News
Australia’s Socceroos protest against Qatar’s World Cup
Australia’s Socceroos have taken a public stand against the Qatar World Cup
Australia’s Socceroos have become the first team to take a public stand against next month’s World Cup hosts, Qatar.
In a video posted online, the team raise concerns about Qatar’s human rights record, particularly when it comes to migrant workers and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
The 16 players take turns reading a collective statement, which was edited together into a three-minute video.
Goalkeeper Mat Ryan kicked it off, saying “There are universal values that should define football”. Adding, these values include “respect, dignity, trust and courage. When we represent our nation, we aspire to embody these values.”
“We are not experts. But we have listened to groups such as Amnesty, FIFA [and] the migrant workers based in Qatar.
“We have learned there has been progress made both on paper and in practice. The kafala system has largely been dismantled, working conditions have improved and a minimum wage has been established.
“Whilst the reforms established in Qatar are an important and welcomed step, their implementation remains inconsistent and requires improvement.
“As players, we fully support the rights of the LGBTI+ people, but in Qatar people are not free to love the person they choose. Addressing these issues is not easy and we don’t have all the answers.
“This must include establishing a migrants’ resource centre, effective remedy for those who have been denied their rights and the decriminalisation of all same-sex relationships.
“These are basic rights that should be afforded to all and will ensure continued progress in Qatar. This is how we can ensure a legacy that goes well beyond the final whistle of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.”
Football Australia releases unexpected statement
It comes as Football Australia also released a statement, declaring “the tournament has been associated with suffering for some migrant workers and their families and this cannot be ignored.”
“As the most multicultural, diverse, and inclusive sport in our country, we believe everyone should be able to feel safe and be their true authentic selves,” FA’s statement said.
“Whilst we acknowledge the highest levels of assurances given by HH Amir of Qatar and the President of FIFA that LGBTI+ fans will be safely welcomed in Qatar, we hope that this openness can continue beyond the tournament.”
A number of other western countries will also make public statements against Qatar’s human rights record when the tournament begins.
Denmark will wear single-colour “protest” jerseys manufactured by Hummel. They have also limited any commercial activity that promotes Qatar.
Players from a further nine European countries, including England, will sport “One Love” armbands. These protests against Qatar’s same-sex laws. This is despite the armbands not receiving approval from FIFA.
The World Cup will take place in Qatar from 20 November to 18 December 2022.
News
Tyler Robinson arrested for killing activist Charlie Kirk
Tyler Robinson arrested for murdering Charlie Kirk; shared details on Discord, revealing political motives and chilling messages
Tyler Robinson arrested for murdering Charlie Kirk, shared details on Discord, revealing political motives and chilling messages
– Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested for allegedly murdering activist Charlie Kirk, 31, at a university event in Utah.
– Witnesses revealed Robinson’s negative views on Kirk and links to anti-fascist sentiments through his messages and actions.
Witness testimonies indicate Robinson had expressed negative views about Kirk prior to the attack, which he described as “spreading hate.”
He arrived campus in a grey Dodge Challenger and opened fire, leading to Kirk’s immediate collapse. Following the incident, Robinson’s father and a minister turned him in to the police.
Political Context
Robinson’s messages, including references to anti-fascist imagery and memes, indicated a motive tied to Kirk’s political beliefs.
Governor Spencer Cox noted Robinson’s increasing political engagement and dissatisfaction with Kirk’s views in conversations with relatives. The investigation raised concerns over targeted violence linked to political ideology.
News
FBI hunts assassin who shot Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University
Charlie Kirk, conservative influencer, shot dead at 31 during speech at Utah Valley University, prompting ongoing manhunt for suspect
Charlie Kirk, conservative influencer, shot dead at 31 during speech at Utah Valley University, prompting ongoing manhunt for suspect
– Federal authorities are investigating the shooting of Charlie Kirk, who was killed at Utah Valley University.
– A manhunt for the actual shooter is underway; two men have been questioned and released without charges.
During the aftermath, two men, one of whom claimed to have fired the shot, were taken into custody but later released without charges. A manhunt is ongoing for the actual shooter.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox stated that those responsible will be held accountable, outlining the state’s commitment to justice.
President Donald Trump condemned the political climate surrounding Kirk’s death, blaming extreme rhetoric and violence.
In a statement, he remembered Kirk as a patriot who advocated for open debate. Following the incident, vigils were held nationwide, and classes at the university have been cancelled.
Ongoing Investigation
As investigations continue, American flags will fly at half-staff until Sunday in honour of Kirk.
“I want to be very clear that this is a political assassination,” Utah Governor Spencer Cox, a Republican, told a news conference.
“And I just want to remind people that we still have the death penalty here in the state of Utah.
The Utah Department of Public Safety said that its State Crime Lab was “working with multiple active crime scenes”.
“These were identified based on where the victim was shot, as well as the locations where the suspect and victim travelled,” a department statement said.
“The shooting is believed to be a targeted attack. The shooter is believed to have fired from the roof of a building down to the location of the public event in the student courtyard.”
Eyewitness account
Attendee Tiana Lao said the shooting came as a shock in what otherwise felt like an= normal event.
“We didn’t realise it was real at first and then everyone began rushing out, shouting to get down in panic and distress,” she told ABC News.
“People were excited. There were some opponents like there usually are at these events … but they were peaceful, so this was a total shock.”
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