ICYMI | #70

Our weekly roundup of the stories you may have missed.

Shireen Abu Akleh funeral attacked by police

Thousands gathered in East Jerusalem on Friday to mourn the death of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, who was shot dead by Israeli forces last Wednesday while covering an Israeli army raid in the Palestinian city of Jenin, Al Jazeera reports. Thirty-three were injured and six hospitalised during the funeral procession as Israeli police attacked mourners with batons and stun grenades. An Al Jazeera correspondent for 26 years, Abu Akleh was one of the prominent journalists reporting from Palestine and a trailblazer for women in Arab media.

Police ban on Palestinean protest in Berlin

In a crackdown on support for Palestine, a number of demos were banned by Berlin police due to the alleged risk of violence and ‘anti-semitic exclamations.’ Prohibited events included a vigil for Shireen Abu Akleh, organised by the Jewish group Jüdische Stimme, and a series of demos to commemorate the 1948 Nakba–the event that marks the destruction of Palestinian society and displacement of 700,000 Palestinians. Activists report that 170 people were arrested in Berlin over the weekend for perceived support of Palestine, including for wearing a keffiyeh (Palestinian scarf) or carrying a Palestinian flag.

Controversial UK-Rwanda asylum seeker scheme begins

Last week the UK Home Office announced that the first group of asylum seekers to be impacted by the government’s new relocation scheme have been informed that they are being sent to Rwanda. The scheme, which will send thousands of refugees who arrive in the UK on a one-way trip to Rwanda to apply for asylum, has faced legal challenges and has been condemned as inhumane across the board, including by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.

Salvadoran woman handed 30-year sentence after miscarriage

A woman in El-Salvador has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for aggravated homicide after suffering a miscarriage, a decision that activists are calling a devastating step backwards. The Citizen Group for the Decriminalization of Abortion have called the case ‘loaded with stigmas and gender stereotypes.’ It offers a stark warning to observers in the US, where the supreme court is considering overturning Roe v Wade–legislation that protects the right to abortion.

Judge blocks anti-trans Alabama law

In the US, an Alabama law that banned puberty blockers and hormone treatment for transgender children under 19 has been blocked by a federal judge. The law included threats of criminal prosecution for parents and teachers who support transgender children in transitioning. Jennifer Levi of GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders called the decision to block the legislation ‘an extraordinary relief… parents should not be punished for wanting to do what’s best for their kids.’

Cheaper travel in Germany

The German government have announced a new €9 monthly public transport ticket that will be introduced from the 1st of June. The new ticket is part of the German ‘Energy Cost Relief Package’, designed to offset the rise in energy and field prices that have occurred due to high inflation and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The ticket will work for all regional and local transport, including BVG, but will not be valid on ICE, IC, EC trains or long-distance buses.

HVW8 Gallery

This summer we are pairing up with Nico Adamako’s HVW8 hangouts in LA and Berlin, broadcasting sets recorded at HVW8 as part of the Einhundert x Radio Galerie series. Listen back now to the recordings from Saturday’s event, including a set by a very special guest from Durban, gqom pioneer DJ Lag.

Kicks & Hugs

Berlin booking agency, mix series and Refuge Worldwide show Kicks & Hugs have just announced the launch of a brand new label. The first release is a mini-compilation out on 27th May, and features tracks by Bertrand., the late Andrew Smith (aka Jasen Loveland), Varg2™ and Dasha Rush. 

Oona 

This week at Oona Bar, ok. on danse host a Thursday night takeover with Haider and Refuge residents Ben Sleia and Chloé Duperry. On Friday afternoon we are broadcasting a special set live from the studio by Mo’min Swaitat of Palestinian Sound Archive, followed by a guest show from Niks Delancey, founder and director of Black Artist Database. From midday on Sunday, Honey Tapes are back with a Garage Girls takeover, including documentary screenings, a vintage clothes market and sets from the residents.