Richard Medhurst

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/23855598

It is an unprecedented case. And it risks triggering an unprecedented threat to journalism. The UK police have repeatedly tried to obtain the passwords to the phones of the British independent journalist, Richard Medhurst, the first reporter arrested in London under Section 12: his analyses and comments on Israel’s bloodbath in Gaza – which Amnesty International has characterised as genocide – have been interpreted by the police as support for organisations banned from the UK, such as Hamas and Hezbollah.

The British journalists’ union, the NUJ, and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) publicly condemned his arrest and the use of anti-terrorism laws against journalists “simply for carrying out their work”.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/23034185

Tulsi Gabbard's Political Shift

- The discussion transitions to Tulsi Gabbard and highlights the speaker's initial attraction to her presidential campaign, particularly her truthful stance on Syria and her non-interventionist policy.
- It is noted that Gabbard has been appointed to lead the Department of National Intelligence in the United States, raising concerns about her political alignment.
- The speaker expresses skepticism regarding Gabbard's shift in position, suggesting that she has become aligned with Israeli interests, particularly under the influence of Prime Minister Netanyahu.
- There is speculation about whether Gabbard will change her stance on Syria now that she is in a position of power, reflecting on the potential implications of such a shift.

Syria and Israeli Interests

- The conversation emphasizes that current events in Syria align with Israeli objectives, suggesting that Israeli officials and intelligence agencies are pleased with the developments in the region.
- The speaker references historical support from Israel to Al-Qaeda fighters, particularly during the Syrian conflict, highlighting a connection between Israeli actions and the empowerment of extremist groups.
- It is asserted that cooperation with Israel entails complicity with various adversaries of Syria and broader threats to civilization, characterizing these groups as violent and destabilizing.
- The speaker argues that without support from Western intelligence agencies such as the CIA and MI6, these extremist groups would lack the military capacity to operate effectively in Syria.
- The narrative concludes with a warning that aligning with Israeli policy leads to negative consequences regarding positions on issues like Gaza and Syria.

Conclusion and Acknowledgments

- The host expresses gratitude to Richard Medhurst for providing insights into the situation in Syria and the geopolitical implications of Gabbard's political maneuvers.
- Viewers are encouraged to follow Richard Medhurst's work on platforms like YouTube and Twitter for further information and analysis.

“Jimmy Dore is outrageous and outraged, bothersome and bothered. A crucial, profane, passionate voice for progressives and free-thinkers in 21st century America. Jimmy will anger you if you’re a conservative and enrage you if you’re a liberal.”—Patton Oswalt

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/23032660

U.S. Involvement in Syria

- The discussion shifts to the U.S. strategy in the Middle East, particularly how it aims to destabilize the region, with a focus on Syria.
- It is noted that the United States has placed a $10 million bounty on Muhammad El Jalani, a figure now in charge of Syria, who is labeled as a terrorist.
- The speaker expresses disbelief over the U.S. supporting a person with such a violent background, highlighting the irony of the situation.

Woke Washing of Jihadists

- The conversation critiques the media's portrayal of jihadists in Syria, suggesting they are being "woke washed" to appear more acceptable despite their history of violence.
- It is argued that these jihadists have committed severe human rights abuses, including the execution of LGBTQ+ individuals.
- The speakers express outrage at the normalization of such figures in Western media, which attempts to present them as legitimate political leaders.

Hypocrisy in Media and Law Enforcement

- One speaker recounts their personal experience of being arrested under terrorism laws for reporting on Palestine, contrasting this with the lack of accountability for journalists who glorify terrorist groups.
- The discussion highlights the double standards in how different narratives are treated by law enforcement and media outlets.
- It is pointed out that while the U.S. government officially lists groups like HTS as terrorist organizations, there is an apparent leniency towards those who support them in media narratives.

Syria's Diverse Population

- The speakers emphasize Syria's rich diversity, consisting of various religious and ethnic groups, and argue that a figure like Jalani poses a threat to this social fabric.
- They assert that Jalani's leadership would lead to increased bloodshed and further destabilization of the country.
- The discussion mentions that Syria has historically been a secular nation, making the rise of extremist groups particularly dangerous.

Israeli Actions in Syria

- The conversation transitions to Israel's military actions in Syria, with claims that Israel is exploiting the chaos to expand its territory.
- It is noted that the Syrian military is currently unable to defend itself due to the destruction of its infrastructure, including air force capabilities.
- The speakers remark on the apparent silence of opposition groups in Syria regarding Israeli incursions, suggesting a lack of genuine concern for Syrian sovereignty.

U.S. Foreign Policy Critique

- The speakers criticize U.S. foreign policy, arguing that it is driven by interests in destabilizing countries rather than humanitarian concerns.
- They draw parallels between the situations in Syria, Iraq, and Libya, suggesting that U.S. interventions have led to greater chaos and suffering.
- The discussion indicates that the U.S. government has a long-standing agenda to destabilize several countries in the Middle East and beyond, using events like 9/11 as a pretext for military action.

Natural Resources and Geopolitics

- The conversation touches on the significance of natural resources in the geopolitical landscape, particularly gas reserves in Syria and Gaza.
- It is mentioned that these resources are crucial for European energy needs, especially in light of sanctions against Russia and Iran.
- The discussion implies that control over these resources is a driving factor behind U.S. and Israeli actions in the region.

Media Representation of Terrorist Leaders

- The speakers express concern over how the media has attempted to rebrand Jalani and similar figures as legitimate leaders, despite their terrorist backgrounds.
- They highlight the inconsistency in the narrative presented by outlets that previously labeled these individuals as terrorists.
- The conversation suggests that this rebranding effort is part of a broader propaganda strategy to legitimize U.S. foreign policy in the region.

Conclusion on Syria's Future

- The speakers conclude that Syria's future remains bleak, with the potential for ongoing violence and instability.
- They express skepticism about the ability of any new leadership to improve the situation, given the historical context of violence and division.
- The discussion emphasizes the interconnectedness of the fates of Syria and Palestine, suggesting that the struggles in both regions are deeply intertwined.

Now that Syria’s longtime president Bashar al-Assad has fled the country, the leader of one of the rebel groups that helped drive Assad from power has filled the vacuum, becoming the nation’s new de facto president. His name is Muhammad Al-Jawlani, and he heads Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a group the United States has branded a terrorist organization. There is even a $10 million reward currently being offered for bringing al-Jawlani to justice.

Jimmy and his guest, journalist Richard Medhurst, discuss what is essentially a terrorist takeover of Syria, and one financed largely by the United States.

“Jimmy Dore is outrageous and outraged, bothersome and bothered. A crucial, profane, passionate voice for progressives and free-thinkers in 21st century America. Jimmy will anger you if you’re a conservative and enrage you if you’re a liberal.”—Patton Oswalt

@richimedhurst

I find it amazing that Israeli media reported on my arrest (the first of its kind in Britain), but UK mainstream media stayed silent.

Had they protested this gross abuse of power and attack on journalism, maybe the police wouldn't dare carry out further Sec 12 arrests, now targeting activists.

Why do these people even bother working in the press?

Source: https://x.com/richimedhurst/status/1829225963705549014

@richimedhurst

This is what Israel did to a UN vehicle in Gaza.

They have been doing this since my parents' time in Lebanon and Syria, and before that when the UN had just been founded: Zionists walked up to Count Bernadotte's UN vehicle and executed him at point blank to stop any peace process.

They are violent thugs who should be booted from the UN.

[Image of UN SUV with multiple bullet holes in windows]

Source: https://x.com/richimedhurst/status/1828931110849454363

@richimedhurst

Cutting off food and water to 2 million Arabs, calling them "human animals" and then bombing them is antisemitism. Literally.

Source: https://x.com/richimedhurst/status/1828733918960316914

@richimedhurst

Britain is under attack

Today, the police launched raids across the country and charged activists who oppose Israel's genocide in Gaza.

This is an absolute outrage. A scandal.

Why are we being treated like this in our own country?

Fascism to protect Zionism.

Source: https://x.com/richimedhurst/status/1829132972055785568

Article Archive: https://archive.ph/6xlG4

The IDF Uses Palestinian Civilians As Human Shields to Inspect Gaza's Tunnels

#gaza #palestine #richardmedhurst #israel #Medhurst #RichardMedhurst #idf #gazatunnels #humanshields

Richard Thomas Medhurst (1992) is an independent journalist, political commentator, and analyst from the United Kingdom with a focus on international affairs, US politics, and the Middle East.

Medhurst is known for his coverage of the Julian Assange extradition case in London, as one of the only journalists to report on the trial of the WikiLeaks founder from inside the court.

He has also covered the Iran nuclear deal talks on the ground in Vienna.

Medhurst was born in Damascus, Syria. His father is English and mother is Syrian. Both his parents served in United Nations Peacekeeping and Observer missions and were among the UN Peacekeepers awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1988.

Owing to his parents’ professional mobility, he has lived in Syria, Pakistan, Switzerland, and Austria. He speaks four languages fluently: English, Arabic, French, and German.

As an independent journalist, Medhurst regularly hosts live broadcasts and video reports on his YouTube channel. Previous guests include the Foreign Minister of Venezuela, the Dep Foreign Minister of Iran; the Palestinian, Russian and Cuban ambassadors to the United Nations in Vienna; the former British Ambassador to Syria; and various UN officials, journalists, and more.

Medhurst’s reports and analysis on Yemen, Ukraine, Syria, Niger, Lebanon, Iran, the Israeli occupation in Palestine and its genocide in Gaza have gone viral countless times, racking up millions of views.

Richard Medhurst has a combined following of roughly one million people online, and appears regularly on international news outlets including Al Jazeera, WikiLeaks, Black Agenda Report, Al Mayadeen, The Times, LBC, and others.

Richard Medhurst is an independent journalist and political commentator born in Damascus, Syria. British citizen, fluent in English, Arabic, French and German. Medhurst hosts regular live broadcasts discussing history, US politics, international relations and the Middle East, rooted in an anti-imperialist viewpoint.

Richard Thomas Medhurst (1992) is an independent journalist, political commentator, and analyst from the United Kingdom with a focus on international affairs, US politics, and the Middle East.

Medhurst is known for his coverage of the Julian Assange extradition case in London, as one of the only journalists to report on the trial of the WikiLeaks founder from inside the court.

He has also covered the Iran nuclear deal talks on the ground in Vienna.

Medhurst was born in Damascus, Syria. His father is English and mother is Syrian. Both his parents served in United Nations Peacekeeping and Observer missions and were among the UN Peacekeepers awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1988.

Owing to his parents’ professional mobility, he has lived in Syria, Pakistan, Switzerland, and Austria. He speaks four languages fluently: English, Arabic, French, and German.

As an independent journalist, Medhurst regularly hosts live broadcasts and video reports on his YouTube channel. Previous guests include the Foreign Minister of Venezuela, the Dep Foreign Minister of Iran; the Palestinian, Russian and Cuban ambassadors to the United Nations in Vienna; the former British Ambassador to Syria; and various UN officials, journalists, and more.

Medhurst’s reports and analysis on Yemen, Ukraine, Syria, Niger, Lebanon, Iran, the Israeli occupation in Palestine and its genocide in Gaza have gone viral countless times, racking up millions of views.

Richard Medhurst has a combined following of roughly one million people online, and appears regularly on international news outlets including Al Jazeera, WikiLeaks, Black Agenda Report, Al Mayadeen, The Times, LBC, and others.

#gaza #palestine #richardmedhurst #israel #Medhurst #RichardMedhurst #sdeteiman #idf

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/18918489

Independent analysis of today’s politics. Foreign Policy, Pandemic, Elections and More. I don’t fall in line when the line leads to Bullshit.

@richimedhurst

I am being politically persecuted by my own government, so unfortunately I am unable to speak freely or do my job as a journalist it seems.

I thought I'd seen it all in court with Julian's case, but this is really something.

Behold our "freedom of the press".

Source: https://x.com/richimedhurst/status/1826129362938106124

Edit: removed duplicate name on title

About Richard Medhurst:

#RichardMedhurst is an independent journalist and commentator born in Damascus. He is half British, half Syrian and speaks four languages: English, French, Arabic and German. His reporting focuses primarily on international relations, the Middle East and US politics, rooted in anti-imperialism. Medhurst is one of few journalists who covered the Julian Assange extradition hearing in London; he has done extensive coverage on Palestine, the Iran Nuclear Deal and war on Syria.

Regular live streams and interviews, with popular guests from the Left such as Glenn Greenwald, Jimmy Dore, Max Blumenthal (Grayzone) and more. Other previous guests include the Russian and Palestinian Ambassadors, the Foreign Minister of Venezuela and numerous other foreign dignitaries and United Nations officials.

Richard Medhurst has appeared on George Galloway RT, Al Mayadeen, Alikhbaria, Black Agenda Report, The Canary and various other international news outlets.

I was arrested at Heathrow Airport under the Terrorism Act, Sec 12 because of my reporting.

6 police officers were waiting for me at the entrance of the aircraft.

I was held for almost 24 hours and questioned.

I believe I'm the first journalist to be arrested under this provision of the Terrorism Act.

I feel that this is a political persecution and hampers my ability to work as a journalist.

Richard Thomas Medhurst (1992) is an independent journalist, political commentator, and analyst from the United Kingdom with a focus on international affairs, US politics, and the Middle East.

Medhurst is known for his coverage of the Julian Assange extradition case in London, as one of the only journalists to report on the trial of the WikiLeaks founder from inside the court.

He has also covered the Iran nuclear deal talks on the ground in Vienna.

Medhurst was born in Damascus, Syria. His father is English and mother is Syrian. Both his parents served in United Nations Peacekeeping and Observer missions and were among the UN Peacekeepers awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1988.

Owing to his parents’ professional mobility, he has lived in Syria, Pakistan, Switzerland, and Austria. He speaks four languages fluently: English, Arabic, French, and German.

As an independent journalist, Medhurst regularly hosts live broadcasts and video reports on his YouTube channel. Previous guests include the Foreign Minister of Venezuela, the Dep Foreign Minister of Iran; the Palestinian, Russian and Cuban ambassadors to the United Nations in Vienna; the former British Ambassador to Syria; and various UN officials, journalists, and more.

Medhurst’s reports and analysis on Yemen, Ukraine, Syria, Niger, Lebanon, Iran, the Israeli occupation in Palestine and its genocide in Gaza have gone viral countless times, racking up millions of views.

Richard Medhurst has a combined following of roughly one million people online, and appears regularly on international news outlets including Al Jazeera, WikiLeaks, Black Agenda Report, Al Mayadeen, The Times, LBC, and others.

The British journalist revealed on X his treatment by the authorities after being arrested under Section 12 of the U.K.’s Terrorism Act.