Gaels Post

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Privacy, Libel and Press Standards Acts pass
Today the package of measures covering libel, press standards and privacy laws have passed with the measures for anti-doxing, anti-libel and a requirement for all press stories to be passed through a press standards board before publication with evidence for the story in order to prove it doesn't break privacy, doxing and libel laws. The new measures mean it is now illegal for ones name, adress, contact details, workplace and place of worship to be published in the same article and illegal to publish their name without permission of the individual or group involved unless approved by the Press, and Reporting Standards Board as in the public interest and only when they are proven in court to have committed an offence. The act also has outlawed any allegations being printed against any resident, citizen or organisation in Strathae without proof that is publically published including the name of any whistleblowers. The act is meant to prevent doxing and privacy breaches in light of the publishing of doxing lists in nationalist papers. The fine for breaking the act once is 100,000 Copars or 10% of the revenue of the publication for the first time offence doubling for the second with a third offence leading to jail time for individuals involved or shutting down of the media group or a ban on their entry or ability to employ strathaens inthe country if it is a foreign group.

The move has been criticised as essentially ending investigative journalism and being an over reaction to the issue. However the government have said in a statement "We must hold our press to account and prevent them inciting violence, promoting untruths and lies and spreading propaganda. This act achieves that while ensuring truthful stories can still be published."

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Soloman Jones not deported

The government today have announced Soloman Jones no longer faces deportation after having found a job in another part of the country in a new job. However courts have made a ruling that it is illegal to publish his adress , job location or place of worship to avoid any issues.The government said in a statement "We appologise for how the previous government treated Soloman. It was unjust and wrong and we need to protect his privacy now. We do not agree with his views on LGBT marriage but there should be room for disagreement as long as he recognizes he doesn't have the right to restrict others civil rights. We wish him well and only hope he can improve his views. We hope he settles into his new community and call for people to accept him there. Furthermore we are giving regular police protection and visits to ensure he faces no issues we are also funding cctv at his house to protect him from attacks and this cctv will be connected to police systems for alerts of any potential breaches on his home."

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Government announce relaxing of religious regulations
Today the government has announced it will allow the catholic church and other religious groups to offer marriage blessings , commitment ceremonies and baptisms on their own conditions . The government made the decision as a blessing isn't an essential service or right like marriage or healthcare according to Strathaen law. The exemption from equality law will be controversial with some PoT members currently expressing concerns and Strathae ar Dtús totally opposing the change. Strathae ar Dtús said in a statement "This new policy allows discrimination by the backdoor, we will oppose any effort to allow religion be used as an excuse for bigoted discrimination against groups and the theocratisation of our culture by these groups"

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OP:Mennrimiak and Spanish bans are now unnecessary and racist

Over the last few months there has been a radical change in Strathae and reversal of policy. We had 15 years of the extremist politics of Blairite politicians. The damage done was inclaculable and we understand why there were concerns before. It was wrong that Catholics were targeted and doxxed and Reitzmen were, don't get me wrong I'm not saying the Catholic Churhc does not need change whether its child abuse, anti-women policies and anti-lgbt policies there are issues that certainly need fixing and do agree catholic values among others are incompatible with liberal Strathaen values. Values that mean we treat the LGBTQIA as no different indeed it was only recently words for Lesbian, Gay , Trans Gender and Bi-Sexual were developed in our langauge, our culture has always maintained love is love and gay love is no different but it went too far. The doxing , the egging was too far , the campaigns against catholics to remove it from the country was and is too far but that is no longer the case.

We have overturned the anti-catholic extremism balancing religious rights and LGBT and womens equality with new laws under the new coalition. The new coalition has extended privacy, libel and anti-doxing laws though arguably maybe too far with broad reaching implications on investigative journalism though maybe this could be reviewed in the future to balance things a little more when it comes to freedom of press and speech and privacy. Also of not fines are not the first course of action for first time offenders anymore but a culture of leniancy and cautions is developing. I honestly don't see what more can be expected of Strathaes new government , it would be unfair to expect the government and our people to abandon all cultural values and our expectation of tolerance and acceptance and full civil rights for all regardless of LGBT and gender identity. At this point one can only conclude the advisories and bans on strathaens as well as explusions of our citizens in Spain and Mennrimiak were not done on security concerns indeed there is no longer security concerns extremism is being dealt with. The banning of a whole group of people based on nationality has one name racism , its that simple. Thewy are judging a whole group by the actions of a few extremist Blairites and a minority who are extreme far right but that does not represent most Strathaens who overwhelming rejected the PoT under Blair's most extreme politics by 62% to 38% and furthermore rejected it again in the leadership contest of the PoT electing the most liberal and progressive PoT leader in decades leading to a split in the party. Indeed polls show that barely 10% support Blairite extremist factions, yes polls also show 65% are suspicious of Abrahamic religions but its not like they don't have good reason to be , unfortunately many denominations have not helped themselves with their homophobia, imperialism, anti-women policies and in many cases theocratic tendencies over the years and their involvement in anti-LGBT and womens rights campaigns though we must stress this is not all churches with the Inquistan Orthodox and ICS church being good examples of liberal churches and reformed Judaism and Conservative Judaism. But does this make most bigoted or extreme? I would argue no, one can oppose the ideas and branches without opposing the people and ordinary members and that is the case in reality most are taking issue with the institution. In summary its unfair to treat all of Strathae as if its extreme when in reality its a small percentage probably equal to Duchies level if you look at polling figured on extreme right parties in elections, to say all Strathaens are a threat is just naked racism especially when most who move abroad and go overseas are from the more moderate side of Breizhighism. Imagine the condemnation if Strathae banned all Catholics and Muslims or all Mennrimiak or Spanish based on "security" concerns just because some are homophobic or some vote Vox or some far right party or are involved in fascist street orgs . The world would not have it and quite rightfully so it would be unfair, racist and generalizing a whole nationality , that is not a European value.

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Government say want feral cats adopted set up and fund the adoption centres yourselves
In a shot at the nations and animal charities criticising the capture and cull policy for cats to protect wildlife the environment minister Aran Ó Máille Ciogach said "If you want the cats adopted fund it yourself." The minister in an interview over the issue after new studies said "We have over 4 million feral cats in this country and it is decimating wildlife as they kill on average 3 rodents and birds a day threatening the viability of many species. This is before the small number of outdoor cats irresponsibly let out off a lead by their owners and stray cats. My message today is simple we have no option but to kill cats neutering and release won't help and rehoming 4 million cats will cost 1 billion Euros plus for the feral cats alone if we can find homes for 4 million cats which is frankly not possible in a nation of 7 millionish households alot of whom have pets already or maybe can't have pets due to allergies. The bill goes up even further if we have to start adopting neutered feral cats out to other nations citizens and transport them to other countries , also not all cats are adoptable if they have lived in the wild all their lives. I alot love cute and furry animals especially cats but the reality is the population is out of control, the only solution that is quick and affordable enough is cull of these genocide cats rampaging our countryside and cities decimating wildlife. If other nations want to give us the billions required to rehome these feral cats in peoples homes and cat sanctuaries for those not suitable as pets let them fund it, quite frankly I'm not gonna make an exception for cats and squander billions of taxpayers money that could go to other far better causes."

The government has been supported by the PoT and all major parties who came together publishing the report Status of Pest and Invasive Species. The report called for more funding of culls of pest species including cats , hornets,bullfrogs and grey squirrels among others. A strategy for managing these threats going forward is being devised and expected to be unveiled at the end of the year but the government said it would increase the funding for culling. The reports also highlighted how the cat population is barely decreasing the rat population as studies showed cats tended to target easier prey than rats who bite back and give up more of a fight when attacked.

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Government announce1 billion Euro fund to co-fund feral cat rehoming and control fund
Today the government unveiled a plan after talks with charities for rehoming of the feral cat population. The scheme would fund on a 50/50 basis cat shelters to help rehabilitate and adopt out cats where it is possible after capture though any cat not rehomable or showing substansial aggression would be put down still. The cats would be fixed and then fitted with a GPS tracker chip , they would then be adopted out with an adoption fee if in Strathae with any tracking subscriptions transferred to the new owner. All cats will now be required to have live tracking gps trackers on them on top of requirements to keep them indoors. Any cat absence from the house without a human must be reported withing 24 hours to the Animal and Wildlife Police.

The move comes to reduce the problems with the current culling programme. International charities will also be eligible for funding for their programmes with the government welcoming any international help with the problem. The government are also looking at sending a rep to the EU chambers in order to observe bills and put bills in on key issues including lobbying for cat control. However they still want to maintain neutrality in Europe. It is hoped the latest move to deal with the issue of cats killing wildlife will strike the balance between pest control and sensibilities of the international community.

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Anois journalist arrested for privacy, doxing and libel violations for putting name of alleged "bigot" in article
Today an Anois journalist was arrested for doxing and libel for putting the name of person they alledged to be a bigot in an article reporting on a supposed homophobic statement by the individual. The journalist published the church and name of the priest alleging the priest said a homophobic anti-gay marriage statement. The police have arrested the journalist on the basis that the doxing and libel could lead to issues with people "threatening the safety" of the priest and potential to bring protests outside the church. The journalist for the nationalist paper could face 10 years in prison after they refused to pay the 100,000 Copar fine and committed repeated offences.

Blair Gobnet McLucais and Críochnaigh Bigotry have also been ordered to take down all doxing lists for the final time after 3 warnings and fines. If they continue to commit infringements the group leaders including Blair Gobnet McLucais could face up to 10 years in jail for the offenses. The government said in a statement "We are aware of over 700 potential charges against journalists and organisations with the potential for jail time for many. We will crack down on the doxing and privacy violations and media, polioticians and organisations must be aware if they publish names with allegations causing a potential public safety threat and refuse to stop they will face jail."It has also been confirmed Anois and Tuairisceoir Clan are facing fines of total of 30% of revenue for multiple offenses with potential bans if they do not pay the fines and change their practices they also announced 100 foreign journalists have been banned for offenses against the act.

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"Far Right" Strathae ar Dtús leaders and politicians arrested
Today serving 26 politicians from Strathae ar Dtús and the whole leadership including Blair Gobnet McLucais have been arrested for breach of the Privacy Act 2021 and Libel Acts 2021. The party members and polticians were arrested in a coordinated raid on various charges relating to Doxing , revealing personal information and making allegations that could cause harassment against individuals all crimes in the law. The move was not unexpected and while the party argue they are being targeted it is widely agreed their target lists for campaigns against religion are in breach of the law. The party is also now facing a ban with the authorities applying to court to ban the party as a extremist organisation inciting hate. The leaders including Blair Gobnet McLucais are also facing charges of inciting hatred. The leaders and politicians could get a minimum of 10 years with a possibility of 25 years in prison if found guilty.

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"Far Right" Strathae ar Dtús and Exit Bigotry banned as court decides party is a threat to privacy of citizens and "harmony of the people"
Today the governments injuction to ban the the "far right" Strathae ar Dtús and Exit Bigotry has been successful as the courts handed down a verdict in the governments favour. The government put in a warrant to ban the party saying "We believe the the party is a threat to community harmony and to privacy of citizens having multiple times refused to respect the law infringing the laws of this nation." The court heard the case over 4 days with evidence from both sides and came down in favour.

The judge said in a statement to the court for sentencing "I am satisfied the peoples government has shown us enough evidence that laws have been repeatedly broken and the party presents a threat to national harmony and is a threat to religious freedom in the nation. As a result I believe it is appropiate to ban the party from running and put restrictions on any of the leadership or senior members participating in other parties or founding a party in the future. While democracy must be respected so must the good of the country, community harmony and respect of law and order in the country." The move to ban the party has been condemned by some mostly people on the right of the spectrum who accused the government of "persacuting" conservatives. Liberals have also expressed concern about the ban and the potential precedent it sets. The government have said in statement "We are glad the courts have agreed with our position based on the evidence presented and we would like to say to those concerned this is not a ban on an ideology and we value democracy and all people being represented but that must be balanced against harmony in the community and law and order."

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New visa restrictions for journalists from news organisations
Today the government have announced new visa restrictions for media workers and organisations. In a reform of visas for media the government have announced that now news organisations and journalists will have to apply for a new single trip Media Temporary Visa 30 day visa if they are from abroad or a Media Work Visa valid for 12 months and renewable if planning to live in the nation for the duration of work. These must be sponsored by media organisation registered with Strathae and require a deposit of 250,000 Euros for a temporary visa and 1,000,000 Euros which can be gained back at the end of the year if they have followed all laws such as privacy and libel. Any fines in the country acrrued by the journalist would be deducted from the deposit. The visa will also apply to documentary makers. If an organisation or person creates a documentary not on a Media Visa they will lose the right to come to Strathae for 5 years.

The move is designed to allow for fines to be collected easier for media violations of the Strathaen law. Currently it can be hard to collect fines for these sort of violations , media organisations will be able to contest fines in the courts with one appeal allowed but if they lose they must then also pay the court costs out of the deposit.Only fines for media law , privacy law and libel violations can be took out of the deposit.

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Protest licenses to be required in Strathae
Today the government announced reforms to the laws surrounding protests to prevent harassment of citizens at their homes and work place. The government announced a plan to require permits from police to protest outside of workplaces or organisation headquarters outside of public spaces to prevent workers feeling threatened. The government have also announced plans to make protests outside of people's homes illegal and it illegal for press to wait outside peoples homes to catch them for surprise interviews to prevent harassment. The government said in a statement "We believe in freedom to protest but this must be balanced against people's rights to a family and work life free of harassment and the right to privacy."

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Online platforms told control your users
Today the government has announced plans to reform law on social media and its use. The government announced they would expect privacy violations and libelous posts to be took down in no more than 48 hours from a request from government or law enforcement agencies with all traces of it to be wiped from the system. The government are also looking at plans for any channel covering politics or current affairs in Strathae to have News Publisher and Journalism license just like newspapers, TV and Radio media in and to abide by the same rules. Any channel or user found not to have this license would have its owner prosecuted and fined under law for each publishing violation. Commentary or reposting content if it doesn't slander or risk breaking someones privacy would be allowed under the law.The new restrictions on social media while not requiring permission to publish posts or videos before broadcast would still require them to be took down or clarifications added if requested by the Press Standards Comission if they get a complaint. The laws are designed to bring an end to doxing and content that could potentially lead to a mob mentality or threat to public safety. Any content that could potentially cause a danger to public order such as publishing adresses, contact information, workplace details or who a person works for without written permission could result in content needing to be took down. It is not known how social media companies will react with OGO when contacted saying they are reviewing their position in the Strathae market. Any journalism sites and social media sites not adhering to regulation could face a block on access from Strathae with the country to require mandatory firewalls to stop such content getting in especially those that cause a threat to privacy or safety.

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Reports of Strathae National Firewall to protect citizens
Today Strathaes government announced that they are working with companies from various sectors throughout Europe to construct a national firewall in line with the laws of Strathae. The new firewall would work by blocking sites put on a block list by the courts and Media Standards Agency such as news sites known to be skirting privacy laws and reporting libellous news. The firewall would block the sites on the list and all internet providers in Strathae will be required to participate.

The firewall comes after concerns companies and influencers will simply seek to use foreign media to get round the law and that this could be used to stir up mobs from abroad against religious figures or minorities. The government said "We have a duty to protect all citizens and residents regardless of faith or nationality and many forces seek to undermine this especially from the far right. Therefore it is necessary to take action and control to make sure they cannot abuse abroad to simply move their bad practises there. We know free media is needed and a media that can investigate corruption but this must be balanced against a need to protect privacy and stop libel and fake news reaching the people of Strathae from unregulated sources."

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Far Right roundup by law enforcement to counter extremism threat
over 5,000 people have been arrested in Strathae over the last week as part of a round up related to investigations by authorities into far right extremism. The arrests have ranged from charges of hate speech, breach of privacy and libel with some on grounds of threats of violence. The crackdown on the far right is intensifying as time goes on with the government and police further committing to combatting hate groups by the native population and combatting Breizhighist extremists. The government said in a statement "We are pleased that far right criminals are being exposed and arrested. There is no room for extremism in Strathae and we must put an end to this shameful 20 year chapter where the PoT encouraged extremism. Thew government and police can no longer look the other way and we vow if you are a far right extremist we are coming for you, if you preach hate in this country we are coming for you and if you are doxing people we are coming for you. You will not escape justice and all ethnic and religious groups will be safe in our beautiful accepting country."

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Revised Strathae Labour Act passes
Today the the revised Strathae labour Act passed in the last house of parliament. The act means the minimum wage will go up from 9 Copars per hour to 12 Copars per hour with an annual increase of inflation + 1% there after. The act will now also require triple pay after 35 hours a week of work effectively making a 36 Copar minimum wage after 35 hours those owning their own business may choose their work hours.

Any job not offering a minimum of 16 hours salaried has been banned in an attempt to stop the rise of gig economy jobs. The government have said "We stand in solidarity with the hard working working class and we will continue to demand livable wages and job stability for workers in Strathae". The PoT have criticised the act unanimously voting against it warning it may harm the economy ,reduce entry level job opportunities and potentially harm business in strathae. The acting profession and consultancy has been exempted from the 16 hours requirement.

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Stathae announces free internet for all citizens
Today the government unveiled its free internet programme with free internet for up to 800 gig per month in a family home and 100 Gig per mobile for each citizen with a limit of one mobile on the programme. Any additional Gigabytes and lines would cost extra with various packages available. Roaming abroad would also not be covered. THe government also unveiled all citizens would get 500 free domestic minutes per month and unlimited texts with extra minutes costing money. The government will cover the cost to the national telecoms company Strathcom. However residents , visitors and tourists will still have to pay for any data, minutes and texts they use. The government also announced they would offer a range of phones for free or subsidized for more powerful phones for all citizens again with residents paying market rates. The government has said they can buy routers for the programme by the end of the year. The government will also make sure accounts are synced across devices with a single user profile per person. The move is expected to bring equality through communication though critics suggest the government may have an ulterior motive for providing free equipment and data plans. Citizens can have 5 free sims per account.

The government is also looking at bringing a universal basic income bill by the end of the year for discussion which the PoT opposes.

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Media Regulation Authority of Strathae ban nationalist Anois and Tuairisceoir Clan and arrest editors for Doxing, Privacy Violations and Libel Violations
Today the Media Regulation Authority of Strathae after a multitude of warnings to the nationalist papers Anois and Tuairisceoir Clan announced they had decided to ban the newspapers. In a statement the Media Authority said "The papers have had multiple opportunities to change their practises yet still use names in their reports without proof or permission and run articles the Press Standards Authority have rejected for publication without making the required edits. Furthermore they still run doxing lists . Their reporting is dangerous to national security and harmony of the nation therefore we feel a ban is necessary."

The police have also arrested the editors and CEO's of the papers for their role in the violations as well as reporters who broke the law. The action is part of a broader crackdown on nationalist bad behaviour.The government said "The world expects us to act against extremism and we have. We have let it be known nationalists harmful activities and targeting of minorities will not be accepted and extremism will be stamped out by force if necessary."

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More nationalists arrested
Today the government has said over 20,000 far right nationalists have now been arrested in the crackdown on negative behaviour by the far right. The vast majority ha been arrested for posts on social media that breach privacy and libel laws and potentially dox people. The law makes it illegal including on social to disclose names, addresses and personal details without permission unless one has proof for an allegation.

The law also resulted in a woman alleging a man raped her being arrested also in a controversial case though the police have insisted they are just applying the law equally. The law has been criticised by some critics and activists on freedom of speech as an over reaction to a very minor issue though the government have said "We do not consider the privacy breaches and harassments of religious groups a "minor" issue. The nationalists were conducting a campaign against religious groups including catholics not only affecting those people but also our reputation .We must continue on our trajectory to establish our reputation as a state that protects religious rights as well as LGBT and womens rights. We cannot be seen as a nation that allows harassment of catholics for no reason, this is not our government saying we agree with the Catholic Churches misogyny and homophobia and other churches and Islams issues in these areas but merely saying these views held by their adherants should not result in harrassment for no reason. "The government also announced a law had passed requiring social media, video and search sties to take links , videos and posts down if asked to by Strathaes governnent even if its outside of Strathaes borders if the post breaches privacy and libel law requirements. Ogo is said to be considering leaving the nations as a free speech advocate.

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Harassment cases down to a 1/3rd compared to same month in 2020
The government approach in limiting doxing, increasing privacy and libel laws and shutting down papers and parties who breach the rules appears to be working. The current statistics show for the 5th month in a row Doxing and harassment cases from the far right have dropped and are now at 1/3rd of the levels experienced this time last year during the increase in 2020. The government have been quick to seize on this saying "This shows our approach of controlling the press and making sure there is a responsible regulated press is working. We can now assure Catholics and minorities they are safe now that the puratanical Blairite faction is out of power and suffering the consequences of their actions." The approach while working has been criticised for diminimishing freedom of media and speech with critics saying it is stopping investigative journalism in its tracks. A journalist who wishes to remain unnamed said "I understand why the government acted . It was embaressing seeing all that hate on show and the rise in anti-catholic harassment was concerning but they have totally over reacted. We have had to cut 25 stories this month alone because we couldn't report due to the stringent demands of evidence and the time it would take to run it through the press authorities system for permission. This means we cannot perform effective investigative journalism, we can't get people to come forward because they fear breaking the privacy rules even if they can legitimately give details. There is an environment of fear." Media experts have called on the government to loosen up regulations a little but the government have stated they will not do so over concerns it would cause issues with privacy once again.

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Blair Gobnet McLucais jailed for 25 years

Blair Gobnet McLucais was today jailed for 25 years for inciting of hatred, doxing and inciting violence for her role in media articles in nationalist newspapers and for her non-profit that was banned for doxing. Blair Gobnet McLucais according to the judge ignored many cautions to stop the activities and refused to pay the fines . The judge said "I find no option but to jail you with the harshest sentences available to me. Your actions were inciting of hatred and violence and causing harassment and threats to individuals. I have therefore jailed you for 25 years without parole. You will serve the whole sentence with no possibility of early release. I hope this sends the message hate and incitement of hatred is not welcome in this country and will not be tolerated even if against religions that may or may not be liked in the country. That doesn't matter inciting hatred will result in harsh penalties for whoever does it."

The government have commented saying "We believe the court case verdict sends a simple message. Strathae will not become a country of hate and incitement and harassment and will not tolerate privacy violations be it by nationalists or not. This country will protect its citizens and visitors from extremism. Extremists now know they will not only not be tolerated but extinguished from public life." The PoT have called for moderation and to make sure there doesn't end up being a persecution of the right but said it supported the principles of privacy and preventing harassment and hate of al kinds even towards "religions many see as bigoted" . Over 10,000 far right nationalists have been jailed on charges of privacy violation, doxing, harassment and incitement of hatred under the new laws and revised laws introducted since PoT governments departure.