Latest news with #Menezes
Hamilton Spectator
31-05-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Hamilton police board refuses to debate motion on Charter breach policy
It was more than a year ago when retired Crown attorney Andrew Bell, delegating before Hamilton's police board, panned the service after a court ruling found officers violated Charter rights when they unnecessarily broke down a door during a raid and failed to provide an accused their right to counsel. 'No criminal case should ever be lost or comprised due to a Charter breach by the Hamilton Police Service,' Bell told the board in February 2024, calling the tossed drug case and no-knock raid a 'monstrous failure.' Bell, who has decades of experience in Charter litigation and compliance, proposed the board implement a new policy that ensured Hamilton's police chief would notify the board whenever an officer committed a Charter breach. 'I want this board to take action. Be a pioneer.' On Thursday, that opportunity to act was placed squarely in front of the board, with citizen member Anjali Menezes moving a motion that proposed heightened monitoring and accountability of police-involved Charter violations. They opted against it. Motions at board meetings require a mover and a seconder before it can be discussed and voted on. Menezes, the author of the motion, understandably moved it. But when it came time for a seconder, no other board member raised their hand, leaving the motion to not be discussed — much less voted on. 'I am disappointed and upset, absolutely,' Menesez told The Spectator after the meeting. 'I very much suspected this outcome could be a possibility, but I am hopeful there may be a way to try again … I'm not going to give up.' Aside from Menezes, board members present at Thursday's meeting were chair Don Robertson, vice-chair Esther Pauls and provincial appointee Shaun Padulo. Mayor Andrea Horwath (injured) and Coun. Cameron Kroetsch (suspended) were absent. Menezes told the board her two-page motion was inspired by Bell's delegation last year, which led her 'on a year-long journey to learn about this topic' and how the board can help police safeguard the Charter rights of all Hamilton residents. The Spectator has reported on several court rulings in recent years which found Hamilton officers violated people's Charter rights while making arrests. That includes a scathing decision last March, when a man was acquitted on all charges after a judge found two officers racially profiled him during a traffic stop and illegally searched his car. Among the proposals in the motion were that: Its purpose wasn't to make the service look bad, Menezes stressed to board members. Instead, she described it as another part of the board's responsibilities to ensure adequate and effective policing in Hamilton. 'Just like how we get annual reports from the professional standards branch,' she said, adding Charter breaches aren't something that should be reported to the board as a courtesy, but rather a requirement. Earlier in Thursday's meeting, four people delegated before the board about the motion. All implored members to pass it. 'There has been no motion put before the board which is more important than the one before the board today,' Bell, who started working for the local Crown in 1979, said during an impassioned delegation. 'Charter compliance is an essential and indispensable part of providing adequate and effective policing. Passing this motion will show this board is serious about requiring the Hamilton Police Service to safeguard the Charter rights of everyone in this city.' Bell said the onus is on the board to impress upon the service the importance of reducing its number of Charter breaches to zero. He added Charter violations should be reflected in the chief's annual performance review. 'If the chief doesn't treat Charter compliance seriously — unless HPS members, from deputy chiefs to cadets, know that Charter breaches on his watch are not trivial slips but career-limiting failures — the essential cultural change that HPS must make will not occur.' In March, after a court found two local officers violated a person's Charter rights during a 2022 traffic stop, police said they had implemented enhanced training on Charter rights and unconscious bias. 'We are committed to a comprehensive approach that includes reviewing policies, practices and decision-making processes to ensure they uphold human rights. We recognize the impact of these decisions on our community and remain committed to ensuring fair and impartial policing in Hamilton.' Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Legendary Musician & Brazilian Culture Minister Margareth Menezes On Rebuilding The Country's Film Sector & Regulating Streamers: 'We Want What Is Fair'
EXCLUSIVE: In our times of diminishing box office receipts, there is, ironically, no greater demonstration of cinema's enduring power than in the actions of those who try to destroy it. Take Jair Bolsonaro, Brazil's former far-right president, who, on his first day in office after a long campaign focused on defence, crime, and financial deregulation, moved to disband the Ministry of Culture, folding the department into an authoritarian, so-called Ministry of Citizenship. What followed were sustained attacks on the country's cultural field, with a particular focus on cinema. Cash was pulled from national cinema organizations and censors were placed on publicly funded projects, crippling film culture in the nation. More from Deadline Cannes One To Watch: How German Filmmaker Mascha Schilinski's Debut 'Sound Of Falling' Is Rooted In Reality Brazilian Comeback: How The Cannes 2025 Country Of Honor Is Following The Success Of 'I'm Still Here' As Tom Cruise Brings 'Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning' To Cannes, All Five Franchise Directors Look Back At The Wild Ride 'We found a wasteland of investments,' Margareth Menezes tells us of the country's film industry at the time. Menezes — a legend of Brazil's music industry, often described as the queen of Brazilian Afropop — was appointed as the head of a reformed Culture Office established in 2022 following the election of left-wing maverick Inácio Lula da Silva. 'With the resumption of the Ministry, we had to restructure public policies to recognize the challenges faced by the national audiovisual sector,' Menezes adds. 'In 2023 and 2024, approximately R$4.8 billion in resources from the Audiovisual Sector Fund and incentive laws managed by the National Cinema Agency (ANCINE) were made available to the production sector.' In short, Brazil is firmly back in the film game, and Menezes is making the case here in Cannes, where two Brazilian titles — Kleber Mendonça Filho's The Secret Agent and Pedro Pinho's Laughter And The Knife– will play across the Official Competitions. Brazil is also the Country of Honor at the Cannes Marché. Below, Menezes speaks with us about the process of rebuilding Brazil's film industry, how she plans to sustain investment in local productions, the tricky business of regulating streamers, and what's next for Brazilian MENEZES: Brazilian audiovisual production is the strength of our cultural production and has profoundly impacted the international cinema environment. The strengthening of broadcasting networks in Brazil, where the award-winning Rede Globo was born, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary, has undeniably helped the market grow. The fact that we are now winning an award at the level of the Oscars for the first time serves to consecrate us, to draw more attention, and to pave the way for other films, producers, artists, and authors to be considered with a closer look by the circuit and by audiences outside Brazil. We have many interesting stories in Brazil. We have social and human experiences of all sizes and for all tastes here. We are a population of more than 212 million. We need to continue investing in the sector to make it viable for artists to produce their work in Brazil. I'll also add that we're thrilled with the film Secret Agent, directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho and starring Wagner Moura, which is the Brazilian representative in the race for the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film It is important to remember that the Brazilian film agency ANCINE only survived attacks from the previous government thanks to the few employees who had the courage to fight back. When we arrived, we found a wasteland of investments, a true chaos that was not easy to fix. The announcement of a historic package of R$1.6 billion is earmarked for the production of Brazilian films and series to strengthen national audiovisual content in the domestic and global markets. It was a rescue operation for the sector, we could even call it an emergency. MENEZES: The audiovisual sector was sidelined by the previous government, as were other sectors and cultural policies. With the resumption of the Ministry, we had to restructure public policies to recognize the challenges faced by the sector. In 2023 and 2024, approximately R$4.8 billion in resources from the Audiovisual Sector Fund and incentive laws managed by the National Cinema Agency (ANCINE) were made available to the production sector. We also revived the Screen Quota Law, guaranteeing space for Brazilian productions in cinemas. We will soon launch the free platform Tela Brasil, which will hold a 100% national catalog. That's scheduled for later this year. The audiovisual sector is part of this government's new Brazilian industry plan, which will completely change the pattern and structure of investments for There are two bills that aim to regulate VoD services offered by streaming platforms. The Ministry of Culture is advocating a replacement text for both bills that includes key points for regulation, such as the protection of copyright and property rights of independent Brazilian productions; visibility and guaranteed market share for Brazilian productions; and the implementation of a VoD levy of at least 6% of the gross revenue of these companies, compatible with the rate applied in other exhibition windows and considering the size of the country in this market. In addition, the Ministry wants to establish a direct investment mechanism exclusively for pre-licensing, licensing and production of independent Brazilian works. We understand how important it is to establish this streaming regulation if we want to strengthen the sector. We are seeking to mediate fairly, so it is important to listen to everyone, a sort of conciliation chamber, so that we can reach a unified position. The reason we need this regulation is to protect our industrial systems. First, there's the issue of workers rights. Second, we also have to protect out national sovereignty. It is important to defend our representation. Third, we must defend our production environment. Regulation will be good for those who produce, for those who finance, and for those who consume. We don't want to tax anything; we want what is fair. DEADLINE: What are your hopes for the future of of Brazilian cinema? MENEZES: The Ministry of Culture has been working on a series of initiatives for the audiovisual sector, including the delivery of the New Plan of Guidelines and Goals — a major ten-year document that will serve as a beacon for audiovisual policies over the next 10 years. I hope that Brazil continues to be seen as the country that produces the highest quality film productions and that many other works receive recognition both within and outside the country, because our cinema is powerful, diverse, and deserves all the attention. 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Daily Mirror
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Inside Jean Charles De Menezes' tragic death as Disney+ drama Suspect delves into what really happened
Disney+'s latest true drama, Suspect: The Shooting of Jean Charles De Menezes, is set to delve into the tragic events surrounding the untimely death of Jean Charles De Menezes. The entire four-part series was released today, Wednesday, 30th April, on Disney+, inviting subscribers to explore the shocking events that unfolded two decades ago. With a star-studded cast including Russell Tovey, Max Beesley, Laura Aikman and Daniel Mays, and Edison Alcaide taking on the role of De Menezes, Suspect revisits a harrowing chapter in UK history that saw an innocent 27 year old Brazilian electrician lose his life. As the highly anticipated drama hits Disney+, here's a rundown of the real-life events that inspired the series. A closer look at what really happened to Jean Charles De Menezes The Build-Up On July 7, 2005, London was rocked by four suicide bombings, three of which targeted various Underground stations and a fourth detonated on a bus in Tavistock Square, claiming the lives of 52 people. Two weeks later, on July 21, the city faced another wave of attacks with bombs intended to explode at Shepherd's Bush, Warren Street and Oval underground stations, and on a bus in Haggerston. However, unlike the initial attacks, these bombs failed to fully detonate, with only explosions heard around 12.30pm on the targeted underground lines and the bus. Reports suggest that the detonator caps were triggered, but the bombs failed to explode, possibly due to the low-grade hydrogen peroxide used in their construction. Manhunt Tragically, the bombers managed to escape after the detonations were heard, including a fifth individual who abandoned his device earlier without setting it off. The manhunt to apprehend the offenders commenced, with former Metropolitan Police commissioner Sir Ian Blair calling it the "greatest operational challenge ever faced". The initial lead on the attackers' identities came from a gym membership card discovered in one of the bags with the unexploded bomb. The card had an address in Scotia Road, Tulse Hill, which was in the same apartment complex where Menezes lived with two cousins. Menezes had recently returned from Brazil, where he had been caring for his father with cancer, sending money back to cover medical expenses. The Incident Surveillance operations started the day following the botched bombings, with Menezes spotted exiting the flats at 9.30am to attend to a fire alarm call. One of the surveillance officers thought he resembled a suspect captured on CCTV. However, the image of Menezes was delayed in reaching Met Police headquarters because the officer in charge of surveillance was reportedly taking a bathroom break. The delay resulted in Cressida Dick, who was leading the Met's task force for handling major incidents at the time, giving the order to tail Menezes. She also commanded that he be prevented from entering any London Underground stations. Menezes was shadowed by undercover officers as he boarded a bus to Brixton Station, then hopped on another bus to Stockwell. The officers found his movements suspicious, but the 27 year old altered his destination when he discovered Brixton Station was closed due to the attempted bombings. As they also informed those at Met's HQ that he possibly matched the description of the suspects, "code red" tactics were approved with Dick ordering that he be "detained as soon as possible". Menezes entered Stockwell Station around 10am, using his Oyster card to pass through the barrier and made his way to the platform. Unbeknownst to him, he was being trailed by undercover officers and newly arrived firearms officers who sprinted through the station before boarding the train, shouting "He's here!". It is believed that Menezes, bewildered by the unfolding events, stood up and was about to approach them when he was restrained. Two armed officers then fatally shot him 11 times, including seven shots to the head, which aligns with police guidance on dealing with terrorist bomb threats. Aftermath A day after the shooting, police identified Menezes, realising that he had no connection to the attempted bombings. The tragic death of a man at the hands of the Metropolitan Police has been mired in controversy and regret, as stated by the force. His family was reportedly offered nearly £585,000 in compensation but ultimately received only £100,000, with his remains being flown back to Brazil for burial just a week later. His cousin, Alex Alves Pereira, expressed his belief that "I believe my cousin's death was the result of police incompetence." He highlighted the discrepancies in police reports, including the baffling decision to let a "suspected suicide bomber" board a bus. A pathologist initially claimed the man had "vaulted over the ticket barriers" and ran, but CCTV footage disproved this account. Further doubts were cast when it was revealed that platform CCTV was not available, allegedly due to an un-replaced hard drive following the failed bombings. The case was referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission, but Sir Ian Blair restricted their access, stating, "the shooting that has just occurred at Stockwell is not to be referred to the IPCC and that they will be given no access to the scene at the present time." Following an inquest, it was determined that no single individual would face prosecution for the death. The family sought justice through the European Court of Human Rights in 2015, but their efforts were once again met with disappointment. Disney+'s Suspect marks the first drama to delve deep into the heart-wrenching events, with Menezes' family on board as consultants for the series. His mother, Maria De Menezes, confided in the BBC, saying she felt "reassured that the truth was being told".
Daily Mirror
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Jean Charles De Menezes' mum says 'everyone needs to watch' Disney+ drama about son's tragic death
Jean Charles De Menezes was tragically and wrongly killed by police shortly after the London bombings 20 years ago. WARNING: This article contains spoilers from Suspect: The Shooting of Jean Charles De Menezes. The mother of Brazilian electrician, Jean Charles De Menezes, who was killed two decades ago, has openly talked about the Disney+ drama that explores the events before and after her son's death. On July 7, 2005, Jihadi suicide bombings killing 52 people in London , with another round of bombings thwarted just weeks later. In a frantic attempt to catch the culprits, police tragically misidentified Jean Charles De Menezes and shot him dead at Stockwell tube station. The Disney+ series, Suspect: The Shooting of Jean Charles De Menezes, examines not just the events preceding the failed attacks but also the death of Menezes and how the police mishap was subsequently handled. As the true-to-life tale is set to premiere, Maria De Menezes, Jean's grieving mother, expressed her thoughts on the emotionally charged show which graphically depicts her son's fatal shooting. At the Suspect screening, Maria stated: "In my opinion, I think everyone should watch it." Reflecting upon the shattering moment she learned of her son's demise all those years ago, she conveyed: "I was not expecting that moment. It was terrible and then I started to shake. I sort of died then too." Writer and executive director Jeff Pope commented: "I genuinely believe from being in the room that day with her, they've been waiting 20 years for this. I honestly think that. It's just eaten away at them." He further expressed his belief that "lessons have already been learned" but stressed the necessity of such realisations back in 2005. "His [Menezes'] family needed that 20 years ago. There's such an appetite for audiences in the UK for this type of piece." Pope also reflected on the British audience's temperament, saying, "I just think we like to get angry. We don't like being told something that we know or sense doesn't seem right."
Arabian Business
10-03-2025
- Health
- Arabian Business
Glass skin and snail mucus: Inside the unusual world of Korean skincare – a trend or beauty secret?
From snail mucus to salmon sperm and jelly masks – Korean skincare has been taking the internet by storm as beauty enthusiasts flock to purchase products fuelled by influencer hype and trending content online. Often referred to as K-beauty, these products are known to contain uncommon ingredients and meticulous routines aimed at achieving clear and smooth skin – commonly termed as 'glass skin.' The quest for 'glass skin' 'Glass skin' is a term that has become synonymous with flawless, dewy and intensely hydrated skin. According to trending skincare routines, achieving this look involves a comprehensive skincare regimen with a focus on hydration, exfoliation and the use of products containing active ingredients. The goal is to create a complexion that reflects light, free from visible pores or imperfections. According to a recent report, The K-beauty products market size is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.3 per cent till 2030. The growth of the industry has been witnessed in several key markets across the world. In Japan, Korean beauty imports in 2024 increased by 120.8 per cent. Dubai is home to several online and physical stores, specifically targeted at selling K-beauty products. One of the most popularised ingredients in K-beauty products in recent times is snail mucin, also known as snail secretion filtrate. Historically, the use of snail mucin in skincare can be traced back to ancient Greece, where it was used to treat skin inflammation. However, in modern times, the resurgence began when Chilean snail farmers noticed the softness in their hands and the rapid healing of cuts, eventually leading to the incorporation of snail mucin into cosmetic products. The Korean brand CosRX has recently created a buzz on social media for its snail mucin-containing products. The brand's product range includes snail mucin cleanser, creams, toner and more. The full set currently sells for around AED600. 'The hype surrounding K-beauty products is often driven by their unique ingredients and formulations. I have come across products containing, for instance, snail-derived components. Typically, these products gain viral attention when they feature ingredients that are unexpected or unfamiliar in the beauty industry. Additionally, the incorporation of advanced technology in skincare formulations also contributes to their widespread appeal,' said Andre Axl Menezes, co-founder and social media specialist at No Requests Media in an exclusive interview with Arabian Business. The increased popularity of K-beauty is primarily attributed to the growing influence of social media platforms. 'When famous beauty influencers promote these products online, more eyes get drawn to it. Korean brands also provide a wide range of products at reasonable price ranges with easy accessibility,' Menezes said. While snail mucin has become relatively mainstream, the beauty industry is continually popularising the next product. Enter salmon sperm, a component that has recently garnered attention, particularly in Hollywood circles. Celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and Kim Kardashian have reportedly undergone treatments involving salmon sperm, propelling this unusual ingredient into the spotlight. The science behind this trend centers on an ingredient called polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN), derived from salmon DNA. PDRN is believed to offer several skin benefits: Enhanced skin regeneration: Promotes tissue repair and accelerates wound healing. Improved hydration: Increases moisture retention, leading to a plumper appearance. Collagen stimulation: Encourages collagen production, which can reduce signs of ageing. In practice, treatments often involve microneedling combined with the topical application of PDRN-rich serums. Microneedling creates micro-injuries in the skin, facilitating deeper penetration of the serum. 'Salmon testicle DNA has been praised in research for its capacity to repair moisture barriers, boost collagen synthesis, reduce inflammation, restore skin suppleness, and stimulate cell regeneration. As such, it is a promising treatment for skin damage and a key component in anti-ageing,' said Chane Ann Marshall, Beauty Therapist, Aesthetics by King's College Hospital London Dubai. Beyond these exotic ingredients, the methodology of Korean skincare also plays a pivotal role in its global appeal. Double cleansing is a fundamental step in the K-beauty regimen, ensuring that the skin is impeccably clean before the application of other products. This process involves two distinct steps: Oil-based cleanser: Removes oil-based impurities such as makeup, sunscreen, and sebum. Water-based cleanser: Eliminates water-based debris like sweat and environmental pollutants. Advocates of double cleansing assert that this method prevents clogged pores, reduces breakouts, and enhances the absorption of subsequent skincare products. @kiyokobeauty HOW TO DOUBLE CLEANSE in a few easy steps for Beginners! 💖 1. Wash your hands and dry them 2. Pump cleansing oil on your face and rub it in for 1 minute (don't get lazy here, do the full 1 minute to break down all the oil and sebum) 3. Get a bit of water going to emulsify 4. Rinse off 5. Use a foam or gel cleanser, rub into face (to rinse off water-based gunk) 6. Rinse off ⭐ Products mentioned: Anua Heartleaf Pore Cleansing Oil Anua Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam All of these products can be shopped at ✨ #doublecleansing #skincaretips #skincare101 #skincareforbeginners #skincarehacks The allure of K-beauty The K-beauty meticulous routines and emphasis on gentle, effective ingredients resonate with consumers seeking both effectiveness and indulgence in their skincare rituals. However, the rapid growth of trends and products also invites skepticism. Some dermatologists caution that while ingredients like snail mucin and PDRN show promise, more extensive research is needed to fully substantiate their long-term benefits and potential side effects. Additionally, the commercialisation of these trends can lead to exaggerated claims, making it crucial for consumers to approach new products cautiously. 'Especially with something that you're going to be applying to your skin, there's a big risk not knowing how it may affect you. Sometimes it may be hard to understand what a product contains and how it may or may not affect you, as long as the company can present it in a way that is understandable, this can build trust between the brands and customers,' Menezes explained. The influence of social media on skincare trends has raised growing concerns regarding younger children adopting complex skincare routines. In many cases, these routines involve products containing anti-ageing ingredients that are not appropriate for pediatric skin. According to a recent post by the Connecticut Children's Medical Center, the use of adult skincare products is a critical health issue affecting children. 'No. It's not safe for kids to use adult skincare products. But thanks to TikTok 'skinfluencer' trends everywhere (#schoolgrwm, for one), kids are getting the wrong messages about what it means to keep skin healthy. Many preteens and children as young as 6 years old (!) have been using skincare products with strong, active ingredients,' a recent post said. 'Products with retinol, high-strength AHAs, other acids and 'active ingredients' are not meant for young, developing skin,' said Juan C. Salazar, Physician-in-Chief, Connecticut Children's Medical Center. Fuelled by the increased adoption and popularity of K-beauty, brands are now seeking to capitalise on the trend. Companies around the world are incorporating Korean beauty ingredients and branding into its products. Korean brands such as Laniege and Glow Recipe have gained global momentum and are now popular around the world. Laniege, although launched in the 90s, gained immense popularity on social media after signing with Sephora, particularly with its launch of the Lip Sleeping Mask. According to the Business Research Company, the world's largest market for K-beauty products in 2024 was North America. However, in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) skincare spending is expected to double as K-beauty continues to expand its product lines. In Saudi Arabia, Innisfree, CosRX and Laniege emerged as the most popular K-beauty brands. While the meticulous routines and unconventional ingredients continue to captivate beauty enthusiasts around the world, the industry also faces concerns over the scientific validity of its claims and the potential risks of younger consumers using potent skincare formulations. As brands race to capitalise on the trend, the challenge lies in balancing innovation with responsible marketing and education, its long-term impact will depend on continued research, transparency, and an informed consumer base.
