What happened to Gonzalo Lira?

[arwen]

Its been a month. No updates. It is time to draw attention to this.


Emil Cosman (10 minutes)

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=mhNy9t_AM1k

[thepainterdoug]

is there a link missing??

[arwen]

Posted by thepainterdoug (here)
is there a link missing??

It should show - just checked it shows my side.

[arwen]

Historical background to this thread:



Chris Menahan
InformationLiberation
May 07, 2023

Writer and journalist Gonzalo Lira, a citizen of both the US and Chile, was arrested this week in Kharkov, Ukraine for criticizing the Zelensky regime and is facing up to eight years in prison.

The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) arrested Gonzalo Lira, a US-Chilean national residing in Kharkiv, on suspicions of harbouring pro-Russian sentiments. This marks the second time Lira has been apprehended by the SBU. Lira, an author and filmmaker who relocated to Kharkiv years ago and married a Ukrainian, was initially detained in April 2022 but was released after a week without charges. He was subsequently instructed not to leave the city and prohibited from discussing his arrest.


From The Helsinki Times, “Detaining Gonzalo Lira: Another blow to the freedom of press in Ukraine”:


The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) arrested Gonzalo Lira, a US-Chilean national residing in Kharkiv, on suspicions of harbouring pro-Russian sentiments. This marks the second time Lira has been apprehended by the SBU. Lira, an author and filmmaker who relocated to Kharkiv years ago and married a Ukrainian, was initially detained in April 2022 but was released after a week without charges. He was subsequently instructed not to leave the city and prohibited from discussing his arrest.

As reported by Ukrainian media, the SBU's statement accuses Lira of publicly justifying Russia's armed aggression, denying or glorifying supposed Russian war crimes, and undermining Ukraine's top military and political leadership and Defence Forces.

On May 5, the SBU website published a statement in Ukrainian titled "SBU detained a foreign blogger in Kharkiv who denied the crimes of the Russian Federation and insulted Ukrainian defenders." The statement alleges that Lira was among the first to support Russian invaders and glorify their war crimes. It also accuses him of discrediting Ukraine's military-political leadership and Defense Forces. The SBU claims that Lira filmed provocative videos featuring Ukrainian defenders and insulted them.

Lira disseminated his "streams" on his YouTube and Telegram channels, amassing nearly 300,000 subscribers. He also denied Russian missile attacks on Ukrainian cities and the mass murder of civilians by Russian forces. The SBU has notified Lira of suspicion under parts 2 and 3 of Article 436-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (manufacturing and distributing materials containing justification of the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, committed repeatedly).

In March 2022, Ukraine's parliament enacted 14 laws to counter Russian aggression, including two that modify legislation on information activity. These laws prohibit mass media from justifying or legitimising the denial of Russia's armed aggression in Ukraine and the occupation of its territories. They also forbid the glorification of individuals involved in the aggression or administration of occupied areas.

The Ukrainian Criminal Code now contains Article 435-1, which establishes liability for threatening or insulting military personnel and their families, and Article 436-2, which pertains to the justification or denial of Russian military aggression, the occupation of Ukrainian territories, and the glorification of those involved in the aggression or occupation. Penalties for these offences range from arrest for up to 6 months to imprisonment for up to 8 years, depending on the circumstances.

The SBU filmed Lira's arrest, during which heavily armed agents were involved. All participants' faces, except Lira's, were blurred out. A close-up of a smartphone displaying an image of Lira's children as a screensaver was also left un-blurred. Lira is currently detained on suspicion of producing and disseminating materials justifying the Russian Federation's armed aggression against Ukraine. The edited video shows heavily armed special forces knocking on Lira's door and aiming a machine gun at the 55-year-old Lira, who opens the door in his pyjamas. The metal soundtrack from Override Spedup fades down enough to hear the words of a special forces member telling Lira while tapping his arm: "Welcome to Ukraine."

While it is true that Lira has criticised the Zelensky regime and the eight-year-long shelling of Donbas residents by Kyiv, he has not participated in any activities other than exercising his right to free speech as a citizen and respected journalist. Whether or not we agree with Lira's opinions, freedom of speech must not be restricted, especially during times of conflict. These are the values we claim to be defending.

[thepainterdoug]

I have seen several of liras reports. this seems a great injustice, but as we slide into new depths and we are all so drained and desensitized, will anyone care?

[Violet3]

Gonzalo must have known they would continue to monitor him and that he would eventually be a target if he continued to give interviews and speak up from within Ukraine. I don't know if he was very brave or quite unwise; perhaps he could not get out, but it would have been good if he could have continued to report from somewhere safer. Hopefully his family is ok.

[Bill Ryan]

My post on the WW3/Ukraine thread on 9 May:

~~~

There are quite a few other videos about this, including from Brian Berletic, Alex Christoforou, Alexander Mercouris, Clayton Morris and Kim Iverson.

It's actually a very serious situation for Gonzalo. The problem is that [arguably in a Ukrainian court] he probably has broken the current laws of that country. And the authorities there will be wanting to make a humiliating public example of him.

But if he stays healthy and unhurt physically, he might just have to wait for the war to end and for the Kiev regime to surrender, flee, or be toppled, one of which is very likely to happen before the end of this year. In the meantime, as we can see all around us, genuine journalism is a dangerous activity requiring increasing levels of courage.

Gonzalo was very cavalier (one might say reckless, given his circumstances), but he always stood for the truth. That's something that's so very very important now, more so than ever before in our lifetimes.

[ExomatrixTV]

• Gonzalo Lira Fan
• The Roundtable — Gonzalo Lira
• GonzaloLiraActual

--o-O-o--

• 🔥 NAZI Ukraine Jails US Commentator Gonzalo Lira for Speaking Uncomfortable Facts:

Ukraine Jails US Commentator Gonzalo Lira for Speaking Uncomfortable Facts
- US political commentator Gonzalo Lira was arrested by the Ukrainian SBU for allegedly “producing Russian propaganda;”
- The Kharkov Oblast Prosecutor’s Office posted a video of “evidence” which included Gonzalo pointing out Ukraine’s Nazi problem and the fact that the Ukrainian government has killed 1,000s by shelling the Donbass region;
- These are verified facts admitted by the both the Western media and Western governments now supporting and sponsoring Kiev in this current conflict;
- Pressure must be placed on the US government and Western “human rights” organisations;
- It is Gonzalo Lira today - it could be someone else you have more in common with or even yourself tomorrow.

• source

[ExomatrixTV]

[arwen]

Posted by thepainterdoug (here)
I have seen several of liras reports. this seems a great injustice, but as we slide into new depths and we are all so drained and desensitized, will anyone care?

I am going slightly off topic here as this is an important and valid question. Thank you for stating it. I asked myself that before starting this thread.

As you can see from Exomatrix's and others contributions above, yes, there are people who still care. And that is very, VERY important.

I can only answer from my view - the day we stop caring is the day we are spiritually dead. No matter how worn down from a full spectrum assault on every aspect of our humanity - bodies, minds, souls, spirits.

It is not simply random that the most notorious ceremony of our MisLeaders is the annual CREMATION of CARE ritual at Bohemian Grove. Elimination our love, empathy and ability to care for all life is the primary goal of the forces we are now under siege of.

So no, not gonna stop caring. Even if there is nobody else left that cares.

I feel you thepainterdoug, I really do. Been there myself. But not gonna stop caring. Here is a genuine HUG for you from me across the miles:

[arwen]

I hope he is wrong....

[Bill Ryan]

https://twitter.com/cosgrove_iv/stat...96498596560896

[Satori]

Posted by Bill Ryan (here)
https://twitter.com/cosgrove_iv/stat...96498596560896

F’ing liar. They don’t support freedom of speech any where in the world. And, they have absolutely no intention of intervening on behalf of GL. The USA could have GL freed in a nano second if the PTB gave a rat’s ass about him. But they don’t. (Except to shut him up.)

Edit. Assuming he’s alive. (God almighty this is a crazy planet we occupy.)

[Gwin Ru]

Posted by Satori (here)
[...]
Edit. Assuming he’s alive. (God almighty this is a crazy planet we occupy.)

... "they" might want to keep him in the cooler as an exchange piece against a couple 100s Ukrainian prisoners?

[ExomatrixTV]

The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) arrested Gonzalo Lira, a US-Chilean national residing in Kharkiv, on suspicions of harbouring pro-Russian sentiments. This marks the second time Lira has been apprehended by the SBU. Lira, an author and filmmaker who relocated to Kharkiv years ago and married a Ukrainian, was initially detained in April 2022 but was released after a week without charges. He was subsequently instructed not to leave the city and prohibited from discussing his arrest.

As reported by Ukrainian media, the SBU's statement accuses Lira of publicly justifying Russia's armed aggression, denying or glorifying supposed Russian war crimes, and undermining Ukraine's top military and political leadership and Defence Forces.

On May 5, the SBU website published a statement in Ukrainian titled "SBU detained a foreign blogger in Kharkiv who denied the crimes of the Russian Federation and insulted Ukrainian defenders." The statement alleges that Lira was among the first to support Russian invaders and glorify their war crimes. It also accuses him of discrediting Ukraine's military-political leadership and Defense Forces. The SBU claims that Lira filmed provocative videos featuring Ukrainian defenders and insulted them.

Lira disseminated his "streams" on his YouTube and Telegram channels, amassing nearly 300,000 subscribers. He also denied Russian missile attacks on Ukrainian cities and the mass murder of civilians by Russian forces. The SBU has notified Lira of suspicion under parts 2 and 3 of Article 436-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (manufacturing and distributing materials containing justification of the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, committed repeatedly).

In March 2022, Ukraine's parliament enacted 14 laws to counter Russian aggression, including two that modify legislation on information activity. These laws prohibit mass media from justifying or legitimising the denial of Russia's armed aggression in Ukraine and the occupation of its territories. They also forbid the glorification of individuals involved in the aggression or administration of occupied areas.

The Ukrainian Criminal Code now contains Article 435-1, which establishes liability for threatening or insulting military personnel and their families, and Article 436-2, which pertains to the justification or denial of Russian military aggression, the occupation of Ukrainian territories, and the glorification of those involved in the aggression or occupation. Penalties for these offences range from arrest for up to 6 months to imprisonment for up to 8 years, depending on the circumstances.

The SBU filmed Lira's arrest, during which heavily armed agents were involved. All participants' faces, except Lira's, were blurred out. A close-up of a smartphone displaying an image of Lira's children as a screensaver was also left un-blurred. Lira is currently detained on suspicion of producing and disseminating materials justifying the Russian Federation's armed aggression against Ukraine. The edited video shows heavily armed special forces knocking on Lira's door and aiming a machine gun at the 55-year-old Lira, who opens the door in his pyjamas. The metal soundtrack from Override Spedup fades down enough to hear the words of a special forces member telling Lira while tapping his arm: "Welcome to Ukraine."

While it is true that Lira has criticised the Zelensky regime and the eight-year-long shelling of Donbas residents by Kyiv, he has not participated in any activities other than exercising his right to free speech as a citizen and respected journalist. Whether or not we agree with Lira's opinions, freedom of speech must not be restricted, especially during times of conflict. These are the values we claim to be defending.

Ukraine’s recent implementation of laws criminalising dissent, banning opposition political parties, nationalising the media, and even persecuting the Ukrainian Orthodox Church for maintaining canonical communion with Moscow has raised concerns among free speech advocates. These actions have been criticised for undermining democratic values and creating a chilling effect on freedom of expression.

The detainment of Gonzalo Lira serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between national security and individual liberties, especially during times of conflict. It also raises questions about the Zelensky administration's dedication to democratic principles and the obligation of its Western supporters to address these concerns. As the situation in Ukraine continues to unfold, it is crucial for the international community to remain vigilant in advocating for the protection of freedom of speech and other fundamental rights, while holding governments accountable for their actions.

Since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine, Western media and governments have systematically overlooked or even suppressed news and information about any undemocratic, criminal, or corrupt activities or even war crimes committed by the Ukrainian side of the conflict, while emphasising the same from the Russian side.
Gonzalo Lira is a Chilean-American writer, filmmaker, and financial analyst. Born on November 29, 1972, in Santiago, Chile, he spent much of his life in the United States. He is known for his work as a novelist, screenwriter, and director, as well as his contributions to the financial sector, particularly in economics and investment strategy.

Lira has authored several novels, such as "Counterparts," "Acrobat," and "Gegenspieler." He maintains a presence on YouTube, where he shares his insights on politics and social issues. He is also a regular guest on the acclaimed "Mother of All Talk Shows (MOATS)" hosted by George Galloway.

Lira is recognised for his controversial and outspoken style, which has both attracted and repelled various audiences. Despite the polarising nature of his opinions, he has developed a loyal following of people who appreciate his candour and expertise. Lira is active on Twitter, YouTube, and Telegram and has over 300,000 followers.

For the truth about the Zelensky regime, Google these names:

Vlodymyr Struk
Denis Kireev
Mikhail & Aleksander Kononovich
Nestor Shufrych
Yan Taksyur
Dmitri Djangirov
Elena Berezhnaya

Once again: If you haven’t heard from me in 12 hours or more, put my name on this list.

GL
— Gonzalo Lira (@GonzaloLira1968) April 22, 2022

His last tweet on April 22 mentioned the names of several Ukrainian dissidents who have been killed or arrested by the Kyiv regime. The list includes Volodymyr Struk, a Ukrainian politician who was abducted and killed in March 2022 during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and Denis Kireev, a Ukrainian official executed in the street shortly after attending the first round of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Belarus.

• source

[Ravenlocke]

https://twitter.com/Antiwarcom/statu...59727868006403

https://news.antiwar.com/2023/05/28/...ed-in-ukraine/

State Department Won’t Say If It’s Working to Free US Citizen Detained in Ukraine
Gonzalo Lira, a popular YouTuber and writer, was arrested by the SBU for his political views on the war
The State Department has refused to say if it’s engaging with the Ukrainian government over American citizen Gonzalo Lira, who was detained by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) due to his political views on the conflict with Russia.

Lira has a popular YouTube channel and a large following on Twitter and Telegram. He is also a writer who has contributed to several media outlets, including Business Insider. Lira was born in California and is a dual citizen of the US and Chile and had been living in Kharkiv, Ukraine, throughout the war.

Lira is a critic of the Ukrainian government and was arrested by the SBU on charges of justifying the Russian invasion. “After the start of the full-scale invasion, the blogger was one of the first to support the Russian invaders and glorify their war crimes,” the SBU said in a press release referring to Lira.

The SBU also accused Lira of “discrediting the top military and political leadership and the Defense Forces of our state.” He was charged under sections 2 and 3 of Article 436-2 of Ukraine’s criminal code, which outlaws the “distribution of materials” that justify Russia’s actions going back to 2014.

Epoch Times reporter Liam Cosgrove asked State Department spokesman Matthew Miller if the administration was aware of Lira’s detainment and how the US feels about Ukraine arresting an American for speech.

“So I will say in general that we’re aware of the report. We obviously support the exercise of freedom of speech anywhere in the world, and I’ll leave it at that,” Miller said.

When asked if the administration was working to secure Lira’s release, Miller said, “I’m going to leave my comments where I just left them.”

Cosgrove also asked Reps. Ted Lieu (D-CA) and Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) about Lira’s detainment. Lieu said that he wasn’t aware of the case but said US citizens should “have the ability to express their thoughts and views” and that he would look into the arrest.

Responding to the news, Greene told Cosgrove: “America is providing weapons, equipment for the defense of their country, but the Ukrainian government is not going to defend any American’s freedom of speech, and that’s a real problem.”

Lira’s arrest received virtually no attention in Western media. One of the few outlets to cover it was the Daily Beast, which smeared the American instead of questioning the charges. According to the Beast, Lira is facing five to eight years in prison.

[ExomatrixTV]

• source

¤=[Post Update]=¤

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=N6tvn5y7jh0

• Gonzalo Lira The Duran and the SBU:

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=3WVfOS9Mwhc

[ExomatrixTV]

• Gonzalo Lira being SILENCED by Ukraine | Redacted with Natali and Clayton Morris:

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=rzLNMoXo_HQ

[Bill Ryan]

Posted by ExomatrixTV (here)

• Gonzalo Lira being SILENCED by Ukraine | Redacted with Natali and Clayton Morris:

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=rzLNMoXo_HQ

That video is from last year, the first time he was arrested and detained — but then he was released a week or so later, apparently none the worse for his experience.

What we don't know is what the conditions for his release were (he clearly wasn't allowed to talk about his experience very much), and it has to be possible that he signed something as an agreement that the Ukrainian authorities now consider that he has since broken.

[Gwin Ru]

...