Latest news with #TNR
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
India among 12 countries carrying out 'transnational repression': UK parl panel
LONDON: A British parliamentary panel on Wednesday warned that foreign govts are being increasingly bold in attempts to silence and intimidate individuals and communities in the UK. The 'Transnational Repression in the UK' report by the joint committee on human rights names India among 12 countries against which it had received evidence. There was no immediate comment from India on the report. The evidence published with the report referencing India relates to Sikhs For Justice, a pro-Khalistan outfit declared an "unlawful association" under India's Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. JCHR, comprising cross-party members of Parliament, is in charge of examining matters relating to human rights within the UK and scrutinising legislation for its compatibility with human rights. Its report claims that the committee received "credible evidence" that several states engaged in acts of such repression on UK soil with a serious impact on those targeted, "instilling fear, limiting their freedom of expression and movement, and undermining their sense of safety". pti Many states conducted TNR activities on UK soil, says report The number of state-threat investigations run by MI5, the country's security agency, has grown by 48% since 2022, it claims. "Our inquiry received evidence alleging that many states had conducted TNR activities on UK soil. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Susan Boyle Is Now so Thin and Looks Beautiful! Undo Multiple evidence submissions accused Bahrain, China, Egypt, Eritrea, India, Iran, Pakistan, Russia, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates of perpetrating TNR in the UK," reads the report. JCHR report also claims to have received evidence on the conduct of individual member states alleged to have engaged in "systematic misuse" of Interpol mechanisms. It reads: "We were told that misuse of Interpol Notices was widespread, but that China, Russia, and Turkey were the most prolific abusers of Interpol's Notice system. "The committee also heard allegations of misuse by Algeria, Bahrain, Eritrea, Georgia, India, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, UAE, Ukraine and Venezuela."
Yahoo
a day ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Collier County shelter can take in cats again July 31, but rescue strain remains high
On July 17, Megan Sorbara posted a photo of a black-and-white tuxedo cat on Facebook, asking for help. She trapped the feral cat the night before and brought him to Collier County Domestic Animal Services, DAS, the next morning to be fixed. Staff turned her away. "Keep a feral cat in a cage for two weeks? Release him back and never catch him again?" Sorbara wrote in frustration. "This is kitten season, you should be at least continuing TNR (trap-neuter-return), you know try and "fix" the problem so you don't have to shut down intake year after year." Earlier this month, the county shelter announced it would temporarily halt public feline intake from July 14 through July 30, citing a spike in communicable diseases. But to many in Collier County's animal rescue community, the closure is another sign of a system struggling to keep up with the growing overpopulation and leaving residents with nowhere to turn. "Despite the best efforts of our staff and volunteers, we're currently dealing with an increase in communicable diseases in cats," DAS Director Meredith McLean said in a press release. "Temporarily pausing intake will help us reduce our feline census, protect the health of animals already in our care, and allow us to focus our resources on urgent, critical cases.' The shelter saw a 60% increase in cat intake this June compared to the same time last year. DAS only accepted cats that were critically ill, injured, or at-risk during the intake closure. This isn't the first time the shelter has closed its intake. In August 2024, the county shelter paused intake after multiple cats tested positive for feline panleukopenia, a deadly and highly contagious virus. Each time, local rescues have been left to fill the gap, if they can. More: Collier County cat rescues face ongoing challenges. A shelter's temporary closure didn't help What did it mean for rescuers like Megan Sorbara? Sorbara, who runs Purradise Gardens, a nonprofit cat rescue in Naples, said she had no choice but to pay $260 for a private veterinarian to neuter the cat the county shelter turned away. She relies on the county's shelter TNR program to help control feral cat populations, especially during kitten season. "It puts more pressure and more expense on these small groups that are not funded like they (DAS) are," Sorbara said. "We don't have staff. We don't have payroll. We don't have a ton of volunteers. We don't have the whole county behind us, and it just puts a lot of pressure on the rest of the groups." To her, the shutdown wasn't a logistical failure; it was a misuse of public resources. "Those are county tax dollars that are operating that shelter, and the county (taxpayers) should be able to use it whenever they need it," she said. "It's not a surprise. It happens every year," Sorbara said, adding that closures like this one aren't new, and the county should be better prepared. "I do understand they shut down intake to avoid all these animals getting sick," she said, "but at the same time, you know what happens every single year, you know what happens during kitten season, you know what happens during summer. This seems to always happen, so have a plan." Where to go when the county shelter is closed While DAS's feline intake was suspended, residents looked to private veterinarians or nonprofit groups. Some of those groups include: SNIP Collier offers low-cost sterilization for cats and dogs For the Love of Cats provides TNR support for East Naples and Marco Island Humane Society Naples has a rescue and adoption center Residents are encouraged to call ahead, as many local organizations are near or at capacity. What can you do? Advocates say lasting change will require a combination of policy changes, community involvement and people stepping up to help. Here's how you can help: Adopt or foster Spay and neuter your pets Be a responsible pet owner by microchipping, licensing and securing your pets Support local rescue groups by donating, volunteering and fostering The county shelter urged residents to consider fostering or adopting animals already in their care. All adoption fees have been waived through Sept. 9. "We provide all veterinary care, supplies, and support; you just provide the space and love," McLean said. "Even a short-term foster can make a life-saving difference for these animals and help us reduce our feline population." A crisis that's not going away As of July 30, the shelter reopened its feline intake. Without meaningful changes to enforcement, funding and community engagement, advocates fear more shutdowns are inevitable. 'The officers won't trap. They said it takes too much time. They really do lean on the other organizations to do that work. And then for what? We don't get anything out of it.' Her group consists entirely of volunteers and depends solely on donations. "There's only so much room we have,' she said. Despite more than a decade of efforts, the need hasn't let up. Sorbara's nonprofit has focused its work on an industrial park near Shirley Street and Taylor Road, where volunteers feed over 100 feral cats every night. "Even with all of our trapping efforts and our daily feedings and care, we're still getting kittens," she said, adding that the work costs about $3,000 a month. While county funding for animal control exists, Sorbara said it's not reaching the boots-on-the-ground groups doing daily fieldwork. "There is funding there, but they're just not using it," Sorbara said. Mickenzie Hannon is a watchdog reporter for The News-Press and Naples Daily News, covering Collier and Lee counties. Contact her at 239-435-3423 or mhannon@ This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Collier County shelter reopens cat intake after pause to fight disease Solve the daily Crossword
News18
2 days ago
- Politics
- News18
UK parliamentary panel names 12 countries in transnational repression report
London, Jul 30 (PTI) A British parliamentary panel on Wednesday warned that foreign governments are being increasingly bold in attempts to silence and intimidate individuals and communities in the UK. The 'Transnational Repression in the UK' report by the Joint Committee on Human Rights (JCHR) names India among 12 countries against which it had received evidence of transnational repression (TNR). There was no immediate comment from India on the report. The JCHR, made up of cross-party members of Parliament, is in charge of examining matters relating to human rights within the UK and scrutinising government legislation for its compatibility with human rights. Its report claims that the committee received 'credible evidence" that several states engaged in acts of such repression on UK soil with a serious impact on those targeted, 'instilling fear, limiting their freedom of expression and movement, and undermining their sense of safety". The number of state-threat investigations run by MI5, the country's security agency, has grown by 48 per cent since 2022, it claims. 'Our inquiry received evidence alleging that many states had conducted TNR activities on UK soil. Multiple evidence submissions accused Bahrain, China, Egypt, Eritrea, India, Iran, Pakistan, Russia, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates of perpetrating TNR in the UK," reads the report. The evidence published with the report referencing India relates to Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), a pro-Khalistani outfit declared an 'unlawful association" under India's Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The JCHR report also claims to have received evidence on the conduct of individual member states alleged to have engaged in 'systematic misuse" of Interpol mechanisms. It reads: 'We were told that misuse of Interpol Notices was widespread, but that China, Russia, and Turkey were the most prolific abusers of Interpol's Notice system. 'The committee also heard allegations of misuse by Algeria, Bahrain, Eritrea, Georgia, India, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, UAE, Ukraine and Venezuela." JCHR Chair Lord David Alton said the evidence submitted to its inquiry is a cause for concern and called for transnational repression to be 'prioritised" in the UK's diplomatic relations. He said the committee plans to write to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to highlight the evidence it received. The UK Home Office said it takes the threat of transnational repression 'extremely seriously". 'Any attempts by a foreign state to coerce, intimidate, harass, or harm individuals on UK soil are considered a threat to our national security and sovereignty, and will not be tolerated," a spokesperson said. It said action is already being taken to 'further strengthen" the UK's response to any such activities. Meanwhile, Interpol said it has 'robust processes" for ensuring that all Interpol notices comply with rules. 'Our constitution forbids Interpol from undertaking activities of a political, military, religious or racial character and all our databases and activities must also comply with the universal declaration for human rights," a spokesperson said. PTI AK ZH ZH view comments First Published: July 30, 2025, 20:15 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Epoch Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Epoch Times
Over 50 Canadian Lawmakers Condemn China's Persecution of Falun Gong, Extension of Repression Overseas
More than 50 Canadian parliamentarians have condemned the Chinese regime's 26-year-long persecution of the Falun Gong spiritual practice, calling for an end to the ongoing human rights abuses in China and to transnational repression targeting practitioners in Canada. Fifty-two MPs and a senator with different party affiliations have signed a joint statement urging the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to 'immediately' end its persecution of Falun Gong. The statement also condemns the regime's escalating transnational repression, which includes surveillance, harassment, intimidation, assault, disinformation, and cyberattacks against the meditation group on Canadian soil. The statement comes as the persecution of the spiritual group entered its 26th year on July 20. 'We, the undersigned Parliamentarians, stand in solidarity with the Falun Gong community and strongly condemn the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) escalating transnational repression (TNR) and ongoing, 26-year persecution of Falun Gong practitioners,' reads the statement. 'Falun Gong—also known as Falun Dafa—is a peaceful spiritual practice based on the universal values of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance,' the statement adds. 'Since 1999, the CCP has attempted to eliminate this faith group through systematic and egregious human rights abuses.' Although the discipline is currently practised in more than 100 countries worldwide, it is banned in communist China, where practitioners continue to face severe persecution, with reports of torture, forced labour, killings, and live forced organ harvesting. Bomb and Mass Shooting Threats The parliamentarians' joint statement cites Beijing's targeting in Canada of U.S. dance company Shen Yun Performing Arts—founded by Falun Gong practitioners—as an instance of transnational repression. It notes that venues hosting Shen Yun in four Canadian cities this year received bomb or shooting threats—part of the more than 140 false threats that venues hosting the dance company received worldwide in the past year. Some of these threats have been traced to sources in China. Shen Yun's stated aim, under the tagline 'China before communism,' is to portray traditional Chinese culture through dance and music. Shen Yun's artists find their inspiration in the practice of Falun Gong, according to the company's website, and among them are those who have escaped persecution in China. The Epoch Times learned last year via two sources that Chinese leader Xi Jinping, in a 2022 secret meeting, instructed top state officials on a new strategy to target Falun Gong internationally, including through disinformation campaigns and by using Western media outlets and the local legal system to go after companies started by Falun Gong practitioners. The regime's previous efforts to suppress Falun Gong overseas had essentially failed, according to the Chinese leader. Parliamentarians said in their joint statement that the threats targeting the dance company 'are part of a broader, global CCP-led campaign of sabotage aimed at suppressing Falun Gong and Shen Yun.' 'These actions not only harm the Falun Gong community and disrupt Shen Yun, but also threatens the integrity of Canada's institutions, sovereignty, and core democratic values,' reads the statement. Grace Wollensak, a spokesperson for the Falun Dafa Association of Canada, says she is grateful for the statement issued by the parliamentarians. 'We are glad that these over 50 MPs and senators are speaking out to condemn CCP's repression, not only in China, but also in Canada and around the world,' Wollensak said, noting that the MPs put out the statement in just over two weeks and despite many being on vacation during the summer break. 'We are encouraged that they understand this important issue and are expressing their support and standing in solidarity with Falun Gong practitioners.' She adds that the Chinese regime's transnational repression and smear campaigns span the globe. 'Since 2022, at Xi Jinping's direction, the regime has been engaging in a more aggressive and sophisticated campaign to intimidate, threaten, and silence Falun Gong and entities like Shen Yun Performing Arts, especially in the United States, but also in Canada and other countries,' she said. 'Well-documented incidents include an attempt to bribe U.S. officials to turn against Shen Yun, manipulating the U.S. legal system, issuing over 100 anonymous bomb threats, and undertaking social media manipulation campaigns.' Last year, a U.S. court sentenced a U.S.-based Chinese agent to 20 months in prison for attempting to bribe an Internal Revenue Service official with US$50,000 to revoke Shen Yun's non-profit status. Wollensak says that in Canada, more people have become aware of the CCP's transnational repression efforts, and government officials are more alert to it. 'We are grateful for their understanding,' she said. Harassment, Smear Campaigns, Intimidation A 2024 report submitted to Canada's Foreign Interference Commission by the Falun Dafa Association of Canada outlines various forms of repression faced by practitioners within the country, including physical assault, verbal harassment, intimidation of relatives, and pressure on elected officials to stop supporting Falun Gong. In a recent case, on Jan. 23, 2024, a Chinese man wielded a metal bar and uttered death threats against Falun Gong practitioners who were raising awareness of the persecution outside the Chinese Consulate's visa office in Toronto. He repeatedly struck one of the banners until it was torn, took pictures of practitioners, and threatened to kill them, according to the report. He was arrested by police. Meanwhile, interference attempt stargeting practitioners has also reached government officials, with several politicians at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels having received false emails impersonating Falun Gong practitioners in recent years. These emails used irrational language, according to the Falun Dafa Association of Canada. 'As the West grew more adept at identifying and countering direct CCP propaganda against Falun Gong and it became increasingly clear that Chinese officials involved in the dissemination of such propaganda could be held accountable, the regime resorted to a new tactic: impersonating Falun Gong practitioners and sending elected officials bizarre or aggravating emails designed to discredit the group,' reads the 2024 report. It adds that, over the years, the Falun Dafa Association of Canada has received more than a dozen variations of such false emails forwarded by Canadian elected officials. Intimidation of practitioners' relatives in China has also been a common tactic of transnational repression. In one case, a practitioner in Canada who spoke at a 2010 press conference outside the Chinese Consulate in her city about the persecution she experienced in China reported that local police contacted her husband in China shortly after the press conference to discuss her 'anti-CCP' activities. He was visited again later, prompting him to urge her to stop speaking out in Canada, she said. Ending Transnational Repression A number of Canadian officials have repeatedly called for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong and expressed support for practitioners' efforts to raise awareness. One of them is Conservative MP James Bezan, one of the statement's signatories, who participated in this year's commemoration of World Falun Dafa Day. 'We acknowledged the resilience, strength, and perseverance of the millions of Falun Gong practitioners [who are being] persecuted by Beijing's communist regime in China and those who have escaped to Canada [who] are targeted by their operatives of the Chinese government,' he said in a May 29 social media post. Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights, a Canadian NGO, also called for an end to the 26-year persecution of Falun Gong, noting that millions of practitioners of this 'peaceful spiritual community' have been imprisoned, tortured, or killed, including through forced organ harvesting. 'What began as a brutal domestic crackdown has evolved into a wide-reaching, systematic effort to suppress Falun Gong practitioners both inside China and abroad, including here in Canada,' the organization said in a July 21 statement. 'We stand in solidarity with the Falun Gong community in Canada and around the world, who continue to endure surveillance, harassment, disinformation, and repression simply for exercising their fundamental rights.' At this year's G7 leaders' summit in Canada, world leaders issued a joint statement condemning the rise of transnational repression, saying they are 'deeply concerned' about foreign governments targeting dissidents abroad. They vowed to counter this threat, saying it 'often impacts dissidents, journalists, human rights defenders, religious minorities, and those identified as part of diaspora communities.' The persecution of Falun Gong and its expansion abroad is an example of the need to counter this form of repression, the joint statement from the parliamentarians said. 'The CCP's campaign against Falun Gong clearly exemplifies the very dangers the G7 has called on the world to resist together,' it says. Joint Statement The following is the joint statement signed by 53 Canadian parliamentarians. Condemning the CCP's Escalating Transnational Repression Against Falun Gong We, the undersigned Parliamentarians, stand in solidarity with the Falun Gong community and strongly condemn the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) escalating transnational repression (TNR) and ongoing, 26-year persecution of Falun Gong practitioners. Falun Gong—also known as Falun Dafa—is a peaceful spiritual practice based on the universal values of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. Since 1999, the CCP has attempted to eliminate this faith group through systematic and egregious human rights abuses. In 2025, bomb and mass shooting threats were sent to venues hosting Shen Yun—a classical Chinese dance company founded by Falun Gong practitioners—in four Canadian cities, among over 140 such incidents reported globally. Some of these threats have been traced to sources in China. These acts are part of a broader, global CCP-led campaign of sabotage aimed at suppressing Falun Gong and Shen Yun. Over the past 26 years, Falun Gong practitioners in Canada have endured surveillance, harassment, intimidation, assault, disinformation, cyberattacks, and other forms of CCP repression. These actions not only harm the Falun Gong community and disrupt Shen Yun, but also threatens the integrity of Canada's institutions, sovereignty, and core democratic values. In the statement issued on June 17, 2025, the G7 Leaders affirmed their commitment to protect communities and condemned transnational repression as a serious threat to rights and freedoms, national security, and state sovereignty. The CCP's campaign against Falun Gong clearly exemplifies the very dangers the G7 has called on the world to resist together.
Hans India
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
‘Mr Reddy' review: An emotionally grounded journey of dreams, struggles, and redemption
Mr. Reddy, produced and headlined by T. Narasimha Reddy (TNR) under the TNR Productions banner, is a heartfelt slice-of-life drama that reflects real struggles and triumphs. Directed by Venkat Voladri, the film hit theatres on July 18 and connects deeply with audiences through its emotional depth and relatable story. Inspired by the real-life experiences of TNR himself, Mr. Reddy aims to inspire and move. Story: The film follows the journey of T. Narasimha Reddy, also known as Reddy (played by TNR), whose father passes away during his childhood, placing the weight of responsibilities squarely on his shoulders. Choosing hard work over education, he climbs the ladder of success, eventually establishing the "Reddy Constructions" empire. Despite his riches, he is haunted by emotional voids and betrayal. The story takes a turn when Keerthana (Deepthi) enters his life. What unfolds is a narrative filled with lost love, friendship, deception, and self-realization. Performances: TNR delivers a grounded and mature performance that resonates well with the film's tone. His portrayal feels authentic and sincere, particularly in emotional scenes. Mahadev impresses with his energetic presence, while Deepthi and Anupama Prakash complement the narrative with commendable performances. Supporting roles by Bhaskar and the ensemble cast bring authenticity to the rural and urban dynamics. Technicalities: Technically, Mr. Reddy holds strong. Director Venkat Voladri make the film deeply connected with audiences through its emotional depth and relatable story. The cinematography captures both the rustic charm of village life and the bustling city scenes with finesse. The music, especially the love track, is pleasant and fits seamlessly into the narrative. The editing is crisp, maintaining a tight runtime that adds to the film's overall appeal. The screenplay structure, interweaving past and present, enhances emotional engagement. Analysis: Mr. Reddy is not just a film—it's a reflection of the human journey through loss, love, betrayal, and redemption. The screenplay, though simple, is engaging, with the first half focusing on TNR's rise and the second delving into emotional complexities. The film manages to connect with the common man, thanks to its relatable characters and grounded storytelling. With strong performances, genuine emotion, and rooted storytelling, Mr. Reddy offers a satisfying cinematic experience that speaks to the soul. It's a commendable debut from TNR both as actor and producer. Rating: 3/5
