Gates of Vienna News Feed 4/19/2021

Cities across the United States are bracing for possible riots in anticipation of the verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial in Minneapolis. The governor of Illinois has called up the National Guard at the request of the city of Chicago.

In other news, the USA reached an important milestone over the weekend, as more than 50% of the population has now been “vaccinated” against COVID-19.

To see the headlines and the articles, click “Continue reading” below.

Thanks to Dean, DV, LP, MM, Reader from Chicago, SS, and all the other tipsters who sent these in.

Notice to tipsters: Please don’t submit extensive excerpts from articles that have been posted behind a subscription firewall, or are otherwise under copyright protection.

Caveat: Articles in the news feed are posted “as is”. Gates of Vienna cannot vouch for the authenticity or accuracy of the contents of any individual item posted here. I check each entry to make sure it is relatively interesting, not patently offensive, and at least superficially plausible. The link to the original is included with each item’s title. Further research and verification are left to the reader.

Financial Crisis
» Czechia’s Economic Level Surpasses Spain
 
USA
» 13-Year-Old Fatally Shot at Maryland Shopping Center; 12-Year-Old Charged
» 4 Arrested After 2nd Night of DC Protests Ahead of Chauvin Verdict
» AOC Supports Court-Packing, Says SCOTUS Should Not be Able to Overturn Legislation
» As Nation Awaits Chauvin Verdict, Cincinnati Preps for Possibility of Protests
» Bill Maher Bashes Liberal Media Over COVID-19 Ignorance
» BLM Protesters Rally for ‘Victim, ‘ Leave After Learning He Was White
» Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick Died of Natural Causes After Jan. 6 Riot, Examiner Says
» Crowdfunding Data Breach Triggers Witch Hunt Against Cops Who Support Kyle Rittenhouse
» DMCA Requests Continue to Attempt to Bring Down Legitimate Websites
» Double Shooting in Lakehead Being Investigated as a Hate Crime
» ESPN Issues Correction After Wrongly Reporting Jacob Blake Was Unarmed in Confrontation With Police
» Facebook Co-Founder Gave Millions to BLM’s Patrisse Cullors Before Facebook Censored News Story About Her Mansions
» Former Deputy Accused of Killing 3 in Austin Found Walking Along Highway 290, Arrested After Manhunt
» Gov. Pritzker Activating Illinois National Guard Tuesday for Chauvin Verdict
» Half of U.S. Adults Have Received a COVID-19 Vaccination
» Harvard Epidemiologist in Chinese Dictator Hat Wants ‘Accountability’ For Anti-Lockdown Academics
» Idaho Legislature Considers Absorbing Part of Oregon
» James O’Keefe Sues Twitter for Defamation
» Journalist Slammed for Paying Home Visit to Utah Paramedic Who Donated $10 to Kyle Rittenhouse
» Judge in Chauvin Trial Calls L.A. Rep. Waters’ Comments About Protests ‘Abhorrent, ‘ Says They Could Help Appeal
» ‘Let’s Do That Peacefully,’ Wake DA Says of Any Protests Following Chauvin Verdict
» Parler is Coming Back to Apple’s App Store
» Proposed Bill Would Make Protesters Convicted of an Offense Ineligible for Student Loans
» Senator Josh Hawley Outlines a Plan to Break Up Big Tech
» Southern California Prepares for Protests as Derek Chauvin Trial Nears Its End
» Suburban Minneapolis Police Shoot, Kill Alleged Carjacker
» Video: Fauci Repeats ‘This Has Nothing to Do With Liberties’ Talking Point
» Video: Fauci Now Being Interviewed About Gun Control
 
Canada
» Bracebridge OPP Break Up Large Religious Gathering in Warehouse
» Charges Pending After Belleville Anti-Lockdown Rally: Police Chief
» Ontario Police Agencies Refuse to Enforce New Lockdown Orders That Allow Them to Randomly Stop People for Being Outdoors
» Police Issue Fines for Illegal Gatherings in Mille-Isles
» Province Backtracks on Playground Closures, Random Police Stops
» Traffic: Protest Occupying One Lane of Douglas Street Southbound
 
Europe and the EU
» 9-Year-Old Girl Targeted by ‘Grooming’ Child Rape Gangs in England’s Black Country
» Czechia Plans to Reduce Dependence on Countries With a Different Ideological Orientation
» German Courts Ban ‘Lateral Thinking’ Anti-Lockdown Protests
» Italian Officials Busted for Illegal Songbird Feast
» Juncker: I Could Have Stopped ‘Brainwashed’ British From Voting for Brexit
» Justice Minister Varga: Hungary Has Demonstrated That an Effective Solution to the Migrant Crisis Exists
» Malta: One Week on, Police Still Probing Illegal Party Held During COVID Lockdown
» Mass Surveillance in Europe? Leaked EU Documents Raises Serious Privacy Concerns
» Report: Huawei Had the Ability to Listen to Phone Calls of Every Dutch Citizen, Including Government Officials
» Survey: Quarter of UK Population Wants to Work at Home Forever
» Swedes Refuse AstraZeneca Vaccine
» UK: Cancer Research Could be Delayed by 2 Years Due to Pandemic, Says Institute
» UK: Extinction Rebellion Worcestershire Holds Climate Crime Scene Protest
» UK: Labour Leader Kicked Out of Pub by Anti-Lockdown Landlord
» UK: Man, 22, Handed £10,000 Fine Over 90-Person Party in Nottingham
» UK: Prince William Requested Cousin Stand Between Him and Harry at Funeral: Report
» UK: Stop Handing Out Taxpayer Cash to Groups Pushing ‘White Privilege’ Myth, Demands Tory MP
» UK: Video: Rabid Consumers Crush Into Massive Harrods Queue After Being Locked Down for Months
» Viktor Orban Could be a Model for the EU During COVID-19, Says French Historian
 
North Africa
» ISIS Issues Warning to ‘Christians of Egypt’ As They Execute a Captured Coptic and Two Tribesmen With Gunshots to the Head
 
South Asia
» “We Can and Should Get Out Earlier”: Trump Blasts Biden’s 9/11 Target Date for Afghanistan Troop Withdrawal
 
Far East
» YouTube Accused of Censoring Content Critical of the Chinese Communist Party
 
Australia — Pacific
» Australian Court Rules Google Deceived Users About Location Data Collection
» Minister Refuses to Rule Out Electronic Ankle Bracelets to Enforce Home Quarantine
 
Immigration
» Federal Employees Directed to No Longer Refer to Noncitizens and Migrants as ‘Illegal Aliens’
» French Revolt as Authorities Protect Migrants Squatting in Locals’ Home
» More Than 60 Migrants Brave Bitter Sea Temperatures to Cross Channel to UK in Tiny Boats as 2021 Total Passes 1,500
 
Culture Wars
» Disgusting Video Shows Children Being Paraded Around Drag Queen Show Taking Cash Tips
 

Czechia’s Economic Level Surpasses Spain

The Czech Republic’s economic level, which is based on the current purchasing power parity of a country, will rise to 88 percent of the average of 19 euro area countries next year. Czechia is thus getting closer to Italy in this regard and is better off than Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Portugal, and Spain.

Last year, the Czech gross domestic product (GDP) per capita in relation to the euro area was also at 88 percent, but this year it will probably fall to 87 percent.

[Comment: Czechia’s economy is freer.]

           — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago [Return to headlines]
 

13-Year-Old Fatally Shot at Maryland Shopping Center; 12-Year-Old Charged

King Douglas of Upper Marlboro was fatally shot at the Ritchie Station Marketplace shopping center in Forestville, police say

A 13-year-old boy died and a 12-year-old boy is charged with murder after what police believe was a clash Saturday between two groups of young people at a shopping center in Prince George’s County.

King Douglas, of Upper Marlboro, died, police said Monday.

The 12-year-old suspect, a D.C. resident, was arrested and charged as a juvenile with first-degree murder. His name was not released.

           — Hat tip: LP [Return to headlines]
 

4 Arrested After 2nd Night of DC Protests Ahead of Chauvin Verdict

WASHINGTON — D.C. police arrested three adults and one teenager in Saturday night’s anti-police brutality protest, which comes as District leaders prepare for potential demonstrations in response to a possible Derek Chauvin trial verdict this week.

Saturday marked a second night of demonstrations in the District.

           — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago [Return to headlines]
 

AOC Supports Court-Packing, Says SCOTUS Should Not be Able to Overturn Legislation

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez(D-NY) is backing the Democrats’ efforts to add four new seats to the Supreme Court to be filled by President Biden, saying the courts should not be allowed to overturn laws passed by Congress.

           — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago [Return to headlines]
 

As Nation Awaits Chauvin Verdict, Cincinnati Preps for Possibility of Protests

CINCINNATI — Cities across the country are preparing for the possibility of protests depending on the outcome of the verdict in the death of George Floyd.

Those in charge of community safety in the Cincinnati area know it is prudent to be prepared for whatever the aftermath of the Derek Chauvin trial brings.

           — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago [Return to headlines]
 

Bill Maher Bashes Liberal Media Over COVID-19 Ignorance

Liberal television host Bill Maher accused the liberal media of overreacting to the conservatives and former President Donald Trump’s handling of the pandemic, saying that Republicans in states like Florida and Texas have done a better job on the issue than blue states.

           — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago [Return to headlines]
 

BLM Protesters Rally for ‘Victim, ‘ Leave After Learning He Was White

Black Lives Matter protesters in Minnesota dropped to a knee and set off to march over a fatal police shooting — only to return when they learned it was a white carjacker who had fired at police, according to reports.

Dozens of people protesting outside Gov. Tim Walz’s mansion in St. Paul on Sunday were filmed by Fox 9 reporter Mitti Hicks as they knelt for a moment of silence over initial rumors about Sunday’s 3 p.m. fatal shooting.

           — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago [Return to headlines]
 

Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick Died of Natural Causes After Jan. 6 Riot, Examiner Says

U.S. Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick suffered two strokes and died of natural causes the day after he confronted rioters during the Jan. 6 insurrection, according to Washington’s top medical examiner.

The chief medical examiner, Francisco Diaz, said Monday that an autopsy of Sicknick found no evidence the 42-year-old suffered an allergic reaction to chemical irritants. Diaz ruled the Sicknick, 42, died from “acute brainstem and cerebellar infarcts due to acute basilar artery thrombosis.”

           — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago [Return to headlines]
 

Crowdfunding Data Breach Triggers Witch Hunt Against Cops Who Support Kyle Rittenhouse

A data breach at the Christian crowdfunding site GiveSendGo has revealed the identities of law enforcement personnel who contributed to the legal defense fund for Kyle Rittenhouse, the 17-year-old boy who opened fire amid the chaos of riots in Kenosha, Wisc., seemingly in self-defense. The Guardian contacted the employers of cops who dared to contribute to Rittenhouse, in what the founders of GiveSendGo suggested was an attempt to get the cops fired.

           — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago [Return to headlines]
 

DMCA Requests Continue to Attempt to Bring Down Legitimate Websites

The websites of multiple legitimate companies and organizations have been purged from Google Search as a result of a completely careless DMCA takedown notice.

Copyright holders often send takedown notices to Google, and the platform responds by removing links containing pirated content from search results. Most of the time, these takedown notices are accurate, but sometimes mistakes are made, which end up affecting legitimate websites.

According to a report on Torrent Freak, last week RightsHero sent a takedown notice to Google, on behalf of Vuclip Middle East, an entertainment company. The takedown notice listed over 7,000 URLs, containing alleged pirated content of several movies the company owns, including one whose Arabic name translates to “Live Oud.”

           — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago [Return to headlines]
 

Double Shooting in Lakehead Being Investigated as a Hate Crime

LAKEHEAD, Calif. — The Shasta County Sheriff’s Office has identified the suspect arrested after a shooting in Lakehead on Sunday morning.

The victims and their families were near the Salt Creek Boat Ramp when they were approached by the suspect, Silas Matthew Hesselberg, 21, from Sacramento, ‘for no apparent reason,’ according to the sheriff’s office. Deputies said Hesselberg called one of the victims a racial slur and then pulled out a handgun from his pocket and shot both victims.

Deputies said when they arrived at the scene, they located Hesselberg and two gunshot victims. The two victims were taken to the hospital. One of the victims was treated and released the same day, while the other victim is currently in the hospital in critical condition, deputies said.

Hesselberg was transported to the Shasta County Major Crimes Unit where he provided a statement to detectives.

The Shasta County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit said it is now investigating this incident as a hate crime…

           — Hat tip: MM [Return to headlines]
 

ESPN Issues Correction After Wrongly Reporting Jacob Blake Was Unarmed in Confrontation With Police

ESPN was issued a correction to a story by reporter Adrian Wojnarwoski that was featured as a front-page article on the sports giant’s heavily-trafficked website.

Discussing the NBA’s plans to push more social justice activism should Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin be found not guilty in the murder of George Floyd, Wojnarwoski addressed Blake’s death, describing the knife-carrying man as “unarmed.”

           — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago [Return to headlines]
 

Facebook Co-Founder Gave Millions to BLM’s Patrisse Cullors Before Facebook Censored News Story About Her Mansions

A new report from the the Washington Free Beacon has uncovered that Facebook co-founder Dustin Moskovitz has given millions of dollars to groups run by Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrisse Cullors, including one which paid Cullors $20,000 a month.

Last week, Facebook desperately moved to censor a New York Post story about Cullors’ multi-million dollar mansion collection from the website.

           — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago [Return to headlines]
 

Former Deputy Accused of Killing 3 in Austin Found Walking Along Highway 290, Arrested After Manhunt

AUSTIN, Texas — Authorities captured 41-year-old Stephen Broderick early Monday near Manor, just north of Austin, after receiving a 911 call about a man walking along Highway 290.

He was taken into custody without incident, our sister station KVUE reports.

Broderick is a former sheriff’s deputy accused in an “active attack” in northwest Austin on Sunday. He remained “at large” for a day, but police said they believed the killings were an isolated domestic situation with no risk to the general public.

Three people were killed in Sunday’s attack.

KVUE’s Tony Plohetski reported the shooting scene was at an apartment — nearby residents were asked to shelter-in-place at the time. When officers arrived, said they located three people who were injured.

Austin-Travis County EMS said the individuals had suffered gunshot wounds and medics performed CPR, but all three died shortly after. Police said the victims were two women and one man…

           — Hat tip: Dean [Return to headlines]
 

Gov. Pritzker Activating Illinois National Guard Tuesday for Chauvin Verdict

CHICAGO — Governor JB Pritzker is activating the Illinois National Guard Tuesday at the request of the City of Chicago due to the upcoming Chauvin trial verdict.

The governor’s office said 125 members of the Illinois National Guard will deploy to Chicago beginning on Tuesday to support the Chicago Police Department as needed.

“At the request of Mayor Lightfoot, I am activating members of the Illinois National Guard to support the city in keeping our communities safe,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “It is critical that those who wish to peacefully protest against the systemic racism and injustice that holds back too many of our communities continue to be able to do so. Members of the Guard and the Illinois State Police will support the City of Chicago’s efforts to protect the rights of peaceful protestors and keep our families safe.”

           — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago [Return to headlines]
 

Half of U.S. Adults Have Received a COVID-19 Vaccination

The U.S. hit a milestone over the weekend, with the CDC reporting that half of U.S. adults have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. More than 32% of American adults are fully vaccinated against the infection.

           — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago [Return to headlines]
 

Harvard Epidemiologist in Chinese Dictator Hat Wants ‘Accountability’ For Anti-Lockdown Academics

After months of harsh COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, the country has slowly begun to reopen. While many scientists have come out in support of the return to normalcy, epidemiologist and Harvard Fellow Justin Feldman has been an outspoken proponent of the lockdowns to the point of calling for scholars who disagree with him to face “accountability.”

Feldman, a “social inequality and state violence” epidemiologist, according to his Twitter bio, recently authored a post attacking the so-called herd immunity, and scolding academics who support it. Feldman labeled the idea “not evidence-based” and a product of “right-wing think tanks” like the Hoover Institute and American Institute For Economic Research.

Feldman’s Twitter profile picture shows him wearing a green hat with a red star, which is what former Chinese Communist Party leader Mao Zedong wore throughout his rule and the Chinese cultural revolution in the mid-1900s.

           — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago [Return to headlines]
 

Idaho Legislature Considers Absorbing Part of Oregon

A group of Oregon residents want their rural counties to be absorbed by Idaho, to throw off the control Portland exerts on a very different area of the state. Two counties have already voiced majority support for the idea in ballot initiatives.

The latest step for the organizations Move Oregon’s Border and Citizens for a Greater Idaho, was to present the idea to House and Senate committees in the Idaho legislature.The former house speaker of Oregon, who lives in one of the counties that want out, joined the movement’s leader to help pitch the plan.

           — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago [Return to headlines]
 

James O’Keefe Sues Twitter for Defamation

James O’Keefe, the founder of investigative journalism group Project Veritas, has sued Twitter for defamation after the social media platform permanently banned him for allegedly “operating fake accounts.”

“I am suing Twitter for defamation because they said I… ‘operated fake accounts,’“ O’Keefe said in a statement. “This is false, this is defamatory, and they will pay. Section 230 may have protected them before, but it will not protect them from me.”

The complaint was filed today and we’re providing a copy of it for you here.

           — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago [Return to headlines]
 

Journalist Slammed for Paying Home Visit to Utah Paramedic Who Donated $10 to Kyle Rittenhouse

A journalist was roundly condemned after visiting the home of a paramedic in Utah who donated $10 to Kyle Rittenhouse’s legal defense fund, with many asking why posting images of the man’s home didn’t violate Twitter’s policy on doxxing and harassment.

The incident occurred after the Guardian newspaper published the names of individuals who had donated to Rittenhouse following a data breach from a Christian crowdfunding website.

           — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago [Return to headlines]
 

Judge in Chauvin Trial Calls L.A. Rep. Waters’ Comments About Protests ‘Abhorrent, ‘ Says They Could Help Appeal

The judge overseeing the trial of a former Minneapolis police officer in the death of George Floyd on Monday called recent comments by U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters “abhorrent,” saying they could lead to a verdict being appealed and overturned.

Waters, a California Democrat, had joined protesters on Saturday outside the police department of a Minneapolis suburb where a police officer fatally shot a Black motorist earlier this month. Waters, who is Black, told the crowd she wanted to see a murder conviction against Derek Chauvin for Floyd’s death.

When asked what should happen if Chauvin isn’t convicted on murder charges, she replied, “We gotta stay on the street, we’ve got to get more active, we’ve got to get more confrontational, we’ve got to make sure that they know that we mean business.”

           — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago [Return to headlines]
 

‘Let’s Do That Peacefully,’ Wake DA Says of Any Protests Following Chauvin Verdict

RALEIGH, N.C. — Protests over police killings occurred nightly in downtown Raleigh over the weekend, and authorities are concerned they will become more violent once a jury in Minnesota returns a verdict in the trial of former police officer Derek Chauvin, who faces charges in the death of George Floyd last year.

A Sunday night protest in Moore Square over the recent police shootings of Daunte Wright in suburban Minneapolis and Adam Toledo in Chicago evolved into a march through downtown, with participants shouting “Black lives matter” and “No justice, no peace.”

Police eventually ordered the crowd to get out of the streets and move onto sidewalks, calling the protest an “unlawful assembly.” The orders sparked violence from the crowd, who spray-painted graffiti and threw on buildings, shattered windows and tossed trash bins into streets to hinder police.

           — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago [Return to headlines]
 

Parler is Coming Back to Apple’s App Store

Parler, the free speech alternative to Facebook, will be coming back to Apple’s app store.

Apple informed Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) and Rep. Ken Buck (R-Colo.) of its decision in a letter dated April 19, 2021, that Buck shared on Twitter.

           — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago [Return to headlines]
 

Proposed Bill Would Make Protesters Convicted of an Offense Ineligible for Student Loans

A new bill proposed in the Minnesota Legislature would make anyone convicted of a crime at a protest ineligible for student loans and many other forms of state financial aid.

The bill, authored by Sen. David Osmek (R-Mound), states that “A person convicted of a criminal offense related to the person’s illegal conduct at a protest, demonstration, rally, civil unrest, or march is ineligible for any type of state loan, grant, or assistance, including but not limited to college student loans and grants …”

Other forms of state financial aid, including food stamps, rent assistance and unemployment benefits, are also in the bill.

Some University of Minnesota students are currently awaiting their court date after being arrested for protesting on highway I-94 last November.

           — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago [Return to headlines]
 

Senator Josh Hawley Outlines a Plan to Break Up Big Tech

Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) has introduced the “Bust Up Big Tech Act,” a bill that will limit Big Tech companies from engaging in anti competitive practices and reduce their alleged monopolies in certain markets. If the bill passes, companies such as Amazon and Google would not be allowed to favor their own products in search engines and online marketplaces they own.

“Woke Big Tech companies like Google and Amazon have been coddled by Washington politicians for years,” said Sen. Hawley in a statement submitted to Reclaim The Net. “This treatment has allowed them to amass colossal amounts of power that they use to censor political opinions they don’t agree with and shut out competitors who offer consumers an alternative to the status quo.”

We obtained a copy of the bill for you here.

           — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago [Return to headlines]
 

Southern California Prepares for Protests as Derek Chauvin Trial Nears Its End

Law enforcement agencies across Southern California are preparing this week for protests as the Minnesota murder trial of a former police officer charged in the death of George Floyd nears an end.

Closing arguments were delivered Monday in the trial of former officer Derek Chauvin after weeks of emotional testimony. The jury is expected to receive the case for deliberations early this week, possibly Monday.

In Beverly Hills, police will be on “full alert’’ in the city’s residential and business districts this week. In statement, the department said it will be working with other law enforcement personnel and private security companies.

           — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago [Return to headlines]
 

Suburban Minneapolis Police Shoot, Kill Alleged Carjacker

BURNSVILLE, Minn. (AP) — Police say they shot and killed a man who was allegedly involved in a carjacking in suburban Minneapolis and fired shots at pursuing officers. A release from the Burnsville Police Department said on Sunday officers encountered the suspect, believed to be a white man in his 20s, driving a vehicle with stolen plates. Shortly after the suspect crashed the vehicle, officers received a report that the same man had then stolen a car from a woman at gunpoint. Police said the suspect began shooting at police during a chase and multiple officers returned fire. The man was later pronounced dead at a Minneapolis hospital. The incident follows the fatal shooting of a 20-year-old Black man by a police officer in Brooklyn Center, another suburb.

           — Hat tip: DV [Return to headlines]
 

Video: Fauci Repeats ‘This Has Nothing to Do With Liberties’ Talking Point

Despite the fact that he continues to not answer any questions and just repeat the same useless talking points, Anthony Fauci refuses to stop being on TV.

Appearing on CNN on Sunday, Fauci repeated the same talking points as he did during a heated back and forth with Congressman Jim Jordan last week, claiming that ongoing coronavirus restrictions have nothing to do with liberties.

Fauci said he finds it “quite frustrating” having to respond to comments like Jordan’s, despite the fact that Jordan was asking basic questions about when lockdowns, masking and other restrictions will be lifted.

           — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago [Return to headlines]
 

Video: Fauci Now Being Interviewed About Gun Control

While refusing to answer any basic questions about when endless lockdowns and mask mandates will be scrapped, Chief Medical advisor to Joe Biden, Anthony Fauci, is now appearing on TV to advocate for more gun control.

During an interview with CNN, after he’d blamed Republicans for prolonging lockdowns and again claimed that the restrictions have nothing to do with liberties, Fauci was asked to comment on gun violence.

           — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago [Return to headlines]
 

Bracebridge OPP Break Up Large Religious Gathering in Warehouse

SUDBURY — Ontario Provincial Police in Bracebridge says officers broke up a large religious gathering Sunday morning at a warehouse where people inside were not wearing masks or social distancing.

Police said officers responded to a complaint about a large gathering at a facility on Monica Lane at 11 a.m. April 18. The event was found to be breaking Ontario’s stay-at-home orders.

“Attempts were made by police to educate the involved people and have them disperse, however, the pastor refused to co-operate and was subsequently issued a provincial offence notice for failing to comply with order 10(1) under the Reopening Ontario Act (ROA),” OPP said in a news release late Sunday night.

           — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago [Return to headlines]
 

Charges Pending After Belleville Anti-Lockdown Rally: Police Chief

Friday’s anti-lockdown rally in Belleville “absolutely” involved illegal activity and charges are pending, Belleville’s police chief says.

“We have commenced an investigation and will be looking at proceeding with charges this week against some of the individuals that we were able to identify,” Chief Mike Callaghan told Postmedia on Monday in a telephone interview.

Callaghan said 150 to 200 people gathered Friday afternoon at West Zwick’s Centennial Park for a rally against lockdowns and other pandemic measures.

As reported Friday, they then gathered, largely without masks or physical distancing, in the Lion’s Club pavilion before marching to city hall.

           — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago [Return to headlines]
 

Ontario Police Agencies Refuse to Enforce New Lockdown Orders That Allow Them to Randomly Stop People for Being Outdoors

The majority of law enforcement agencies in Ontario, Canada, say they will not enforce new COVID-19 restrictions that prohibit people from leaving their homes for unauthorized reasons and allow police to randomly stop and question citizens.

           — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago [Return to headlines]
 

Police Issue Fines for Illegal Gatherings in Mille-Isles

The Sûreté du Québec carried out several interventions in rental cabins near Route 329, in Mille-Isles on Saturday April 17, following reports of people having prohibited social gatherings due to COVID-19 restrictions. More than twenty-six reports of general offenses were issued on the spot during checks in three rental cabins. Those charged were mainly from Ontario.

           — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago [Return to headlines]
 

Province Backtracks on Playground Closures, Random Police Stops

WELLINGTON COUNTY — Now that random stops are off the table, OPP officers will focus on businesses and restaurants, complaints from the public and unlawful public gatherings.

On April 16 Premier Doug Ford and Solicitor General Sylvia Jones announced that as part of sweeping new COVID-19 restrictions, police could randomly stop residents on the street or in their vehicles and require them to provide their address and the reason for being out.

The province backtracked on the new police powers the next day, following strong public backlash and an outright refusal by some police forces to conduct random stops.

Now police may stop individuals only if they are suspected of participating in an organized event or social gathering.

           — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago [Return to headlines]
 

Traffic: Protest Occupying One Lane of Douglas Street Southbound

One southbound lane of Douglas Street is closed Monday afternoon while environmental activists finish their four-day trek from Vancouver to the B.C. legislative building.

Traffic is delayed, Victoria police tweeted, and motorists are asked to consider taking an alternative route.

           — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago [Return to headlines]
 

9-Year-Old Girl Targeted by ‘Grooming’ Child Rape Gangs in England’s Black Country

Grooming gangs in the Black Country of the English West Midlands have been revealed to have targetted a nine-year-old girl.

One of Britain’s youngest victims of child sexual exploitation by grooming gangs was listed in the latest statistics released by the Sandwell Council, which said that 36 people, aged between nine and 22, were at risk of abuse by the vicious gangs in 2020.

           — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago [Return to headlines]
 

Czechia Plans to Reduce Dependence on Countries With a Different Ideological Orientation

The Czech Republic will work to reduce its strategic dependence on countries with different ideological and value orientations, according to the country’s national strategy to address hybrid action, which will be discussed by the government today.

The strategy defines hybrid action as a hidden and overt activity of states and so-called non-state actors, which is directed against vulnerable parts of a democratic state and society. These states use various means to achieve their goals, from political and military to economic and intelligence gathering, some of which may be illegal. Through their actions, the actors try to blur the boundaries between peace, crisis, and conflict and strive to remain hidden and ambiguous.

For example, they use existing social divisions for their goals, which they work to deepen. They may seek, for example, to slow down the political decision-making process, weaken citizens’ confidence in democratic institutions, disrupt economic processes, or gain influence in strategic companies. They can also try to covertly influence political parties, courts, the police, or the media.

           — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago [Return to headlines]
 

German Courts Ban ‘Lateral Thinking’ Anti-Lockdown Protests

Protests against coronavirus lockdowns in Germany, known as the “Querdenker” or “lateral thinking” movement, have been barred from gathering by regional courts in the country.

Bavaria’s Administrative Court ruled late Friday evening that demonstrations against Germany’s lockdown should be banned under the pretext of slowing the spread of the Chinese virus.

           — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago [Return to headlines]
 

Italian Officials Busted for Illegal Songbird Feast

A group of Italian government officials are under investigation for feasting on a lunch of wild songbirds — including some that were a rare species, a report said Monday.

Carabinieri officers busted the lavish meal, which also defied COVID-19 guidelines, and found the illegally hunted creatures on the menu, the Telegraph reported.

The banquet secretly held in a government building near the city of Brescia included rare tiny birds such as hawfinches and red crossbills.

Chaffinches, goldfinches, siskins and bramblings were also ready to be devoured.

           — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago [Return to headlines]
 

Juncker: I Could Have Stopped ‘Brainwashed’ British From Voting for Brexit

Jean-Claude Juncker, the President of the European Commission during the Brexit referendum, believes he could have stopped the British from voting Leave if he had not been asked to “shut up” during the campaign.

Juncker, a former prime minister of the city-state of Luxembourg, which enjoys outsized influence in the European Union, told the i that “I should not have listened to David Cameron,” the then-Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

           — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago [Return to headlines]
 

Justice Minister Varga: Hungary Has Demonstrated That an Effective Solution to the Migrant Crisis Exists

Hungary continues to demonstrate that an effective solution to Europe’s ongoing migrant crisis does in fact exist, Hungarian Justice Minister Judit Varga wrote in a statement posted to social media last week.

The minister’s statement, posted to Facebook last Tuesday, came in response to a recent proposal put forward by the European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice, and Home Affairs (LIBE), which she contends runs “completely contrary to the interests of the people of Europe”.

LIBE member Sylvie Guillaume, a pro-mass migration, French MEP who is a part of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats — a leftist grouping in the European Parliament — was quoted as saying, “We encourage the European Commission to take new and determinate actions in the area of legal migration”.

           — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago [Return to headlines]
 

Malta: One Week on, Police Still Probing Illegal Party Held During COVID Lockdown

Police say they are still investigating an illegal party that happened over a week ago, despite guests being questioned on the matter within days.

The footage of the video, showing dozens of teenagers gathering in breach of coronavirus lockdown rules in an undisclosed villa, sparked anger when it was shared on social media.

However, a week later, police could not confirm if any fines had been issued or the organisers charted.

A spokesperson only said that “investigations are still ongoing”.

           — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago [Return to headlines]
 

Mass Surveillance in Europe? Leaked EU Documents Raises Serious Privacy Concerns

Several MEPs are warning against the European Commission’s draft regulation on the approach to artificial intelligence, with the politicians citing fears of broad monitoring of users on social networks, facial recognition technology, and pinpoint geographical data for individuals.

The European Commission stated that it wanted to present the final version of the document next week, but the draft has leaked and started to raise concerns among representatives of the European Parliament.

For several months, the European Commission has been preparing a proposal to regulate the use of artificial intelligence (AI). This should apply in particular to computer algorithms, where artificial intelligence should be more secure and transparent. However, the document leaked prematurely and news outlets such as the BBC are reporting on its contents.

           — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago [Return to headlines]
 

Report: Huawei Had the Ability to Listen to Phone Calls of Every Dutch Citizen, Including Government Officials

Chinese tech firm Huawei had the capability to monitor all users of one of Netherlands’ largest mobile network providers and even eavesdrop on private conversations.

Back in 2010, Huawei could have been monitoring all KPN users and even eavesdropping on their calls, according to an article on de Volkskrant, a Dutch newspaper. The article cited a report by Capgemini, a consultancy firm hired by KPN.

The report claimed that even the former prime minister, Jan Peter Balkende, senior government officials, and Chinese dissidents could have been monitored by the Chinese tech firm. It also alleges that the tech firm had the ability to identify phone numbers that had been tapped by law enforcement and intelligence agencies. At the time, KPN’s mobile network had about 6.5 million users.

It seems the report was so damning that it was not made public.

           — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago [Return to headlines]
 

Survey: Quarter of UK Population Wants to Work at Home Forever

Almost a quarter of the UK workforce wants to stay at home FOREVER, according to a survey conducted by Deloitte.

The London Telegraph reports that around 25% never want to go back to their place of work ever again, noting that the figure equates to 7.5 million people who would be happy to stay at home and work on their own for the rest of their lives.

           — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago [Return to headlines]
 

Swedes Refuse AstraZeneca Vaccine

Concerns about the AstraZeneca vaccine in Sweden have prompted refusals to vaccinate, leading to doses being discarded in the dustbin, the newspaper Dagens Nyheter reported, adding that this increases both the costs of the inoculation campaign and the workload on healthcare staff.

Sweden temporarily suspended the use of Astra Zeneca’s vaccine following a spate of reports of serious side effects, including a rare combination of blood clots and haemorrhages amid low platelet counts. While the vaccination later resumed, a growing hesitancy among the population has ensued.

           — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago [Return to headlines]
 

UK: Cancer Research Could be Delayed by 2 Years Due to Pandemic, Says Institute

Advancements in cancer research in the UK could be delayed by two years due to the Chinese coronavirus pandemic, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, has said.

The ICR, which is a member of the University of London, said on Sunday that while a survey of its researchers from last year estimated delays for cancer patients could be as long as 17 months due to the pandemic, that figure “was an underestimate” according to its chief executive, Paul Workman.

           — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago [Return to headlines]
 

UK: Extinction Rebellion Worcestershire Holds Climate Crime Scene Protest

CLIMATE activists took to the streets of Worcester this weekend for a “crime scene” demonstration.

Members of Extinction Rebellion Worcestershire performed a “climate crime scene” as street theatre in the centre of Worcester on Saturday.

The “crime scene” features a faceless councillor stamping bits of paper at their desk, ignoring the warning signs of what is to come.

People beg for help but when their pleas go unanswered, they fall to the ground and die. Forensic investigators in Hazmat suits move in to examine the bodies.

They issue death certificates which list extreme heat, food shortage and air pollution as causes of death.

           — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago [Return to headlines]
 

UK: Labour Leader Kicked Out of Pub by Anti-Lockdown Landlord

UK Labour Party leader Keir Starmer was kicked out of a pub in Bath by an irate landlord who tore into him for supporting the Conservative government’s economy-wrecking lockdown policy.

Starmer’s visit to the Raven didn’t go as planned as owner Rod Humphreys launched into a verbal tirade about the idiocy of COVID-19 restrictions while asserting he was “incandescent” with rage.

The landlord showed Starmer a chart while making the point that the average age of a COVID death was 82 years and 3 months compared to the average age of death in the UK which is 81 years.

           — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago [Return to headlines]
 

UK: Man, 22, Handed £10,000 Fine Over 90-Person Party in Nottingham

The organiser behind what police say is one of the biggest illegal gatherings since the start of the pandemic has received the maximum Covid breach fine.

A 22-year-old man is believed to have booked a venue on Pilcher Gate in the Lace Market using an online booking agency.

Officers from Nottinghamshire Police were called to the property at 12.40am on Saturday, April 10 following reports from neighbours.

The force said they were astonished to find the numbers of people at the venue.

           — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago [Return to headlines]
 

UK: Prince William Requested Cousin Stand Between Him and Harry at Funeral: Report

Prince William asked for his cousin Peter Phillips to walk between him and Prince Harry during the funeral cortege, according to reports, suggesting there were continued strained relations following Meghan and Harry’s accusations-charged interview.

Sources speaking to the Mail on Sunday claimed Prince William the Duke of Cambridge made the request, with a friend of Prince Harry allegedly telling the tabloid: “He’s just doing what he’s told and getting on with it.”

           — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago [Return to headlines]
 

UK: Stop Handing Out Taxpayer Cash to Groups Pushing ‘White Privilege’ Myth, Demands Tory MP

Charities and institutions in Britain which promote the leftist idea of ‘white privilege’ should be blocked from receiving taxpayer support, a leading Tory MP has said.

A parliamentary group studying the reasons for white working-class children falling behind other ethnic groups will reportedly demand that the government stop propping up left-wing attacks on the white British population.

           — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago [Return to headlines]
 

UK: Video: Rabid Consumers Crush Into Massive Harrods Queue After Being Locked Down for Months

Video shot over the weekend in London shows hundreds of people cramming into a massive queue to get into the department store Harrods after it reopened along with all other ‘non-essential’ stores last week.

The scenes highlight how utterly stupid the government’s restrictions on stores have been, as well as the staggered reopening, as now vast swathes of consumers are clamouring to get inside all at once, making a mockery of social distancing restrictions, which the government has repeatedly stated need to remain in place.

           — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago [Return to headlines]
 

Viktor Orban Could be a Model for the EU During COVID-19, Says French Historian

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban reaction to the Covid-19 crisis could be a model for the European Union, French historian Kevin Bousset said in an interview with national station Kossuth Radió on Sunday.

“Viktor Orban again saw that the Union was slow and lagging behind. He responded by ordering Chinese and Russian vaccines, so Hungary is among the most vaccinated on average in the EU today. More than 3 million people have been vaccinated, nearly a third of the population, in France that number is half that. In other words, it is worrying that if we follow the Union, we will not be able to protect our citizens,” Bousset said. “Macron makes the mistake of playing European. In a situation like this, we would rather have a patriot, a politician defending national interests, who also orders a vaccine outside Brussels.”

He added that he does not think there is a good or bad vaccine, and Chinese or Russian ones are also good.

[Comment: I think that Viktor Orban is great. But nobody is perfect. And his imperfection shows in his pro-lockdown policies.]

           — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago [Return to headlines]
 

ISIS Issues Warning to ‘Christians of Egypt’ As They Execute a Captured Coptic and Two Tribesmen With Gunshots to the Head

An Egyptian terror group linked to ISIS has executed three men including a Coptic Christian as a warning for supporting the country’s armed forces.

Nabil Habashi Salama, 62, a member of Egypt’s minority Coptic Orthodox Church, was shown being shot in the back of the head in a video released Saturday.

In the footage, a militant with his face blurred, an AK-47 slung across his chest and index finger raised to the sky, warns the ‘Christians of Egypt’ that ‘this is the price you pay for supporting the Egyptian army.’

           — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago [Return to headlines]
 

“We Can and Should Get Out Earlier”: Trump Blasts Biden’s 9/11 Target Date for Afghanistan Troop Withdrawal

Following President Joe Biden’s announcement that he will follow through with his predecessor’s plans to withdraw American troops from Afghanistan completely, former President Donald Trump issued a statement saying the new administration is moving too slowly.

           — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago [Return to headlines]
 

YouTube Accused of Censoring Content Critical of the Chinese Communist Party

The China Uncensored YouTube channel is making a case of not being able to report all the news out of the country because the Google-owned video giant won’t let them, by means of subtle, and sometimes not so subtle, but direct monetary pressure and censorship.

That suspicion should come as little surprise as the channel, with its in excess of 1.5 million subscribers, spells it right away that they believe YouTube, and its owner Google, are working in concert to obfuscate the alleged crimes perpetrated by China’s one and only, ruling Communist Party (CCP) regarding a number of incidents occurring over the past or so year.

[Comment: And the CEO of YouTube recently received a free speech award.]

           — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago [Return to headlines]
 

Australian Court Rules Google Deceived Users About Location Data Collection

Tech giant Google could be facing major fines after the Australian Federal Court found that the Masters of the Universe misled Australian smartphone and tablet users about its location data collection.

           — Hat tip: SS [Return to headlines]
 

Minister Refuses to Rule Out Electronic Ankle Bracelets to Enforce Home Quarantine

A senior government minister refused to rule out Australians being forced to wear electronic ankle bracelets, even if they are fully vaccinated, to make sure they are complying with home quarantine orders.

The astounding suggestion was made by journalist David Speers during an interview with Employment Minister Stuart Robert about how authorities would ensure returning travelers stayed at home.

           — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago [Return to headlines]
 

Federal Employees Directed to No Longer Refer to Noncitizens and Migrants as ‘Illegal Aliens’

WASHINGTON — Employees of the two main U.S. immigration enforcement agencies were directed Monday to stop referring to migrants as “aliens,” a dated term that many people consider offensive.

Memos issued by Customs and Border Protection, as well as Immigration and Customs Enforcement, tells employees to use the words “noncitizen” or “migrant.” The change reflects guidelines set by the Biden administration, which is reversing many of the anti-immigrant policies of former President Trump.

Instead of “illegal aliens,” which was still being used by some government officials in press releases and elsewhere, the employees of CBP and ICE should instead use “undocumented noncitizen” or “undocumented individual,” according to the memos.

           — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago [Return to headlines]
 

French Revolt as Authorities Protect Migrants Squatting in Locals’ Home

Residents of a town in France staged protests against illegal aliens being allowed to squat in a home owned by local winegrowers, according to reports.

Multiple families from Bosnia have been illegally living in a house in the commune of Arcs-sur-Argens for months, despite court orders to vacate the premises.

The squatters have ignored directives, but authorities claim they can do nothing to enforce them because of a government decree to suspend all evictions until at least May 31 due to the ‘COVID crisis.’

           — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago [Return to headlines]
 

More Than 60 Migrants Brave Bitter Sea Temperatures to Cross Channel to UK in Tiny Boats as 2021 Total Passes 1,500

More than 60 migrants including a baby crossed the English Channel earlier today on inflatable boats without engines in one of the busiest days of the month so far.

Four young children were among the latest to brave the dangerous 21-mile journey on as many as four boats.

The first group of six men were brought into Dover Marina before 8am on a Border Force vessel towing their grey rigid hulled inflatable boat.

           — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago [Return to headlines]
 

Disgusting Video Shows Children Being Paraded Around Drag Queen Show Taking Cash Tips

Yet another disgusting video has emerged of children being paraded around during a late night drag queen show in L.A. as they are encouraged to take cash tips from members of the crowd.

           — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago [Return to headlines]
 

6 thoughts on “Gates of Vienna News Feed 4/19/2021

  1. “Czechia’s Economic Level Surpasses Spain” [Comment: Czechia’s economy is freer.]

    I would not say that the Czech Republic is freer, on the contrary, our lockdowns are heavier especially on small businesses. What the Czech Republic does provide though is a sort of small scale China to Germany, with cheap but qualified labour, we get better when German business owners need to cut costs. Even high level politicians were overheard saying that we we don’t need small businesses, but we need more factory workers. Its just great to be the nice cheap production line of Europe…

    The biggest news in the Czech Republic right now is the Russian sabotage of the ammunition warehouse 7 years ago, our government kinda declared a diplomatic war on Russia, and the talk is that the Czech Republic was dangerously close to making a deal with Russia to build a nuclear power plant. But we can’t have that…

    • The Russians are still mad they left so much arms behind when they left. Those bunkers are scattered all over eastern europe and Ukraine filled with everything the Germans made from WW2 to modern times. When the Great Purge begins, that is where you get what you need.

      • I don’t think the Russians are still mad that they left so much arms when they left. Their arms were obsolete anyway, as the test called the Gulf War in 1990 proven, and we Czechs can make our guns ourselves 😉

        This warehouse explosion was aparently a sabotage of a shipment of arms to Syria that exploded two weeks too early. Or at least thats what the media say.

  2. “Vaccinated against”? And yet that is NOT what supporters of this jab shot say it does. It is not even within definition of what a “vaccine” is. The jab does not prevent this evil Chinese virus, does not help you if you do get it and provides no protection for anyone getting the virus from passing it along to others who 99% all have a 100% survival rate. So, what does this shot actually “do”?

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