Social issues

Assange is free – but the fight for freedom of expression has only just begun

The WikiLeaks founder had to plead guilty to “conspiracy”. As a result, freedom of the press is under threat as never before

by Michael Straumann,* Switzerland

(20 September 2024) The world held its breath when Julian Assange was finally released after 1901 days of solitary confinement. But at what cost? Almost two months have passed since his release, and the quality journalism media has already turned to business as usual. The Assange case must be our daily memorial. It requires a meticulous reappraisal. This is no less than a scandal of the century for journalism and a declaration of bankruptcy for the West, which likes to present itself as a “community of shared values”.

Wind turbines in fields – A real nightmare for farmers and food safety

by Dr. Peter F. Mayer,* Austria

(13 September 2024) Masses of wind turbines have been put into operation in the middle of agricultural land. Abrasion on the rotors releases highly toxic substances such as fine respirable carbon or glass fibres. There are also several hazardous chemicals such as bisphenol-A. These microparticles are distributed over a wide area, contaminating the soil and subsequently food.

The case “Paul du Rove”: A struggle for freedom of opinion

Why “Telegram” has come under pressure

by Isabel Villalon*

(6 September 2024) Pavel Durov, arrested in Paris, is a naturalised Frenchman. His ‘telegram’ from Dubai became a disruptive factor for Emmanuel Macron. At Le Bourget private jet airport in Paris, the Russian-French-Emirati national Pavel Durov is arrested by the French public prosecutor's office for the “protection of the interests of minors” (OFIM).

“Tactical nuclear bombs” – and their horrific consequences

Current report by the “International Campaign for the Abolition of Nuclear Weapons” (ICAN)

by Martina Frei*

(30 August 2024) On the occasion of the anniversary (6 and 9 August) of the US atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945, the “International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons” (ICAN) reminded us of what atomic bombs do to children.

How Jawaharlal Nehru facilitated the emergence of a ‘neutral’ Austria

by Sanjana Suchdev, New Delhi

(23 August 2024) Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Austria on Tuesday, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister since Indira Gandhi in 1983 to visit the country in central Europe.

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Austria,1 the Congress Tuesday (July 9) recalled the “key role” Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first prime minister, played in “the emergence of a sovereign and neutral Austria”.

79 years after Hiroshima and Nagasaki – nuclear weapons are incompatible with the law

IALANA-Statement*

(23 August 2024) On 6 August 1945, a US atomic bomb with an explosive force of 16kt TNT, known as “Little Boy”, struck Hiroshima. It is estimated that 140,000 people died. Three days later, on 9 August 1945, “Fat Man”, a US plutonium bomb, was dropped on Nagasaki. It took an estimated 80,000 lives. The cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki were completely destroyed.