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Associated Press
27-05-2025
- General
- Associated Press
CCHR Seeks End to Mandated Community Psychiatric Programs, Citing Global Alarm
LOS ANGELES, Calif., May 27, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Citizens Commission on Human Rights International (CCHR), a mental health industry watchdog, is calling for an overhaul of psychiatric hospitalization and community treatment laws. With 54% of U.S. psychiatric patients held involuntarily, CCHR warns the system has normalized coercion. Most U.S. states authorize Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) laws that compel individuals in the community to receive psychiatric treatment—typically drug-based—under threat of court orders or rehospitalization. Critics say the laws criminalize noncompliance and medicalize dissent. A Pennsylvania source reported that under AOT, 'noncompliance is pathologized, autonomy is dismissed…Treatment ceases to be chosen; it becomes imposed.'[1] A 2021 NIH-funded study published in Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology found that 70% of youth aged 16–27 who were involuntarily hospitalized reported long-lasting distrust of clinicians—even when they remained in therapy. Meanwhile, a Cochrane Review concluded that AOT laws showed no consistent benefit over voluntary care.[2] Many mental health consumers are also forced to accept involuntary treatment in the community by being made subject to community treatment orders (CTOs), under threat that non-compliance can result in them being detained against their will in inpatient facilities and institutions.[3] A broader 2016 systematic review published in The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry analyzed more than 80 studies on CTOs, including three randomized controlled trials and multiple meta-analyses. The result: 'No evidence of patient benefit.' CTOs did not reduce hospitalizations or improve quality of life—but did result in patients spending significantly more time under coercive state psychiatric control.[4] Patients are often forced onto antipsychotic drugs. Bioethicist Carl Elliott says such neuroleptics cause 'tardive dyskinesia, a writhing, twitching motion of the mouth and tongue that can be permanent.' Psychotropic drug side effects can include violent behavior, aggression, paranoia, psychosis, dangerously high body temperatures, irregular heartbeat, and heart conditions, disorientation, delusion, lack of coordination, suicidal tendencies, and numerous physical problems.[5] Jan Eastgate, President of CCHR International says, 'Ironically, the very side effects of antipsychotic drugs—such as agitation and aggression—are the same behaviors often cited to justify forced hospitalization and involuntary treatment in the first place.' Yet, under AOT regimes, complaints about side effects or treatment refusals are used against patients as evidence of illness. The term 'anosognosia'—defined as an inability to recognize one's illness—is routinely invoked to override consent, framing resistance as delusional and justifying further force. As one media source put it: 'It casts resistance as malfunction… Instead of seeing dissent as meaningful or contextual, it reframes it as a symptom of a broken brain. This framing is not just misguided—it's dangerous.'[6] Amalia Gamio, Vice Chair of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, helped open CCHR's Traveling Exhibit, Psychiatry: An Industry of Death in Los Angeles on May 17, denounced global psychiatric coercion: 'Involuntary medication, electroshock, even sterilization — these are inhuman practices. Under international law, they constitute torture. There is an urgent need to ban all coercive and non-consensual measures in psychiatric settings.' Rev. Frederick Shaw, Jr., President of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Inglewood-South Bay Branch, condemned how psychiatry disproportionately targets African Americans. 'More than 27% of Black youth—already impacted by racism—are pathologized with labels like 'Oppositional Defiant Disorder,' which has no medical test,' he said. 'This mirrors how Black civil rights leaders in the 1960s were once labeled with 'protest psychosis' to justify drugging them with antipsychotics,' he added. 'Psychiatry didn't just participate in suppressing Black voices—it orchestrated it. And they're still doing it.' Psychiatric diagnoses in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) are not discovered through scientific testing but are voted into existence by APA committees. CCHR says despite the absence of objective medical proof for these labels, they can create lifelong patients to be drugged and subjected to involuntary interventions. Forced psychiatric practices have been condemned by the United Nations (UN) and World Health Organization (WHO), which have repeatedly called for an end to forced institutionalization, electroshock, drugging, and community-based coercive measures.[7] In the U.S., over 37% of children and youth in psychiatric facilities are subjected to seclusion or restraint.[8] Some—as young as 7—have died under these conditions. In multiple cases, medical examiners ruled the deaths homicides, yet prosecutions have been rare.[9] 'This is not mental healthcare. This is systemic cruelty and homicide,' adds Eastgate. CCHR and its global network are demanding regulations that prohibit coercive psychiatric treatment. 'These are abuses. Forced treatment is torture passed off as mental health 'care,'' CCHR says. About CCHR: The group was co-founded in 1969 by the Church of Scientology and psychiatrist and author Prof. Thomas Szasz. CCHR has exposed and helped bring accountability for psychiatric abuses globally. Its advocacy now echoes international calls by the UN and WHO to end coercive mental health practices. To learn more, visit: SOURCES: [1] 'Brave New Pittsburgh: Forced Use of Psychotropic Pharmaceuticals is Coming,' Popular Rationalism, 16 May 2025, [2] [3] 'Ensuring compulsory treatment is used as a last resort: a narrative review of the knowledge about Community Treatment Orders,' Psychiatry, Psychology and Law, 6 Jan 2025, [4] [5] Susan Perry, 'Recruitment of homeless people for drug trials raises serious ethical issues, U bioethicist says,' MinnPost, 11 Aug. 2014, [6] 'Not Broken, Not Sick: A Rebellion Against the Anosognosia Frame,' Underground Transmissions, 13 May 2025 [7] World Health Organization, 'Guidance on mental health policy and strategic action plans,' Module 1, pp 3-4, 2025 [8] Mohr, W, 'Adverse Effects Associated With Physical Restraint,' The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry—Review Paper, June 2003, [9] Deborah Yetter, '7-year-old died at Kentucky youth treatment center due to suffocation, autopsy finds; 2 workers fired,' USA Today, 19 Sept. 2022, Taylor Johnston, ''He didn't deserve that': Remembering young people who've died from restraint and seclusion,' CT Insider, 31 Oct. 2022, MULTIMEDIA: Image link for media: Image caption: 'Involuntary medication, electroshock, even sterilization — these are inhuman practices. Under international law, they constitute torture. There is an urgent need to ban all coercive and non-consensual measures in psychiatric settings.' – Amalia Gamio, Vice Chair of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. NEWS SOURCE: Citizens Commission on Human Rights Keywords: Religion and Churches, Citizens Commission on Human Rights, CCHR International, CCHR International, Jan Eastgate, coercive psychiatry, LOS ANGELES, Calif. This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Citizens Commission on Human Rights) who is solely responsibile for its accuracy, by Send2Press® Newswire. Information is believed accurate but not guaranteed. Story ID: S2P126451 APNF0325A To view the original version, visit: © 2025 Send2Press® Newswire, a press release distribution service, Calif., USA. RIGHTS GRANTED FOR REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART BY ANY LEGITIMATE MEDIA OUTLET - SUCH AS NEWSPAPER, BROADCAST OR TRADE PERIODICAL. MAY NOT BE USED ON ANY NON-MEDIA WEBSITE PROMOTING PR OR MARKETING SERVICES OR CONTENT DEVELOPMENT. Disclaimer: This press release content was not created by nor issued by the Associated Press (AP). Content below is unrelated to this news story.
Argaam
15-05-2025
- Business
- Argaam
Osool & Bakheet finalizes AOT's conversion into closed joint-stock company
Osool & Bakheet Investment Co. completed the procedures to convert Advanced Operation Technology Co. (AOT) into a closed joint-stock company, along with the transfer and registration of the acquired ownership under Osool & Bakheet, a statement said to Tadawul today, May 15. According to data available with Argaam, Osool & Bakheet signed an agreement in July 2024 with the owners of AOT to acquire 51% of the company's total shares for SAR 5.1 million. Osool & Bakheet's shareholders approved the acquisition in February, subject to preferential terms. As part of the agreement, the sellers transferred their full shares in AOT to Osool & Bakheet, enabling the latter to acquire a 51% stake. In return, the buyer waived its right to subscribe to a maximum of SAR 2 million on behalf of seller Samiah AlYahya, and a maximum of SAR 3.334 million on behalf of seller Abdulrahman AlYahya, should the company be publicly offered in the future. This obligation granted by the buyer to the sellers is valid for 10 years from the date of the agreement signing. The exact mechanism for implementing this agreement will be determined later in a manner consistent with applicable regulations.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Yahoo
VT looking to award grants for bike and pedestrian access
BARRE, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44) – The Vermont Agency of Transporation (AOT) is accepting grant applications to improve bicycle and pedestrian access throughout the state. In 2024, AOT awarded more than $7 million under its Bicycle and Pedestrian Program. Grants incorporate funding from the national Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, whose Carbon Reduction Program serves to fund projects that will reduce transportation emissions. Last year's awardees included projects all across Vermont, from improvements to a more than 2-mile pedestrian path connecting Bennington College to downtown Bennington, to sidewalk and safety improvements near Rutland Intermediate School. How to keep your bike from getting stolen 'Transportation options such as walking and bicycling are valuable for public health, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and supporting economic development in Vermont's downtowns,' said Transportation Secretary Joe Flynn. 'Expanding opportunities for people to walk and bike safely improves quality of life and is a priority for our Agency and the State.' Ideal projects to apply for these grants are those that will be ready to go to construction in 2025 or 2026 – 'simple physical improvements' rather than more complex projects that would involve land acquisition. Applications must be received by July 11, 2025. An information and training webinar is planned for June 3, and those interested in applying for a grant are strongly encouraged to join. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Yahoo
Is it safe to travel to Thailand and is Bangkok airport open? Advice for tourists after Myanmar earthquake
Thailand and Myanmar have declared a state of emergency after a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on today (28 March), sending tremors as far as Thailand's capital Bangkok. At least eight people have been confirmed to have died across both countries, but a doctor told AFP news agency that at least 20 people have died in a major hospital in Myanmar's capital. Buildings have been damaged or destroyed amid the giant jolt. One incident saw the collapse of a high-rise building under construction near Bangkok's Chatuchak Market, where three people were killed and at least 81 people are still missing, the Thai defence minister said. Seven people have been rescued from the debris, an emergency responder said earlier on Friday. Another three were killed after a mosque collapsed in Myanmar, two eyewitnesses told Reuters. Local media reported that two others died and 20 were injured after a hotel collapsed in Aung Ban. Witnesses in Bangkok said people ran out onto the streets amid the earthquake, many of them hotel guests in bathrobes and swimming costumes as water poured from an elevated pool at a luxury hotel. Residents in Chiang Mai also reported hearing the quake. The Thai Department of Disaster Prevention said the quake was felt in almost all parts of the country. Cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai attract huge numbers of tourists every year to its breathtaking landscapes, cultural landmarks and luxury hotels, while its coast and islands are often touted as home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Here is what to know about the recent earthquake, its impacts and the latest travel advice. The earthquake struck at a depth of 10km, about 17.2km from Myanmar's second-largest city of Mandalay, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The midday temblor was followed by a strong 6.4 magnitude aftershock, and people in Bangkok evacuated from their buildings were cautioned to stay outside in case there were more. Multiple buildings have been destroyed and damaged palaces in popular tourist areas of Myanmar, while posts from Mandalay showed collapsed buildings and debris on the streets. Over in Bangkok, the earthquake brought down a skyscraper under construction, killing at least two workers, the local police said. A rescue operation is currently underway to save dozens of workers trapped in the debris. Thailand's major airports are operational, inbound and outbound flights have largely not been disrupted. Thailand's airport group, Airports of Thailand (AOT) said on Friday, 28 March: 'AOT has completed inspections of 6 airports, confirming that the structural integrity of their buildings and aviation infrastructure meets safety standards. 'All airports have resumed normal operations as of 2.30pm.' The six airports include Suvarnabhumi Airport, Don Mueang Airport, Chiang Mai Airport, Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai Airport, Phuket Airport and Hat Yai Airport. Flight tracking data from FlightRadar shows the majority of flights arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok's main airport, on time, with a handful of delays, and very few cancellations and diversions. As for departures, the majority of flights have departed, albeit with some delays of over a couple of hours. Suvarnabhumi Airport said that due to the earthquake, passengers are advised to check traffic conditions in advance and allow extra time to travel to avoid missing flights. The airport recommends arriving at least three hours before departure for an international flight, and at least two hours before a domestic flight. Over in Myanmar, the UK's Foreign Office said: 'Mandalay airport is reportedly closed'. Social media footage showed passengers at Mandalay Airport crouching down and taking cover on the tarmac as the earthquake struck. Bangkok rail links suspended after earthquakeCity transport in Bangkok has been suspended on two subway lines and on the BTS Skytrain to and from the main international airport. Worapa Angkhisirisap, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand in London said: 'MRT Blue and Purple Lines are temporarily suspended. 'BTS Skytrain is also temporarily suspended due to emergency protocols.' In addition, the rail link to the northern suburb of Rangsit 'may face delays due to structural inspections on elevated tracks'. But, she said, both Bangkok's airports are operating normally, with no disruption to flights. The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice for Thailand after the earthquake. The FCDO said that there has been a 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar, with strong tremors reported across Thailand and some damage reported to buildings in Bangkok. 'There may be after-shocks. If you're in the area or planning to travel there, follow the advice of the local authorities or your tour operator and monitor local media,' its advice states. It has also directed travellers to the US Federal Emergency Management Agency, which has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake. If you're in Thailand and need urgent help, call the British Embassy in Bangkok on +66 023058333. The FCDO has also issued new advice for travellers in Myanmar, stating that the epicentre is in Sagaing region near Mandalay City, but other areas may be affected. 'Mandalay airport is reportedly closed. There may be several strong after-shocks. 'If you're in the area or planning to travel there, follow the advice of the local authorities and monitor local media.' As the Foreign Office has not warned against non-essential travel due to the protests, there will be no special circumstances in place to be able to cancel a trip for a full refund. The conditions for cancelling your trip will be dependent on your holiday provider, so it's best to contact them if you're looking to postpone. Simon Calder, travel correspondent for The Independent, said: 'If the Foreign Office imposes a warning against travel, it requires tour operators – Tui, Jet2, easyJet Holidays, etc – immediately to bring back holidaymakers. That is why a 'no-go' decision is very rarely made.' There is no obligation for companies to refund bookings if you want to cancel, and you will not be able to claim travel insurance due to safety concerns unless the Foreign Office advice changes. In terms of travel insurance, some policies include natural disaster cover for an event that prevents you from reaching your holiday destination. Check your insurance policies and speak to your insurer to see where you stand.
The Independent
28-03-2025
- The Independent
Is it safe to travel to Thailand and is Bangkok airport open? Advice for tourists after Myanmar earthquake
Thailand and Myanmar have declared a state of emergency after a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on today (28 March), sending tremors as far as Thailand's capital Bangkok. At least eight people have been confirmed to have died across both countries, but a doctor told AFP news agency that at least 20 people have died in a major hospital in Myanmar's capital. Buildings have been damaged or destroyed amid the giant jolt. One incident saw the collapse of a high-rise building under construction near Bangkok's Chatuchak Market, where three people were killed and at least 81 people are still missing, the Thai defence minister said. Seven people have been rescued from the debris, an emergency responder said earlier on Friday. Another three were killed after a mosque collapsed in Myanmar, two eyewitnesses told Reuters. Local media reported that two others died and 20 were injured after a hotel collapsed in Aung Ban. Witnesses in Bangkok said people ran out onto the streets amid the earthquake, many of them hotel guests in bathrobes and swimming costumes as water poured from an elevated pool at a luxury hotel. Residents in Chiang Mai also reported hearing the quake. The Thai Department of Disaster Prevention said the quake was felt in almost all parts of the country. Cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai attract huge numbers of tourists every year to its breathtaking landscapes, cultural landmarks and luxury hotels, while its coast and islands are often touted as home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Here is what to know about the recent earthquake, its impacts and the latest travel advice. Where has the earthquake hit in Thailand? The earthquake struck at a depth of 10km, about 17.2km from Myanmar's second-largest city of Mandalay, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The midday temblor was followed by a strong 6.4 magnitude aftershock, and people in Bangkok evacuated from their buildings were cautioned to stay outside in case there were more. Multiple buildings have been destroyed and damaged palaces in popular tourist areas of Myanmar, while posts from Mandalay showed collapsed buildings and debris on the streets. Over in Bangkok, the earthquake brought down a skyscraper under construction, killing at least two workers, the local police said. A rescue operation is currently underway to save dozens of workers trapped in the debris. Will my flight be cancelled? Thailand's major airports are operational, inbound and outbound flights have largely not been disrupted. Thailand's airport group, Airports of Thailand (AOT) said on Friday, 28 March: 'AOT has completed inspections of 6 airports, confirming that the structural integrity of their buildings and aviation infrastructure meets safety standards. 'All airports have resumed normal operations as of 2.30pm.' The six airports include Suvarnabhumi Airport, Don Mueang Airport, Chiang Mai Airport, Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai Airport, Phuket Airport and Hat Yai Airport. Flight tracking data from FlightRadar shows the majority of flights arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok's main airport, on time, with a handful of delays, and very few cancellations and diversions. As for departures, the majority of flights have departed, albeit with some delays of over a couple of hours. Suvarnabhumi Airport said that due to the earthquake, passengers are advised to check traffic conditions in advance and allow extra time to travel to avoid missing flights. The airport recommends arriving at least three hours before departure for an international flight, and at least two hours before a domestic flight. Over in Myanmar, the UK's Foreign Office said: 'Mandalay airport is reportedly closed'. Social media footage showed passengers at Mandalay Airport crouching down and taking cover on the tarmac as the earthquake struck. Is other transport affected? Bangkok rail links suspended after earthquakeCity transport in Bangkok has been suspended on two subway lines and on the BTS Skytrain to and from the main international airport. Worapa Angkhisirisap, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand in London said: 'MRT Blue and Purple Lines are temporarily suspended. 'BTS Skytrain is also temporarily suspended due to emergency protocols.' In addition, the rail link to the northern suburb of Rangsit 'may face delays due to structural inspections on elevated tracks'. But, she said, both Bangkok's airports are operating normally, with no disruption to flights. What is the UK government travel advice? The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice for Thailand after the earthquake. The FCDO said that there has been a 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar, with strong tremors reported across Thailand and some damage reported to buildings in Bangkok. 'There may be after-shocks. If you're in the area or planning to travel there, follow the advice of the local authorities or your tour operator and monitor local media,' its advice states. It has also directed travellers to the US Federal Emergency Management Agency, which has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake. If you're in Thailand and need urgent help, call the British Embassy in Bangkok on +66 023058333. The FCDO has also issued new advice for travellers in Myanmar, stating that the epicentre is in Sagaing region near Mandalay City, but other areas may be affected. 'Mandalay airport is reportedly closed. There may be several strong after-shocks. 'If you're in the area or planning to travel there, follow the advice of the local authorities and monitor local media.' Can I cancel my holiday or flight and get a refund? As the Foreign Office has not warned against non-essential travel due to the protests, there will be no special circumstances in place to be able to cancel a trip for a full refund. The conditions for cancelling your trip will be dependent on your holiday provider, so it's best to contact them if you're looking to postpone. Simon Calder, travel correspondent for The Independent, said: 'If the Foreign Office imposes a warning against travel, it requires tour operators – Tui, Jet2, easyJet Holidays, etc – immediately to bring back holidaymakers. That is why a 'no-go' decision is very rarely made.' There is no obligation for companies to refund bookings if you want to cancel, and you will not be able to claim travel insurance due to safety concerns unless the Foreign Office advice changes. In terms of travel insurance, some policies include natural disaster cover for an event that prevents you from reaching your holiday destination. Check your insurance policies and speak to your insurer to see where you stand.
