Speech

Rishi Sunak’s plan to redefine extremism is disingenuous – and a threat to democracy

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, March 13, 2024

This, he has argued, is needed because “our democracy itself is a target” of antisemitic and Islamophobic extremists.

Key Points: 
  • This, he has argued, is needed because “our democracy itself is a target” of antisemitic and Islamophobic extremists.
  • However, the reality is that no measures do more damage to democracy than policy proposals like the one Sunak is promoting.
  • The UK already has a definition for extremism, which is used in efforts to tackle terrorism.
  • A key reason why this definition is not contained in legislation is because it is so vague and unclear.

Vague to vaguer

  • What does it mean to undermine or overturn the rights or freedoms of others?
  • Would arguing for the UK to leave the European convention on human rights count meet the bar?
  • What about calling for restrictions on the right to free speech or the right to protest?

Existing laws are enough

  • But the UK already has numerous laws in place to tackle what it considers to be unacceptable behaviour at protests.
  • The Terrorism Act (which is also incredibly broad) can be used to prosecute people who damage property or create a serious risk to public safety during protests.
  • Counter-terrorism laws can also capture forms of expression at public demonstrations or online.
  • This can now be applied by he police to criminalise protests that are considered to be making too much noise.

The right to protest

  • People may self-censor out of fear of being identified as extremist, not least when their employer has a duty under Prevent.
  • There is a deep danger of conflating protest with extremism and terrorism, undermining the legitimacy of these protests.
  • To stretch the concept of extremism to cover these views is what is actually undermining democracy and the rights and freedoms of others.


Alan Greene does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

As Erdoğan hints at retirement, how has his rule shaped Turkey?

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, March 13, 2024

The statement, made at a meeting for the Turkish Youth Foundation, was not an official announcement by any means.

Key Points: 
  • The statement, made at a meeting for the Turkish Youth Foundation, was not an official announcement by any means.
  • Rather, it was what appeared to be a frank statement communicated to a young party audience.
  • Mincing words is not usually Erdoğan’s style; he can be quite direct and candid, which has been one of the key appeals of his charismatic personality.
  • Understandably, response to the speech, both within and outside of Turkey, has so far been somewhat muted.

Erdoğan’s legacy

  • It is perhaps too early to judge Erdoğan’s political legacy comprehensively.
  • But his impact on the nation’s trajectory, its regional standing, social structures and government institutions has been undeniable.
  • The two sides had a falling out and Erdoğan accused the movement of being behind the failed coup in 2016.
  • From 2002 until the early 2010s, Turkey’s economy experienced unprecedented growth, fueled by increased foreign investment and large scale projects.
  • The economic success of these years lifted millions into the middle class and led to higher living standards overall.

A Post-Erdoğan era?

  • His son-in-law, Berat Albayrak, once touted as a clear frontrunner in the race to succeed him, has since left active politics.
  • If a new president continues much of the similar policies and has a non-disruptive approach, then a peaceful transition is plausible.
  • But Erdoğan’s party failing to concede a loss, or his voter base failing to recognize the results, may lead to a turbulent transition.


Yasar Bukan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

EQS-News: Results of the Annual General Meeting 2024 for the financial year 2022/23 of BRAIN Biotech AG

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Zwingenberg, Germany, 12 March 2024 – At today´s Annual General Meeting of BRAIN Biotech AG (Frankfurt Stock Exchange / BNN / ISIN DE0005203947 / WKN 5203949), the shareholders approved all items on the agenda with a clear majority.

Key Points: 
  • Zwingenberg, Germany, 12 March 2024 – At today´s Annual General Meeting of BRAIN Biotech AG (Frankfurt Stock Exchange / BNN / ISIN DE0005203947 / WKN 5203949), the shareholders approved all items on the agenda with a clear majority.
  • The establishment of silent partnerships between BRAIN Biotech AG and Hessen Kapital I GmbH and MBG H Mittelständische Beteiligungsgesellschaft Hessen mbH - for the financing of innovative research projects at the locations in Hesse - received approval rates of over 99% in each case.
  • 65,99 % of the share capital was represented at the time of the voting.
  • In his speech to shareholders, CEO Adriaan Moelker said: "We now have the architecture, the employees, the technology, the customers and the products to further accelerate our economic success.

Terminus Group Inaugurates International Headquarters in UAE

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, March 7, 2024

Abdulla Al Saleh, the Under Secretary of the Foreign Trade and Industry at the UAE Ministry of Economy, Victor AI, Founder and CEO of Terminus Group, Dr. Ling Shao, President of Terminus International and Chief Scientist of Terminus Group, and representatives from ecological cooperators attended the opening ceremony.

Key Points: 
  • Abdulla Al Saleh, the Under Secretary of the Foreign Trade and Industry at the UAE Ministry of Economy, Victor AI, Founder and CEO of Terminus Group, Dr. Ling Shao, President of Terminus International and Chief Scientist of Terminus Group, and representatives from ecological cooperators attended the opening ceremony.
  • Victor AI, Founder and CEO of Terminus Group (R3), Dr. Ling Shao, President of Terminus International and Chief Scientist of Terminus Group (L3), Kevin Shi, CFO of Terminus Group (R2), Eric Wan, VP of Alibaba Cloud Intelligence International, GM of Alibaba Cloud Middle East and Africa Region (L2), Pouya Parsafar, CEO of Enterprise Systems (L1), and Wang Yizhou, MD of China Mobile International Middle East & Africa region (R1) jointly kicked off the inauguration of Terminus International Headquarters
    H.E.
  • We expect the continued success of Terminus Group, one of the world's leading technology companies, and hope Terminus International Headquarters will continue to support and deeply engage in the green and digital future cities development in UAE.
  • Victor AI, Founder and CEO of Terminus Group, is in Terminus International Headquarters

ConverSolo to Provide AI Language Learning Tools to Quebec Colleges and University

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, February 21, 2024

A First of its Kind AI Application in Higher Learning

Key Points: 
  • ConverSolo Inc., the AI language learning software company, reports that it has been contracted by Montmorency College, Vanier College, and the University of Sherbrooke, all Quebec-based institutions, to develop AI-powered learning materials through its Bokomaru Publications business division.
  • At Montmorency College, ConverSolo Inc. will provide Learning Tool Interoperability (LTI) links to conversational robots which will integrate with the college's Moodle website.
  • The AI-powered solution will provide students with interactive oral practice using their webcams and intelligent video-feedback on interactions with simulated clients.
  • ConverSolo has been engaged by Vanier College in a pilot project to develop custom AI-powered writing and speaking tutoring systems for students learning their second language.

The inaugural Asia Photonics Expo Grandly Opened in Singapore

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, March 7, 2024

SINGAPORE, Mar 7, 2024 - (ACN Newswire) - Organised by Informa Markets, the inaugural Asia Photonics Expo (APE), is successfully launched at Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore on the opening day.

Key Points: 
  • SINGAPORE, Mar 7, 2024 - (ACN Newswire) - Organised by Informa Markets, the inaugural Asia Photonics Expo (APE), is successfully launched at Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore on the opening day.
  • On behalf of the organiser, Mr. Sukumar Verma shared: "Asia Photonics Expo is reflective not only of the strength of the local industry, but also the interest from international markets to come explore partnership and investment opportunities in Singapore and the wider Southeast Asia region.
  • Echoing this, Prof Tjin Swee Chuan, Chairman, LUX Photonics Consortium said: "It is very heartening to have the first trade show for Photonics industry held in Singapore.
  • Adding on, Dr. Prof. Yuhong Bai, Director of Light: Science & Applications said: "The Asia Photonics Expo provides exhibition for worldwide optics and photonics enterprises, in particular showcasing the growth of Asian industry.

Signia Expands Integrated Xperience (IX) Platform Portfolio with Addition of Discreet, Design-Forward Styletto IX and Insio IX Hearing Aids that Directly Challenge Hearing Aid Stigma

Retrieved on: 
Monday, March 11, 2024

TORONTO, March 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Building on the market response to its groundbreaking Integrated Xperience (IX) hearing aid platform, hearing aid innovator Signia is expanding its platform offerings to include Styletto IX, the world’s slimmest & most advanced Slim-RIC hearing aid, and Insio IX, Signia’s smallest and most discreet CIC and IIC hearing aids to date.

Key Points: 
  • TORONTO, March 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Building on the market response to its groundbreaking Integrated Xperience (IX) hearing aid platform, hearing aid innovator Signia is expanding its platform offerings to include Styletto IX, the world’s slimmest & most advanced Slim-RIC hearing aid, and Insio IX, Signia’s smallest and most discreet CIC and IIC hearing aids to date.
  • The new form factors join Pure Charge&Go IX and Silk Charge&Go IX on the Integrated Xperience platform to unleash the power of conversation while addressing the stigma long associated with wearing hearing aids.
  • “The Signia Integrated Xperience platform is at the forefront of providing unparalleled speech understanding in more challenging listening situations and permitting hearing aid users to be fully engaged in all conversations,” VP of Sales and Practice Development Andre Marcoux said today.
  • Signia Integrated Xperience hearing aids are designed for real conversations in the real world.”
    For more information about the Integrated Xperience platform and currently available hearing aid models, click here .

New to The Street Announces TV Episode 560 with its Five Business Guest Interviews, Airs as Sponsored Programming on Bloomberg TV Tonight, Thursday, March 7, 2024, at 9:30 PM PT

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, March 7, 2024

First, in October 2023, veterinarians presented SPRYNG™'s positive study results on dogs with cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) disease.

Key Points: 
  • First, in October 2023, veterinarians presented SPRYNG™'s positive study results on dogs with cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) disease.
  • Also, Ethos Veterinary Health, LLC's study on canine hip dysplasia using the product shows success, giving more veterinary doctors information about product uses.
  • PETV's SPRYNG™ with OsteoCushion Technology is a "Game Changer" medical device that successfully treats pets and gives owners options beyond surgeries.
  • New to The Street airs TV Host Jane King's interview with VRM BioLogik® Group's (VRM) Ken Bellamy, Founder and President .

Lantronix Announces Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Mobile Hardware Development Kit for Qualcomm 8650 System-on-Chip

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, March 6, 2024

IRVINE, Calif., March 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lantronix Inc. (NASDAQ: LTRX), a global provider of compute and connectivity IoT solutions that target high-growth industries, including Smart Cities, Automotive and Enterprise, today announced its new Snapdragon™ 8 Gen 3 mobile hardware development kit (HDK).

Key Points: 
  • IRVINE, Calif., March 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lantronix Inc. (NASDAQ: LTRX), a global provider of compute and connectivity IoT solutions that target high-growth industries, including Smart Cities, Automotive and Enterprise, today announced its new Snapdragon™ 8 Gen 3 mobile hardware development kit (HDK).
  • A single-board computer (SBC) built on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Platform, the new HDK provides an expandable, feature-rich starting point for the development of new mobile applications and devices utilizing Qualcomm™ Technologies Inc.’s Snapdragon 8650 System-on-Chip (SoC).
  • “Our new hardware development kit is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 platform that delivers nearly double the AI performance of the previous model, enabling the development of powerful AI solutions that open up new possibilities in robotics, video and edge AI,” said Brian Jaroszewski, director of Product Line Management at Lantronix.
  • The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 mobile HDK gives customers, OEMs, hardware vendors and software developers a Qualcomm-based solution that delivers powerful AI capabilities with rich graphics at very low power.

NCLA Advises Supreme Court to Hear Case Against PA Ethics Rule’s Viewpoint-Based Discrimination

Retrieved on: 
Monday, March 4, 2024

Washington, D.C., March 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Late Friday, the New Civil Liberties Alliance filed an amicus curiae brief in Greenberg v. Lehocky, asking the Supreme Court to hear this important First Amendment case.

Key Points: 
  • Washington, D.C., March 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Late Friday, the New Civil Liberties Alliance filed an amicus curiae brief in Greenberg v. Lehocky, asking the Supreme Court to hear this important First Amendment case.
  • NCLA’s brief is supporting Mr. Greenberg’s petition for a writ of certiorari from the U.S. Supreme Court.
  • Imposed by the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, Rule 8.4(g) prohibits speech that expresses disparaging views of another person based on any of 11 listed characteristics.
  • The Supreme Court should take this case, reverse the holding below on standing, and send it back to the Third Circuit for a ruling on the merits.”