News

• The non-governmental organization Penal Forum warned that the number of political prisoners in Venezuela is 1,976; Relatives held a vigil in Yare III, in Miranda, to demand his release and ratified the conviction of Cristina Fernández in Argentina on charges of corruption

The non-governmental organization (NGO) Foro Penal counted 1,976 political prisoners as of November 13 in Venezuela. Relatives and friends held a vigil at the Yare III penitentiary center, in the state of Miranda, to demand his release and that there be “a Christmas without people deprived of liberty for political reasons.”

In Argentina, the authorities ratified the 6-year prison sentence against former president Cristina Fernández, who was tried for crimes related to corruption. And in Haiti, the airline Bahamasair suspended its operations in that country for security reasons, while in Colombia it was announced that former leaders of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) will be charged with recruiting minors.

On the other hand, in Spain heavy rains were recorded due to the passage of a new isolated depression at high levels (DANA).

Below are the highlights from Wednesday, November 13:

The NGO Foro Penal reported on November 13 that there are a total of 1,976 political prisoners in Venezuela. Of this number, 246 are women and 69 are adolescents.

These detainees correspond to the balance made until November 11 on the arrests made in the context of the post-election protests.

The NGO added that of the total number of political prisoners, 1,813 are civilians and 163 are soldiers. The report also noted that 1,827 people are still awaiting sentencing.

Foro Penal indicated that the number of citizens arrested in Venezuela for political reasons from 2014 to date is 17,952. Likewise, according to the organization’s figures, more than 9,000 people are still arbitrarily subject to measures restricting their freedom.

A group of relatives held a vigil outside the Yare III prison, Miranda state, to demand a Christmas without political prisoners. The activity ended on the morning of Wednesday, November 13.

The relatives of the detainees remained in the vicinity of the prison for approximately 12 hours, starting at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, November 12. This activity is added to those already carried out by the Committee for the Liberation of Political Prisoners in Venezuela (CLIPPVE) in the prisons of Tocuyito (Carabobo) and Stump (Aragua).

Those who attended held banners alluding to their demands and wrote the word “justice” on the sidewalk, in which they placed white candles to illuminate. Likewise, they put white sheets on the ground with messages such as “Enough of political persecution” and “No more torture in Venezuela.”

In addition to the prayers, family members sang and held candles and photos of the political prisoners in their hands.

3. Trump named Senator Marco Rubio as his Secretary of State

The president-elect of the United States, Donald Trump, announced this Wednesday, November 13, the nomination of Florida Senator of Cuban origin Marco Rubio as the new Secretary of State for his next government, which will begin in January.

Through a statement, the former Republican president confirmed the news that had been circulating for several days, the election of Rubio as the highest representative of American diplomacy, becoming the first Latino to assume the position.

Marco is a highly respected leader and a very powerful voice for freedom. He will be a firm defender of our nation, a true friend of our allies and a brave warrior who will never surrender to our adversaries,” said the president-elect, who won the elections on November 5.

Share on

The Argentine Federal Court of Criminal Cassation confirmed on Wednesday, November 13, the sentence of 6 years in prison and perpetual disqualification from holding public office against former Argentine president Cristina Fernández, for a case of irregularities in road works.

The president of the Court, Gustavo Hornos, specified that a confiscation of more than 84.8 billion Argentine pesos (approximately 84 million dollars) will also be applied to it, which will be executed at the time the ruling is signed.

According to local media, despite the confirmation of the sentence, the former president will not go to prison until “all judicial review procedures are exhausted,” as provided by the Federal Criminal Procedure Code.

The Argentine media The Nationreported that Fernández’s defense sent a letter to indicate that he will appeal the ruling before the Supreme Court of Justice. This would be the last instance of the process that would determine whether the penalty would be applied.

5. Another airline joined the suspension of flights to Haiti

On Wednesday, November 13, the Bahamasair airline joined the decision of American Airlines and JetBlue to suspend their flights to Haiti until December, as a security measure due to the escalation of violence in that country.

The measure responds to an incident that occurred on Monday, November 11, during a Spirit Airlines flight from the United States, which was hit by gunfire while trying to land in Port-au-Prince. At least one flight attendant was grazed by a bullet.

The event forced the airport authorities at the Toussaint Louverture International Airport in the Haitian capital to suspend all commercial flights.

In Haiti there is a new escalation of violence by gangs that control the metropolitan area of ​​the capital. The events were reported after the appointment of a new prime minister, Alix Didier Fils Aimé, by the Presidential Transition Council, which dismissed Garry Conille.

6. Former FARC leaders charged with recruiting 18,677 children

The Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) of Colombia charged six former members of the last Secretariat of the extinct FARC guerrilla, including Rodrigo Londoño, alias Timochenko. The decision accuses them of being responsible for the forced recruitment of 18,677 children for the armed conflict.

In addition to Londoño, other defendants are Jaime Alberto Parra Rodríguez, Milton de Jesús Toncel, Pastor Alape, Pablo Catatumbo Torres and Julián Gallo. The last two are the senators for the Comunes party.

According to the jurisdiction, between 1971 and 2016, the year the peace agreement was signed, the FARC “recruited boys, girls and adolescents.” These events occurred most frequently between 1996 and 2016, a framework in which the court focused its investigation of Case 07, which investigates the recruitment and use of boys and girls in the armed conflict.

Heavy rains were recorded since the morning of November 13 in the province of Malaga and Tarragona, in Spain, due to the passage of a new isolated depression at high levels (DANA). The rainfall caused road closures and flood alerts.

The Ministry of the Presidency of Spain decreed a red notice in both provinces so access to public parks, sports venues, schools and universities remained closed. In addition, around 3,000 people were evacuated from their homes due to their proximity to river beds.

The warning of the arrival of a new DANA caused some residents of communities in Malaga to block the entrances to their homes to avoid flooding.

In The Diary We present you a summary with the most important information of the day, which you should know at the national and international level.

Related news

#News #summary #Wednesday #November

What caused ⁤the suspension of commercial flights at Toussaint Louverture International Airport in ‌Port-au-Prince?

‌**Gunfire Interrupts Airport Operations in Port-au-Prince**

Commercial flights at the ‍Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, ⁤were suspended following gunfire during a landing attempt. Reports indicate that at least one flight attendant was grazed by ‍a ​bullet, underscoring the ‌escalating violence in the region‌ attributed to gangs ‍controlling​ the area. The ‌unrest ‍coincides with political changes,​ including the recent appointment of Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils Aimé by the Presidential‍ Transition Council, which led to the dismissal of Garry Conille.

—

**Former FARC‌ Leaders Face Charges for Child ⁤Recruitment**

In a significant legal development, the⁢ Special Jurisdiction ⁢for ⁣Peace (JEP) in Colombia has charged six former leaders of the now-defunct⁢ FARC guerrilla group for the⁣ recruitment of 18,677⁣ children ‌into armed conflict. Among those charged is⁢ Rodrigo⁤ Londoño, known as Timochenko, along with several others tied to the ⁣group. The accusations stem from actions occurring between 1971 and 2016, with a particular ⁤focus on the period from 1996 ⁤to 2016, during which these ⁣recruitment ​practices were ⁣reportedly ⁤most ‌prevalent. The court’s​ investigation targets⁣ the systematic enlistment ⁣of minors amid the Colombian ‍conflict.

From a modest office tucked behind a Haitian grocery store on Springfield’s bustling South Limestone Street, Margery Koveleski has dedicated herself for years to assisting the local Haitian community, helping them navigate the often daunting bureaucratic hurdles that can complicate their lives in this Ohio city.

However, Koveleski – who has strong ties to the Haitian community through her family – has recently observed a significant shift among the individuals seeking her help.

Instead of seeking assistance for settling in, Haitians are approaching her with urgent questions about how to leave Springfield.

“Some individuals lack access to credit cards or the internet and need our help to secure transportation, whether that’s a bus or plane ticket,” she explained to the Guardian in a recent interview. “It’s evident that people are leaving.”

Koveleski and other leaders within Springfield’s Haitian community have reported a growing exodus of Haitians from the city, which is home to approximately 60,000 residents. This change is largely driven by fears of widespread deportations that have intensified following Donald Trump’s electoral victory on November 5.

“One store owner is considering relocating back to New York or Chicago due to a significant drop in his business,” Koveleski noted, shedding light on the economic implications of this mass departure.

Trump has made it clear through his rhetoric that he intends to terminate immigrants’ temporary protected status (TPS) – a vital protection that allows many Haitians to live and work legally in the U.S. – alongside plans to deport Haitians from Springfield once he assumes office.

For many members of the Haitian community, these threats are not merely political chatter; they are genuine concerns that shape their decisions.

In another alarming development, a sheriff in Sidney, located about 40 miles northwest of Springfield and home to a substantial number of Haitian immigrants, allegedly instructed local police to detain individuals from the community. During a recent meeting, he declared, “Bring them – I’ll figure out if they’re legal,” demonstrating the heightened anxiety surrounding immigration enforcement.

Jacob Payen, co-founder of the Haitian Community Alliance and a local entrepreneur who assists Haitians with their tax filings, conveyed the gravity of the situation: “People are acutely aware of the election outcome, and the fear of mass deportation is prompting their departure.”

“Some of my clients have already left. One man and his family moved to New Jersey, while others have relocated to Boston. I know of three families that have chosen to go to Canada,” he added, illustrating the exodus across state lines.

Community leaders indicate that some Haitians might seek refuge in nearby cities like Dayton, where they believe they would be less conspicuous to law enforcement. Others, who had previously found temporary asylum in Brazil, are even contemplating a return to the South American nation.

If these people leave, that money is gone from the city and the local economy

Jacob Payen, Haitian Community Alliance co-founder

Unofficial results from the recent presidential election reveal that Trump narrowly defeated Harris in Springfield by fewer than 150 votes, capitalizing on anti-immigration sentiments that falsely alleged immigrant-related issues within the community.

Established in 1990, the TPS program currently provides legal residency to over 800,000 immigrants from 16 nations that have faced turmoil or humanitarian crises. Notably, around 300,000 Haitians escaping rampant violence have been granted TPS protections, which are set to last until at least February 3, 2026.

While TPS historically garnered bipartisan support, the Trump administration’s attempts to terminate this program faced judicial challenges. A California court ruled in 2020 that the administration holds the power to end TPS for Haitians and those from three other countries.

The authority to grant and renew TPS lies with the Secretary of Homeland Security, and reports indicate that Trump is considering nominating South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem for the position; she has previously mobilized state national guard troops to the U.S.-Mexico border.

The backdrop of these deportation threats coincides with escalating violence in Haiti, particularly from gang affiliations tied to political influences. The main airport in Port-au-Prince has faced periodic closures, recently shutting down again following gunfire aimed at a commercial passenger flight from the U.S., marking the second incident of this nature since October.

Experts remain skeptical regarding the swift termination of TPS following Trump’s inauguration on January 20. “The Haitian community fears that TPS will be revoked, but I believe that will not happen immediately for various reasons,” stated Katie Kersh, a senior attorney at Advocates for Basic Legal Equality.

“The potential burden on an already overwhelmed immigration court system due to mass deportation efforts would be considerable.”

Even in the event of TPS’s termination, current immigration laws facilitate court hearings which could extend for months or even years. Similarly, individuals with pending asylum applications are entitled to their cases being reviewed.

In fact, ending TPS could worsen the undocumented immigration crisis rather than resolve it.

“TPS affords employment authorization and the right to reside in the U.S.; if it ceases, individuals lose these rights instantly unless another legal status is available,” explained Ahilan Arulanantham from UCLA’s School of Law, who previously challenged Trump’s attempts to revoke TPS for Haitians in 2018.

“This impact occurs regardless of whether deportation is pursued afterward.”

The strain any deportation effort would place on an already stretched immigration court system would be significant

Katie Kersh, senior attorney

Many food items stocked in Springfield’s Caribbean stores originate from the U.S., including local staples like chicken, beef, and eggs sourced from nearby farms.

Recently, a Haitian community organization has acquired a former fire station, envisioning its transformation into a hub for English language classes, driver education, and community gatherings.

“I pay thousands of dollars in income and property taxes annually,” Payen emphasized, highlighting the economic contributions of the Haitian community. “Since I assist Haitians in filing their taxes, I can see the financial impact; if they leave, that revenue disappears from both the city and the local economy.”

Interestingly, some Haitians have expressed disillusionment with prominent Democrats like Bill and Hillary Clinton, blaming them for the devastation in their country following the catastrophic earthquake in 2010 that claimed around 250,000 lives and displaced over a million people.

Though their Clinton Foundation initiated numerous reconstruction projects in Haiti, raising billions in the process, many Haitians feel funds were mismanaged or inadequately allocated, a claim the Clintons vigorously deny.

The trafficking of large numbers of U.S. firearms into Haiti in recent years has heightened concern among Springfield’s Haitian community, as Koveleski noted.

“They don’t trust the Democratic party,” she remarked. “Some believe that if Donald Trump states, ‘leave Haiti alone,’ he might keep his promise and leave them alone as well.”

How‌ is the local community supporting Haitian individuals facing the fear of deportation?

**Interview⁢ with‌ Margery Koveleski, ‍Community Advocate for the Haitian Community in⁤ Springfield, Ohio**

**Editor**: Thank you for joining us today, Margery. You’ve been a strong advocate for the⁢ Haitian community⁣ in Springfield for many years.⁤ Can‌ you share what you’ve‍ recently observed regarding the needs of this community?

**Margery ⁢Koveleski**: Thank you ‌for ⁣having me. Over ‍the years, my role ​has⁢ primarily revolved around ‌helping new arrivals ⁤adapt and integrate into Springfield. Recently, however, I’ve noticed a troubling shift—many individuals are now coming to me with⁤ urgent inquiries about how to leave the city. There’s a palpable fear of mass deportations, especially‌ following the‍ recent election results.

**Editor**: That sounds distressing. What specific ⁣factors do you believe are motivating this exodus?

**Margery Koveleski**: The primary ‌concern is the threat to Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which allows many Haitians to live and work in ⁢the U.S.⁢ The rhetoric from the ​new administration has intensified fears of deportation, leading many ⁢to feel that ⁤their safety is at risk. They’re seeking help to secure transportation, often lacking ⁤access⁤ to tools ⁣like credit⁤ cards or the internet. ‌It’s heartbreaking to see ‍families feeling⁤ they have no choice but⁤ to leave.

**Editor**: ​You mentioned economic‍ implications as well. Can you elaborate on​ that?

**Margery ‌Koveleski**: Absolutely. Many local businesses‍ that cater to the‍ Haitian community are suffering. For instance, one ​store owner I spoke with ⁢is considering relocating ‍back to New York due​ to declining sales. If⁢ people ‌continue to leave,⁣ the financial‌ repercussions⁤ for our local economy⁣ could be ⁢severe, ⁤and this movement will ​only further erode the community’s foundation.

**Editor**: What are some of⁣ the options⁣ that Haitians are⁢ considering as ‌they look to leave?

**Margery Koveleski**:​ Many ‍are‌ moving⁣ to cities like New⁤ Jersey or Boston, ⁣believing⁢ they’d be safer and less visible to⁢ law enforcement. A few families are even considering returning to ​Canada or Brazil,⁤ where they once ‌sought refuge. This indicates just how ​desperate the situation ⁣has become.

**Editor**: How is the wider⁣ community⁤ responding‍ to ⁤these developments? Are there​ any initiatives in place to help⁢ those in need?

**Margery Koveleski**: While organizations like the Haitian ⁢Community Alliance‍ are stepping ‍up⁣ to offer support ⁢and advice, ‌the response⁢ has been mixed. There’s a community effort to provide information and resources, but ultimately,‍ the fear⁣ of‍ deportation is a real barrier‍ that’s driving⁢ many to⁣ seek immediate ⁣relocation rather than integration. We’re trying to advocate for the community while navigating these complex challenges.

**Editor**: In light of everything‌ happening, what message​ would you ‍like to convey to ⁣both‍ the Haitian ‌community and the wider Springfield population?

**Margery Koveleski**:​ It’s crucial for those in⁣ the community to stay informed and connected to resources that can assist them during this turbulent time. For the broader Springfield population, I‍ urge understanding and dialogue. Many of us are intertwined ‍in the ⁣fabric of this city; supporting our⁣ Haitian neighbors ⁣is not just an act of kindness ​but​ essential for the health of our community as a‍ whole.

**Editor**: Thank you for sharing your insights, Margery. Your work is vital during these challenging times,⁤ and we appreciate your dedication to the Haitian community in Springfield.

**Margery Koveleski**: Thank ‍you for bringing ‍attention‌ to these important issues. It’s⁣ a tough time for many, but with awareness, we can foster hope and support for ‍those in need.