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The International Organization for Migration reports efforts are ongoing to rescue around 200 migrants, from Somalia and Ethiopia, who have been kidnapped in Libya and are being held for ransom.

News of the kidnappings and illegal detentions in Libya first surfaced in a video, which appeared on Facebook on June 9. The International Organization for Migration says families of the missing men and women have received ransom demands based on short video clips depicting scenes of active torture.

IOM spokesman Joel Millman told VOA the source of the video is not known, but there is little doubt as to its veracity. He said the scenes of people, dozens to a room, are graphic.

We understand that there are cases of people being tortured by cement blocks, I think, being put on their chest or put on their back," he said. "There are limbs broken. There are scars and cases of slack, listless men who appear to be emaciated. The witnesses themselves complain about not having been fed for quite some time.

Millman said the criminal gangs demand that families pay ransoms of $8,000 or more for the release of their loved ones. He said the families sell their livestock and other assets to meet these demands.

There is nothing new about the slaving industry, he said, as it has been around throughout history. What is new, he added, is the ready availability of digital devices and of high speed communication, even to some of the poorest villages in the world

It gives criminals an opportunity to profit from the digital age," he said. "There is no question that it is true that you can terrify a mother and father with a tweet or with an email or with a video you download onto a telephone in seconds. That kind of thing was not possible a generation ago and it is probably going to get worse.

The IOM said it is working with partners to try to locate the migrants and its staff, in coordination with authorities in Libya, is trying to trace and potentially aid in the rescue of these victims.

The politically-unstable country is a transit point for migrants seeking to head to Europe. The lack of a stable government makes them vulnerable to abuse and exploitation.

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Efforts Under Way to Rescue African Migrants Held for Ransom in Libya - Voice of America

As more refugees reach Italy, describing Libya as hell, Europe must ensure its actions and funds are not contributing to these abuses, urges Izza Leghtas from Refugees International. Fresh from research on Lampedusa, she outlines urgent steps for E.U. policy inLibya.

People wait to disembark from the Aquarius rescue ship run by SOS Mediterranee and Medecins Sans Frontieres.

On a sunny March day on the island of Lampedusa, a group of young men from the West African nation of Guinea sat on a bench overlooking the peacefulport.

Just three days earlier, they had survived the dangerous journey from Libya and were brought by rescuers to the small Mediterranean island. I asked them what Libya had been like. Libya is hell on earth, came the answer. That is the only word to describeit.

Interviewing refugees and migrants who had recently arrived from Libya, there seemed to be no end to the cruelty they had endured at the hands of ruthless smugglers, detention center staff, members of the Libyan coast guard and criminalgangs.

Many said they had been held for weeks or months in warehouses by smugglers who beat and tortured them and fed them only an occasional piece of bread or a small handful of pasta. Others said they had been detained in appalling conditions in detention centers where food was similarly scarce and beatings werecommon.

Women and girls are subjected to sexual abuse at all stages of the journey to Europe: in official detention centers, traveling through the Sahara desert and at the hands of peoplesmugglers.

Libya has been in turmoil since the overthrow of Moammar Gadhafi in 2011 and currently has three competing governments, militias operating across the country and a blossoming people-smuggling trade. Sub-Saharan refugees and migrants face staggering levels of racism and are often called animals by locals. Men and women told me how even walking in the street was too dangerous, as they could be kidnapped and sold likecommodities.

European leaders, desperate to stem the flow of people arriving on their shores via Libya, have made a priority of preventing departures from the Middle Eastern country. They are working with the U.N.-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) and providing training and equipment to the Libyan coast guard as well as funding to international organizations working on theground.

When the Libyan coast guard encounters a boat carrying refugees and migrants, these individuals are taken back to Libyan territory, where they are detained in migrant detention centers under appalling conditions and severe human rightsabuses.

When it comes to finding and implementing solutions for the human rights crisis that refugees and migrants face in Libya, the list of obstacles and challenges is endless. But there are a number of urgently needed measures that European leaders can and should undertake immediately. They are essential if the E.U. and its member states are to ensure that their actions and funding do not result in, or even contribute to, the abuses that lead refugees and migrants to refer to Libya ashell.

The E.U. is empowering the Libyan coast guard to do something none of its member states could do without violating internationallaw.

To be clear, the E.U. is empowering the Libyan coast guard to do something none of its member states could do without violating international law returning people to Libyan territory and thereby exposing them to horrificabuse.

For this reason, the E.U. must urgently take steps to prevent such abuses from occurring. A first step would be to work with the U.N. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) for the deployment of human rights monitors in places where refugees and migrants are forced to disembark on Libyan soil, and in the detention facilities they are taken to. In their talks with the Libyan authorities, the E.U. should also urge them to grant nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and the U.N. refugee agency free access to refugees and migrants in the centers where they areheld.

One stated reason for the actions of E.U. leaders in the Central Mediterranean is the intention to prevent further loss of life at sea. But is saving a man, a woman or a child from drowning, only for them to be taken hours later to a detention center where they may face malnutrition, sexual abuse and deadly beatings, really savingthem?

Is saving a man, a woman or a child from drowning, only for them to be taken hours later to a detention center where they may face malnutrition, sexual abuse and deadly beatings, really savingthem?

The E.U. is spending more than $146 million on migration-related projects in Libya, part of which has been earmarked to improve conditions in detention centers. Last week, the German foreign minister announced that Germany would provide the Libyan authorities with $3.9 million to improve conditions in centers where refugees and migrants areheld.

But detention centers where people are deprived of their liberty with no judicial process and no end in sight, albeit with improved ventilation and more toilets, would still violate international law. The E.U. and its member states should insist that the Libyan authorities stop detaining migrants and refugees in closed facilities, or they risk legitimizing this abusivesystem.

It is no secret that for E.U. leaders, preventing refugees and migrants from reaching Italy via Libya is a priority. But actions that are taken in the name of European citizens and funded with their taxes should not lead to men, women and children becoming trapped in a place where they may face torture, slavery and rape. It is the duty of European leaders to uphold the values of human dignity and fundamental rights on which the E.U. was founded, whether it is north or south of theMediterranean.

The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of RefugeesDeeply.

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EU Must Not Fuel 'Hellish' Experience for Libya's Migrants - News Deeply

Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosensteins warning about anonymous media reports rightfully calls our attention to a growing crisis: Americans are being overwhelmed by a waterfall of highly questionable leaks about the drama in Washington, D.C.

Some of the gossip is fairly predictable, like the jockeying of power between White House staffers or dueling Congressmen.

But Rosensteins worry is focused on another, more dangerous trend: the unsanctioned release of sensitive or classified information by a group of shadowy sources.

As a former CIA officer, I share Rosensteins concern because I worked with these same types of informants. In the world of espionage, we called them volunteers. In short, these people tracked down intelligence officers to peddle information.

In the vast majority of cases, volunteers turned out to be the equivalent of human garbage. On rare occasion, however, they held credible intelligence that altered the course of history.

Unless the media identifies a source and is honest about their motivations and biases, subsequent reporting is the equivalent of cheap celebrity gossip. Maybe a little truth, but a whole lot of lies.

The challenge, then, was to vet each source to decide whether they were a heap of trash or pot of gold. In espionage as with journalism officers used a five-step process to sort it all out:

Identity: First, spies conducted the equivalent of a background check on the volunteer. Can we confirm their job, title, and related work functions? Can they prove their identity?

Unfortunately, the American people have no way to determine if any of the medias anonymous sources have undergone this basic check. Instead, we have to rely on the integrity of reporters.

Access: Next, spies worked to confirm a volunteers access to the information theyre providing. Do they have reason to have it? Is their access direct (personal) or indirect (through others)? If theyre using subsources, these unnamed figures have to be vetted as well.

Frustratingly, the American people have no window into whether the media has addressed this critical step and, if so, to what degree of professionalism.

Motivations: Spies have to understand why a volunteer is offering their information. If someone is bitter about a job loss, for instance, they might pass along falsehoods or cherry pick intelligence in order to get revenge against a boss.

Indeed, most volunteers are motivated by one of four things: revenge, ego, money, or partisanship. For example, NSAs most recent leaker R. Leigh Winner fits the pattern of partisanship while former FBI Director James Comeys leak may be explained in part by revenge.

Of course, just because volunteers have dubious motivations doesnt mean we ignore their information. Rather, the media must highlight a sources likely bias so that viewers and readers might draw their own conclusions.

Sadly, no media outlets have publically taken these steps in recent months.

Corroboration: In the world of espionage, a volunteers claims have to be checked against 1) other sources that 2) dont know of each others actions yet 3) share the same information. Relying on single-sourced intelligence is dangerous. Thats largely what drove the disastrous invasion of Iraq in 2003.

Here again, the media has yet to demonstrate that theyve corroborated any of the information theyve published. Of course, theyve promised that theyve done so but theres simply no proof. Instead, we have to rely on the honesty and integrity of journalists.

And that brings up the final step in asking whether recently leaked reporting is credible.

Bias: In the world of espionage, officials have to consider whether the officer vetting the volunteer might be biased. In other words, its possible that the officer wants the volunteer and their information to be true even if its not.

Why? Officers sometimes think they can get a promotion, receive a bonus, or be honored with an award if they find a great volunteer.

At Langley, this rarely occurs. In Americas media, however, its depressingly common.

Turn on any TV station or read any article and youre bound to consume not just facts but also the political agendas of media owners and editors. For instance, data show that The New York Times and Washington Post have a greater bias than Fox News.

Or consider the 2016 election where journalists directed 96 percent of their political giving to my partys nominee Hillary Clinton.

While I might like that as a Democrat, I hate it as an American. We need to battle over our political differences through honest debate, not biased journalism.

All of this leaves the average person with a great challenge: What should we believe in the media, especially when it comes to the Trump / Russia allegations? And who should we believe?

Heres what Id recommend.

First, Rosenstein is right. Exercise caution when reading stories with anonymous sources and leaked information. Unless the media identifies a source and is honest about their motivations and biases, subsequent reporting is the equivalent of cheap celebrity gossip.

Maybe a little truth, but a whole lot of lies.

Second, be patient with the FBI investigation. The Bureaus Special Agents are aggressively and fairly investigating the Trump allegations. We should have results by early fall.

When we do, have faith in what we learn. If Trump or his associates are guilty of improprieties, America will demand justice. If Trump is cleared, we will take this drama to where it belongs. The ballot box.

Finally, focus on the news thats getting less attention but is equally important, like TrumpCare. If you dont like what youre seeing in Washington, tell the Democrats to come up with a better plan. Demand something like Our American Oath, which is a vision for the country that I helped draft with pragmatic Democrats and Republicans.

Bottom line: No matter what you read or hear from Trump or the New York Times consume your news with a critical eye. Its our job as citizens to ask tough questions and demand more honest answers.

If we dont get it, let them hear you. Cancel your subscription. Turn off the TV.

And if its a deceitful politician spreading lies, vote them out.

Bryan Dean Wright is a former CIA ops officer and member of the Democratic Party. He contributes on issues of politics, national security, and the economy. Follow him on Twitter @BryanDeanWright.

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Democrat (and ex-CIA): Bogus leaks and what to believe. How to vet your news like an agent - Fox News

It's been just 48 hours since Republican lawmakers and their staff members were gunned down on a field in Alexandria by a Bernie Sanders volunteer while practicing for the Congressional Baseball Game. Republican Whip Steve Scalise is still in critical condition at the hospital and has undergone a number of surgeries after being shot in the pelvis.

In reaction to the attack, Nebraska Democrat Chelsey Gentry-Tipton said it was funny to watch Republicans who were on the field get emotional when recalling what happened during media interviews. After calls for a new civility, unity and her resignation, Gentry-Tipton is doubling down.

From the Omaha-World Herald:

The question now is, what does the DNC have to say about this? Will newly minted Chairman Tom Perez, who said at a recent rally that Republicans "don't give a damn about people," step in? Or will he allow her to continue in her position as a representation of the Democrat Party?

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New Civility: Nebraska Democrat Doubles Down on Saying Republicans Getting Shot "Was Funny" - Townhall

James Devine via JamesDevine.org

RAHWAY A longtime Democratic operative from Union County has responded to the Wednesday shooting of a congressman by calling for a hunt of Republicans.

James Devine posted several messages on Facebook and Twitter following the Alexandra, Virginia, shooting of U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise and several others by a gunman with a history of violence and of making online rantings against Republican officials and their policies.

We are in a war with selfish, foolish & narcissistic rich people. Why is it a shock when things turn violent? Devine posted on social media, ending the message with the hashtag: #HuntRepublicanCongressmen

Devine used the hashtag #HuntRepublicans in another message about Scalise speaking at a event hosted by a group founded by racist David Duke.

I have little sympathy for the Republican Congressman who got shot today because he viciously opposed President Obamas effort to reduce gun violence and instead, he accepted more gun lobby money than all but 15 other members of the House of Representatives, he said on Facebook.

The comments drew criticism from others who follow Devine on Facebook and Twitter.

But Devine told New Jersey 101.5 that he is not backing down, although he insists his comments were meant to shock but not advocate violence.

It is insensitive and I dont care. You want me to be politically correct? I dont have time for that anymore, he said.

Devine said his tweets were inspired by 2016 tweet by Tea Party-backed U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., who repeated a quotation about the 2nd Amendment being about shoot[ing] at the government when it becomes tyrannical!

Devine said Republican policies to take away peoples healthcare, enact voter ID laws, and oppose gun regulations are his idea of tyrannical government.

Im not going to shy away from harsh rhetoric. We have a president elected largely by people who were tired of politicians who shied away from harsh rhetoric. I dont think its appropriate; Id much rather have a rational and reasonable debate. But we cant have that.

Im not apologizing if it offended snowflake Republicans, he added.

But other local Democrats did not agree with Devines attention-seeking tactics.

Union County Democratic Chairman Jerry Green on Thursday condemned the comments after a reporter read them to him.

In this day and age, we have to be very careful in what we say or how we say it, Green said. I do not support the hunting of any people Democrat or Republican.

Ive had Republican friends that I have developed over the 25-plus years in Trenton. I consider them to be good human beings, said Green, who is an assemblyman from Plainfield.

Devine is not an elected committeeman with the citys Democratic committee, nor is he a member of the citys Democratic club, municipal Chairman Kevin OBrien said Thursday.

I abhor all political violence. It has no place in our American democracy, he told New Jersey 101.5. And my prayers go out to the congressman, to the police officers and the other people who were wounded. It was a terrible, terrible tragedy, as are all senseless acts of violence.

Rahway Republican Chairman Patrick Cassio said that what Devine is saying is no different than what the shooter was saying.

This could have been a massacre and this nut is going to say that?

Devines website notes that he has been working on Democratic campaigns for three decades. Among the elected officials he has worked for are Carteret Mayor Dan Reiman, former Rahway Mayor James Kenned, former Hillside Mayor Joseph Menza, and Perth Amboy Mayor Wilda Diaz before he had a falling out with her.

In 2014, he ran against now-Mayor Sampson Steinman in his hometown of Rahway.

His partner, Lisa McCormick, this year raised money for an abortive campaign for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, but she dropped out before the June primary after not submitting a nominating petition with 1,000 signatures.

Devines website also includes a 2006 photo of him standing with U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J. A spokesman for the senator on Thursday forcibly condemned Devines comments, adding that Menendez has absolutely no connection with Mr. Devine.

As for his comments on social media, the senator believes they are irresponsible, reckless, and only serve to fan the flames of division in this country, Steven Sandberg said. The senator is disturbed and appalled by his hateful, dangerous rhetoric.

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Scalise on Thursday remained in critical condition after undergoing a third surgery.

As when U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords was shot in 2011 in Tucson, Arizona, Wednesdays shooting has drawn attention to heated and divisive political rhetoric.

The gunman, 66-year-old James T. Hodgkinson, who was shot and killed by police, left a trail of online comments excoriating Republicans.

House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi chastised sanctimonious Republicans for suggesting that rhetoric from liberals and progressives in the wake of President Donald Trumps election may have been partially responsible for the shooting.

How dare they say such a thing, how dare they, said Pelosi, who noted that shes been getting calls to her home and has been the target of attack ads in her latest re-election campaign.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Sergio Bichao is deputy digital editor at New Jersey 101.5. Send him news tips: Call 609-359-5348 or email sergio.bichao@townsquaremedia.com.

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'Hunt' Republicans, says Union County Democrat in response to shooting - New Jersey 101.5 FM Radio