Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are toying with the lives of thousands of Gulf residents as part of their dispute with Qatar, splitting up families and destroying peoples livelihoods and education, Amnesty International said today.

The organizations researchers have interviewed dozens of people whose human rights have been affected by a series of sweeping measures imposed in an arbitrary manner by the three Gulf countries in their dispute with Qatar.

For potentially thousands of people across the Gulf, the effect of the steps imposed in the wake of this political dispute is suffering, heartbreak and fear, said James Lynch, Deputy Director of Amnesty Internationals Global Issues Programme, who was in Doha last week.

These drastic measures are already having a brutal effect, splitting children from parents and husbands from wives. People from across the region not only from Qatar, but also from the states implementing these measures risk losing jobs and having their education disrupted. All the states involved in this dispute must ensure their actions do not lead to human rights violations.

All the states involved in this dispute must ensure their actions do not lead to human rights violations

While Amnesty International takes no view on the political dispute itself, which also involves other countries including Egypt, Jordan and Yemen, the organization is seriously concerned about the impact of some of these steps on the rights to family life and education.

In a fresh blow to freedom of expression in the Gulf, people in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and UAE have also been threatened with harsh punishment if they dare to criticize these measures.

On 5 June all three states ordered Qatari nationals to leave their territories within 14 days, and announced that all of their nationals had to return from Qatar, threatening penalties for anyone who did not return within this timeframe. According to Qatars National Human Rights Committee, more than 11,000 nationals of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and UAE live in Qatar. Many Qataris also live in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and UAE. All are potentially affected by these measures.

People with relations from other Gulf states are particularly at risk. Amnesty International has documented several cases of people cut off from parents, children and spouses as a result.

One Qatari man, who has lived in the UAE with his family for more than 10 years, was refused entry and sent back to Qatar as he tried to return home to Dubai from Doha, just after the measures were announced on 5 June. His wife is an Emirati national and is therefore forbidden from travelling to Qatar, while his children are Qatari nationals and so are required to leave UAE. He is now separated from his family and does not know when he will next see them.

He described to Amnesty International how his wife had pleaded with the duty officer to see her husband one last time. The officer said, no way just go back, he said.

He told Amnesty International that he fears his employers in the UAE will dismiss him from his job since he cannot return and because of his nationality.

A Saudi Arabian man, who lives in Doha with his Qatari wife, told Amnesty International that he is unable to visit his mother, who is seriously ill in hospital in Saudi Arabia, because if he did he would not be able to return to Qatar to be with his wife and children:

I go home, I cant see my wife. I stay here, I cant see my mum.

I go home, I cant see my wife. I stay here, I cant see my mum

A newly-wed Qatari woman told researchers she had been in the process of moving to Bahrain to live with her husband, a Bahraini national, when the measures took force.

I was so happy to marry last year Before the ban, while I was looking for a job in Bahrain I would go there every weekend, to see my husband, my family, my house. When they did this, how could they not think of the people?

Amnesty International also interviewed several Qatari students concerned they could not continue their education in the UAE and Bahrain. One student said all her classes in the UAE for the rest of the year had been cancelled with immediate effect.

A states power to regulate and restrict immigration is constrained by international human rights law, and differences in treatment between different categories of non-citizens can only be justified if they are necessary to achieve a legitimate objective. Arbitrarily splitting up families as part of immigration policies violates the right to family life.

Ban on expressing sympathy Residents in Saudi Arabia, UAE or Bahrain have been warned they could face harsh penalties if they make comments in support of Qatar.

Citing existing, flawed legal provisions, the UAEs general prosecutor has announced that people who express sympathy for Qatar could face up to 15 years in jail; while state-controlled Saudi Arabian media stated that such expression could be considered a cybercrime offence. The Bahraini Ministry of Interior has also threatened anyone who shows sympathy or favouritism to the Qatari authorities either on or off line, with up to five years in prison and a fine under the Penal Code.

These statements from governments with a record of repressing peaceful expression are a flagrant attempt to silence criticism of these arbitrary policies. Prosecuting anyone on this basis would be a clear violation of the right to freedom of expression. No one should be punished for peacefully expressing their views or criticizing a government decision, said James Lynch.

Concerns over migrant workers in Saudi Arabia

There are also concerns that migrant workers employed by Qatari nationals to look after their properties in Saudi Arabia may find themselves stranded, unable to return to Qatar where they have residence permits and becoming undocumented in the process, at risk of exploitation or arrest and deportation. Amnesty International has spoken to workers in this situation, who have little information about what might happen to them.

Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states must protect any workers employed by Qatari nationals, including by facilitating the safe return of those who wish to return to their home countries or assisting those who wish to return to Qatar.

Political disputes between states must be handled in a manner that respects human rights. There can be no justification for tearing families apart, suppressing peaceful expression, and leaving migrant workers abandoned and at risk. Arbitrary measures should be suspended immediately, said James Lynch.

Background

Under the nationality laws in the countries involved, women are not able to pass on nationality to their children and as such children inherit their fathers nationality. This in itself is a violation of the rights to non-discrimination and equality. Holding dual nationalities is generally not permitted.

Amnesty International interviewed 35 people nationals of Bahrain, Bangladesh, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE affected by these measures. Researchers met the majority of these people in Qatar. Others, based in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, were interviewed remotely.

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Families ripped apart, freedom of expression under attack amid political dispute in Gulf - Amnesty International

Omni Shoreham Hotel Washington, D.C.

12:30 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, Ralph. He said we got 81 percent of the vote. I want to know, who are the 19 percent? Who are they? (Laughter.) Where do they come from?

Thank you, Ralph, for really kind introduction, and for your great leadership. Its wonderful to be back here with all of my friends. It is the fifth time. Who would have known this was going to happen? But we had a feeling, didnt we? (Applause.)

And, Ralph, I want to congratulate you and your wife, Jo Anne, and each and every person in the audience today. In just a few years, youve helped turn a small organization into a really nationwide, beautiful movement. (Applause.) Really, so true. And what you have achieved is extraordinary. Ive spoken to this group so much, so often -- Ill be back -- most recently one year ago this week when I came here to ask for your support, your help, and your prayers. And wow, did you deliver. (Applause.)

You really did. Last year, you knocked on more than 1.2 million doors in the key battleground states where, as you remember, we focused. Supposed to be focusing on those states. You sent 22 million pieces of mail, shared 16 million videos, and made 10 million phone calls. Thats something. (Applause.)

And Im honored by your incredible support, and grateful for your commitment to our shared cause. Thank you for all that you do. Thank you very much. (Applause.) Thank you. You didnt let me down, and I will never, ever let you down. You know that. (Applause.)

We will always support our Evangelical community, and defend your right, and the right of all Americans, to follow and to live by the teachings of their faith. And as you know, were under siege. You understand that. But we will come out bigger and better and stronger than ever. You watch. (Applause.)

You fought hard for me, and now Im fighting hard for all of you. I have one goal as President: to fight for the American people and to fight for America and America first. (Applause.)

We are going to battle for every American who has lost a job, for every family who has lost a loved one, for every American of faith who has lost their rights and lost their freedom. The forgotten men and women will never, ever be forgotten again. You know about that. (Applause.) Remember they said, where did all these people come from? And you know what? Theyre still trying to figure it out. They dont get it. (Laughter.) They dont get it.

Your voices will resound across the halls of our Capitol, and across the world. We recite today the words of Isaiah Chapter 1, Verse 17: Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.

The entrenched interests and failed, bitter voices in Washington will do everything in their power to try and stop us from this righteous cause, to try to stop all of you. They will lie. They will obstruct. They will spread their hatred and their prejudice. But we will not back down from doing what is right. Because, as the Bible tell us -- (applause) -- we know that the truth will prevail, that Gods glorious wisdom will shine through, and that the good and decent people of this country will get the change they voted for and that they so richly deserve. (Applause.)

Nothing worth doing ever came easy, but we know how to fight better than anybody. And we never, ever would give up, and we dont give up. We are winners, and we are going to fight, and win, and have an unbelievable future. (Applause.) Unbelievable future. And its going to be together. (Applause.)

We are keeping the solemn promises that we made to the great citizens of our country. We are eliminating job-killing regulations, reversing government overreach, and returning power back to everyday Americans, the way the country started. (Applause.)

In just a short period of time, weve already added nearly one million new jobs, and approved historic increases in military spending. Weve achieved a record reduction in illegal immigration. Did you see at the southern border? Seventy-five percent. (Applause.) Seventy-five percent. If they do one percent in the past, it used to be, oh, were doing so well. Seventy-five percent. General Kelly is doing a great job.

And we are protecting our families, schools, and cities by removing the gang members -- MS-13. (Applause.) MS-13. Were spreading them out, the drug dealers and criminals from our country, and cracking down on the sanctuary cities that protect them. (Applause.) And we believe that people who come to our country should love our citizens and embrace our values -- our values, folks. (Applause.)

In my first 100 days -- and I dont think anybody has ever done more, or, certainly, not much more -- I appointed and confirmed a Supreme Court justice in the mold of the late, great Antonin Scalia -- (applause) -- and now Justice Gorsuch has a seat on the United States Supreme Court. (Applause.) Made a promise.

We have also proposed a historic tax cut -- biggest in the history of our country, by the way -- and we are fighting for fair trade that creates a level playing field for all of our American companies and our American workers. We are not on a fair playing field, but its getting fairer by the day. We are bringing back our jobs. (Applause.)

To protect those jobs, and the sovereignty and freedom of the United States, I followed through on my promise to withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord. (Applause.) Thank you. You understand it. You understand how bad it was for our country. Its going to strip us of our jobs, our wealth, our companies. And they keep saying, oh, its non-binding -- so innocent. I figure between that deal, the Iran Deal, NAFTA -- weve got some beauties, dont we? (Laughter.) Dont worry, youre going to see some real good ones coming about very soon. Youre going to see some great ones coming about very soon.

America will continue to lead the world on environmental protection. Were going to have clean water -- crystal clean. Were going to have clean air. (Applause.) But what we wont do is let other countries take advantage of the United States anymore and dictate what we are doing and dictate our future. (Applause.)

From now on, we will follow a very simple rule: Every day I am President we are going to make America first -- not somebody else, not some other country. We are going to make America first. (Applause.) Thank you.

As I am sure you know, I have also reinstated the Mexico City policy first put into place by Ronald Reagan to protect the unborn. (Applause.) Thank you.

And, in a really beautiful ceremony at the White House, on the National Day of Prayer, I signed, as I promised I would, a new executive action to protect religious liberty in America, including protecting the rights of groups like yours -- the Little Sisters of the Poor. Thank you. Stand up. The Little Sisters of the Poor. (Applause.)

They fought so hard for so many years. All of sudden, they heard, "we won." (Laughter.) Right? They were tough. Dont want to mess with the Little Sisters, right? (Laughter.) They hung in, and they had a lot of losses. They sustained a lot of losses. But all of the sudden, one day, a few weeks ago, it was over. They won. So congratulations. Great toughness. Great. Great people. (Applause.) That executive order also followed through on my campaign promises to so many of you: to stop the Johnson Amendment from interfering with your First Amendment rights. (Applause.) It was my promise. This executive order directs the IRS not to unfairly target churches and religious organizations for political speech. So the people that you most respect can now feel free to speak to you, like my friends sitting right over here. I can now hear them and theyre unimpeded. So I just want to congratulate everybody in this room because that was a big deal, and it was a very important thing for me to do for you. And were not finished yet, believe me. Were not finished yet. So thank you very much. (Applause.)

No federal worker should be censoring sermons or targeting pastors. (Applause.) These are the people we want to hear from. How about the people we do hear from every night on television? You want to hear from them? I dont think so.

AUDIENCE: Booo --

THE PRESIDENT: No, no, we want to hear from the people that we want to hear from.

As long as I'm President, no one is going to stop you from practicing your faith or from preaching what is in your heart and from preaching -- and really, this is so important -- from the bottom of my heart -- from preaching from the people that you most want to hear and that you so respect. So we have taken a very, very strong position, and you picked a winner. (Applause.)

So we want our pastors speaking out. We want their voices in our public discourse. And we want our children to know the blessings of God. (Applause.) Schools should not be a place that drive out faith and religion, but that should welcome faith and religion with wide, open, beautiful arms. (Applause.) Faith inspires us to be better, to be stronger, to be more caring and giving, and more determined to act in selfless and courageous defense of what is good and what is right. It is time to put a stop to the attacks on religion. (Applause.) Thank you.

We will end the discrimination against people of faith. Our government will once again celebrate and protect religious freedom. (Applause.) Restoring freedom and opportunity also means repealing and replacing the disaster known as --

AUDIENCE: Obamacare!

THE PRESIDENT: That was easy. (Laughter.) Do you see how its failing? Okay. So Ive been saying 116 percent for so long -- it was Arizona. So yesterday, I have a new number -- 204 percent, in Alaska, increase. Its a catastrophe. Obamacare, as one of the big insurance companies had said, is in a spiral. Its in a death spiral. It is dead. Dead. Some of the states are losing their insurance companies. Yesterday, Ohio lost one of the big ones. And Ohio has got problems now. They all have problems -- Kentucky, Tennessee. Every place I go.

But were dealing with obstructionists. The Democrats are obstructionists. You know what, it would be great to get along with them, but it seems to be impossible. They are obstructionists. And they have a healthcare plan thats a disaster, called Obamacare. Again, the insurance companies are fleeing, the premiums are through the roof. The deductibles -- I mean, unless you die a long, horrible, slow death, those deductibles are so high -- sadly, folks, youll never get to use them. It is a disaster whats going on with Obamacare. Nobody wants to talk about it. But you take a look at the premiums, how high; you take a look at those deductibles. You have nothing.

And then, of course, the mandate. Lets pay to get out of it, okay? Were the only one -- we pay to get out of not paying. Thats how bad it is.

So Obamacare is dead. And dont let them pin it on the Republicans, by the way. Weve only been here for a short period of time, okay? But a good bill passed in the House. Something, I hope, great is going to come out through Mitch McConnell and the Senate. And were working very hard. I can tell you, were really working hard.

And if we had the best plan in the history of the world, we wouldnt get one Democrat vote. Just remember that. If we had a plan that gave you the greatest healthcare ever in history, you wouldnt get one Democrat vote because theyre obstructionists. Theyre bad, right now, for the country. Theyve gone so far left that I dont know if they can ever come back.

Now as a -- believe it or not -- politician -- I never would call myself a politician, but I guess thats what I am. I became President; I guess Im a politician. (Laughter.) Selfishly, I love where theyve gone because I think theyve taken the wrong path. But they have gone so far left, trying to appease a certain group, that I think theyve made a horrible mistake.

But what they have done is theyve tried to obstruct. And thats why, when it comes to the elections in 18, we have to get more, because were only up by two in the Senate and a pretty small number in the House. And we have to build those numbers up because were just not going to get votes.

Now, maybe times will change, and that could happen at some point. I remember when Republicans and Democrats would fight like hell, then theyd go out, have lunch together, have dinner together, go back, fight like hell, and get a lot of things done. Now the lunches and dinners dont take place. The level of hatred is beyond anything that Ive ever seen.

So theyre obstructionists, but were going to get healthcare done. Were going to get the tax cares done -- the tax cuts. We have the biggest tax cut and great tax reform. Were going to get it done, but sadly, were going to have to do it as Republicans because we wont get any Democrat votes. And thats a very, very sad, sad thing.

I have filled my administration and Cabinet with people who share our priorities and who want to deliver for the American people. And even that, as you know, its so hard -- the process -- because of the obstruction. Its so hard. You know, they say resist, but they really should say obstruct. But its so hard because you put -- when you hear that we have vacancies, its true. But take a look at whats going on. Getting the simplest appointment is a big deal that takes forever.

Our wonderful Vice President Mike Pence will be here later this week -- what a great guy he is -- (applause) -- great guy -- when Dr. James Dobson -- (applause) -- stand up, James -- stand up, James -- good -- great man, great guy -- thank you, James -- receives a Lifetime Achievement Award. But today I also want to congratulate Dr. Dobson and his wife, Shirley, who was with me at the beginning of the campaign -- right at the beginning of the campaign. And I called back -- she was substituting for James because he was so busy preaching. And I said, you know what, James, she may be better than you are. She was good. (Laughter.) She was good. We had a good time, right? And Ill tell you what, the audience -- they loved her.

So in advance on that recognition, James, and for everything they have both done to keep the Focus on the Family, I just want to congratulate you. Its just so amazing. Thank you. Great. Great people. (Applause.) Great people. Thank you. Thank you. Thanks, Shirley. Thanks, James.

Family is the foundation of American Life and we are proud to stand together with all of you to promote and protect family values. Were here today to celebrate two values that have always been linked together, and where Ralph, frankly, has done such a great job in linking them: faith and freedom.

They're linked together because liberty comes from our Creator. Our rights are given to us by a divine authority, and no earthly force can ever take those rights away. (Applause.) That is why my administration is taking power out of Washington and giving it back to the people where it belongs. Said right from the beginning. (Applause.)

For too long, politicians have tried to centralize authority among the hands of a small few in our nations capital. People are getting very rich. Bureaucrats think they can run your lives, overrule your values, and tell you how to live.

But we know that families and churches, not government officials, know best how to create a strong and loving community. (Applause.) We know that parents, not bureaucrats, know best how to raise children and create a thriving society. And above all else, we know this: In America, we dont worship government. We worship God. (Applause.) Right? We worship God. (Applause.)

Thank you. Our religious liberty is enshrined in the very First Amendment in the Bill of Rights. The American Founders invoked our Creator four times in the Declaration of Independence. Dont worry, were not going to let them change it. (Laughter and applause.) You see what goes on nowadays, right?

Benjamin Franklin reminded his colleagues at the Constitutional Convention to begin by bowing their heads in prayer. Inscribed on our currency are the words: In God We Trust. And we proudly proclaim that we are One Nation Under God, every time we say the Pledge of Allegiance.

You just heard a brave six-year-old patriot named Christian Jacobs beautifully recite that Pledge of Allegiance. I first met Christian last week, after the Memorial Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, where we honor and remember the American patriots who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

Christian was in perfect Marine dress blues, as a tribute to his dad - his beautiful dad. And he walked right up to me, in a big crowd of people. And without hesitation, he asked if I would like to come see where his daddy is resting. Next, he led me over to where Marine Sergeant Christopher Jacobs lies among his brothers-and-sisters-in arms, in Section 60, and showed me pictures of his fallen father who was so great and so important to him.

Not only does young Christian carry those photos, but he carries his fathers love in his heart, and his courage in his beautiful, beaming young face. With his mom, Brittany, by his side -- terrific mother -- I said, is your mother good or is she great? He said, shes great. I said, you better say that. (Laughter.) He looked me square in the eyes and gave me a firm handshake.

That six-year-old stood strong and tall and proud in front of the Commander-in-Chief, just as I am sure his dad would have wanted him to be. Hes extraordinary. (Applause.)

Christians father gave his life to defend our freedoms and our flag. Christian, your father was an American hero, and we are so proud of what you are doing every day to carry on his legacy. (Applause.) And, Christian, we hope to prove worthy of the sacrifices your family has made. And believe me, were going to work very hard to live up to your standard. Christian, stand up. Come on, Christian. (Applause.) Thanks, Christian. Good job. Good job. Special guy.

Every day, our brave men and women in uniform are risking their lives to keep this country safe from murderous groups like ISIS, al Qaeda, and so many more. We must confront this evil that plagues humanity, and eradicate it from our planet. (Applause.)

The vicious slaughters in Manchester and the streets of London underscore the depths of depravity that we face. But these atrocities only harden our resolve. Were getting better and better and tougher and tougher and smarter and smarter, Christian.

We cannot allow radical Islamic terrorism to spread in our country, or allow extremists to find sanctuary on our shores. (Applause.) We will protect our country, we will protect our families, and our ways of life will always be protected. We will crush this enemy that is waging war on all of civilization.

Last month, I traveled to Saudi Arabia to speak to the leaders of more than 50 Muslim and Arab countries, and to rally them in the common fight against the terrorism, which is a menace to people of all religions. There can be no coexistence with this violence. I told these leaders that they must drive out this enemy from the face of the Earth. Every child of God, no matter where they live, what language they speak, or what book they live by, deserves to be able to grow up in harmony, dignity, and peace.

In that summit, the likes of which there has never been any summit like it -- youve seen, you watched it -- we reached historic agreements to fight not only terrorism but the wicked ideology that really drives it -- I mean, its really driving it -- and to starve this enemy of the funds -- the billions and billions and billions of dollars thats being poured out into the enemy. I think it was one of the great, great summits. And I think its going to have a profound effect on terrorism. (Applause.)

Finally, because my administration is deeply committed to the right of religious believers everywhere to be free from persecution, I called on these leaders to protect Muslims, and Christians, and Jews, and people of all faiths. Because you know whats going on there. And its horrible -- horrible. Terrorism is a threat, and it is a big threat to religious liberty around the world. And all responsible nations must protect the right of people to live and worship according to their conscience. (Applause.)

Here in America, my administration is determined to work with you to protect your religious liberty not just for some but for everyone. Together, we can crush the horrors of terrorism. We can usher in a new era of faith, family, and freedom.

Because we understand that a nation is more than just a geography. A nation is the sum of its citizens, their hopes, their dreams, their values, and their prayers. America is a land rich with history and culture, and filled with people of courage, kindness, and strength. And though we have many stories we all share at home, the one thing we do share is one beautiful destiny. And whether we are black or brown or white, we all bleed the same red blood. (Applause.) We all salute the same great American flag. (Applause.) And we are all made by the same Almighty God. (Applause.)

We face many challenges. There are many hills and mountains to climb. But, one by one, we will scale those summits and we will get the job done and get the job done correctly. We will prove worthy of this very, very important moment in history. As long as we have pride in our beliefs, courage in our convictions, and faith in our God, then we will not fail. (Applause.)

And as long as our country remains true to its values, loyal to its citizens, and devoted to its Creator, then our best days are yet to come because we will make America great again.

Thank you. God bless you. (Applause.)

END 1:04 P.M. EDT

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Remarks by President Trump at the Faith and Freedom Coalition's ... - The White House (blog)

After letting two separate leads slip away, the Florence Freedom, presented by Titan Mechanical Solutions, defeated the Washington Wild Things in walk-off fashion by a final score of 6-5 on Friday night at UC Health Stadium.

With the score tied and runners on first and second with two out in the bottom of the ninth, Garrett Vail hit a ground ball into center field off Zach Strecker (4-1), scoring Jordan Brower from second base and snapping a Freedom (17-8) three-game losing streak with the teams first walk-off victory of the season.

Vail emerged as the offensive hero for Florence, going 4-for-5 with two RBI in the game. Matt Pobereyko (1-1) earned the win after entering with one out in the ninth and pitching a season-high inning and two-thirds of scoreless relief.

Mike Hill homered twice for the Wild Things (13-11)a solo home run in the second inning for the games first run, and a game-tying two-run shot in the top of the eighth off Kyle Doerr to make the score 5-5.

The Freedom overcame the early 1-0 deficit in the bottom of the third on a two-run homer to right field by Jose Brizuela, before a John Fidanza RBI-fielders choice grounder against rookie starter Enrique Zamora tied the game at 2-2. Florence would rally back with a three-run sixth inning, however, on a run-scoring base hit by Vail and a two-RBI single to right field by Daniel Fraga.

In his professional debut, Zamora struck out five batters and walked just one, limiting Washington to three hits over four and two-thirds innings.

Brower and Ozzy Braff also collected two hits each, as eight of the nine players in the starting lineup reached base safely at least once.

Washington starter Trevor Foss surrendered five runs on eight hits through five and two-thirds innings of work in his shortest outing of the season, getting no decision after leaving the game with the score tied in the bottom of the sixth.

The series continues Saturday with first pitch scheduled for 6:05 p.m. at UC Health Stadium. Right-hander Jordan Kraus (4-1) will pitch for the Freedom against Washington right-hander Aaron Burns (0-0).

The Florence Freedom are members of the independent Frontier League and play all home games at UC Health Stadium located at 7950 Freedom Way in Florence, KY.The Freedom can be found online at FlorenceFreedom.com, or by phone at 859-594-4487.

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Freedom halt losing skid with dramatic walk-off win against Wild Things at UC Health Stadium - User-generated content (press release) (registration)

Mandela Foundation remembers Namibian freedom fighter Toivo

Namibian freedom fighter Andimba Toivo ya Toivo died on Friday at the age of 92 in Windhoek.

A screengrab of Namibian freedom fighter Andimba Toivo ya Toivo during an interview with Namibia Media Initiative in 2014. Picture: YouTube.

JOHANNESBURG - The Nelson Mandela Foundation has sent its condolences on the passing of Namibian freedom fighter Andimba Toivo ya Toivo, who died on Friday at the age of 92 in Windhoek.

The foundation notes the friendship Toivo shared with the late former president of South Africa Nelson Mandela while imprisoned during the apartheid years on Robben Island.

The foundations CEO Sello Hatang says Madiba often described him as a stubborn freedom fighter, who was determined to win independence for his people in Namibia.

Hatang says its important to note that their friendship was warm and heartfelt.

I remember seeing the two of them in 2010 Toivo was in town and he popped in to see Madiba. At the time, the two of them exchanged some really beautiful stories of Robben Island but also to check on each others health.

(Edited by Zamangwane Shange)

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Mandela Foundation remembers Namibian freedom fighter Toivo - Eyewitness News

KVUE 5:25 PM. CDT June 09, 2017

Travis County Sheriff Sally Hernandez. (Photo: Travis County Sheriff's Office)

AUSTIN - In a press release titled, "The Smell of Freedom," the Travis County Sheriff's Office responded to comments Gov. Greg Abbott made about his feelings toward Austin.

According to KVUE's partners at the Austin American-Statesman, Abbott attended the Bell County Republican Party Dinner at the Bell County Expo Center outside of Austin. There, he told a crowd, "As I was coming up here from Austin, Texas, tonight, I got to tell you, it's great to be out of the People's Republic of Austin," the Statesman said.

"Once you cross the Travis County line, it starts smelling different," Abbott said, according to the Statesman. "And you know what that fragrance is? Freedom. It's the smell of freedom that does not exist in Austin, Texas."

Austin Mayor Steve Adler responded, saying that the "air is actually pretty sweet with an unemployment rate that is a point lower than the state's, a lower violent crime rate than the state's."

He also said, "the air is sweet with tacos."

The Travis County Sheriff's Office also responded. On Friday afternoon, the office released a statement saying, "the smell of freedom in Travis County and throughout this wonderful state is strong."

"As noted in previous press releases, the Travis County Sheriff's Office, led by Sheriff Sally Hernandez, strives to ensure all victims of crime have an equal voice, and all who are alleged to have committed criminal offenses are held to account through the criminal justice system," the press release said.

Read the full press release here:

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2017 KVUE-TV

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'Smell of freedom' is 'strong' in Travis Co., sheriff's office says to ... - KVUE