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Yahoo
a day ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Defiant Weoley campaigner defends England flags project amid racism backlash
One of the so-called 'Weoley Warriors' involved in a campaign to plaster the city with Union and England flags has spoken of wanting to 'restore pride' to 'neglected' working class communities in south Birmingham amid a backlash. The national flags have appeared along major routes and on lamp-posts around Weoley Castle, Bartley Green, Northfield and further afield, with hundreds more planned to go up, said Matt Glover, representing the group. He pledged the flags would almost certainly go back up if they are taken down by the council, which has said it has a duty to take down unsafe and unauthorised attachments on lamp-posts and highways structures. READ MORE: Birmingham City Council issues safety warning over flags lining city streets "It's just going to be cat and mouse. It will be a waste of public money," he said, claiming the group responsible were using safety gear and ladders to safely cable-tie flags and were acting responsibly. The group, describing themselves as 'Weoley Warriors', claim as many as 1,500 flags have now gone up across Northfield and neighbouring areas, with requests for more coming in every day. More than £2,500 has been donated to a gofundme campaign to cover costs. The proliferation of flags has caused a passionate debate in the city and beyond around national identity and how the flags are perceived. While many residents have described them as 'positive', others have expressed concern about the underlying motivations of those involved, particularly after populist and far right organisations pledged their backing, including the leadership of Reform UK. Lee Anderson, Reform UK MP, described it as 'a disgrace' if the flags were taken down. One dissenter, who lives in Northfield, said: "This is not about celebrating all those who live in our city equally. Just look at all the comments, the people saying 'if you can't love our England flag then you can leave'...it's dressed up as pride in the flag but it plays right into the hands of racists who think they can decide who counts as British and who doesn't." Another said they were 'very uncomfortable' because, outside of sporting events, the flag had been tainted for so long by its association with far right views. But Glover, a dad of four and Justice for the 21 pub bombing victims campaigner, denied political or divisive intent and was disdainful of claims of racism. He said he was not personally putting up flags but described it as a 'positive' campaign that local working class people of all backgrounds, faiths and heritage supported. "We are working class people, not just white people, many of us are football fans, what we have in common is we are all proud of our flag and country, but people assume that makes us racist. "This is the flag flown on government buildings, on Buckingham Palace, everywhere, and it's the flag our troops fight under, yet somehow we should be ashamed of it." Mr Glover said he understood the council's safety concerns - listed in this article here - but claimed that those putting up the flags were acting responsibly and taking safety precautions. "The city council are trying to find an excuse to remove the flags of this nation and are creating a divide and more anger in the community," he claimed. He described himself as part of a group of 'proud men, some ex forces, some British, some Irish, who one day over a pint after a hard day's graft 'decided the country was in turmoil, the world was on the brink of the council was more worried about losing face to binmen than anything else' so decided to 'bring the once tight knit community of Weoley, Northfield and surrounding areas some hope.' "The outcome has been tremendous," he claimed. In a lengthy statement Mr Glover described touring world war memorial and battle sites, crying at the sounding of the Last Post and said he has 'prayed for every single soul lost (in wartime)...it breaks my heart to be called racist knowing my flag was a symbol of unity and pride. "It amazes me that some people are so stupid and blinkered that all they see is a stereotype of white English bald men as racists just for having a belief, passion and loyalty to this nation." But he went on to add a list of views he also subscribed to and said they were shared by many working class people 'sick of the establishment'. "Yes, we are fed up of illegal our taxes being spent on possible criminals and rapists; of two tier policing; of our own people not being able to get homes before foreign nationals; of foreign nationals getting (gifts and special treatment)," he added. He referred to sharia law and said he was angry that Eid was widely celebrated in the city but not St George's Day. "This isn't racism - it's frustration from being pushed into a corner and silenced. "If you want to live the flag of this nation, and if you don't like it, choose a country to move to that you do respect the flag of."
The Star
09-08-2025
- Politics
- The Star
From solidarity to politics?
'WE didn't start the fire It was always burning, since the world's been turning We didn't start the fire No, we didn't light it, but we tried to fight it.' I used the chorus of Billy Joel's We Didn't Start the Fire to explain in the Sabah Politics text group I belong to that the rallies in Sabah to show solidarity with the late Zara Qairina Mahathir could quickly turn political. Zara was a 13-year-old student at a religious boarding school in Papar, Sabah. She died on July 17 after falling from the third floor of her dormitory the day before. Unhappy with the investigation into her death, her family has asked for a more thorough look. Following a review of a preliminary report, the Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) returned the case to the police for further investigation. The AGC also directed that Zara's body be exhumed for a postmortem to check the cause of death. This tragedy has angered a lot of people. On Friday night, thousands gathered in Sandakan and Tawau to demand justice for the teen, who might have faced bullying (though that has not been confirmed). There were similar gatherings in Lahad Datu and Semporna, with events in Sipitang, Papar, Ranau, Kundasang, Telupid, Kudat, and Keningau scheduled over the coming days. Some in the text group didn't think that a solidarity gathering would turn into a political rally. It has not yet happened, I replied, but since when do politicians not jump on any opportunity to win votes? 'Think Teoh Beng Hock,' I posted, referring to the DAP political aide who was found dead on a rooftop beneath the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's Selangor office in Shah Alam on July 16, 2009, after being questioned there. That tragedy has certainly been politicised thoroughly over the years. I asked a Ranau community leader, Japiril Suhaimin, who was organising the gathering in Kundasang tomorrow, what he thinks are the reasons for the Justice for Zara rallies. Japiril listed them: > Demand justice for Zara and other victims who may have suffered the same fate. > Unite the voices of the people from various districts and bring them to Kundasang as a symbol of hope and strength. > Deliver a message to the authorities that the community will not remain silent in the face of injustice. > Educate and raise awareness among the public about human rights, dignity, and values. The Star reported that in Sandakan, participants carried banners, read poems, and offered prayers for Zara, while several activists and local people's representatives addressed the gathering. In Tawau, people dressed in black held placards and chanted, 'Justice for Zara' and 'Stop the bullying'. Why the big crowds showing support for Zara, I asked Sabah Bersatu Women chief Rahimah Majid. On why the public is angry, Rahimah contended that Zara's death is somewhat suspicious. The lawyer said the public is enraged by the authorities' failure to carry out a proper investigation. The police, she said, failed the most basic test of their duty: to investigate a sudden and suspicious death thoroughly, fairly, and without delay. 'For almost three weeks after Zara's death, no meaningful investigation took place. No postmortem was conducted. Her personal belongings, including her clothing, were returned to the family without any forensic examination,' she said. 'Until today, no transparent report has been released. This is an outrageous breach of duty.' The lawyer pointed out that there were lapses that violated Sections 329 and 300 of the Criminal Procedure Code, which clearly require a postmortem and complete investigation into any unnatural death. 'If the police had done their job properly from the start, the AGC would not need to send the file back. This is a clear sign that something is seriously wrong with the way this case has been handled,' she said. Japiril lists his take on the reasons for the public's anger: > Zara died under suspicious circumstances in a school dormitory. She may have been the victim of bullying, but the initial investigation was not thorough. > Sabahans feel this issue represents a weakness in the education system and student protection, especially in boarding schools. Will Zara's death become a political issue? Japiril, who is also Sabah Progressive Party deputy president, said people's anger over the case is growing. He listed reasons why he thinks it's happening: > The education system is seen as failing to protect Zara, prompting calls for reform and criticism of government agencies. People want strict action taken against bullying and negligence. > A ban on teachers participating in rallies raises issues of freedom of speech and institutional control. > Rallies in Tawau, Sandakan, Lahad Datu, and Kundasang show a grassroots awakening. > People are demanding justice and questioning the use of power and access to justice. 'If this movement continues to grow, it could become a political tsunami, the people's voice demanding accountability from those in power,' he said. I asked Rahimah whether the Justice for Zara movement could become a political movement. 'When there's a perceived failure by police, government agencies, or the education system, calls for justice can quickly shift from a purely humanitarian cause to a demand for systemic reform,' she said. 'This puts pressure on political leaders, especially if they are seen as slow, dismissive, or defensive. This is what is happening now.' Joel's iconic song begins with a list of names and things denoting issues in the public eye in the United States over four decades, until the song's release in 1989: 'Harry Truman, Doris Day, Red China, Johnnie Ray / South Pacific, Walter Winchell, Joe DiMaggio / Joe McCarthy, Richard Nixon, Studebaker, television / North Korea, South Korea, Marilyn Monroe.' This is my Malaysian version: 'Zara Qairina Mahathir, Teoh Beng Hock, Pamela Phang / Suhakam, Pastor Raymond Koh, TikTok / Amri Che Mat, MACC, Altantuya Shaariibuu, Zalina Azman.'
Miami Herald
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
5 years later, Minneapolis remembers George Floyd
MINNEAPOLIS - Sunday marks five years since George Floyd was pinned by his neck and killed by police in the streets of Minneapolis, sparking a historic wave of calls to action to end police brutality and racial injustice. Since Floyd was murdered on May 25, 2020, by Minneapolis police, observers have trekked to the city every year on the anniversary of his death to pay their respects and celebrate his legacy. "It's sad that an event like this had to happen for the community to come together," Eric Coleman, who served as part of a security team Sunday, said as he sat near a huge raised fist that's become synonymous with George Floyd Square. "But in the end, that's what you really want." Coleman said the day has waned in intensity since Floyd's death. But the anniversary's ability to bring residents together remains. Around 11:30 a.m., about 150 people wandered what is known as George Floyd Square, pausing at makeshift memorials. Visitors take in the sight of yellow roses lying on the mural painted on the spot that George Floyd was murdered five years ago at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis. (Alex Kormann/The Minnesota Star Tribune) On a weekend that is usually reserved for remembering fallen veterans, Floyd's presence can be felt throughout the Twin Cities - from author readings to prayer circles, concerts and more. On Sunday, there are several planned events to honor Floyd's life, with most of the major activities happening near the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue where he was killed. Around 11 a.m., a few dozen people sat in folding chairs in a parking lot for a church service for Floyd held by Worldwide Outreach for Christ. The group was diverse - white and Black, with a Minneapolis Police Department officer sitting among those in the crowd. "I appreciate this day because the sacrifice [Floyd] made was one that enabled us to realize the needs in all our communities," Pastor Curtis Farrar said to the crowd. Other scheduled events include an evening gospel concert - featuring popular local choir the Sounds of Blackness - and a candlelight vigil. This year's theme for the annual Rise and Remember Festival that celebrates Floyd's life in George Floyd Square is "the people have spoken." "Now is the time for the people to rise up and continue the good work we started," Angela Harrelson, an aunt of Floyd and board co-chair of the Rise and Remember nonprofit, said in a statement. At nearby Phelps Field Park, a "Justice for George" exhibit showcased plywood murals from 2020. A few blocks from George Floyd Square, a few people walked by rows of cardboard headstones, each one emblazoned with the name of a Black person killed by police. The "Say Their Names" cemetery has stood since 2020, with the markers commemorating Laquan McDonald and Terence Crutcher and dozens more. Among those striding through the sprawling field was Roxanne Rawson, who moved to Iowa from the Twin Cities two years ago but returned to town for the anniversary. "I couldn't imagine being any place other than Minneapolis this weekend," said Rawson, who noted Floyd's death deepened her awareness of racial injustice. Rawson, who's white, snapped a picture with her phone of the placard commemorating Amir Locke, a 22-year-old Black man killed in 2022 by Minneapolis police. "Just seeing this, doesn't it overwhelm you?" Rawson said, gazing out at the rows of headstones. Floyd's death ignited a worldwide movement not only to make changes in policing but also to address systemic racial inequities in other areas of society. However, the commitment to that global movement's long-term legacy has been challenged. This year's milestone anniversary is marked by a stark contrast in the political atmosphere and societal acceptance of policing reforms, equity and racial justice work that had been widely called for in the aftermath of Floyd's death in 2020. On Wednesday, the Department of Justice filed to dismiss a consent decree agreement with Minneapolis that was supposed to entail sweeping reforms. There have also been rumors that President Donald Trump, who was the president when Floyd was killed, might pardon former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who was convicted in Floyd's murder. Publicly, Trump has given no credence to the rumors. The Trump administration has also tried to ban diversity, equity and inclusion programs throughout the country in the public and private sector. On Sunday morning outside what is now known as Unity Foods, Tom Johnson made his way through the flower-strewn memorial that marked where Floyd begged for air. Johnson, who lives in Golden Valley, said the current political "backlash," especially the Trump administration's campaign to dismantle diversity and equity initiatives, has cast a pall over the already somber day. Still, the 74-year-old said he hasn't lost hope that "a better society" will prevail. Visiting the square was a small way to push back against the presidential administration, Johnson said. "I don't know what to do. ... It's something," he said. For people who live nearby, Floyd's death has left a more complicated legacy. "People come here to pay respects, take pictures and leave," said 49-year-old Marquise Bowie, who lives two blocks away from the square. The people who live and work in the area "need more than just a celebration of a person," he said. "We need resources." Since 2020, Bowie said not much has changed. The community still badly needs more investment and the rate of Black homeownership remains low, he said. Meanwhile, many of the businesses that line the corridor haven't benefited from the droves of outsiders who visit the square. "I see our neighborhood just become a tourist spot without the financial benefits of tourism," he said. __________ Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Yahoo
Woman arrested in Ernie Ortiz case gets probation
GARDEN CITY, Kan. (KSNW) — A woman arrested in connection with the death of Garden City businessman Ernie Ortiz has been sentenced to probation. In September 2019, Ortiz, 69, was found fatally wounded outside El Conquistador, a restaurant he owned for 39 years. Police believe he was shot during a robbery as he closed the business for the night. He died at the hospital. In September 2023, U.S. Marshals arrested Samantha Jo Smith in South Carolina. She was brought back to Kansas, where she was charged with murder and aggravated robbery. Last November, those charges were dropped, and Smith pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery. County Attorney Susan Richmeier said in a statement that the reduced charge 'took into consideration all facts and circumstances known by law enforcement and the Finney County Attorney's Office at the time of plea.' Yes, that text you received saying you're getting money from DOGE is scam This week, Smith was back in court for her sentencing. According to the Justice for Ernie Ortiz Facebook page, the Ortiz family filled the courtroom and provided victim impact statements. In the end, District Judge Rebecca Faurot sentenced Smith to two years of probation and payment of almost $5,900 in fees. The Ortiz family made sure the case got statewide attention. The relatives became the first family to partner with Crime Stoppers of Garden City for a reward going to a specific case. The family opened a GoFundMe account through the Justice for Ernie Ortiz Facebook page to raise funds for the reward. Then, in 2022, Ortiz's murder was selected for the Kansas Cold Case Playing Cards program. The decks of cards featuring unsolved murders were being distributed in Kansas jails and prisons in hopes that inmates might share information pertinent to the cases. In January 2023, the reward for information in the Ortiz case jumped to $21,500. After the murder charge was dropped against Smith in November, KSN contacted the Garden City Police Department. A spokesperson said the Ortiz murder case remains open and active. 'Ernie Ortiz was a well-known and beloved citizen of Garden City, and his death not only affected his family and loved ones but also the community,' police said. 'For over five years, the Garden City Police Department has worked tirelessly to find answers and help provide a sense of closure to Mr. Ortiz's family while bringing those responsible for his death to justice.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBC
05-03-2025
- CBC
Court appearance delayed for husband of homicide victim Trina Hunt
More than two dozen "Justice for Trina Hunt" supporters rallied in front of Port Coquitlam provincial court Wednesday morning where the first appearance of her husband, Iain Hunt, was delayed until next month. Hunt is charged with indignity to human remains in the unsolved homicide of his wife. The date of his alleged offence is Jan 16, 2021, two days before police say he reported her missing from their Port Moody home. Rally organizers say they remain hopeful that investigators will uncover enough evidence to lay a murder charge. "I don't want to say too much and get myself into trouble," said Stephanie Ibbott, who is married to Trina Hunt's cousin. "Connect all the dots, and they are only pointing in one direction." Trina Hunt's remains were found near Hope, 150 kilometres east of Vancouver, in March 2021. The Integrated Homicide Investigations Team (IHIT) has confirmed her death was a homicide but have not revealed how investigators reached that conclusion. In an email, the B.C. Prosecution Service said Iain Hunt's legal counsel requested the adjournment that resulted in Wednesday's court appearance being cancelled. His next appearance is scheduled for April 23. Rally participants chanted, "Justice for Trina and for all women." A number told CBC they were there to speak out against domestic violence. "It's time that our justice system stands behind these women," said Brenda Green. Ibbott has been a driving force in the Justice for Trina Hunt campaign, which is offering $50,000 for information that leads to a murder charge. "I think that a lot is going to be uncovered in this trial," she said. "Trina was family, and we want to see this through to the end." Before Trina Hunt's remains were identified, supporters organized extensive searches involving hundreds of people in the woods and forests around her home. The campaign also distributed lawn signs, posters, and stickers to raise public awareness of the case and generate tips. A charge of indignity to human remains "occurs when a person neglects to perform their legal duty to bury a dead human body, or if a person interferes in an improper, indecent or undignified way with a dead human body or human remains," according to police.
