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Artists Condemn UK Riots And Anti-Muslim Hate Speech Amidst Worst Unrest Since 2011
The UK has witnessed its worst rioting since 2011, with violent clashes erupting in the aftermath of a mass stabbing that killed three young girls during a Taylor Swiftthemed event in Southport, near Liverpool. The anti-immigration protests, fueled by false rumors on social media, have been widely condemned by artists such as Massive Attack, Kneecap, Nova Twins, and Nadine Shah.
Rioters threw bricks and chanted anti-Islamic slurs, with skirmishes breaking out in cities including Liverpool, Manchester, Bristol, and Belfast in Northern Ireland. Several mosques, including ones in Sunderland and Southport, have been attacked, leading to hundreds of Islamic centers upping their security amid safety fears.
The protests were fueled by false rumors on social media about the background of British-born 17-year-old suspect Axel Muganwa Rudakubana, who is accused of killing six, seven, and nine-year-old girls, and injuring another 10 people in the knife attack. The false claim, promoted by EDL founder Tommy Robinson, stated that the suspect was a Muslim asylum seeker who recently arrived in the UK by boat, when in fact he was born in Wales to Rwandan parents.
The far-right has taken advantage of the stabbing attack to tap into concerns about the scale of immigration in the UK. Anti-fascist demonstrators have held counter-rallies in many cities, including Leeds, where they shouted “Nazi scum off our streets”, as the far-right protesters chanted, “You’re not English any more”.
BJ Harrington of the National Police Chiefs’ Council said in a statement on Sunday that 147 people have been arrested since last night in connection with violence and that he expects the number to rise in the coming days.
In response to the riots, Massive Attack posted a statement on X written by the Runnymede Trust, a race equality think tank: “This violent racism has long been simmering under the surface. What is happening is the direct result of years of normalised racism and Islamophobia, enabled by politicians and the British media. As far-right mobs threaten mosques, intimidate and harass people, and throw Nazi salutes, we offer our utmost solidarity to people of colour, and Muslim communities in particular.”
The statement also pointed out that Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper “fail to centre Muslim people, or call out racism for what it is”, adding: “What we are seeing unfold is more than ‘thuggery’, it is violent racism.”
“This is an inevitable outcome of years of state-sponsored Islamophobia and racism, where Muslims, people of colour, and migrants are scapegoated as a distraction from decades of economic hardship and political failings.”
The Runnymede Trust demanded that political leadership “recognises that challenging the far right is not simply a question of tackling online misinformation, or increased police surveillance. Instead, we urgently need our leaders to challenge the conditions that embolden the far right. These scenes should be unimaginable in 2024.”
West Belfast rappers Kneecap responded to the recent anti-immigration demonstration in Belfast by posting a quote by civil rights activist Bernadette Devlin, captioning the photo: “And if you know your history…. smash all fascists”.
Welcome to the 32nd edition of Diaspora Watch, your premier source of news, insights, and analysis on the global diaspora community. In this edition, we delve into the most pressing issues affecting diaspora communities worldwide, from politics and economics to social justice and culture.
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Our cover headlines are as diverse as they are impactful. We examine Nigeria’s lavish military retirement perks, which have raised eyebrows and ire among citizens. We also report on the devastating earthquake that struck Tibet, killing at least 95 people and injuring 130 others.
In the world of politics, we cover President Biden’s honoring of 19 exceptional individuals with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, as well as Austria’s precarious political situation as coalition talks collapse.
In addition, we celebrate the achievements of outstanding individuals, including Abbie Stockard, the newly crowned Miss America 2025, and Demi Moore, who won her first Golden Globe Award for her role in “The Substance.” We also report on Microsoft’s record $80 billion investment in AI infrastructure and CARICOM Chair Mia Mottley’s ambitious agenda for 2025.
Other notable stories in this edition include the massive fire that destroyed Kantamanto Market in Ghana, affecting over 30,000 traders, and Nigeria’s travel advisory for citizens traveling to Australia.
We also profile Nigeria-born Derek Obialo, who was sworn in as Associate Judge of the 240th District Court in Texas.
As always, Diaspora Watch is committed to providing you with the most comprehensive and engaging coverage of the global diaspora community. We hope you enjoy this edition and look forward to your feedback.
Dignitaries, Chiefs, Others In Attendance As PCNI Austin Branch Celebrates End of Year Party In Texas
It was a night of glamour and excitement as the Austin Branch of the People’s Club of Nigeria International (PCNI) held its end of year party on Saturday, November 30, 2024.Diaspora Watch reports that the well-attended event, which took place at Wingate by Wyndham Round Rock Hotel and Conference Center, Texas, was a celebration of the branch’s achievements and a show of appreciation to God for His blessings throughout the year.
In his address, Hon. Chief Chris Lemchi, the Action Chairman of PCNI Austin Branch who doubles as Akudo 1 of Okwelle Ancient Kingdom welcomed guests and appreciated the presence of dignitaries from various branches of the club.
The event was also graced by the presence of Patron-Elect Ichie Napoleon Onyeje, Mirienweiro, Hon. Patron Chief Dr. Don Ibekwe, Ulu Nimo from Galveston Branch, Patron, Chief Dr. Onyekachi Okoro, Patron-Elect, First National PCNI Vice President Emeritus, Chairman Emeritus, Secretary Emeritus Dallas Branch and the Sponsoring Chairman of our awesome Austin Branch, Assistant National Secretary Hon. Emmanuel Onwukamuche, Secretary Emeritus, First International Branch Houston, High Chief Humphrey Enyioha, Ikoroukwu Texarkana Branch, Hon. Chief Bright Nwokocha, Ugwumba, Chairman Emeritus, First International Branch – Houston, Hon. Nze Dr. Bon Ikwuagwu, Omekaozuo, Chairman 1st International Branch Houston, Hon. Ichie High Chief Sir Dr. Peter I. Okafor, Agbawodike Izu, Chairman Emeritus Dallas, Hon. Chief Chris Ogbuehi, Chairman-Elect – Dallas, Hon. Prince Ike Ginigeme, Founding Chairman Waco Branch, Hon. Chief Dr. Emma Igwe – Founding Chairman Texarkana Branch, Hon. Chief Dr. Emma Igwe, Founding Chairman Texarkana Branch, and Hon. Chief Clara Obidike-Egbim, Okwuru Okarisia 1 of Ebikoro Kingdom, Anyanwu Nwanneka – Founding Chairman of People’s Club of Nigeria- Gainesville Branch and PA to PCNI International President.
Other dignitaries included the President General of Enyimba, Honorable Ubabuike, UBA, Chief Martin Osuji, president Coal City, Chief Francis Odu, president Enyimba Austin, and Chief Fred Ojiyi, President IPC, Hon. Chief Chris Lemchi, Akudo 1 Of Okwelle Ancient Kingdom, Action Chairman PCNI Austin Branch, First Lady, Lolo Rachel Lemchi, Kpakpandudiya, Adakekeocha and Patron-Elect Ichie Napoleon Onyeje, Mirienweiro.
To promote cybersecurity education and awareness, Excel TeKay LLC has announced the release of two critical books, “Intro to Cybersecurity: Guide for Beginners” and “Cyber Scams: Don’t Be A Victim,” written by renowned cybersecurity expert Kimma Wreh. Now available on Amazon in paperback and hardcover, these books aim to equip readers with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate and protect themselves in today’s digital world.
Diaspora Watch reports that “Intro to Cybersecurity: Guide for Beginners” is a comprehensive resource that simplifies complex cybersecurity topics, offering step-by-step guidance for individuals, families, and small businesses. Readers will learn practical tips for creating strong passwords, enabling Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), managing IoT devices, and defending against threats like malware and phishing.
The book also explores mobile security, incident response, and pathways for pursuing cybersecurity careers, making it an accessible resource for anyone seeking to improve their digital safety. Wreh’s expertise and experience in the field shine through in this book, pro-viding readers with a solid foundation in cybersecurity principles.
In “Cyber Scams: Don’t Be A Victim”, Wreh exposes common online scams, including phishing, romance fraud, and malware attacks. Using real-world examples, including her personal experiences, she equips readers with tools to detect red flags, protect sensitive in-formation, and recover from breaches.
Highlighting the staggering $10 billion lost to cyber scams in 2023, Wreh provides actionable strategies to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals in today’s digital landscape. Her expertise and in-sights in this book are in-valuable, helping readers to develop a deeper under-standing of the tactics used by cyber scammers and how to protect themselves.
Kimma Wreh, a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), draws on over 15 years of expertise in cybersecurity and digital literacy. She is the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) of Excel Global Media Group Inc. and a Principal Consultant at Excel TeKay LLC.
“I want readers to feel confident about their digital safety and see cybersecurity as something they can master,” said Wreh. Her passion for empowering individuals and businesses to take control of their digital safety is evident throughout both books.
Both “Intro to Cybersecurity: Guide for Beginners” and “Cyber Scams: Don’t Be A Victim” are available now on Amazon.
Maureen Obih – Diaspora Diva
EXCEL International African Market
Diaspora Watch – Vol. 33 – January 13-19, 2025
Diaspora Watch 20th Edition (October 14-20, 2024): Your Trusted Source for Global News and Insights
Revolutionary mRNA Lung Cancer Vaccine Trial Offers New Hope To Thousands
