Stories for March 2024

Thursday, March 14th 2024 - 16:28 UTC
Argentina: Catamarca court orders halt to lithium extraction following environmental complaint

The Court of Justice in Catamarca (Northern Argentina) has issued a divided ruling ordering a suspension of mining activity in the Salar del Hombre Muerto, impacting lithium production projects. The decision stems from an environmental protection action filed by cacique Román Elías Guitian, urging a comprehensive environmental impact study before new permits are granted.
Thursday, March 14th 2024 - 16:16 UTC
Uruguay: Alleged “operation” against Yamandú Orsi sparks controversy amid assault allegations

The campaign manager for Frente Amplio presidential pre-candidate Yamandú Orsi, Francisco Legnani, has raised concerns over what he calls an orchestrated “operation” against the Uruguayan politician following an alleged assault that occurred in 2014 against a trans woman who filled a complaint this week.
Thursday, March 14th 2024 - 10:59 UTC
Rift between Milei and Villarruel goes public over DNU Senate debate

Argentine President Javier Milei Wednesday cautioned Vice President Victoria Villarruel and a group of Senators as they were about to debate the most encompassing emergency decree (DNU) 70/2023 which liberalizes the economy but needs Parliamentarian approval (or silence) to remain in force.
Thursday, March 14th 2024 - 10:46 UTC
New guidelines on use of firearms issued to tackle violence in Rosario

Argentine authorities issued a new set of guidelines regarding the use of firearms by federal law enforcement forces deployed to curb gang violence in the city of Rosario, it was reported Wednesday in Buenos Aires as the measure was to be released in Thursday's edition of the Official Gazette.
Thursday, March 14th 2024 - 10:40 UTC
Brazil: Non-pregnant mothers in same-sex unions entitled to “paternity” leave

Brazil's Supreme Federal Court (STF) ruled that non-pregnant women in same-sex unions are entitled to “paternity” leave, Agencia Brasil reported Wednesday. The rationale is to be applied to all similar cases, it was also determined.
Thursday, March 14th 2024 - 09:00 UTC
Further mines clearance plan begins in the Falkland Islands

Following the initial on-site examination of the area, where a number of mines were discovered in November 2023 at Hell’s Kitchen, located on the Murrell Peninsula, north of Stanley, Guy Marot OBE, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Advisor on behalf of Fenix Insight Limited presented a comprehensive Clearance Plan which has been agreed by the Falkland Islands Government, FIG.
Thursday, March 14th 2024 - 08:51 UTC
European Parliament approves Media Freedom Act, limiting governments' interference

The European Media Freedom Act passed by the European Parliament is designed to protect the editorial independence and journalistic sources across the European Union. States will also have to spend publicity expenditure using “public, proportionate and non-discriminatory criteria.”
Thursday, March 14th 2024 - 08:26 UTC
“We want a good relationship with Argentina, but will never negotiate Falkland Islanders rights”

”The UK Government will always protect and promote the Falkland Islanders’ right of self-determination and only they can decide their future. We want a good relationship with Argentina, but have been very clear that we will never negotiate away the Islanders’ democratic rights. My right honorable Friend the Foreign Secretary (Lord David Cameron) reassured the Islanders about our enduring commitment during his welcome visit to the Falkland Islands last month,“ David Rutley, Under Secretary for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, replied to questions from Parliament members on Tuesday, who asked ”What steps he is taking to uphold the Falkland Islanders right to self determination?.
Thursday, March 14th 2024 - 08:12 UTC
UK will ban foreign states from owing UK newspapers and news magazines

The British government will ban foreign states from owning UK newspapers and news magazines, the government has said. The action follows on the proposed takeover of the Daily Telegraph and Spectator by a United Arab Emirates-backed investment firm, RedBird IMI.
Thursday, March 14th 2024 - 08:10 UTC
Anticorruption hotline in Britain to control wrongdoings by the Metropolitan Police

With the help of the service Crimestoppers the British government has launched a nationwide anti-corruption hotline to report corruption in the Metropolitan Police and help Londoners recover the trust in the force. First launched in November 2022, the hotline it has received some 3,000 online reports and calls.