Civil

Hong Kong Legislature Fast Tracks Controversial National Security Law, Sparking Concerns over Civil Liberties

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HONG KONG (AP) — Hong Kong’s legislators convened in a special session on Tuesday to resume the debate over a proposed national security law. The legislation aims to grant the government greater power to suppress dissent in the southern Chinese city. This law is seen as the latest move in a broader political crackdown following the pro-democracy protests in 2019 and builds upon a similar law imposed by Beijing four years ago that has significantly silenced opposition voices in Hong Kong. The special session, held a day before the regular legislative sessions, indicates the government’s … Read more

Congressman Matt Gaetz to Testify Under Oath in Civil Lawsuit Over Alleged Sexual Misconduct with Teenage Girl

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Tallahassee, Florida: Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz has been served a subpoena to testify under oath in a civil lawsuit connected to his friendship with former Seminole County Tax Collector Joel Greenberg and allegations of sexual relations with a teenage girl. The woman, referred to as A.B., filed the lawsuit and her attorneys from Spark Justice Law issued the subpoena on Thursday, requiring Gaetz to provide his testimony on April 5. The list of topics for questioning has not been disclosed. The U.S. Department of Justice made the decision in February 2023 not to prosecute Gaetz … Read more

Flint Found in Civil Contempt as Water Line Replacement Milestones Remain Unmet

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Flint, MI – The city of Flint has been held in civil contempt by a federal judge for failing to meet the milestones set for its water service line replacement program. U.S. District Court Judge David M. Lawson made the ruling on Tuesday, March 12, following accusations by groups such as the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) that the city was delaying progress in various aspects of the program. In his order, Judge Lawson stated that the city had failed to comply with the court’s orders and provided no valid reasons for its shortcomings. While … Read more

Juvenile Inmate Files Civil Rights Lawsuit Over Alleged Sexual Abuse at MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility

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SALEM, Ore. – A man who was incarcerated as a juvenile in Oregon has filed a civil rights lawsuit alleging sexual abuse at the MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility in Woodburn. The lawsuit specifically names former Oregon Youth Authority drug counselor Emily Echtenkamp, who is already facing charges of sexual misconduct related to the alleged abuse. The lawsuit also accuses five other employees of turning a blind eye to the abuse. According to the man’s lawyer, Norah Van Dusen, the allegations assert that Echtenkamp engaged in sexual abuse while the man was in custody, and that … Read more