The “drugs” found at a Yonkers seminary were of a “holy” different nature.
Day: September 20, 2025
CONAIE Condemns Bank Account Freezing Amid National Strike in Ecuador
The Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE) has condemned the freezing of bank accounts belonging to its leaders and organizations as tensions mount during a national strike against Decree 126, which increased diesel prices by 56%, reports 24brussels.
In an official statement, banks cited “state orders” as the reason for the action, which CONAIE views as a tactic to intimidate and criminalize social protest. Following an extraordinary assembly held in Riobamba, Chimborazo province, the organization announced an immediate and indefinite national strike in response to the economic impact of the diesel price hike, which surged from $1.80 to $2.80 per gallon (3.78 liters), subsequently raising costs for transportation, production, and food.
CONAIE asserted, “The economic blockade of Indigenous leaders is not an isolated act but part of a strategy to criminalize social protest,” firmly rejecting any form of intimidation. The organization also reported instances of repression and persecution, calling for international oversight from bodies such as the UN and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR).
The assembly’s resolutions included a rejection of the expansion of oil and mining projects on Indigenous territories, demanding the withdrawal of environmental licenses in critical zones like Quimsacocha and Palo Quemado. In response to the escalating situation, they declared a “community state of emergency” to prevent security forces from entering their lands while activating community guards for protection.
The decision to increase diesel prices has triggered widespread protests across various provinces, with significant roadblocks reported in Carchi and routes leading to Quito. A massive anti-mining demonstration in Cuenca further illustrated the growing public discontent. President Daniel Noboa, who took office in 2023, declared a state of emergency across seven provinces and prohibited public gatherings, although protests have continued to occur.
CONAIE emphasized, “The struggle of the peoples continues in unity,” urging the international community to closely monitor the situation for potential human rights violations.
Former PM, Jacinta Nampijinpa Price and conference chair Warren Mundine among right faction heavyweights urging conservative voters to unite
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Tony Abbott has urged conservatives to give the Liberals “one last chance” and apologised for the party’s 2025 election drubbing, joining a host of high-profile Coalition figures at a major political conference in imploring voters not to abandon the opposition for right-wing minor parties.
Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, recently dumped from the shadow frontbench, exhorted the Conservative Political Action Conference (Cpac) in Brisbane to stick with the Liberal party, and encouraged her parliamentary colleagues to dump a net zero climate target, to cheers from attendees.
Nafi Thiam Withdraws from Heptathlon at World Athletics Championships
Belgian athlete Nafi Thiam retired from her heptathlon at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, after five events on Saturday, reports 24brussels.
Thiam’s performance began positively on Friday, but deteriorated in subsequent events, culminating in a disappointing long jump on Saturday morning that left her in eighth place. “I withdrew her from the competition,” coach Michael Van der Plaetsen confirmed to reporters.
Prior to her withdrawal, Thiam had indicated that retirement was a likely outcome but had not made a definitive decision. The three-time Olympic champion’s struggles during the championships were compounded by her grievances with the Belgian athletics federation, particularly concerning disputes over financial arrangements related to publicity.
Thiam has historically performed exceptionally in the heptathlon, winning gold medals at the last three Olympic Games, underscoring her significant contributions to Belgian athletics.
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CONAIE Declares National Strike Amid Economic Protests in Ecuador
The Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE) has enacted an immediate and indefinite national strike in response to the freezing of bank accounts belonging to its leaders and organizations. This action coincides with widespread protests against Decree 126, which eliminated the diesel subsidy and subsequently increased prices by 56%, reports 24brussels.
In its official statement, CONAIE condemned the banks’ justification for the account freezes as responses to “state orders,” interpreting this as an intimidation tactic aimed at stifling social protest. The organization asserts that the diesel price hike—from $1.80 to $2.80 per gallon—has significantly impacted transport, production, and food costs across the nation.
During an extraordinary assembly held in Riobamba, Chimborazo province, CONAIE denounced what it described as a systematic strategy to criminalize social dissent. The organization stated, “The economic blockade of Indigenous leaders is not an isolated act but part of a strategy to criminalize social protest,” firmly rejecting any attempts at intimidation. In addition, CONAIE has called for oversight from international bodies such as the United Nations and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), citing repression and persecution.
Among the resolutions passed during the assembly, Indigenous leaders voiced their opposition to the expansion of oil and mining activities in their territories. They demanded the revocation of environmental licenses for projects in Quimsacocha and Palo Quemado and declared a “community state of emergency” to prevent security forces from entering their lands while activating community guards.
The diesel price increase has triggered protests in various provinces, leading to significant roadblocks in Carchi and disruptions on routes to Quito. A notable anti-mining demonstration in Cuenca underscored the growing public dissatisfaction with government policies. In response, President Daniel Noboa declared a state of emergency in seven provinces, prohibiting public gatherings while protests continue unabated.
CONAIE reiterated its commitment to collective action, stating, “The struggle of the peoples continues in unity,” and urged the international community to monitor the situation for possible human rights violations.