The Andes

Peru national first to be arrested under new UK genocide law

The UK confirmed the arrest of a Peruvian national on suspicion of crimes against humanity as a member of the Shining Path. He is being held under the Coroners and Justice Act, which allows prosecution for war crimes by nonresidents.

Planet Watch

Obama: no retreat from “clean nuclear power” plans

Despite the Fukushima nuclear disaster, Obama’s 2012 budget calls for an additional $36 billion in loan guarantees for new nuclear power plants. Obama last week called nuclear power an “important part” of his energy agenda.

Europe

Russia moves ahead with plans for Belarus nuclear plant

Even as the world is gripped by the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan, Russia announced it will build a reactor in neighboring Belarus—where large areas still remain closed off due to the 1986 Chernobyl meltdown.

East Asia

China: no retreat from ambitious nuclear development plans

Despite a temporary construction moratorium in the wake of the Fukushima disaster, China is still planning to move ahead with an ambitious thrust of nuclear development—with a new generation of supposedly “safe” reactors.

Greater Middle East

Syria: 15 dead in more repression of protests

Syrian security forces killed 15 people in the city of Deraa, witnesses and rights activists said. Seven were killed when security personnel fired on a group of protesters that gathered after dawn prayers outside al-Omari mosque.

J’accuse! The Betrayal of WBAI

After more than 20 years, WBAI has cancelled the Moorish Orthodox Radio Crusade. Producer Bill Weinberg examines the politics of this move, and demonstrates how it is an illegitimate act of political retribution.

The Caribbean

Puerto Rico: ACLU calls on US to probe abuses

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) wrote the US Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division asking the agency to conclude an ongoing investigation of alleged abuses by the Puerto Rican police.