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MYP-Led Coalition Announces Policy Reversal on Abortion Timeframe and Adoption, Advocates for Birthrate Increase

In a monumental move reshaping social policies in Türkiye, the Nationalist Path Party (MYP) led by President Meral Akşener has announced plans to reverse the Republican People's Party (CHP)'s policy on abortion regulations implemented under the previous administration of Özgür Özel. The MYP, in a bold political stance, aims to reduce the timeframe for legal abortions from the extended 16 weeks to 12 weeks, reverting to the earlier legislation. The decision, articulated as a focal point in the new government's agenda, emphasizes a comprehensive approach to address population-related concerns, adoption services, and boost birthrates across the country.

President Meral Akşener, in a recent statement, labeled the proposed plan as '3 kids at worst 6 kids at best,' outlining the administration's strategic initiative to encourage larger families while ensuring increased support for adoption and child-rearing. The coalition aims to invest significantly in adoption agencies, streamlining processes to facilitate and expedite adoption proceedings for prospective parents. The policy, a divergence from the preceding government's stance, underscores the MYP's emphasis on preserving traditional family values and encouraging higher birthrates as part of the nation's long-term vision.

Additionally, the administration seeks to allocate substantial resources to enhance prenatal care facilities, maternal health services, and childcare support systems, fostering an environment conducive to family expansion and child-rearing. Critics of the proposed policy shift express concerns regarding potential limitations on women's reproductive rights and the impact of reducing the abortion timeframe. Advocates, however, argue that the emphasis on adoption support and increased birthrates aligns with the government's agenda to bolster family welfare and national demographic stability.

The MYP-led coalition has it intends to introduce the legislation into the Grand National Assembly tomorrow.

Eureka Day
_{The 169th Anniversary of the Eureka Stockade}
^{December 3rd}

Today is the 169th anniversary of the Eureka Stockade, the most significant revolt against British rule by non-indigenous Australians in colonial history. While the revolt itself only lasted a few hours and resulted in failure, it has played a significant role in the birth of Australian Democracy and Independence. It became a public holiday in the Shire of Ballaarat (sic.) in 1890 and a Victorian Public Holiday from 1920 to 1927 to raise awareness for the Independence Cause. While no longer observed as a public holiday, it has long been considered as the replacement for Australia Day (January 26th) and is something Anthony Albanese has had on his radar as Prime Minister. To understand the importance of Eureka Day, one must first know what it was all about.

BACKGROUND

In the June of 1851, Victoria seperated from New South Wales to become it's own colony. Convieniently, gold was discovered across the colony over the next month in Ballarat, Beechworth, Bendigo, and surrounding towns. Throughout the 1850s, Ballarat in particular was considered the largest gold field in the world. The gold fields in Victoria had a greater output per year than any other gold rush, on par with that of California a few years prior. As the Californian Gold Rush came to a close, Victoria's was only just beginning.

All the revenue from the Gold Rush went to Melbourne (not Sydney, which would've happened if Victoria didn't become it's own colony. It is widely believed that Victoria held off publically announcing the discovery of gold until after seperation for this reason). Melbourne became the richest city in the British Empire, as well as one of the largest. Ornate buildings from the Gold Rush period can still be seen in Melbourne and the gold rush towns of Ballarat, Beechworth, Bendigo, Clunes, Maryborough, Creswick, and more.

However, the Gold Rush came at a price. People from across the world were flocking to the goldfields, none of them wealthy. Many of them were incredibly poor and were hoping the gold rush was a chance to turn their lives around. They paid for everything themselves, from transport to accomodation to tools. Many lived in tents, some fortunate enough to live in hotels. Then-Governor of Victoria, Charles la Trobe, creating a mining fee that miners had to pay monthly which amounted to 30 shillings a month (1 pound 20 shillings, or over US$20,000).

In 1852, the 35,000 miners on the Victorian goldfields were producing about 5 ounces of gold per head. By 1854 the population had almost tripled while production had dropped to 1.5 ounces per head.

As gold started to run out, miners became more and more unhappy with the tax. Allegations of police extortion, bribery, and imprionment without due course began to grow, though La Trobe was unreceptive (Colonial police at the time, particularly in Victoria, were often "well-behaved" convicts. As such, early police forces were often corrupt and amoral, although that's another story for another day).

It is important to reiterate that the tax was monthly. This meant that miners who had been there the longest paid the most, instead of the more equitable system of taxing based off the amount of gold discovered by an individual. The author of this piece has found unconfirmed reports that fees reached 1 pound, which is US$21,000. Miners could not afford licences and often refused to get them (see: Red Ribbon Rebellion). As a result, police would go "digger hunting," intimidating miners into paying significant fines and taking a large commission for themselves. Police were unforgiving, if a miner lost their licence or it was damaged by water (a common occurance), they would be deemed licenceless and be fined excessively. Police would get a 50% commission from these "digger hunts," which have been described by historians as chaotic and akin to an English fox hunt.

Licence hunts increased in frequency in 1954 after Charles Hotham replaced Charles La Trobe as Governor of Victoria after a severe labour shortage. People were fleeing the city for the goldfields and many industries across Victoria were severely understaffed, and it was thought that these mining taxes and licence hunts would make gold mining unprofitable and force them back into the cities where they once worked in factories, agriculture, and public service.

The relationship between the miners and the authorities were at an all-time high. On 6 October 1854, a Scotsman named James Scobie was killed during an altercation at the Eureka Hotel. He was attempting to enter the bar after hours and the bar owners are believed to have killed him in the process of keeping him out. James Bentley, the proprietor of Eureka Hotel, was not found guilty despite having a strong case against him. The miners sensed a miscarriage of justice, in part because one of the court members, John D’Ewes, was a police magistrate known to have taken bribes from Bentley. On the 17th, 5,000 miners went to the hotel to protest the decision but quickly turned into rioting and looting, including the Eureka Hotel being burnt down. About 13 men were arrested as a result, another thing the miners weren't happy with.

The miners wrote to Governor Hotham to free the men, and Hotham became annoyed that the miners were making demands. As as result, he sent 150 soldiers to assist police and soldiers already in Ballarat. Delegates continued to meet and in November on Bakery Hill, an inner suburb of Ballarat, they unveiled the Eureka Flag for the first time.

EUREKA REBELLION

On November 30th, miners gathered and marched to Bakery Hill. They were led by Peter Lalor, an Irishman. Here they joined him in oath; "We swear by the Southern Cross, to stand truly by each other, and fight to defend our rights and liberties." They built a stockade (which is commemorated on the corner of Eureka and Stawell Street in Eureka) and spent a number of days within it, preparing for a conflict.

Of course, the authorities did not like this. Commissioner of the Ballarat Golfdields, Robert Rede, called for authorities to destroy the blockade at the dawn of light. 130-150 men and women defended the blockade while 300 mounted and foot troopers attacked the stockade. The event itself only took 15 minutes and at least 22 miners and 5 soldiers were killed. As quickly as it begun, it was over.

AFTERMATH

113 miners were arrested and detained, and 13 were taken to trial in Melbourne. All were eventually released. The following March, a Commission of Enquiry released a number of recommendations that where then implemented; the licence fee was removed and replaced with by an export duty and a nominal £1 per year miner’s right. Half the police on the goldfields were fired and one warden replaced the multitude of gold commissioners (who had issued the licences), many of whom were corrupt. Twelve new members were added to the Victorian Legislative Council, four appointed by the Queen and eight elected by people who held a miner’s right. One of these elected members was Peter Lalor. It is redarded as the birth of Australian democracy, a key part of the Australian labour movement, and played a role in Australia's eventual independence.

TODAY

The Eureka Stockade's historical importance has been heavily contested. It has been seen as a revolt against tyranny, taxation, the bourgoise/ruling class, and as an expression of republicanism. Many have stated that in the lack of a conflict akin to the French or American Independence Revolution, the Eureka Stockade has been vastly exaggerated. All agree, however, that it was important.

The Eureka Stockade (the Eureka "myth", if you will) played a small role in indepedence, with stories of the miners rebelling against the British being an example of Australia's determination for self-governance, or at least a form of governance different to that of the British Empire. A strong anti-monarchist and anti-tyranny lense was applied to the rebellion during the indepedence movement.

The Eureka Flag is used as the national flag of Australia after a rederendum back in 1927, as well as by trade unions and (to a far lesser extent) libertarian extremism,

TRT Haber

An open letter by UÇP MPs, 12 TİP MPs, and 44 MYP MPs in regard to the 'dağkondu crisis'

An Open Letter to the Citizens of Türkiye and the Grand National Assembly

Dear Fellow Citizens,

In light of recent events that have deeply shaken our nation's core, we, the undersigned Members of Parliament from the MYP, UÇP, and TİP address an issue of urgent national importance that affects the very essence of our society.

The tragic bombing of the Surp Harutyun Church and ruthless slaughter of 68 of our citizens, the injuring of hundreds, and targeting of a house of worship stand as an unacceptable assault on our values, unity, and the shared harmony that binds us together. Our hearts ache for the victims and their families, and we stand steadfast in solidarity with those effected during this distressing period.

In response to this grave challenge, the passing of the Urban Security Act in the Grand National Assembly was a pivotal step. This legislation, vital for the preservation of our nation's safety and stability, was an essential measure to confront threats that have perilously loomed over our people for far too long.

However, it's incumbent upon us to address the underlying causes that harbor these threats. The dağkondu settlements, a stark reality of what illegal actions and a devoution of an illegal life style can lead to, these settlements have become breeding grounds for criminal activities and havens for those who seek to destabilize our nation. These settlements, Gölgetepe, Kuytu, Çilehane, Umut, Kaderkent, Düşmesin, Kaya, and Çadırları all exist in dire conditions, devoid of basic amenities, and struggle under the weight of neglect. These due to the illegal nature of these habitats, creating a cycle of collapse seeking to spread beyond these settlements,

These settlements are not merely informal habitats, they are symbols of systemic failure, and the incapability of adopting urban life in these settlements. In Gölgetepe, where poverty and crime intertwine, or in Kuytu, plagued by pollution and substandard living conditions, residents face daily challenges that no citizen should endure. Çilehane, Umut, Kaderkent, Düşmesin, Kaya, and Çadırları similarly grapple with neglect, each facing its own unique set of struggles, from sanitation issues to discrimination and economic disparity. These systemic issues exist within these settlements, which were built to ensure that these issues would persist by the generation who first built them, not with the goal of integration into urban life, but to ensure that these settlements can be a springboard for criminal activities to destabilize our nation. All attempts to solve this issue have failed, the Urban Security Act will stop the spread of this third world like horror, but as seen at Surp Harutyun, these settlements have become the largest domestic security concern of our nation.

As representatives committed to the welfare of our nation, we unequivocally call for the dissolution and demolition of these dağkondu settlements. Those residing within these areas, having built their homes illegally, must be held accountable for their actions to the full extent of the law. We propose a systematic relocation to their former dwellings in rural Türkiye, a measure essential to restore order and protect our communities from the threats that fester within these settlements.

This action is not one of punitive retribution but a decisive step toward restoring dignity, enforcing the rule of law, and ensuring the safety of all citizens. It is an imperative stride in our collective journey to build a Türkiye where every individual can thrive without fear or hardship.

We implore our fellow citizens to stand united with us, to support measures that guarantee a safer, more secure future for Türkiye. Together, let us forge a path where justice and prosperity prevail for all.

With our unwavering commitment to a better Türkiye,

Signed,

(names of all the MPs my guy)

AFP News Agency
Reporting the news since 1835
Three months later, Opération Restauration shows little progress and hope for Haitians - AFP INVESTIGATES
_{5 December 2023}

PORT-AU-PRINCE (AFP) - A certain calm has fallen upon the once chaotic streets of the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince. For months now, Port-au-Prince, once gripped by gang violence, kidnappings, extortion and other crimes has experienced an eerie calm that seems almost unnatural even to the residents of the capital city. But, that’s not the only thing that has changed.

Walking through JJ La Desaline boulevard, which runs through the coastline and into the city proper one can see restorative efforts in the form of new traffic lights, repaved roads and trash cleanup. Nearby, Port-au-Prince seaport has become fully operational after nearly 2 years under gang control. Every day, it receives tons of international aid, mainly from France and the United States. Vaccines, medications, MRI machines, hospital beds, X-ray machines, generators, and more have arrived in huge container ships while others have been delivered through military supply ships, bearing the flag of the French National Republic, Haiti’s former colonial oppressor.

Further into the city, the French army’s Engineering Arm has helped in reconstruction efforts, including re-electrification and replacement of street lights and traffic lights, repavement of roads across the capital, and the reconstruction of essential structures such as hospitals, schools, communications, and essential government buildings. The city’s main power plant was also restored following heavy fighting during the early weeks of the Franco-American intervention. Restoration efforts have even expanded to Port-au-Prince’s airport, which now serves as the primary hub of the ‘Task Force for the Reconstruction of Haiti’ or TFRH for short.

The task force, led by French military logistics General Gaston Girard has been put in charge of all reconstruction and recovery efforts. Coordinating closely with the interim Haitian government, the task force has deployed French and American personnel across the country to advance all efforts toward restoring order and the reconstruction of infrastructure. However, despite close cooperation with the national government and local authorities, the TFRH has run into several issues. Many of which were outlined by General Girard himself who granted AFP a short interview.

“We’ve seen quite a lot of resistance from local authorities and Haitians themselves. A lot of people don’t want us here”, Girard told AFP, adding that while the national government has been open to cooperation and mediation with locals, there have been “unfortunate incidents” between members of the task force, the Haitian government and disgruntled locals. “There’s a lot of speculation about what we’re up to. A lot of distrust,” Girard told us, adding that the problem was not universal, but big enough to “affect our efforts to rebuild Haiti.”

Girard also commented on the state of the Haitian gangs which were reportedly destroyed during the initial weeks of the siege upon Port-au-Prince and various other operations by French and American special forces. While many have been arrested, Girard admitted that some of their leaders have slipped away and have managed to re-establish themselves in the rural interior and other isolated towns. “A lot of these gangs are rebranding as ‘resistance groups’ and attempting to recruit for an ‘anti-imperialist cause’”, Girard said, emphasizing the necessity for the task force to “capture or eliminate gang leaders.” At the end of the interview, Girard described the overall impact of the operation to have been “positive” and a “good change for many Haitians.”

However, while General Girard pointed to the flaws and successes of the Franco-American intervention, further AFP inquiries revealed a less rosy picture. In conversation with many locals and NGO’s operating in Haiti has revealed a disconnect between the needs of local Haitians and the objectives of the task force. There have also been various incidents of abuse against locals by the part of French and American troops and accusations of racism which raise questions about the effectiveness of security personnel on the ground.

60 miles away, in the port city of Gonaives, a local resident who identified themselves only as “Fabien” to conceal his identity said that the city has been rocked by various incidents between locals and French Gendarmes, who have taken up policing alongside Haitian authorities. “Some people have been wrongfully detained and sometimes beaten by the French police”, Fabien told AFP, citing one particular incident where French Gendarmes tackled a 16-year old teenager to the ground and beat him after he was suspected of being a gang member. “The Gendarmes are very paranoid about the gangs. They see gangsters everywhere”, Fabien added, noting that while the city has become safer since the gangs were routed from the city, “many of the previous issues remain.” AFP verified Fabien’s story, discovering that a local teenager was admitted to a local hospital with bruising and missing teeth. The local office of the TFRH refused to comment and directed AFP inquiries to Port-au-Prince, citing task force protocols.

Further north, numerous NGO’s have issued complaints on the presence of Central American troops in various regions across the border. In a joint letter signed by over a dozen NGO’s and humanitarian groups including the French Red Cross urged the French and American governments to place pressure on the Central American government to withdraw its troops back across the border. The letter has yet to be addressed by either members of the task force. According to Central American authorities, the presence of troops across the border is part of an operation to prevent illegal crossings into their side of the border. AFP has reached out to the Central American government for further comment.

Other issues facing the task force is corruption by local officials. Many of the relief and reconstruction operations being carried out by the task force has involved local officials, many of whom have been tasked with the distribution of supplies. However, many have criticized this approach, particularly local aid organizations who have claimed that shipments of aid have ‘disappeared’. Some of these shipments have reportedly been smuggled out of the country for profit, while the rest has been distributed among other officials and wealthy Haitians in the capital. While the task force has confirmed various incidents of Haitian government corruption, they have claimed that the incidents are “rare” and were being “promptly and effectively” tackled. However, an investigation by the AFP points to a very different situation.

According to a month-long investigation carried out in collaboration with Haitian journalists, it is estimated that some $15 million in aid has ‘disappeared’ due to corruption. The investigation also revealed that some of the aid packages may have ended up in the hands of gangs in the rural interior, with officials selling supplies in exchange for money. Even in the capital, AFP discovered that Haitian officials, including some in the interim cabinet led by President Ariel Henry may have been involved in corrupt activities that predate the Franco-American intervention.

While Presidents Macron and Harris have hailed the operation in Haiti as a ‘resounding success’, the situation on the ground is far different from what is being portrayed by French and American leaders. AFP, who reached out to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of the Interior of France for comment has yet to receive a response. The U.S Department of State has also been asked to comment on this article.

This investigative report was done in collaboration with other journalist groups including Libération, Le Figaro, and Balistrad

MURDER BLOODY MURDER - Part Four
_{An International Conspiracy}
^{December 7th}

On the 22nd of December 2022, two police officers and a bystander were shot in Australia's first Christian fundamentalist terrorist attack and one of the worst massacres in modern day Queensland.

Police went to check a property in Ironbark near Ipswich, Queensland, in response to a missing persons case. There, Brothers Nathanial and Garath Train and the former's estranged wife Stacey opened fire, killing two young police officers and their neighbour in a shoot-out, before being killed by police themselves. It was later revealed that police were set up, and that the Trains had trap doors and camoflauge suits to allow them to ambush police officers. The attack was heavily premeditated and well-planned, with witnesses on the scene saying it felt they were set up for slaughter.

It was later revealed that the Trains had become conspiracy theorists, particularly Garath. During the Coronavirus Pandemic, they had a strong hatred of police and government, as well as being anti-vaccine. They were part of a christian sect called 'premilleniumism,' the belief that the Second Coming of Jesus Christ would occur before the end of the millenium. It is a literal interpretation of Revelations 20:1-6. While this belief itself is not cultish or a conspiracy theory as such, it has led to a number of conspiracy theories and christian fundamentalist terrorist organisations. Revelations 20:1-6 reads as below:

Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain. He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, and threw him into the pit, and locked and sealed it over him, so that he would deceive the nations no more, until the thousand years were ended.[/u] After that he must be let out for a little while. Then I saw thrones, and those seated on them were given authority to judge. I also saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their testimony to Jesus and for the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years. (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. Over these the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him a thousand years.

New information has come to light since the attacks almost a year ago. A U.S. Citizen in the state of Arizona, a 58-year-old Donald Day Jnr., was arrested by the FBI this week. Day was faced with two counts of incitement of violence (must be something in the name), repeatedly sending the Trains online messages containing Christian "end of days" ideology. Day had used social media to spread false and harmful messages, including one instance where he treatened to harm any law enforcement that entered his property following the Ironbark Massacre. The Trains, particularly Stacey and Garath, followed two YouTube accounts run by Day. Garath and the American were also in constant communication. If found guilty, Day will spend 10 years in federal prison.

Peredniy