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A complex socialist composer

Shostakovich: A Life
By Laurel E. Fay
Oxford University Press, 2005
458 pages, $47.95 (pb)

South Africa: Xenophobic violence condemned

“It is a sad day for South Africa when we see our brothers and sisters from other countries being attacked, killed and injured in our communities and streets”, a May 21 statement by the South African Anti-Privatisation Forum (APF) stated, in response to the wave of violent attacks against foreigners in the townships and working class suburbs around Johannesburg.

Stolen children remembered

Songlines of a Mutti Mutti Man
Produced by Ilbijerri Theatre
Devised by the Edwards Family Collective
Directed by Kylie Belling
Arts House, North Melbourne Town Hall
May 26-31
Bookings 03 9639 0096

Counterfeit capitalism — death at discount rates

According to the World Health Organisation, 50% of the drugs sold online are fakes.

Same-sex marriage victory in California

In an unexpected ruling, the California Supreme Court overturned a state law banning same-sex marriage on May 15, opening the door to marriage equality for gays and lesbians in the biggest US state.

Crispin Beltran — 1933-2008

Crispin Beltran, died on May 20 from an accident in Manila, Philippines. He was 75.

Indonesia: Growing fuel price protests meet repression

The report below is based on accounts posted to the blog of the Indonesian National Liberation Party of Unity (Papernas). Visit http://papernas-international.blogspot.com.

Pacifying civil society

In recent times, capitalist interests have financially supported two types of revolution — helping fund the “neoliberal revolution” and supporting/hijacking popular revolutions (or in some cases manufactured “revolutions”) in countries of geo-strategic importance.

Britain: Gay couples win parenting rights

According to a May 22 Sydney Morning Herald report, "Britain has forged landmark new rights" for gay and single women when the House of Commons "unexpectedly" voted against proposals that would have would have required fertility clinics to consider a

Zimbabwe: Unionists granted bail

A May 19 statement by the International Trade Union Confederation reported that Zimbabwe’s High Court had granted Z$20 billion bail to Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions president Lovemore Matombo and ZCTU general secretary Wellington Chibebe. The two were are facing charges of “inciting the public to rise against the government and communicating falsehoods”. As part of the bail conditions, the two were being barred to “address any political gathering until this matter is finalised” and ordered to reside at their given home addresses. The ZCTU leaders were charged after they told workers gathered at Dzivaresekwa Stadium on May 1 that people were being killed during the current wave of political violence in the country.