Ranil swoops on Bribery and corruption commission which is under the commissioners’ threats

(Lanka-e-News -04.Sep.2015, 3.30PM) Prime Minister (P.M.) Ranil Wickremesinghe suddenly paid  a visit to the Bribery and corruption commission and conducted an inspection on 2nd

The Directress General of the commission is currently abroad .The P.M.was there to look into the facilities available when the commission is being expanded in the future.At present  owing to lack of space  , the performance of duties there are hampered.

When it was inquired from the P.M. whether he was going into the investigating division ,  he said , that is not appropriate , and that can create issues that  he interfered with the investigations.The PM. after  staying there for about ten mins. ,left the venue. 

Of the three commissioners , the two present commissioners , Jagath Balapatabendi (president of the commission) and commissioner Jayantha Wickremeratne are already facing charges of bribery and corruption, and they are on purpose impeding  the investigations.

One instance testifying to their dereliction of duties is : when 50 police officers who underwent training in the sphere of bribery and commission tasks  were sent to the bribery commission to take up duties , they were sent back by these two commissioners . These 50 officers after being trained in the police academy were posted to the commission to help expedite the inquiries  based on thousands of complaints received by the commission, and to clear the backlog. 

It is well to recall when Balapatabendi was a judge prior to being appointed to the commission , he faced charges of bribery having taken a motor vehicle as a bribe acting partially   giving a judgment favoring one party . Jayantha Wickremeratne too faced charges of misappropriating Rs. 8 million during the Kirula exhibition under the former IGP. Both of them  are having bribery and corruption charges , and are guilty of prostitution of their  official positions shamelessly suppressing the investigations against them taking advantage of  their official positions. There are also complaints  against Wickremeratne that he openly canvassed and campaigned for Mahinda Rajapakse during the last presidential election. In spite of all these glaring allegations of bribery , corruption and malpratices  against these two individuals , they were appointed to the bribery commission by ex president Mahinda Rajapakse , who himself acquired an unparalleled  notoriety for his skilled and  successful operations  in the sphere of corruption.

Under the 19 th amendment ,when the new parliament appoints the executive council , the Bribery and corruption commission  posts become null and void, and new members will have to be named for the independent commission.Until then there is no law that permits the expulsion of these two commissioners even  if they are tainted with the worst acts of corruption and bribery.Or else , their five year term of office should expire.

These two shameless commissioners taking advantage of this situation , have demanded from the P.M.that if they are to resign , they must be offered diplomatic postings , to which the P.M. has point blank refused knowing well of their putrid antecedence. 

It is worthy of note , after these two commissioners are bereft of their official positions , they can be charged as ordinary culprits for  bribery and corruption on the complaints already existing against them

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by     (2015-09-04 10:24:23)

National government label is to conceal foul smelling need of splitting ministries among themselves

FRIDAY, 04 SEPTEMBER 2015

The national government labels are to conceal the foul smelling need of splitting ministries among themselves states the Leader of the JVP Anura Dissanayaka.  He said this at a press conference held at the head office of the JVP at Pelawatta today (4th) morning. The Member of the Political Bureau of the JVP Sunil Handunneththi too was present.

Speaking further Mr. Dissanayaka said, “Rajapaksa regime was brought down on 8th January not only because of personal weaknesses of Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa. The regime was brought down because the moves were a hindrance to the country as well as the people. One of the main factors of Rajapaksa regime was the number of ministries. There was a culture in our country where ministries multiply overnight. It was so acute that the Secretary General of the UNP was taken to the government and given a ministry. Presenting portfolios has become an exercise to beef up power. Giving privileges, favours, benefits and portfolios became a main factor to topple Rajapaksa regime. Hence, the mandate of 8th January contained not an opposition limited to Mahinda Rajapaksa. An opposition to his cabinet too was reflected. The opposition to the cabinet was more than the opposition to Rajapaksa. Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa was required for the general election even after his defeat due to the immense opposition to the cabinet. Hence, on 8th January masses defeated this culture of appointing such a cabinet.

However, presenting portfolios to beef up power has been made the priority of this government. If the Parliament was for good governance what should have been done is to appoint Constitutional Council to appoint independent commissions and officials for important state institutions as stated in the 19th amendment to the Constitution.

If this government has been formed to establish good governance it priority should be to appoint the Constitutional Council. However, it has been put off indefinitely. Instead, increasing the number of ministries has become the priority of this government. This indicates that the mandates given on 8th January as well as on 17th August have been set aside.

On the other hand who is being presented with ministerial portfolios? Frauds at the Petroleum Corporation were a main topic on election stages. There is an allegation that substandard fuel had been imported and many vehicles were damaged. Susil Premajayanth, who is a main person who has been accused of this sin, too is given a ministerial portfolio. Also, there was a minister who wanted to skin, imprison and chase away university students and called university teachers donkeys. The mandate on 8th January was against such people. Isn’t giving portfolios to such people going against this mandate? We possess a large amount of information regarding Foreign Employment Bureau. We have information how funds collected as ‘registration fees’ from employees who go for foreign employment were wasted. Persons who were involved in such rackets are given ministerial posts in this government. Increasing the number of ministries as well as the people who are given ministerial posts goes against the mandate.

The UPFA has not given a mandate to form a national government. At least the UNF said it would form a national government on election stages. What did the likes of Nimal Siripala de Silva, Susil Premajayanth and Dinesh Gunawardena say on election stages? They asked voters to vote them to form their own government. What would happen to the result if they had said they would form a government with the UNP? If so people would not have used their vote the way they did. They plundered people’s vote saying they would form a government and now they join the UNP to split ministerial portfolios between the two parties. This government is not a reflection of the mandate given by the people on 17th August. On the other hand the government that is formed is against the Constitution.  It is the Supreme Court that has the power to interpret the Constitution. If the government acts democratically and maintains good governance it should inquire from Supreme Court. They could have got a view from the Supreme Court.

According to 19th amendment an ordinary government could have 30 cabinet ministerial posts and 40 deputy or state ministerial posts. However, if a national government is formed the number of ministries could be increased by adopting a proposal in Parliament. It is such a proposal that was brought to the Parliament yesterday. However, there is an interpretation in the Constitution for a national government. It is very clear that all parties representing the Parliament should join to form a national government. In the Constitution the national government is introduced as “National Government means, a Government formed by the recognized political party or the independent group which obtains the highest number of seats in Parliament together with the other recognized political parties or the independent groups.” What does it say? It means a government formed by all parties representing the Parliament. However, the argument puts forward by the government is that the Constitution doesn’t state ‘all’. However, the definition interprets ‘all’. The political party that obtains the highest number of seats and other parties mean all Members in Parliament. It is stated clearly in the Constitution. Some try to bring up the draft of the 19th amendment. What is law is not the draft by the adopted Constitution.

As such, the likes of Maithri Sirisena and Ranil Wickremesinghe have shown that they are prepared to cast aside the Constitution for their need for power. How is it different from Rajapaksa regime? How does it agree with the mandate given on 8th January? How does it agree with the political culture that was defeated on 8th January? Increasing ministries is against the Constitution.  We would like to ask one question. If a country could be administered with a government of 30 ministers and 40 deputy ministers under an ordinary government, why should the number of ministries have to be increased when a coalition government is formed? The Constitution states 30 ministers because it is possible. Do subjects multiply when a coalition government is formed? Do people have new needs? None of these happen. They have only one need. It is to share power, positions and privileges among themselves. The national government labels are to conceal the foul smelling need of splitting ministries among themselves. The number 48 is given by adding the number of ministries the UNP wants and the number of ministries that should be given for those from the SLFP. This would never be a cabinet where subjects have been allocated scientifically. It is the same old pickle.

In China the population is 1370 million but has only 17 ministers. The population in India is 1270 million and it has 36 ministers. The population in the USA is 320 million and has 24 ministers. In Brazil the population is 200 million and the number of ministers is 27. The population in Japan is 125 million but has only 19 ministers. In Sri Lanka the population is 20 million but will have 48 ministers.  The same old tomfoolery is repeated. As such, we vehemently oppose this situation. Also, We protest against increasing the number of ministries as it is a violation of the Constitution and casting aside the mandate given by the people on 8th January and 17th August. This situation should be defeated. The political buffoonery carried out to fulfill each other’s greed for power should be stopped. We believe that the masses in this country should rally to protest against such vile moves.”

Electing Obama & Selecting Sampanthan

By Dinesh D. Dodamgoda –September 4, 2015

Dinesh Dodamgoda

The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) leader Mr. R. Sampanthan was selected as the Leader of the Opposition in the Sri Lankan Parliament by the Speaker, Mr. Karu Jayasuriya. The position of the Leader of the Opposition is traditionally held by the leader of the largest party in the opposition in a Westminster system of Parliamentary government.

There is no doubt that leading the opposition by a minority Tamil leader in a country which has a Sinhala-Buddhist majority is a victory of Pluralism. However, is it really a victory of pluralism similar to electing Mr. Barak Obama as the President of the United States by the American democracy?

Mr. Obama was elected by the majority of American voters. It was an absolute victory of American democracy and pluralism. Therefore, the American society had a legitimate reason to celebrate their victory without any hesitation. However, when selecting Mr. Sampanthan, the leader of the TNA that has 16 seats in Parliament, to lead the opposition in Sri Lanka a consent was not obtained from the largest Party in the opposition, the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA). In fact, 57 UPFA opposition MPs nominated a different candidate for the position of the Leader of the Opposition and it was not considered when selecting Mr. Sampanthan as the Leader of the Opposition by the Speaker. The reason was that the nomination was not delivered to the Speaker by the leader of the UPFA, President Maithripala Sirisena who promised democracy to the nation, in a deliberate move to allow Mr. Sampanthan to be selected as the Leader of the Opposition.

Selecting Mr. Sampanthan, therefore, as the Leader of the Opposition in Sri Lanka is neither a victory of democracy nor a victory of pluralism. Hence, the Sri Lankan society has no legitimate reason to celebrate Mr. Sampanthan’s appointment as the way that the American democracy celebrated electing Mr. Obama as the President of the United States of America.

The Sampanthan factor                             Read More

JVP defends appointment of Sampanthan as OL

2015-09-04
The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), which defended the appointment of TNA Parliamentary Group Leader R. Sampanthan as the Leader of the Opposition (OL), explained that the latter had been appointed in accordance with Parliamentary traditions.

JVP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake said that they had backed Mr. Sampanthan for the post as he was from the party that had the most number of seats among the parties in the opposition.

He said the UPFA cannot claim the opposition leader’s post as it has signed an agreement with the UNP to form a joint government.

He pointed out that there were only six recognized parties represented in Parliament, namely UNF, UPFA, SLMC, TNA, JVP and the EPDP. Therefore, if one of them, in this case the UPFA, had decided to sign an agreement to form a joint government, then it cannot be considered as an opposition party.

As a result the appointment of Mr. Sampanthan as the Opposition Leader was justifiable.

Furthermore, he reasoned that denying the TNA this post could result in dire consequences as the party would have resorted to forming a separate Parliament to resolve their issues.
“One should first consider the repercussions of isolating the TNA before taking rash decisions,” he said. (Yohan Perera)
- See more at: http://www.dailymirror.lk/86063/jvp-defends-appointment-of-sampanthan-as-ol#sthash.gkDC6L6f.dpuf

New Ministers sworn in

( September 4, 2015, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) The swearing in ceremony of the new Cabinet of the National Government commenced at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo, a short while ago.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was the first to take oaths as the Minister of National Policy and Economic Affairs before President Maithripala Sirisena.

In total 42 Cabinet Ministers including Wijedasa Rajapaksa and D.M. Swaminathan, who have already been appointed as ministers, were sworn in today.

Mangala Samaraweera took oath as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rajapaksa as Minister of Justice and Swaminathan as Minister of Rehabilitation on August 24 before the President.

Rajapaksa and Swaminathan received additional ministerial portfolios today.

This brings the current number of Cabinet Minister in the national government to 43.

The following MPs were sworn in as ministers:

Cabinet Ministers

1. Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe – Minister of National Policy & Economic Affairs
2. John Amaratunga – Minister of Tourism Development & Christian Affairs
3. Gamini Jayawickrama Perera – Minister of Sustainable Development & Wildlife
4. Nimal Siripala de Silva – Minister of Transport
5. S.B. Dissanayake – Minister of Social Empowerment & Welfare
6. W.D.J. Seneviratne – Minister of Labour and Trade Union Relations
7. Lakshman Kiriella – Minister of University Education & Highways
8. Anura Priyadharshana Yapa – Minister of Disaster Management
9. Susil Premajayantha – Technology, Technical Education & Employment
10. Thilak Janaka Marapana – Minister of Law and Order & Prison Reforms
11. Dr Rajitha Senaratne – Health, Nutrition & Indigenous Medicine
12. Ravi Karunanayake – Minister of Finance
13. Mahinda Samarasinghe – Minister of Skills Development & Vocational Training
14. Vajira Abeywardena – Minister of Home Affairs
15. S.B. Nawinne – Minister of Internal Affairs, Wayamba Development & Cultural Affairs
16. Patali Champika Ranawaka – Minister of Megapolice & Western Development
17. Mahinda Amaraweera – Minister of Fisheries & Water Resources
18. Naveen Dissanayake – Minister of Plantation Industries
19. Ranjith Siyambalapitiya – Minister of Power & Renewable Energy
20. Duminda Dissanayake – Minister of Agriculture
21. Wijedasa Rajapaksa – Minister of Buddha Sasana
22. P. Harrison – Minister of Rural Economic Affairs
23. Ranjith Maddumabandara – Minister of Public Administration & Management
24. Gayantha Karunathilake – Minister of Parliamentary Reforms & Media
25. Sajith Premadasa – Minister of Housing & Construction
26. Arjuna Ranatunga – Minister of Ports & Shipping
27. M. K. A. D. S. Gunawardana – Minister of Lands
28. P. Digambaram – Minister of Upcountry New Villages, Estate Infrastructure& Community Development
29. Chandrani Bandara – Minister of Women and Children’s Affairs
30. Thalatha Athukorala – Minister of Foreign Employment
31. Akila Viraj Kariyawasam – Minister of Education
32. D.M. Swaminathan – Minister of Resettlement & Hindu Affairs
33. Chandima Weerakkody – Petroleum & Petroleum Gas
34. Dayasiri Jayasekara – Minister of Sports
35. Sagala Ratnayake – Minister of Southern Development
36. Harin Fernando – Telecommunication & Digital Infrastructure
37. Mano Ganesan – Minister of National Dialog
38. Daya Gamage – Minister of Primary Industries
39. Rauff Hakeem – Minister of Urban Development & Water Supply
40. Rishad Bathiudeen – Minister of Industries & Commerce
41. Kabeer Hashim – Public Enterprise Development
42. Mohamed Hashim Abdul Haleem – Minister of Postal Service & Muslim Affairs

CID Convinced Prageeth Ekneligoda Was No Journalist; Abducted For Other Reasons

September 4, 2015

The Criminal Investigation Department currently investigating the abduction of Prageeth Ekneligoda, now firmly believe that journalism was not the key reason for his disappearance. An officer investigating the case told Colombo Telegraph that it is either the active role he played in forging of passports and his involvement in human smuggling, his involvement with military intelligence or perhaps his co-ordinated efforts with certain opposition members then, that were involved in mailing ash from all across the island to the former PresidentMahinda Rajapaksa on the pretext of it being that of cremated humans beings.

Four army personnel are being questioned by the CID in connection with the disappearance of Ekneligoda and they did confirm that Prageeth was in their custody at the Giritale army camp.

The CID believe that the ‘human ash’ project was well concocted by certain members who opposed the former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and handsomely funded Ekneligoda to drive this campaign to instill fear in the former President. It is wildly known that the former President Mahinda Rajapaksa is a firm believer in astrology as even his daily rituals, meetings and travel are determined by auspicious times. Charmed human ash has a deadly effect on those that believe it in this Buddhist dominated nation as the practicing art of witchcraft and voodoo is firmly believed by those to have deadly effects as it causes bad luck, mayhem, havoc and more severe mental effects.

The CID reiterated that Prageeth Ekneligoda had supplied a few cartoons which were used by the website Lankaenews way back in 2005 when it originated. Thereafter there is no record of Ekneligoda’s cartoons appearing in any newspaper or other electronic media.Read More

A land belonged to the sports ministry is illegally owned by a knave

Sep 03, 2015

News reaching us confirms about a land which was owned by the sports ministry and controlled by the Sugathadasa National Sports Complex was illegally transferred to a knave named Rienzy Edward who was involved in many international financial crimes.

This land which was owned by the sports ministry was situated in the Nuwara Eliya town has been used for more than 100 years for horse races by an old and reputed sports club named Sri Lanka Turf Club. The said sports club was paying the required rent to the sports ministry
and used the ground for horse races for more than 100 years. Meantime the sports club has duly maintained the ground in top level.

The Sugathadasa National Sports Complex has informed the management of the Sri Lanka Turf Club to hand over the land to a sports club named Royal Lanka Turf Club without any prior notice. When the management of the Sri Lanka Turf Club searched there was no such sports club named Royal Lanka Turf Club. When further searched it has come to limelight that the Sugathadasa Authority has given this land to a person named Rienzy Edward who was a notorious involved in international financial crimes. This person was involved in a fraud in the US and Hong Kong for USD 44 million and recently the latter has come to Sri Lanka. It is reported the local CID is conducting investigations about this person following many complaints.

This land has been given to this Rienzy Edward without calling for any tender procedures. Meantime the Sugathadasa Authority has not given any notifications to the Sri Lanka Turf Club sports club which was using the land for past 100 years that they are going to take over the
land.

Sri Lanka Turf Club management asserts that the Sugathadasa Authority has given the land to Rienzy Edward without any prior notifications.This has been transferred as an illegal underhand deal. It is reported that the Sugathadasa Authority has taken inducements and committed this illegal deal.

Sri Lanka Turf Club emphasize due to this illegal deal a great unfair has been committed to the sports club which has a reputed history. However the Turf Club has taken legal actions against these two entities and currently there is a complaint lodged in the Bribery and
Corruption about this illegal deal.

Therefore it appears that the Sugathdasa Authority has illegally given this land to an alleged international financial fraud under the pretext of Royal Lanka Turf Club.

4 Americans among 6 peacekeepers wounded in Egypt bombings 

Militants have repeatedly attacked the Sinai Peninsula in recent months with car bombs and other attacks (AFP) 

Friday 4 September 2015
Roadside bombings come as US reviews its strategy in Sinai and reportedly considers bringing US troops home 

Six international peacekeepers, including four Americans, were wounded on Thursday in two roadside bombings in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula where Islamic State group militants are active, Egyptian and US security officials said.

The attack comes as the Obama administration, concerned that forces in the area are not armed to take on the Islamic State group, has been conducting an "interagency review" of the country's strategy in the Sinai, Army Times reports. Around 750 US soldiers are deployed to the Sinai Peninsula.

The peacekeepers, part of a force that monitors a 1979 peace treaty between Egypt and Israel, are based in the north of the peninsula, where IS militants have killed scores of soldiers in attacks.

The wounded soldiers were taken by air to a medical facility for treatment, US Defence Department spokesman Captain Jeff Davis said in a statement.

There was no immediate word on the nationalities of the other two peacekeepers. Twelve countries contribute troops to the mission, including Australia, Britain and Canada, as well as the US.

Egyptian security officials said the peacekeepers were hit by a roadside bomb planted on a road leading from their base.

The officials said IS militants had placed bombs there aimed at passing Egyptian troops.

In recent months, the Sinai Peninsula has seen an escalation in militant attacks that have been ongoing since the military overthrow of president Mohamed Morsi in 2013.

Davis said the United States was "committed to taking the necessary steps" to protect its forces and "supporting the treaty of peace between Israel and Egypt".

However, officials who were not authorised to speak publicly, told the Associated Press that during Obama's review, one option considered has been bringing US troops home. 

- See more at: http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/4-americans-among-6-peacekeepers-wounded-egypt-bombings-1451078429#sthash.oBvU2bcr.dpuf

Obama must end support for Israeli apartheid against Palestinian scholars

Radhika Balakrishnan, Karma R. Chávez, Ira Dworkin, Erica Caple James, J. Kēhaulani Kauanui, Doug Kiel, Barbara Lewis and Soraya Mekerta The Electronic Intifada3 September 2015

Palestinians climb a ladder to get over the Israeli-built wall separating the occupied West Bank village of Abu Dis from Jerusalem, 17 November 2014.

 Muammar AwadAPA images

US President Barack Obama, in a recent interview with Jeffrey Goldberg in The Atlantic, reaffirmed his support and love for Israel because, as he claims, “it is a genuine democracy and you can express your opinions.”

He further expressed his commitment to protecting Israel as a “Jewish state” by ensuring a “Jewish majority.”

Obama Must End Support for Israeli Apartheid Against Palestinian Scholars by Thavam Ratna

Russia says Syria's Assad ready to share power with opposition

Russia's President Vladimir Putin looks on at a news conference after the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Ufa, Russia, July 10, 2015.-REUTERS/SERGEI KARPUKHIN/FILES

VLADIVOSTOK, RUSSIA | BY DENIS DYOMKIN- Fri Sep 4, 2015

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday said Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is ready to hold snap parliamentary elections and could share power with "healthy" opposition.

Putin's comments are the closest in weeks to outlining what Moscow might see as an acceptable way forward on dealing with Assad. Russia, along with Iran, has been Assad's key international ally in the war that has been raging in Syria for four-and-a-half years and in which a quarter of a million people have been killed.

Moscow has made clear it does not want to see Assad toppled and has seized on gains made by Islamic State in Syria and Iraq to urge his foreign foes, including the United States and Saudi Arabia, to work with Damascus to combat the common enemy.

"We really want to create some kind of an international coalition to fight terrorism and extremism," Putin told journalists on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum in Russia's Far East hub of Vladivostok, adding he had spoken to U.S. President Barack Obama on the matter.

"We are also working with our partners in Syria. In general, the understanding is that this uniting of efforts in fighting terrorism should go in parallel to some political process in Syria itself," Putin said.

"And the Syrian president agrees with that, all the way down to holding early elections, let's say, parliamentary ones, establishing contacts with the so-called healthy opposition, bringing them into governing."

Moscow wants the U.S.-led coalition carrying out air strikes on Islamic State positions to coordinate with the Syrian and Iraqi armies and moderate anti-Assad rebel groups on the ground, as well as Kurdish forces.

Assad's foes have refused to cooperate with Damascus, fearing that would help legitimise his rule in Syria, where the West and Gulf states say he is part of the problem, not the solution, and must go.

A flurry of recent high-level diplomatic contacts have so far failed to yield a breakthrough on the key point of contention in the conflict.

"If it's impossible today to organise joint work directly on the battle field between all those countries interested in fighting terrorism, it's indispensable to at least establish some sort of coordination between them," Putin said.

He added the chiefs of general staff of armed forces of countries "sitting close" to the conflict visited Moscow recently on that.

(Writing by Gabriela Baczynska; Editing by Catherine Evans)

China: Increasing Concerns Over Corrupt, Undisciplined And Reforms-Wary Cadres – Analysis

By D. S. Rajan*-Thursday, September 3rd, 2015
Discernible in China since January 2015, is a trend pointing towards increasing concerns of the central leadership over corrupt, undisciplined and reforms-wary cadres, particularly at senior levels. Confirming it are important speeches being given by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) General Secretary Xi Jinping on different occasions, certain official documents and comments regularly appearing in the party and state controlled media.

China Increasing Concerns Over Corrupt, Undisciplined and Reforms-Wary Cadres – Analysis by Thavam Ratna

Documentary About Rape Banned in ‘Rape Capital of the World’

BY SIOBHÁN O'GRADY-SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

Denis Mukwege, a gynecologist from war-torn eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, has operated on so many victims of sexual assault that he’s now considered the world’s leading expert on treating women who have been gang raped.

But a new documentary about his work was banned in Congo this week ahead of its premiere there, after the country’s media minister claimed the film had “a clear intent to harm and sully the image” of the national army.

Congo has been in a near-constant state of conflict since the early 1990s. Rebel militias and the national military alike are accused by Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch of systematically burning down civilian homes and mass raping women and children. Many of them have sought treatment in Mukwege’s hospital, which he opened in the town of Bukavu in 1999.

Mukwege, who in 2014 won the prestigious Sakharov Prize for his defense of human rights, has made it part of his mission not only to treat the victims of rape but to address the impunity of their rapists. The Man Who Mends Women, directed by Belgian filmmaker Thierry Michel, does not shy away from that aspect of Mukwege’s work in the film that was released elsewhere in March. The movie was slated to run this month in both the capital Kinshasa and in the town of Bukavu, where Mukwege’s hospital is based.

Although the documentary highlights the courage and resilience of Congo’s many rape victims, it also calls for political reforms that could help cure the country’s endemic rape culture. And it is the latter that likely sparked fears among political leaders that the film would motivate civilian pushback, prompting Wednesday’s announcement the movie would not be screened in Congo.

Michel told AFP the Congolese media minister initially approved the film’s release — but later reversed himself. The banning of the film, Michel said, was “unfathomable.”

“The banning of the scheduled screening of this film is a way of gagging [Mukwege] … and [the voice of] the victims of these wars and tragedies that the country has lived through for 20 years,” Michel said in a statement.

Nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for his work, Mukwege has treated an estimated 40,000 women since he opened his clinic in 1999. Considered by many Congolese to be a national hero, his activism hasn’t been isolated to the operating room. In recent years, he addressed the United Nations and other international forums to ask for help in ending the violence that targets women in Congo.

Eastern Congo, where Mukwege runs his clinic, is where Congolese violence is at its worst. The Kinshasa-based government lacks comprehensive oversight, and rebel groups continue to emerge despite the presence of close to 20,000 U.N. peacekeepers. In 2012, Mukwege was temporarily forced into exile after armed men stormed his home to protest his work. 

In 2010, then-U.N. Special Representative for Sexual Violence in Conflict Margot Wallström called the Congo the “rape capital of the world,” and a 2011 U.N. report estimated 48 women are raped every hour in Congo.

In 2012, Congolese soldiers went on a rampage in the town of Minova, raping more than 1,000 women and children in just 10 days. Only 39 soldiers were ever brought to trial, and only two were found guilty, sparking outrage from the many victims who testified in the landmark trial.

The Congolese government’s decision Wednesday to cancel all screenings of the film signals yet again a willingness to overlook atrocities committed by the country’s military.

In one particularly poignant scene, Michel’s film features footage of Mukwege’s return to Bukavu after his brief exile in Europe. Surrounded by cheering women, he leans over the podium and looks into the crowd.

“Together we say no to war, no to rebellion,” he shouts. “And no to those who wish to become ministers and generals by killing their fellow countrymen.”

Photo credit: EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images

Refugees in Hungary flee halted train, begin trek on foot toward Austria

Several hundred migrants are hoping to make the 90-mile trek to Austria on foot if no trains would take them from Budapest's Keleti train station. (Storyful)

By Griff Witte and Michael Birnbaum-September 4

BICSKE, Hungary — Asylum-seekers who had been locked in a tense standoff with Hungarian authorities fled on foot Friday, rushing police lines from a halted train just outside the nation’s capital, as Hungary's leader warned that an influx of Muslim refugees meant that Europeans could become “a minority in our own continent.”

Refugees in Hungary Flee Halted Train, Begin Trek on Foot Toward Austria by Thavam Ratna

Canna Medicine Medical Marijuana Dispensary is OPEN for Business

Canna Medicine is the biggest dispensary in Salem and, according to the State inspector, may be the second largest in Oregon.

Bonnie King, Publisher of Salem-News.com-Sep-04-2015

The PRF of Salem's Canna Medicine, Crystal Young, welcomes patients to the new location. Photo: Bonnie King

(SALEM, Ore.) - After four long months of building rehab, demolition and renovations, all the hard work is paying off. Canna Medicine is open for business, with all official permits and certifications properly – and proudly- displayed.

“We are beside ourselves, so happy to be open!” said Crystal Young, PRF (Person Responsible for Facility).

The new location at 3212 Triangle SE used to be B Mer’s Can Can Room. The “Can Can” is now a thing of the past, and now the well-known property houses an anxiously-awaited Cannabis dispensary, Canna Medicine.

“We want to invite all OMMP patients to please stop by and check out the new digs. We will continue to improve the facility, which we are excited about, and I know our clients will enjoy the incredible difference in this building if they saw it before.”

True, I saw the building go from a musty, dark and dreary bunch of rooms a few months ago to the light and airy “Casa Blanca” feel of today.

“We are really excited to expand into this wonderful space, and share this awesome atmosphere with the community,” said Young.

With knowledgeable bud tenders behind the product bar, they can answer your questions. Prices are reasonable, some say the lowest in Salem.

The product line is enticing with a colorful and impressive selection.

“We will have all of our regular vendors back on the shelves within a couple of weeks,” said Young. “We also have some new ones, which are going to please patients.”

A worthy selection of vendors includes Eclipse Farms, Golden Xtrx, Kannatonic, Jolly Bees, empower topicals, Lunchbox Alchemy and many more offering a wide selection of smokable cannabis, and concentrates, from RSO, to shatter and waxes, cartridges for vape pens and more.

In addition, the facility will soon be offering an on-site medical clinic for those patients seeking to apply for a new (or renew) Oregon Medical Marijuana Permit.

“We have many exciting plans for Canna Medicine, and this property gives us the room to make it a reality,” said Crystal Young.

“We work closely with expert, experienced growers and processors, and our clients benefit from the quality cannabis on our shelves.”

A second Canna Medicine location opened in October 2014 in Newport, Oregon (157 NW 15th St) and quickly has created its own reputable place in the industry. With manager Sharry Burwood at the helm, the Newport store was voted #1 dispensary in the city recently by the readers of the local newspaper.

PRF Crystal Young and product

“We are bringing a client base of 3,000 with us to this new Salem location. Our store here has been closed for months, but we are back stronger than ever and looking forward to seeing all of our past clients again. If you’re new, or just new to this great location, come on by for a gift bag,” Crystal Young encouraged.

“We’re open 11-8 Mon-Sat and 12-7 on Sundays. We’re even available by appointment on holidays. We welcome pre-orders. If you’re a patient, just give us a call and we’ll have your medicine ready for you.”

Salem’s Canna Medicine medical marijuana dispensary is owned by Red Dirt Co-op. It has been operating in Salem, Oregon for 3 years, previously located on State Street.

Ending Prohibition Creates “Dry Towns”

Applications for retailers that want to open stores for recreation sales will be accepted on January 4, 2016. “Early sales” starting Oct. 1, 2015 was approved by the Oregon Legislature, and only applies to licensed OMMP dispensaries in cities that have not chosen to “opt out” of recreational sales.

As of September 3, 2015, the OLCC released this list of cities and counties prohibiting licensed recreational marijuana facilities. They are the cities of Ontario, Vale, Nyssa, Sandy, Island City, Sutherlin, Junction City, Brownsville, Jordan Valley, John Day, Creswell, Sweet Home, Manzanita, Adrian, Elgin, and Baker City; and Umatilla, Douglas, Harney, Malheur, Wheeler, and Crook Counties. (See: OptOut) 

Owner Jim and the Newport staff

On August 31st, the Salem City Council approved recreational sales. Oregon’s capital city will not join the list of “dry towns”, where residents will travel out of their own area to legally purchase marijuana.

Taxes procured via marijuana sales will not be enjoyed by the “dry” towns and counties, but the 21+ adults that live there may, possibly, take advantage of their new-found freedom and they will likely use marijuana. The black market will just benefit more in the “dry” areas.

On October 1st, Canna Medicine will offer products to recreational clients over 21 years old. “Rec clients” will be allowed to purchase ¼ ounce of marijuana a day, and their name and date of birth will be recorded on their receipt, by state law.

Crystal Young explained what people should expect at Canna Medicine. “Every person’s ID will be checked at the door, medical patients also show their valid OMMP card as usual. The recreational clients will have a counter where they can buy cannabis buds, or flowers. No other products will be available for recreational use at this time.”

At Canna Medicine, the medical patients will see products out of the view of other clients. Patients have access to topicals, edibles, oils, candies, clones and “flowers”.

“We’ll have two registers so no medical marijuana patient will ever be waiting behind rec clients. We respect the privacy of all our clients, and our priority is meeting their needs.”

A resource library is available for perusing while patients and clients are in the building; it is a work in progress.

“We’re asking everyone to donate any new or well-loved marijuana books and magazines so that others may benefit from them.”

“We have a communal area where clients can sit and visit, study materials and share information. Education is key,” said Young.

“There’s no partaking of cannabis on the premises, but we can sure talk about it!”