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American activist shot dead by Israeli soldiers during West Bank protest: Investigation underway

Venus L Peñaflor
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American activist shot dead by Israeli soldiers during West Bank protest: Investigation underway

NABLUS, West Bank. Israeli soldiers fatally shot Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a 26-year-old American activist, during a protest against Israeli settlements in the West Bank on Friday, according to eyewitness accounts. Eygi, also a Turkish citizen and recent graduate of the University of Washington, was shot in the head while participating in a demonstration near the town of Beita, witnesses and doctors confirmed.

Eygi’s death has sparked outrage from various groups, including the U.S. government, which has called for an immediate investigation. The White House expressed being “deeply disturbed” by the killing. At the same time, the Israeli military has acknowledged it is investigating reports of troops firing at an “instigator of violent activity” during the protest.

Eyewitness Jonathan Pollak, an Israeli activist who was at the scene, described the protest as peaceful before the shooting. “We had just finished communal prayers when clashes broke out,” Pollak said. He noted that while some demonstrators threw stones, the violence had largely subsided by the time soldiers took aim and fired. Pollak described seeing Eygi lying next to an olive tree, “bleeding to death.”

Two doctors, Dr. Ward Basalat, who provided first aid at the scene, and Dr. Fouad Naffa, director of Rafidia Hospital in Nablus, confirmed that Eygi was shot in the head. Eygi was a volunteer with the International Solidarity Movement (ISM), a group known for its activism against Israeli military actions in the occupied territories. According to ISM, 17 Palestinians have been killed at similar protests in Beita since 2020.

The U.S. Department of State has reiterated its commitment to investigating the incident, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken stating, “We are intensely focused on determining what happened and will draw the necessary conclusions.”

Eygi’s death comes amid escalating violence in the West Bank since the Israel-Hamas war began in October. More than 690 Palestinians have been killed during this period, according to Palestinian health officials, as tensions between Israeli settlers, Palestinian militants, and the Israeli military continue to rise.

In a related incident, Israeli soldiers also shot and killed a 13-year-old Palestinian girl, Bana Laboom, during a riot in her village near Nablus. The Israeli military has said that an initial inquiry is underway into both deaths, with officials saying shots were fired to disperse mutual stone-throwing between Palestinians and Israeli civilians.

Eygi’s death follows the legacy of other ISM activists killed while opposing Israeli military operations. The ISM has stated that at least three of its members have been killed since 2000, including American Rachel Corrie in Gaza and British national Tom Hurndall, both in 2003.

As global outrage grows, the Turkish government has also condemned Eygi’s death, vowing to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

Movie Review: Tim Burton’s ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’—A spirited return to comedy and chaos

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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Movie Review: Tim Burton’s ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’—A spirited return to comedy and chaos

After 36 years, Tim Burton returns with a much-anticipated sequel, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, a whimsical ride that promises both laughs and a touch of macabre. Burton, known for his unique vision of the afterlife, reunites much of the original cast while introducing fresh faces, delivering a sequel that is both nostalgic and refreshingly chaotic.

The film opens in the familiar, eerie setting of Winter River, Connecticut, where Lydia Deetz, played once again by Winona Ryder, still resides. Now a widowed mother, Lydia juggles her role as a psychic mediator and the star of a reality show called Ghost House, where she explores the coexistence of the living and the dead. Yet, the ghost of her past, quite literally, looms over her as visions of the infamous Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton) start haunting her again.

Keaton returns to the role of the mischievous, trouble-making “bio-exorcist” with ease, looking eerily unchanged from his 1988 portrayal. His iconic catchphrase, “The juice is loose,” signals his chaotic reentry into Lydia’s life, promising a new wave of dark humor and outlandish antics.

In addition to Ryder and Keaton, Catherine O’Hara reprises her role as Delia Deetz, Lydia’s eccentric stepmother. O’Hara’s impeccable comic timing shines, delivering laugh-out-loud moments such as when she casually reveals her husband’s death with the line, “No, he’s dead,” when asked if he’s divorcing her. O’Hara’s character adds much of the humor in this film, especially in a scene where she declares, “I have global entry!”—a line that might seem mundane but becomes comedic gold in her hands.

New to the cast are Jenna Ortega as Lydia’s estranged daughter, Astrid, and Justin Theroux as Rory, Lydia’s smarmy manager. Ortega’s grounded performance serves as a counterbalance to the film’s surreal elements, while Theroux’s character brings a bit of absurdity with his slicked-back ponytail and self-serving attitude. Monica Bellucci, playing Beetlejuice’s ex-wife Delores, and Willem Dafoe as a supernatural figure add to the eclectic ensemble, creating a vibrant, star-studded afterlife.

As the story unfolds, Lydia is forced to confront Beetlejuice once more as her daughter Astrid returns home for her father’s funeral. Astrid’s tumultuous relationship with her mother and her budding romance with a mysterious, bookish boy are key plot drivers, leading to unexpected chaos and ultimately, a desperate call for Beetlejuice’s help.

Tim Burton’s signature style is on full display here, with quirky set pieces and visual gags that lean into the bizarre. One standout moment is the “soul train” sequence in the afterlife, where a literal train of souls mimics the ‘70s variety show Soul Train, complete with Afro-clad dancers making their way to their final destination. This scene perfectly encapsulates Burton’s love for blending the absurd with the macabre.

While Beetlejuice Beetlejuice doesn’t aim to reinvent the wheel, it successfully delivers what fans of the original have longed for—a return to the weird, wacky world of Burton’s imagination. The humor is sharp, the performances are spot-on, and the movie’s ability to dance between the grotesque and the hilarious keeps it moving at a steady, enjoyable pace.

Fans of the original will also be treated to a few nods to the past, including a lip-synced rendition of Donna Summer’s MacArthur Park, reminiscent of the famous Day-O (The Banana Boat Song) sequence in the original film. The ridiculous lyrics, “Someone left the cake out in the rain,” fit right into Burton’s surreal world.

In the end, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is a delightfully chaotic, humorous sequel that reminds us why Tim Burton’s imagination continues to captivate audiences. With a runtime of 104 minutes, it’s a breezy, entertaining romp through the afterlife, where death is no match for the laughter it evokes.Rating: 3 stars out of 4.
Duration: 104 minutes
Rated PG-13 for violent content, macabre and bloody images, strong language, suggestive material, and brief drug use.

Pope Francis arrives in Papua New Guinea for the second stage of his Southeast Asia and Oceania tour

Venus L Peñaflor
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Pope Francis arrives in Papua New Guinea for the second stage of his Southeast Asia and Oceania tour

Pope Francis arrived in Papua New Guinea on Friday, marking the second leg of his four-nation trip across Southeast Asia and Oceania. His arrival in Port Moresby was greeted with a cannon salute and a marching band. At 87, the pope is the second pontiff to visit the strategically significant South Pacific nation, following St. John Paul II’s visit in 1984.

The visit is significant not only for the country’s Catholics but also for its diverse Indigenous population. Over 800 Indigenous languages are spoken in Papua New Guinea, and Christianity, introduced in the 20th century, often coexists with traditional spiritual beliefs. Bishop Francis Meli of Vanimo, one of the country’s most remote dioceses, noted, “They are so excited and people are full of jubilation and joy because this is historic… They don’t think any pope in history will be able to come again to Vanimo.”

During the visit, the pope plans to travel to Vanimo, where he will meet a group of Argentine missionaries, inspect a church-built high school, and visit a crisis center for abused women. Missionary priest Tomas Ravaioli remarked, “Christianity here in Papua New Guinea is very, very strong, but sometimes it’s not easy for people to live Christianity 100% because they have traditions that are pagan.”

The pope’s journey to the country comes amidst broader concerns over internal security. Papua New Guinea, where tribal conflicts have persisted for centuries, has seen an increase in violence, often linked to land ownership disputes and allegations of sorcery, known locally as sanguma. Despite Parliament repealing the Sorcery Act in 2013, witch hunts remain common, with the July 17 massacre in East Sepik province claiming 26 lives. Bishop Meli, however, emphasized that his diocese remains peaceful, stating, “They are friendly and peaceful.”

While in Indonesia prior to his arrival, Francis celebrated a Mass that drew over 100,000 attendees, despite initial estimates of 60,000. In his homily, he urged the faithful to “build a civilization of peace” and to be “builders of hope.” Indonesian police reported detaining seven individuals suspected of threatening to disrupt the pope’s visit, though no incidents occurred.

Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape welcomed the attention the papal visit would bring to his country, especially as global powers like the U.S. and China vie for influence in the region. Marape highlighted that delegations from neighboring South Pacific countries plan to meet the pope during his visit.

Pope Francis’ trip, which also includes stops in East Timor and Singapore, aligns with his broader commitment to social justice, environmental protection, and interfaith dialogue. The pontiff is expected to address issues such as the exploitation of the country’s natural resources and the impacts of climate change, topics crucial to a nation where subsistence farming is the main livelihood for most of its 10 million citizens.

The Vatican has framed this visit as an opportunity to highlight Papua New Guinea’s unique cultural and environmental challenges. With tribal conflicts becoming deadlier due to the use of modern weapons, the pope is likely to call for harmony among the country’s tribes and emphasize the importance of safeguarding the environment. The country’s recent catastrophic landslide, which killed more than 2,000 people according to government reports, underscores the urgency of these issues.

As the first Latin American pope to visit the region, Francis’ message will resonate in a country that has long grappled with balancing traditional values with modernity. As Bishop Meli aptly put it, “Western civilization is great… but we need to balance ourselves.”

Pope Francis and the grand imam of Southeast Asia’s largest mosque vowed Thursday to fight religiously inspired violence and protect the environment, issuing a joint call for interfaith friendship and common cause at the heart of Francis’ visit to Indonesia.

DILG: Walang special treatment kay Guo

Arman B. Cambe
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DILG: Walang special treatment kay Guo

MAYNILA. Tiniyak ni Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos na walang special treatment ang ibinibigay kay dating Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo matapos siyang madakip sa Indonesia at ibalik sa Pilipinas.

Sa isang ambush interview, ipinahayag ni Abalos na sinunod nila ang tamang proseso para maibalik si Guo sa bansa. Ayon kay Abalos, “ginawa namin ang lahat para maibalik siya dito,” at siniguro niyang tulad ng isang ordinaryong akusado, si Guo ay nakakulong na ngayon nang walang pribilehiyo, tulad ng paggamit ng cellphone o air conditioning, at sumailalim na rin sa mugshot.

Nahaharap si Guo sa mga kasong human trafficking at money laundering.

Paliwanag ni Abalos tungkol sa kumakalat na larawan at video sa social media, kung saan sinasabing nakatanggap ng death threat ang dating alkalde: “No, ang nangyari niyan noong dumating siya, sabi ko, parang kakilala daw niya ako… now I remember because as DILG mayroong governor, si Governor Yap, nagpaorganize ng meetings ng lahat ng mayors ng Tarlac. So doon kami nagkita,” ani ng kalihim.

Tungkol naman sa larawan na kasama si PNP Chief General Rommel Marbil, sinabi ni Abalos na ito ay para lamang sa documentation. Nakuhanan ang larawan habang nasa gitna nila si Guo, na nakangiti at naka-peace sign, na ikinondena ng mga netizens.

Naibalik si Guo sa bansa mula sa Indonesia bandang ala-1 ng madaling araw kahapon, sakay ng isang pribadong eroplano sa Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). Umalis siya ng bansa noong Hulyo.

Indonesia Walang Request sa ‘Palit Ulo’ Kay Guo

Samantala, sinabi ng Department of Justice (DOJ) na wala pa silang natatanggap na opisyal na request mula sa pamahalaan ng Indonesia ukol sa umano’y “palit ulo” kay Alice Guo.

Ayon kay DOJ Undersecretary Nicky Ty, “Huwag natin pangunahan,” na tumutukoy sa usapin ng pagpapalit umano kay Guo sa Australian national na si Gregor Johan Haas, na wanted sa kasong drug smuggling. Si Haas ay nahuli ng Bureau of Immigration sa San Remigio, Northern Cebu noong Mayo 15, 2024, base sa isang Interpol red notice.

Nauna dito, sinabi ni Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla na may ilang kondisyon para sa deportation ni Guo, na nadakip sa Tangerang, Indonesia.

Personal na nagtungo sa Indonesia sina DILG Secretary Abalos at PNP Chief Marbil upang sunduin si Guo, at agad na iti-turn over siya sa Senate Sergeant-at-Arms.

Naglabas na rin ang RTC Branch 109 ng Capas, Tarlac ng warrant of arrest laban kay Guo para sa kasong paglabag sa Republic Act 3019 o Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Photo: Department of Interior and Local Government

Teen suspect in deadly Georgia high school shooting faces court hearing; father also charged

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Teen suspect in deadly Georgia high school shooting faces court hearing; father also charged

WINDER, Georgia. A 14-year-old accused of carrying out a deadly shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, appeared in court on Friday, as his lawyer opted not to seek bail. The teenager, identified as Colt Gray, is being charged as an adult in connection with the deaths of four people, including two students and two teachers, during Wednesday’s tragic incident.

Gray, dressed in khaki pants and a green shirt, was escorted out of the courtroom in shackles following the hearing, where his legal team declined to request bail. The courtroom had been prepared with boxes of tissues on the benches, as family members and community members gathered to witness the proceedings.

The shooting, which left nine others injured, has shocked the local community and raised further questions about gun access and school safety across the nation. Gray allegedly used a semiautomatic, assault-style rifle to carry out the attack, though authorities have yet to determine how he obtained the firearm or managed to bring it into the school premises. Investigators have not provided a motive for the shooting.

The suspect’s father, Colin Gray, 54, was also arrested on Thursday and faces charges of involuntary manslaughter and second-degree murder. According to Georgia Bureau of Investigation Director Chris Hosey, these charges stem from his role in allowing his son to possess a weapon. “His charges are directly connected with the actions of his son and allowing him to possess a weapon,” Hosey stated.

The shooting victims have been identified as students Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo, both 14 years old, along with teachers Richard Aspinwall, 39, and Cristina Irimie, 53. Aspinwall was a math teacher and assistant football coach, while Irimie, a Romanian immigrant, volunteered at a local church, teaching dance. A neighbor remembered Schermerhorn as “an inquisitive little boy,” reflecting the sorrow felt throughout the community.

This incident marks yet another tragic event in the long history of school shootings in the United States, from Newtown, Connecticut, to Parkland, Florida, and Uvalde, Texas. These tragedies have reignited the national debate over gun control, yet significant changes to gun laws have yet to materialize.

In a chilling turn of events, it was revealed that Colt Gray had been questioned by authorities last year following a menacing social media post that allegedly threatened a school shooting. According to a report from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, conflicting evidence prevented authorities from arresting at the time. Sheriff Janis Mangum reviewed the report and stated, “There was nothing that justified bringing charges back then.”

The Apalachee High School shooting marks the 30th mass killing in the U.S. in 2024, according to data compiled by The Associated Press and USA Today in partnership with Northeastern University. To date, at least 127 people have lost their lives in these mass killings, which are defined by the FBI as incidents in which four or more people are killed within a 24-hour period, excluding the perpetrator.

As the community mourns and both the father and son await further court proceedings, the case stands as a grim reminder of the ongoing debate over firearm access, parental responsibility, and school safety in America.

The shooting, which left nine others injured, has shocked the local community and raised further questions about gun access and school safety across the nation.

Malaking rollback sa presyo ng langis, nakatakda sa susunod na linggo!

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Malaking rollback sa presyo ng langis, nakatakda sa susunod na linggo!

MAYNILA. May inaasahang malaking rollback sa presyo ng produktong petrolyo sa susunod na linggo, na magdudulot ng mahigit piso kada litro na bawas sa presyo ng gasolina, diesel, at kerosene.

Ayon kay Department of Energy (DOE) Oil Industry Management Bureau Assistant Director Rodela Romero, batay sa mga pagtatantya mula sa internasyonal na merkado ng langis sa nakalipas na apat na araw, malamang na makaranas ng pagbaba sa presyo ang mga motorista simula sa darating na linggo.

Narito ang tinatayang mga rollback:

  • Gasolina: P1.00 hanggang P1.30 kada litro
  • Diesel: P1.00 hanggang P1.30 kada litro
  • Kerosene: P1.20 hanggang P1.35 kada litro

Ibinahagi ni Romero na ang inaasahang pagbaba ng presyo ay bunsod ng ilang mga salik, kabilang ang:

  • Mahinang demand mula sa China at Estados Unidos
  • Ulat na nagpapakita ng plano ng OPEC+ na dagdagan ang produksyon ng 180,000 barrels kada araw sa Oktubre
  • Pagbabalik ng produksyon ng langis sa Libya

Ang mga opisyal na anunsyo ng mga kumpanya ng langis kaugnay sa pagbabago ng presyo ay inaasahan tuwing Lunes, na magkakabisa kinabukasan.

Noong Martes, Setyembre 3, nagtaas ng presyo ang mga kumpanya ng langis: P0.50 kada litro sa gasolina, P0.30 sa diesel, at P0.70 sa kerosene.

Hinihikayat ang mga motorista na mag-abang sa mga paparating na rollback upang mapakinabangan ang mas mababang presyo ng mga produktong petrolyo.

UN praises temporary pauses in Gaza conflict for critical polio vaccination effort

Venus L Peñaflor
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UN praises temporary pauses in Gaza conflict for critical polio vaccination effort

United Nations officials expressed cautious optimism on Wednesday as limited pauses in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas enabled the administration of polio vaccinations to children in Gaza. The vaccination campaign, a rare moment of hope amidst nearly a year of warfare, aims to protect children from a potential polio outbreak following the discovery of the first case in the region in 25 years.

Rosemary DiCarlo, U.N. Undersecretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, and Edem Wosornu, Director of Operations and Advocacy at the U.N.’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, emphasized the importance of these temporary ceasefires. Wosornu highlighted how humanitarian objectives can inspire critical action on the ground, stating, “It does not have to be this way. Indeed, over the past few days, there have been signs that humanitarian objectives can inspire positive steps.”

The campaign, launched by the World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners, aims to vaccinate 640,000 children in Gaza, with 187,000 children already receiving the polio vaccine. This emergency health intervention follows the recent case of a 10-month-old boy who was paralyzed in one leg due to the virus. The Israeli government has committed to allowing the vaccination program to continue until Monday, with operations running for eight hours each day.

France’s Ambassador to the U.N., Nicolas de Rivière, underscored the need for humanitarian access to be more consistent, calling the vaccination campaign proof that humanitarian work is possible even in conflict zones. “That must become the rule,” de Rivière told the U.N. Security Council.

The meeting was held at the request of Israel and its allies—France, Great Britain, and the United States—all of whom are permanent, veto-wielding members of the council. The discussion was largely focused on hostages taken during Hamas’ attacks on Israel on October 7, which marked the start of the war. Israel’s ambassador stressed the recent killing of six hostages by Hamas and the need to secure their release.

Algeria, a member of the 15-nation council, also called for a broader discussion on the situation in the Palestinian territories, as the humanitarian crisis continues to worsen. Health officials have raised alarms about deteriorating conditions in Gaza, where over 40,000 Palestinians have died, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The crowded, unsanitary conditions in refugee camps and the spread of wastewater have sparked concerns about disease outbreaks, making the vaccination campaign even more urgent.

The October 7 Hamas attacks resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and the kidnapping of approximately 250 individuals. Israel’s military response has resulted in heavy casualties, with no clear end to the violence in sight. The U.N. Security Council passed a resolution in June calling for a cease-fire, but no lasting agreement has been reached.

Samuel Žbogar, Slovenia’s ambassador and president of the Security Council for September, expressed growing anxiety over the lack of progress toward a cease-fire. “It has to move, one way or the other,” Žbogar commented, urging further efforts to halt the bloodshed and secure the release of hostages.

Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei dies after brutal attack by boyfriend in Kenya

Venus L Peñaflor
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Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei dies after brutal attack by boyfriend in Kenya

NAIROBI. Rebecca Cheptegei, a 33-year-old Ugandan Olympic marathon runner, tragically passed away, four days after being set on fire by her boyfriend in Kenya. The brutal attack has brought renewed attention to gender-based violence, particularly in elite sports.

The attack occurred last Sunday, when Cheptegei, who competed in the Paris Olympics and finished 44th, was doused in petrol and set ablaze by her boyfriend. She sustained burns covering more than 75% of her body and was rushed to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya. Despite the efforts of medical professionals, Cheptegei succumbed to her injuries early Thursday morning.

“Cheptegei passed today morning at 5:30 a.m. after her organs failed,” said Owen Menach, senior director of clinical services at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital. A full report on the circumstances of her death is expected to be released later today.

The Uganda Olympic Committee expressed its sorrow over the athlete’s death. “We have learned of the sad passing on of our Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei… following a vicious attack by her boyfriend,” said Donald Rukare, president of the committee, in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “May her gentle soul rest in peace, and we strongly condemn violence against women.”

This incident marks the third high-profile murder of a female athlete in Kenya since 2021. Kenyan Sports Minister Kipchumba Murkomen described Cheptegei’s death as a significant loss, stating, “This tragedy is a stark reminder that we must do more to combat gender-based violence in our society, which in recent years has reared its ugly head in elite sporting circles.”

Reports indicate that Cheptegei and her boyfriend had been arguing over the property in the days leading up to the attack. “The land… has brought problems,” said Cheptegei’s father, Joseph, who has urged the government to protect her children and her property.

Kenyan media also reported that the assailant sustained injuries during the attack and is currently receiving treatment for 30% burns in the same hospital.

The killing has drawn widespread condemnation and brought renewed attention to the broader issue of violence against women in Kenya. According to a 2022 government survey, nearly 34% of Kenyan girls and women aged 15-49 have experienced physical violence, with married women particularly at risk. The same survey found that 41% of married women have faced domestic violence.

This incident echoes the shocking death of Kenyan Olympian Agnes Tirop in 2021. Tirop, a rising star in athletics, was found stabbed to death in her home, and her husband, Ibrahim Rotich, is currently on trial for her murder. Following her death, a group of athletes established ‘Tirop’s Angels’ to combat domestic violence in the sporting community.

Joan Chelimo, co-founder of the non-profit group, noted the dangers female athletes face from men who exploit their financial success. “They get into these traps of predators who pose in their lives as lovers,” she told Reuters.

Cheptegei’s death has ignited calls for stronger measures to protect women from violence, particularly those in vulnerable situations, like high-profile female athletes. Kenyan authorities are investigating the case.

Over 80,000 flock to Pope Francis’ mass in Indonesia

Venus L Peñaflor
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Over 80,000 flock to Pope Francis’ mass in Indonesia

JAKARTA. More than 80,000 people gathered at Indonesia’s Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on Thursday to attend a Catholic Mass led by Pope Francis, an extraordinary turnout in the world’s largest Muslim-majority country. The 87-year-old pontiff’s visit to Jakarta marks the first stop of his 12-day tour of Southeast Asia and Oceania, which includes East Timor, Singapore, and Papua New Guinea.

The atmosphere was electric, with Catholic nuns, students, and elderly attendees from across the archipelago filling the stadium. “The Pope’s presence is like Jesus’ presence,” said Mami Yuli, a transgender woman dressed in a sparkly gown and feathered headdress. Yuli, along with other Indonesian Christians, came to hear the Pope’s powerful homily, which called for tolerance and unity. “Given his important message of tolerance, we hope the church and the people can judge us positively,” she added. Speaking on the challenges faced by the transgender community in Indonesia, Yuli shared, “We endure a lot of pressure, and that limits our movement as transwomen in Indonesia.”

Pope Francis’ message emphasized fraternity and peace, urging the crowd to be “builders of unity.” Addressing the gathering from a stage adorned with a golden cross, he encouraged his followers, “I encourage you to sow seeds of love, confidently tread the path of dialogue, continue to show your goodness and kindness. Be builders of unity. Be builders of peace.”

The Mass was a highlight of the Pope’s four-day visit to Jakarta, where he also signed a declaration at the Istiqlal Mosque, the largest mosque in Southeast Asia, advocating for climate action and interfaith dialogue to combat conflict. Indonesia, home to 280 million people, recognizes six official religions, with Muslims comprising 87% of the population. Despite the challenges of being a religious minority, Christians were thrilled to see the Pope in their country. Sister Maria Ambrosia, who traveled hundreds of kilometers from Sumatra, expressed her joy: “What’s most important to me is that he’s humble and full of joy. I have tons of hope and happiness.”

Pope Francis’ visit has also fostered goodwill between religious communities. In a gesture of respect, national broadcasters were advised to display the Islamic call to prayer as a text rather than airing it, so as not to disrupt the Mass. The Pope’s meeting with Indonesian President Joko Widodo earlier in the week focused on religious tolerance, with Francis urging leaders to resist the rise of extremism.

The event underscored Pope Francis’ global message of unity, peace, and interfaith cooperation in a region often marked by religious diversity and political complexity.

Conservative party challenges ban on Elon Musk’s X platform in Brazil

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Conservative party challenges ban on Elon Musk’s X platform in Brazil

SAO PAULO. A conservative party in Brazil has launched a legal challenge against Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes’ decision to ban Elon Musk’s X platform, potentially intensifying the ongoing battle over censorship and hate speech in South America’s largest country.

Partido Novo is seeking to reverse the ban on X, formerly known as Twitter, imposed by Moraes for failing to comply with court orders to block accounts accused of spreading “fake news” and hate speech deemed a threat to democracy. The challenge will now be reviewed by another top court judge, adding complexity to the months-long dispute between Brazil’s judiciary and Musk’s business ventures.

“This is about freedom of expression—we want X back to normal in Brazil,” said Jonathan Mariano, a federal prosecutor and Partido Novo candidate for Rio de Janeiro’s city council, in a statement to Reuters.

The judge’s ruling, which also froze the assets of Musk’s Starlink satellite broadband firm, has sparked controversy. Moraes justified the asset freeze as a potential resource for paying the fines owed by X. However, Partido Novo argued that the two companies are distinct entities and questioned the legality of the decision.

Musk, in response to the ban, called Moraes a “dictator” and accused him of “shutting down the #1 source of truth in Brazil.” X has since closed its Brazil offices, citing the judge’s actions as “censorship.”

Court Battle Over X Ban

Partido Novo’s legal challenge will be handled by Justice Kassio Nunes Marques, a judge appointed by far-right former President Jair Bolsonaro. Marques may either refer the case to a wider court panel or dismiss it altogether. No date has been set for the decision, but Marques is expected to act swiftly due to the widespread repercussions of Moraes’ rulings.

Brazil’s current leftist President, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, has backed Moraes’ decision, stating, “Just because a guy has a lot of money doesn’t mean he can disrespect the law.” Musk dismissed Lula as Moraes’ “lapdog.”

Moraes’ actions have received support from one of the Supreme Court’s two panels, although some legal experts believe the issue should have been debated by all 11 justices. “Such a controversial issue should have been debated by the entire court,” said constitutional lawyer Vera Chemim, who believes the case represents a broader power struggle between Musk and Moraes. Chemim also called for the immediate reversal of the freeze on Starlink’s accounts, arguing it violates Brazilian law.

Former Supreme Court Chief Justice Carlos Ayres Britto, however, disagreed, stating, “X and Starlink are tentacles of the same octopus; they form an economic group.”

Wider Opposition to the Ban

Partido Novo is not the only group opposing the ban. The Brazilian Bar Association has also filed a motion to overturn Moraes’ order, particularly questioning the daily fines of 50,000 reais ($8,900) imposed on Brazilians using VPNs to access X. The association argues that the fines infringe on constitutional principles, including the separation of powers, full defense, and due process.

As the legal battle over the X platform continues, the feud between Elon Musk’s business empire and Brazil’s judiciary shows no signs of abating, with significant implications for freedom of expression and digital censorship in the country.

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