On Jan. 21, the United Arab Emirates, as a part of the U.S.-backed Saudi war on Yemen, launched a military attack, targeting civilian homes, hospitals, sports facilities and a detention center, resulting in more than 300 casualties. In a deliberate attempt to prevent international media coverage of the assault, the UAE also destroyed Yemen’s Internet cables, creating a nationwide Internet blackout that has yet to end.
The Virginia Defender
Established in 2005 as The Richmond Defender, The Virginia Defender is a free community newspaper, published quarterly for the Virginia Defenders for Freedom, Justice & Equality. Print distribution is 16,000 and statewide. The online publication launched in Summer 2020.
STATEMENT SUPPORTING HISHAM ABU HAWASH AND OTHER PALESTINIAN HUNGER STRIKERS
The Virginia Defenders’ statement supporting Palestinian hunger striker Hisham Abu Hawash. Hawash, who will now be released in late February, resorted to a hunger strike in order to protest his imprisonment under administrative detention. Administrative detention is a tool by which Israeli military courts imprison Palestinians without charge or trial, for indefinite periods.
Save the date:
Sat., Jan. 22, 2022 for the 5th ANNUAL VIRGINIA PRISON JUSTICE RALLY! This annual rally, sponsored by the Virginia Prison Justice Network, is Virginia’s largest gathering supporting the human rights of prisoners. […]
UPDATES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS: GIVING TUESDAY

Tuesday, Nov. 30 is “Giving Tuesday.” Here’s our only big appeal for donations for the year, and instructions on how to contribute if you feel so moved. Thank you.
UPDATE: DIVERSITY THRIFT WORKERS BACK ON THE JOB
The Virginia Defender spoke last night with Diversity Thrift worker Jeremy Stump, who reported that as of Monday, Nov. 15, the strike at Diversity is over. Stump, along with Diversity Richmond program director Aurora Higgs, was selected by his coworkers to speak on their behalf during the strike.
DIVERSITY THRIFT WORKERS TAKE ON MANAGEMENT, WALK OUT AND WIN!

Saturday, Nov. 6, workers at Richmond’s Diversity Thrift went on strike. Here is The Virginia Defender’s account of what happened and what they’ve won so far.
UPDATES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS: OCTOBER 29, 2021

The October 29, 2021 issue of the Updates and Announcements newsletter.