[Lauchenoiria]

Kerlian News Service

International Edition

Male minimum wage set to be introduced from January
26th October 2019

From the 1st January onwards, male Kerlian citizens will be entitled to a minimum wage for the first time since the foundation of Kerlile. This comes after President Arnott signed a Council bill passed by her daughter, Councillor Rosemary Arnott, her first proposal since her ascension to the Council. The male minimum wage will initially be half the female minimum wage, however is planned to increase in stages, with an aim for the two becoming equal by 2025.

The move managed to attract support from both sides of the traditionalist-reformist divide, with arguments that the move will boost the economy by increasing the purchasing power of half the population, as well as improving opportunities for male citizens. The move is also expected to free up a considerable portion of the budget presently spent on welfare, by reducing the reliance on males without family on government welfare programmes.

A male minimum wage is part of a series of reforms aimed at improving the lives of male Kerlians, as pledged by the Reform Party. Other policy changes that have been implemented with this goal include July’s radical overhaul of the Male Education and Employment Act. The change led to the formation of a Men’s Further Education College, allowing men over 16 to pursue further education for the first time since 1967, and a loosening of restrictions on jobs men may do.

The male minimum wage will initially be set at half the female level, in an attempt to prevent excessive pressure on businesses to increase the wages of male employees by too great a factor initially. However, the new legislation contains a provision which will raise the male minimum wage incrementally, with an aim of achieving an equal level by 2025. At present, the incremental increases will happen without a need for further legislation, though the Council can choose to halt the increases at any point.

Councillor Rosemary Arnott welcomed the President’s signing of the bill, stating that: “the male minimum wage is a necessary and positive step towards creating a society in which people are truly equal regardless of gender. This was one of the founding principles of Kerlile, and something we have, in recent years, been all too willing to ignore. It is time we got back on track, and aimed to fulfil the true vision of the founders of Kerlile.”

[Lauchenoiria]

Kerlian News Service

International Edition

Arrest of 13-year-old hidden by ‘illegal cover-up’
28th October 2019

The arrest of a 13-year-old for anti-matriarchal activity was covered up ‘illegally’ by former President Joanna Greenwood, an investigation into the arrest has found. The girl, who organised a placard-making session for an anti-torture protest in April, has spent six months in prison, and is presently on trial – although some expect President Arnott to order her release in the coming days.

The investigation found that, following the initial arrest, the girl was remanded in custody on the orders of then-Councillor Anita Patel, presently in Sanctaria. At the time, this order was reported to, and approved by President Joanna Greenwood. However, the investigation concluded, the paperwork surrounding the arrest was removed from the President’s office before President Arnott took office.

Pre-trial detention of under-16s in Kerlile is regulated, requiring the approval of the President or a majority of the Council to go ahead. While this requirement was initially met under Greenwood’s government, it should have been passed to President Arnott for continued approval – something which did not happen. The investigation into the matter has concluded that Joanna Greenwood acted illegally in not handing over the paperwork.

“It is shocking that a vulnerable young girl could be held in custody for this length of time without the knowledge of those presently in government,” Councillor Carmen Robinson said on the matter. “Joanna Greenwood and Anita Patel, neither of whom are presently involved in government in this country, clearly acted illegally in this matter, prolonging the suffering of this girl to score political points against President Arnott.”

The girl, who cannot be named, is presently on trial for anti-matriarchal activity, though many expect President Arnott to order her release and the dropping of charges before the conclusion of the trial. A spokeswoman from the office of the President has also stated that, should the girl be found guilty before this can happen, she will be pardoned. It is unknown if Joanna Greenwood will face any consequences for her actions in the matter.

[Lauchenoiria]

Kerlian News Service

International Edition

Prison reform transfers ‘on track’ – 1,000 prisoners moved already
29th October 2019

The mass transfer of prisoners out of the Restricted Region is on schedule, and is expected to be concluded by the start of August 2020, the government has confirmed. The transfer of all 6,000 prisoners out of the RR was announced on the 19th August after the passage of the landmark prison reform bill supported by President Arnott. In addition to the closing of the RR, the entire Kerlian prison system is undergoing a radical overhaul.

The closing of the Restricted Region was a major pledge of the Reform Party, led by President Arnott. In August this year, shortly before the passage of the prison reform act, the RR held around 6,000 prisoners. Since then, 1,000 have been transferred out of the region. While there remains a number of prisoners in the RR, it is expected to be empty by August 2020, and the carrying out of certain punishments associated with the RR has been banned since July.

Prisoners are being transferred to standard prisons in their home regions of Kerlile – however, some are worried about the possibility of overcrowding once transfers are completed. At present, there is insufficient capacity in standard prisons for all 6,000 former RR prisoners. The government is addressing the problem, by converting closed-down re-education facilities to standard prisons, however.

Since the ending of forced labour in prisons, another change made by the Prison Reform Act, the categorising of various facilities has been the source of confusion, as Kerlile’s previous 9-category system is changed to a 3-category system. Prisoners in pre-reform Level 4-7 facilities were expected to perform involuntary labour, however with the ending of this system there has been a dispute over where prisoners should be transferred.

“The basic facilities in almost all prisons outside of the Restricted Region are the same,” says Wendy Assink, one of the civil servants responsible for the implementation of the Prison Reform Act. “A common misconception is that different levels of prison were build differently, when in fact the main difference was the number of guards and the schedule prisoners had to follow. It is therefore entirely possible to change the category of a building without too much restructuring.”

Sources close to the Council have suggested that, in an effort to tackle overcrowding, President Arnott may order a review of sentencing procedures, and introduce legislation aiming to make sentences for certain crimes shorter, including: various anti-matriarchal activity offences, certain drug offences, and crimes relating to unauthorised access of foreign material online.

[Lauchenoiria]

Kerlian News Service

International Edition

13-year-old accused of anti-matriarchal activity released
1st November 2019

The 13-year-old girl who spent six months in pre-trial detention after being accused of anti-matriarchal activity for her part in organising a school anti-torture protest has been released. The girl, who organised a placard-making session for a Teenagers Against Torture demonstration in April, has been released on the orders of President Arnott and all charges against her dropped. She is also expected to receive financial compensation from the government, and a formal apology.

The girl was on trial for anti-matriarchal activity when President Arnott issued the order. The court was expected to find the girl guilty, with an anticipated sentence of two years imprisonment. Councillor Carmen Robinson, in light of this incident, has called on her fellow Councillors to undertake an overhaul of anti-matriarchal activity legislation, while Councillor Jennifer Hale has called on the legislation to be scrapped entirely.

“It is completely inappropriate that the lives of young women and girls in this country, which claims to be a women’s paradise, are being ruined by accusations of anti-matriarchal activity,” Councillor Hale told KNS. “Anti-matriarchal activity has become a catch-all term for ‘anything the government disapproves of’ and that is why this law must be scrapped if we want to truly reform this nation. The case of this girl is a tragedy, and we must stop scarring our youth with imprisonment on false charges.”

However, Hale is the only Councillor who wishes to scrap the legislation entirely, with other Councillors supporting varying levels of amendments and reform. Councillors Robinson and Arnott wish to replace prosecuting anti-matriarchal activity with prosecuting pro-patriarchal activity: i.e., actively supporting a patriarchal system. Councillors Georgiou, Hart and Chiu have supported only prosecuting those who act against the matriarchy rather than solely criticism. The rest of the Council does not support any reform.

Former President Joanna Greenwood also faces possible prosecution over her role in illegally hiding the fact a teenager had been detained from President Arnott. Evidence has allegedly emerged that Joanna Greenwood, and Anita Patel, deliberately and knowingly violated the law in an effort to keep the girl in detention – although their motivation for doing so is unknown. President Arnott has also implied that the girl will be entitled to financial compensation over her ‘illegal’ imprisonment. No amount has been announced.

[Lauchenoiria]

Kerlian News Service

International Edition

Amnesty for foreign prisoners convicted of non-violent crimes declared
4th November 2019

President Arnott this morning declared an amnesty for all prisoners who are not Kerlian nationals convicted of non-violent crimes. All foreign prisoners included are set to be released immediately and returned to their countries of origin. President Arnott has stated that this move is aimed at reducing the number of non-violent offenders in prison facilities, and improving Kerlile’s relationship with various countries.

Among those being released are: 4 Kvaskm, 10 Xiomerans, 10 Shen, 11 Eirians, 11 Zamastanians, 14 Laeralites, 17 Maximusians and 64 Lauchenoirians. The governments of these nations will be informed in advance of the release of their citizens. Each released prisoner will have 14 days to leave the Matriarchy, or will face detention and deportation. They are set to be released this afternoon.

Councillor Jennifer Hale praised the decision by President Arnott, saying: “many of these people were tourists who came to Kerlile expecting a holiday, and have spent years languishing in our prisons over minor crimes. It is a tragedy that it has taken us this long to correct this horrible mistake, which has caused so many diplomatic incidents and such deterioration in our relationship with other nations.”

Among those being released are three Lauchenoirian students, convicted in 2010 of spreading patriarchal propaganda while on vacation in Kerlile. The three were sentenced to 20 years in prison, and became an example in the Lauchenoirian media of the “dangers” of visiting Kerlile. They have recently gained further attention in the Lauchenoirian media after being used by far-right misogynist party Lauchenoiria First as anti-Kerlian propaganda.

The released prisoners will be advised to contact their embassy in Kerlile (aside from those from Kvask, which does not have an embassy in Kerlile), and offered transportation to the vicinity. Kerlile is to urge the governments in question to arrange transportation for their citizens as quickly as possible. This amnesty will not entitle any of the released prisoners to any kind of compensation, financial or otherwise.

[Lauchenoiria]

Kerlian News Service

International Edition

Council of Kerlile condemns Zamastanian aggression
19th November 2019

The Council of Kerlile has today condemned the government of the Imperial Republic of Zamastan for “unprovoked aggression” against Xiomera, after Zamastanian naval ships entered Xiomeran waters, ignoring repeated requests to turn around. Councillor Pierre called the act “completely unacceptable” and called on the Zamastanian government to “unreservedly apologise”.

The 2nd fleet of the Zamastanian navy violated Xiomeran waters at approximately 4:35pm local time yesterday afternoon. They have since claimed this was part of a “regular patrol”, however no reason for why ships would be patrolling so close to Xiomeran waters was given. Xiomeran ships were sent to intercept the Zamastanian fleet and demand their withdrawal, however no hostile action was taken. President Foley Sakzi of Zamastan admitted the incursion, but has not apologised.

The Council of Kerlile voted unanimously among those present to condemn Zamastan for the incursion, releasing a statement saying: “the unprovoked aggression of Zamastan is what we have come to expect from that nation, but that does not make it acceptable. Their provocative actions against Xiomera must be widely condemned by all who wish for peace in this world, and we stand by Xiomera’s right to defend themselves if any action against them is taken by Zamastan.”

This incident comes after the two nations, plus Kerlile and Trive, were involved in a trade war earlier this year, which was initially sparked by unprovoked sanctions from Zamastan on Xiomera. This dispute was resolved at a conference in Eiria, however it is clear that Zamastan has remained overtly hostile to Xiomera in spite of this, with no justification. In response to Zamastan’s show of aggression, and recent threats by President Sakzi to sanction Kerlile and Xiomera once more, the Kerlian military have been placed on high alert in case of any hostile action taken.

[Lauchenoiria]

Kerlian News Service

International Edition

Empress Wu Zhou of Shen passes away
23rd November 2019

God-Empress Wu Zhou of Shen passed away on the 21st November at 11pm local time. The Empress died peacefully in her sleep. President Rebecca Arnott has expressed her condolences for the death of her mother to the new God-Empress, Wu Zhao. Several Councillors have also issued independent statements.

“My thoughts are with God-Empress Wu Zhao at this time. Gaining power upon the death of a mother is often difficult, as I and many in Kerlile know. I trust she can find the wisdom to get through this time, with the death of her mother and siblings. While Kerlile and Shen have not been on the best terms, I wish her the best,” President Arnott said.

Councillor Letitia Greenwood, presently in Shuell, has also expressed her condolences. She has reportedly sent a letter to the new Empress sending her best wishes. Her mother, former President Joanna Greenwood is presently in Shen, having accepted an offer to take up a position as a Professor at Biaking University where she will teach Feminist History and Women’s Studies.

Other Councillors have signed a joint letter expressing their condolences, including Jennifer Hale, Carmen Robinson and Natalia Hart. Councillor Hale has, however, expressed her disapproval of the Shen system of succession, which involves the death of all children of the previous Emperor or Empress except their chosen successor. Councillor Hale called the practice “inhumane and archaic” and has asked the Shen to reconsider their policy “in light of the changes of modern times”.

Former President Greenwood will be attending the funeral of the Empress, set to take place on the 30th November, along with the Kerlian Ambassador to Shen. Juliette Greenwood, youngest daughter of President Greenwood is considering attendance, however due to the large number of members of the Greenwood family presently outside of Kerlile, a security assessment will need to be carried out.

[Lauchenoiria]

Kerlian News Service

International Edition

Empress Yauhmi of Xiomera arrives in Kerlile for visit
9th December 2019

Empress Yauhmi of Xiomera arrived in Kerlile this afternoon to begin a visit to the Matriarchy of Kerlile, the first visit by a foreign head of state since the Matriarchy’s foundation. She will remain in Kerlile until Thursday, and is expected to meet with both President Arnott and the Council of Kerlile. She will also attend a ball on Wednesday evening arranged by the Council in her honour.

It is expected that President Arnott and the Council will discuss the increasingly close relationship between Kerlile and Xiomera, and that they will seek to become even closer over the coming months. It is unknown, however, what the Council will say, if anything, on the matter of the recent tensions on the continent of Catica. The Council has, on several occasions in recent months, expressed their unwillingness to enter into any conflicts, so it remains to be seen what they will say.

Upon arrival, Empress Yauhmi presented Councillor Jennifer Hale with a birthday gift, as today is the Councillor’s 38th birthday. The Councillor was presented with a macuahuitl, a wodden club with obsidian blades, which is a traditional Xiomeran weapon which was handcrafted by traditional Xiomeran artisans. Yauhmi presented the Councillor with the gift to “honour her strength and give her protection”. Councillor Hale has thanked the Empress deeply for the gift.

Speaking to the media upon her arrival, Empress Yauhmi said: "I am honored to be visiting Kerlile, our good friend and ally. As the first Xiomeran leader, and indeed the first head of state, to visit the Matriarchy, this visit shows both the strength of our connection and the value of communication. I look forward to meeting the Council, and also introducing myself to the people of Kerlile."

President Arnott has said she looks forward to meeting with the Empress, saying that: “Xiomera has been a true friend to Kerlile in difficult times, and it is a great honour for me to welcome her to Kerlile today. Tomorrow we shall meet and discuss a number of important matters, which I hope will lead to great things in the future for the people of both our countries.”

[Lauchenoiria]

Kerlian News Service

International Edition

Council of Kerlile announces support for Xiomeran position in Maivers
18th December 2019

The Council of Kerlile have announced their support for the Xiomeran position at the Maivers Conference in Laeral. Although no Kerlian delegation is attending the conference, the Council expressed their desire that any agreement made would consider the fact that Xiomera made no aggressive move and that Zamastan is in the wrong on the matter which sparked the conference.

The conference, which is being held at the Châteaux de Maivers in Laeral, is aimed at decreasing tensions in the South Xiomeran Sea after a fleet of Zamastanian warships entered Xiomeran waters for several hours without permission, sparking a series of condemnations from a number of nations, including Kerlile. Leaders and diplomats from a number of Catican nations are in attendance, including Eiria, Legionas, Shen and United New England as well as Xiomera and Zamastan.

Though Kerlile was not invited to the conference, nor has the government expressed any wish to attend, the Council of Kerlile today released a statement supporting Xiomera in the matter, saying that it is their wish that those nations in attendance agree that Zamastan is at fault in the South Xiomeran Sea incident. The Council also expressed hope that an agreement would be made to decrease tensions, but pledged to support whatever decision Xiomera makes in the matter.

President Arnott, following the initial incident, condemned Zamastan and expressed support for Xiomera. However, she has also stated her reluctance to get involved in any conflict, should one arise, citing the state of the economy and a desire to focus on domestic reform. Relations between Kerlile and Zamastan were tense in the summer, when both nations imposed sanctions on each other following a similar trade dispute between Zamastan and Xiomera. President Sakzi of Zamastan has expressed his wish to impose yet more sanctions on Kerlile since then.

[Lauchenoiria]

Kerlian News Service

International Edition

Hundreds of prisoners released after a number of groups are removed from ban list
6th February 2020

Over 400 prisoners were released yesterday afternoon following a review by the Council of Kerlile of the list of banned organisations. Seven groups were removed from the list after the review due to their ‘non-violent nature’. The groups which have now been removed from the banned organisations list are two anti-torture campaign groups, two men’s rights organisations, one pro-democracy group, one climate activism group and a group aiming to end the emigration ban.

The released prisoners were all members of one of these seven organisations, and had been convicted solely on their membership. All the groups which have been removed from the list have never engaged in any violent or disruptive activity. The review, which Councillor Hale began in August, will continue to assess a number of other organisations on the list which are being considered for removal.

This is the latest in a number of measures introduced by Reform Party Councillors to try and lower restrictions on speech and association, and also reduce the prison population. Along with the closure of the Restricted Region, the removal of Class 3.2 Anti-Matriarchal Activity from the penal code, and measures to end custodial sentences for minor crimes, it is estimated that these new measures have decreased the prison population by several thousand people. These measures are not without controversy, however. Last week, Councillor Pierre addressed a public meeting of citizens concerned that this will lead to a number of dangerous individuals being let loose in society.

A new programme to help released prisoners readjust to society has been set up by a coalition of charities and religious organisations, along with some government funding. Councillor Hale announced that the 453 prisoners released yesterday have all been offered a spot on the programme, however it is not compulsory. Of the prisoners released yesterday, around 70% were male, and most were serving sentences of between 5-10 years.

The Council also announced that after the passage of new laws ending custodial sentences for some minor, non-violent crimes, that a large-scale review of all current convictions for these crimes will be undertaken. It is expected that this will lead to more releases, or the shortening of sentences for some prisoners.

[Lauchenoiria]

Kerlian News Service

International Edition

Kerlian Censorship Board to permit greater number of foreign films to be shown in Kerlian cinemas
16th February 2020

The Kerlian Censorship Board, overseen by Councillor Hart, has announced that more foreign films “than ever before” would be allowed to be screened in cinemas in Kerlile. This change in policy has been expected for several months, after the Council hinted at relaxations in censorship law. It has been welcomed by a number of campaign groups, and those in the Kerlian film industry.

Before this decision, all foreign films were automatically banned by the KCB, and were only screened for possible legalisation on a case-by-case basis. Employees of the KCB with an Outside Media Consumption Permit (OMCP) would screen foreign films which received reviews in their countries of origin which indicated that the film may be suitable for a Kerlian audience. If the film passed screening, then the production company would be contacted by Kerlian cinema companies.

Under the new system, the OMCP has been scrapped entirely. Previously, applicants for a permit were required to undergo a standard loyalty test, which would be repeated every year to renew the permit. Now, employees of the KCB will be allowed to view uncensored media on a trust basis, without having to pass any further tests besides those given to all applicants for jobs. It is also believed that the Council plan to scrap all civilian loyalty tests within the next month.

The KCB have announced they are hiring an additional 200 permanent employees in order to review a greater quantity of films on a more regular basis. They will also be hiring an undisclosed number of temporary employees in order to screen older films. In a surprising turn of events, in order to increase diversity of the workplace, 10% of these jobs will be reserved for male applicants. The KCB will also be reviewing existing reports on films that were deemed inappropriate with new, loosened criteria.

Foreign film production companies have also been invited to contact the KCB in order to negotiate potential arrangements to have their films automatically approved in exchange for assurances that they contain no anti-Kerlian content. Companies interested in discussing possible arrangements will be invited to send representatives to Kerlile within the next few months. It is unknown how many, if any, companies will take up the offer.

[Lauchenoiria]

Kerlian News Service

International Edition

Emigration Reform Act passed in historic unanimous Council decision
8th April 2020

The Council of Kerlile has today unanimously passed the Emigration Reform Bill, which legalises emigration from Kerlile, and grants amnesty to all those who have been convicted or suspected of committing the crime of illegal emigration. It will allow thousands of Kerlian citizens abroad to return home, if desired, and will also lead to the release of an unknown number of prisoners. The bill will also allow Kerlian citizens to travel abroad for the purpose of tourism or emigration, and increases the budget for Kerlian embassies across the IDU.

In what came as a shock to almost everyone across the Matriarchy, all ten Councillors voted in favour of the bill, including Councillors Patel and Pierre, who had previously been strong opponents to the original bill proposed in August, which was scrapped after the Trivian hack on Kerlian communications systems. Speaking to KNS after the passage of the bill, Councillor Patel said that “numerous events in the past six months” had contributed to her change of heart on the emigration question.

Councillor Natalia Hart, who sponsored the bill, addressed the nation after the vote, saying: “for too long, we have allowed fear to govern our policies. Fear of the patriarchy, fear of the past, fear of others… and even fear of ourselves, and our own people. It is wrong of us to impose restrictions on the people of Kerlile as a response to that fear. And it is against our own founding principles to allow nations like Trive to prevent us from working to make things better for our people.”

She went on to explain the provisions of the legislation, and finished with: “this is why we have chosen today to place our trust in the people of Kerlile. We should not keep people here by force – if Kerlians do not want to live in Kerlile, that is our failing and only shows that we must change our policies. Though it has taken us a long time to get here, it is time we on the Council put our trust in you, as we ask you to put your trust in us. Things are going to change in the Matriarchy, and this is only the beginning.”

Under the new legislation, Kerlians travelling abroad are required to register their destination and purpose before leaving, but there is no restriction on what purposes are allowed. People will be allowed to travel regardless of gender or destination. The one exception to this is a temporary ban on travel to and from Shuell, as a result of the adenovirus outbreak in that nation. It is unknown as of yet how many Kerlians will choose to leave in light of this change, or how many currently abroad will choose to return.

[Lauchenoiria]

Kerlian News Service

International Edition

Lauchenoirian-backed climate activists to be allowed to stage demonstration in Grapevale
18th June 2020

A climate activist group will be allowed to hold a demonstration in the capital city of Kerlile on Saturday, as part of global protests organised initially by Lauchenoirian climate group the Watchdogs of Our Earth (WOE). The group, Kerlian Climate Campaign, has existed for seven years and has organised several legal demonstrations calling on the Council to consider the environmental impact of their policies.

Despite general prohibitions on most activist groups in Kerlile prior to the election of a Reform Party president, KCC was allowed to operate due to former President Joanna Greenwood’s environmentalist policies. The group was not without controversy however, with many more radical elements ending up in prison for their protest tactics. Now released under the reformist laws, these radical elements are heading up KCC and are thought to be the push behind their cooperation with Lauchenoirians.

Permission has been granted by the Council for the demonstration to go ahead on Saturday. Large crowds are expected, after abnormally warm weather has damaged the agricultural sector across the Matriarchy in recent months. This, combined with the loss of trade with Xiomera, has led to a reintroduction of rationing in Kerlile, although the reopening of Xiomeran factories is expected to mitigate this partly.

Alongside the demonstration in Grapevale, protests will also take place in the capitals of Lauchenoiria, Laeral, Tsiba, Milintica, LOM and Eiria, along with several other Lauchenoirian cities. The demonstrations will call for the seven governments to get together, along with as many other governments as possible, at a climate conference to discuss global emissions targets and other ways to mitigate climate change. It is likely that this conference will be hosted in Lauchenoiria.

The Council has made no comment on whether they would send a delegation to such a conference, should it take place. President Rebecca Arnott released a statement earlier saying that she is committed to continuing environmental policies in Kerlile and is ‘open’ to further discussion on measures the Matriarchy may take to tackle the issue ‘within our capacity’. There is expected to be a large police presence at the demonstration.

[Lauchenoiria]

Kerlian News Service

International Edition

Restricted Region Tree-Planting Initiative to be Discussed by Council
11th July 2020

The Parliament of Kerlile today debated a proposal to plant trees across the now-closed and derelict area known formerly as the Restricted Region, and previously as Region 17. Following the debate, which gained the support of Parliament, the Council are set to discuss the proposal at some point over the next week. If accepted, the large-scale reforestation project would lead to the planting of several million trees across the area which was cleared in the 1960s to allow for the construction of military facilities and prisons.

Parliament-originated proposals have historically been limited to certain subjects and have been rare, with most legislation beginning discussion in the Council chamber, or being drafted by a Councillor to send to Parliament. This is the most large-scale, ambitious project that has been proposed by the Parliament in decades. Restrictions on Parliamentary debate topics were lifted as part of the Reform Party agenda several months ago, with only matters pertaining to the Council itself now being forbidden – though the Council retains veto power on proposals from Parliament.

The Parliament, which is comprised of 96 Members of Parliament, six from each region, contains 89 MPs from the Women’s Party of Kerlile, alongside 5 independents and only 2 Reform Party members who were previously independents prior to 2019. Elections take place every eight years, with all non-incarcerated women over the age of 18 resident in Kerlile entitled to vote. The most recent elections took place on the 17th May 2015. The Council has, however, debated calling early elections on the grounds that the political landscape of Kerlile has changed drastically since that time.

The move was proposed by Women’s Party member Bellona Siebert, who is known for championing environmental initiatives within the Parliament. She has worked on many environmental projects, including the successful Squirrel Protection Initiative which sought to ban certain chemicals which are toxic to the Fleuran Red Squirrel from being used by the agriculture industry. The Fleuran Red Squirrel is an endangered squirrel species native to Kerlile and northern Lauchenoiria.

If the initiative goes ahead, the presently unused area will become home to many trees of a variety of species, to improve biodiversity in the area, and disused prison and military buildings will either be knocked down or repurposed to use as conservation centres, veterinary hospitals and research posts for climate researchers. It is unlikely, however, that the Council will accept the ambitious proposal in full, though it is expected a version will be passed before the Kerlian delegation attends the Lauchenoirian Climate Conference next month.

[Lauchenoiria]

Kerlian News Service

International Edition

Anita Patel found dead in Sanctarian prison cell
18th July 2020

Former Councillor Anita Patel was found dead in her cell in a Sanctarian prison on Thursday morning. News of her death was withheld until the completion of an autopsy today; however, it is thought she died sometime between 2 and 5am Sanctarian time on Thursday morning. Her death is being treated as suspicious. Sanctaria has extended its sympathies to the Patel family and assured an independent investigation.

Patel was found hanged in her cell on Thursday morning, but an autopsy found cotton fibers in her lungs, as if she had been smothered with a pillow. An independent investigation will be carried out into her death by the Sanctarian authorities. Following her death, Sanctaria is also increasing its security on the cells of all other individuals from the Second Lauchenoirian Civil War being held in Sanctarian prisons.

Former Councillor Patel was being held in Sanctaria after being convicted of the mistreatment, torture and execution of Prisoners of War during the Truth and Reconciliation Commission trials held in Sanctaria last year. She was sentenced to 20 years in prison, and was extradited to Sanctaria on the 30th July 2019. Patel was responsible for overseeing the treatment of POWs held in Kerlile during the SLCW.

Current Councillor Nirmala Patel, daughter of Anita, responded to news of the death of her mother by retreating to her family home and tying a black ribbon to the gates, a symbol of mourning in Kerlile that has often been used by families who believe the death of their loved one was unjust. It has been used in the past by families of those executed for political crimes; hence its usage by a Council family is likely to provoke controversy.

A Council released a statement on the matter, saying: “our thoughts and prayers go to the Patel family at this terrible time. Councillor Nirmala Patel will be taking a break from her duties throughout this period. We await the results of the independent investigation into Anita Patel’s death, and we will be happy to cooperate with the Sanctarian authorities on this matter in any way they may wish.”

Anita Patel was born on the 14th January 1949 in Maytown, Kerlile, the first of her family to be born in the Matriarchy. She studied Feminist Literature and Film at Maytown University, graduating in 1971. She sat on the Council of Kerlile from November 1992 until January 2019 when she was incarcerated. She was the Chair of the Council from 2016, and served as Kerlile’s chief negotiator in the peace talks in Haven following the end of the SLCW. She was 71 years old, and leaves behind two daughters, five granddaughters and one great-granddaughter.

[Lauchenoiria]

Kerlian News Service

International Edition

Released video shows Olivia Pierre kidnapped by Maximusians
7th September 2020

A video that has been publicly released by the Council of Kerlile appears to show Olivia Pierre, the eldest daughter of Councillor Pauline Pierre, being held captive by Maximusian forces. The video was sent to Councillor Pierre yesterday morning. The Council will tomorrow debate sanctions against LOM in response to this kidnapping, and have accused LOM of contravening the Haven Accords.

Olivia Pierre has been missing since the middle of July, when she was kidnapped by unknown persons while in Lauchenoiria. Kerlile and Lauchenoiria have been cooperating on an investigation into her disappearance since that time, however no progress had been made until the delivery of this video. An investigation into how the footage was delivered is also underway.

The video shows Olivia Pierre restrained, while a voice who claims to have fought in the Second Lauchenoirian Civil War in 2018 threatens to “punish” Councillor Pierre and the Council for their actions in Lauchenoiria. It talks of Kerlile getting “off way too easy” following the Lauchenoirian conflict. The voice also claims to be sending a “message”, and says that Councillor Pierre will “never see” Olivia again.

The Council has accused LOM of contravening the Haven Accords, which all parties to the conflict agreed to abide by in 2018. The Accords state that all disputes resulting from the war will be resolved at the Truth & Reconciliation Commission, which delivered its verdicts in July 2019, and that these verdicts would be binding. The Council has said they consider this kidnapping to be in violation of these terms.

Every member of the Council has condemned the kidnapping and has called on LOM to release Olivia immediately. The Council are also calling for an international investigation into the kidnapping of Olivia Pierre, and for signatories to the Haven Accords, and other nations, to impose economic sanctions or other penalties on Libertas Omnium Maximus until such time as Olivia Pierre is released.

[Lauchenoiria]

Kerlian News Service

International Edition

Diplomatic squabble breaks out with Lauchenoiria over drug smuggling ring
3rd October 2020

A dispute is taking place between the governments of the Matriarchy of Kerlile and the Federation of Lauchenoiria over the activities of a Kvask-based drug smuggling ring. Lauchenoiria has accused Kerlile of sheltering members of the ring in return for supply of contraband items that are hard to find in the Matriarchy due to economic sanctions imposed by a number of other nations. The Council has denied these claims.

The Union of Merchants is a Kvask-based smuggling organisation which is known for sales of illicit products in a number of nations, including both Lauchenoiria and Kerlile. Seven suspected members of the UoM were arrested in Lauchenoiria last week, all Lauchenoirian citizens, following a raid on a property near the Kvaskm border. It is thought that this is the first step in a coordinated effort by Lauchenoirian authorities to end the activities of the group in their nation.

Anti-smuggling operations have been underfunded in the Matriarchy since 2012, when budgetary restructuring by the Council of Kerlile removed funds for such operations, instead diverting the money to increase the grants given to students entering university. No smugglers have been arrested in the Matriarchy since 2019. The Kerlian Border Patrol Agency, which employs thousands of Kerlians from all across the nation, have stated they have seen a sharp reduction in smuggling to the country.

Lauchenoirian Foreign Minister Sandra Pavía told reporters in Lauchenoiria that she had “contacted the Kerlian government, and informed them that it is simply unacceptable to allow these criminals to linger in their nation evading justice”. In response, Councillor Electra Georgiou released a public statement refuting the claims, and ensuring Lauchenoiria that Kerlile is continuing investigations into Kvaskm smuggling operations in Kerlile.

On social media, Pavía then accused the Council of “wilful ignorance”, claiming that they were deliberately ignoring instances of smuggling, and allowing criminals to legally cross the border in order to supply Council families with illicit products from nations which have placed sanctions on Kerlile. During an address to reporters, when questioned on this claim, a spokesperson for President Arnott refuted it, denying that any members of Council families have been using the services of smugglers.

In a speech yesterday in the Lauchenoirian Federal Parliament, Prime Minister Josephine Alvarez addressed representatives, claiming that those who do not cooperate with their investigation into the Union of Merchants may face unspecified “consequences”. So far, no action has been taken on the part of Lauchenoiria against Kerlile. The Lauchenoirian investigation continutes.

[Lauchenoiria]

Kerlian News Service

International Edition

Trial of former intelligence agent for attempting to murder three Councillors begins
24th November 2020

The trial of Nelly Aurora, a former employee of the Kerlian Intelligence Service began today at the High Court in Grapevale. The former agent, who is of Huenyan ethnicity and uses the name “Zichitla”, is accused of attempting to murder Councillors Greenwood, Hale and Pierre, alongside Foreign Secretary Katrine Porter. The alleged incident took place on the 17th October this year in the Council Chambers building.

Zichitla, whose legal name in Kerlile is Nelly Aurora, denies all charges. Members of the public are not allowed inside the courtroom for reasons of national security, however a redacted transcript of the trial will be made publicly available following the conclusion. It is expected that the trial will last multiple weeks. A leaked video has been circulating on the internet in Kerlile which shows Zichitla pointing a gun at Councillor Hale. It is unknown if this video is real or fake.

Councillors Pierre and Hale will appear in court as witnesses for the prosecution, however Councillor Greenwood has refused to appear and has stated publicly that she believes Zichitla to be innocent. This split in the Council has led to animosity between Councillors on social media, however has had no effect on legislative matters as inter-Councillor disputes often have in the past.

If convicted, Zichitla will face the possibility of the death penalty or life imprisonment. The 23-year-old was pictured outside the High Court today bearing a bruise on her face and glancing around as if searching for someone. Speculation over the cause of the bruise quickly began, however a statement from President Arnott’s government informed Kerlians that a prison guard was arrested late last night for breaking the Prohibition of Torture Act (2019).

The former agent was serving as an adviser to the Committee on Xiomera, a Council-Parliament joint committee dedicated to researching and providing recommendations to the Kerlian government on the situation in Xiomera following the coup, when the incident occurred. It is believed that Zichitla objected to a decision to seek peace in the Huenyan region and wished to continue the war. The trial is expected to finish by the new year.

[Lauchenoiria]

Kerlian News Service

International Edition

International Women’s Congress 2021 to be hosted in Kerlile
8th December 2020

It has been announced that the 65th International Women’s Congress will take place in Hazelton, Kerlile in June 2021. The IWC has not been held in Kerlile since prior to the nation’s civil war in the 1990s due to concerns about human rights abuses put forward by certain countries. The return of the conference to Kerlile is being celebrated by all elements of Kerlian society, and is thought to have been responsible for the early creation of Kerlile.

At the 1913 conference, a discussion on the foundation of a nation led by women was initiated by Edith Hart, then a citizen of North Fleura whose monarch was sick and had produced no heirs. Hart, who was one of the original organisers for the first IWC in 1893, suggested that a way to move forward in the women’s liberation movement was to form a nation ruled entirely by women. Originally intended as a thought experiment, a number of women began discussing the concept in earnest, eventually leading to the creation of Kerlile as a state after the death of the King of North Fleura.

President Rebecca Arnott addressed a press conference early this morning, saying she was delighted by the decision. “We are thankful that the organisers of the International Women’s Conference have allowed us to host this conference which is close to the hearts of many in Kerlile. This is evidence that our efforts at pushing reform of some of our less inclusive policies are being recognised. We will welcome any and all world leaders who wish to attend the conference, finally being held once more in its home.”

The first conference in 1893 was held in North Fleura, the territory of which is now Kerlile. The biannual conference has been held in a number of cities across the globe since its initial foundation, most recently in Laeral in 2019. All ten Founders of Kerlile were part of the organising committee of the IWC prior to the foundation of the Matriarchy as a sovereign state in its own right. Kerlile has submitted bids to hold the conference often, apart from in 2019 and during the 1990s civil war, but has not been accepted since 1977.

Plans for the conference are already underway, with many venues being booked across the capital and in nearby cities. The Church of the Goddess has announced they will be hosting free fringe events throughout the conference. Invitations to all female Heads of State regardless of the nation in question’s relationship to Kerlile are to be specifically issued by the Council of Kerlile. In Kerlile, this is seen as both an opportunity to improve diplomatic relations – and also, as a celebration.

[Lauchenoiria]

Kerlian News Service

International Edition

Amendment to Council Daughter Act passed by Council in surprise decision
9th December 2020

An amendment to the Education and Upbringing of Daughters of the Council Act has passed its first hurdle, gaining the approval of the Council of Kerlile. The amendment will make it legal for Councillors and their heirs to raise male children, marry males and involve the fathers of their children in their children’s lives. The passage of this amendment will come as a shock to many across the globe as there had previously been opposition to change by more than half of the Council.

In another shock move, Councillor Hale’s Democracy Bill is proceeding to a debate in Parliament, after months of trying to get the bill passed by the Council. Voting records for yesterday’s Council session, which was not marked as a closed session on the agenda, have not been released due to “security reasons”. It is therefore unknown which Councillor who had previously publicly opposed the changes voted in favour of the amendment.

Xia Chiu, second in line to the Chiu family seat on the Council, presently resident in Lauchenoiria due to giving birth to a son, spoke to the Kerlian News Service via video interview and is “ecstatic” about the changes. “I will finally be able to return home with both my children, who are both part of my family. The Council can only be strengthened by this amendment, as it strengthens the very fabric of our families.”

Former President of Kerlile Joanna Greenwood, on the other hand, publicly condemned the decision, claiming that it will lead to “degeneracy and decay”, and will distract the minds of the Council from their mission to seek full women’s liberation across the globe. Greenwood has been a staunch supporter of the restrictions on marriage and child rearing for those who will one day become Councillors, and had previously lobbied for a change to the marriage law to make it stricter by outlawing lesbian marriage for Councillors also.

Council marriage laws have been in the news regularly since the return of Councillor Jennifer Hale to Kerlile, following her marriage to now-Lauchenoirian Prime Minister Josephine Alvarez. A court decision interpreting the EUCDA rules as banning marriage only to men allowed Hale’s marriage to be recognised in Kerlian law, which provides certain privileges to Alvarez should she visit the country in the future.

The Parliament of Kerlile is set to begin debates on the Democracy Bill in the new year, including discussions of fair and free elections, shorter terms for Members of Parliament, reducing the influence of the Council on the workings of Parliament, and running open Presidential Elections. A clause in the original draft extending voting rights to males was removed from the draft sent to Parliament.

[Lauchenoiria]

Kerlian News Service

International Edition

Four death row prisoners escape on the day of their scheduled execution
23rd December 2020

Four female prisoners who had been sentenced to death escaped two days ago, on the 21st December, from a prison facility in the Whitehills region. They were all scheduled to be executed on that date. Photographs have been issued, and residents of Kerlile have been warned to remain alert and to NOT approach the individuals if seen. They are all to be considered armed and dangerous.

The four women have been identified as Nisha Bannister, 56, Garnett Aiza, 34, Nelly Aurora, 23, and Doretta Pavlov, 39. It is thought they will attempt to flee the country. Information on all four has been released and anyone who knows anything about their location is asked to contact the Kerlian national police as soon as possible.

Nisha Bannister

Bannister was a member of the terrorist organisation the Kerlian Freedom Front and was arrested in 2007 after taking part in a plot to attack the Council Chambers. She is now fifty-six years old, and has no living family. Originally sentenced to life in a Level 8 detention facility, she was sentenced to death this year after killing a guard in an escape attempt during the restructuring of the prison system.

Garnett Aiza

Aiza was sentenced to death after attempting to aid in the escape of a number of male prisoners in February 2020. Seventeen police officers died in the failed escape attempt, and Aiza was arrested as the ringleader of the group who attempted the escape. After failing to cooperate with the authorities, Aiza was given a death sentence following a long, controversial trial.

Nelly Aurora

A former employee of the Kerlian Intelligence Service, Nelly Aurora is said to have led the escape attempt which resulted in numerous deaths. She was convicted of attempting to murder three Councillors and one other, and given a death sentence following a very public trial due to her alleged participation in a covert intelligence programme. She often goes by the Xiomeran name “Zichitla”.

Doretta Pavlov

Pavlov is a member of an organised crime group which operates in the Cherrytree region which borders both Kvask and Lauchenoiria. They are responsible for drug smuggling throughout the three nations and are known for killing anyone who disrupts their business. Pavlov was finally apprehended in mid-2020 and was convicted of twenty-seven separate murders, though it is estimated she has been responsible for far more.

Any resident of, or visitor to, Kerlile who sees one of these individuals must immediately contact the national police. It is unknown if the four are travelling in a group or individually. It is expected that Pavlov will attempt to contact her gang, and Cherrytree region has been placed on high alert, with a 9pm curfew in place for all residents. Security has also been increased by the Lauchenoirian and Kvaskm borders.

If you see one of these individuals, DO NOT APPROACH, and dial the police immediately.

[Lauchenoiria]

Kerlian News Service

International Edition

Councillor Carmen Robinson Imprisoned for Treason
1st June 2021

Councillor Carmen Robinson has been arrested and remanded in custody following a confession that she and her late mother had conspired during the 1990s Kerlian Civil War with the terrorist organisation known as Democratic Kerlian State (DKS) to orchestrate a violent overthrow of the Council of Kerlile. She also confessed to forcing a number of Kerlian intelligence agents to work for her towards these treasonous ideas.

The Councillor was arrested early on Saturday morning, but the arrest was not announced until today for reasons of national security while the rogue intelligence agents were tracked and further investigation into the matter was carried out. Three former intelligence agents were also arrested over the weekend and warrants were issued for four others, at least three of whom are believed to be in hiding in Huenya. A warrant for the arrest of Robinson’s eldest daughter Natasha, presently living in Zongongia, was also issued.

A spokesperson for King Aleksander of Zongongia, who is a distant cousin to the Robinson family, told KNS that the Kingdom of Zongongia would “resolutely refuse” to extradite Natasha Robinson on the grounds that the charges were “a clear attempt to rid the Council of internal dissidents in Kerlile”.

Vice-Speaker Tiacihitili of Huenya issued the following statement: “The Huenyan Federation would be happy to review any allegations the Kerlian government has concerning some of its nationals who may be here, and investigate further if needed. I would state, however, that Huenya is a nation governed by the rule of law, and it must be proven that the individuals have committed a crime that we recognize as such. There is also no formal extradition agreement between the Huenyan Federation and Kerlile, so any such requests would have to be reviewed and approved by our courts on a case by case basis.”

Robinson addressed Kerlile through a video filmed from the unnamed prison where she is being held, asking Kerlians, particularly supporters of reform, to remain calm and for those who had supported her plot to cooperate with the authorities. She confessed to her attempts at treason on the video, which is available on the KNS website. She also asked that those involved who are abroad cease any plans to attack or in any other way harm the Matriarchy.

Councillor Pauline Pierre addressed reporters outside the Council Chambers, saying: “we are investigating the alleged actions of Carmen Robinson and any co-conspirators. The investigation will be thorough and will seek to root out anyone involved in this decades-long plot. This will be a shock to all of Kerlile, but Robinson has come forward and has admitted the error of her ways. This is an opportunity to finally move forward from the civil war, and I thank Robinson for her candour in coming forward in this way.”

[Lauchenoiria]

Opinion: Democracy is a Patriarchal Endeavour
By Councillor Natalia Hart

Support for democracy has been on the rise across the globe since the beginning of the 20th century, with the replacement of monarchies and neo-feudal systems with a new representative system of government ‘by the people’. In many countries, if not most, democracy is synonymous with a fair, ethical system of rule that should be lauded and promoted across the globe. Initiatives to increase democratic systems of government are many, and even in countries such as Kerlile support for the concept is growing.

Sadly, democracy is not what it is advertised as. A fair system of government, in which every citizen is given an equal vote and the government is chosen by the people sounds like an excellent idea on paper but in practice it doesn’t work that way. A system of government in which all citizens, including the uneducated and uninformed, are given equal say will naturally produce leaders that appeal to the lowest common denominator. Elections will almost always reproduce cultural norms - even if those norms are unethical to begin with.

Unfortunately, despite the efforts of feminists throughout the 20th century into the present day, the predominant global culture remains patriarchal in nature. Advertising, policy priorities and general societal attitudes still promote men as stronger and women as domestic workers and sex symbols. In a world where cultural norms dictate that the priorities of males are more important than the priorities of females, democratic systems will continue to elect governments who put men above women in their policy priorities.

Change in societal attitudes towards women thus is slower in democracies. When a patriarchal government can claim it has the ‘mandate of the people’ in its policies which continue to oppress women, it is harder to call out said government for its crimes against femininity. No foreign government will sanction the democratic state for their archaic marriage laws, their insufficient protections against sexual assault, or their traditional gender roles enforced not by law but by cultural norms. These governments have ‘the people’ on side, and thus they are deemed legitimate regardless of their actions.

Democracy is a tool of the powerful - which in this world is usually men - used to maintain their power by handing the illusion of control to the people while continuing business as usual. We see this in countries such as Eiria where multiple political parties of differing persuasions will still work together, as underneath the publicly stated policy goals, they all have the same underlying goal of maintaining the status quo. The willingness of the Lauchenoirian Liberals to work with the Conservatives one year and the Green-Pacifists the next is yet another example.

In democratic states where women have managed to achieve high positions, you can see how they have compromised themselves in their quest for power. In some nations, female politicians are forced to dress up in new outfits every day while men are allowed to turn up in the same suit day-in, day-out. In others, to be successful, women must act as much like men as possible so that voters almost forget their gender. Neither is good; these women are being forced into a mould by the patriarchy and their power is only ever fleeting; a temporary gift from the patriarchy that will quickly be taken away if they dare enact policies that would truly threaten the misogynistic status quo.

This is the truly insidious nature of democracy; it pretends to be about enabling change and distributing power to the masses, but instead it concentrates power in the hands of a few individuals skilled at manipulating public opinion, while maintaining the status quo by putting up a smokescreen. In countries where women are oppressed, their opinions will not be given equal weight, and thus political parties will target the male vote, and thus the oppression of women will become evermore entrenched through the false ‘mandates’ given to parties who do not care as much about their female citizens as their male.

The only way to improve the lives of women in a country, is through policies designed to root out the deeply held internal biases in favour of men held in the population. It is by mandating greater opportunities for women rather than assuming a system designed for men will self-correct, as this can never be assumed. Strong leadership committed to changing society for the better is the only way to truly change a country from a patriarchy into a truly equal society, not a government serving only four years which can change on a whim and needs the approval of the already-powerful to remain in place.

The Matriarchy of Kerlile is the vanguard of the women’s revolution. While government by the people is a laudable end-goal, it cannot be implemented in a society which is not yet equal, or it will only further entrench those inequalities. The Council of Kerlile was set up to safeguard that revolution; to guide society towards a place where women were truly viewed as equal, both consciously and subconsciously. To create an equal world, the remaining patriarchal countries must consider drastic measures, and must turn away from this idea that democracy in an inherently unequal society will produce a truly representative government.