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As UN Bans Inner City Press 2468th Day No Reply by SG Spox Dujarric on Elex Stefanik UNRWA UN Rapes Algeria Mali Combs Adams Nigeria Chad China PGA Fleming Stonewall

By Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon

UN GATE, Jan 9 – Inner City Press on 5 July 2018 was banned from entering the UN, two day after it was physically removed from conducting interviews outside meeting about the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres' $6.7 billion budget.

  Then Guterres' Department of Global Communication, run by Melissa Fleming, issued a letter banning Inner City Press from the UN - for life. With no due process, no right of appeal.  Guterres has put the UN in the US Press Freedom Tracker, here. Guterres' Spokesman Stephane Dujarric falsely promised on camera that he would be answering banned Inner City Press' questions - but see below.

     On January 9 after the man of undisclosed vacations Guterres again refused to answer but the IMF did answer, May 6 here, Feb 25 here, Feb 4 here, here, before Stephane "French Whine" Dujarric, previously the face of UN lies on cholera in Haiti, not never-answering Associate "Spokesperson" Florencia Soto Nino who blocks Press on WhatsApp, nor equally censoring Associate Eri Kaneko and not UN Spokesperson Stephanie Tremblay - and not Deputy Farhan Haq, held a briefing before which Inner City Press submitted yet more questions - Inner City Press has asked the above, and Guterres and his new chief of staff Courtenay Rattray and others including Slovenia's Mission:

These written question are posed and responses requested pursuant to the until-now broken commitment the the UN will "continue to answer e-mailed questions from Mr Lee" Inner City Press, here

Leaks SG  DSG Again, June 19-1:  On press freedom, please confirm receipt by MALU of, and that positive consideration will belatedly be granted to, my application to enter and cover UNGA 2023. Submitted letter and 2024 letter
For now, it does not even allow another application, for example for 2024 UNGA - immediately answer 

Jan 9-1: On Gaza / Israel, on which each of you has refused all of Inner City Press' written questions, what are the comments and actions if any of SG Guterres and separately PGA Philemon Yang (Spokesperson Birch cc-ed here, Cameroon question below) and the Algeria Mission, cc-ed here including on Western Sahara / MINURSO, as UNSC president and otherwise, on this: the Trump administration would do well to withdraw its imprimatur from some of the U.N.’s most corrupt and least effective institutions. First on the chopping block has to be the U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, or UNRWA. Last year, Congress put a pause on the transfer of funds to that apparatus following the discovery that some of its employees supported or even participated in the October 7 massacre. “Any UNRWA employee who was involved in acts of terror will be held accountable, including through criminal prosecution,” said UNRWA commissioner-general Philippe Lazzarini last year. Despite the firing of nine implicated UNRWA workers last August, the agency has not reformed itself. Obviously, U.S. taxpayers should not be on the hook for a bill run up by terrorists engaged in a genocidal campaign against Israeli Jews. Congress’s pause on UNRWA funding expires in March, and the legislature should make it permanent. In addition, the Trump administration should work to convince America’s partners abroad to do the same. UNRWA isn’t the only boil the incoming administration would do well to lance. In its first year, the Biden administration thoughtlessly recommitted the United States to membership in the United Nations Human Rights Council, an Orwellian congress in which the world’s worst human-rights abusers dictate terms to the West from a position of presumed moral authority. The outfit has been populated with some of the worst crackpots and conspiracy theorists, and its anti-Western orientation is matched only by its reliable antisemitism. The incoming head of Trump’s mission to the U.N., Elise Stefanik, should head again for the exits.

  (and still on the case against UNRWA here in SDNY) 

AGAIN on UN sexual abuse, immediately provide all if-asked info and what if anything has been done for the victim(s) of the UN child rapes in DRC, and the data dumped on the UN web site on January 8, including child rape in CAR by a UN civilian, nationality undisclosed - why? 

On Chad what are the comments and actions if any of SG Guterres on the day after an "attack" with still unclear motives that targeted the presidential palace. An attack that resulted in 18 attackers and two soldiers being killed, according to a new report from the authorities.  

On Cameroon what are the comments and actions of SG Guterres and separately the PGA, spox cc-ed here, on this: Cameroon misses deadline to deliver report on transparency of its extractive industries Cameroon is not on schedule to comply with the requirements of the International Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), an organization to which member countries freely adhere, a form of certification of good governance in the mining, oil and gas sector. The country risks being delisted from the EITI by 2027.


On Algeria and Mali what are the comments and actions if any of SG Guterres and of the Algerian mission, cc-ed here, on this: New increase in tension in relations between Algeria and Mali Already complicated, relations between the two countries have escalated further following the publication of a statement accusing Algiers of interference and complicity with terrorists operating in Mali last week in Bamako. While the Algerian executive has not officially reacted, several parliamentarians have spoken out in recent days to denounce these accusations. 

On Western Sahara, again, what are the comments and actions of SG Guterres, and of the Algeria Mission cc-ed here as UNSC President and otherwise, on the Africa Eco Race and sovereignty?

And on this quote: Ahmed Attaf said Monday that Algeria is devoting its mandate at the UN Security Council (UNSC) to champion just causes, particularly the Palestinian cause and the issue of Western Sahara... The presidency of the UN Security Council is held by all its permanent and non-permanent members for a period of one month in rotation 

On Cameroon, what are the comments and actions if any of SG Guterres on that Election's Cameroon (Elecam) announced on December 30, 2024 the "  availability of updated lists of the electoral register  ". In total, and according to these lists, 7,845,622 voters are regularly registered. The publication of these figures immediately sparked a lively controversy while a presidential election is scheduled for this year 2025 which has just begun. Some opposition political parties accuse Elecam of truncating the reality of the figures 

On Guinea, what are the comments and actions if any of SG Guterres on the wo-year prison sentence requested against opponent Aliou Bah At the trial of the MoDeL president for "insult and defamation" against the head of the ruling junta, General Mamadi Doumbouya, the prosecutor requested a two-year prison sentence for the accused on Thursday, January 2. Aliou Bah's five lawyers took turns for more than four hours in front of the Kaloum Court of First Instance in Conakry to defend their client, pleading not guilty and requesting his acquittal


From whistleblowers to Inner City Press what are the comments and actions of any of SG Guterres on Colombia: "Dear Matthew Russell Lee, There is another scandal to report, which is the newly appointed CMS/DMS for Colombia, Mr Yang Wang.  In the same email, as well as in articles published  by  Inner City Press,  it has been reported that Chief HR Mar Brusola manipulated the   recruitment process by eliminating  all qualified candidates in order to make the selection of Mr Wang easy.  Due to his limited knowledge, experience and English understanding , Mr Wang has never  passed  any UN exam .  After serving as Military Observer in Liberia in 1994 and Iraq in 1999, he was imposed by his government to UNMIL in 2004 as Administrative Officer. He was downsized in 2016 but thanks to his Chinese connections and support, he was saved and moved to UNSOM  where  he  worked for the SRSG, who was not impressed by his work, as he was only good at taking ID pictures for all staff and he still does.  The SRSG in order to get rid of him, abolished his post, never a post was ever abolished in Somalia as they always needed more posts. Nevertheless, he was saved again  without  any roster membership or passing any test  or  interview,  and moved to the mission in Colombia to be the P5 Chief Operational Resource Management, a position for which he did not have any experience. While working in that position for 6 years and not producing anything for UNVMC,  he tried to get into  the roster for his own position but failed  every time . Although   he   has   no  managerial  skills  or professionalism,  despite  committing  fraud in his application by  declaring his fluency in Spanish and passing an exam in a language he doesn't  know, he was selected as CMS D1 for which he has clearly proven he is incapable.  OIOS and OHRM do not want to undergo any investigations despite requests from Colleagues. The fact that he is not fluent in Spanish and could never answer the written answer in the exam could be easily verified. But this is how the corrupt UN works.  Why  have  member states  lost  faith  in the UN?  It  is  because  DOS USG Khare and SRSGs continue to choose for their own personal benefits and returns, unprofessional and incapable  CMSs and DMSs who do not uphold the UN's  core values . And meanwhile the staff under such unfit and unhealthy management, suffer 

and on Sudan: "Dear Matthew,   Based on the civil war in Sudan that started on April 2023 in the Capital city Khartoum, All the UN staff has been requested to evacuate immediately from Khartoum. Of course we lost everything, our house, cars and other belongings, the loss from this civil war is huge, especially on the National staff… On 18 April 2023 UNDSS shared the SOPs of the Compensation for Loss & Damage. On 21 September 2023 OHR and the Policy Unit in New York, approved the SOP related to Compensation for the lost/damage of personal effected by the War in Sudan. On 21 September 2023 and based on the above approval UNDP Sudan country office formed a Compensation Committee On 22 January 2024 an administrative instruction for the compensation for loss & damage of $19,000 for staff member without recognized dependents residing with them at the duty station, and $32,000 for a staff member with recognized dependents residing with them at the duty station, regardless of their contract modalities. Later in 2024 a decision was made on the amount of the compensation as follows:       $16,000 for staff members with recognized dependents. $9,500 for staff members without recognized dependents. On December 2024 UNDP Sudan compensated the National staff members a flat amount of ($2,250.00) regardless of their dependency status, while the International staff members has been compensated based on their dependency status either $9,500 or $16,000. 

On Mali what are the comments and actions if any of SG Guterres on that the Office of the Auditor General (BVG), an institution responsible for monitoring public spending, published a report on December 30, 2024, on the management of the Universal Access Fund Management Agency (Agefau), between 2020 and 2023. Agefau promotes access to information and telecommunications services. It is placed under the supervision of the Prime Minister, who chairs its Board of Directors. The Auditor's report notes numerous embezzlements, for large amounts, that the former head of government, Choguel Maïga, allegedly covered up, or from which he even, for some, directly benefited. Revelations that are not coming out today by chance 

On Burundi what are the comments and actions if any of SG Guterres on that .On December 31, 2024, Burundi's Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) rejected all lists of candidates – including that of historic opponent Agathon Rwasa – from a coalition of political parties for the legislative elections of June 2025.

On South Sudan and UNMISS what are the comments and actions if any of SG Guterres (or, since he's M.I.A., DSG Amina J. Mohamed) on this, from UNMISS whistleblowers: "Dear Mr. Matthew Russell Lee: Paul Egunsola, the former Chief of Staff for UNMISS, is reportedly leveraging his network to lobby for the position of Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) for UNMISS. A former Nigerian diplomat, Egunsola began his UN career in 2002 as a spokesperson in Liberia. He later served as Chief of Staff for UNMISS, starting in 2005.  In recent weeks, Egunsola has been frequently seen in New York, where he is reportedly campaigning for the SRSG position, expected to become vacant in April. However, his candidacy has sparked debate among UNMISS staff members. An independent staff member suggested that instead of appointing individuals perceived as inexperienced or disconnected from the mission’s realities, the UN should prioritize promoting those with a proven track record in the field or bring in fresh and dynamic leadership. There is also notable dissatisfaction among some staff regarding Egunsola's tenure as Chief of Staff. Concerns have been raised about his leadership style and effectiveness during his time in the role. Many staff members advocate for the Secretary-General to select a candidate with demonstrated leadership skills, a deep understanding of the mission's complexities, and the health and fitness required for the demands of the position. Such considerations, they argue, would better align with the mission's objectives and operational realities in South Sudan 

On Lusophone corruption (in Angola) what are the comments and actions if any of SG Guterres on that President Lourenço pardons his predecessor's son convicted of corruption In Angola, around fifty convicts were pardoned on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the country's independence and the end-of-year celebrations. The son of former President José Eduardo dos Santos, who had been sentenced to five years in prison for embezzlement, will benefit from this presidential decree. José Filomeno dos Santos had been definitively sentenced last July by the Supreme Court of Luanda, a few months after a cancellation on procedural grounds. 

On Guinea what are the comments and actions if any of SG Guterres on that the platform of the Forces vives, which brings together opposition parties and civil society organizations critical of the Transition, announced that it would no longer recognize the transitional authorities from December 31. Because this date was the deadline that had been put forward for the return to constitutional order

On DRC and censorship, what are the comments of SG Guterres and separately USG Fleming and Ian Phillips, cc-ed here, on that authorities suspend eight channels from the Canal+ bouquet deemed “immoral” In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the authorities are cracking down on eight channels in the Canal+ bouquet. The broadcasting of Canal+ POP, Canal+ Elles, E, SYFY, MTV, Canal+ ACTION, AB1 and Canal+ Cinéma has been suspended across the country for 45 renewable days 

AGAIN on UN sexual abuse, immediately provide all if-asked info and what if anything has been done for the victim(s) of the UN child rapes in DRC, and the data dumped on the UN web site on Dec 20 of new UN "civlians" - nationality undisclosed, why? - child rape in CAR, and still those of Dec 10 of abuses by peacekeepers from Burundi, Uruguay and "unknown" - why? -   and still on September 20 in CAR, and still Sepember 12 of UN sexual abuse in AFGHANISTAN, and still on August 16, barebones notice of sexual assault in/by UNIFIL in July 2024
-   and still on September 20 in CAR, and still Sepember 12 of UN sexual abuse in AFGHANISTAN, and still on August 16, barebones notice of sexual assault in/by UNIFIL in July 2024
which on August 19 and still on August 20 was not visible on the UN website, covered up, and still on August 1 at 2 pm including child rape by Cameroon UN "Peacekeeper" in CAR, and still on July 22 including UN child rapes in South Sudan and CAR and and still on July 19, child rape in CAR by a civilian UN employees (nationality withheld - why) and still on July 8 of two 2024 cases of UN sexual abuse in DRC  and before that on June 27 -  2023 rape in CAR by Senegal "peacekeeper," etc, and from May child rapes by civilian UN staff, nationality undisclosed - why? - and by peacekeers from Cameroon, and previously in CAR by a UN civilian, nationality undisclosed - why? - and more by Cameroon, and still those of April 26 regarding a UN child rape in CAR, and other unidentified civilian abuses in South Sudan? What is the status of the claimed criminal referrals pending, and why are others "N/A"? And still on those data dumped April 22 including a child rape in CAR by a Civilians (nationality undisclosed - why?) and still on on April 15 including by a Paraguayan "peacekeeper" in UNVMC, Sri Lanka and Cameroon in MINUSCA, also from Pakistan, Madagascar, Sierra Leone and several "N/A's" - why? - and still April 8 - second data dump of that day - of a UN "peacekeeper" from Sierra Leone sexually abusing in UNSOS, and again by Cameroon in CAR - and ealier on April 8 of sexual abuse in CAR by a "peacekeepers" from Cameroon - and a top line, Civilian, with no information whatsoever - and still April 2 of UN "peacekeeper" from Cameroon abusing in CAR (and what the year "9202" means), https://conduct.unmissions.org/sea-data-introduction and still on April 1 of UN "peacekeepers" from Morocco, Uruguay and South Africa (and one with country not disclosed - why?) and still those data dumped on March 18 on rapes including child rape in DRC by UN "peacekeepers" from South Africa and Senegal, and still on child rape by a UNPOL police from Burkina Faso in DRC, and still on Feb 22  of Cameroon UN "peacekeepers" raping in CAR, and still those data dumped on January 30 - more sex abuse by peacekeepers from Cameroon in CAR, and from January 26 the rape by a "peacekeeper" from Pakistan in CAR, and abuse by Cameroon - and on Jan 17 of sexual abuse in the DRC by a UN "Civilians," nationality undiscosed - why not? and still on those data dumped Jan 15 of 2023 sexual abuse by Senegal UN "peacekeepers," and from Cameroon and South Africa? And, still unaswerned, by Morocco UN peacekeeper and child rape and exploitation in DRC, and stil Dec 20 of UN child rape in South Sudan by a UN civilian, nationality undisclosed (why?) and still that data dumped on Dec 14 of DRC and "civilian" UN rape  in DRC and the others data dumped on Dec 14, and on Nov 30 of Mauritania "peacekeeper" child rape in 2023 in CAR, South Africa child rapes in DRC, and data dumped Nov 7 (child rape in CAR, also SEA by Nigeria and Senegal "peacekeepers), and still on Nov 1 (Nigeria in South Sudan, undisclosed civilian in DRC), and still  on Oct 23 (unknown/undisclosed civilian in DRC, South African in DRC) and still Tananzia in DRC, Cameroon peacekeepers' abuse in CAR, Egypt in DRC), and still September 21 about sexual exploitation by a Cameroon "peacekeeper" of a child - why is that not called rape? and of Sept 20 - amid UNGA - about sexual abuse by a Cameroon peacekeeper in CAR, and on Sept 12-13 about sexual abuse by Uganda and S Africa troups and a child rape by a UN "civilian" in DRC

What is are the comments and any actions of SG Guterres on this, sent to Inner City Press by whistleblowing UN staff: "Mr. SG  We would like to give you an update summarizing the disasters that have been happening during the long tenure of USG Khare and Ms. Van Den Berg in DOS.  We believe the below summary is significant to understand the current situations we are going through in most of the Missions:  Starting from the DMS and CMS, past and current ones:  -  -          Rick Martin, D2, DOS Special Project was dismissed without UN benefit for harassment including sexual harassment.  -           Robert Kirkwood, D1, CMS UNISFA, suspended together with the SRSG for fraud with the Contractors, and then opted for early retirement. He is due to to be replaced by Ms. Uchenna Odenigbo, former CMS in UNITAMS, who herself is under investigation for financial fraud in Sudan. Ms Odenigbo is currently CMS in UNSMIL where she is harassing Staff and recruiting others to questionable positions using her influence. Chief SCM Mr. Louay Mostafa is not in the Country being PNG for falsification of documents and under investigation for harassment.  -           Huda Hannina, CMS D1 in UNSMIL, suspended for almost three years, on full pay, despite fact findings having proven her responsibility for fraud, mismanagement of resources, abuse of power and authority. There have been no actions taken against her and remains on full salary. Current SRSG Khoury, her friend, is trying to get her back despite all Mission being against it, and will not accept this corruption.  -           Amadu Timbilla, D1 Supply Chain Management in MONUSCO under investigation for sex for jobs and misuse of UN assets.     [Part 2 of x]


AGAIN, what are the comments and actions if any of SG Guterres and separately of the Slovenia Mission, as UNSC president and otherwise, to the rule of now convicted (of corruption) and incarcerated ex-PM Janez Jansa in Slovenia currently occupying a UN Security Council seat, this month?


What reason could there be to deny this? Particularly given that only today Sept 16, Inner City Press put questions to the IMF on Guinea, Ukraine and Venezuela (see here and then to IFRC's Francesco Rocca, about Cameroon. If they take questions, how can the UN not now allow Inner City Press, at least for now by WebEx? And IMF on October 21, 2021 here. And US Buffalo NBC TV on Oct 26 here.
 

How does SG Guterres and his UN justify banning Inner City Press which reports critically on the UN, and not even answer letters from two pro bono law firms, Quinn Emanuel and Duane Morris?

Still on Mozambique itself, for answer before or at 12:30 - request is in, for WebEx access - what are the comments and actions if any of SG Guterres - and Mozambique - on that Islamic State Mozambique Province (ISMP) Claims Burning Over 230 Christian Houses In Series Of Attacks In Country's Nampula Province, Conducts 'Preaching Tour' In Muslim Villages In Country's North


   On Honduras, with the March 8 guilty verdicts against former president JOH taking place here in SDNY finally (and immediately) disclose what SG Guterres' three person panel did in Honduras in 2017 after JOH's stolen election, including if any report was produced and a copy of it.

Speaking of reporting, immediately explain from UN Spokesman Duarric's quote in Fortune here

 that Stéphane Dujarric, the spokesman for the U.N. secretary-general, tells me that Lee’s prohibition has nothing to do with his coverage. “It’s basic human behavior, and he violated those rules,” Dujarric says. “He was creating an unsafe environment.”

1) if this has been only about safety, why have none of you answered written Press questions, on Gaza, etc? Why no access via WebEx, as I have at IMF and as you grant others who publish far less UN coverage? How is this anything but censorship and how can it be that USG Melissa Fleming has not even answered the Duane Morris pro bono law firms letters, by October 30?

Immediately confirm Melissa Fleming's receipt of, and response to, the October 16 letter from the Duane Morris law firm (attached to each of you on October 16 before noon) about restoring me to resident correspondent status immediately, starting  "Re: Immediate Restoration of Matthew Russell Lee’s MALU Credentials  Dear Ms. Fleming: We write, for the second time, on behalf of Matthew Russell Lee

Confirm Melissa Fleming's receipt of, and response to, the attached letter about restoring me to resident correspondent status immediately [more to come]

On Gaza, some reported that UN Spokesman (Dujarric) around 10 pm on Oct 12 "announced" Israel's request - immediately state where and to whom that was announced, and the basis 

 On Chinese government corruption what are the comments and actions if any of SG Guterres on the evidence in yesterday's US v SBF trial in SDNY about Chinese officials demanding $150 million to unfreeze $1 billion on two crypto currency exchanges? 

AGAIN: On UNRWA what are the comments and actions if any of SG Guterres on the recently passed budget in the US Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, which includes "heightened scrutiny of the UN agency assisting Palestinian refugees and would deny funding to move the US embassy in Israel out of Jerusalem. A report from the House Appropriations Committee accompanying the bill notes the US Congress’s “longstanding concerns” that the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) supports educational programs that promote incitement to violence against Israelis and Jews. “The committee notes the longstanding concerns that educational materials used in UNRWA schools induce incitement or are otherwise inconsistent with the values of human rights, dignity, and tolerance,” the report says. “The committee is further concerned by the United States Government’s lack of visibility on the curricula utilized in UNRWA schools given these allegations and the United States’ status as a significant donor to UNRWA.”  The US secretary of state would have 30 days to designate someone to review “a significant and representative selection of textbooks and other educational materials utilized by UNRWA schools in the West Bank and Gaza.”

On UN corruption and lack of answers, after each of your have refused Inner City Press' questions about those UN linked individuals indicted in SDNY, explain this: "Francis Lorenzo was still able to freely walk the halls of the institution at that time, and only lost his U.N. ID several years later, when it expired in August 2018, U.N. spokesman Dujarric said" - confirm or deny that the UN continued to let Lorenzo in fact not only his indictment for bribery, but also his guilty plea, while banning Inner City Press which exposed and reported on it

AGAIN on UN sexual abuse, immediately provide all if-asked info and what if anything has been done for the victim(s) of the UN child rape in DRC data dumped on the UN web site on September 21 about sexual exploitation by a Cameroon "peacekeeper" of a child - why is that not called rape? and of Sept 20 - amid UNGA - about sexual abuse by a Cameroon peacekeeper in CAR, and on Sept 12-13 about sexual abuse by Uganda and S Africa troups and a child rape by a UN "civilian" in DRC

 Immediately explain the basis for a $800 or $2000 charge to hear "H.E." Melissa Fleming speak during UNGA week. Is she still going to appear?
 

On UN censorship of Press, immediately explain why MALU and each of you has not even responded to Inner City Press' June 19, 2023 application to enter and cover UNGA week in September, but have allowed in - as resident correspondents - many who have published nothing, while Inner City Press Aug 11, 2023 report has already been reported in, among others,  IndiaHungaryFranceGreeceArgentinaSpainTaiwanGermany, etc
 

July 20-1: Now that Hugo Carvajal has been extradited and is being detained in the US, presentment covered by Inner City Press which UN continues to ban, what are SG Guterres' comments on Carvajal telling the Spanish judiciary of payments of drug money to a number of sitting leaders who plan to attend the 2023 UNGA week - which Inner City Press has applied, on June 19 and as inquired about, to cover? When will that application be ruled on?

July 17-1: On UN sexual abuse cases recently data dumped, immediately provide the if-asked information about the new MONUSCO cases, Tanzanian and "civilians" with nationality withheld - why? - and immediately explain, as to the  Tanzanian UN Peacekeeper in MINUSCA in 2022-3 what Child - Transactional "no sex" means. 


 What are the comments and actions if any of SG Guterres on the release of arms trafficking (and sometime-UN partner) Viktor Bout, in exchange for US star Griner? Disclose all business on the UN with Bout and his companies.  Again, now will direct quote from USG Michaud, and more on appeal now to each of you, since DSS despite its statements to PGA's spokesperson has yet to confirm receipt of appeal: On appeal Inner City Press filed yesterday with USG Gilles Michaud and each of you, as UNPGA Csaba Korosi's spokesperson Paulina Kubiak said UN DSS Sergeant told her is the process, (1) confirm receipt, (2) explain why USG Michaud previously wrote that DSS' only role was to ensure that journalists whose accreditation was stripped by DGC did not enter -- see the message in Dec 7 questions, from Gilles Michaud gilles.michaud@un.org  and see UN Media Accreditation & Liaison Unit Guidelines for ‘Non- Resident Correspondents’ which states, at para 2a: “Non-Resident Correspondents can access UNHQ through the Visitors’ Entrance at 46th Street and 1st Avenue between 0800-1900 hours from Monday through Friday. Non-resident Correspondents only have access to UNHQ on weekends or after hours accompanied by a resident correspondent or when a meeting is advised as taking place. Entry will be allowed two hours prior to the start of the meeting. At the conclusion of the meeting, the non-Resident correspondent must exit the premises within an hour, unless accompanied by a resident correspondent.” [Emphasis added.] The repeated use of the word “or” in the second sentence here: “weekends OR after hours accompanied by a resident correspondent OR when a meeting is advised as taking place” indicates that those conditions are alternatives, and in addition to the regular 8am to 7pm access in the previous sentence.   I had been on UN premises after 7pm on numerable occasions since he has been a ‘Non-Resident Correspondent’ in compliance with those rules, never being challenged by any of the DSS Security Officers who have observed him on each and every occasion he has done so. He has, in fact, been almost permanently escorted by a UN staff member (clearly oblivious of the considerable financial expense to the Organization) since February 2016. It is clear that the “risk” he presents is one of public scrutiny, which is hardly a legitimate matter for your department. The statement taken by officers Perry and Stancu does not record the time Mr. Lee entered the UN premises on 3 July, which he states was about 9:45am. The statement does however confirm that Mr. Lee was on the premises for the purposes reporting on a Fifth Committee Budget meeting. That meeting is understood to have run on until 4am the following morning, so it was clearly still going on at the time he was evicted. Mr. Lee’s statement also reflects his familiarity with the Guidelines indicating that he was required to leave the premises within an hour of that meeting concluding. The Media Accreditation & Liaison Unit guidelines - having been published by the UN and respected by Mr. Lee and other members of the press – must create a reasonable expectation that members of the press will not face harassment provided their activities remain complaint with them. The evidence suggests that Mr. Lee was doing that. Moreover, as is known to the MALU and as has been observed by your officers, he enjoyed that right peaceably and without criticism for 18 months. ST/AI/309 provides that “all persons on the premises are expected to comply with the directions that may be issued by the security officers in the performance of their functions” and that is not in dispute; but Mr. Lee was never given an opportunity to comply. Mr. Lee can be heard on the video repeatedly saying he was just typing, reporting on what he had been told by the Chairman of the meeting when he had his shirt torn by your officers. Your officers would certainly have been acting quite legally if Mr. Lee represented any kind of threat to the security of others or to the fabric of the building, but there is no credible information or independent assessment to support such a hypothesis. When interviewed, Mr. Lee insists that he tried to emphasise to Officer Perry that he was physically assaulted by your Security Officers before being afforded a reasonable opportunity to explain or refer to the MALU rules that apply to him, but Officer Perry declined to record that information. Moreover, Lt. Dobbins actions on 3 July cannot be considered without reference to the earlier incident of 22 June and Mr. Lee’s subsequent reporting of that event, which raises reasonable grounds to believe that Lt. Dobbins may not have been performing his duties or exercising his discretion in good faith. There does not appear to be any reason to believe that Mr. Lee had breached any rule or posed any threat when he was evicted.

As asked each of you on December 5, 2022: AGAIN, on UN's lack of press freedom and due process - immediately explain both the basis for UN Security at 801 1st Ave on the morning of Dec 2 tell me I am "banned" from entering the UN despite confirmed invitation to UN PGA Town Hall, and (2) the "appeals" process that DSS told PGA Spokesperson about to, conveyed to me.   Audio - 2:20 min version  Full 7 minutes  

What is the response of SG Guterres' / USG Fleming to the letter sent to her and others by the Quinn Emanuel law firm regarding ending Press censorship?  See "answer" August 9, here: letter received, no change in status - no reply.

After repeated non-answers to the above, on August 9 UN Spokesperson Dujarric was asked "Quinn Emanuel wrote a letter to the UN asking about reinstatement of our colleague Matthew Lee into the UN press corps. Do you have any comment on that?        Spokesman:  No. All I can tell you is that we've received the letter, and I'm not aware of any change to his status... It's been received. Whether or not it's been answered, I don't know yet." How can the UN, which preached press freedom, not even answer a letter for a journalist from a major law firm? What is your answer? When will Inner City Press be restored to resident correspondent status, like various state media?

Explain how it is legitimate for SG Guterres' DGC / USG Fleming and MALU (cc-ed here) to block Inner City Press from even WebEx questions to UNSC President Ireland, whose Alternate Political Coordinator and Spokesperson Eoghan McSwiney wrote to Inner City Press, "We would refer your request for access to the UN and to UN press conferences to the Media Accreditation and Liaison Unit of the UN Secretariat." You are engaged in censorship, no? 

What is the UN's response to Inner City Press' Sept 13 application to MALU incluing for WebEx access to hybrid press briefings during UNGA 76, as it has at the IMF? Beyond last night's interim response projecting a decision in one or day days?  From: malu  Date: Wed, Sep 15, 2021 at 8:02 PM Subject: Your U.N. eAccreditation Request has been RECEIVED     Greetings Matthew Lee,  This is to confirm the United Nations Media Accreditation and Liaison Unit (M.A.L.U.) at New York Headquarters has received your request for accreditation...  Upon processing, a notification email (to the email address registered with the request)will provide the status update, to confirm an approval or rejection, and any additional information which may be required. 

Also IMF answering Inner City Press on Nov 4, 2021 on Ethiopia, Zambia and Chad here

Please immediately explain the basis, and the compliance with due process, of MALU's Jan 10, 2022 denial: "From: malu [at] un [dot] org  Date: Mon, Jan 10, 2022 at 3:10 PM Subject: U.N. eAccreditation request for Matthew Lee Ref# M58355547 has been declined To: Inner City Press  Greetings Matthew Lee from Inner City Press,  Your media accreditation request, with reference no: M58355547, has been declined for the following reason: [BLANK] With kind regards,  Media Accreditation and Liaison Unit (MALU)" 

Immediately respond to this January 13 statement by the Committee to Protect Journalists when asked, in camera, about your UN's ongoing ban on Inner City Press: "While the UN can reasonably assert that violating known guidelines could result in the loss of credentials, it was not as transparent as it could have been throughout its investigation. We would encourage the UN to implement a more transparent investigation process for incidents involving accredited press, both resident or non-resident. Any formal process adopted by the UN for reviewing credentials should provide an opportunity where the journalist is able to respond to any allegations made against them." 

Immediately provide SG Guterres' and separately USG Fleming's explanation and action on this UN email: " "Language elements:  Some specific examples of language to use/not use at the moment:  “conflict” or “military offensive” and NOT “war” or “invasion” when referring to the situation in Ukraine."  Immediately specify, after USG Melissa Fleming tweeted "That email only went to about 25 staff" who the staff were - or, why not.


On UN system corruption and abuse, what are the comments and actions if any of SG Guterres on Inner City Press' June 6, 2022 exclusive: former French Police Commissaire Nicolas Hergot spends his time tracking down leaks within the agency. Inner City Press is here exclusively publishing leaked evidence of his unacceptable behavior by the basic standards of UN officials. Inner City Press has obtained the following document

 
On UN access, beyond his/your outrageous ongoing ban on Inner City Press, what are the comments and actions if any of SG Guterres on the routinized and unexplained blocking of applicant groups on May 19 in the UN NGO Committee on such grounds as position on Taiwan or on BRICS, and apparently disproved charges?


What is the status at UNOPS and in the UN system of Vilaly Vanshelboim?

On deadline, on the UNTSO public sex video Inner City Press first published and each of you dissembled about, now state the UN employment and payment status of each accused staffer [here]


Again, why did SG Guterres omit from his personal financial disclosure covering 2016 funds he received from Gulbenkian Foundation which sought to sell its oil company to convicted UN briber CEFC China Energy? 

Matthew
                            Russell Lee, banned from UN by Guterres, no
                            answers from UN Spox Dujarric

And, on ongoing censorship of Press by SG Guterres, USG Fleming and Spox Dujarric, to this petition with 9000+ signatures here

On Inner City Press' exclusive reporting into UNTSO's scandal of public sex in the UN van, what are the comments and actions if any of SG Guterres on this, from whistleblower: "the men in the UNTSO car have been charged with transporting a passenger who was not authorized and also for not co-operating with the investigation."  Inner City Press asked, "Thanks - I'd heard they were restored to full pay."  Answer: "Still suspended, but have been getting salary for a year.  Now they have been accused of conduct unbecoming."    Confirm or deny - and explain the long cover up, for/of Michael Antoine.

On UNDT opacity, on which you have refused to answer, explain why on August 26, a supposedly "public" case was held - but the access link was dead, not only to Inner City Press but to the public at large: "UNDT/NBI/2020/022 (Mancinelli) The Applicant contests the Administration’s finding of misconduct and imposition of a disciplinary sanction against her." 

  After UNDT purported to order me to destroy evidence of sexual harassment by UN staff Padula, AGAIN what are the responses of SG Guterres and his consigliere Soares, UN General Counsel now that the appeal has been acknowledged and said to be on ePortal with case number? "Weicheng Lin  9:39 AM  Dear Mr. Lee,  I acknowledge receipt of your filing.   Case: UNAT/2020/1502 Dear Respondents,  We received an Appeal of UNDT Orders 178 (NY/2020) and 179 (NY/2020) filed by Mr. Lee on 21 December 2020.  Mr. Lee who is not a staff member nor a party to the case of the Applicant filed an appeal against these orders with the Appeals Tribunal.  The Registrar accepted the submissions and instructed that they be transmitted to the parties in the UNDT proceedings, and the Secretary-General for comments within 30 days."    How is it acceptable that each of your takes public money and refuses to answer or even acknowledge Press questions, including about UN staff's sexual abuse? 

On SG son Pedro Guimarães e Melo De Oliveira Guterres, explain how the business of Explorer Investments has been reviewed for conflicts of interest. Explain immediately how Pedro Guterres doing business with Rwanda while Antonio Guterres was UNSG was and is not a conflict, and what was disclosed and to whom.

Immediately explain, given the Amir Dossal was on board of Epstein's procurer Ghislaine Maxwell's Terramar Project and Inner City Press has repeatedly asked you each about in writing, how Spokesman Dujarric's Oct 30 on camera statement is not aware of any other UN connection to Epstein, beyond IPI, was and is not a lie and cover up. 

Again, why did Guterres not list Gulbenkian, linked to CEFC China Energy, in his disclosure covering 2016?  What are Guterres' comments on IPI and Epstein, why would he not say why he left the board? Why has he not quit Club of Madrid? Why was Amir Dossal on Board of Terramar of Ghislaine Maxwell


  Immediate comments on the leaked audio of OSSC Chediek Inner City Press published Aug 5 on SoundCloud here (1 of 6)  

More here.

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