Latest news with #MariaHernandez
Al Jazeera
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Al Jazeera
MSF says 3 of its workers were ‘intentionally' killed in Ethiopia's Tigray
Doctors Without Borders says three of its staff were 'intentionally' killed in 2021 during the fierce fighting in Ethiopia's Tigray region. The organisation, known by its French initials MSF, on Tuesday published the findings of its internal review into the killings of Maria Hernandez, a Spanish national, and Ethiopians Yohannes Halefom Reda and Tedros Gebremariam Gebremichael. The northern region of Tigray erupted in a brutal civil war against the federal government from 2020 and 2022 that killed some 600,000 people. The conflict prompted a humanitarian disaster, leaving a million displaced, and a fragile peace deal has caused simmering resentment. MSF accused the Ethiopian government of failing to 'fulfil its moral obligations' to conclude investigations. 'The review confirmed that the attack was an intentional and targeted killing of three clearly identified aid workers,' says its statement. Hernandez was one of MSF's emergency coordinators in Tigray, while Reda and Gebremichael were a coordination assistant and driver for the NGO. All three employees of MSF-Spain were shot dead on June 24, 2021, in southern Tigray. The NGO said they and their vehicle were all clearly identified. According to the medical charity, a convoy of Ethiopian soldiers was present at the time of the attack. MSF said despite numerous follow-ups with the federal authorities in Addis Ababa, they had not received 'any credible answers' and the government had 'failed to fulfil its moral obligations to conclude an investigation into the attack'. 'This was not the result of crossfire, nor was it a tragic mistake. Our colleagues were killed in what can only be described as a deliberate attack,' said Paula Gil, president of MSF-Spain. The report follows from an international investigation in 2022 when the NGO said the three aid workers had been killed 'intentionally,' without providing further details. The New York Times newspaper claimed in a 2022 investigation that an Ethiopian army officer had given the order to kill the three aid workers. But Raquel Ayora, director-general of MSF-Spain, said on Tuesday, 'We cannot confirm that or go that far.' The report's findings were presented to authorities, who did not respond, the NGO said. Ethiopian authorities refused to meet the president of MSF-Spain to discuss the MSF investigation into the killings. The 2020-2022 war pitted federal forces, supported by local militias and the Eritrean army, against Tigrayan rebels. All of the warring parties have been accused of war crimes. However, an NGO called The Sentry said in June that, while all sides perpetrated war crimes, the nature of the atrocities committed by the Eritrean army was 'unmatched in scale and premeditation'. Ethiopia, Africa's second-most populous country with nearly 130 million inhabitants, has been led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed since 2018.
The Sun
15-07-2025
- The Sun
Three MSF aid workers intentionally killed in Tigray war
NAIROBI: Doctors Without Borders (MSF) revealed on Tuesday that three of its staff members were 'intentionally' killed during the 2021 conflict in Ethiopia's Tigray region. The medical charity accused the Ethiopian government of failing to conduct a proper investigation, stating authorities had not fulfilled their 'moral obligations.' The Tigray war, which raged from 2020 to 2022, resulted in an estimated 600,000 deaths and displaced over a million people. Despite a fragile peace agreement, tensions remain high. The victims included Spanish national Maria Hernandez, 35, an emergency coordinator, along with Ethiopian staff Yohannes Halefom Reda and Tedros Gebremariam Gebremichael, both 31, who served as a coordination assistant and driver. All three were shot dead on June 24, 2021, in southern Tigray while traveling in a clearly marked MSF vehicle. MSF stated that an internal review confirmed the attack was deliberate, targeting aid workers who were easily identifiable. A convoy of Ethiopian soldiers was reportedly present at the time. Despite repeated requests for transparency, the NGO said Ethiopian authorities provided no credible answers. A 2022 investigation by The New York Times suggested an Ethiopian colonel ordered the killings, but MSF-Spain's director general, Raquel Ayora, clarified that the organization could not independently verify this claim. Ethiopian officials have not responded to MSF's findings or requests for dialogue. The federal government and military also ignored inquiries from AFP. The Tigray conflict involved Ethiopian federal forces, Eritrean troops, and local militias fighting Tigrayan rebels. All parties have faced allegations of war crimes, with reports highlighting particularly severe atrocities by Eritrean forces. Ethiopia, Africa's second-most populous nation, continues to grapple with unrest in regions like Amhara and Oromia, where federal forces are accused of further abuses.
Eater
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Eater
These Are the Biggest Closings This Month in Philly
This periodic column rounds up restaurant closures in and around Philadelphia. Catch up on more news about closures in the Philly area right here . If there's a closing in your neighborhood that we've missed, let us know at philly@ . Ardmore: Venezuelan food business Autana will be shuttering its pop-up at whiskey distillery Manatawny Still Works on Saturday, June 28. Co-owners and chefs Levi Hernandez and Maria Hernandez will still operate their ghost kitchen takeout and catering operations and their various farmers market stands. Before this pop-up series, the restaurant had served food out of Ardmore Train Station since 2020, but it closed in the fall of 2024. 49 West Lancaster Avenue Old City: Mac's Tavern — famously co-owned by a group that includes Philly-loving show It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia stars and couple Rob McElhenny and Kaitlin Olson — closed on Monday, June 23, per its Instagram account. The bar opened in 2010, with beers, pub-style food, and television screens for sports such as the soccer team Wrexham (which McElhenny also co-owns). There had been plans to expand with a second location , but that didn't seem to pan out. 226 Market Street Olney: 31-year-old Korean Japanese restaurant Seorabol is closing on Wednesday, June 25, according to Philadelphia Magazine . The publication reports that the owner, Kye Cheol Cho, is retiring, but the restaurant's Center City location, run by his son, Chris Cho, will remain open. 5734 Old Second Street Penn's Landing: Ice cream shop Somerset Splits, known for its sundaes, closed per an Instagram post dated Tuesday, June 17. No reason was given for the shutter. 301 South Christopher Columbus Boulevard See More: Philly Restaurant Closings
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Hundreds disperse from anti-ICE rally along Buford Highway
The Brief Demonstrators protested against recent immigration raids and deportations, accusing the Trump administration of targeting immigrant communities and using federal force to silence dissent. The rally was organized in response to increased ICE activity in metro Atlanta, with accusations of militarizing federal agencies and deploying the National Guard to suppress protests. Protesters shared personal stories of loved ones detained or deported, highlighting the impact on families and questioning the fairness and safety of immigration enforcement tactics. BROOKHAVEN, Ga. - Hundreds of demonstrators gathered Tuesday night along Buford Highway in Brookhaven to protest recent immigration raids and deportations carried out under the Trump administration, joining a wave of unrest that has swept across the country. The protest, held outside Northeast Plaza, drew a large and passionate crowd of activists, families, and community members. Many carried signs, chanted in English and Spanish, and shared personal stories of family members detained or deported. SEE ALSO: Protesters call for end of ICE raids, deportations at Atlanta rally What we know Hundreds of demonstrators gathered Tuesday night along Buford Highway in Brookhaven to protest recent immigration raids and deportations carried out under the Trump administration, joining a wave of unrest that has swept across the country. The protest, held outside Northeast Plaza, drew a large and passionate crowd of activists, families, and community members. Many carried signs, chanted in English and Spanish, and shared personal stories of family members detained or of demonstrators gathered Tuesday night along Buford Highway in Brookhaven to protest recent immigration raids and deportations carried out under the Trump administration, joining a wave of unrest that has swept across the country. The protest, held outside Northeast Plaza, drew a large and passionate crowd of activists, families, and community members. Many carried signs, chanted in English and Spanish, and shared personal stories of family members detained or deported. What we don't know Earlier in the night, Brookhaven Police said one person was arrested after being warned multiple times to stay off the street. Since then, police have not commented on other arrests or reports of patrol cars being damaged. What they're saying Protesters say they plan to continue demonstrations in solidarity with those facing immigration enforcement actions across the country. "I'm out here because they deported my grandpa last night," said one man, who identified himself as a U.S. citizen. "He's a hard-working man. I get out of work today and I find this out. My people are protesting and I'm so proud of them. These people don't know what we're going through—struggling, building houses, making this America rich." Maria Hernandez, another protester, said immigration agents are tearing families apart. "There's a lot of people being kidnapped off the streets and from their work sites," she said. "These are men that mostly don't have criminal records, and it's affecting the whole community." "We want people to know the Mexican race is always going to have your back no matter what," the man whose grandfather was deported said. "We're not going away." Big picture view The rally was one of several nationwide demonstrations opposing what activists describe as the militarization of immigration enforcement. In Los Angeles, a curfew was issued Tuesday night after reports of vandalism and looting, and protests erupted in Chicago and New York City as well. President Trump has deployed more than 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 active-duty Marines to areas experiencing large demonstrations. The administration says the troops are intended to protect federal property and ICE agents amid what it describes as threats to public safety. "I want to applaud the courage and the strength of the incredible troops who are right now standing guard to protect federal property and personnel," Trump said in a recorded address. "They're protecting our ICE agents. They're protecting the police in Los Angeles." The move has drawn criticism from California officials. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass declared a local state of emergency, while Governor Gavin Newsom called the troop deployment "illegal" in a video statement. SEE ALSO: Trump sends Marines and more National Guard members to Los Angeles amid protests Trump visits Fort Bragg amid criticism over military deployment in response to immigration protests Protesters call for end of ICE raids, deportations at Atlanta rally LA protests: Riot gear distributed by masked group sparks questions New travel ban sparks concerns among immigrants in metro Atlanta The Source FOX 5's Christopher King was at the rally and spoke with those participating in it. FOX News contributed to this report. This story has been updated to provided updated information.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Federal spending cuts threaten vital anti-violence program in Camden
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways The Brief Community members marched after cuts are made to crucial violence prevention programs in Camden. The Trump administration cancelled $3 million worth of funding from the Center of Family Services. This is heartbreaking for Camden. CAMDEN, N.J. - Camden's leadership and supporters of a community group say a cut in federal funding has threatened an anti-violence program credited with lowering crime. What we know Chanting and waving signs, Camden activists marched along city streets in protest. Raising her voice, Maria Hernandez, working to end street violence, after she lost the father of her daughter 12 years ago in a shooting in front of their Centerville, Camden home. Hernandez said, "The streets you know, they're just the streets. You are not going to get anything out of them. You lose a lot when it comes to the streets - things you're not ever able to get back." For nine years, Hernandez has walked Camden's streets working to intervene in violence for Cure4Camden a community-based group. Now, city leaders say the program is threatened by a nearly $3 million cut in federal grant funding by Donald Trump's Justice Department. Dig deeper Louis Cappelli is Camden County Commissioner Director. He said, "One his [Donald J. Trump] trips, one of his weekly trips to Mar-a-Lago, the cost of that could pay for this program. One trip, could pay for this program for 30 years." Supporters argue efforts like this have helped Camden push its crime rate to "A 50-year low" with steep drops in homicides and shootings. It's done through weekly group sessions and peer mentoring. U.S. Justice did not immediately return a request for comment. Cure4Camden said it received an April 22nd. e-mail stating the funds, "…no longer effectuates Department priorities…" What they're saying Anna Payanzo Cotton is with the Center for Family Services. She said, "The abrupt stop in federal funding is devastating. It has caused a loss in their partnerships with peer mediators and staff deployment." Activists say they're seeking replacement funding, trying to save jobs, as they look to the streets with deep concern. Maria Hernandez said, "If we can't get in contact with them and help them navigate, help mediate situations, our crime rate is going to spike-back-up."
