Tag Archives: crime

Letters: AOLer Kennedy’s Assange ‘rape’ coverage deserves notice

Posted on December 6, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Comments Off on Letters: AOLer Kennedy’s Assange ‘rape’ coverage deserves notice

Dana Kennedy reports that Julian Assange‘s alleged crime isn’t violent rape, but his trouble with the law “apparently stems from a condom malfunction.” David Cay Johnston writes: “If Kennedy is right, and at a minimum her report deserves to be checked out today, then our best news organizations are behaving more like (to borrow a hoary newspaper phrase) those ‘semi-official’ newspapers and broadcast outlets that reliably convey official government truths.” From DAVID CAY JOHNSTON: The first rule of journalism — check it out — seems to have been forgotten by every journalist in the world writing about the Swedish “rape” charges against Julian Assange. The exception is Dana Kennedy of AOL. Kennedy reports that the charge against Assange is not “rape” or anything close to the violent, or at least coercive, crime implied by that word. The actual crime Assange is suspected of “apparently stems from a condom malfunction,” Kennedy wrote. Put another way, in Sweden it may be a crime if a condom comes off during consensual relations. How would such a crime be proven, absent exceptionally revealing videotape or a confession? Would anyone reasonably think of this as “rape” in the everyday sense that word is used by American news organizations? Our best news organizations — The NYTimes, WashPost, WSJ, LATimes, USA Today, AP, ABC, CBS, NBC, NPR, PBS and Reuters — all used “rape” as the crime at issue with little to no nuance, clips at Google News show. None, as best I can tell, reported that the crime in question is condom slippage. While it is true that the word “rape” was attributed to Swedish authorities by each of these news organizations, that is not enough. Accurate and nuanced translations — linguistic, legal and cultural — are necessary. So is asking precisely what the law in Sweden is and what precisely the accusers assert. Asking for a statutory citation and then getting expert analysis of the law would be a smart move. As journalists we are supposed to carefully check and crosscheck facts. We are also supposed to independent. We are not supposed to take anyone’s word for it, especially not in a case where governments have a powerful interest in silencing someone. If Kennedy is right, and at a minimum her report deserves to be checked out today, then our best news organizations are behaving more like (to borrow a hoary newspaper phrase) those “semi-official” newspapers and broadcast outlets that reliably convey official government truths. Kennedy also reports that the Swedish prosecutor, Marianne Ny, “has been active in the proposed reforms of Swedish rape laws that would, if passed, involve an investigation of whether an imbalance in power between two people could void one person’s insistence that the sex was consensual.” The line above is another subtlety not conveyed in news reports I examined. Kennedy did not speak to me about this — I merely read her article by chance and was struck by how it stood out from the lazy, uncritical reporting I had read and heard. I then expected to see follow-ups that either advanced her report or knocked it down. Instead, nothing has been pursued either way. My hope here is that the top editors at the organizations named above will immediately call or email their reporters and tell them to check out Kennedy’s story and find out the actual facts. Better yet, the reporters whose bylines were atop stories about this will act on their own. Ombudsmen and reader/listener/viewer representatives should also be raising questions within their organizations and reporting on what they find out. http://www.poynter.org/latest-news/romenesko/109607/letters-aoler-kennedys-assan… added by: ras_menelik

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If Wikileaks Broke the Espionage Act, So Did the New York Times [Crime]

Posted on November 30, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Comments Off on If Wikileaks Broke the Espionage Act, So Did the New York Times [Crime]

Attorney General Eric Holder says the criminal investigation into Wikileaks founder Julian Assange is more than just “saber-rattling,” and Justice Department officials are claiming he violated the Espionage Act. If that’s true, isn’t the New York Times guilty as well? More

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CNN Hero Of The Year – Anuradha Koirala

Posted on November 26, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Comments Off on CNN Hero Of The Year – Anuradha Koirala

Los Angeles, California (CNN) — A woman whose group has rescued more than 12,000 women and girls from sex slavery has been named the 2010 CNN Hero of the Year. Anuradha Koirala was chosen by the public in an online poll that ran for eight weeks on CNN.com. CNN's Anderson Cooper revealed the result at the conclusion of the fourth annual “CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute.” “Human trafficking is a crime, a heinous crime, a shame to humanity,” Koirala said earlier in the evening after being introduced as one of the top 10 CNN Heroes of 2010. “I ask everyone to join me to create a society free of trafficking. We need to do this for all our daughters.” Koirala was introduced by actress Demi Moore, who along with her husband, Ashton Kutcher, created DNA, The Demi and Ashton Foundation, which aims to eliminate child sex slavery worldwide. “Every day this woman confronts the worst of what humanity has to offer,” Moore said of Koirala. “She says, 'Stop. Stop selling our girls.' By raiding brothels and patrolling the India-Nepal border, she saves girls from being sold into the sex trade, where they are being repeatedly raped for profit, tortured and enslaved. “Since 1993, she has helped rescue more than 12,000 women and girls. Through her organization Maiti Nepal, she has provided more than a shelter for these girls and young women, she has created a home. It is a place for them to heal, go to school, learn a skill, and for some who are infected with HIV/AIDS, it is the place where they can spend their days surrounded by love.” See Koirala's fan page on CNN Heroes Koirala will receive $100,000 to continue her work with Maiti Nepal, in addition to the $25,000 awarded to each of the top 10 Heroes honored. “This is another responsibility to me to work with all your support,” Koirala told the audience after being named Hero of the Year. “We have to end this heinous crime. Please join hands with me to end this crime. … Please try to respect the youth. They are the ones who are going to build the next generation. Thank you so much.” Koirala's speech capped the gala event, which was taped November 20 before an audience of nearly 5,000 and premiered Thanksgiving night on the global networks of CNN. The show opened with a salute to the 33 Chilean miners and five of the people who rescued them last month after the miners spent 69 days underground. “For 69 days we were amazed by these 33 brave miners,” Cooper said in welcoming the miners onto the Shrine stage. “Their ordeal was unthinkable; their rescue, unbelievable. No one has ever been trapped underground so deep for so long and survived. “They endured a nightmare, experienced a miracle, and in the end became each others' brothers and heroes. On behalf of CNN Heroes, we salute all 33 Chilean miners.” After the miners sang the Chilean national anthem, two of them — speaking through a translator and holding the Chilean flag — expressed their appreciation. “We want to thank the world, and we want to thank God for your prayers,” Luis Urzua told the audience in Spanish. “Our families suffered. Our children suffered, too. But thanks to the prayers of the whole world, we could come out of this difficulty,” Mario Sepulveda added. “Some of our rescuers are here with us tonight,” Urzua said. “Thank you for bringing us home. You are our heroes.” CNN brought the miners and their rescuers to the United States to attend the tribute show. The five rescuers were selected to represent the many thousands whose talent and effort led to the dramatic rescue. The top 10 CNN Heroes, chosen by a blue-ribbon panel from an initial pool of more than 10,000 nominations from more than 100 countries, were each honored with a documentary tribute and introduced by a celebrity presenter. The program also featured performances by Grammy Award-winners Bon Jovi, John Legend and Sugarland. Rock legends Bon Jovi performed “What Do You Got?,” a new song from their greatest hits album, which came out earlier this month. Legend performed “Wake Up Everybody” along with hip-hop artist Common and R&B singer Melanie Fiona. Sugarland performed “Stand Up,” a new song from their album “The Incredible Machine,” which made its debut in October. All three performances echoed the spirit of the CNN Heroes campaign, which salutes everyday people whose extraordinary accomplishments are making a difference in their communities and beyond. Celebrity presenters included Halle Berry, Demi Moore, Jessica Alba, Kid Rock, LL Cool J, Renee Zellweger, Gerard Butler, Kiefer Sutherland, Marisa Tomei, Aaron Eckhart and Holly Robinson Peete. added by: TimALoftis

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Young girl abuses and kills little rabbit (WARNING GRAPHIC)

Posted on November 24, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Comments Off on Young girl abuses and kills little rabbit (WARNING GRAPHIC)

Recent a video of this young girl senselessly killing a little rabbit had appeared on the Internet. In the video, a young girl with long hair dressed in white abused and killed the little rabbit. She put a piece of thick glass plate on top of the the little rabbit and then sat on top of the glass plate. Using her body weight she crashed the little rabbit to death. Her 2 female friends watched and laughed when she committed the crime. Video at the Link: WARNING VERY GRAPHIC!! http://beforeitsnews.com/story/272/147/Young_girl_abuses_and_kills_little_rabbit… added by: TomTucker

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Bristol Palin’s DWTS Secret Weapon: Prayer

Posted on November 24, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Comments Off on Bristol Palin’s DWTS Secret Weapon: Prayer

Bristol Palin finished third on the Dancing with the Stars finale . Considering the scrutiny and controversy she fought through – not to mention her lack of experience dancing – it’s pretty darn impressive for the 20-year-old. Her secret to overcoming all that adversity? Prayer. Palin, who fell just short behind Kyle Massey and winner Jennifer Grey on last night’s finale, drew ire from some fans for advancing despite relatively low scores. “It is faith that got me through this, just praying all the time and just relying on God and knowing that He is on our side and we’ll get through this,” she said. “Just persevere, have confidence, and be willing to go try new things,” she said, asked what she’ll take away from this. “I’ve grown so much as a person.” She’s come along way since dating Levi Johnston. Follow the jump to see Bristol and Mark, along with their fellow finalists, on The View … Dancing With the Stars Cast on The View: Part I Dancing With the Stars Cast on The View: Part II

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Bristol Palin’s DWTS Secret Weapon: Prayer

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Police to Question Denise Richards Over Alleged Charlie Sheen Harrassment

Posted on November 24, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Comments Off on Police to Question Denise Richards Over Alleged Charlie Sheen Harrassment

Even in divorce, Denise Richards can’t get away from the mayhem Charlie Sheen leaves in his drunken wake. Because the actor’s ex-wife was actually present at dinner on the night Sheen allegedly went ballistic and eventually threatened the life of Capri Anderson – the porn star has said Richards left when she saw the evening turning into a night of “floozies” – police have contacted the actress. Richards was also sleeping in the Plaza Hotel room across from her ex when cops arrived on the scene. She reportedly entered at some point and could have spotted evidence to be used in an investigation. Two women, half a man. Sources tell TMZ Denise plans to “fully cooperate.” Meanwhile, a police spokesman spoke to E! News and gave some background on just what the NYPD is looking into, based on charges Anderson has brought against her one-time date. “She decided a month later the crime that was completed was harassment,” the spokesman said. “She said he was shouting at her, knocking things off in the hotel room, acting irrational. She voluntarily locked herself in the bathroom and was not held against her will. She was not a victim of assault. She was not imprisoned in the hotel room.” Why didn’t police initially investigate the events? “When we responded, she didn’t file a police report. She never said she felt in danger. Mr. Sheen voluntarily went to the hospital were he underwent a psychiatric evaluation.” Cops will also speak to Sheen about the incident at some point over the next couple days. Perhaps an English teacher could do the same. This crazy dude needs serious grammar help !

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Police to Question Denise Richards Over Alleged Charlie Sheen Harrassment

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Mark Wahlberg Gives Thanks For ‘The Fighter,’ ‘The Other Guys’ In 2010

Posted on November 23, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Comments Off on Mark Wahlberg Gives Thanks For ‘The Fighter,’ ‘The Other Guys’ In 2010

He’s also thankful for ‘Boardwalk Empire’ — and we’re thankful for him. By Kara Warner, with reporting by Josh Horowitz Mark Wahlberg Photo: MTV News Next up on our short list of people for whom we’re most thankful this year: Mark Wahlberg . Certain generations will always remember him as Marky Mark from his days of “Good Vibrations” and Calvin Klein underwear ads. But in the last decade, Wahlberg has emerged as one of the industry’s most savvy and bankable players. In 2010, we were introduced to a new side of Wahlberg — his comedic timing — which he showcased by way of “Date Night,” “The Other Guys” and MTV’s own “The Knife Show.” Behind the screen, Wahlberg teamed up with heavyweights Martin Scorsese and Terrence Winter (“The Sopranos”) to bring “Boardwalk Empire” to HBO. He also produced and stars in “The Fighter.” The man has been busy, and we’re happy about it. MTV : You’re one of the people we’re most thankful for. Has this year been particularly better than others? Mark Wahlberg : It has. Every year above ground was a special year. Professionally, things couldn’t be better. Personally, my kids are healthy — aside from my youngest having a double ear infection. My wife is healthy and happy and everything is good, so really I’m so blessed and so fortunate. We’ve had a chance to talk and play around, but I’m not one of these guys who feels, like, entitled to be in this position. I feel so grateful and so humble. I’ve obviously worked very hard, it’s been an amazing journey, but if it ended today, I would be happy because I was on the ride. MTV : Is there a highlight from this year? Wahlberg : I would have to say between the movie stuff and the television stuff — with “Boardwalk Empire” premiering, “The Other Guys” did so well. Getting to go do a comedy at the beginning of this year with Seth McFarlane, his directorial debut. I’m so excited, it’s off-the-charts funny. MTV : Tell me about “Teddy Bear,” because it sounds absurd and amazing at the same time. Wahlberg : I don’t know how much he wants me to tell, but it’s about this kid who gets a bear for Christmas, it’s in the ’70s, it’s one of those Teddy Ruxpin-ish bears where you squeeze it and it says, “I love you!” The kid wishes and dreams that the bear would come alive, and a Christmas wish must be granted and it does. And Seth McFarlane is voicing the bear, but the bear is going to look like a little teddy bear, but it’s motion-capture, like “Avatar.” It’s never been done before. It’s insane. What the bear does is just … MTV : An R-rated comedy? I assume when Seth McFarlane is involved … Wahlberg : Yeah. The bear becomes famous, and then that’s my ticket to getting things and living a life of privilege. MTV : How satisfying was it for you to finally make “The Fighter”? Wahlberg : Just to be able to get the movie made was such an uphill battle. I was so happy we got it made, and then the fact that we were able to make a great movie and, I think, the best possible version of the movie. There were so many times where I thought I would make the movie just to get it done, but it happened for the right reasons. MTV : Do you have plans to direct? Wahlberg : I want to direct, but I don’t want to direct myself in a movie, because then it becomes about directing my performance. I don’t have the ability to be that kind of multitasker. Producing was tough enough. But in the future, I’d like to take a crack at it. MTV : What’s next? You’ve talked about “Cocaine Cowboys.” Wahlberg : Yeah, probably right now. And then there’s this other thing, “Broken City,” that I want to do at the end of next year with Allen Hughes directing, which is on the Black List. [ Editor’s note: The Black List is a compendium of unproduced screenplays that different studios/readers have given high marks to. ] It’s one of the best unproduced screenplays, an amazing piece of material that should attract amazing talent. … Hopefully “Fighter” will make it a little easier to get some of these passion projects off the ground. MTV : What kind of film is “Broken City”? Wahlberg : Crime, mystery. It’s in the vein of those old classics, “Chinatown,” even “L.A. Confidential.” Thanksgiving is a time for taking stock, expressing gratitude and, most importantly, overeating. We at MTV News have been gorging all year at movie theaters, so it’s about time we looked back and gave thanks to our favorite actors and filmmakers of 2010. Enjoy exclusive interviews with our winners all week long. Check out everything we’ve got on “The Fighter.” For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com . Related Videos MTV Rough Cut: Mark Wahlberg

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Mark Wahlberg Gives Thanks For ‘The Fighter,’ ‘The Other Guys’ In 2010

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AP, ABCNews.com Omit Convicted Killer’s Illegal Immigration Status, MS-13 Gang Membership

Posted on November 22, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Comments Off on AP, ABCNews.com Omit Convicted Killer’s Illegal Immigration Status, MS-13 Gang Membership

“Salvadoran Immigrant Ingmar Guandique Found Guilty of Murdering D.C. Intern Chandra Levy [12:45 p.m. ET]” That was the breaking news headline that was blasted to my inbox from ABCNews.com regarding today's murder conviction of the suspect in the 2001 murder of the former congressional intern for then-Rep. Gary Condit (D). In the Associated Press story by Matthew Barakat at the ABCNews.com website, there is no mention of the fact that Guandique is an illegal immigrant nor of the fact that he is involved in the ruthless gang Mara Salvatrucha , more commonly known as MS-13. This despite the fact that numerous news reports during Guandique's trial noted that he often wore turtleneck shirts in the courtroom to hide his gang tattoo. You can clearly see that gang tattoo in an April 2009 file photo ABCNews.com included in their breaking news story. See screencap below page break: read more

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AP, ABCNews.com Omit Convicted Killer’s Illegal Immigration Status, MS-13 Gang Membership

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The 25 Most Dangerous Cities in the U.S. Are Mostly Nice Places [Rankings]

Posted on November 22, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Comments Off on The 25 Most Dangerous Cities in the U.S. Are Mostly Nice Places [Rankings]

According to a study of FBI crime statistics by CQ Press, St. Louis , Mo. was the “most dangerous city in the U.S.” in 2010, probably due to former St. Louis Cardinal Mark McGwire’s uncontrollable steroid-murder rages. Here’s the top 25: More

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‘Name That Party’: AP Adds a Race Card to the Mix in Prince George’s Co. Md. Corruption Story

Posted on November 20, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Comments Off on ‘Name That Party’: AP Adds a Race Card to the Mix in Prince George’s Co. Md. Corruption Story

A couple of NewsBusters posts during the past week — one from yours truly and another courtesy of Ken Shepherd — have pointed to the press's reluctance to identify the Democratic Party affiliations of indicted Prince George's County Executive Jack Johnson and his also-indicted wife Leslie, who is a County Council member. Today, the Associated Press's Brian Witte kept up the wire service's tradition of either not naming the party of an indicted Democrat or deferring that identification until very late in the report (in the apparent hope that subscribing outlets picking up the story won't use it). Jack Johnson's party affiliation was saved for the 19th paragraph; Witte never identified his wife's party affiliation. Witte further quoted a Republican who commented on the situation in Paragraph 10, and noted that said Republican “ran against Johnson in 2002” in Paragraph 11, leaving it vague as to whether it was a primary or general election contest. Finally, Witte gave voice to people who believes that the Johnsons and ultimately other county officials are being targeted based on their African-American ethnicity — in county where two-thirds of its residents are African-American. Here are selected paragraphs from Witte's report : read more

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‘Name That Party’: AP Adds a Race Card to the Mix in Prince George’s Co. Md. Corruption Story

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