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Chicago Cubs News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!Ben Cowles' Cubs Comeback: A Utility Infielder's JourneyBen Cowles, a versatile infielder from Newark, New York, has earned a spot on the Chicago Cubs forty-man roster. Drafted by the Yankees, hes had a winding journey through the minor leagues, including stints with the Cubs and White Sox. Cowles has impressive stats, including a .829 OPS in Double-A and nine home runs in Triple-A. His ability to play anywhere in the field makes him a valuable utility option for the Cubs. Checkout Solipillow.com
2026-01-2701 min
The Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 85: Greece's criminalisation of Sudanese refugeesIn this episode, we speak with Mustafa, Bairbre and Louise about the treatment of Sudanese refugees in Greece. Mustafa tells us about the revolution and ongoing proxy war in Sudan. He'll also tell us why he had to flee the country, and the Kafkaesque situation he found himself in after seeking asylum in Greece. Louise and Bairbre tell us more about the situation for people on the move in Greece, how refugees (including children) are being criminalised and sentenced to decades (and sometimes hundreds of years!) in prison for allegedly captaining...
2025-12-171h 10The Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 85: Greece's criminalisation of Sudanese refugeesIn this episode, we speak with Mustafa, Bairbre and Louise about the treatment of Sudanese refugees in Greece. Mustafa tells us about the revolution and ongoing proxy war in Sudan. He'll also tell us why he had to flee the country, and the Kafkaesque situation he found himself in after seeking asylum in Greece. Louise and Bairbre tell us more about the situation for people on the move in Greece, how refugees (including children) are being criminalised and sentenced to decades (and sometimes hundreds of years!) in prison for allegedly captaining...
2025-12-171h 10The Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 81: Kidnapped by the IDF – The Global Sumud Flotilla storyIn this episode, we speak with Lorenzo D'Agostino, a journalist who took part the Global Sumud Flotilla's civilian-led mission to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. He tells us about joining sailing from Barcelona towards Gaza, how its boats came under repeated drone attacks, and how the activists were eventually intercepted and kidnapped by the Israeli Navy. Lorenzo tells us how, once in Israel, his captors treated them all like terrorists and subjected them to torture, before deporting them to Turkey. We also hear how most European governments totally failed to stand...
2025-10-191h 27The Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 81: Kidnapped by the IDF – The Global Sumud Flotilla storyIn this episode, we speak with Lorenzo D'Agostino, a journalist who took part the Global Sumud Flotilla's civilian-led mission to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. He tells us about joining sailing from Barcelona towards Gaza, how its boats came under repeated drone attacks, and how the activists were eventually intercepted and kidnapped by the Israeli Navy. Lorenzo tells us how, once in Israel, his captors treated them all like terrorists and subjected them to torture, before deporting them to Turkey. We also hear how most European governments totally failed to stand...
2025-10-191h 27The Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 76: Stop the inhumanity at Europe's bordersIn this episode, we speak with Jeff Crisp, formerly of the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) and now part of the campaign group United Against Inhumanity (UAI). He tells us how and why UAI was set up, how it is trying to get European governments to treat people-on-the-move humanely, and about the organisation's recently published manifesto: Stop the Inhumanity at Europe's Borders. We also discuss the far-right's anti-asylum-seeker protests in the UK, Italy's failed deportation deal with Albania, and the US's similar deals with countries in Africa and Latin America.
2025-08-251h 13The Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 76: Stop the inhumanity at Europe's bordersIn this episode, we speak with Jeff Crisp, formerly of the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) and now part of the campaign group United Against Inhumanity (UAI). He tells us how and why UAI was set up, how it is trying to get European governments to treat people-on-the-move humanely, and about the organisation's recently published manifesto: Stop the Inhumanity at Europe's Borders. We also discuss the far-right's anti-asylum-seeker protests in the UK, Italy's failed deportation deal with Albania, and the US's similar deals with countries in Africa and Latin America.
2025-08-251h 13The Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 75: Frontex 'likely' breached refugees' right to lifeIn this episode, we speak with Lucille, operation communications manager for SOS Mediterranee. She tells us how the Ocean Viking's crew found 25 people adrift in the Mediterranean Sea by chance in March 2024. The survivors told Lucille that they had left Libya five or six days ago with around 60 people. Most of them didn't survive. A serious incident report published quietly by Frontex in May this year corroborates the survivors' accounts, that their boat was spotted by planes and commercial ships, but no rescue was launched. The Frontex report...
2025-08-0854 minThe Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 75: Frontex 'likely' breached refugees' right to lifeIn this episode, we speak with Lucille, operation communications manager for SOS Mediterranee. She tells us how the Ocean Viking's crew found 25 people adrift in the Mediterranean Sea by chance in March 2024. The survivors told Lucille that they had left Libya five or six days ago with around 60 people. Most of them didn't survive. A serious incident report published quietly by Frontex in May this year corroborates the survivors' accounts, that their boat was spotted by planes and commercial ships, but no rescue was launched. The Frontex report...
2025-08-0854 minThe Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 74: Is solidarity a crime?We speak with Silvia from the Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants, or PICUM. She tells us about a report she wrote for PICUM on the criminalisation and non-judicial harassment of people-on-the-move and activists working in solidarity with them in Europe last year. ---Get in touch--- Twitter: @FleetCivil Mastodon: @civilfleet@kolektiva.social Bluesky: @thecivilfleet.bsky.social Instagram: thecivilfleet info@civilfleet.com civilfleet.com
2025-07-2458 minThe Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 74: Is solidarity a crime?We speak with Silvia from the Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants, or PICUM. She tells us about a report she wrote for PICUM on the criminalisation and non-judicial harassment of people-on-the-move and activists working in solidarity with them in Europe last year. ---Get in touch--- Twitter: @FleetCivil Mastodon: @civilfleet@kolektiva.social Bluesky: @thecivilfleet.bsky.social Instagram: thecivilfleet info@civilfleet.com civilfleet.com
2025-07-2458 minThe Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 72: Mapping Malta's border violenceIn this episode, we speak with academic Cetta and foreign policy analyst Daniel about the Malta Migration Archive. We discuss the Maltese government's refusal to save refugee lives in its own search-and-rescue zone, how it ignores civilian rescue ships, pressurises commercial ships to not rescue refugees, and how it organises pushbacks with the so-called Libyan coastguards. Cetta and Daniel tell us how the Malta Migration Archive maps all of this, and why it is so important to expose and combat the Maltese government's silence. ---Get in touch---
2025-07-041h 39The Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 72: Mapping Malta's border violenceIn this episode, we speak with academic Cetta and foreign policy analyst Daniel about the Malta Migration Archive. We discuss the Maltese government's refusal to save refugee lives in its own search-and-rescue zone, how it ignores civilian rescue ships, pressurises commercial ships to not rescue refugees, and how it organises pushbacks with the so-called Libyan coastguards. Cetta and Daniel tell us how the Malta Migration Archive maps all of this, and why it is so important to expose and combat the Maltese government's silence. ---Get in touch---
2025-07-041h 39The Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 71: Dead children and distant portsIn this episode, we speak with medical doctors Hannah and James about their latest missions on the Nadir, a sailing boat operated by ResQship. Hannah tells us about a rescue in May, when the crew found a boat carrying over 60 people, including two dead children. The people they rescued had been at sea for four days with no water. James tells us about the Nadir's last rescue in June. After bringing 112 people to safety in Lampedusa, the Italian authorities decided to block the ship from leaving port. ---Ge...
2025-06-261h 14The Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 71: Dead children and distant portsIn this episode, we speak with medical doctors Hannah and James about their latest missions on the Nadir, a sailing boat operated by ResQship. Hannah tells us about a rescue in May, when the crew found a boat carrying over 60 people, including two dead children. The people they rescued had been at sea for four days with no water. James tells us about the Nadir's last rescue in June. After bringing 112 people to safety in Lampedusa, the Italian authorities decided to block the ship from leaving port. ---Ge...
2025-06-261h 14The Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 68: EU plans to criminalise solidarity with refugeesIn this episode, we speak with Yasha Maccanico a researcher and journalist at StateWatch, a UK-based charity focused on civil liberties, human rights and democracy in Europe. We talk about a proposed EU law that could make it easier for states to criminalise acts of solidarity with people on the move. Yasha also talks to us about abuses of state power in Europe under the guise of lowering immigration, the externalisation of the EU's borders in Africa, and much more. ---Get in touch--- ...
2025-02-251h 13The Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 68: EU plans to criminalise solidarity with refugeesIn this episode, we speak with Yasha Maccanico a researcher and journalist at StateWatch, a UK-based charity focused on civil liberties, human rights and democracy in Europe. We talk about a proposed EU law that could make it easier for states to criminalise acts of solidarity with people on the move. Yasha also talks to us about abuses of state power in Europe under the guise of lowering immigration, the externalisation of the EU's borders in Africa, and much more. ---Get in touch--- ...
2025-02-251h 13The Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 67: Syria, Gaza, and European hostility to refugeesIn this episode, we speak with Michaël Neuman from Doctors' Without Borders (MSF). He tells us about the charity's work in Syria, and how the fall of Bashar Assad's regime could affect this. We also discuss MSF's work in Gaza, Israel's ongoing genocide against the Palestinians and the fact that, unlike most conflicts, the people there have no escape. Michaël also tells us why MSF decided it needed to help asylum seekers in the UK, and why European governments have been far too quick to pa...
2024-12-301h 15The Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 67: Syria, Gaza, and European hostility to refugeesIn this episode, we speak with Michaël Neuman from Doctors' Without Borders (MSF). He tells us about the charity's work in Syria, and how the fall of Bashar Assad's regime could affect this. We also discuss MSF's work in Gaza, Israel's ongoing genocide against the Palestinians and the fact that, unlike most conflicts, the people there have no escape. Michaël also tells us why MSF decided it needed to help asylum seekers in the UK, and why European governments have been far too quick to pa...
2024-12-301h 15The Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 65: 'A pain in the ass to inhumane authorities'In this episode, we speak with Paul Wagner, the media officer for Sea-Watch's airborne operations. He tells us about the rescue organisation's reconnaissance missions over the central Mediterranean, the push and pullbacks they have witnessed at sea, and how the EU has refugee blood on its hands. He also tell us about the various ways the Italian government has tried to stop them from carrying out their human rights monitoring missions. ---Get in touch--- Twitter: @FleetCivil Mastodon: @civilfleet@kolektiva...
2024-11-241h 03The Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 65: 'A pain in the ass to inhumane authorities'In this episode, we speak with Paul Wagner, the media officer for Sea-Watch's airborne operations. He tells us about the rescue organisation's reconnaissance missions over the central Mediterranean, the push and pullbacks they have witnessed at sea, and how the EU has refugee blood on its hands. He also tell us about the various ways the Italian government has tried to stop them from carrying out their human rights monitoring missions. ---Get in touch--- Twitter: @FleetCivil Mastodon: @civilfleet@kolektiva...
2024-11-241h 03
Tales of a Red Clay Rambler: A pottery and ceramic art podcastPriscilla Dobler Dzul and Corinna CowlesPriscilla Dobler Dzul and Corinna Cowles were both residents at the Archie Bray Foundation this summer. In our interview we talk about their current bodies of work and their experience at the Bray. Corinna Cowles is based in Philadelphia, PA and Priscilla Dobler Dzul splits time between Washington state and Mexico. This year's Bray residency application deadline is December 19th. Check out www.archiebray.org/residencies for more information on how to apply. I would like to highlight a few friends of the podcast that need help recovering from Hurricane Helene. The Village Potters were hi...
2024-11-0446 minThe Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 63: 'You feel like the most wanted criminal in the world'In this episode, we speak with Denny, a young refugee from Kashmir who was forced to flee his homeland almost 9 years ago. He is going to tell us about life in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, his journey through Europe, how he was mistreated by the authorities and supported by activists. We also talk about his time living in a squat in Bosnia, and how looking after a dog helped his mental state. ---Get in touch--- Twitter: @FleetCivil Mastodon: @civilfleet@kolektiva.social
2024-10-041h 02The Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 63: 'You feel like the most wanted criminal in the world'In this episode, we speak with Denny, a young refugee from Kashmir who was forced to flee his homeland almost 9 years ago. He is going to tell us about life in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, his journey through Europe, how he was mistreated by the authorities and supported by activists. We also talk about his time living in a squat in Bosnia, and how looking after a dog helped his mental state. ---Get in touch--- Twitter: @FleetCivil Mastodon: @civilfleet@kolektiva.social
2024-10-041h 02The Civil Fleet PodcastEpsode 62: The UK's mistreatment of Albanian asylum seekers and victims of human traffickingIn this episode, we speak with Lauren Starkey, a campaigner and independent social worker who works with Albanian victims of human trafficking. Lauren is going to tell us how the British government decided that Albanian men shouldn't be granted asylum in the UK, even if they are victims of human trafficking. She tells us how this approach punishes victims of human trafficking, forces them to live in destitution, and threatens to send them back to an environment they were trafficked from. And we also have an addendum...
2024-09-201h 28The Civil Fleet PodcastEpsode 62: The UK's mistreatment of Albanian asylum seekers and victims of human traffickingIn this episode, we speak with Lauren Starkey, a campaigner and independent social worker who works with Albanian victims of human trafficking. Lauren is going to tell us how the British government decided that Albanian men shouldn't be granted asylum in the UK, even if they are victims of human trafficking. She tells us how this approach punishes victims of human trafficking, forces them to live in destitution, and threatens to send them back to an environment they were trafficked from. And we also have an addendum...
2024-09-201h 28The Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 61: Labour, immigration raids, and far-right riotsIn this episode, we speak with Dan Sohege, director of the human rights advocacy organisation Stand For All. We've a new government here in the UK. So I thought it'd be a good idea to ask Dan to give us his analysis of the Labour's plans for asylum seekers. Dan tells us how Labour's plans to increase immigration raids will only make things worse for victims of trafficking. We also discuss the recent far-right riots happening across Britain and Northern Ireland, and how our media and politicians...
2024-08-1054 minThe Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 61: Labour, immigration raids, and far-right riotsIn this episode, we speak with Dan Sohege, director of the human rights advocacy organisation Stand For All. We've a new government here in the UK. So I thought it'd be a good idea to ask Dan to give us his analysis of the Labour's plans for asylum seekers. Dan tells us how Labour's plans to increase immigration raids will only make things worse for victims of trafficking. We also discuss the recent far-right riots happening across Britain and Northern Ireland, and how our media and politicians...
2024-08-1054 minThe Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 60: Pylos Shipwreck – The Greek coastguards watched them drownIn today's episode, we speak with Spyros, from the Free Pylos 9 campaign. He's going to tell us more about the Pylos Shipwreck, how the authorities refused to help the 750 people on the small fishing boat, and how it sank on June 14, 2023, when the Greek coastguards tried to tow it. Only 104 of the 750 people survived. Spyros also tells us about the nine survivors who were used as scapegoats for the disaster and jailed, about the campaign to free them, and how they were treated once they were acquitted. ---Get...
2024-07-261h 04The Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 60: Pylos Shipwreck – The Greek coastguards watched them drownIn today's episode, we speak with Spyros, from the Free Pylos 9 campaign. He's going to tell us more about the Pylos Shipwreck, how the authorities refused to help the 750 people on the small fishing boat, and how it sank on June 14, 2023, when the Greek coastguards tried to tow it. Only 104 of the 750 people survived. Spyros also tells us about the nine survivors who were used as scapegoats for the disaster and jailed, about the campaign to free them, and how they were treated once they were acquitted. ---Get...
2024-07-261h 04The Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 59: Solidarity in Bosnia (Part 2)In this episode, we go back to the border town of Bihac, in Bosnia, to see how the solidarity network No Name Kitchen (NNK) supports People on the Move there. In Part 2 of this miniseries on Bosnia, we'll near more from NNK's volunteers in Bosnia, and also from the refugees/migrants/People on the Move who are trapped in the Balkan country. ---Get in touch--- Twitter: @FleetCivil Mastodon: @civilfleet@kolektiva.social Bluesky: @thecivilfleet.bsky.social Instagram: thecivi...
2024-06-131h 35The Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 59: Solidarity in Bosnia (Part 2)In this episode, we go back to the border town of Bihac, in Bosnia, to see how the solidarity network No Name Kitchen (NNK) supports People on the Move there. In Part 2 of this miniseries on Bosnia, we'll near more from NNK's volunteers in Bosnia, and also from the refugees/migrants/People on the Move who are trapped in the Balkan country. ---Get in touch--- Twitter: @FleetCivil Mastodon: @civilfleet@kolektiva.social Bluesky: @thecivilfleet.bsky.social Instagram: thecivi...
2024-06-131h 35The Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 56: Free HomayounIn this episode we speak with Kiana, Anne, Mahtab and Hannah from the Free Homayoun campaign. Homayoun Sabetara, a widower and father of two, fled Iran to reunite with his daughters in Germany in 2021. Mahtab is one of his daughters. Along the way, Homayoun was forced to drive a car carrying several others across the Greece-Turkey border. He was arrested in Greece, charged with human smuggling, and sentenced to 18 years behind bars at a trial conducted without interpreters. Kiana, Anne, Mahtab and Hannah tell us more about Homayo...
2024-04-131h 12The Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 56: Free HomayounIn this episode we speak with Kiana, Anne, Mahtab and Hannah from the Free Homayoun campaign. Homayoun Sabetara, a widower and father of two, fled Iran to reunite with his daughters in Germany in 2021. Mahtab is one of his daughters. Along the way, Homayoun was forced to drive a car carrying several others across the Greece-Turkey border. He was arrested in Greece, charged with human smuggling, and sentenced to 18 years behind bars at a trial conducted without interpreters. Kiana, Anne, Mahtab and Hannah tell us more about Homayo...
2024-04-131h 12The Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 55: The Libyan Coastguards shot at usIn this episode, we speak with Camilla from the refugee rescue organisation SOS Humanity. She tells us about the time the so-called Libyan Coastguard shot at them, disrupting a rescue operation in the central Mediterranean, and causing the death of at least one person in early March 2024. She also tells us how, after that ordeal, the Italian authorities then ordered the Humanity 1 rescue ship to sail for a port, thousands of miles away. And how, when they finally reached land, the authorities tried to detain the ship...
2024-03-291h 12The Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 55: The Libyan Coastguards shot at usIn this episode, we speak with Camilla from the refugee rescue organisation SOS Humanity. She tells us about the time the so-called Libyan Coastguard shot at them, disrupting a rescue operation in the central Mediterranean, and causing the death of at least one person in early March 2024. She also tells us how, after that ordeal, the Italian authorities then ordered the Humanity 1 rescue ship to sail for a port, thousands of miles away. And how, when they finally reached land, the authorities tried to detain the ship...
2024-03-291h 12The Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 54: Solidarity And ResistanceActivists aboard the Iuventa rescue ship saved the lives of over 14,000 people in the central Mediterranean between 2016 and 2017. Based on dodgy allegations from a security guard with links to the far right, the Italian secret services began spying on the Iuventa crew in September 2016. The Italian authorities seized the Iuventa in August 2017, and initially warned 10 members of the crew that they were under investigation for human smuggling. But in March 2021, only four of them were charged with "aiding and abetting illegal immigration to Italy."
2024-03-191h 52The Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 54: Solidarity And ResistanceActivists aboard the Iuventa rescue ship saved the lives of over 14,000 people in the central Mediterranean between 2016 and 2017. Based on dodgy allegations from a security guard with links to the far right, the Italian secret services began spying on the Iuventa crew in September 2016. The Italian authorities seized the Iuventa in August 2017, and initially warned 10 members of the crew that they were under investigation for human smuggling. But in March 2021, only four of them were charged with "aiding and abetting illegal immigration to Italy."
2024-03-191h 52The Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 52: Frontex, Pirates and Greek liesIn this episode, we speak with journalist Bashar Deeb from Lighthouse Reports about two investigations he worked on. The first, called 'Frontex and the Pirate Ship', is a disturbing story of how the European Border and Coastguard Agency helped a notorious Libyan rebel group intercept a refugee boat in the Mediterranean. The second, 'Drowning in Lies', exposes how Greece tried to cover up its role in the Pylos shipwreck by tampering with witness testimony. --Get in touch--- Twitter: @FleetCivil ...
2024-01-2550 minThe Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 52: Frontex, Pirates and Greek liesIn this episode, we speak with journalist Bashar Deeb from Lighthouse Reports about two investigations he worked on. The first, called 'Frontex and the Pirate Ship', is a disturbing story of how the European Border and Coastguard Agency helped a notorious Libyan rebel group intercept a refugee boat in the Mediterranean. The second, 'Drowning in Lies', exposes how Greece tried to cover up its role in the Pylos shipwreck by tampering with witness testimony. --Get in touch--- Twitter: @FleetCivil ...
2024-01-2550 minThe Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 51: Europe's Bloody BordersIn this episode, we speak with Sergio from No Name Kitchen. He tells how the group supports people on the move along the Balkan route, and the types of violence they experience along the European Union's edges. Sergio also talks to us about No Name Kitchen's Bloody Borders report, and of the horrific levels of abuse suffered at European borders. --Get in touch--- Twitter: @FleetCivil Mastodon: @civilfleet@kolektiva.social Instagram: thecivilfleet info@ci...
2024-01-091h 04The Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 51: Europe's Bloody BordersIn this episode, we speak with Sergio from No Name Kitchen. He tells how the group supports people on the move along the Balkan route, and the types of violence they experience along the European Union's edges. Sergio also talks to us about No Name Kitchen's Bloody Borders report, and of the horrific levels of abuse suffered at European borders. --Get in touch--- Twitter: @FleetCivil Mastodon: @civilfleet@kolektiva.social Instagram: thecivilfleet info@ci...
2024-01-091h 04The Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 50: Abolish FrontexIn this episode we speak with Josephine from Abolish Frontex, a decentralised network of activist groups focused on ending the EU's deadly border regime. Josephine is going to tell us about Frontex, which is the European Border and Coastguard Agency, it's many scandals, it's operations within and outside Europe, and why it should be abolished. We also talk about the International Day of Action the network is calling for on December 18th, demanding Frontex ends its operations in Africa. --Get in touch--- Twitter: @Fleet...
2023-11-1652 minThe Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 50: Abolish FrontexIn this episode we speak with Josephine from Abolish Frontex, a decentralised network of activist groups focused on ending the EU's deadly border regime. Josephine is going to tell us about Frontex, which is the European Border and Coastguard Agency, it's many scandals, it's operations within and outside Europe, and why it should be abolished. We also talk about the International Day of Action the network is calling for on December 18th, demanding Frontex ends its operations in Africa. --Get in touch--- Twitter: @Fleet...
2023-11-1652 minThe Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 49: Safe Passage for RefugeesIn this episode, we speak with Paul O'Connor the senior national officer at the Public and Commerical Services (PCS) union - one of the largest unions in the UK, representing workers across all government departments and in the private sector. Paul tells us about the safe passage for refugees policy the union's members wrote with Care4Calais, and why it is a genuinely humanitarian way to stop the small boat crossings of the Channel. We also touch on working class solidarity, anti-fascism and, the Bibby Stockholm, the hostile environment, and how...
2023-10-2751 minThe Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 49: Safe Passage for RefugeesIn this episode, we speak with Paul O'Connor the senior national officer at the Public and Commerical Services (PCS) union - one of the largest unions in the UK, representing workers across all government departments and in the private sector. Paul tells us about the safe passage for refugees policy the union's members wrote with Care4Calais, and why it is a genuinely humanitarian way to stop the small boat crossings of the Channel. We also touch on working class solidarity, anti-fascism and, the Bibby Stockholm, the hostile environment, and how...
2023-10-2751 minThe Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 48: Europe's Tunisian borderJihed, a Tunisian activist with Alarm Phone and Louise Michelle, talks to us about the mistreatment of refugees / migrants / people on the move in Tunisia in this episode. He tells us how a speech by Tunisia's President Kais Said earlier this year — in which he spouted off racist, far-right conspiracy theories — affected refugees in Tunisia. We hear about border violence between Tunisia and Libya, and how Europe's border operates inside the country. Jihed was also an active participant in the Tunisian revolution. He tells us about that and its ef...
2023-10-1757 minThe Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 48: Europe's Tunisian borderJihed, a Tunisian activist with Alarm Phone and Louise Michelle, talks to us about the mistreatment of refugees / migrants / people on the move in Tunisia in this episode. He tells us how a speech by Tunisia's President Kais Said earlier this year — in which he spouted off racist, far-right conspiracy theories — affected refugees in Tunisia. We hear about border violence between Tunisia and Libya, and how Europe's border operates inside the country. Jihed was also an active participant in the Tunisian revolution. He tells us about that and its ef...
2023-10-1757 minThe Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 47: 'Remove the rescue equipment or we will arrest you'In this episode, we speak with Serena from Mediterranea: Saving Humans, an Italian refugee rescue organisation. Serena tells us how the Italian authorities have prevented the organisation's ship, the Mare Jonio, from going back to sea to save lives for over a year. She also tells how the authorities recently ordered the Mare Jonio to remove all of its rescue equipment or face arrest. --Get in touch--- Twitter: @FleetCivil Mastodon: @civilfleet@kolektiva.social Instagram: thecivilfleet
2023-09-3046 minThe Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 47: 'Remove the rescue equipment or we will arrest you'In this episode, we speak with Serena from Mediterranea: Saving Humans, an Italian refugee rescue organisation. Serena tells us how the Italian authorities have prevented the organisation's ship, the Mare Jonio, from going back to sea to save lives for over a year. She also tells how the authorities recently ordered the Mare Jonio to remove all of its rescue equipment or face arrest. --Get in touch--- Twitter: @FleetCivil Mastodon: @civilfleet@kolektiva.social Instagram: thecivilfleet
2023-09-3046 minThe Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 46: Organised chaos in LampedusaIn this episode, we speak with Jasmine from the Italian cultural association Maldusa, an organisation that supports migrant solidarity efforts, and documents border violence. Jasmine tells us about September 12, when more than 5,000 people arrived on Lampedusa, overwhelming the Mediterranean island's under resourced and completely inadequate migrant reception facilities and services. She also tells us how the Italian state has not only completely failed the migrants but the locals too, and how many of them mobilised in solidarity with the new arrivals. ---Get in touch--- Twitter: @FleetCivil
2023-09-221h 08The Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 46: Organised chaos in LampedusaIn this episode, we speak with Jasmine from the Italian cultural association Maldusa, an organisation that supports migrant solidarity efforts, and documents border violence. Jasmine tells us about September 12, when more than 5,000 people arrived on Lampedusa, overwhelming the Mediterranean island's under resourced and completely inadequate migrant reception facilities and services. She also tells us how the Italian state has not only completely failed the migrants but the locals too, and how many of them mobilised in solidarity with the new arrivals. ---Get in touch--- Twitter: @FleetCivil
2023-09-221h 08The Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 44: Reclaim the SeaIn this episode we speak with Tigs Louis-Puttick, the founder of Reclaim the Sea, a UK-based organisation helping refugee women reclaim the seaside as a place of joy. Tigs tells us about teaching refugees to swim and surf, about the UK government placing asylum seekers on a floating barge – the Bibby Stockholm – and the company which owns the barge's links to the trans-atlantic slave trade. She also tells us how she was arrested in July 2023 during a protest outside the UK Home Office against the Illegal Migration Bill. ---Get...
2023-08-1352 minThe Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 44: Reclaim the SeaIn this episode we speak with Tigs Louis-Puttick, the founder of Reclaim the Sea, a UK-based organisation helping refugee women reclaim the seaside as a place of joy. Tigs tells us about teaching refugees to swim and surf, about the UK government placing asylum seekers on a floating barge – the Bibby Stockholm – and the company which owns the barge's links to the trans-atlantic slave trade. She also tells us how she was arrested in July 2023 during a protest outside the UK Home Office against the Illegal Migration Bill. ---Get...
2023-08-1352 minThe Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 43: Doro - refugee, hero, champion, survivorIn this episode, we speak with firefighter and refugee rescuer Brendan Woodhouse about Doro, a book he co-wrote with Doro Goumaneh. Brendan tells us how he rescued his co-author from a boat in the Mediterranean in 2019 from the Sea-Watch 3, and while waiting for Italy to allow the rescued to disembark, Doro asked Brendan to write his story. Brendan tells us about co-writing the book, Doro's journey and new life in France, and how the book has been received. ---Get in touch--- Twitter: @FleetCivil
2023-07-301h 05The Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 43: Doro - refugee, hero, champion, survivorIn this episode, we speak with firefighter and refugee rescuer Brendan Woodhouse about Doro, a book he co-wrote with Doro Goumaneh. Brendan tells us how he rescued his co-author from a boat in the Mediterranean in 2019 from the Sea-Watch 3, and while waiting for Italy to allow the rescued to disembark, Doro asked Brendan to write his story. Brendan tells us about co-writing the book, Doro's journey and new life in France, and how the book has been received. ---Get in touch--- Twitter: @FleetCivil
2023-07-301h 05The Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 42: Exposing the Home Office's treatment of asylum seekersIn today's episode, we speak with freelance investigative journalist Nicola Kelly about two important articles she wrote this year for the Guardian newspaper. The first concerns the UK government providing £3m to the Turkish border guards to stop people on the move at the country's border with Iran. The second article we discuss is about asylum seekers being abused and intimidated by staff at Home Office hotels. ---Get in touch--- Twitter: @FleetCivil Mastodon: @civilfleet@kolektiva.social Instagram: thecivilfleet info@civilfleet.com
2023-07-1658 minThe Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 42: Exposing the Home Office's treatment of asylum seekersIn today's episode, we speak with freelance investigative journalist Nicola Kelly about two important articles she wrote this year for the Guardian newspaper. The first concerns the UK government providing £3m to the Turkish border guards to stop people on the move at the country's border with Iran. The second article we discuss is about asylum seekers being abused and intimidated by staff at Home Office hotels. ---Get in touch--- Twitter: @FleetCivil Mastodon: @civilfleet@kolektiva.social Instagram: thecivilfleet info@civilfleet.com
2023-07-1658 minThe Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 41: Solidarity along the Balkan routeIn today's episode we speak with Barbara from No Name Kitchen about the organisation's work supporting people on the move along the Balkan route into Europe. She tells us how the EU has externalised its borders in Bosnia and Serbia, how the authorities have effectively made it illegal to help people on the move there, and how this has forced people on the move are to survive underground. ---Get in touch--- Twitter: @FleetCivil Mastodon: @civilfleet@kolektiva.social Instagram: thecivilfleet info@civilfleet.com civ...
2023-06-3048 minThe Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 41: Solidarity along the Balkan routeIn today's episode we speak with Barbara from No Name Kitchen about the organisation's work supporting people on the move along the Balkan route into Europe. She tells us how the EU has externalised its borders in Bosnia and Serbia, how the authorities have effectively made it illegal to help people on the move there, and how this has forced people on the move are to survive underground. ---Get in touch--- Twitter: @FleetCivil Mastodon: @civilfleet@kolektiva.social Instagram: thecivilfleet info@civilfleet.com civ...
2023-06-3048 minThe Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 40: Profiting from Europe's deportation regimeTODAY we speak with Sophie and Patrick, journalists and activists with the anti-capitalist research co-operative Corporate Watch. Sophie and Patrick tell us about the private companies profiting from the UK and Europe's deportation regime - specifically Air Partner and Carlson Wagonlit, two corporations that organise chartered deportation flights across the continent. ---Get in touch--- Twitter: @FleetCivil Mastodon: @civilfleet@kolektiva.social Instagram: thecivilfleet info@civilfleet.com civilfleet.com Support: ko-fi.com/civilfleet ---Show Notes--- If you're facing deportation from the...
2023-06-1752 minThe Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 40: Profiting from Europe's deportation regimeTODAY we speak with Sophie and Patrick, journalists and activists with the anti-capitalist research co-operative Corporate Watch. Sophie and Patrick tell us about the private companies profiting from the UK and Europe's deportation regime - specifically Air Partner and Carlson Wagonlit, two corporations that organise chartered deportation flights across the continent. ---Get in touch--- Twitter: @FleetCivil Mastodon: @civilfleet@kolektiva.social Instagram: thecivilfleet info@civilfleet.com civilfleet.com Support: ko-fi.com/civilfleet ---Show Notes--- If you're facing deportation from the...
2023-06-1752 minThe Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 39: A hostile environment for refugeesIn today's episode we speak with filmmaker Sonita Gale, about her award-winning documentary film Hostile. Sonita tells us how Britain's "hostile environment" stretches much further back than 2012, when then home secretary Theresa May coined the term, and is rooted in the British Empire. We hear how successive governments — both Labour and Conservative — have created an inhumane system for migrants and refugees in the UK and how this has affected the people in her film. She also tells us how these dehumanising policies lead to the Windrush Scandal, and...
2023-05-3053 minThe Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 39: A hostile environment for refugeesIn today's episode we speak with filmmaker Sonita Gale, about her award-winning documentary film Hostile. Sonita tells us how Britain's "hostile environment" stretches much further back than 2012, when then home secretary Theresa May coined the term, and is rooted in the British Empire. We hear how successive governments — both Labour and Conservative — have created an inhumane system for migrants and refugees in the UK and how this has affected the people in her film. She also tells us how these dehumanising policies lead to the Windrush Scandal, and...
2023-05-3053 minThe Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 37: Free The El Hiblu 3 - Teenagers accused of terrorism for translatingIn today's episode we speak with Jelka and Amara. Amara was one of 108 people who were rescued by an oil tanker, called the El Hiblu 1, in March 2019 after escaping Libya. The European authorities ordered the El Hiblu 1's crew to wait for the Libyan coastguards to come and take the rescued back to the war-torn country. But, the rescued convinced the crew to sail north instead. Amara, along with fellow teenagers Abdalla and Kadar, acted as translators between the refugees and the crew. The Maltese special forces eventually raided the ship, i...
2023-03-2355 minThe Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 37: Free The El Hiblu 3 - Teenagers accused of terrorism for translatingIn today's episode we speak with Jelka and Amara. Amara was one of 108 people who were rescued by an oil tanker, called the El Hiblu 1, in March 2019 after escaping Libya. The European authorities ordered the El Hiblu 1's crew to wait for the Libyan coastguards to come and take the rescued back to the war-torn country. But, the rescued convinced the crew to sail north instead. Amara, along with fellow teenagers Abdalla and Kadar, acted as translators between the refugees and the crew. The Maltese special forces eventually raided the ship, i...
2023-03-2355 minThe Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 36: Defending the Iuventa 4 refugee rescuersIn today's episode we speak with Francesca Cancellaro, one of the human rights lawyers representing the Iuventa 4 — four activists on pretrial in Italy after saving over 14,000 lives in the Mediterranean. Francesca updates us on the pretrial, walks us through some of the many irregularities prolonging it, and explains why the case is so important for the future of activist-led rescue missions. She also tells us why the Iuventa crew are taking the Trapani Prosecutor's Office to court over the abandonment and destruction of their ship. ---Get in touch--- Twitter: @FleetCivil Mastodon: @civi...
2023-03-1144 minThe Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 36: Defending the Iuventa 4 refugee rescuersIn today's episode we speak with Francesca Cancellaro, one of the human rights lawyers representing the Iuventa 4 — four activists on pretrial in Italy after saving over 14,000 lives in the Mediterranean. Francesca updates us on the pretrial, walks us through some of the many irregularities prolonging it, and explains why the case is so important for the future of activist-led rescue missions. She also tells us why the Iuventa crew are taking the Trapani Prosecutor's Office to court over the abandonment and destruction of their ship. ---Get in touch--- Twitter: @FleetCivil Mastodon: @civi...
2023-03-1144 minThe Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 34: Europe's 'black sites' & secret asylum-seeker pushbacks on commercial shipsIn today's episode, we speak with Klaas van Dijken, one of the co-founders of the investigative journalism organisation Lighthouse Reports. Klaas talks to us about two recent investigations he and his team worked on: • How asylum seekers are held in secret prisons on commercial ships to facilitate illegal pushbacks from Italy to Greece, and • How refugees are being arbitrarily detained and tortured at secret facilities along EU borders before being illegally forced back across borders. ---Get in touch--- Twitter: @FleetCivil Mastodon: @civilfleet@kolektiva.social info@civilfleet.com Sup...
2023-01-2846 minThe Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 34: Europe's 'black sites' & secret asylum-seeker pushbacks on commercial shipsIn today's episode, we speak with Klaas van Dijken, one of the co-founders of the investigative journalism organisation Lighthouse Reports. Klaas talks to us about two recent investigations he and his team worked on: • How asylum seekers are held in secret prisons on commercial ships to facilitate illegal pushbacks from Italy to Greece, and • How refugees are being arbitrarily detained and tortured at secret facilities along EU borders before being illegally forced back across borders. ---Get in touch--- Twitter: @FleetCivil Mastodon: @civilfleet@kolektiva.social info@civilfleet.com Sup...
2023-01-2846 minThe Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 31: Kept at sea as food and water run lowIn today's episode, we speak with SOS Humanity's human rights observer, Mirka Schäfer. Mirka tells us about the organisation's first rescue mission aboard the Humanity 1, and how it saved the lives of over 390 people in the central Mediterranean last month We hear about how the crew found 207 people in Malta's SAR zone who had been adrift at sea with no food and water for days. After the crew brought them on board, the European authorities refused to allow the rescued to come ashore for another seven days. Mirka tells us all about th...
2022-10-071h 01The Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 31: Kept at sea as food and water run lowIn today's episode, we speak with SOS Humanity's human rights observer, Mirka Schäfer. Mirka tells us about the organisation's first rescue mission aboard the Humanity 1, and how it saved the lives of over 390 people in the central Mediterranean last month We hear about how the crew found 207 people in Malta's SAR zone who had been adrift at sea with no food and water for days. After the crew brought them on board, the European authorities refused to allow the rescued to come ashore for another seven days. Mirka tells us all about th...
2022-10-071h 01The Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 30: A new ship, same old problemsIn today's episode, we speak with David Llado, a search-and-rescue coordinator for the Spanish rescue organisation Open Arms. David talks to us the organisation's new ship, the Open Arms Uno, and runs us through what happened on its first mission. He tell us why, despite the fact that the new vessel has gone through more official checks than any other ship in the Spanish fleet, the authorities may still block it from saving lives in the Mediterranean. We also hear about the lengths European states have gone to stop the Open Arms' other sh...
2022-09-121h 11The Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 30: A new ship, same old problemsIn today's episode, we speak with David Llado, a search-and-rescue coordinator for the Spanish rescue organisation Open Arms. David talks to us the organisation's new ship, the Open Arms Uno, and runs us through what happened on its first mission. He tell us why, despite the fact that the new vessel has gone through more official checks than any other ship in the Spanish fleet, the authorities may still block it from saving lives in the Mediterranean. We also hear about the lengths European states have gone to stop the Open Arms' other sh...
2022-09-121h 11The Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 28: Refugee life, pushbacks and criminalisation on LesvosIn this episode, we hear from Alice and Hamid from Borderline Lesvos about their work on the island running a welcome centre for registered refugees. They tell us how the NGO helps people adjust to life on the island, and helps them with things like bureaucracy, housing and the Greek language. We hear about Moria camp 2, and how the kids languishing inside there are struggling with their mental health. They also speak about the dwindling numbers of refugees on the island, the illegal practice of refugee pushbacks, and how the authorities may in...
2022-07-101h 05The Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 28: Refugee life, pushbacks and criminalisation on LesvosIn this episode, we hear from Alice and Hamid from Borderline Lesvos about their work on the island running a welcome centre for registered refugees. They tell us how the NGO helps people adjust to life on the island, and helps them with things like bureaucracy, housing and the Greek language. We hear about Moria camp 2, and how the kids languishing inside there are struggling with their mental health. They also speak about the dwindling numbers of refugees on the island, the illegal practice of refugee pushbacks, and how the authorities may in...
2022-07-101h 05The Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 27: "They capsized into the water. Luckily most people were able to swim"One night in May this year, 110 people were crammed onto a wooden boat somewhere along Libya's Mediterranean coastline. The boat was much too small for them all, and none of them had been given a life jacket. But they, much like the tens of thousands of others who have attempted to reach safety in Europe, must have been desperate to escape that war-torn country. The people eventually made it into Malta's SAR zone, where the island nation was legally responsible for coordinating their rescue. But of course, Malta did no such thing. Two act...
2022-06-2558 minThe Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 27: "They capsized into the water. Luckily most people were able to swim"One night in May this year, 110 people were crammed onto a wooden boat somewhere along Libya's Mediterranean coastline. The boat was much too small for them all, and none of them had been given a life jacket. But they, much like the tens of thousands of others who have attempted to reach safety in Europe, must have been desperate to escape that war-torn country. The people eventually made it into Malta's SAR zone, where the island nation was legally responsible for coordinating their rescue. But of course, Malta did no such thing. Two act...
2022-06-2558 minThe Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 23: 'Frontex's task is, and always will be, to stop people entering Europe'In today's episode, we speak with transparency activist Luisa Izuzquiza from the German campaign group Frag Den Staat (Ask the State). She tells us why Frag Den Staat and Sea-Watch are launching legal action against Frontex, the European Border and Coastguard Agency. She also explains why Frontex is an inherently violent institution that is incompatible with human rights, and why it should be abolished. ---Show notes--- Check out Frag Den Staat's English website: fragdenstaat.de/en Follow Frag Den Staat on Twitter: @fragdenstaat Take a read of...
2022-05-111h 01The Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 23: 'Frontex's task is, and always will be, to stop people entering Europe'In today's episode, we speak with transparency activist Luisa Izuzquiza from the German campaign group Frag Den Staat (Ask the State). She tells us why Frag Den Staat and Sea-Watch are launching legal action against Frontex, the European Border and Coastguard Agency. She also explains why Frontex is an inherently violent institution that is incompatible with human rights, and why it should be abolished. ---Show notes--- Check out Frag Den Staat's English website: fragdenstaat.de/en Follow Frag Den Staat on Twitter: @fragdenstaat Take a read of...
2022-05-111h 01The Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 21: The cruelty of Britain's Nationality and Borders BillIn today's episode, Doctor's Without Borders (MSF) UK advocacy officer Sophie McCann talks to us about the British government's Nationality and Borders Bill. She tells us how the Bill borrows from the worst parts of immigration policies around the world, and how it could cause more harm to people seeking asylum in Britain. Sophie also talks about the physical and mental harms caused by Australia's policy of offshoring asylum seekers on the pacific island of Nauru, and how the Bill appears to be inspired by it. --- Show notes --- For mo...
2022-03-2159 minThe Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 21: The cruelty of Britain's Nationality and Borders BillIn today's episode, Doctor's Without Borders (MSF) UK advocacy officer Sophie McCann talks to us about the British government's Nationality and Borders Bill. She tells us how the Bill borrows from the worst parts of immigration policies around the world, and how it could cause more harm to people seeking asylum in Britain. Sophie also talks about the physical and mental harms caused by Australia's policy of offshoring asylum seekers on the pacific island of Nauru, and how the Bill appears to be inspired by it. --- Show notes --- For mo...
2022-03-2159 minThe Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 20: The so-called Libyan Coastguard shoot at refugees as they tried to fleeIn today's episode, we speak with Leona of the Louise Michel, a refugee rescue ship funded in part by the elusive British street artist Banksy. During the Louise Michel's last mission in the central Mediterranean in January this year, the crew witnessed the EU-supported Libyan Coastguards shot at the people they had intercepted as they tried to swim away from them. Leona tells us all about that, as well as the Louise Michel's previous missions: one earlier this year which saw fossil fuel giant Shell help send refugees stuck on one of its oil rigs t...
2022-02-2658 minThe Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 19: The injustices caused by the Italy-Libya Memorandum of UnderstandingThis month marked the five-year anniversary of the EU-sponsored agreement between Italy and Libya. The deal led to millions of Euros bing spent on the so-called Libyan Coastguard and thousands of people being pushed back into Libya's condemned detention centres. In today's episode, Italian journalist Lorenzo D'Agostino talks to us about some of the lesser known consequences of that deal, like how it made Libya's southern desert border more deadly and how the Italian anti-mafia squad has prosecuted people for steering their boats across the Mediterranean. He also talks about how Europe's neocolonialist policies in Africa are dr...
2022-02-131h 03The Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 18: 'There is no end to this cruelty'In today's episode, we speak with Iason Apostolopoulos, a search-and-rescue coordinator with Italian refugee rescuers Mediterranea: Saving Humans. We speak about the organisation's latest rescue operation aboard the Mare Jonio, and how the Italian cops put Mediterranea under investigation last year for supposedly facilitating the arrival of "illegal migrants." In July 2021, Iason was scheduled to receive the Medal of Honour from the Greek President for his search-and-rescue activities since 2015. But the country's right-wing government cancelled it at the last minute, calling him a "traitor to the state." Iason tells us all about that too.
2022-02-0656 minThe Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 18: 'There is no end to this cruelty'In today's episode, we speak with Iason Apostolopoulos, a search-and-rescue coordinator with Italian refugee rescuers Mediterranea: Saving Humans. We speak about the organisation's latest rescue operation aboard the Mare Jonio, and how the Italian cops put Mediterranea under investigation last year for supposedly facilitating the arrival of "illegal migrants." In July 2021, Iason was scheduled to receive the Medal of Honour from the Greek President for his search-and-rescue activities since 2015. But the country's right-wing government cancelled it at the last minute, calling him a "traitor to the state." Iason tells us all about that too.
2022-02-0656 minThe Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 17: Challenging the UK government's refugee pushback policyIn today's episode we speak with Clare Moseley, the founder of Care4Calais, a volunteer-run charity working with refugees in the UK, France and Belgium. She talks to us about the charity's joint legal challenge with the Public and Commerical Services (PCS) Union against the UK government's proposed policy of pushing asylum seekers crossing the Channel back to France. Clare also tells us about the dire situation people stuck in Calais face every day, and how this systematic abuse only serves to further damage already-traumatised people. --- Show notes --- ...
2022-01-2151 minThe Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 16: Criminalising compassion and empathyIn today's episode we speak with Madi Williamson and Sean Binder, activists that have been targeted by the Greek authorities for their involvement with civilian-led refugee rescues. Sean — and several others who worked with Emergency Response Centre International on the island of Lesbos — was detained for months on charges of money laundering, people smuggling, and espionage. He could face years in jail for saving lives. Madi, a qualified nurse, has also been accused of spying. She was detained and strip searched by Greek police due to her work documenting refugee pushbacks in the Aegean Sea (see...
2022-01-081h 23The Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 16: Criminalising compassion and empathyIn today's episode we speak with Madi Williamson and Sean Binder, activists that have been targeted by the Greek authorities for their involvement with civilian-led refugee rescues. Sean — and several others who worked with Emergency Response Centre International on the island of Lesbos — was detained for months on charges of money laundering, people smuggling, and espionage. He could face years in jail for saving lives. Madi, a qualified nurse, has also been accused of spying. She was detained and strip searched by Greek police due to her work documenting refugee pushbacks in the Aegean Sea (see...
2022-01-081h 23The Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 15: Calling on the ICC to investigate crimes against humanity in LibyaIn November, three prominent human rights groups filed a report to the International Criminal Court (ICC) into possible crimes against humanity being committed on migrants and refugees in Libya. The groups — European Centre for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR), Lawyers for Justice in Libya, and the International Federation for Human Rights — also warned that the EU's migration policies have "significantly contributed to this grave situation." In today's episode, Silvia Rojas-Castro, a legal advisor at the ECCHR, and Elise Flecher, senior programmes officer at Lawyers for Justice in Libya, tell us all about this and why the...
2021-12-1844 minThe Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 15: Calling on the ICC to investigate crimes against humanity in LibyaIn November, three prominent human rights groups filed a report to the International Criminal Court (ICC) into possible crimes against humanity being committed on migrants and refugees in Libya. The groups — European Centre for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR), Lawyers for Justice in Libya, and the International Federation for Human Rights — also warned that the EU's migration policies have "significantly contributed to this grave situation." In today's episode, Silvia Rojas-Castro, a legal advisor at the ECCHR, and Elise Flecher, senior programmes officer at Lawyers for Justice in Libya, tell us all about this and why the...
2021-12-1844 minThe Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 14: Discovering 10 dead bodies on an overcrowded wooden boatIn today's episode, we speak with Doctors Without Borders' (MSF) search-and-rescue team leader RICCARDO GATTI and certified midwife KIRA SMITH. Riccardo and Kira tell us about their last rescue mission aboard MSF's rescue ship, the Geo Barents, in which they saved over 180 lives. They also tell us about the 10 dead bodies they recovered from one of the overcrowded boats they came across. ---Show notes--- For more on The Civil Fleet visit: civilfleet.com You can find a glossary of some of the terms used in this episode here: bit...
2021-12-0456 minThe Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode13: Blocked from reaching the Central MediterraneanIn today's episode, we speak with Albert Mayordomo, the head of operations for the Open Arms refugee rescue organisation. Albert tells us how France ended the Open Arms' previous mission before it began with legal tricks, delay tactics and banning the ship from all of French ports. He also talks to us about some other times European states have stopped the Open Arms' from operating, and about the ship's run-ins with the EU-supported Libyan Coastguard. ---Show notes--- For more on The Civil Fleet visit: civilfleet.com You can find...
2021-11-2147 minThe Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 12: Stopped from saving lives by state bureaucracyIN this episode we speak with Iñigo Mijangos, chairman of Humanitarian Maritime Rescue (SMH), the Basque NGO that operates the Aita Mari refugee rescue ship. Inigo spoke to us a day before the Aita Mari set sail for the central Mediterranean. The ship had been stuck in a kind of bureaucratic purgatory and was blocked from leaving port since its last rescue mission in June because the Spanish port authorities' tried to force it to comply with the wrong type of safety regulations. Inigo also tells us all about that, and how an out-of-date c...
2021-10-2043 minThe Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 11: The humanitarian crisis in the ChannelIn today's episode, we speak with Kim from Channel Rescue, a human rights monitoring organisation based along the south coast in Britain. She tells us why Channel Rescue was started, what its activists do on their observation missions, and how they ensure the British authorities are carrying out their legal duty to rescue people in distress. We discuss the British government's handling of the emerging human rights crisis at its southern sea board. And Kim also tells us about Channel Rescue's run in with the far-right. ---Show notes--- For more on...
2021-08-2833 minThe Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 10: Five rescues in less than 20 hours — Saving 409 lives aboard the Sea Eye 4In today's episode, we speak with Sea-Eye spokeswoman Sophie. She tells us about saving 409 people aboard the Sea Eye 4 in May, what happened when the ship encountered the Libyan Coastguard during a rescue operation, and how the Italian authorities misused safety laws to stop the ship going back to sea. Sophie also talks about why Sea Eye's previous ship was named after Alan Kurdi, a three-year-old Syrian-Kurdish boy whose body was photographed face down on a Turkish beach in September 2015 --- Show notes --- For more on The Civil Fleet visit...
2021-08-0856 minThe Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 9: Supporting refugees trapped at the Greece, Turkey and Bulgaria bordersIn today's episode we speak with Natalie Gruber, the co-founder of Josoor, a solidarity network monitoring human rights abuses at the land borders between Greece, Turkey and Bulgaria, and supporting the migrants and refugees trapped there. She tells us how the organisation was founded, how it works with 'people on the move' to document human rights abuses carried out on them, and how the Greece government has tried to criminalise Josoor. Natalie also details some of the testimonies that the network has collected in the region and how the authorities have pushed thousands of people...
2021-07-221h 13The Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 8: State violence and chain pushbacks along the Balkan routeIn today's episode, we speak with Simon Campbell from the Border Violence Monitoring Network (BVMN) about the violence people face attempting to reach Europe along the Balkan route. He tells us about BVMN's work documenting the human rights violations in the region, the lengths the countries there are willing to go to prevent people on the move from breaching Fortress Europe, and the widespread, illegal practice of forcing people back across multiple borders. --- Show notes --- For more on The Civil Fleet visit civilfleet.com You can find a glossary of...
2021-06-2757 minThe Civil Fleet PodcastEpisode 7: 'The hypocrisy is overwhelming' — The Sea-Watch 4 detained againIn today's episode we speak with Hannah Wallace Bowman, the head of mission on the Sea-Watch 4 refugee rescue ship She talks to us about the ship's last mission, in which they saved the lives of over 450 people and how they witnessed the Libyan Coastguard violently intercept a refugee boat. She also tell us about the dispiriting nature of being detained in Italy for the second time with a fully equipped and crewed ship as people continue to drown in the Mediterranean. --- Show notes --- For more on The Civil Fleet visit...
2021-06-0453 min
Maryland Baseball Network PodcastMBN Podcast: Episode 68 (Ben Cowles)On this episode of the Maryland Baseball Network Podcast, Connor Newcomb and Zach Solon break down the Terps' series loss to Michigan, chat with Maryland INF Ben Cowles, and preview the upcoming series against Minnesota with Jack Warrick of the Minnesota Daily.
2019-05-081h 01