in place to protect human rights defenders, journalists and non-governmental organizations working on the rights of ethnic minorities from reprisals?

    A Committee Expert welcomed that there were thousands of civil society organizations in the State party.  Did they take part in meetings preparing for the current dialogue?  How many of these organizations had been banned?

    Another Committee Expert said that in one court case concerning an attack against homosexual persons, the court had sent back the case to the prosecution.  What happened to the case after this?  Was the fine issued to the television station for recording a member of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex community without their permission sufficient?

    GUAN JIAN, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur, welcomed measures to promote the protection of equal rights for all ethnic groups.  The Committee had previously expressed concern about the low living standards of the Mughat, characterised by high unemployment and school dropout rates; land expropriation, home demolitions and forced evictions, disproportionately affecting Uzbeks from Osh and Jalalabad and frequently carried out in the absence of due process guarantees; discrimination against Uzbeks in access to work; and the absence of remedies for persons arbitrarily dismissed from their posts following the events of 2010.  What measures were implemented to address the Committee’s concerns?

    Parliamentary deputies’ seats had in 2021 been reduced from 120 to 90.  Representatives of minority ethnic communities had held 16 seats in 2021. What impact did the reduction of seats have on the representation of ethnic groups?  As of 2022, some 11 per cent of members of local councils and four per cent of State and municipal administration staff were members of minority ethnic groups, while 3.1 per cent of police officers were from minority groups. What measures were in place to increase minority representation in these bodies and the judiciary?

    Mr. Guan welcomed the State party’s efforts to promote multilingual education.  The law on education stated that educational services could be provided in a foreign language.  Were minority languages considered to be “foreign languages”?  What financing was provided for multilingual education? There were only 2,450 ethnic Uzbeks, 125 ethnic Tajiks, and 417 Dungans studying in their mother tongues in Kyrgyzstan in 2021.  Why were these numbers so low?

    Many institutions had been established by the State party to address interethnic tensions, such as the public advisory councils on interethnic relations; community liaison offices; the monitoring centre of the Ministry of Culture, Information, Sport and Youth Policy; and the interagency commission.  Were these organizations run by the State or non-governmental organizations?  What were each of their tasks, including in implementing the Kyrgyz jarany (citizens of Kyrgyzstan) plan?  What personnel did these institutions have, how were their powers divided, and how did they cooperate with law enforcement?

    Related to June 2010 ethnic violence in the south of the State, among a total of 5,642 criminal cases initiated by law enforcement agencies, proceedings had been suspended in 3,919 cases, a majority of the cases, while inquiries were being conducted.  What data could be provided on these suspended cases?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said bridal theft was a form of violence against women.  This crime was punished under criminal legislation and punishments had recently been strengthened.  Persons who abducted women for the purpose of marriage were punished with up to seven years imprisonment, or up to 20 years for the abduction of minors.  No amnesty was provided to perpetrators.  In 2022, courts found 42 individuals guilty of these crimes.  In all schools, a special subject was taught that addressed kidnapping and abductions, explaining that these actions were crimes.

    Some 97 per cent of children in the State party attended schools.  The State promoted education in native tongues and official languages.  More than 4,000 children were being taught in the Uzbek language, and there were also special schools teaching in other minority ethnic languages such as Tajik.

    Currently, there were around 1,500 members of ethnic minorities serving as civil servants, some 35 per cent of whom were women.  There were three representatives of minority ethnic groups currently serving in Parliament. Uzbeks, Dungans, Russians and Kazakhs were represented in parliamentary deputy seats, five per cent of which were held by women.

    After the events of June 2010, more than 5,300 criminal cases had been launched and more than 300 people had been brought to justice, including one life sentence conviction.  Investigations were based on respect for human rights and ethnicity was not a factor in the consideration of cases.  Kyrgyzstan was committed to carrying out fair trials in line with international standards.  There were some 42 cases involving murder, and several cases involving destruction of public and private property.  Some three billion som in damages were incurred by the State.

    Regarding the death in custody of Azimjan Askarov, the central prison hospital had diagnosed him with pneumonia and had provided him with treatment; however, he had rejected this treatment, leading to his death.  An investigation into the death was ongoing.

    The case of an alleged attack on homosexual people had been dropped after being returned to the prosecution. Regarding the case of a transgender girl recorded by a television station, courts provided financial compensation for moral damage, considering the degree of damage caused and the circumstances of the case.

    Questions by Committee Experts

    GUAN JIAN, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur, called for more detailed information on public works undertaken in Osh city without the permission of local residents, and the situation of the Mughat community, some members of which were relocated after their lands were flooded.  Were affected people provided with compensation?

    A Committee Expert said that racial discrimination and climate change inhibited access to health for the Mughat community.  How did the State party promote access to health, safe food and drinking water for this community, and access to reproductive health rights for its women and children?

    Another Committee Expert asked whether parents who refused to send their children to school were criminally prosecuted by the Ministry of Justice.

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said the State party was implementing a project to digitally register all newborns, which had promoted 100 per cent registration of births in the Mughat community.  Some 95 per cent of the Kyrgyz population had access to drinking water.  The State party was building water pipelines to increase access to drinking water in remote communities, including to the Mughat community.

    Citizens had the inalienable right to healthcare services, regardless of their ethnicity or other characteristics. The programme on State guarantees approved in 2023 aimed to improve access to medical services for vulnerable groups and increase the quality of health services.

    Parents were required to send school age children to school.  They had the right to choose the language of education and between public and private schools or homeschooling.  A bill had been developed that called for fining of parents who refused to send their children to school.

    The State party had identified sites for demolition in Osh in a project to develop public roads.  Some 69 million som had been provided in compensation to persons whose homes or property were affected.  Persons who felt that their property rights had been infringed by State development projects could file complaints in court.

    The Coordinating Council on Human Rights was an advisory council that sought to improve the implementation of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the State party.  Headed by the Deputy Prime Minister and including representatives of State authorities and the Ombudsperson, it coordinated the preparation of reports to international treaty bodies and implementation of these bodies’ recommendations.

    Parliament included representatives of national ethnic groups, who were involved in drafting legislation.  A web portal had also been set up that allowed citizens to make comments on legislative proposals.

    Questions by a Committee Expert

    MAZALO TEBIE, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, said the Committee welcomed the State’s initiatives regarding the protection of refugees, including planned accession to the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, and the national action plan on migration management for 2022 to 2025. However, there was a high rate of rejection of applications for refugee status, and some refugees reportedly lived in precarious conditions, including in overcrowded temporary shelters with limited access to healthcare, clean water and education.  Uyghur, Uzbek and Chechen refugees and asylum seekers were reportedly extremely vulnerable.  What measures were in place to protect the rights of refugees and asylum seekers and promote access to residence?

    In 2024, protests against migrants had been held, leading to violence against foreigners with legal residence status.  What measures were in place to prevent violence against foreigners, including irregular migrants, and to provide victims with support? Migrants employed in the agricultural and construction sectors often faced precarious working conditions, with limited access to health and support services.  What measures were in place to protect the rights of migrant workers, establish clear standards for the employment of migrants, and promote their integration into society?  Were there institutions that assessed working conditions for migrants? 

    Nearly one in four Kyrgyz citizens migrated to neighbouring countries to work.  These emigrants reportedly struggled to access basic services in host countries.  Why did many women choose to emigrate?  What measures were in place to support them, including in Russia?  There were some Kyrgyz nationals in Syria and Iraq that were reportedly waiting to be repatriated.  How was the State party supporting their return?

    The Committee had received reports of numerous cases of extradition of refugees and asylum seekers, including Uyghurs from China and Uzbeks.  How did the State party prevent refoulement?  How many extradited migrants had been subjected to refoulement?

    The State party had implemented a law that guaranteed the civil registration of all children.  Kyrgyzstan was also the first country in the region to have resolved all known cases of statelessness; this was commendable. However, the Government had proposed amendments in 2023 to the citizenship law that prevented the conferral of Kyrgyz citizenship to the children of foreign parents born in Kyrgyzstan. This could lead to statelessness. How was the State party bringing its legislation on statelessness in line with international standards?

    What measures had been taken to provide continuous training to judges and lawyers on human rights, discrimination and the application of the Convention?  How many judges and lawyers had been trained?

    Responses by the Delegation

     

    The delegation said that in Kyrgyzstan, refugees had the right to health and education services and the right to freedom of movement.  The State assessed each application for refugee status in cooperation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and promoted the integration of refugees into society.  From 2019 to 2024, the State party had received around 300 appeals against decisions to refuse refugee status.  Around 140 of these cases had gone to the cassation court, which had decided to grant refugee status in some cases.

    Kyrgyzstan upheld the principle of non-refoulement.  Extraditions could not be carried out if there was suspicion of the person involved being subjected to torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. Kyrgyzstan worked with international partners to assess risks in individual cases.  In 2024, the State party extradited 49 foreign citizens, including seven to the Russian Federation.  None of these persons had requested refugee status.

    Some 37 criminal cases had been initiated in response to violent incidents relating to 2024 protests against migrants.  The State party was carrying out activities to prevent broad-scale violations against foreign nationals, including ongoing informational activities.  Local populations now understood better the rights of foreign nationals.

    State laws regulated the situation of stateless persons in Kyrgyzstan.  Efforts to address statelessness were ongoing.  The State party had devised procedures for providing the children of stateless persons with identification documents, including the 2024 project that ensured 100 per cent issuance of birth certificates to newborns.

    Consular services provided for the protection of Kyrgyz citizens abroad, including migrant workers.  The Ombudsperson’s Office received complaints of rights violations from migrants and implemented response measures. Children of Kyrgyz migrants needed to be able to speak basic Russian to attend school in the Russian Federation; the State party thus provided Russian language courses to these children.

    The State party had trained 429 judges in 2025 on international human rights standards.  The judiciary was committed to promoting diversity and equality.

    In 2021, the State party repatriated more than 400 citizens from Iraq and Syria, including children.  Measures had been implemented to promote the reintegration and rehabilitation of these citizens and prevent their stigmatisation.

    Questions by Committee Experts

    MAZALO TEBIE, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, asked whether only foreigners who did not have refugee status could be extradited.  The Committee hoped that the law implementing the 1951 Refugee Convention and the 1967 Protocol would be adopted soon.  If foreign women who were married to Kyrgyz men divorced, did their children keep Kyrgyz nationality?  Why did the State party require foreigners to take HIV tests? The State party had developed a “compatriots of foreign nationality” card.  Who were these “compatriots of foreign nationality”?

    A Committee Expert said there had been a reported drop in teaching of the Uzbek language after the 2010 violence. Were nation-wide examinations conducted in the Uzbek language for students learning in that language?

    Another Committee Expert asked if training course for judicial officials addressed the application of the Convention in civil and criminal cases.  Were there examples of judicial decisions where the Convention was applied?

    A Committee Expert congratulated the State party on eradicating statelessness as of 2019, and for developing a statelessness determination procedure.  Kyrgyzstan needed to ratify the statelessness conventions and share its best practices with other nations.

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said that under national legislation, refugees could not be extradited.  The State party waited until processes considering applications for refugee status concluded before considering extradition.  Two draft bills on acceding to the 1951 Refugee Convention and 1967 Protocol were currently under consideration.

    If one parent had Kyrgyz nationality, children could receive Kyrgyz nationality, regardless of the location of their birth.  Children of stateless parents born in Kyrgyzstan were also granted Kyrgyz nationality.  Persons could lose Kyrgyz nationality if they served in the army of a foreign State or if they received citizenship after submitting falsified documents.  Kyrgyz citizens could change their citizenship only once; persons needed to submit documents proving their ethnic identity to change their citizenship.  Divorces were not grounds for changing citizenship.

    To enrol in universities in Kyrgyzstan, students needed to sit the General Republican Exam in either Kyrgyz or Russian.

    Kyrgyzstan did not required foreigners to submit a certificate showing that they were HIV-negative when applying for a visa.  Information related to HIV tests was not made public.  Forced tests were carried out in a confidential manner based on court decisions.

    Courts could apply international conventions directly.  All criminal cases related to the June 2010 events had been closed, but affected persons had the right to appeal cases and seek compensation.

    The children and grandchildren of Kyrgyz citizens who lived overseas had the right to apply for the “compatriots of foreign nationality” card, which allowed them to live and work in Kyrgyzstan without additional residence or work permits.

    Closing Remarks

    MICHAL BALCERZAK, Committee Chair, said the dialogue had been very constructive, addressing many issues.  The information provided by the delegation would allow the Committee to develop targeted concluding observations.

    GUAN JIAN, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur, thanked the State party for its contributions to the dialogue, which had helped to make it a success.  He expressed hope that the State party would follow-up on remaining unanswered questions and closed by thanking all persons who had contributed to the dialogue.

    MARAT TAGAEV, Deputy Minister of Culture, Information and Youth Policy of Kyrgyzstan and head of the delegation, said that the Committee’s comments and questions would help the State party to strengthen measures to promote equality and prevent discrimination. Kyrgyzstan would continue to take active steps to prevent racial discrimination and implement the Convention, working in collaboration with civil society.  The State party would work to implement the Committee’s recommendations and to build an inclusive and just society.

    __________

    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.

     

    CERD.25.08E

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Committee against Torture Concludes Eighty-Second Session

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    The Committee against Torture this morning closed its eighty-second session, after adopting concluding observations on the reports of Armenia, France, Mauritius, Monaco, Turkmenistan and Ukraine, which were reviewed during the session. The session was held from 7 April to 2 May.

    Claude Heller, Committee Chairperson, read out a summary of the concluding observations for each country reviewed this session under the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment . The concluding observations will be available on the webpage of the session as of 1 p.m. this afternoon.

    Mr. Heller said that the Committee had still not been informed whether its next two sessions scheduled for 2025 would take place. Sixteen treaty body sessions were at stake, and the Subcommittee on the Prevention of Torture had had to postpone four of its eight visits planned for 2025. As soon as more information became available, the Committee would announce the dates of its upcoming sessions and the country reviews planned for each session.

    Mr. Heller also noted that the sudden cessation of hybrid meetings would continue to negatively impact the work of the Committee members, civil society organizations, national human rights institutions, national preventive mechanisms and other stakeholders.

    In conclusion, he said that the Committee now came to the end of yet another session, held with professionalism, independence, and a constructive spirit to fully adhere to its mandate.

    Peter Vedel Kessing, Committee Rapporteur, presented the annual report, which covered the period from 11 May 2024 to 2 May 2025, including the eightieth session, which was held from 8 to 26 July 2024; the eighty-first session which was held from 28 October to 22 November 2024; and the eighty-second session which was held from 7 April to 2 May 2025.

    Documents relating to the Committee’s work, including reports submitted by States parties and the concluding observations of the Committee, will be available on the website of the session. Summaries of the public meetings of the Committee can be found here, and webcasts of the public meetings can be found here.

    The dates and details of the next session of the Committee will be communicated at a later date.
     

    Statements

    PETER VEDEL KESSING, Committee Rapporteur, presented the Committee’s annual report, which covered the period from 11 May 2024 to 2 May 2025, including the eightieth session, which was held from 8 to 26 July 2024; the eighty-first session which was held from 28 October to 22 November 2024; and the eighty-second session which was held from 7 April to 2 May 2025.

    As of today, there were 175 States parties to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. Since the adoption of the Committee’s previous annual report, Dominica had acceded to the Convention, on 5 December 2024. The Committee called upon all States that had not ratified the Convention to do so and called upon those that were already parties to accept all the procedures of the Convention in order to enable the Committee to fulfil all aspects of its mandate. As of today, there were 94 States parties to the Optional Protocol to the Convention. 

    The Committee held a joint meeting between the members of the Committee and the Chair of the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture. The Committee adopted a joint statement with the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture, and the Board of Trustees of the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture to mark the United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, which was commemorated on 26 June.

    To mark the fortieth anniversary of the adoption of the Convention, the Committee, jointly with the other United Nations anti‑torture mechanisms held a high-level event in Geneva on 14 November 2024.

    The Committee expressed its appreciation to non-governmental organizations, with special thanks to the World Organization against Torture. The Committee requested that all multilingual hybrid meetings be maintained as a feature of an adequately resourced session and called upon States parties to support this request. 

    Concerning complaints under article 22 of the Convention, as of today, the

    the Committee had registered, since 1989, 1,260 complaints concerning 45 States parties. Of those, 449 complaints had been discontinued and 152 had been declared inadmissible. The Committee had adopted final decisions on the merits in 524 complaints and found violations of the Convention in 220 of them. Considering the adopted communications during the current session, some 133 complaints were pending consideration. All the Committee’s decisions could be found in the updated treaty body case law database, on the website of the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights, and in the Official Document System of the United Nations.

    At its eightieth session, the Committee adopted decisions on the merits in respect of 10 communications. The Committee further found two communications inadmissible and it discontinued the consideration of 19 complaints. At its eighty-first session, the Committee adopted decisions on the merits in respect of six communications. The Committee found three communications inadmissible and discontinued the consideration of 12 communications. At its eighty-second session, the Committee adopted decisions on the merits in 12 communications. It found 2 communications inadmissible and it discontinued the consideration of 12 cases. One communication was postponed.

    CLAUDE HELLER, Committee Chairperson, read out a summary of the concluding observations on the reports of the States parties that were reviewed during the session.

    Armenia

    Concerning Armenia, the Committee commended the State party on the adoption of its new Criminal Code, which established an expanded definition of torture, along with the adoption of a new Criminal Procedure Code, introducing a number of new procedural safeguards against torture and increasing the availability of non-custodial measures. The Committee recommended that Armenia ensure that the penalties for torture were commensurate with the gravity of the crime. It also recommended that the State party train prosecutors and judges on the use of non-custodial measures, provide sufficient material and financial resources for their application, and adopt the necessary regulations to ensure that they may be applied in practice.

    With regard to psychiatric and social care institutions, the Committee recommended that the State party guarantee sufficient legal and procedural safeguards for residents in psychiatric institutions and social care facilities, both in law and in practice. It also recommended that the State party reduce recourse to coercion in psychiatric settings, and ensure that physical or chemical means of restraint were used in accordance with domestic law and international standards. 

    France

    As for France, the Committee expressed its deep concern about the numerous allegations of excessive use of force, including lethal force, and ill-treatment by law enforcement officials, and was seriously concerned that such cases reportedly disproportionately affected members of certain minority groups, in particular persons of African descent, persons of Arab origin or Muslim religion, indigenous peoples and non-nationals. The Committee recommended that the State party ensure that all allegations of excessive use of force and ill-treatment were investigated promptly, thoroughly and impartially by an independent body, that those responsible were held accountable, and that victims or their families obtain adequate redress.

    The Committee recommended that France continue its efforts to improve living conditions in all places of deprivation of liberty and to reduce overcrowding in prisons and other places of detention. It also recommended that the State party ensure that all allegations of ill-treatment were thoroughly investigated, that alleged perpetrators were prosecuted and, if found guilty, sentenced to appropriate penalties, and that victims or their families received redress, including adequate compensation. It recommended that the State party improve the monitoring and control of violence among prisoners. The Committee recommended that the State party take all necessary measures to encourage the reporting of hate crimes motivated by racist, Islamophobic, anti-Semitic, xenophobic or homophobic prejudice, and to ensure that such crimes were thoroughly investigated, that perpetrators were prosecuted and punished, and that victims had access to effective remedies.

    Mauritius

    Concerning Mauritius, the Committee acknowledged the State party’s commitment to develop a code of practice for police officers and to strengthen their training to address those shortcomings. The Committee recommended that Mauritius strengthen its efforts to further ensure that the Independent Police Complaints Commission was properly resourced and equipped to carry out its functions, and guarantee that acts of torture and ill-treatment were promptly, impartially and effectively investigated and prosecuted, as appropriate. The Committee also asked the State party to take all appropriate measures to prevent acts of intimidation and reprisals against alleged victims, their legal representatives, and relatives.

    The Committee recommended that Mauritius ensure that all deaths in custody were promptly and impartially investigated by an independent entity, including through independent forensic examinations, with due regard to the Minnesota Protocol on the Investigation of Potentially Unlawful Death. Where appropriate, the Committee recommended that the corresponding sanctions be applied. It also asked the State party to compile and provide it with detailed information on all incidents of death in all places of detention, the causes, and the outcomes of the investigations.

    Monaco

    As for Monaco, the Committee voiced its concern about reports that the “maison d’arrêt de Monaco” and its facilities were structurally incompatible with their current purpose, as they remained unsuitable for prolonged deprivation of liberty. While it was aware of the State party’s land-use constraints, the Committee encouraged the State party to consider transferring prisoners to a new prison facility that better complied with international standards on deprivation of liberty and the prevention of ill-treatment. Meanwhile, it recommended that the State party continue its efforts to improve living conditions in the “maison d’arrêt de Monaco”, including by ensuring that persons in pretrial detention were allowed visits or telephone calls without specific authorisation from the judicial authorities.

    The Committee expressed its concern about reports of precarious working conditions affecting many migrant domestic workers and undeclared migrant workers, particularly in the construction, hotel and catering sectors, as well as on private yachts. The Committee recommended that the State party strengthen the capacity and resources of the labour inspectorate to enable it to monitor more effectively the situation of migrant workers, in particular domestic workers, including with regard to their recruitment and working conditions. It also recommended the State party to redouble its efforts to inform migrant workers, including undeclared workers, of their rights and the complaint mechanisms available to them, and facilitate their access to those mechanisms.

    Turkmenistan

    With regard to Turkmenistan, the Committee expressed grave concern about the persistent reports of widespread torture and ill-treatment of detainees in the State party. Despite the installation of audio-visual equipment in some detention facilities across the country, such measures appeared insufficient in preventing and curbing abuse. The Committee had further expressed serious concern about the lack of accountability, which reflected a worrying pattern of institutional impunity. The Committee urged the State party to adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards torture, including a clear public statement from the highest levels of Government, and to ensure that all allegations were promptly and independently investigated, perpetrators held accountable, and victims granted full redress.

    The Committee noted and welcomed the adoption of the Ombudsman Act and the recent “B” status accreditation of Turkmenistan’s Ombudsperson by the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions. However, it expressed concern about the reported lack of independence and limited authority of the Ombudsperson’s office, particularly its failure to address serious and systemic human rights violations. The Committee recommended that the State party fully implement the recommendations of the Alliance’s Subcommittee on Accreditation and take all necessary steps to establish an independent national monitoring body capable of conducting unannounced visits to all places of detention, engaging with detainees in private, and responding effectively to allegations of abuse in line with the Paris Principles.

    Ukraine

    Concerning Ukraine, the Committee acknowledged the challenges faced by the State party in fully implementing its obligations under the Convention due to the full-scale invasion by the Russian Federation against it. It recalled, nevertheless, that the Convention was applicable in the State party’s entire territory and Ukraine should therefore take all possible steps to implement it.

    The Committee noted Ukraine’s commitment and measures taken to abide by international humanitarian law and international human rights law in the context of the ongoing armed conflict and occupation, but expressed concerns about reports indicating allegations of torture and ill-treatment, threats, humiliation, and other violations of Russian prisoners of war, allegedly committed by the Ukrainian armed forces and military police, as well as the inadequate recording and reporting of their visible injuries sustained by torture or ill-treatment, among other concerns. The Committee underscored that the prohibition of torture was non-derogable, that no exceptional circumstances whatsoever may be invoked as a justification of torture, and that the obligations stemming from this prohibition were not subject to reciprocity.

    The Committee also recommended that Ukraine ensure that all fundamental legal safeguards were guaranteed in practice for all detained persons from the outset of the deprivation of their liberty, including the right to request and receive a medical examination by an independent doctor, free of charge, or a doctor of their choice, that was conducted out of hearing and sight of police officers, unless the doctor concerned explicitly requested otherwise, as the access to an initial confidential medical examination did not appear to be routinely granted in Ukraine, and if it was granted, it was reportedly performed in the presence of a police officer.

    Other

    Mr. Heller said that during the session, the Committee also adopted lists of issues for Pakistan and Tajikistan and lists of issues prior to reporting for Antigua and Barbuda, Botswana, Iceland, Iraq, Kenya, Montenegro, State of Palestine and Uruguay.

    The Committee had still not been informed whether its next two sessions scheduled for 2025 would take place. Sixteen treaty body sessions were at stake, and the Subcommittee on the Prevention of Torture had had to postpone four of its eight visits planned for 2025. As soon as more information became available, the Committee would announce the dates of its upcoming sessions and the country reviews planned for each session. Mr. Heller noted that the sudden cessation of hybrid meetings would continue to negatively impact the work of the Committee members, civil society organizations, national human rights institutions, national preventive mechanisms and other stakeholders.

    Concerning the individual complaints procedure, he said the Committee this session examined 26 individual complaints. Of the examined cases, two were deemed inadmissible. Additionally, 12 cases were decided on the merits: in one case the Committee found no violations, while in 11 cases the Committee determined there was a violation by the State party. Furthermore, the Committee adopted 12 discontinuance requests. 

    Mr. Heller read out the results of the work of the Committee Rapporteurs on follow-up to concluding observations, individual cases, and reprisals. A summary of the meeting that was held on these results can be found here.

    In conclusion, Mr. Heller said that the Committee now came to the end of yet another session, held with professionalism, independence, and a constructive spirit to fully adhere to its mandate.

    __________

    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.

     

    CAT.009E

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Kentucky Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by September Drought

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    ATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP)organizations in Kentucky of the June 2 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the drought beginning Sept. 24, 2024. 

    The disaster declaration covers the Kentucky counties of Anderson, Boyle, Carroll, Casey, Fayette, Floyd, Franklin, Gallatin, Garrard, Grant, Henry, Jefferson, Jessamine, Johnson, Lawrence, Lincoln, Marion, Martin, Mercer, Nelson, Oldham, Owen, Pike, Scott, Shelby, Spencer, Trimble, Washington and Woodford, as well as Mingo and Wayne in West Virginia. 

    Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises. 

    EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster. 

    “Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”  

    The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition. 

    To apply online visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services. 

    The deadline to return economic injury applications is June 2, 2025. 

    ### 

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration 

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: State Police, Governor Shapiro Honor Fallen Troopers, Commemorate 120 Years of Service to Pennsylvania

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    May 02, 2025 – Harrisburg, PA

    State Police, Governor Shapiro Honor Fallen Troopers, Commemorate 120 Years of Service to Pennsylvania

    Governor Josh Shapiro joined the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) today to honor the sacrifice of all department members who lost their lives in the line of duty. The memorial service at Department Headquarters commemorated the 120th anniversary of the establishment of the Pennsylvania State Police.

    “Our fallen troopers make the ultimate sacrifice for Pennsylvania – and it’s important that we take days like today to gather and honor their life in service – and to reaffirm that we never, ever forget,” saidGovernor Josh Shapiro. “The men and women of the Pennsylvania State Police go to work every single day to protect and serve our communities. Policing is a noble profession, and we need to continue to have the backs of our police. That’s why my Administration is working to make historic investments in our State Police. I am committed to ensuring our troopers and their families have the help and support they deserve all across our Commonwealth.”

    “For 120 years, the women and men of Pennsylvania State Police have dedicated their lives to serving our Commonwealth,” saidColonel Christopher Paris, Commissioner of the PSP. “Today, we remember those who gave their lives. Our Memorial Wall bears witness to their unfaltering courage and unwavering integrity. May their legacies never fade, and may we forever strive to be worthy of their sacrifices.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Peruvian National Extradited for Overseeing Call Center That Threatened and Defrauded Spanish-Speaking U.S. Consumers

    Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

    A resident of Lima, Peru, accused of operating a large fraud and extortion scheme, was extradited to the United States and made her initial appearance in Miami federal court, the Department of Justice and U.S. Postal Inspection Service announced today.

    Carla Magaly Alcedo Mendoza (Alcedo), 43, of Lima, Peru, will face federal charges of conspiracy, mail fraud, wire fraud, and extortion. Alcedo was arrested on March 27, 2023, by Peruvian authorities pursuant to a U.S. extradition request.

    According to the indictment, the defendant managed and operated Peruvian call centers from January 2013 through December 2018. The defendant and her co-conspirators in Peru allegedly used Internet-based telephone calls to contact Spanish-speaking individuals in the United States. These call centers falsely told victims they worked on behalf of universities, Hispanic help centers, and government entities and that the victims had been selected to receive financial assistance for English language programs. Many consumers expressed interest in receiving the products. In later calls, Alcedo and her co-conspirators falsely claimed the victims were required to pay storage and other fees related to the materials. When victims refused to pay, Alcedo and her co-conspirators pressured and extorted these victims, including by claiming they would be taken to court or even arrested if they failed to make payments.

    “The Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch will pursue and prosecute transnational criminals responsible for defrauding U.S. consumers, wherever they are located,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Yaakov Roth of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “I thank the Republic of Peru, including the Peruvian National Police, for assisting in extraditing this individual to face charges here in the United States. The Justice Department and U.S. law enforcement will continue to work closely with law enforcement partners across the globe to bring to justice criminals who attempt to defraud U.S. victims from outside the United States.”

    “The reach of American justice is boundless in pursuing fraudsters who target the elderly and other vulnerable groups,” said U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida. “Transnational criminals who use scams, fear, and intimidation to steal from victims will be held accountable.”

    “Today marks the fourteenth arrest and tenth extradition in this investigation, which was made possible by the outstanding collaboration between federal and international partners. We have proven that when we work together, no criminal is beyond our reach,” said Acting Inspector in Charge Steven L. Hodges, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Miami Division.

    Alcedo is charged in an 18-count federal indictment filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. If convicted, Alcedo faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison per count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

    Senior Trial Attorney and Transnational Criminal Litigation Coordinator Phil Toomajian and Trial Attorney Speare Hodges are prosecuting the case. USPIS investigated the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Southern District of Florida, the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Peruvian National Police, and the Peruvian Attorney General’s Office provided critical assistance in securing the arrest and extradition.

    The Justice Department continues to investigate and bring charges in other similar matters. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has experienced financial fraud, experienced professionals are standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Justice Department hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, can provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET. English, Spanish, and other languages are available.

    More information about the department’s efforts to help American seniors is available at its Elder Justice Initiative webpage. For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. Consumer complaints may be filed with the FTC at www.reportfraud.ftc.gov/ or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Justice Department provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office for Victims of Crime, which can be reached at https://www.ovc.gov.

    For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its fraud enforcement efforts, visit www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Investing $62M in SUNY Nursing Simulation Centers

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced that nursing simulation centers will be established on three SUNY campuses as part of her signature legislation to expand simulation-based education in SUNY nursing programs. The $62 million investment includes $35 million in direct SUNY capital awards, with the remaining funds contributed by campus matches. The three nursing simulation centers will be located on the University at Buffalo, SUNY Canton and Stony Brook University campuses.

    “By investing in nurses of the future, we’re investing in the talent of aspiring professionals across our state and in the health care workforce we all rely on,” Governor Hochul said. “The SUNY nursing simulation centers will make extraordinary strides toward preparing students and strengthening the pipeline of excellence in our SUNY system and beyond.”

    The University at Buffalo has been designated a SUNY System-Wide Nursing Simulation Center of Excellence, envisioned as a cutting-edge hub for simulation-based education and innovation across the system. SUNY Canton and Stony Brook University have been named SUNY Regional Nursing Simulation Centers, and will serve as critical resources for the North Country and Long Island regions.

    SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said, “SUNY is committed to strengthening New York’s healthcare workforce, and today’s groundbreaking investment in nursing simulation is a testament to this commitment, and a reminder of the key role public higher education plays in health outcomes and workforce development. Following enactment of Governor Hochul’s 2023 law championed by Senators Stavisky and Fahy and Assemblymember Lupardo to establish nursing simulation, SUNY is at the forefront of simulation-based nursing education – transforming how we prepare our students to address the healthcare workforce shortage and evolving healthcare needs of New Yorkers.”

    SUNY Board Trustee Eric Corngold said, “This landmark investment takes us a step closer to providing nursing simulation centers across The Empire State and further advances our work with Governor Hochul and State leadership to address local and regional workforce shortages that are affecting many of our communities. We look forward to our continued progress in providing students interested in healthcare with the resources they need and deserve to obtain an excellent public education at the best value.”

    The selected campuses will provide high-quality, hands-on training for some of the most needed clinical practice areas in health care, such as labor and delivery, high acuity cases, and community health. With their investments, each campus has committed to significant prelicensure nursing program enrollment growth, leveraging the legislation Governor Hochul signed in May of 2023 permitting nursing students to complete up to one-third of their clinical training through high-quality simulation experiences.

    This further enhances the Governor’s other transformative initiatives to increase the state’s health care workforce, including Nurses and Healthcare Workers For Our Future Scholarships and free associate degrees at community colleges for students pursuing high-demand fields, including health care fields, all advancing Governor Hochul’s goal of growing New York’s health care workforce by 20 percent.

    SUNY’s goal to fully leverage nursing simulation aligns with recommendations from the SUNY Future of Health Care Workforce Task Force , a group convened to guide SUNY in addressing the critical health care workforce shortage. In its findings, the task force identified fully leveraging nursing simulation as one of its four priority areas for short-term action and investment. The $62 million investment will directly support prelicensure nursing program enrollment increases. Collectively, the three designated simulation centers are projected to add hundreds of new prelicensure nursing students annually, while also expanding training capacity at partner SUNY campuses across the State.

    The nursing simulation investment will have the following impact across participating campuses:

    • At the University at Buffalo, the new system-wide nursing simulation center will support a 34 percent increase in prelicensure nursing enrollment in the first-year post-project completion, with a projected 67 percent increase over the next decade. By leveraging cutting-edge simulation technology and telepresence robots, UB will enable expanded in-person and remote participation in hyper-realistic clinical scenarios while fostering collaboration across campuses.
    • At SUNY Canton, the new regional nursing simulation center will support significant growth across all levels of undergraduate nursing programs, including a 133 percent increase at the practical nursing level, a 160 percent increase at the associate’s level, and a 192 percent increase at the baccalaureate level within five years post-project completion. SUNY Canton’s simulation space will support nursing education in the North Country, where limited clinical placement opportunities present significant challenges in training future nurses, particularly in obstetrics, labor and delivery, and pediatric care.
    • At Stony Brook University, the new regional nursing simulation center will support a 19 percent increase in prelicensure nursing enrollment in the first-year post-project completion, with a projected 27 percent increase over the next five years. Stony Brook will significantly expand its simulation space footprint to enhance in-person nursing education while also leveraging advanced simulcast software technology to provide remote learning opportunities across Long Island.

    State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky said, “I am delighted to see SUNY continuing its significant investment in its nursing simulation program. The creation of three centers at University at Buffalo, SUNY Canton, and Stony Brook University will not only address the shortage of nurses but ensure that they receive first-class training. The capacity of nursing programs will hopefully increase dramatically across all SUNY campuses. No longer will schools have to turn away qualified applicants. This is exactly the result I envisioned when the Governor signed Assemblymember Lupardo and my nursing simulation bill into law in 2023.”

    State Senator April N. M. Baskin said, “This generous grant will have a profound impact on the lives of countless patients who will benefit from the training and expertise of the nurses that were fortunate to learn at the University at Buffalo, SUNY Canton, and Stony Brook University campuses. This cutting-edge medical simulation training can only improve clinical skills and enhance the professionalism of nursing students. Hands-on work by SUNY students will undoubtedly enhance actual clinical scenarios when patients’ lives are in their hands.”

    State Senator Anthony Palumbo said, “This critical funding to establish a Nursing Simulation Center at Stony Brook University will help New York’s flagship university remain on the cutting edge of medical advancements in the field of nursing and will provide students with the skills and experience needed to meet today’s growing healthcare challenges. As home to Long Island’s Regional Nursing Simulation Center, SBU will equip the next generation of nurses—helping them provide the highest quality of care to patients throughout Long Island and the greater metropolitan region.”

    Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes said, “There is no experience quite like hands-on experience and with these investments, SUNY is ensuring that students in the nursing programs at the University at Buffalo, Canton and Stony Brook, are equipped with the very best tools to learn and fill in the gaps within our health care workforce.”

    Assemblymember Alicia Hyndman said, “This $62 million investment in SUNY’s nursing simulation centers is not only a victory for our students, but a critical step forward in building a more equitable and prepared healthcare workforce. As someone who proudly represents communities with some of the most dedicated future healthcare professionals, I know how transformative access to cutting-edge training can be. These new centers—from Buffalo to Canton to Stony Brook—will expand opportunity, increase enrollment, and prepare more nurses to serve in areas where they’re needed most. I applaud SUNY and Governor Hochul for this bold investment in the future of healthcare in New York State.”

    Assemblymember Phara Souffrant Forrest said, “As a nurse and a SUNY graduate, I’m happy to see this year’s record investment in nursing simulation centers at SUNY. Sims are absolutely critical in any nurse’s training and I’m glad to see SUNY creating regional centers that can help educate future nurses across the SUNY system.”

    Assemblymember Rebecca Kassay said, “As SUNY Stony Brook’s representative in the New York State Assembly, I am thrilled to see this transformative investment in our region’s nursing education infrastructure. The establishment of a Regional Nursing Simulation Center at Stony Brook University is a critical step toward building a stronger, more resilient healthcare workforce on Long Island and across New York State. This initiative will not only expand access to high-quality, hands-on training for our aspiring nurses but will also support our hospitals, clinics, and communities by preparing more qualified professionals. I am grateful for SUNY’s leadership in pioneering innovative, simulation-based education that meets the moment and addresses our state’s urgent nursing shortage.”

    Assemblymember Scott A. Gray said, “This new regional nursing simulation center represents a game-changer for SUNY Canton and the North Country. We will not only see substantial growth across our nursing programs, but more importantly, we will be able to provide our students with critical training that limited clinical placement opportunities have hindered in the past, especially in high-demand specialties like obstetrics, labor, and delivery, and pediatric care. This will ultimately lead to better healthcare outcomes for our communities.”

    SUNY Canton President Zvi Szafran said, “This major and transformative investment further establishes SUNY Canton as the North Country’s regional nursing education simulation center. It also will allow us to more than double access to our quality programs at all levels, allowing us to help fill the local and state-wide need for highly qualified nurses. The new simulation center will augment our hands-on learning opportunities and further strengthen SUNY Canton’s commitment to offering affordable, accessible and applied experiences with the School of Science, Health and Criminal Justice.”

    University at Buffalo School of Nursing Dean Annette Wysocki said, “The School of Nursing at the University at Buffalo is grateful to Governor Hochul and honored to have been selected to establish the new SUNY System-Wide Nursing Simulation Center of Excellence that will be a major resource for SUNY system schools of nursing across New York State. The design and construction of a new simulation center will lead to educating faculty and the expert nursing workforce of the future where therapeutic advances are leading to new clinical challenges. This combined $34 million dollar investment to establish the SUNY System-Wide Nursing Simulation Center of Excellence at the University at Buffalo School of Nursing represents the largest investment ever made to develop resources for the School of Nursing and advance the future success of the nursing profession in New York state.”

    Stony Brook University School of Nursing Dean Dr. Patricia Bruckenthal said, “We are grateful to Governor Hochul, SUNY, and Stony Brook University for this opportunity to expand and enhance nursing education through simulation-based learning. The Stony Brook School of Nursing NEXUS Innovation Center epitomizes our commitment to advancing nursing education through innovation and collaboration. By integrating cutting-edge simulation technologies, we are not only enhancing the clinical competencies of our students and nursing students across our region but also fostering an environment where interdisciplinary teams can engage in transformative learning experiences. This center stands as a testament to our dedication to preparing nurse leaders who will shape the future of healthcare delivery.”

    Executive Vice President for Stony Brook Medicine Dr. William A. Wertheim said, “As Suffolk County’s only academic medical center, Stony Brook University is proud to be at the forefront of healthcare education and workforce development. This designation as a SUNY Regional Nursing Simulation Center reflects our long-standing commitment to preparing the next generation of nurses. Through this important partnership with SUNY, we will significantly expand access to high-quality, hands-on clinical training — helping to address the critical nursing shortage, grow the healthcare workforce and ensure our communities have the skilled professionals they need to thrive.”

    This announcement builds on a series of efforts by SUNY to expand and enhance nursing education through simulation-based learning. In October, Chancellor King announced the inaugural class of the SUNY Nursing Simulation Fellowship, a key initiative to further advance the integration of simulation into SUNY nursing programs. Additionally, SUNY has invested $3.7 million through its High Needs Nursing Fund to further advance simulation-based education across 40 of SUNY’s nursing programs. Over two consecutive years, the SUNY High Needs Nursing Fund has equipped SUNY campuses with the necessary tools, training, and resources to modernize and expand simulation experiences for students.

    To further support simulation-facing faculty and staff across the SUNY system, an additional SUNY System-Wide Nursing Simulation Center of Excellence dedicated to faculty training and professional development in nursing simulation is expected to be announced in the near future.

    About The State University of New York

    The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive system of higher education in the United States, and more than 95 percent of all New Yorkers live within 30 miles of any one of SUNY’s 64 colleges and universities. Across the system, SUNY has four academic health centers, five hospitals, four medical schools, two dental schools, a law school, the country’s oldest school of maritime, the state’s only college of optometry, and manages one US Department of Energy National Laboratory. In total, SUNY serves about 1.4 million students amongst its entire portfolio of credit- and non-credit-bearing courses and programs, continuing education, and community outreach programs. SUNY oversees nearly a quarter of academic research in New York. Research expenditures system-wide are nearly $1.16 billion in fiscal year 2024, including significant contributions from students and faculty. There are more than three million SUNY alumni worldwide, and one in three New Yorkers with a college degree is a SUNY alum. To learn more about how SUNY creates opportunities, visit www.suny.edu.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Peruvian National Extradited for Overseeing Call Center That Threatened and Defrauded Spanish-Speaking U.S. Consumers

    Source: US State Government of Utah

    A resident of Lima, Peru, accused of operating a large fraud and extortion scheme, was extradited to the United States and made her initial appearance in Miami federal court, the Department of Justice and U.S. Postal Inspection Service announced today.

    Carla Magaly Alcedo Mendoza (Alcedo), 43, of Lima, Peru, will face federal charges of conspiracy, mail fraud, wire fraud, and extortion. Alcedo was arrested on March 27, 2023, by Peruvian authorities pursuant to a U.S. extradition request.

    According to the indictment, the defendant managed and operated Peruvian call centers from January 2013 through December 2018. The defendant and her co-conspirators in Peru allegedly used Internet-based telephone calls to contact Spanish-speaking individuals in the United States. These call centers falsely told victims they worked on behalf of universities, Hispanic help centers, and government entities and that the victims had been selected to receive financial assistance for English language programs. Many consumers expressed interest in receiving the products. In later calls, Alcedo and her co-conspirators falsely claimed the victims were required to pay storage and other fees related to the materials. When victims refused to pay, Alcedo and her co-conspirators pressured and extorted these victims, including by claiming they would be taken to court or even arrested if they failed to make payments.

    “The Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch will pursue and prosecute transnational criminals responsible for defrauding U.S. consumers, wherever they are located,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Yaakov Roth of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “I thank the Republic of Peru, including the Peruvian National Police, for assisting in extraditing this individual to face charges here in the United States. The Justice Department and U.S. law enforcement will continue to work closely with law enforcement partners across the globe to bring to justice criminals who attempt to defraud U.S. victims from outside the United States.”

    “The reach of American justice is boundless in pursuing fraudsters who target the elderly and other vulnerable groups,” said U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida. “Transnational criminals who use scams, fear, and intimidation to steal from victims will be held accountable.”

    “Today marks the fourteenth arrest and tenth extradition in this investigation, which was made possible by the outstanding collaboration between federal and international partners. We have proven that when we work together, no criminal is beyond our reach,” said Acting Inspector in Charge Steven L. Hodges, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Miami Division.

    Alcedo is charged in an 18-count federal indictment filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. If convicted, Alcedo faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison per count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

    Senior Trial Attorney and Transnational Criminal Litigation Coordinator Phil Toomajian and Trial Attorney Speare Hodges are prosecuting the case. USPIS investigated the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Southern District of Florida, the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Peruvian National Police, and the Peruvian Attorney General’s Office provided critical assistance in securing the arrest and extradition.

    The Justice Department continues to investigate and bring charges in other similar matters. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has experienced financial fraud, experienced professionals are standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Justice Department hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, can provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET. English, Spanish, and other languages are available.

    More information about the department’s efforts to help American seniors is available at its Elder Justice Initiative webpage. For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. Consumer complaints may be filed with the FTC at www.reportfraud.ftc.gov/ or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Justice Department provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office for Victims of Crime, which can be reached at https://www.ovc.gov.

    For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its fraud enforcement efforts, visit www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: REPORT on the request for waiver of the immunity of Petras Gražulis – A10-0078/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    PROPOSAL FOR A EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT DECISION

    on the request for waiver of the immunity of Petras Gražulis

    (2024/2089(IMM))

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to the request of the Prosecutor General of the Republic of Lithuania of 16 September 2024 to waive the immunity of Petras Gražulis in connection with criminal proceedings involving him, and communicated in plenary on 24 October 2024,

    – having heard Petras Gražulis on 18 March 2025 in accordance with Rule 9(6) of its Rules of Procedure,

    – having regard to Articles 8 and 9 of Protocol No 7 on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Union, and Article 6(2) of the Act of 20 September 1976 concerning the election of the Members of the European Parliament by direct universal suffrage,

    – having regard to the judgments of the Court of Justice of the European Union of 21 October 2008, 19 March 2010, 6 September 2011, 17 January 2013, 19 December 2019 and 5 July 2023[1],

    – having regard to Article 62 of the Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania,

    – having regard to Rule 5(2), Rule 6(1) and Rule 9 of its Rules of Procedure,

    – having regard to the report of the Committee on Legal Affairs (A10-0078/2025),

    A. whereas, by letter of 16 September 2024, the Prosecutor General of the Republic of Lithuania sent a request for the waiver of the immunity of Petras Gražulis, in connection with an alleged offence under Article 170(2) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Lithuania, namely publicly ridiculing a group of people and expressing contempt for them on grounds of their sexual orientation;

    B. whereas the application states that Petras Gražulis is accused of publicly making remarks ridiculing, denigrating and humiliating a group of people, and expressing contempt for them on account of their sexual orientation, while in the corridors of the Seimas (parliament) of the Republic of Lithuania (hereinafter ‘the Seimas’) on 26 May 2022, during a discussion with a cameraman at the end of the Seimas session on the registration of civil unions, which was filmed and broadcast by the media; whereas the offence of which Petras Gražulis – at that time a member of the Seimas – is accused dates back to 2022, the preliminary investigation took place in 2022 and 2023, and the case was referred to the Vilnius Regional Court in January 2024; whereas, at that time, Petras Gražulis enjoyed immunity as a member of the Seimas, but on 16 November 2023 the Seimas gave its consent to criminal proceedings being brought against him;

    C. whereas Petras Gražulis was elected to the European Parliament in the European elections in June 2024 and was not a Member of the European Parliament at the time of the alleged offence;

    D. whereas the alleged offence and the subsequent request for waiver of his immunity are not related to an opinion expressed or a vote cast by Petras Gražulis in the performance of his duties within the meaning of Article 8 of Protocol No 7 on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Union;

    E. whereas Article 9 subparagraph 1(a) of Protocol No 7 on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Union states that Members of the European Parliament enjoy, in the territory of their own state, the immunities accorded to members of the parliament of that state;

    F. whereas, under Article 62 of the Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania, ‘[t]he person of a Member of the Seimas shall be inviolable. A Member of the Seimas may not be held criminally liable, arrested, nor may his freedom be otherwise restricted without the consent of the Seimas. A Member of the Seimas may not be persecuted for his voting or his speeches at the Seimas. However, he may be held liable according to the general procedure for personal insult or slander’;

    G. whereas the purpose of parliamentary immunity is to protect Parliament and its Members from legal proceedings in relation to activities carried out in the performance of parliamentary duties and which cannot be separated from those duties;

    H. whereas, in accordance with Rule 5(2) of the Rules of Procedure, parliamentary immunity is not a personal privilege of the Member but a guarantee of the independence of Parliament as a whole and of its Members;

    I. whereas, in this case, Parliament has found no evidence of fumus persecutionis, namely factual elements indicating that the intention underlying the legal proceeding may be to damage the Member’s political activity in her capacity as a Member of the European Parliament;

    J. whereas Parliament cannot assume the role of a court, and whereas, in a waiver of immunity procedure, a Member cannot be regarded as a defendant[2];

    1. Decides to waive the immunity of Petras Gražulis;

    2. Instructs its President to forward this decision and the report of its committee responsible immediately to the competent authorities of the Republic of Lithuania and to Petras Gražulis.

     

    ANNEX: ENTITIES OR PERSONS  FROM WHOM THE RAPPORTEUR HAS RECEIVED INPUT

    The rapporteur declares under her exclusive responsibility that she did not receive input from any entity or person to be mentioned in this Annex pursuant to Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure.

     

    INFORMATION ON ADOPTION IN COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE

    Date adopted

    23.4.2025

     

     

     

    Result of final vote

    +:

    –:

    0:

    23

    0

    1

    Members present for the final vote

    Tobiasz Bocheński, José Cepeda, Ton Diepeveen, Mary Khan, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Lukas Mandl, Mario Mantovani, Pascale Piera, René Repasi, Krzysztof Śmiszek, Dominik Tarczyński, Adrián Vázquez Lázara, Axel Voss, Marion Walsmann, Dainius Žalimas

    Substitutes present for the final vote

    David Cormand, Angelika Niebler, Arash Saeidi, Jana Toom

    Members under Rule 216(7) present for the final vote

    Andi Cristea, Esther Herranz García, Dariusz Joński, Marit Maij, Jorge Martín Frías

     

     

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: REPORT on the request for waiver of the immunity of Petr Bystron – A10-0077/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    PROPOSAL FOR A EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT DECISION

    on the request for waiver of the immunity of Petr Bystron

    (2024/2047(IMM))

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to the request for waiver of the immunity of Petr Bystron, received by letter dated 27 August 2024 from the German Federal Ministry of Justice, transmitting a request of 23 July 2024 from the Munich Public Prosecutor, in connection with criminal proceedings underway at the Munich Public Prosecutor’s Office, and announced in plenary on 16 September 2024,

    – having heard Petr Bystron on 13 February 2025, in accordance with Rule 9(6) of its Rules of Procedure, and having regard to the documents submitted by him,

    – having regard to Articles 8 and 9 of Protocol No 7 on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Union and to Article 6(2) of the Act of 20 September 1976 concerning the election of the Members of the European Parliament by direct universal suffrage,

    – having regard to the judgments of the Court of Justice of the European Union of 21 October 2008, 19 March 2010, 6 September 2011, 17 January 2013, 19 December 2019 and 5 July 2023[1],

    – having regard to Article 46 of the Basic Law of the Federal Republic of Germany,

    – having regard to Rule 5(2), Rule 6(1) and Rule 9 of its Rules of Procedure,

    – having regard to the report of the Committee on Legal Affairs (A10-0077/2025),

    A. whereas the Munich Public Prosecutor has requested the waiver of the parliamentary immunity of Petr Bystron, Member of the European Parliament, in connection with the charges brought against him pursuant to Article 108(1), Article 261(1)(2), Article 261(7), Article 263(1) and Article 263(3)(1) of the German Criminal Code, Article 370(1) of the German General Tax Code and Article 53 of the German Criminal Code, concerning alleged offences of at least six counts of passive corruption, money laundering and fraud, and at least five counts of tax evasion;

    B. whereas the request for waiver of immunity states that, from an unspecified time in 2020, Peter Bystron may, inter alia, have received cash payments in person or received cryptocurrency transfers from the operator of the pro-Russian website ‘Voice of Europe’ in return for his commitment to speak and vote, as a member of the national parliament, in the interests of the Russian Government; whereas Peter Bystron reportedly deposited considerable sums in an ATM on 17 and 20 March 2023 into an account belonging to the company of which he is the sole shareholder and manager; whereas on 20 March 2023, he then withdrew the same amount in denominations of EUR 200 from an ATM of the same bank; whereas, in response to a request from the bank, Petr Bystron provided no explanation as to the reason for these suspicious movements; whereas Petr Bystron also deposited several sums in July 2021, April 2022, September 2022, and in June and July 2023 from the alleged bribes he received in cash; whereas Petr Bystron reportedly tried to conceal the origin of the cash; whereas the Public Prosecutor has transaction records of all the accounts of Petr Bystron and the company, of which he is the sole shareholder and manager, from 2020 onwards; whereas this has reportedly made it possible to detect further cash payments and to conclude that bribes that he allegedly received at an earlier point in time did in fact exist;

    C. whereas in several deliberations of the national parliament, of which Petr Bystron was a member at the time of the alleged facts, on Russia-related issues, he has, since 2022, reportedly voted in a manner clearly most favourable to the interests of the Russian Government and has given at least two speeches before the German Bundestag in which he defended a pro-Russian position;

    D. whereas Petr Bystron, who was entitled, under the German Law on Members of Parliament, to a flat-rate allowance intended, inter alia, to recruit staff, is said to have entered into an employment contract with his lawyer in October 2021 and to have also agreed to five amendments to that contract, each altering the weekly working hours and monthly salary of his lawyer; whereas the flat-rate allowance may be used only if the intended purpose or the activities concerned have a sufficient connection with the exercise of the mandate; whereas the work carried out under that contract did not relate to the exercise of the parliamentary mandate or the work expected was not carried out, but remuneration was paid nonetheless as a result of having misled the staff member in charge of authorising the payment; whereas this remuneration is said to have led the Federal Republic of Germany to incur a loss in the amount of EUR 97 400.00;

    E. whereas in the financial years 2017 to 2021, Petr Bystron, through the tax advisor of the company of which he is the sole shareholder and manager, is said to have submitted incorrect VAT returns to the Munich tax authorities, containing private expenditure that has no connection with that company’s commercial activity; whereas, as a result of this incorrect information on the VAT returns, an undue refund of VAT totalling EUR 9 949.17 was reportedly paid;

    F. whereas Petr Bystron was elected to the European Parliament in the European elections in 2024 in Germany and was not a Member of the European Parliament at the time of the alleged offences;

    G. whereas the alleged offences and the subsequent request for waiver of his immunity are not related to an opinion expressed or a vote cast by Petr Bystron in the performance of his duties within the meaning of Article 8 of Protocol No 7 on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Union;

    H. whereas Article 9, first paragraph, point (a) of Protocol No 7 on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Union provides that Members of the European Parliament enjoy, in the territory of their own State, the immunities accorded to members of their parliament;

    I. whereas Article 46(2), (3) and (4) of the Basic Law of the Federal Republic of Germany provides that:

    ‘(2)  A Member may not be called to account or arrested for a punishable offence without permission of the Bundestag unless he is apprehended while committing the offence or in the course of the following day.

    (3)  The permission of the Bundestag shall also be required for any other restriction of a Member’s freedom of the person or for the initiation of proceedings against a Member under Article 18.

    (4)  Any criminal proceedings or any proceedings under Article 18 against a Member and any detention or other restriction of the freedom of his person shall be suspended at the demand of the Bundestag’;

    J. whereas the purpose of parliamentary immunity is to protect Parliament and its Members from legal proceedings in relation to activities that are carried out in the performance of parliamentary duties and that cannot be separated from those duties;

    K. whereas in accordance with Rule 5(2) of the Rules of Procedure, parliamentary immunity is not a personal privilege of the Member but a guarantee of the independence of Parliament as a whole and of its Members;

    L. whereas, in this case, Parliament found no evidence of fumus persecutionis, which is to say factual elements indicating that the intention underlying the legal proceedings in question is to undermine the Member’s political activity in his capacity as a Member of the European Parliament;

    M. whereas Parliament cannot assume the role of a court and whereas, in a waiver of immunity procedure, a Member cannot be regarded as a defendant[2];

    1. Decides to waive the immunity of Petr Bystron;

    2. Instructs its President to forward this decision and the report of its committee responsible immediately to the competent authority of the Federal Republic of Germany and to Petr Bystron.

     

     

    ANNEX: ENTITIES OR PERSONS FROM WHOM THE RAPPORTEUR HAS RECEIVED INPUT

    The rapporteur declares under her exclusive responsibility that she did not receive input from any entity or person to be mentioned in this Annex pursuant to Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure.

     

     

    INFORMATION ON ADOPTION IN COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE

    Date adopted

    23.4.2025

     

     

     

    Result of final vote

    +:

    –:

    0:

    20

    2

    2

    Members present for the final vote

    Tobiasz Bocheński, José Cepeda, Ton Diepeveen, Mary Khan, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Lukas Mandl, Mario Mantovani, Pascale Piera, René Repasi, Krzysztof Śmiszek, Dominik Tarczyński, Adrián Vázquez Lázara, Axel Voss, Marion Walsmann, Dainius Žalimas

    Substitutes present for the final vote

    David Cormand, Angelika Niebler, Arash Saeidi, Jana Toom

    Members under Rule 216(7) present for the final vote

    Andi Cristea, Esther Herranz García, Dariusz Joński, Marit Maij, Jorge Martín Frías

     

     

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Final draft agenda – Tuesday, 6 May 2025 – Strasbourg

    Source: European Parliament

    80 Border Regions’ instrument for development and growth (BRIDGEforEU)
    Sandro Gozi (A10-0058/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 13:00 81 Amending Regulation (EU) 2016/1011 as regards the scope of the rules for benchmarks, the use in the Union of benchmarks provided by an administrator located in a third country, and certain reporting requirements
    Jonás Fernández (A10-0060/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 13:00 82 European Union labour market statistics on businesses
    Irene Tinagli (A10-0057/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 13:00 60 Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers: application EGF/2024/003 BE/Van Hool – Belgium
    Janusz Lewandowski (A10-0080/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 13:00 41 Protection of the European Union’s financial interests – combating fraud – annual report 2023
    Gilles Boyer (A10-0049/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 13:00 40 Control of the financial activities of the European Investment Bank – annual report 2023
    Ondřej Knotek (A10-0068/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 13:00 20 A revamped long-term budget for the Union in a changing world
    Siegfried Mureşan, Carla Tavares (A10-0076/2025)      – Amendments by the rapporteur, 71 MEPs at least; Alternative motions for resolutions Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 13:00     – Joint alternative motions for resolutions Friday, 2 May 2025, 10:00 66 Discharge 2023: EU general budget – Commission, executive agencies and European Development Funds
    Niclas Herbst (A10-0074/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 13:00 68 Discharge 2023: EU general budget – European Council and Council
    Joachim Stanisław Brudziński (A10-0052/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 13:00 69 Discharge 2023: EU general budget – Court of Justice of the European Union
    Cristian Terheş (A10-0050/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 13:00 70 Discharge 2023: EU general budget – Court of Auditors
    Dick Erixon (A10-0047/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 13:00 71 Discharge 2023: EU general budget – European Economic and Social Committee
    Joachim Stanisław Brudziński (A10-0054/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 13:00 72 Discharge 2023: EU general budget – Committee of the Regions
    Joachim Stanisław Brudziński (A10-0046/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 13:00 73 Discharge 2023: EU general budget – European Ombudsman
    Joachim Stanisław Brudziński (A10-0055/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 13:00 74 Discharge 2023: EU general budget – European Data Protection Supervisor
    Joachim Stanisław Brudziński (A10-0053/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 13:00 75 Discharge 2023: EU general budget – European External Action Service
    Joachim Stanisław Brudziński (A10-0069/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 13:00 76 Discharge 2023: European Public Prosecutor’s Office
    Tomáš Zdechovský (A10-0051/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 13:00 77 Discharge 2023: Agencies
    Erik Marquardt (A10-0065/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 13:00 78 Discharge 2023: Joint Undertakings
    Michal Wiezik (A10-0056/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 13:00 39 The European Water Resilience Strategy
    Thomas Bajada (A10-0073/2025)      – Amendments by the rapporteur, 71 MEPs at least; Alternative motions for resolutions Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 13:00 43 2023 and 2024 reports on Türkiye
    Nacho Sánchez Amor (A10-0067/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 13:00 102 2023 and 2024 reports on Serbia
    Tonino Picula (A10-0072/2025)      – Amendments Friday, 2 May 2025, 12:00 104 2023 and 2024 reports on Kosovo
    Riho Terras (A10-0075/2025)      – Amendments Friday, 2 May 2025, 12:00 Separate votes – Split votes – Roll-call votes Texts put to the vote on Tuesday Friday, 2 May 2025, 12:00 Texts put to the vote on Wednesday Monday, 5 May 2025, 19:00 Texts put to the vote on Thursday Tuesday, 6 May 2025, 19:00 Motions for resolutions concerning debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (Rule 150) Wednesday, 7 May 2025, 19:00

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Final draft agenda – Wednesday, 7 May 2025 – Strasbourg

    Source: European Parliament

    66 Discharge 2023: EU general budget – Commission, executive agencies and European Development Funds
    Niclas Herbst (A10-0074/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 13:00 68 Discharge 2023: EU general budget – European Council and Council
    Joachim Stanisław Brudziński (A10-0052/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 13:00 69 Discharge 2023: EU general budget – Court of Justice of the European Union
    Cristian Terheş (A10-0050/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 13:00 70 Discharge 2023: EU general budget – Court of Auditors
    Dick Erixon (A10-0047/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 13:00 71 Discharge 2023: EU general budget – European Economic and Social Committee
    Joachim Stanisław Brudziński (A10-0054/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 13:00 72 Discharge 2023: EU general budget – Committee of the Regions
    Joachim Stanisław Brudziński (A10-0046/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 13:00 73 Discharge 2023: EU general budget – European Ombudsman
    Joachim Stanisław Brudziński (A10-0055/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 13:00 74 Discharge 2023: EU general budget – European Data Protection Supervisor
    Joachim Stanisław Brudziński (A10-0053/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 13:00 75 Discharge 2023: EU general budget – European External Action Service
    Joachim Stanisław Brudziński (A10-0069/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 13:00 76 Discharge 2023: European Public Prosecutor’s Office
    Tomáš Zdechovský (A10-0051/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 13:00 77 Discharge 2023: Agencies
    Erik Marquardt (A10-0065/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 13:00 78 Discharge 2023: Joint Undertakings
    Michal Wiezik (A10-0056/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 13:00 20 A revamped long-term budget for the Union in a changing world
    Siegfried Mureşan, Carla Tavares (A10-0076/2025)      – Amendments by the rapporteur, 71 MEPs at least; Alternative motions for resolutions Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 13:00     – Joint alternative motions for resolutions Friday, 2 May 2025, 10:00 39 The European Water Resilience Strategy
    Thomas Bajada (A10-0073/2025)      – Amendments by the rapporteur, 71 MEPs at least; Alternative motions for resolutions Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 13:00 43 2023 and 2024 reports on Türkiye
    Nacho Sánchez Amor (A10-0067/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 13:00 102 2023 and 2024 reports on Serbia
    Tonino Picula (A10-0072/2025)      – Amendments Friday, 2 May 2025, 12:00 104 2023 and 2024 reports on Kosovo
    Riho Terras (A10-0075/2025)      – Amendments Friday, 2 May 2025, 12:00 57 Competition policy – annual report 2024
    Lara Wolters (A10-0071/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 13:00 107 The role of gas storage for securing gas supplies ahead of the winter season
    Borys Budka (A10-0079/2025)      – Amendments Friday, 2 May 2025, 12:00 21 Banking Union – annual report 2024
    Ralf Seekatz (A10-0044/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 13:00 98 Arrest and risk of execution of Tundu Lissu, Chair of Chadema, the main opposition party in Tanzania     – Motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Monday, 5 May 2025, 20:00     – Amendments to motions for resolutions; joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 7 May 2025, 13:00     – Amendments to joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 7 May 2025, 14:00 99 Return of Ukrainian children forcibly transferred and deported by Russia     – Motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Monday, 5 May 2025, 20:00     – Amendments to motions for resolutions; joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 7 May 2025, 13:00     – Amendments to joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 7 May 2025, 14:00 100 Violations of religious freedom in Tibet     – Motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Monday, 5 May 2025, 20:00     – Amendments to motions for resolutions; joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 7 May 2025, 13:00     – Amendments to joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 7 May 2025, 14:00 Separate votes – Split votes – Roll-call votes Texts put to the vote on Tuesday Friday, 2 May 2025, 12:00 Texts put to the vote on Wednesday Monday, 5 May 2025, 19:00 Texts put to the vote on Thursday Tuesday, 6 May 2025, 19:00 Motions for resolutions concerning debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (Rule 150) Wednesday, 7 May 2025, 19:00

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the old challenges and new commercial practices in the internal market – B10-0246/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Anna Cavazzini
    on behalf of the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

    B10‑0246/2025

    European Parliament resolution on the old challenges and new commercial practices in the internal market

    (2025/2542(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to its resolution of 18 January 2023 on the 30th anniversary of the single market: celebrating achievements and looking towards future developments[1],

    – having regard to the report by Enrico Letta of 17 April 2024 entitled ‘Much more than a Market’ (the Letta report),

    – having regard to the report by Mario Draghi of 9 September 2024 entitled ‘The future of European competitiveness’ (the Draghi report),

    – having regard to the Commission communication of 29 January 2025 entitled ‘the 2025 Annual Single Market and Competitiveness Report’ (COM(2025)0026),

    – having regard to the Commission communication of 29 January 2025 entitled ‘A Competitiveness Compass for the EU’ (COM(2025)0030),

    – having regard to the Commission communication of 11 February 2025 entitled ‘A simpler and faster Europe: Communication on implementation and simplification (COM(2025)0047),

    – having regard to the question to the Commission on the old challenges and new commercial practices in the internal market (O-000012/2025 – B10‑0264/2025),

    – having regard to Rules 142(5) and 136(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

    A. whereas the European Union’s ability to compete and prosper in the global economy is vital, especially amid the current geopolitical challenges and climate and other environmental crises; whereas its current, medium and long-term competitiveness relies on a fully integrated and efficient single market that allows European businesses to innovate and prosper and prioritises the reduction of administrative burdens;

    B. whereas the single market, comprising nearly 450 million citizens and 23 million businesses, generates a gross domestic product (GDP) of EUR 17 trillion, positioning the EU among the world’s three largest economies and contributing approximately one-sixth of global economic output;

    C. whereas the Draghi report demonstrated that compliance costs resulting from various pieces of legislation remain very high for European companies, therefore hindering European innovation capacity;

    D. whereas it remains crucial to improve the functioning of the single market by addressing persisting fragmentation through common, harmonised EU policies, more efficient implementation and enforcement, and the simplification of EU rules; whereas reducing administrative burdens and costs, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), can help foster innovation and support European businesses; whereas unlocking the full potential of the single market requires overcoming persistent barriers to the free movement of goods and services;

    E. whereas the rapid expansion of digital platforms and e-commerce has introduced new market dynamics and whereas evolving trends in global e-commerce are exerting additional pressure on customs controls, market surveillance and consumer protection authorities;

    F. whereas geopolitical shifts and global economic transformations are reshaping supply chains, requiring the EU to adapt its single market policies; whereas the EU has set the highest standards for product safety and consumer protection, both offline and online;

    G. whereas attention has been drawn to a growing number of cases reported across the EU in which goods and services offer reduced quantity or quality, despite stable or rising prices;

    Old and enduring challenges

    1. Reaffirms that the single market has been a cornerstone of European economic integration, enabling the free movement of goods, services, capital and people; stresses, however, that there are long-standing and emerging challenges that necessitate ambitious reforms without harming European competitiveness or imposing unnecessary administrative burdens on companies; calls on the Commission and the Member States to accelerate efforts towards implementing these reforms and to eliminate remaining unjustified obstacles to the free movement of goods and services, while ensuring a high level of consumer protection;

    2. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to maintain strong consumer protection while also providing for competition rules that are innovation-friendly, future-proof and proportionate; emphasises the need to ensure legal certainty and consistency and minimise regulatory complexity and fragmentation, which could disproportionately affect SMEs, start-ups and scale-ups;

    3. Calls on the Commission to ensure that future legislative initiatives are consistently guided by the strategic priorities outlined in its communications and competitiveness strategy;

    4. Underscores that, as demonstrated by the Letta and Draghi reports, there is still untapped potential in the services sector; calls for further action in this sector to address the significant obstacles that persist, starting from setting ambitious targets in the upcoming single market strategy; notes that services account for three quarters of EU GDP, represent two thirds of employment and create 9 out of 10 new jobs in the EU economy; notes also, however, that services are still the least developed segment of the EU single market;

    5. Welcomes the proposal for a regulation on a public interface connected to the Internal Market Information System for the declaration of posting of workers and amending Regulation (EU) No 1024/2012 (COM/2024/531), which should lead to simplification and strengthened enforcement; notes also that digitalisation could significantly reduce administrative burdens for cross-border services and ensure better access for businesses and consumers; calls, in this regard, for a single declaration portal and the digitalisation of A1 forms for cross-border services;

    6. Stresses the importance of the effective recognition of professional qualifications and the removal of unjustified barriers to the free movement of professionals in order to make EU professional services globally competitive in future decades; encourages the Commission to remain vigilant in pursuing infringement procedures where Member States do not comply with EU legislation on the recognition of qualifications;

    7. Stresses that single market rules should safeguard access to public services and preserve consumer rights as well as other overriding reasons of public interest; adds that any assessment to evaluate restrictions in the single market for services should include qualitative criteria;

    8. Notes the role that EU public procurement can play in overcoming barriers to market entry, supporting sustainable and resilient industrial ecosystems, high quality jobs and value creation in the EU;

    9. Acknowledges that the new legislative framework (NLF) has contributed to consistency in EU product legislation and that since its adoption, the industry sector, supply chains and products have experienced important transformations in the light of the digital and green transition, but also changes in market dynamics; notes that the 2022 evaluation of the NLF identified critical challenges, such as potential foreign influence, illegal practices, inadequacies in addressing digitalisation and the circular economy, and potential updates to obligations and definitions for certain economic operators to reflect new market realities;

    10. Stresses that addressing these issues and making the NLF future-proof is essential to ensure coherence, reduce costs and ensure free movement of goods; calls, therefore, for an update to the NLF in order to streamline product rules, promote digitalisation and simplify compliance and market surveillance procedures; considers that the NLF should promote the use of Digital Product Passports as a means of demonstrating product conformity and complying with information requirements;

    11. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to simplify EU rules and make them easier to implement, and to significantly reduce administrative burdens, in particular for SMEs, which play a vital role in sustaining local communities and economies; stresses the importance of ensuring legal certainty and consistency for businesses, as well as predictability for long-term investments, which are essential to boost competitiveness, innovation and resilience and to deliver fast and meaningful improvements for consumers and businesses; calls, furthermore, on the Member States to prevent actions that could compromise the level playing field in the internal market;

    12. Recognises that inconsistent and fragmented enforcement of EU laws across the Member States continues to distort competition and undermine the single market’s integrity; adds that primary responsibility for enforcement of EU rules lies with the Member States; invites the Commission to make full use of its enforcement powers; calls for improved monitoring and enforcement mechanisms at EU level, such as harmonised rules on minimum levels of checks, harmonised methodologies to conduct these checks and joint inspections, in order to ensure the uniform application of EU law and, where applicable, swift redress for consumers;

    13. Stresses the importance of maintaining a competitive and dynamic economic environment by safeguarding consumers’ rights and enforcing digital competition rules to address unfair business practices that distort market conditions; calls, furthermore, on the Member States to increase the capacity of market surveillance authorities and customs authorities to ensure effective enforcement of single market rules, particularly in respect of e-commerce and imports from non-EU countries;

    14. Recalls that territorial supply constraints in the retail and wholesale segments fragment the single market, limit consumer choice and contribute to significant price disparities across the Union, particularly affecting the prices of basic consumer goods; highlights that while competition law penalises some of these practices effectively, many fall outside its scope; calls, therefore, on the Commission to propose measures to address the issue, including stronger enforcement against anti-competitive distribution agreements, in order to safeguard fair competition, thereby ensuring the integrity of the single market;

    15. Calls on the Commission to investigate the causes for the differentiated levels of the inflation of basic goods and consumer price increases observed in some EU Member States;

    16. Considers that the single market is a key tool in times of crisis if the Member States can act in a coordinated way; considers that the recently adopted Internal Market Emergency and Resilience Act[2] will be crucial to ensure coordination in order to prevent shortages and ensure the smooth functioning of the single market, including the free movement of essential goods and services throughout the EU;

    17. Calls on the Commission to empower consumers to easily exercise their passenger rights by establishing national enforcement bodies, which should be granted harmonised investigation and enforcement powers and which should be able to efficiently process individual complaints and related fines;

    18. Highlights that e-commerce measures targeting geo-blocking, notably the Geoblocking Regulation[3], have been successful in creating a framework for a less fragmented single market and enhancing consumer choice for online shopping; notes with concern that the implementation of the regulation has been inadequate;

    19. Notes that the European Accessibility Act[4] will become applicable across all EU Member States as of 28 June 2025; stresses the importance of its full and effective implementation by the Member States in order to ensure the harmonisation of accessibility requirements for products and services, thereby guaranteeing their accessibility to persons with disabilities across the EU internal market;

    Emerging commercial practices

    20. Highlights that the rapid expansion of digital platforms and e-commerce has introduced new market dynamics and has created advanced opportunities and challenges and risks for users; acknowledges that the Digital Markets Act[5] (DMA) and the Digital Services Act[6] (DSA) constitute key legislative instruments ensuring fair competition, contestability and fairness in digital platforms, while also fostering consumer protection and a safer, more trustworthy and more transparent digital environment in the digital economy; calls for proper enforcement of the EU’s new technology legislation to ensure genuine, autonomous and informed consumer choice, protection and fair competition;

    21. Considers it essential to ensure the effective implementation and enforcement of these two legislative acts and urges the Commission to conclude its ongoing investigations in the framework of the DSA and the DMA;

    22. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure that the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act[7] maintains a risk-based, innovation-friendly approach, ensuring that compliance requirements are proportionate to the actual risks posed by AI applications while respecting the need to ensure a high level of protection of health, safety and fundamental rights;

    23. Welcomes the Commission’s ‘digital fairness’ fitness check of consumer law and the upcoming public consultation; underlines that some issues remain unaddressed concerning the protection of consumers online, leading to an imbalance between consumers and traders within the digital economy; calls on the Commission to address these issues in the upcoming Digital Fairness Act; believes that digital addiction, online gambling, protection of minors online and persuasive technologies used by online actors, such as targeted advertising, influencer advertising and dark patterns, should fall under the Digital Fairness Act, which should close legal loopholes and be consistent with current legal instruments in order to better protect consumers online, taking into account the need to avoid unnecessary regulatory burdens;

    24. Notes that evolving trends in global e-commerce and supply chain restructuring are placing greater pressure on customs controls, market surveillance and consumer protection authorities; highlights that the volume of unsafe and illicit products sold on e-commerce platforms, in particular from non-EU countries, has been increasing in recent years; highlights the significance of Digital Product Passports in these processes; calls, therefore, for a reinforced market surveillance framework and a revision of the Consumer Protection Cooperation Regulation[8] and calls on the Council to swiftly adopt its position in order to enable the adoption of the revised Union Customs Code and the establishment of an EU customs authority in 2026;

    25. Calls on the Member States to allocate sufficient technical, human and financial resources to national authorities; calls on the Member States and the Commission to ensure sufficient funds and expertise to strengthen customs authorities and market surveillance across the Union and to intensify joint activities and EU testing;

    26. Emphasises the need to strengthen consumer protection in both online and offline markets, ensuring transparency in advertising and pricing, especially concerning dynamic pricing, ensuring fair business practices and stronger safeguards against fraud to foster consumer trust in cross-border commerce and the highest level of protection;

    27. Stresses that attention has increasingly been drawn to instances where goods and services offer less in terms of quantity or quality while prices remain the same or increase; calls on the Commission to assess the scale and underlying causes of such practices and to explore appropriate measures to enhance transparency and consumer awareness;

    28. Underlines that environmental sustainability and fair-trade considerations are increasingly shaping commercial practices by playing an important role in consumers’ purchasing decisions and consequently driving businesses towards sustainability; adds that transparency and information for consumers on environmental aspects as well as on socially-responsible and ethical production processes allow consumers to adopt sustainable consumption patterns;

    29. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to maintain their level of ambition in this regard and work further on EU-wide labelling schemes; recalls that the objective of the Green Claims Directive is to establish a tool to protect consumers against greenwashing by establishing requirements for substantiation and verification;

    30. Highlights the need to further combat misleading advertising and greenwashing and to strengthen the second-hand market; notes, however, that restrictive sustainability rules may have a negative impact on European competitiveness;

    31. Highlights that some growing trends in e-commerce raise concerns with regard to goods from non-EU countries not fulfilling EU safety and sustainability requirements, thus negatively impacting SMEs in the EU; welcomes the Commission communication on ‘A comprehensive EU toolbox for safe and sustainable e-commerce’ and asks the Commission to swiftly implement the recommendations contained therein;

    32. Emphasises that harmonised technical standards are essential for the free movement of goods within the single market, ensuring product safety, quality and performance across the Member States; highlights that standards must reflect the interests, policy objectives and values of the Union by taking into account the views of all stakeholders; adds that the recent Court of Justice of the European Union ruling[9] acknowledges the added value of harmonised standards that form part of EU law because of their legal effects and establishes that they should be made freely accessible; underlines the need to improve the agility of the standardisation framework, particularly for emerging green and digital value chains, and to help industry to maintain competitive positions in key technology markets;

    33. Considers that the EU must increase its efforts to set up a new mechanism with the Member States and national standardisation bodies to share information, coordinate and strengthen the European approach to international standardisation activities; calls for swift action to update the EU standardisation framework in order to speed up the standardisation process to ensure the rapid publication of harmonised standards that grant presumption of conformity and are aligned with international standards to support global trade while encouraging greater industry participation, particularly from SMEs;

    34. Stresses the need to reinforce the external dimension of the single market to safeguard the EU’s strategic autonomy and global influence and welcomes the gradual integration of EU candidate countries to the single market with a view to their future EU membership; emphasises that the EU’s high regulatory standards can serve as a global benchmark and must be effectively enforced to ensure a level playing field for European businesses; calls on the Commission to intensify regulatory dialogues and political cooperation with other relevant non-EU countries in order to identify common challenges and try to build joint actions, especially concerning e-commerce, digital rules and consumers;

    35. Reiterates its call for innovative, complementary and flexible interaction between the ongoing work on the implementation of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement currently in force and the accession negotiation process, thus allowing for Ukraine’s gradual integration into the EU single market and sectoral programmes;

    Conclusions

    36. Recognises that geopolitical tensions, climate change, challenges to EU competitiveness and economic disparities pose significant risks to the integrity of the single market; calls for a robust, coordinated and strategic policy response to strengthen the single market;

    37. Calls for the continued evolution of the single market to address both remaining unjustified barriers and emerging commercial challenges; takes the view that eliminating regulatory fragmentation, promoting simplification, significantly reducing administrative burdens, enhancing enforcement and ensuring resilient supply chains are critical to maintaining the EU’s competitive edge and fair market conditions and enhancing the single market; underlines the importance of consulting all relevant stakeholders in these processes;

    38. Emphasises the importance of digital transformation, the circular economy and adaptability to global economic shifts in securing the EU’s long-term economic dynamism;

    39. Reiterates that strengthening the internal and external dimensions of the single market is essential for preserving the EU’s strategic autonomy and competitiveness;

    40. Urges the Commission, therefore, to reflect the foregoing in the forthcoming new single market strategy, scheduled for June 2025, in the 2030 consumer agenda, scheduled for the end of 2025, and in the Digital Fairness Act, scheduled for 2026;

    °

    ° °

    41. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and the Commission.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AMENDMENTS 002-003 – REPORT on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2023, Section IV – Court of Justice – A10-0050/2025(002-003)

    Source: European Parliament

    AMENDMENTS 002-003
    REPORT
    on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2023, Section IV – Court of Justice
    (2024/2022(DEC))
    Committee on Budgetary Control
    Rapporteur: Cristian Terheş

    Source : © European Union, 2025 – EP

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: New recycling facility contract announced

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    An artist’s impression of the new materials recovery facility to be built in Hume.

    In brief:

    • A new recycling facility for the ACT will be built in Hume.
    • Veolia will partner with the ACT Government to design, build and operate the new facility.
    • The facility will have world-leading technology to recover and sort recyclable materials.
    • It is expected to be operational in 2028.

    A new recycling facility for Canberra is on the way.

    Veolia will partner with the ACT Government to design, build and operate the new facility.

    This will be built within the current bounds of the Hume Resource Recovery Estate on Recycling Road in Hume.

    Construction is expected to begin in 2026.

    World-leading technology

    The Government selected Veolia as its industry partner after a competitive procurement process last year.

    Veolia is a leader in water, energy, and waste management. It will bring world-leading technology to Canberra to build one of the country’s most advanced materials recovery facilities.

    Veolia will run the facility under a long-term contract for 20 years, once it is operational.

    A state-of-the-art facility

    The new facility will be able to sort paper and cardboard, glass, plastic, steel and aluminium.

    Its sophisticated technology will increase recovery rates, producing high purity in materials for recycling and resource recovery.

    Technology includes:

    • a glass purification plant
    • sophisticated automatic recognition
    • screens to separate paper
    • laser optical identification with air jets to separate plastics
    • powerful magnets to extract metals.

    Supporting Canberra and its future

    The new, larger facility will be able to process up to 115,000 tonnes of mixed recyclables per year.

    This supports a growing Canberra and changing consumer behaviour that is contributing to increases in recoverable material over time.

    Additional benefits

    The project will create more than 130 new jobs.

    Removing the need to transport the ACT’s recyclable materials interstate will have a further environmental impact.

    A new education space will also be built. This will allow the community and school groups to visit and learn about how recyclable products are processed, to be transformed into renewed items.

    Capabilities and features of the new facility include:

    Improved recycling facilities

    • Sorting: advanced optical sorting to better separate, identify, sort and segregate recycling to higher purity levels, reducing contaminants for better quality end market products.
    • Glass recycling: glass crushing and washing facilities to provide better quality crushed glass that can be used in a wider range of products.
    • Container recycling: improved and expanded baling processes for Container Deposit Scheme materials.

    Improved environmental aspects

    • Greenstar rating: the building will be designed to meet specific Greenstar requirements to reduce the facility’s carbon footprint.
    • Wastewater management: wastewater capture treatment and reuse with stormwater management infrastructure to achieve environmental compliance.

    Advanced management systems

    • Fire management: advanced fire detection and suppression systems.
    • Data collection: sophisticated data collection, management, and analysis systems.
    • Flexibility to incorporate new innovations, improvements in technology and adapt to changing recycling priorities and materials.

    State-of-the-art fire detection, mitigation and control systems will safeguard the site from fires. These can be caused by items such as lithium batteries or gas bottles finding their way into the recycling stream.

    Non-recyclable or flammable items should not be put in recycling bins. This does happen from time to time, though, warranting the need for these extra safety measures.

    Interim recycling

    Canberrans can rest assured that the items they put in their yellow household bins are still being recycled.

    Until the new facility is complete, recycling services will continue to be delivered by the current contractor, Re.Group.

    The new recycling facility is funded via a joint investment of $26 million from the ACT and Australian governments.

    The construction program includes the demolition of the previous material recovery facility, which is expected to commence around mid-2025.

    The facility is expected to be operational in 2028.

    Read more like this

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


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Butler Man Indicted for Threats to Assault and Murder President Trump and Other U.S. Officials

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Butler, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh with making threats to assault and murder President Donald J. Trump, other United States officials, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

    The eight-count Indictment named Shawn Monper, 32, currently detained in the Butler County Prison, as the defendant. Monper was previously charged by federal criminal complaint with making the threats that are charged in the Indictment (read the criminal complaint news release here).

    On April 9, 2025, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), with the assistance of the Butler Township Police Department, arrested Monper on the federal criminal complaint, with law enforcement at that time seizing three handguns purchased by Monper between February and March 2025. After preliminary and detention hearings on April 14, 2025, the Court found that Monper was a danger to the community and ordered that he be detained pending trial.

    The law provides for a maximum total sentence on each count of up to five or 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

    Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

    The FBI and the Butler Township Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.

    An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Las Vegas Man Sentenced To Over 13 Years In Prison For Coercion And Enticement Of Multiple Children

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man was sentenced Thursday by Chief United States District Judge Andrew P. Gordon to 160 months in prison to be followed by 15 years of supervised release. Denzel Renyal Michael Loyd’s sentence follows his conviction for four counts of coercion and enticement after he solicited multiple children to engage in prostitution. The defendant utilized Facebook to contact the minors and solicit them to engage in sexual acts, send him sexually explicit images and videos of themselves, and prostitute themselves on his behalf.

    “Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of the offense,” said United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. “Over the span of a few months, the defendant, a self-described pimp, solicited numerous minors to send him sexually explicit photographs and videos of themselves, induced them to engage in various sex acts – at least one victim complied to his sex demands in exchange for food, and attempted to convince the victims to engage in prostitution. The U.S. Attorney’s Office continues to work closely with the FBI to protect our youth from predators, and we will seek justice for victims.”

    “Denzel Renyal Michael Loyd deserves each and every day of his 13-year prison term,” said Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI. “This sentence delivers a message to anyone intent on harming children. The FBI and our law enforcement partners are committed to protecting children from the clutches of offenders like Loyd. Every time a child predator is brought to justice, potential victims are spared immeasurable harm.”

    In addition to imprisonment, under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, Loyd must register as a sex offender and keep the registration current.

    United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI Las Vegas Division made the announcement.

    The FBI and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorneys Jean Ripley and Supriya Prasad prosecuted the case with the assistance of the Department of Justice Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS).

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals 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.

    Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.

    ###

     

     

    MIL Security OSI –