International
Cuba approves the Immigration Law that allows residents abroad to maintain their properties
The Parliament of Cuba unanimously approved the Migration Law this Friday, in the midst of an unprecedented migratory wave, and that contemplates, among other things, that islanders abroad can maintain their properties on the island, despite spending more than two years abroad.
The new rule puts an end to the concept of “emigrated”, which was granted to Cubans who migrated and spent more than 24 consecutive months abroad without returning, even briefly, to the country so as not to lose their residence.
According to the approved text, this restriction will disappear to give rise to the concept of “effective residence,” to those who spend “most of their time in the national territory.”
On the other hand, the Government will recognize Cubans “residents abroad” with the same rights as those found within the island, including the “enjoyment and free disposal of the assets of their property.”
They may also apply for the status of “investors and business”.
In that sense, the law will allow foreigners to access permanent residence if they have “an important patrimony abroad” that “allows them to start business or make investments.”
Different dissidents and NGOs have warned about some aspects of the rule for the possible interpretations that the authorities may give and that could affect dissidents abroad.
For example, according to the approved text, the Cuban Government may prohibit its nationals from entering or leaving the island for “reasons of Defense and National Security” or “order and public interest.”
The Ministry of the Interior can also prohibit the entry of foreigners who are dedicated to “organizing, stimulating, carrying out, participating and financing hostile actions against the political, economic and social foundations of the Cuban State.”
The Migration law is the first that was approved this Friday within a package of rules that includes that of Citizenship and Aliens.
The Cuban diaspora has an important political and economic weight on the island, whether because of its influence on American politics, the remittances it sends to the country or its ability to support the incipient private sector commercially and financially.
International
Trump signs order to end federal funding for NPR and PBS
U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday to halt federal funding for two public media outlets, PBS television and NPR radio, accusing them of being biased.
NPR and PBS are partially funded by American taxpayers but rely heavily on private donations.
Trump has long maintained a hostile relationship with most media outlets, which he has referred to as the “enemy of the people.”
An exception is the conservative Fox News channel, some of whose hosts have played important roles in the administration of the Republican magnate.
“National Public Radio (NPR) and Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) receive taxpayer funding through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB),” Trump said.
“Therefore, I direct the CPB board and all executive departments and agencies to cease federal funding for NPR and PBS,” he added.
The Republican leader argued that “neither of these entities provides a fair, accurate, or impartial portrayal of current events to the taxpayer citizens.”
At the end of March, Donald Trump called on Congress to end public funding for these two “horrible and completely biased networks.”
International
Man arrested after deliberately driving into seven children in Osaka
Japanese police arrested a man on Thursday after he rammed his car into a group of seven schoolchildren in an apparent deliberate attack in the city of Osaka.
The children, who were on their way home from school, sustained injuries and were taken to the hospital. All seven remained conscious, according to local authorities.
An Osaka police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the suspect is a 28-year-old man from Tokyo. The officer shared statements the man made after his arrest: “I was fed up with everything, so I decided to kill people by driving into several elementary school children,” the suspect reportedly said.
The man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
The injured children, aged between seven and eight, included a seven-year-old girl who suffered a fractured jaw. The six other children—all boys—suffered minor injuries such as bruises and scratches and were undergoing medical evaluation.
Witnesses described the car as “zigzagging” before hitting the children. One witness told Nippon TV that a girl was “covered in blood” and the others appeared to have scratches.
Another witness said the driver, who was wearing a face mask, looked to be in shock when school staff pulled him from the vehicle.
Violent crimes are rare in Japan, though serious incidents do occur from time to time. In 2008, Tomohiro Kato drove a two-ton truck into pedestrians in Tokyo’s Akihabara district, then fatally stabbed several victims. Seven people were killed in that attack.
Internacionales
Clashes erupt during may day protests across France amid calls for better wages
May Day protests in France were marked by a heavy police presence and clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement in several cities.
In Paris, Lyon, and Nantes, thousands took to the streets to demand better wages, fairer working conditions, and to voice their dissatisfaction with President Emmanuel Macron’s government.
While the majority of the demonstrations remained peaceful, isolated confrontations broke out in some areas. Protesters threw objects at the police, prompting the use of tear gas and resulting in several arrests.
Videos showing police crackdowns circulated widely on social media, drawing criticism from labor unions and human rights advocates, who denounced the authorities’ response to the protests.
Trump signs order to end federal funding for NPR and PBS
Nicaragua plummets to 172nd in RSF World Press Freedom Index
Lautaro Martínez doubtful for UCL semifinal second leg after thigh injury
Tec de Monterrey honors one of its students for his contribution to nanotechnology in medicine
Defense Minister commends salvadoran soldier for Central American Cross Country victory
Extension of the state of emergency approved in southern Chile
-
Central America4 days agoGuatemala sees road blockades amid protests against lawmaker pay hikes
-
International4 days agoColombia sees deadliest surge in violence since FARC peace deal
-
International4 days agoConclave to choose pope Francis’ successor could begin in early may
-
International5 days agoNine dead after driver runs over crowd at Vancouver Street Festival
-
International4 days agoSpain’s PM calls for calm and patience amid ongoing blackout
-
International5 days agoKing Charles III expresses deep sadness after Vancouver festival tragedy that left nine dead
-
International4 days agoMexican activist who exposed pornography ring found dead in Veracruz
-
International4 days agoMadrid carries out 286 elevator rescues amid massive blackout
-
International2 days agoVatican releases special “Sede Vacante” stamps ahead of papal transition
-
International2 days agoKristi Noem credits Trump for mass migrant deportations by mexican president
-
Internacionales21 hours agoClashes erupt during may day protests across France amid calls for better wages
-
International21 hours agoMan arrested after deliberately driving into seven children in Osaka
-
International3 hours agoTrump signs order to end federal funding for NPR and PBS
-
Central America3 hours agoNicaragua plummets to 172nd in RSF World Press Freedom Index
-
Sports3 hours agoLautaro Martínez doubtful for UCL semifinal second leg after thigh injury