The openDemocracy Show: Recent Episodes
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You can read part 2 of this investigative series here: https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/5050...
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Gary Younge, one of the UK’s leading political voices, on the significant events of the last few decades that have affected the Black diaspora around the globe.
One year since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, surveys demonstrate that over two-thirds of Russians still support the war. Why do people believe that the ‘special military operation’ was necessary? How is it possible that they don’t change their minds even when they know about the Russian army’s devastating war crimes in Ukraine and losses and chaos the army is suffering?
Watch the full discussion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmM59dCI60M
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Iran’s leaders use the UK’s increasingly hostile asylum policies to warn political refugees against fleeing
Reax the full story:
https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/britain-asylum-system-broken-iran-protests-refugees-migrants-channel/
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Idaho Republicans are trying for the second time to ban gender-affirming healthcare for minors. Will they succeed?
Read the full story: https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/5050/ban-trans-healthcare-female-genital-mutilation-idaho-texas/
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Hear Igor Burdyga and Kateryna Semchuk explain what it's like working in a homeland under threat. Plus British author Oliver Bullough and chair Daniel Trilling.
Watch the full discussion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gX2ziEDpjx8
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Security agents linked to London mayor Sadiq Khan “spied” on a group of environmental activists and blocked them from participating in a public debate, openDemocracy can reveal.
Read the full article here:
https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/environmental-campaigners-spied-on-mayor-london-sadiq-khan-o2/
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Financial shocks in recent years are forcing the global monetary architecture to change, say some economists
Read the full story here: https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/oureconomy/end-dollar-dominated-global-economy-bretton-russia-ukraine-china-saudi-arabia/
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A year after the news broke about Partygate, the Cabinet Office is still refusing openDemocracy’s FOI requests on key evidence
Read the full story:
https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/partygate-cabinet-office-cctv-conservative-party-boris-johnson/
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The world’s largest asset manager has forecast systemic economic chaos. The reality is even worse
Read the full story:
https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/oureconomy/blackrock-asset-management-economy-prediction-inflation-recession/
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Critics fear a new planning law will hand power to property developers and put Ukraine’s historic buildings at risk
Read the full story:
https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/odr/ukraine-planning-law-historic-building-demolition-property-developer/
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The A&E delays can be traced back to Cameron – and have been worsened by successive health secretaries
Read the full story:
https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/nhs-a-and-e-delays-austerity-emergency-care-hospitals-hunt-hancock-lansley/
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OPINION: There’s one obvious way to fund public sector wage increases: tax the wealthy
Read the full piece:
https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/public-sector-strikes-pay-rise-nurses-james-meadway/
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OPINION: We need unity between the detained, the outsourced and the underpaid – unions must take on the fight
Read the original article:
https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/manston-immigration-border-violence-outsourcing-security/
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The Magomedov brothers defrauded the Russian state of billions – via a Scottish limited partnership
Read the original article:
https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/odr/newbay-investments-magomedov-fraud-russia/
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OPINION: Gordon Brown is on the money with his diagnosis of the problem. But his solutions aren’t nearly enough
Read the original article:
https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/labour-abolish-house-of-lords-democratic-reform/
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Russia has forcibly mobilised tens of thousands in Ukraine’s occupied territories to fight, but when captured those recruited under duress are facing difficult legal battles back home.
Read the orignal article:
https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/odr/russia-forced-mobilisation-donetsk-luhansk-ukraine/
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More than 40% of asylum seekers may be unable to access legal aid, despite the vast majority needing such support
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https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/asylum-seekers-legal-aid-system-crisis-justice/
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Usman Khalid wanted to set up a coffee shop with a difference - https://www.havencoffee.co.uk/about-us (HAVEN Coffee) is a social enterprise, a cafe with a mission of breaking false narratives around migration. Their https://www.havencoffee.co.uk/our-events (Laff-Uccino) comedy gigs are regular events in London, with comedians of refugee or migrant background and Kryzsia, one of the comedians involved, talks comedy, migration and accents. From comedy in London to music on a Greek island, we head to Mythinini, Lesvos where Bairbre meets https://bio.link/ramozmontana (Ramozmontana), a Saudi Arabian/Somali artist on the island, and Farhad, an Iranian musician. This is the last episode in this series and we’d like to thank openDemocracy and The Irish Examiner for their joint broadcasting, The https://pulitzercenter.org/ (Pulitzer Grant Centre) for their funding and support, and all the people who shared their experiences and observations with us. Thanks also to our team Caroline Dipanda, Osama Gaweesh, Wael Habbal and Reza Nouri for all their work on this series. https://omneeyat.com/en/talent/omar-alkilani/omar-alkilani-is-a-professional-singer-and-musician (Omar Alkilani) who wrote and performed our theme music and https://www.instagram.com/haya_halaw (Haya Halaw) who designed our artwork. From producerhttps://bairbreflood.com/ ( Bairbre Flood) and presenter https://www.instagram.com/mhassino (Mahmoud Hassino), thanks for listening!
Wael Habbal started the https://twitter.com/syrian_greek?lang=en ( Syrian Greek Youth Forum), (the SGYF) in 2018 to advocate for human rights, to connect people together, to break stereotypes around migration, and to create their own opportunities in Athens. He sits down with another member of SGYF - Kareem Al Kabbani - and our reporter Bairbre Flood to talk about how activism, creativity and active citizenship intersect. You can listen to some of their work on https://movement.radio/artist/syrian-greek-youth-forum (Movement Radio) part of https://www.onassis.org/ (Onassis Stegi).
Two LGBT refugees in Yalova, Turkiye, Mehdi and Nihal, are setting up their own group, https://www.instagram.com/fromallover_/ (From All Over). Bairbre Flood met them at their home to see why they need this group, and what life is like for LGBT refugees outside of Istanbul. Presenter Mahmoud Hassino also shares some of his personal experiences helping to organise a https://tv.apple.com/bm/movie/mr-gay-syria/umc.cmc.t8vzonh1uymfaldy9j5yolhb (Mr Gay Syria) event which was documented in a film by Turkish director Ayse Toprak.
Art and migration in Türkiye, Jordan and Ireland. https://www.arthereistanbul.com/ (Arthereistanbul) is a community space, an art centre and place where artists can create in peace. Founder Omar Berakdar and artist and curator Sherin Zeraaty talk to Bairbre Flood. In Jordan, Syrian illustrator and painter https://www.instagram.com/haya_halaw/?hl=en (Haya Halaw) is having her first solo exhibition show in Jacaranda Gallery in Amman. And finally in Cork, Ireland, meet artist https://www.instagram.com/hinakhanartist/?hl=en (Hina Khan), whose exhibition ‘No Seradan’ (‘No Borders’) draws on her family history of forced migration from Pakistan and her own deeply personal ideas around borders and nationalism. Presented by https://www.instagram.com/mhassino (Mahmoud Hassino) and produced by https://bairbreflood.com/ (Bairbre Flood). Theme music by https://omneeyat.com/en/talent/omar-alkilani/omar-alkilani-is-a-professional-singer-and-musician (Omar Alkilani). Artwork by https://www.instagram.com/haya_halaw (Haya Halaw). With thanks to the https://pulitzercenter.org/ (Pulitzer Center) for funding support.
What's the difference between human smuggling and human trafficking? Did migration myths drive the 2016 Brexit vote? Do border walls stop migration? Maggie Perzyna wants to dispel migration myths: why people leave their homeland and the changes they bring in the societies they move to. Maggie is a researcher with the Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) in Migration & Integration program at Toronto Metropolitan University and this new podcast is Borders & Belonging. Maggie will talk to leading experts from around the world and people with on-the-ground experience to explore the individual experiences of migrants: the difficult decisions and many challenges they face on their journeys. She and her guests will also think through the global dimensions of migrants’ movement: the national policies, international agreements, trends of war, climate change, employment and more. Borders & Belonging brings together hard evidence with stories of human experience to kindle new thinking in advocacy, policy and research. Top researchers contribute articles that complement each podcast with a deeper dive into the themes discussed. Upcoming episodes investigate: Why We Build Border Walls: Since the 1990s, the world has seen a spike in border wall construction. What is driving the increase? The episode begins with a reflection from journalist Todd Miller on the dangers facing undocumented migrants along the US-Mexican border. Maggie is then joined by Douglas Massey (Princeton University) and Elisabeth Vallet (University of Quebec at Montreal). How has Brexit Changed the UK for Migrants? Despite the well-documented benefits of labour migration, much of the discussion before the referendum in the UK argued that it was a bad thing. Now, a few years on, are labour shortages painting a new picture or are migrants forever stigmatised? Alex Bulat, a Romanian-born councillor on Cambridgeshire County Council, provides a voice from the ground. Bridget Anderson (Bristol University) and Aija Lulle (Loughborough University) talk about fear of migration and why they feel hope for the future of migrants in the UK. Human Smuggling or Human Trafficking? Why the Difference Matters Politicians sometimes talk about human smuggling and trafficking as if they were the same thing. It’s not always because of ignorance: they want to gain support for blocking the flows of all migrants and refugees. In this episode we hear from Luca Stevenson of European Sex Workers Rights Alliance, who explains that, even with sex workers, we have to look at what drives them to the trade in the first place and recognise that laws to prevent trafficking can cause vulnerable women even more harm. Maggie speaks with Kamala Kempadoo (York University) and Gabriella Sanchez (University of Massachusetts) who argue that we need to look deeper at the systemic injustices behind smuggling, at what drives people to risk everything for a chance of a better life.
https://www.instagram.com/mohamad.khalf (Mohamad Khalf) has been teaching photography in Zaatari refugee camp, Jordan, for many years – instilling a love of learning and creative expression in his students https://l.instagram.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.behance.net%2Falialghanom&e=ATMEh-ZoziHfUjezhxi-u8XK7PYZIPg-l1m0ALcSL-lGrzDUhMaSrN-JfXmKSIuCuD1gc2acNYj88J_UXHrNGg&s=1 (Ali) and https://www.instagram.com/mn_1b2 (Mohammed Nour Al-Babisi). They talk to Bairbre Flood about the photography exhibition Mohmamad Khalf organised in the camp, called ‘Ana Surie’ (‘I Am Syrian’) and why they are Syrian first – not refugees. Nour Al-Hariri shares her rap music and explains why she writes about early marriage, child labour, and other issues - and why the many talented and creative women in the camp should be supported more. Watch some of the https://www.instagram.com/reel/CbaCdY0Ffe-/?hl=en (short films) created by Al-Balbisi. Presented by https://www.instagram.com/mhassino (Mahmoud Hassino) and produced by https://bairbreflood.com/ (Bairbre Flood). Theme music by https://omneeyat.com/en/talent/omar-alkilani/omar-alkilani-is-a-professional-singer-and-musician (Omar Alkilani). Artwork by https://www.instagram.com/haya_halaw (Haya Halaw). With thanks to the https://pulitzercenter.org/ (Pulitzer Center) for funding support.
A look at migration and the media with journalists Osama Gaweesh, Nasruddin Nizami and Mohammad Subat. Osama Gaweesh is an Egyptian journalist who joined the https://www.refugeejournalismproject.org/ (Refugee Journalism Project) in the UK. He explains how the project works, and why it’s so important – not just for individual journalists, but for the quality of news and media overall. His own podcast, https://www.callin.com/show/untold-stories-with-osama-gaweesh-ZbjbuBbHjd (Untold Stories), is available wherever you listen to your podcasts. Nasruddin Nizami, from Afghanistan, is co-founder of the online magazine https://wearesolomon.com/ (Solomon), in Athens, and Mohammad Subat set up the first magazine by refugees in Spain, https://baynana.es/ (Baynana) (which is Arabic for ‘between us’).
Welcome to our new podcast series created in collaboration with some of the refugee community organisers, activists and artists working to challenge stereotypes around migration. Jointly broadcast by The Irish Examiner and openDemocracy. Bairbre Flood talks to three community organisers across three countries: Anas Al Natour in Tukiye, Safdar Salmani in Greece, and Mavis Ramazani in Ireland. We explore why it’s so important refugees themselves have ownership of their organisations and support - and see how different communities experienced in forced migration help to organise themselves. Anas Al Natour is the community liaison officer with https://www.smallprojectsistanbul.org/ (Small Projects Istanbul), Safdar Salmani is a community volunteers who works with One Happy Family and Wave of Hope for the Future in Greece (with thanks to Fionn McArthur who interprets the conversation) and Mavis Ramazani works with https://www.masi.ie/ ( MASI) (the Movement of Asylum Seekers Ireland). Presented by https://www.instagram.com/mhassino (Mahmoud Hassino) and produced by https://bairbreflood.com/ (Bairbre Flood). Theme music by https://omneeyat.com/en/talent/omar-alkilani/omar-alkilani-is-a-professional-singer-and-musician (Omar Alkilani). Artwork by https://www.instagram.com/haya_halaw (Haya Halaw). With thanks to the https://pulitzercenter.org/ (Pulitzer Grant Centre) for funding support.
Gerry Ortega - a community leader and environmentalist in the Philippines who used his primetime daily radio show to speak out against local government corruption - was shot dead on 24 January 2011 as he browsed in a thrift shop. Some people are in prison. But the alleged mastermind, a former governor, remains at large and is running for the governor job again in May elections - despite a warrant having been issued for his arrest for the murder of Gerry Ortega. In partnership with A Safer World for the Truth, openDemocracy examines Gerry’s death - and commemorates his life. Original music and sound design by Lee Sparey. Episode research by Anita Mureithi. Written, produced and hosted by Penny Dale. For more information about the case of Gerry Ortega, download the https://www.saferworldforthetruth.com/investigations/gerry-ortega (A Safer World for the Truth investigation). And find out more about the work of https://www.opendemocracy.net/ (openDemocracy).
Deyda Hydara - one of The Gambia’s most respected journalists who stood up to the dictatorial regime of former president Yahya Jammeh - was killed in a drive-by shooting on 16 December 2004. In 2019, testifying before the country’s Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission, a soldier confessed that he was part of an elite paramilitary death squad that killed Deyda - on the direct orders of Jammeh. No one has yet been prosecuted for the crime. In partnership with A Safer World for the Truth, openDemocracy examines Deyda’s death - and commemorates his life. Jaliba Kuyateh played the music he wrote especially for this episode. Sound design by Lee Sparey. Episode research by Anita Mureithi. Written, produced and hosted by Penny Dale. Find out more about the work of https://www.saferworldforthetruth.com/ (A Safer World for the Truth ) and https://www.opendemocracy.net/ (openDemocracy).
Episode 2: The Case of Gauri Lankesh Gauri Lankesh - a high-profile journalist and activist who spoke out against the rise of right-wing Hindu extremism and stood up for India’s marginalised people - was shot to death on 5 September 2017. Gauri was posthumously awarded the Anna Politkovskaya Award for her work. The trial of the seventeen people being held in remand has yet to start. In partnership with A Safer World for the Truth, openDemocracy examines Gauri’s death - and commemorates her life. Original music and sound design by Lee Sparey. Episode research by Anita Mureithi. Written, produced and hosted by Penny Dale. For more information about A Safer World for the Truth - https://www.saferworldforthetruth.com/ (https://www.saferworldforthetruth.com/) And about the work of openDemocracy: https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/ (https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/)
openDemocracy in partnership with A Safer World for Truth presents Killing the Truth Episode 1. Regina Martinez - an acclaimed Mexican journalist known for her hard-hitting exposés of human rights violations and corruption - was beaten to death on 28 April 2012. A man is serving a 38-year sentence for her murder. But he says he was tortured into making this confession and no forensic evidence ties him to the murder scene. In partnership with A Safer World for the Truth, openDemocracy examines Regina’s death - and commemorates her life. Original music and sound design by Lee Sparey. Episode research by Anita Mureithi. Written, produced and hosted by Penny Dale. For more information about the murder of Regina Martinez: https://www.saferworldforthetruth.com/investigations/regina-martinez (https://www.saferworldforthetruth.com/investigations/regina-martinez) And for more information about the work of openDemocracy: https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/ (https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/)
Every week, somewhere in the world, a journalist is killed. Because their reporting uncovered a truth that someone wants hidden. Most of the murders are never solved. That their killers go free matters - to all of us. Because investigations are abandoned, power and corruption goes unchallenged – and democracy is weakened. Killing the Truth explores the cases of four remarkable journalists who paid the ultimate price for their uncompromising pursuit of the truth. Killing the Truth is a podcast by openDemocracy in partnership with https://www.saferworldforthetruth.com/ (A Safer World for The Truth), and the series will launch the new podcast The openDemocracy Show. Visit http://opendemocracy.net/ (opendemocracy.net) to find out more. Launching on 15 December.