Andrew Connelly is a British freelance print and radio journalist based in London but frequently on the road covering central and eastern Europe, the Balkans and the Caucasus. 

On the homefront, Andrew has recently reported on Britain's migration policy, London's Somali communities debating the ...

How Volunteers From All Over the World Have Transformed the Refugee Crisis on Lesbos

18 Dec 2015  |  www.vice.com  |  English  |  Humanitarian Aid

Volunteers from around the world have significantly impacted the refugee crisis on the Greek island of Lesbos, providing aid and support to refugees arriving from Turkey. Organizations like A Drop in the Ocean and Proactiva Open Arms play crucial roles in rescue and relief efforts. The island, once known for its cultural heritage, has become a symbol of Europe's refugee crisis, with over 460,000 refugees passing through in 2015. Despite challenges, the humanitarian response has grown, with improved conditions at refugee camps and a diverse array of volunteers and NGOs offering assistance. The article highlights the ongoing struggles and resilience of both refugees and volunteers.

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Proactiva Open Arms A Drop in the Ocean Greenpeace IsraAid United Nations Refugee Agency Clowns Without Borders

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Sam Cowie is a journalist based in São Paulo, Brazil.

Sao Paulo strategy to help drug addicts in Cracolandia

20 Oct 2016  |  www.aljazeera.com  |  English  |  Social Issues

Sao Paulo's Open Arms program, launched in January 2014 by then-mayor Fernando Haddad, offers drug addicts in the city's Cracolandia area a chance to rebuild their lives through work and shelter without mandatory drug abstinence. Beneficiaries receive a weekly allowance, meals, and shelter in exchange for city maintenance work. The program, which has seen success in reducing drug intake among participants, faces criticism for potentially enabling continued drug use and is at risk of being shut down by incoming mayor Joao Doria. The approach contrasts with traditional forced abstinence programs and represents a shift towards treating drug addiction as a health issue. Despite the program's uncertain future, it has provided tangible benefits to participants, helping them reduce drug use and reconnect with society.

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Open Society Foundation Open Arms Sao Paulo city government Brazil's National Institute for Public Policy Research on Alcohol and Other Drugs Oswaldo Cruz Foundation Brazilian Center for Analysis and Planning University of Campinas Recomeco

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I'm a photographer and video journalist specialized in news and sport coverage to create content for newswire, newspapers, magazines and digital media.

His work has been published by media and wire service: Magazines: Producto, Dinero, Cocina & Vinos , the newspapers: El Diario de Caracas, ...

Trump Gives Another Gift to Hard-liners with Open Skies Exit

21 May 2020  |  www.theamericanconservative.com  |  English  |  International Relations

President Trump's decision to withdraw from the Open Skies Treaty is criticized as a mistake that could signal the end of New START and is seen as a continuation of his disdain for arms control agreements. The move is a victory for hard-liners like Senator Tom Cotton and reflects John Bolton's influence on foreign policy. The withdrawal is viewed as harmful to European allies who rely on the treaty for intelligence on Russia and as increasing tensions with Moscow. Russian noncompliance is cited as a pretext for the exit, despite the Arms Control Association's stance that the issues are resolvable and do not constitute a material breach.

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Arms Control Association Open Skies Treaty New START

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Multimedia journalist with research and interview skills, supported by an extensive knowledge of the global geopolitical landscape. Exceptional networking ability leading to trusted relationships with relevant sources. Ability to write, shoot and edit engaging content concisely and accurately under ...

Hundreds of rescued migrants spend Christmas at sea

26 Dec 2018  |  www.euronews.com  |  English  |  Humanitarian Aid

Rescued migrants, including 139 children, were saved by the charity Proactiva Open Arms off the coast of Libya and are en route to Spain. Despite difficult conditions on the small rescue ship, efforts are made to keep spirits high with music and Christmas songs. The crew faces challenges such as limited cooking space and freezing temperatures, but they received essential supplies from another NGO boat, Astral. By the time they reach Spain, over 4,000 meals will have been provided.

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Proactiva Open Arms Astral

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I'm a multimedia reporter and writer. I have covered social change, conflict and rights in more than ten countries across the Middle East and Europe while based out of London, Rome and the West Bank.

I'm experienced across all aspects of digital journalism - from filing breaking news to ...

Activists, experts hope for justice as Salvini trial resumes

11 Dec 2020  |  www.aljazeera.com  |  English  |  European Politics

Matteo Salvini, Italy's former interior minister and leader of the far-right League party, faces trial for allegedly detaining migrants on rescue ships in 2019. The trials, involving the coastguard ship Gregoretti and the Spanish NGO vessel Open Arms, could result in significant legal and political consequences for Salvini, including potential jail time. The trials are seen as pivotal for upholding international law and human rights in Europe. Key figures such as Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte and Foreign Minister Luigi di Maio are involved as witnesses. The outcome could set important legal precedents regarding the responsibilities of government officials in humanitarian crises.

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Open Arms League party Italian Catholic Church Five Star Movement Brothers of Italy party Democratic Party

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Laura Gozzi is a multilingual digital journalist specialising in Russia and EU politics, based in London.

Matteo Salvini: Italian deputy PM takes stand in migrant kidnap trial

10 Oct 2023  |  news.nestia.com  |  English  |  Politics

Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini defended his strict anti-illegal migration stance during a court appearance in Sicily, where he faces charges of kidnap and dereliction of duty for preventing 147 migrants from disembarking an NGO ship in 2019. Salvini, who was interior minister at the time, claimed his actions were in the interest of national security. The case centers on his 2019 decree banning the Spanish NGO Open Arms' rescue vessel from entering Italian waters.

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Open Arms Italian Government League

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Mark Johnson is a business, finance, consumer and lifestyle journalist based in London, United Kingdom.

He has worked for the BBC, Bloomberg TV, Dow Jones Newswires, Share Radio in the past and also currently produces a daily 2 minute video containing a market update, stock idea and big boss ...

Cannes Lions announces the 2025 See It Be It cohort

28 Feb 2025  |  mediashotz.co.uk  |  English  |  Talent Development

Cannes Lions has announced the 2025 cohort for its See It Be It programme, aimed at advancing the careers of women and non-binary creatives. The cohort includes 20 individuals from 14 markets, with Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela represented for the first time. The programme, part of the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, offers mentorship and masterclasses to help participants achieve their career goals. The initiative addresses gender imbalance in the creative industry, with a significant portion of alumni achieving leadership roles. The programme is supported by industry leaders and aims to foster a more inclusive and diverse creative sector.

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The Open Arms Cannes Lions BBDO Pakistan TBWA\Chiat\Day New York Twice on Sunday X3M Ideas Arnold Worldwide Howatson+Company Peloton Interactive AZN AMERICANA VML Santiago Wieden+Kennedy Amsterdam DAVID Madrid Tribal Worldwide Romania DM9 21GRAMS Apple Talented Agency Accenture GN Song Progression CA Lonsdale Saatchi & Saatchi Advertising Ltd BADGER AGENCY Founders International Network

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As Spain Correspondent for The Times of London for 11 years, I covered the Catalan independence drive, royal scandals and the rise of animal rights in a country famed for bullfighting.   Now I freelance for The Independent, the i paper, Reuters, The Telegraph and Al Jazeera among others. 
I am ...

The Spanish refugee rescuers now helping in nursing homes

22 Apr 2020  |  www.aljazeera.com  |  English  |  Healthcare

Spanish NGO Proactiva Open Arms, known for rescuing refugees at sea, has redirected its efforts to assist in the COVID-19 pandemic by transporting patients to hospitals and supporting staff in care homes across Spain. The organization is also aiding homeless refugees and migrants with accommodation and participating in a testing program for hydroxychloroquine. Despite Spain's strict lockdown, refugees and migrants continue to attempt sea crossings from Africa, with the coastguard picking up 745 individuals since March 14. The Spanish Commission for Refugees (CEAR) and other organizations are urging the government to expedite the legal process for 40,000 pending asylum claims.

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Spanish NGO Proactiva Open Arms Spanish Commission for Refugees (CEAR) Oxfam

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Molly Lipson is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom.

One Good Thing: Money Heist, a joyful TV series about fighting the system

04 Dec 2021  |  Vox  |  English  |  Social Movements

The article discusses the cultural and revolutionary impact of the Spanish TV series 'Casa de Papel' (Money Heist) on global protests and movements. The show, which revolves around a group of robbers led by 'El Profesor', has inspired people worldwide to adopt its themes of resistance, anti-capitalism, and anti-authoritarianism. The robbers' red jumpsuits and the song 'Bella Ciao' have become symbols in real-world protests. The article critiques the show's lack of racial and gender analysis but praises its depiction of anti-state ideals. It also highlights instances where the show's motifs have been used in protests, such as those in Lebanon, Iraq, France, and during the Nissan employees' protests in Spain. The author hopes the show will continue to inspire social change as it concludes with its final season.

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Open Arms Royal Mint Bank of Spain Nissan

I'm a journalist student and a freelance based in Rome, Italy, graduated in Political Science. 
At the moment I work for AGTW, a video news agency from Rome, as a journalist and videoeditor
online journalist, specialized in writing about politics, democracy, environment and culture. I use to work ...

TG2's Blunder: 'Plot Twist. Salvini Will Not Go to Trial'. But That's Not True

31 Jul 2020  |  HuffPost Italia  |  Italian  |  Political Trial

TG2 mistakenly reported that the Italian Senate had decided not to authorize the trial against Matteo Salvini regarding the Open Arms case, contrary to what actually happened. The reporter Maria Antonietta Spadorcia announced the incorrect outcome live, which was later corrected by TG2's management with an apology for the error. The Senate had, in fact, authorized the trial against Senator Salvini.

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Open Arms TG2 Italian Senate

Josephine McKenna is a bilingual journalist who has produced breaking news and features in Rome for nearly two decades. She covers the Vatican, politics, mafia, migration and other issues for print, radio and TV. Major stories include the Costa Concordia disaster and election of Pope Francis which ...

Far-Right Italian leadership favourite proposes ‘act of war’ blockade to stop migrants

07 Aug 2022  |  The Telegraph  |  English  |  Politics

Giorgia Meloni, the frontrunner to be Italy’s next prime minister and leader of the far-right Brothers of Italy, has proposed a naval blockade to stop illegal migrant arrivals from Libya, which has been criticized as an 'act of war' by opponents. Her proposal has drawn criticism from both her political allies and centre-left opponents, who argue it is impractical and populist. Meloni defended her stance, claiming it aligns with previous European Union proposals. The debate highlights the contentious issue of immigration in Italy's upcoming election.

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Open Arms Brothers of Italy League Party Forza Italia Azione European Union UN Security Council

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Agus Morales is a journalist based in Barcelona, Spain.

Mediterranean: Italy and Malta pass the ball

27 Aug 2024  |  www.revista5w.com  |  Spanish  |  Rescue Operations

The article discusses the ongoing issues of coordination between Italy and Malta in rescue operations in the Mediterranean, highlighting a recent incident where the NGO Proactiva Open Arms was caught in a bureaucratic standoff between the two countries. The piece criticizes the European authorities for hindering the efforts of NGOs dedicated to saving lives at sea.

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Proactiva Open Arms Italian Rescue Coordination Center Maltese Rescue Coordination Center

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Pablo Ramiro is a video journalist based in Madrid, Spain. He has worked in different national and international media such as El País or Euronews, in different countries.

The prosecution requests that the trial against Matteo Salvini for the Open Arms case be held

21 Mar 2021  |  es.euronews.com  |  Spanish  |  Immigration

The prosecution has requested a trial against former Italian Interior Minister Matteo Salvini for potential cases of kidnapping and omission of official documents related to the Open Arms case. Salvini, who remains calm, stated that he defended his country within the law and questioned whether he deserves 15 years in prison or if those endangering thousands of lives should be imprisoned.

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Open Arms

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Andrea Vogt is an independent journalist and documentary maker based in Bologna, Metropolitan City of Bologna, Italy.  Her dispatches on crime, politics and social affairs have appeared internationally in print, online, radio and broadcast media, including The Guardian, BBC, The Daily Telegraph, ...

Prosecutors want six-year jail term for Italy’s deputy PM over blockade of migrant ship

15 Sept 2024  |  The Telegraph  |  English  |  Legal Proceedings

Italian prosecutors have requested a six-year prison sentence for Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini for blocking migrants from disembarking in Italy, arguing he violated laws and international conventions. Salvini, who was interior minister at the time, defended his actions as protecting Italy. The incident involved 147 migrants rescued by the Spanish NGO Open Arms and drew international attention, including support from figures like Richard Gere. The case has sparked political debate, with right-wing leaders like Marine Le Pen and Elon Musk expressing support for Salvini, while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticized the prosecution.

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Open Arms Italian Government League Party

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Maud Watine is a journalist based in Barcelona, Spain.
15 years of experience
I work for AFPTV, France Television, France 24, RTBF, Arte, UN agencies
I produce, shoot, edit news package and documentaries

More than 300 migrants rescued at sea by an NGO on Spanish soil

28 Dec 2018  |  www.lapresse.ca  |  French  |  Humanitarian Aid

Over 300 migrants rescued by the Spanish NGO Proactiva Open Arms off the coast of Libya have disembarked in southern Spain after being refused entry by Italy and Malta. The migrants, including 139 minors from various countries, were provided with aid by the Red Cross upon arrival. The rescue mission, led by Oscar Camps, highlights the ongoing challenges and humanitarian efforts in the Mediterranean migration crisis. The article criticizes the refusal of certain countries to accept the migrants, emphasizing the need for adherence to international maritime laws. Spain has become a primary entry point for migrants into Europe, surpassing Italy and Greece.

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Proactiva Open Arms Save The Children Cross-Red Sea-Watch Mediterranea Italian Red Cross

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Freelance reporter and videographer specializing on environment/sustainability. 

Bylines in Forbes (senior contributor), FT, Guardian, Spectator, etc.

The wealthy Nigerians buying citizenship overseas

10 Dec 2020  |  www.aljazeera.com  |  English  |  Citizenship

Wealthy Nigerians are increasingly purchasing foreign citizenships through investment programs, driven by political instability, social unrest, and the COVID-19 pandemic. The trend, which has seen a significant rise in 2020, is facilitated by firms like Henley & Partners and Range Developments. This exodus of capital has implications for Nigeria's economy, potentially exacerbating local unemployment and poverty. The article contrasts the experiences of affluent Nigerians securing 'golden visas' with poorer citizens undertaking perilous journeys to Europe, highlighting the broader socio-economic challenges facing the country.

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Open Arms Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) Federal Inland Revenue Service

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