Sethembile Msezane's iconic photograph "Chapungu — The Day Rhodes Fell" captures the spirit of the #RhodesMustFall movement, symbolizing the removal of Cecil Rhodes' statue at the University of Cape Town. Inspired by a recurring dream about the sacred Zimbabwean bateleur eagle, Msezane's performance atop a plinth became a powerful symbol of resistance. The image is now part of an exhibition in London, showcasing female-led resistance movements worldwide. Despite the toll it took on her, Msezane continues to use her art as a tool for change, supporting charitable endeavors and advocating for women's rights.
Israel's protest movement against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government's attempt to limit the judiciary's power has seen a significant turning point as Israel's police have ramped up violence against the families of hostages, marking a notable escalation in their response to the protests. This comes after nearly a year and a half of widespread demonstrations, raising concerns about the direction of the country's political unrest.
The High Court of Justice in Israel will convene a 15-judge panel to hear petitions against a controversial law that limits the court's oversight of its own actions. The law, known as the "reasonableness" law, prohibits the court from reviewing government and ministerial decisions through the judicial reasonableness standard. Opponents argue that this standard is a critical safeguard against arbitrary government actions, while the coalition argues that the court has abused its scope of intervention. The hearing, scheduled for September 12, has sparked an unprecedented protest movement against the government.
Iranian rapper Toomaj Salehi, who was arrested for supporting the protest movement in Iran, has been sentenced to six years and three months in prison. Salehi was previously charged with crimes punishable by death but was acquitted of insulting the Supreme Leader and cooperation with hostile governments. He will be banned from leaving the country for two years and from engaging in any music-related activities. Salehi had expressed support for nationwide protests and called for unity among Iranians of different ethnic backgrounds in his songs.
The American Jewish Committee (AJC) has agreed to meet with leaders of the anti-government protest movement in Israel, following weeks of pressure. The meeting will take place on the closing day of the AJC Global Forum, which is being held in Tel Aviv. The AJC has also faced calls to rescind an invitation to Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli, who has been accused of making racist and homophobic remarks, and referring to J Street as a "hostile organization." Representatives of the protest movement are planning to hold a demonstration outside the hotel where the gathering is taking place when Chikli speaks.
