ICYMI | #118

Our weekly roundup of stories you may have missed.

Nakba demonstrations banned in Berlin

This Monday 15 May is the 75th anniversary of the Nakba, the violent expulsion in 1948 of the majority of the Palestinian population from their homeland. For the second year running, state authorities banned several demonstrations and memorial events over the weekend in Berlin, which is home to around 80,000 Palestinians. We stand in solidarity with Palestinians everywhere and in opposition to the assault on freedom of expression in Germany.

#FreeHumanitarians back in court

The controversial trial of Sara Mardini, Sean Binder and other humanitarians arrested in Greece for saving the lives of refugees making the Mediterranean crossing is still ongoing. Although the charges were dismissed back in January, the Greek Supreme Court will hear another appeal by the prosecution this Tuesday, 16 May. 

This Wednesday, catch a screening of the documentary ‘Sara Mardini - Gegen den Strom’ at Freiluftkino Hasenheide. 

Executions in Iran

Executions have spiked in 2022 and 2023 in Iran, which remains one of the world’s top executioners. Iranian authorities have put to death over 200 prisoners so far this year. Since the death in September of Mahsa Amini and the subsequent protest movement, Iran’s Baluch minority have been particularly hard hit by the increase in state executions, which Iran Human Rights says has been sanctioned by the regime in order to “create societal fear.”

Burundi's solar-powered capital

Burundi now produces enough solar energy every day to power its entire capital city, Gitega, during daylight hours. President of Burundi Évariste Ndayishimiye officially inaugurated the Mubuga solar field last Tuesday, which has produced 10% of the country’s energy since 2021. He also pledged to increase the field’s generating capacity, hoping to double the amount of energy it produces. 

Italy passes Cutro Decree

Lawmakers in Italy have passed the new, anti-migrant Cutro Decree, which is designed to deter migration by denying special protection status to asylum seekers fleeing war and natural disaster and increasing barriers to attaining work permits in the country. Language courses and legal advice are also being scrapped under the new law, the latest attempt by Italy’s far-right administration to make life harder for people seeking refuge in Europe.

This week on Weserstraße:

Tuesday: Gabrielle Kwarteng, King Sleepy

Wednesday: Not Grown Yet, Tornado Wallace, Jake Muir

Thursday: Ziúr & Iceboy Violet, ophélie & Frederik Tollund

Friday: The Neighbourhood Character & MAF, Deniz Arslan

Saturday: Kissen, kidkanevil, Monibi

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Cover Image licensed under Creative Commons CC0 1.0.