Neo-Nazi terrorists

In Germany the last member of the Neo-Nazi terrorist cell was arrested after a year long investigation. Beate Zschäpe had a hand in countless murders, robberies and bombings throughout the past decade. Her most ruthless crime was arranging financing and logistics for two confederates that killed 10 people, two bomb attacks, and fifteen bank robberies. Eight of the victims were of Turkish background, a Greek man, and a woman. The Neo-Nazis in Germany were brought to light a year ago and brought shock to the nation because they had been undetected for so long. The group came to surface after two members killed themselves after a bank robbery went wrong. Their crimes were all strategically placed in areas with high immigrant areas to make them move out of fear Security services in Germany have been under heavy criticism because an official was reported to have been shredding documents pertaining to evidence from the Neo-Nazi group. The head of Domestic intelligence agency, and the state of domestic violence chief both have stepped down from their position, and the head of federal criminal police also said he’d step down in a year. The irony in the Domestic agency is that, it was formed to stop extremist groups, and is now going under investigation to see how much the agency was influenced by the Neo-Nazis.

I feel bad for Germany, because I know how the country is trying to take off the stereotype that the Nazis have put on them. With groups like this, its not helping their image. People are going to assume Germany with Nazis still, even though there are Neo-Nazi groups across the world.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/09/world/europe/german-woman-charged-in-neo-nazi-crime-rampage.html?pagewanted=all

This is my Real blog 11, I don't know how I forgot to post it, but I saw it in my files.

Karzai signs off on 16 prisoners to be executed

Hamid Karzai, the President of Afghanistan signed for the executions of 16 prisoners. This has been very rare in Afghanistan since the Taliban rule. Karzai has rarely signed off to have people executed, in the past decade he’s only signed off to 3 people. The crimes committed by the prisoners were ranging from murder, rape, to kidnapping and treason. President Karzai has mentioned that he’s not afraid to sign off more executions if crime doesn’t lower. Outcry over violent crime had been rising for the past few years. Also, his tactics are however asserting more independence from Western advisors. The last executions in Afghanistan were two men who were convicted of a mass killing in a Kabul Bank branch. Before that there were 15 killed in a firing squad in October 2007. Human rights advocates are arguing with Karzai’s execution tactics, arguing that the judicial process is flawed.

Separate from the executions, a military court appeal from an Afghan army solider was sentenced to death for killing five French soldiers. Attacks from Afghan soldiers towards NATO service members have fluctuated over the past year. The violence is shaking the trust between the Afghan people and the Westerners helping them. The French officially ended their eleven year combat mission in Afghanistan on Tuesday. Of the 2,200 remaining soldiers in Afghanistan only 1000 will remain to repatriate military equipment.

I believe in the death penalty, but for something big, that’s affected a large potion of people. I don’t think it’s fair that Afghan president Hamid Karzai is allowed to execute 16 people, but I feel that he may have a purpose for doing so.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/21/world/asia/afghan-president-approves-execution-of-prisoners.html

Hit Mexico's Cartel With Legalization

In the past 10 to 20 years the gang and drug related crimes in Mexico have sky rocketed. Journalist Ioan Grillo has taken up interest into interviewing and investigating Mexico’s cartel seen. Grillo stated that in his interviews he’s had with Mexican Cartel killers they all appear sane, even though they describe some of the most brutal violence towards people. He believes that there has to be something else, than insanity that would get people to do such devilish work. With his investigation he thinks it has more to do with America than one would think. With American people abusing drugs namely marijuana illegally for decades it’s estimated that drug cartels are making anywhere from 30 billion yearly. Drugs have a mark up of 2000 percent that get many Mexicans interested in joining this black market business. However, when Colorado and Oregon legalized commercial use of marijuana the cartels are going to get hit financially very hard negatively. Mexican cartels often us the surplus of money given to them to buy high trained assassins and very high power weapons. With the decrease of marijuana trade with the cartels, their main currency support is going to begin to decline. The cartel won’t disband over night but it will be on a decline.

I knew the legalization of marijuana would happen in my lifetime, I just wasn’t expecting for it to happen so soon.  I never thought of the illegalization of marijuana directly reflects the crime rate in other countries. I’ve always heard about the Mexican cartels and their illegal trades to America, I just never put two and two together

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/02/opinion/hit-mexicos-cartels-with-legalization.html

Former Judge Opens Inquiry about Jimmy Savile

In London former senior judge began investigating BBC television host Jimmy Savile for sexual abuse allegations. Two reasons for the case to be opened are, one, Dame Janet Smith had inquiry about Savile’s sexual abuse, and two, rival broadcasting channel ITV have been on the case for awhile and began releasing documentaries about the situation. Dame’s reasoning as to why it took so long for the allegations to be brought up is because Jimmy was a national treasure to the public, and the police didn’t want to scrutinize his reputation. Public anger has been pointed toward colleagues of Savile and police officers who did little to nothing to stop the sexual abuse. Also, BBC might be put under fire because they originally were going to air “Newsnight” that would bring forth Savile’s crimes, but was later cancelled that night. Also, a decade ago, BBC’s Children Charity didn’t want Savile near the charity because of suspicion. Former BBC general and head of BBC’s Children Charity Sir Roger Jones said in an article “I think we all recognized he was a pretty creepy sort of character, we took the decision that we didn’t want him anywhere near the charity, and we just stepped up our child protection policies.” Smith’s investigation is supposed to be independent of BBC control, even though she was appointed by supervisory bodies.

It’s funny that a beloved TV host would do such a thing, and then die without suffering any form of punishment. It seems that BBC was more concerned about ratings than doing the right thing. At the same time if my favorite television (Conan O’ Brien) personality got charged with such an accusation I would be devastated, so in a sense I don’t mind “ignorance is bliss.” But I wouldn’t be able to watch Conan anymore if I knew that was the truth.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/30/world/europe/bbc-opens-inquiry-into-savile-sex-abuse-case.html?pagewanted=all

2 U.S. sailors arrested for rape in Okinawa, Japan

Two U.S. Navy Sailors have been charged with the assault and rape of a Japanese woman in Okinawa, Japan. The two men attacked the woman on roadside as she was walking home and led to injuries on her neck. The act happened two weeks after the arrival of  new Marine Corp aircraft on the American base in Okinawa. The base holds about 50,000 American military men, adding to the overcrowding of the Japanese city. The base is unwanted by Japanese citizens and they are increasingly getting more enraged. The crime the two sailors committed has caused even more anger and now there is worry that there will be protest. Three years ago Japanese Prime Minister promised the removal of the base, and when it didn’t go through people would fly kites near the base in protest. The media has heavily covered the base and crimes that are committed by American military personnel. This isn’t the first time rape happened by American soldiers in Okinawa. In 1995 three American soldiers raped a 12 year old school girl, and this also led to mass protest. The American Ambassador to Japan is extremely concerned he states “These allegations, given their seriousness, will continue to command my full personal attention,” when talking to the press.

I feel awful that our military is taking advantage of civilians overseas. I think rape is an awful thing, but at the same time it seems as if the Japanese public is blowing things out of proportion to remove the base. I agree with Roosevelt’s “speak softly and carry a big stick” theory. We should keep the base there, but show remorse for the actions of our military member. We need to be relevant in world affairs, but respected at the same time

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/17/world/asia/2-us-navy-sailors-arrested-in-okinawa-rape.html

Crime Wave Engulfs Syria as Its Cities Reel From War

Life in Syria is nothing less than perilous. Since the beginning of the Civil war, there have been large amount of casualties, and abandonment. The conflict has spread so much fear that law enforcement is minimal due to the fleeing of officers. There is a sense of lawlessness. Kidnapping, almost nil before the war, is now a common thing. Rebel leaders are trying to take place of law enforcement, but crime has gotten to high to handle. Civilians are afraid to leave their own home for fear of being kidnapped and held for ransom. In Allepo, Syria, the countries industrial capitol, roads have been shut down, due to bandits looting and forcing people out of their vehicles. Successful business man, Hur, was held for ransom at 200 thousand American dollars. Over a course of time Hur’s brother was able to negotiate the price to 30,000, while Hur was tied up to a water pipe. Syrians blame the government for the lack of law enforcement. Syrian government relied on private militias as a police force and paid them directly. When the war broke out many militias’s switched sides opposing the government, due to corruption. For instance Women’s activist group recorded 100 rapes involving multiple men, in which the men were a pro-government group. Syrian citizens have a hard time trusting both sides whether it’s the Government or the Rebels.

I wasn’t aware of the Syrian conflict until I read this article. It must be awful living conditions; a sense of not feeling safe has got to be over burdening. I do believe that Syria needs a new form of government, but the opposing force only sound just as bad. Also, when I first read this article, I had to go into a little more research because it didn’t clearly state that it was in a civil war.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syrian_civil_war

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/10/world/middleeast/crime-wave-engulfs-syria-as-its-cities-reel-from-war.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

Ousted From Party in China, Bo Xilai Faces Prosecution

Bo Xilai has been expelled from the communist party for multiple criminal charges. He is suspected to be involved in the killing of a British businessman Neil Haywood, where he had his wife poison him. Bo was the son of a beloved Chinese revolutionary leader and was the party chief of Chongqing, a large Chinese metropolitan. It was also reported that Bo was taking various bribes that were about several millions of dollars, along with his wife. His wife however is in jail now and currently waiting for a verdict for the death penalty, or life.  As well as the murder and bribes he has been in sexual activities with countless different women. Though not a crime it was brought up in the courtroom to lower Mr. Xilai reputation. It was also reported that Bo has been apart of other criminal activity but chose to keep silent. Mr. Xilai was a very charismatic leader and adored by many. He would use his platform to espouse populist movements.

I think Mr. Bo Xilai is a despicable human being, even though I’m making a judgment from a very biased article. He was adored by so many, but things he did were wrong and for the wrong reason. I took notice when I read about his charisma and how many people supported him. I made a direct correlation to Hitler who was also very charismatic and had a huge fan base. I know not as extreme, he still did things that would affect other people in a negative way. He has made a very bad family name especially for being in the same family as an important Chinese leader. Not only did m he only think of himself before anyone else he also took the life of a business man, and completely ruined his wife’s. The Chinese did well in expelling him from any form of politics, and the party.  Men like this do not deserve to have this much power.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/29/world/asia/bo-xilai-expelled-from-chinas-communist-party.html?pagewanted=2&_r=5

In a City Plagued by Violence, a Spike in Crime Opens Eyes Nationwide

Drug related crime is on a rise in the Marseille, France metropolitan. In the past nine months 20 people have been killed over drug related issues, a very high number for any French city. Drug dealers in a specifically high immigrant neighborhood are being blamed for many of the recent violence. Top dealers thrive by using constant fear as a weapon, along with their connection of having heavy weapons from the black market. Marseille is Frances poorest city, as a result it’s no stranger to crime. Drug trafficking hasn’t gone up in the past year, just the violence, which poses a mystery for law enforcement. Police also are having a harder time tracking down drug lords because drug trade has become larger and much less structured. Socialist Lauren Mucchielli stated “We must confront school failure, unemployment and the desertification of certain districts.” Because she believes that crime isn’t just sprung up, it gets into the mindset of civilians and needs to be addressed. 45% of males are unemployed in Marseille. Socialist Samia Ghali called for the army to intervene, which only drew more media attention to the problem.

Crime in Europe has been a forefront in media recently in the past decade. I think it may be due to the many European thriller crime movies, that has gotten Americans to realize what’s going on outside of the country. With that being said I did some research and the city of Marseille has approximately a population of 800,000, very similar to the city of Indianapolis. What astounds me is that this has caught media attention, whereas Indianapolis has had 80 murders this year. When I read Lauren Mucchielli comment, it made me think that socialist in America say the same thing. It seems almost common knowledge of what makes kids become criminals, but its taking such a long time to come up with a resolution

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/20/world/europe/marseille-hit-by-violent-wave-of-drug-crimes.html?pagewanted=all&_moc.semityn.www

Caleb Hanke, blog 4; 131 Prisoners Tunnel Out In One Mexico's Largest Jailbreak

A huge prison break occurred in Piedras, Mexico a few days ago. 131 cellmates escaped through an underground tunnel ten feet deep. The end of the tunnel was right nest to the base of a watchtower, where three guards were bound and gagged. This was the second biggest escape in Mexico’s recorded history. Although it was reported that it wasn’t much of a surprise. Mexico’s been battling organized crime for the past six years, and this escape is indefinite to organized crime connection. 50 guards are being questioned, and warrants are out for the prison director, the shift supervisor and the chief corrections officer. High suspicion is in play with this prison because It is unlikely that 131 prisoners could succeed in escaping right under their noses. Although, stated the prison in Piedras is understaffed and lack security cameras, which should be vital to a prison. Given the benefit of doubt, the under staff is probably due to a cleaning up system that fire anyone who fail lie detector test to weed out corruption.

I have known for awhile about Mexico’s huge gang violence and drug problem. I have such pity for illegal immigrants because of that. Also, with America having drugs illegal were only supporting the crime and violence in Mexico. I digress; Mexico’s crime is at an all time high, with the illegal drug trafficking and organized crime. It seems very plausible that the escape was due to inside information and largely due to gangs. They even mentioned in the article that the city of Piedras is run by a gang called the Zetas. I have researched somewhat about recent Mexican crime and the things I come across are sickening, such as beheading people that disobey drug lords “regulations”. It seems frightening to know that Prisons are not even kept well funded and safe from civilians, especially with it being so close to the American border.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/19/world/americas/131-prisoners-tunnel-out-of-mexico-jail.html

Murder Mystery Stuns France and Britain

Three British tourists were found dead in rural France. A 50 year old Iraq refugee, his wife, and his wife’s mother were the found victims. Though not an international predominant crime, it got media large media attention. In the extent that governmental officials, senior diplomats, and the leaders got involved. So far the investigation concludes that it may have been an assassination, because there was also a biker found dead in the same location, with similar wounds. The reason behind such media coverage is the nature of the killing. The thought is that it was a family feud over money. A neighbor stated that the male victim was expressionless the week prior to his slaughter. There is also another theory that it may have been a political connection. The Iraq refugee is survived by his two daughters, One seven, the other four. It took eight hours to find the second daughter who was found underneath her dead mother.

 

I think that the motive behind this atrocious killing spree was for the economic benefit of the assassin. Although I never understood how someone could be so heartless to kill anyone with two very little girls, some people will go to extreme routes for money.

Blog 2: Amish Sex-crime Trial

Samuel Muller Sr., the leader of an Amish cult in eastern Ohio is held custody for sexual abuse to his step-daughter as well as others. Mr. Mullet seceded from the traditional, conservative Amish church to form his own practice. He started isolating his group by making the women wear skimpy scarves, instead of traditional white cap and a chin strap. During the trial Muller’s step daughter, Nancy was seen wearing instead the white cap and chin strap fashion in a way to protest against Mr. Muller cult. In the trial she revealed that she often had to do sexual acts to Muller, she endured verbal abuse if she refused. Other practices his church did were enforce hatred, and hate speaks to whoever disagreed or quit his cult, unusual punishment such as having miscreants ponder their sins in a chicken coop, and shearing of beards. Sometimes, “sinners” had to be held down in their own home by a group of men that would forcibly tear off their beard. One wife of a husband who had is beard torn off stated that her husband was distraught and would sit at the dinner table with a napkin over his chin in humiliation. Mullet’s wife was impassive during the trial while Mullets siblings couldn’t hold in their disgust.

Response

This article was interesting read. I never thought of sexual violence or violence in general in the Amish community. It opened my eyes to no matter lifestyle you live in some sort of violence will come up. I’ve argued in a reply to one of the discussions about how violence is in human nature, and this only proves my point. Although not as dramatic as in average American citizen life, its still act of violence in a very peaceful culture.

            One thing that really got to me was the shearing of beards. When I first read it I didn’t think much of it. I almost found humor in it, in comparison to our lifestyle where stabbings, protests, name calling, etc. are more relevant to show disrespect or how you don’t believe in what someone is doing/believes in, I felt that it was similar to a time out or a slap on the wrist. Although, when I continued reading, in their way of life it’s one of the most humiliating things you can go through. I had a soft spot for the husband that would hide his chin, even around his family in embarrassment. 

Caleb Hanke

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/02/us/in-amish-hate-crime-trial-a-look-at-reclusive-sect.html?pagewanted=all

Blog #1: How Hate Gets Counted

On August 5, 2012 white supremacist Wade M. Page was behind the morbid shooting at a Sikh temple in a suburban Milwaukee town. He left seven dead, including himself. In a positive note, however, the massacre brought the town closer town together, but there was also a different response in a more bigot population. When this article first was appeared it was thought that the supremacists mistook the Sikh’s for Muslim, because of their uncut hair, turban, and beards. In actuality although, in this case yes Mr. Page mistook the Sikh’s, there has been a history of Sikh violence throughout history. A Sikh man reported that a vehicle pulled up next to him, rolled down the window and said “We want to kill you all.” Ten days after the initial shooting their was another incident where there was an armed robbery at a convenient store, with a Sikh man working. Nevertheless a coincidence, it is thought that it had more to do with the earlier episode. Reasoning for the thought that the convenient store happening wasn’t a coincidence is because of the statement neo-Nazi leader stated on his website “Take your dead and go back to India and dump their ashes in the Ganges, Sikhs. You don’t belong here in the country my ancestors fought to found, and deeded to me and mine, their posterity. Even if you came here legally, and even if you haven’t done anything wrong personally. Go home, Sikhs. Go home to India where you belong. This is not your country, it belongs to white men”. Since the incidents the F.B.I. has become more aware and tracking Sikh violence.

I have always found hate crimes interesting. It’s always viewed people as people, so it astounds me that people could actually have resentment towards a group of anybody. Personally though yes, I think hate crimes are a horrible thing, I think the best method we have to deal with such situations is time. As generations go by there is less and less racism and bigotry amongst Americans

http://india.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/08/27/how-hate-gets-counted/