Universities rescind commencement invitations to U.N. ambassador over conflict in Gaza

Xavier University of Louisiana became the second school to rescind a commencement invitation to United Nations Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield because of student outcry over the conflict in the Gaza Strip. The move came days after the University of Vermont also canceled Thomas-Greenfield’s commencement address.  Administrators at both universities cited pressure from students and the community

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Eurovision 2024 hit by protests over Israel taking part amid Gaza war

Malmo, Sweden — Not everyone was welcoming the Eurovision Song Contest to the Swedish city of Malmo. Thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators protested in the Swedish port city Thursday against Israel’s participation in the pan-continental pop competition. Protesters waving green, white and red Palestinian flags packed the historic Stortorget square near Malmo’s 16th-century town hall before

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Famous Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof sentenced to lashings and 8 years in prison ahead of Cannes film festival, lawyer says

The award-winning Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof has been sentenced to eight years in prison and lashings just ahead of his planned trip to the Cannes film festival, his lawyer told The Associated Press Thursday. Rasoulof, 51, known for his film “There Is No Evil,” has become the latest artist targeted in a widening crackdown on

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