Arab Spring: Life on the curb (RT documentary)

A different view on the situation with illegal immigrants in Italy. People escaping from war-torn countries have nowhere else to go.

Due to violence in the Arab Spring and the civil war in Somalia, many refugees take a boat across to Italy in hope of a better life.

Many head for Rome and either sleep on the streets or squat in empty buildings. But more head for Lampedusa Island.

The Somalians have more luck when arriving in Italy, due to the civil war in their country giving them a legitimate reason to apply for asylum. However, the Libyans don't have the same luck, as their country is now considered to be settled and the government legitimate. But for black Libyans especially, it is not a safe place to return home to... read full article and view documentary.

DoD whistleblowers left vulnerable to reprisals — Pentagon report

An internal report by the Pentagon states that reporting misconduct or waste of money might get U.S. military personnel punished.

The Department of Defense's unit which is supposed to protect whistleblowers is more likely to ignore this, according to a report that has surfaced recently.

The Washington Post has reported that according to the document, dated May 2011, officials in the Office of Inspector General (IG) of the Department of Defense have systematically disregarded the Pentagon's set rules, intended to protect whistleblowers... read full article.

Human rights activist Nabeel Rajab arrested in Bahrain

Nabeel Rajab, one the subjects interviewed in Assange's "The World Tomorrow" to be aired on Tuesday this week, has been arrested in Bahrain.

Recently interviewed by Julian Assange on the upcoming episode of "The World Tomorrow", Nabeel Rajab, a human rights activist has been arrested on his return to Beirut.

According to Sayed Yousif al-Muhafda, a member of the BCHR, "The police arrested him near the plane's door. They said they had an arrest warrant from the public prosecutions office ... he was allowed to call his family after the arrest but they could not see him."

Rajab is the president of the Bahrain Center for Human Rights and is the foremost critic of the Al-Khalifa regime in the country, which continues its brutal crackdown on peaceful protesters... read full article.

Tornado strikes Tsukuba, Japan — 1 dead, at least 30 injured

A rare tornado has struck Tsukuba in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan yesterday. Reports are that at least 30 people have been injured.

Japan Today reports that the tornado destroyed dozes of homes and has left thousands of people without electricity. Tsukuba is roughly 60 kilometres (37 miles) northeast of Tokyo.

The tornado struck at 12:45 p.m. and firefighters and helicopter medical teams were rushed into the area immediately afterwards.

Quoting Tsukuba Medical Center, Boston.com has reported 1 death, that of a 14-year-old boy who died after being injured in the storm. 10 other people are currently being treated at hospitals in the area... read full article.