Activism

Greenpeace Battles $667 Million Damage Ruling: Claims Excessive Costs Aim to Stifle Activism

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BISMARCK, N.D. — Greenpeace is asking a North Dakota court to reconsider a substantial damage award of nearly $667 million linked to the Dakota Access Pipeline project. The environmental organization contends that this figure is excessively high and lacks justification. During a trial earlier this year that spanned more than three weeks, a Morton County jury determined that Greenpeace played a role in the financial losses experienced by Energy Transfer, the pipeline’s developer. Jurors found the group liable for damages related to protests held in 2016 and 2017, as well as for making statements deemed … Read more

Vivek Chaudhary’s ‘I, Poppy’ Triumphs at Hot Docs, Highlighting Activism and Family Amidst India’s Struggles

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Toronto, Canada — Vivek Chaudhary’s documentary I, Poppy, which explores the life of an activist son confronting systemic corruption in India while his mother manages their family’s poppy farm, earned the best international feature award at the Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival on Friday night. This recognition highlights a significant achievement for Chaudhary, as the film had its world premiere at the festival. Winning the top jury prize grants I, Poppy eligibility for the best documentary feature category at the upcoming Academy Awards. This victory also continues a trend, marking the second consecutive year … Read more

Louisiana Judge Demands Evidence as Grad Student Faces Deportation Over Activism

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JENA, La. — A federal immigration court in Louisiana is facing a tight deadline imposed by the judge to provide evidence against Mahmoud Khalil, a former graduate student at Columbia University. The government claims Khalil’s activism supports Palestinian causes that may be linked to terrorism. The judge’s demand sets a pivotal stage in a case reflecting broader tensions over immigration and free speech. On Tuesday, Judge Jamee Comans ordered the Trump administration to present its case within 24 hours, asserting that if the evidence is insubstantial, she will dismiss the case and order Khalil’s release. … Read more

Federal Judge Blocks Attempt to Deport Columbia Student Over Pro-Palestinian Activism

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NEW YORK — A federal judge ruled on Tuesday that the Trump administration cannot proceed with plans to deport Yunseo Chung, a Columbia University student, stemming from her involvement in pro-Palestinian demonstrations. The decision from Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald, who sits in the Southern District of New York, marks a significant moment in the ongoing legal claims against the administration’s actions targeting similar student activists. Chung, a 21-year-old undergraduate and legal permanent U.S. resident, initiated legal action after federal officers attempted to arrest her for deportation directly from her university housing. Judge Buchwald, in her … Read more