Numerous cars TORCHED during New Year’s Eve mayhem in Strasbourg, France (VIDEOS)

Vandals in Strasbourg, France, marked the start of 2020 by setting countless vehicles on fire. Videos on social media purportedly show shocking incidents of arson that occurred across the city.

Police have not disclosed how many cars were torched, but a source told AFP that the figure was larger than the previous year. A number of arrests and some minor injuries have also been reported.

Pendant que les Français fêtaient tranquillement la nouvelle année, la racaille n’a pas pu s’empêcher de déroger à « ses » traditions.Voitures brûlées, jets de projectiles sur pompiers et policiers : des scènes de chaos cette nuit à #Strasbourg ! pic.twitter.com/0L4j0c7fSa

— Nicolas Bay (@NicolasBay_) January 1, 2020

The footage circulating on social media appear to show vehicles, many of them overturned, on fire in the streets of Strasbourg. One clip shows a car passing by a series of torched vehicles along the road – an eerie sight to behold on what is typically a joyous evening of champagne-fueled celebration.

Riot police can be seen dodging between flame-engulfed cars as they attempt to restore order to the city.

The burning of vehicles is an unfortunate New Year’s tradition in some parts of France. According to local media, 1,031 vehicles were set alight nationwide on the night of December 31, 2018, compared to 935 on the previous New Year's Eve.

https://www.rt.com/news/477267-strasbourg-cars-fire-new-years-france/

Newly Released FOIA Documents Reveal Former FBI Chief Andrew McCabe Lied to FBI Investigators on His Leaking to Media

Newly released FOIA documents reveal former FBI chief Andrew McCabe lied to FBI investigators about leaking information to the Wall Street Journal in the final weeks of the 2016 election.

The Daily Beast reported:

Former FBI chief Andrew McCabe faced scorching criticism and potential criminal prosecution for changing his story about a conversation he had with a Wall Street Journal reporter. Now newly released interview transcripts show McCabe expressed remorse to internal FBI investigators when they pressed him on the about-face.

The FBI released the documents in response to a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit by the government watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW). They provide fresh details about the investigation into a leak to the Journal, McCabe’s role in it, and the reaction of agents who investigated it.

In the final weeks of the 2016 presidential campaign, the Journal broke news about an FBI investigation involving then-candidate Hillary Clinton, describing internal discussions among senior FBI officials.

The apparent leak drew scrutiny from the bureau’s internal investigation team, which interviewed McCabe on May 9, 2017, the day President Donald Trump fired James Comey from his post as FBI director. The agents interviewed him as part of an investigation regarding a different media leak to the online publication Circa, and also asked him about the Journal story.

In that interview, McCabe said he did not know how the Journal story came to be. But a few months later, his story changed after he reviewed his answer.

McCabe knowingly lied to FBI investigators about his role in leaking documents to the Wall Street Journal.

Roger Stone is looking at life in prison for less than this.

The double-standard in this Justice Department must stop in 2020.

Americans will no longer tolerate this preferential treatment of deep state scum.

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2020/01/breaking-newly-released-foia-documents-reveal-former-fbi-chief-andrew-mccabe-lied-to-fbi-investigators-on-his-role-of-leaking-to-media/

>>7684420

True dat

China Passes Tighter Restrictions on Religious Practice

The Chinese Communist Party has passed a series of draconian administrative measures for religious groups, which will go into effect on February 1, 2020, bringing them completely under government control.

Religious organizations must henceforth “spread the principles and policies of the Chinese Communist Party” by educating “religious staff and religious citizens to support the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party,” reported AsiaNews, the official press agency of the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions.

All religious activities or rallies and even programs of religious communities must have the approval of the Religious Affairs Office, according to a communication published this week by Xinhua news agency, as the new measures seek to complete the “Regulations on religious affairs” that went into effect on February 1, 2018.

The government’s religious affairs department will assume absolute control over religious groups and “should perform their functions such as guiding and supervising the groups’ operation,” Xinhua revealed Monday.

More broadly, the new regulations “stipulate how the groups should designate their officials, carry out their work and manage their own affairs,” the report stated.

The “Administrative measures for religious groups” consist of “six chapters and 41 articles dealing with the organization, functions, offices, supervision, projects and economic administration of communities and groups at both a national and local level,” AsiaNews said Tuesday.

Every aspect of the life of seminaries and religious communities will now be subject to approval by the government’s religious affairs department, including the formation of programs, gatherings, and daily schedules.

In addition to tightening control over all community activities, the new measures will require religious personnel to actively promote submission to the Chinese Communist Party among all members of their communities.

Religious organizations “must adhere to the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party, observe the constitution, laws, regulations, ordinances and policies, adhere to the principle of independence and self-government, adhere to the directives on religions in China, implementing the values ​​of socialism,” declares Art. 5 of the regulations.

Furthermore, all religious organizations “must spread the principles and policies of the Chinese Communist Party, as well as national laws, regulations, rules to religious personnel and religious citizens, educating religious personnel and religious citizens to support the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party, supporting the socialist system, adhering to and following the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics,” reads Art. 17.

As one Chinese Catholic priest commented to AsiaNews, “In practice, your religion no longer matters, if you are Buddhist, or Taoist, or Muslim or Christian: the only religion allowed is faith in the Chinese Communist Party.”

https://www.breitbart.com/asia/2020/01/01/china-passes-tighter-restrictions-religious-practice/

Pope Francis: Violence Against Women Is ‘Blasphemy Against God’

ROME — “Every form of violence inflicted upon a woman is a blasphemy against God, who was born of a woman,” said Pope Francis in his New Year’s Day homily in the Vatican.

“The rebirth of humanity began from a woman,” the pope said in reference to Jesus’ mother, the Virgin Mary. “Women are sources of life. Yet they are continually insulted, beaten, raped, forced to prostitute themselves and to suppress the life they bear in the womb.”

The pontiff’s reflections came during Mass on January 1, when the Catholic church celebrates the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (Theotokos), as well as the World Day for Peace.

“Humanity’s salvation came forth from the body of a woman: we can understand our degree of humanity by how we treat a woman’s body,” Francis said during Mass held in Saint Peter’s Basilica.

“How often are women’s bodies sacrificed on the profane altars of advertising, of profiteering, of pornography, exploited like a canvas to be used,” he continued. “Yet women’s bodies must be freed from consumerism; they must be respected and honoured. Theirs is the most noble flesh in the world, for it conceived and brought to light the love that has saved us!”

“In our day, too, motherhood is demeaned, because the only growth that interests us is economic growth,” the pope said. “There are mothers who risk difficult journeys desperately seeking to give a better future to the fruit of their womb, yet are deemed redundant by people with full stomachs but hearts empty of love.”

The Argentinian pontiff also suggested a connection between peace in the world and greater respect for women while also advocating for an increasing female role in decision-making.

“And if we want a better world, a world that will be a peaceful home and not a war field, may we take to heart the dignity of each woman,” he said. “From a woman was born the Prince of peace.”

“Women are givers and mediators of peace and should be fully included in decision-making processes,” he said. “Because when women can share their gifts, the world finds itself more united, more peaceful. Hence, every step forward for women is a step forward for humanity as a whole.”

Turning his attention to the Virgin Mary, Francis said that as a newborn baby, Jesus “was mirrored in the eyes of the woman, in the face of his mother. From her, he received his first caresses; with her, he exchanged the first smiles. With her began the revolution of tenderness.”

“The Church, looking at the baby Jesus, is called to continue that revolution,” he said.

https://www.breitbart.com/faith/2020/01/01/pope-francis-violence-women-blasphemy-god/

El Chapo Was as Powerful as My Predecessors, Says Mexican President

The infamous drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman had, at one time, as much power and influence as the president of Mexico, said Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador during his New Year message.

On New Year’s Eve, President Lopez Obrador (AMLO) shared a message from the Mayan ruins of Palenque where he said that 2019 was not a bad year since it “began the transformation” for public life and officials.

“I can assure you that we ended corruption–especially at the top–we are cleaning from the top down,” AMLO said. “There is no impunity.”

He said the country faces several challenges such as “insecurity and violence” but he believes Mexico would turn around and become peaceful in the near future.

“To keep from happening what happened during previous governments, there was a time when Guzman Loera (El Chapo) had the same power or influence that the president at the time did,” AMLO said. “…[B]ecause there was corruption–that is history–and it will not happen again. We are going to moralize public life in Mexico.”

The president was referring to the infamous leader of the Sinaloa Cartel, Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman Loera, who is currently serving a life-term in a U.S. prison. El Chapo’s organization was linked to top officials at all levels, including the recently arrested Public Security Secretary Genaro Garcia Luna. In late October, the Sinaloa Cartel embarrassed the Mexican government when it forced federal authorities to release Ovideo “El Raton” Guzman, one of El Chapo’s sons who they captured. A large-scale paramilitary response by the cartel forced the government to spring the “Chapito” to avoid further violence.

During his short statement, AMLO said 2019 demonstrated a strong economy and he committed to addressing the root causes of violence such as lacking job opportunities and infrastructure development.

https://www.breitbart.com/border/2020/01/01/el-chapo-was-as-powerful-as-my-predecessors-says-mexican-president/

Rapid turnover shapes Trump's government

President Trump has reshaped his Cabinet and senior team dramatically in the first three-quarters of his presidency.

Over the past year, Trump has welcomed a new attorney general, defense secretary, a third legislative affairs director and a fourth national security adviser, and tapped a fifth person to head up the Department of Homeland Security.

He parted ways with his first secretaries of Labor and Energy and Director of National Intelligence, opening up a new series of vacancies that have since been filled in an acting or permanent capacity.

Experts describe it as a record-setting turnover at the Cabinet and White House senior staff level in the first three years of the Trump administration.

“Trump’s management style is such that he seems to thrive in a world of very high turnover and new personnel,” said Kathryn Dunn Tenpas, a nonresident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution who researches White House staffing and turnover.

According to Tenpas’s research, 80 percent of the top positions in the White House have experienced turnover thus far in Trump’s first term in the Oval Office. Several positions have had multiple occupants, including White House chief of staff and press secretary.

https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/476083-rapid-turnover-shapes-trumps-government

RICO-BOMBSHELL! Giuliani Says He Wants to Try Biden’s & Obama Administration, ‘I’d Do What I Do Best, I’d Try the Case’

Rudy Giuliani dropped a New Years Eve bombshell about RICO charges, and criminal charges against the Obama Administration and the Biden’s in the Ukraine. The former US Attorney and NYC Mayor then stated that it would also affect Democrats at the highest levels.

This wasn’t the way that the Democrats wanted to roll into 2020. Rudy was asked “You just got back from the Ukraine, what did you do?”

“When the full scope of what happened in the Ukriane comes out, there’s going to be a whole lot of Americans who participated in the Ukrainian corruption. In fact we shouldn’t call it Ukrainian corruption, we should call it American-Ukrainian corruption.”

This interview was absolutely fascinating and full of information on Giuliani’s investigation into the Ukraine.

The Biden’s took millions of dollars laundered out of the Ukraine, and the only reason they keep getting away with it is because you and the press protect them, and the prosecutors are afraid you’re going to criticize them. So that’s a double standard that has to end.

“I don’t have all of the evidence yet, but I just met with a new witness yesterday,” I’m not going to tell you who I met with.

Tell us who you met with? Giuliani responded with “I’m not going to tell you who I met with.”

“This is expanding, it will turn out to be a series of criminal acts, it will involve the highest levels of the Obama administration, and it’s the reason why the Democratic party is in panic.”

Does the President want you to testify?

“I would testify, I would do demonstrations, I would give lectures, I’d give summations, or I’d do what I do best, I’d try the case.”

“Are you telling us you’re going to try the case?”, the reporter asked.

“I don’t know if anyone would have the courage to give me the case, but if you give me the case I will prosecute it as a racketeering case, which I kind of invented anyway. It’s been 30 years or so, but let’s see if I can still do it.”

Watch the full bombshell interview below America, you don’t want to miss this!

https://thedcpatriot.com/watch-rico-bombshell-giuliani-says-he-wants-to-try-bidens-obama-administration-id-do-what-i-do-best-id-try-the-case-full-interview/

Liberman says his party will vote against immunity for Netanyahu

Yisrael Beytenu chief: PM’s announcement shows ‘the only thing’ is avoiding graft charges; Gantz vows to push for formation of Knesset panel that will vote on premier’s request

https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog-january-1-2020/

Libya’s War Escalates as the Stakes Get Higher

The LNA’s decision to target the az Zawiya Oil installation may be seen as a proxy blow to Turkey’s interests in Libya, because Turkey purchases oil for as low as $10 per barrel from such terminals.

Libya’s Government of National Accord has little time to sort out the mess it is in, with the Libyan National Army making some progress in Tripoli’s suburbs. LNA warlord Haftar’s strike on the Zawiya Oil installation near al Harsha in west Tripolitania on the 27th of December resulted in drastic damage to the facility causing Libya’s National Oil Company to warn about potential evacuation of offices nearby.*

The LNA’s decision to target the az Zawiya Oil installation may be seen as a proxy blow to Turkey’s interests in Libya, because Turkey purchases oil for as low as $10 per barrel from such terminals. Warlord Haftar does not suffer, because Cyrenaica oil is largely produced and processed in eastern Libya.

The Libyan National Army’s fortunes have improved recently with a new influx of weaponry and funds supplied by the United Arab Emirates. After setbacks in Gharayan the LNA has recovered due to weaponry, supplies, and mercenary air attacks on Misrata (mostly supported by the UAE) where Misrata provides most resistance to the LNA outside of Tripoli.** From December 21st, 2019, Haftar has mounted a particularly effective offensive around Tarhunah, driving the GNA back (nearly) to the suburbs of Tripoli itself.

The position of the United States is somewhat opaque regarding support for the Libya National Army, but indications are that the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia and Egypt were successful in convincing the US to allow Saudi and Egypt a free hand to back and arm Haftar. The Libyan National Army declared a no-fly zone over Tripoli in late November, which has proved effective, in support of LNA air strikes on the capital by mercenary pilots. Together, these events caused Haftar to once again demand that the GNA surrender, on December 30th, 2019.

As addressed in Erdogan Stirs the Pot Again the Libyan conflict’s alliances are as follows:

Government of National Accord’s (UN recognized government) major support:

Turkey

Qatar

Libyan National Army (not UN recognized) major support:

Saudi Arabia

Egypt

United Arab Emirates

France

Neutral:

Tunisia

Algeria

Morocco (political support for GNA)

According to the Turkish leadership, the Government of National Accord has asked for its help to stabilize Tripolitania and resist the LNA offensive. The Turkish parliament is set to vote on military intervention on January 2nd. But even if the measure passes, there may not be enough time to stop Haftar’s advance.

https://theduran.com/libyas-war-escalates-as-the-stakes-get-higher/

Putin’s 2020 agenda to focus on 75th victory day celebrations

Russian President has invited dozens of foreign leaders to attend the May 9 Victory Day celebration

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s 2020 agenda will include domestic and international events, while the focus will be on the 75th anniversary celebration of the Soviet Union’s Victory over Nazi Germany in the Great Patriotic War.

Putin has invited dozens of foreign leaders to attend the May 9 Victory Day celebration. Many have already confirmed their participation, while others haven’t made up their mind yet. In particular, US President Donald Trump expressed interest in visiting Moscow but it is yet unclear if the domestic situation in the US and his heavy schedule will allow Trump to make a visit to Russia.

Domestic agenda

The Russian president is expected to deliver his state-of-the-nation address to the Federal Assembly (parliament) on January 15. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said earlier that the address would set short-term goals and objectives.

Putin’s agenda will also include meetings of Russia’s State Council, various presidential councils and commissions. In addition, the head of state receives credentials from foreign ambassadors to Russia once a year and gives awards to prominent Russians. He also holds regular meetings with members of Russia’s Security Council, the government and parliamentary parties, as well as with regional governors. Putin also makes visits to the country’s regions at least once a month.

Putin is likely to hold another annual televised question and answer session dubbed The Direct Line, which usually takes place in late spring or in early summer, and his annual news conference, usually held in December.

The president will continue monitoring the implementation of the National Projects launched in accordance with the May 2018 Decree.

Immediate plans

Putin will start his 2020 series of foreign visits with a visit to Turkey. According to Peskov, the presidents of Russia and Turkey will meet in early January to attend the launch ceremony of the TurkStream gas pipeline. The Turkish Foreign Ministry, in turn, said that the meeting was set to take place on January 8.

Later in the month, Putin is expected to make a visit to Israel to attend events dedicated to the Auschwitz concentration camp liberation anniversary, the Holocaust Remembrance Day and the unveiling ceremony of a monument to the victims of the Siege of Leningrad.

The Kremlin spokesman also told TASS earlier that the Russian president’s January 23 visit to Palestine was under consideration.

https://tass.com/politics/1105321

About 400 People Arrested in Hong Kong During Protest - Police

The Hong Kong Police have detained at least 400 people during 1 January's anti-government protest, Senior Superintendent of Hong Kong Island Region Jim Ng Lok-Chun said.

"So, as of now, police have made around 400 arrests, offences include unlawful assembly and possession of an offensive weapon", the senior superintendent said during a press briefing.

Earlier in the day, tens of thousands of people too to the streets in a march, organised by the Civil Human Rights Front and approved by the authorities. The marchers demanded an independent investigation of the police's actions during previous protests, an amnesty for the detained protesters, and universal suffrage.

However, the demonstration morphed into chaos after some protesters attacked offices of the HSBC bank prompting the use of tear gas by the police. After that, the policed asked the organizers to end the event.

Hong Kong has been gripped by violent protests since June. The demonstrations, initially a response to an extradition bill, continued even after the highly unpopular measure was withdrawn in October.

https://sputniknews.com/asia/202001011077917460-about-400-people-arrested-in-hong-kong-during-protest/

>>7684685