repression

Defecting Cuban Soldiers Call for Military to Reject Communist Regime

A group of former Cuban military officials who defected from the communist regime called on active servicemen and other agents of the state to refuse to follow orders to repress their countrymen, the Cuban independent outlet 14 y Medio reported on Monday following violent attacks on unarmed civilians this weekend in Camagüey.

Cuba Military Parade Soldiers parade through Revolution Square in honor of late Cuban lead

Kazakhstan Chaos: Reports of Riots, Beheadings as Russia Sends Troops

Kazakhstan’s fuel riots escalated dramatically on Wednesday, as dozens of police and protesters were killed in street battles across western Kazakhstan and Almaty, the nation’s largest city. Russian state media claimed one of the 12 law enforcement officers killed was beheaded. In response, Russian President Vladimir Putin sent paratroopers into Kazakhstan on Thursday to restore order.

Riot police block a street to prevent demonstrators during a protest in Almaty, Kazakhstan

Spirit of ‘Cooperation’ Between Iran and West Leaves Kurds Uneasy

The Kurds are a major factor in the uneasy politics of Turkey and Iraq, and they have been holding the front lines against ISIS in Syria. There are Kurds in Iran, too, and they are nervous about the end of sanctions against Tehran, fearing the mullahs will use their increased wealth and power to further oppress the Kurdish minority.

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Venezuela: Police Homicide of Minors Up 55% This Year

With Venezuela stirring from the death of 14-year-old Kluiverth Roa at the hands of the Bolivarian National Guard, a human rights organization notes that police homicide of minors increased 55.5% in 2014, and appears to continue to be on the rise.

AFP PHOTO / GEORGE CASTELLANO