"Extremist Misogyny"

Hi Global Recap readers,

Look above.

That’s Russia up there—not an attack by Ukrainians, but the powerful Shiveluch volcano erupting. This followed a strong 7.0 magnitude earthquake that hit off Kamchatka’s east coast early Sunday.

2024 is shaping up to be a year full of explosions around the world.

🇬🇧 UNITED KINGDOM
Crackdown on “Extreme Misogyny”

The UK government is cracking down on “extreme misogyny” by classifying it as a form of extremism.

New Strategy

The Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has ordered a review of the UK’s counter-extremism strategy.

• The review will focus on harmful ideologies, including hatred of women.

• The aim is to disrupt and divert people away from “extremist beliefs.”

Rising Threats

Cooper highlighted that there has been a noticeable rise in extremism both online and on the streets.

• She believes this increase is a threat to communities and democracy.

• The review will examine Islamist and far-right extremism and other ideological trends.

Youth Radicalization

The review will also address the radicalization of young people.

• It will look into the causes and conduct of youth radicalization.

• The strategy aims to map and monitor extremist trends to better understand and counteract them.

Concerns

However, critics worry this could lead to censorship and stifle freedom of speech, where ideas that don’t align with the mainstream could be unfairly labeled as “far-right.”

Take this story for example. 👇

🇬🇧 UNITED KINGDOM
Banning Silent Prayers and Protests

The UK Home Office is considering a proposal to create a 150-meter buffer zone around abortion clinics to ensure “safe access” for women by banning silent prayers and protests.

Proposal Details

The proposal aims to curb protests and ensure safe access to clinics.

• The buffer zone would prevent anti-abortion campaigners from protesting within 150 meters of healthcare centers.

• The Home Office is reviewing current guidelines, which allow for “consensual communication.”

Silent Prayer Controversy

Silent prayer and flyering could be banned within these zones.

• Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has previously supported banning silent prayer in buffer zones.

• The current draft guidance states that silent prayer is protected under the Human Rights Act 1998.

🇬🇧 UNITED KINGDOM
Releasing Prisoners Early for Rioters

The UK government has activated “Operation Early Dawn” to manage overcrowding in jails following the sentencing of numerous rioters.

And yes, this involves releasing some people from prison early.

Emergency Plan Activated

This is a long-standing emergency plan to avoid overcrowding in jails.

• Defendants awaiting court appearances may be held in police cells longer until prison space is available.

• This could lead to delayed or adjourned court dates.

Temporary Sentence Reduction

To free up space, the Justice Secretary plans to cut the proportion of a sentence that must be served before parole from 50% to 40%.

• This is expected to release 5,500 people in September and October.

• The measure will not apply to those convicted of terrorism, sex offenses, domestic abuse, and some violent offenses.

Fast-Tracking Riot Cases

Prosecutors are fast-tracking cases of recent rioters.

• 927 people have been arrested, with 466 charged by last Monday.

• Over 100 have already been sentenced, causing a significant influx in prisons.

Overcrowding Issues

Prisons in the North East and North West are under particular pressure.

• Last week saw 397 new receptions, with only 340 spaces left in the adult closed male estate.

• Offenders may be sent 100-200 miles away from home to serve their sentences.

🇮🇱 ISRAEL
Last Chance for Gaza Peace

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has issued a warning to Israel and Hamas, emphasizing that the latest push for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal might be the best and possibly last opportunity for peace.

Biden’s False Hope

This followed Hamas’s rejection of the deal just hours after President Biden had expressed optimism to reporters, saying a deal was “closer than ever.” What was Biden told that led him to this impression?

Tel Aviv Bomb Blast

Additionally, a bomb exploded near a synagogue in Tel Aviv on Sunday, killing the man carrying it and injuring a passerby.

• Hamas and Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for the attack.

• The bomb is believed to have detonated prematurely.

• The incident happened about an hour after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Tel Aviv.

How can there be a peace deal when one side sends a suicide bomber?

Decisive Moment

Nonetheless, talks are set to resume this week based on a US "bridging proposal."

• Blinken met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

• He describes this as a critical juncture for achieving peace.

🇵🇭 PHILIPPINES
Collision in South China Sea

China’s coast guard has accused the Philippines of deliberately crashing one of its ships into a Chinese vessel near Sabina Shoal, escalating tensions in the South China Sea.

Incident Details

Early Monday, two Philippine Coast Guard ships entered waters near Sabina Shoal and allegedly collided with a Chinese boat.

• China claims the Philippines ignored warnings.

• The incident adds to the ongoing territorial disputes.

China’s Response

China’s coast guard spokesperson blamed the Philippines for the collision and issued a stern warning.

• China claims “indisputable sovereignty” over the Spratly Islands, including Sabina Shoal and adjacent waters.

• China warned of consequences if provocations continue.

Background

Sabina Shoal has become a new flashpoint in the territorial disputes between China and the Philippines.

• The shoal is about 140 kilometers (87 miles) west of Palawan.

• The area has seen increasing confrontations since last year.