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by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack

SDNY COURTHOUSE, Jan 13 - For the UN's role in Hamas' October 7 attacks, non-US citizen plaintiffs and estates on June 24 filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York against UNRWA, Philippe Lazzarini, Pierre Krahenbuhl, Filippo Grandi, Leni Stenseth, Sandra Mitchel, Margot Ellis and Greta Gunnarsdottir. 

  The individual plaintiffs are sued for, inter alia, their "constant travel to New York" to raise and get money and "their material support of Hamas' terror infrastructure." Also cited, for jurisdiction and venue, is "over one billion dollars from UNRWA's New York bank account in Manhattan that Defendants then caused to be delivered to Gaza in cash U.S. dollars to benefit Hamas." 

 Inner City Press, which daily cover the SDNY court in-person and the UN from outside the gate, banned from entry by SG Antonio Guterres, asked Guterres' spokespeople Stephane Dujarric and Melissa Fleming about the lawsuit, without any response per usual.

Nor have they responded to Inner City Press' June 19 application to enter the UN to ask these questions.

On November 14, after the election, UNRWA used public money to hire Curtis, Mallet-Provest. On December 16 they filed a 38 page memo citing full immunity / impunity and asking to dismiss the case: "The Individual Defendants Are Immune in this Case Because the Complaint Alleges that They Acted in Their Official Capacity; The UN Has Not Waived Immunity of the Individual Defendants; The Individual Defendants Are Current and Former UN Officials. Antonio Guterres is responsible. Memo now on Inner City Press' DocumentCloud here

On January 13 plaintiffs' opposed the motion to dismissed, noting "Defendants' apparent argument is that Lazzarini and the Secretary-General [Guterres] were engaged in fraud when they made statements in late January 2024." And since...

The UNRWA case is ESTATE OF TAMAR KEDEM SIMAN TOV, BY HEIR-AT-LAW GAD KEDEM v. UNITED NATIONS RELIEF AND WORKS AGENCY (UNRWA) et al., 24-cv-04765 (Torres)

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by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack

SDNY COURTHOUSE, Jan 10 – United Nations diplomats have gotten themselves exempted from NYC's $9 Congestion Price payments, even as for example lower income residents of the NYCHA Al Smith Houses and lower Manhattan small businesses complained without recourse about having to pay them. 

   In a notice tucked into the Federal Register of January 6, the US State Department ostensibly notified the public of "exemption from charges assessed by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority of New York for entry into its designated 'Congestion Relief Zone' for foreign missions and certain international organizations. This benefit extends to members and personnel of and representatives to such foreign missions and international organizations." 

  Perhaps exemption for other countries' ambassadors is understandable, if those countries similar exempt US diplomats. But why allow already overpaid UN staff - and officials like Antonio Guterres and his bloated UN Security detail - to not pay what other New Yorkers - and for example New Jersey residents - pay? 

  UN Spokesman Stephane Dujarric refuses to answer Inner City Press' written questions, after having it thrown out of the UN; Melissa Fleming has ignored a request for dialogue on press freedom from pro bono law firm Quinn Emanuel.  

   Will this change going forward? Watch this site.

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by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack

UN GATE, Jan 2 – Algeria took over the UN Security Council presidency on January 1, 2025 - while Inner City Press is still banned from the UN, despite its June 19 application.

On December 30, Inner City Press wrote to the Algeria Mission: "This is a timely request that you allow Inner City Press to enter the UN and cover, and/or provide the WebEx  pass code(s) to access Algeria's UNSC Presidency press briefing by Algeria's Ambassador Amar Bendjama on January 2, 2025 at 1 pm. I have questions to ask on what you will do this month about Gaza, UNRWA and Western Sahara / MINURSO," etc

  The Algeria Mission did not answer, even to its address listed in the UN Blue Book.

At the lame presser, Bendjama gave the first question to Agence France Presse, three online questions to his own media (none on Western Sahara) - it was Spain media that asked, and Bendjama says he's not raising the issue this month. But "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." Hmm...

 Watch this site.

 Inner City Press on June 19, 2024 again applied to the UN for access, as it gives 100s, to cover the UNGA week. Inner City Press has a NYC Press Pass and writes about the UN. From Algeria and its UN Mission, nothing.

Watch this site. 

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by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack

UN GATE, Dec 25 – How corrupt is today's UN under Antonio Guterres? Today's follow up is again on his mission in South Sudan, UNMISS, about which his spokespeople Stephane Dujarric and Melissa Fleming refuse all Press questions. Inner City Press has asked them, and others, about the newest sex abuse case against the UN there. Now this, from a UN whistleblower sent to Inner City Press:

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

 It is Guterres, they say, who should resign - and end censorship. Watch this site.

***

by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack

UN GATE, Dec 17 –  How corrupt and decrepit has the UN system become under Antonio Guterres, in this case due to Guterres? Today's example is from the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights, to which Guterres appointed his unqualified crony Volker Turk more than two years ago.

Turk as a staffer on Guterres' 38th floor did nothing when his Boss has the critical Press roughed up and thrown out. Some human righters. Now this, to still banned Inner City Press, from whistleblowing staff:

Dear Matthew Russell Lee,  The situation in the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has become the worst in decades as Volker Turk starts the second half of his four years mandate. Turk was handpicked by SG Antonio Guterres amidst mistrust by member states and human rights activists. Many were concerned about Turk’s reputation as a HQ bureaucrat without relevant experience.

 Some of us believed his initial calls for a change in OHCHR to make it more operational. But after more than 2 years the hope is gone. Most of the changes have been in Geneva, including the creation of a very expensive analytic hub that is not needed or an Investigation branch not approved by member states- currently headed by a D1 without approval from the 5th Committee.  Turk spent millions in the flamboyant celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration. There was little return from those 5 to 7 million, no transparency and accountability. OHCHR ends Turk’s half term with over 40 million gap and few prospects to recover (especially after his hostile display against Elon Musk and Donald Trump). 

The plans are to use OHCHR financial reserves for which there was a precedent years ago, under Navi Pillay, which concluded with dozens of contracts being cut. It is alarming that the staff in the Special Procedures branch will be merged with those of the thematic division (TESPREDD).  We are resisting this. 

This is only a way to mask up the financial gap and to use earmarked funds for special procedures to fund thematic work trying to fool donors.   Worse, there is a climate of fear for reprisals. Those of us who have voiced concerns have been singled out. Turk does not manage. He delegates to the mighty deputy Nada Al Nashif, totally ruthless.

And in the untouchable head of administration Kim Taylor. Kim Taylor has been for  8 years head of Human Resources, position which she used to hire her cronies and her boyfriend. Kim Taylor’s performance has been a constant concern by the staff in OCHA and OHCHR. A long term P5 she applied for the post of head of administration 3 years ago but failed as she lied in her PHP (she also lied in her testimony to UNDT in the case against whistleblower Emma Reilly).

Finally Kim Taylor got her promotion although she has no experience in financial matters and there were more suited applicants. Few months later the financial situation is worse than ever and there is no oversight. The prospects are gloomy and some of us are afraid of reprisals as those who complain are likely to be the first ones to be made redundant.

  No answers from Guterres' Melissa Fleming (including to formal pro bono letters from the firms of Quinn Emanuel and Duane Morris) nor daily from UN "Spokesperson" Stephane Dujarric. Keep the info coming

***

By Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon

UN GATE, Dec 13 – In the United Nations under Antonio Guterres, there is nothing but failure and excuses and fundraising on crises like Gaza, Ukraine, Syria, Burma, Haiti and Cameroon. 

There is impunity for sexual abuse by peacekeepers and UN staff like Juan Carlos Cunillera, just "along for the ride" during the UN sex-in-the-van exposed by Inner City Press. 

But now as we looked at and asked about Guterres' omission of his links to UN briber CEFC China Energy, leading to him banning the Press (and Melissa Fleming continuing the ban, not even answering a law firm's pro bono letter), on April 17, 2022 we published on other officials - including long time UNOPS operative Vitaly Vanshelboim (whom Inner City Press covered in connection with UNOPS gag orders before being banned from UN by corrupt Guterres.)

We noted  that Vanshelboim's skeeze in the S3i scam of UNOPS's Grete Faremo.

  While others then noted for example that a long time member of the UN Correspondents Association Gloria Starr Kins played a role in hooking up the fraud, they don't mention UNCA and their role in banning the Press. On December 13, 2024, UNCA will put access to Guterres up for sale again at Cipriani: no questions have been answered.

Now this:

Dear Matthew Russell Lee:

We are a group of current and former employees of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).  We are reaching out to kindly request your assistance. The scandal surrounding the S3i initiative in 2022, which exposed the diversion of funds, is merely the tip of the iceberg in a much broader pattern of irregularities.

These unethical practices have resulted in significant financial and moral crises, with the most recent consequence being the announcement of a series of layoffs in 2025. The executive leadership, led by [Lusophone] Executive Director Jorge Moreira da Silva, is attempting to downplay  these layoffs...

 This issue is further exacerbated by the lack of accountability and leniency towards abuse allegations—including sexual harassment and physical violence; reprisals against whistleblowers; and the widespread use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to silence those who try to bring these issues to light.

This issue is further compounded by contractual inequality, which systematically places the majority of staff under Independent Contractor Agreements (ICA), a controversial work arrangement that lacks legal protections against abuse.  The Ethics Office and internal reporting mechanisms operate in collusion, primarily aiming to downplay or dismiss cases, leaving whistleblowers completely unprotected.

This is Guterres' UN.

The upcoming Executive Board meeting, scheduled for the first quarter of 2025, will be crucial. Management intends to mislead the board by presenting manipulated reports that falsely claim the success of the Comprehensive Improvement Plan (CRP). This so-called reform plan, introduced after the S3i scandal, has proven to be nothing more than a façade, designed solely to appease donors and the executive committee. This attempt at a cover-up is nothing but a blatant farce aimed at perpetuating corruption and evading accountability.

Your expertise and dedication to uncovering the truth are vital in shedding light on these critical issues and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable for their actions. We have full confidence in your commitment to journalistic integrity and ethical reporting to help deliver justice to those impacted by these egregious violations.

With utmost appreciation,  The UNOPS Personnel Collective Seeking Accountability

by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack

UN GATE, Dec 2 – The lame duck US Mission to the UN took over the UN Security Council presidency on December 1, 2024 - while Inner City Press is still banned from the UN, despite its June 19 application.

On November 27, Inner City Press wrote to USUN: "This is a timely request that you allow Inner City Press to enter and cover, and/or provide the WebEx  pass code(s) to access to the USUN UNSC Presidency press briefing by  Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield on December 2, 2024. I have questions to ask on what you will do this month about Gaza, UNRWA - including lawsuit by American victims against it in SDNY - UN corruption in Colombia, Libya, DRC and Sudan, Ukraine, DRC and Rwanda, about the SDNY indictment involving Turkey's Mission to the UN as well as the coups in Gabon and Niger and the conflicts in Ukraine, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Yemen and Libya -  and on ongoing cases of sexual abuse and exploitation by UN peacekeepers, and Missions' abuses in NYC, on many of which Inner City Press first reported

Please note that Inner City Press and I participate in the WebEx briefings of, for example, the IMF: March 31, 2022 and since with new IMF spokesperson Sept 28, 2023:

The USUN did not answer - we will stay on this.

 Watch this site.

 Inner City Press on June 19, 2024 again applied to the UN for access, as it gives 100s, to cover the UNGA week. Inner City Press has a NYC Press Pass and writes about the UN. From Sierra Leone and its UN Mission, nothing.

Watch this site. 

***

by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack

UN GATE, Nov 29 – How corrupt is today's UN under Antonio Guterres? Today's follow up, after leak, is yet once again on his mission in Colombia, about which his spokespeople Stephane Dujarric and Melissa Fleming refuse all Press questions. Inner City Press has asked them, and others, about the newest sex abuse case against the UN there. Now this sent to Inner City Press:

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by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack

UN GATE, Nov 20 – How corrupt is today's UN under Antonio Guterres? Today's sur-follow up is yet once again on his mission in Colombia, about which his spokespeople Stephane Dujarric and Melissa Fleming refuse all Press questions. Inner City Press has asked them, and others, about the newest sex abuse case against the UN there. Now this, from a UN whistleblower sent to Inner City Press:

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by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack

UN GATE, Nov 14 – How corrupt is today's UN under Antonio Guterres? Today's example is his mission in Afghanistan, about which his spokespeople Stephane Dujarric and Melissa Fleming refuse all Press questions. Inner City Press has asked them, and others, about a sex abuse case against the UN there. Now this, from a UN whistleblower sent to Inner City Press:

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by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack

UN GATE, Nov 7 – How corrupt is today's UN under Antonio Guterres? Today's follow up is on his mission in Colombia, about which his spokespeople Stephane Dujarric and Melissa Fleming refuse all Press questions. Inner City Press has asked them, and others, about the newest sex abuse case against the UN there. Now this, from a UN whistleblower sent to Inner City Press:

by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack

UN GATE, Oct 28 – How corrupt is today's UN under Antonio Guterres? Today's example in his mission in South Sudan, UNMISS, about which his spokespeople Stephane Dujarric and Melissa Fleming refuse all Press questions. Inner City Press has asked them, and others, about the newest sex abuse case against the UN there. A week ago, Inner City Press published this from a UN whistleblower:

"Dear Mr. Matthew Russell Lee:

 ...The Principal Coordination Officer, Director of SRSG of UNMISS has recently been ousted due to a sexual misconduct case."

Inner City Press has in writing asked some 60 people in Guterres' UN to confirm or deny the names - no answer at all. So we have receive this

"The individual who was sent home due to a sexual scandal is Boitshoko Mokgathe. The woman who accused him is Catherine Shin, a senior Political Affairs Officer. [No denial or comment from UN] Catherine Shin  filed a case against Boithshoko Mokgathe, highlighting the severe shortcomings in the mission’s management structure. This incident underscores how weak leadership has led to the mission's dysfunction, with many individuals being appointed to key roles without relevant experience, often influenced by retired brokers. and  New York connections."

There are numerous corruption cases that remain unaddressed, as UN New York  seems to prefer remaining silent. The advisors to SRSG are weak, and SRSG - Nicholas Haysom, an at time jovial man who did nothing when Inner City Press to whom he has spoken about the UN's failure in Sri Lanka was banned -- :being of advanced age, struggles to manage the office effectively."

In anticipation of the arrival from New York of Catherine Pollard [who laughed or cheered as UN Security roughed up Inner City Press throwing it out of the UN while it covered a craven Guterres speech] several officials are taking leave to avoid being questioned. 

We will have more on this.

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by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack

UN GATE, Oct 23 – How corrupt is today's UN under Antonio Guterres? Today's follow up is on his mission in South Sudan, UNMISS, about which his spokespeople Stephane Dujarric and Melissa Fleming refuse all Press questions. Inner City Press has asked them, and others, about the newest sex abuse case against the UN there. Now this, from a UN whistleblower sent to Inner City Press:

Dear Mr. Matthew Russell Lee:

 ...Employment of Mr. Samson Muteti: It has come to light that Mr. Samson Muteti, who is the brother-in-law of Aggrey, has been retained in his position despite his involvement in ongoing criminal financial fraud cases in Kenya.

 Mandatory Contributions from Employees: It has been reported that each Kenyan employee hired by Aggrey is required to contribute two months' salary to a fund. This fund is intended to support the construction of an office building in a prime location in Nairobi, which will be leased to an international NGO. The legality and fairness of this mandatory contribution need to be reviewed... Mr Samson who was accused of embezzlement from his government and was fired before he was recruited by UNAMID. 

Aggrey Kedogo, currently serving as CORM (D1) with UNMISS and a Kenyan citizen, previously held the position of CHRO with UNAMID. During his tenure, he allegedly manipulated Sudanese authorities by recruiting their relatives as NPOs in Khartoum in exchange for favorable visa arrangements, allowing him to control who could work in the mission. As a result, a disproportionate number of Nigerian and Kenyan nationals were recruited.  Aggrey reportedly collaborated with OIC MSD, Anthony Newke, a Nigerian national who was dismissed in November 2016 for multiple infractions.  Aggrey also reportedly hired his sister-in-law, Ruth Munge, as an International Contractor and placed her in various sections despite her lack of qualifications.  Now also sent to OIOS - which covers up, and did nothing on DSS roughing up the Press.

 It is Guterres, they say, who should resign - and end censorship. Watch this site.

***

by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack

UN GATE, Oct 18 – How corrupt has the UN become under Antonio Guterres? Today's example is from the MONUSCO "peacekeeping" mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, sent to Inner City Press which Guterres and his Melissa Fleming ban from entering the UN to ask, while Spox Stephane Dujarric refuses written questions:

To the Secretary General of the United Nations in New York: We hereby inform you of our desire to denounce from 01/10/2024 the problems that fill us being that Individual CONTRACTORS (IC's) of MONUSCO / UNOPS in Goma.

 We have taken care to inform all or denounce all kinds of shenanigans that are happening here in Goma concerning the IC's of MONUSCO / UNOPS. ie there is a band of the engineering team of MONUSCO / Goma. The latter are there to give our projects to subcontracting houses (Baraka Sun and others) allowing a retroactive commission that has no impact on the mission. This is the latter teaches us against corruption.

They are the ones who practice it through the projects of the IC's. Ex: If the project is of 10000$ (Ten Thousand Dollars) for the advantage of the IC's, They give it to an individual from abroad either a Rwandan or a Ugandan to do it for 5000$ (Five Thousand Dollars) and the rest returns their advantages by filling their private pockets. We condemn this act of this gang of criminals for the Congolese of the East of the Country in war and unemployment.

we demand the massive departure of Rogers Tonda and Paul Chalnoub-Boueri all from Engineering Goma and in the annex their comrades in struggle will be extended. To conclude, being INDIVIDUAL CONTRACTORS of MONUSCO/UNOPS working since 2001 until today, for the moment the existence of IC's in the service is five percent in all sections combined to the detriment of subcontracting houses which will soon start their projects shortly. Here is the list of his companions or criminals of Congolese: Choki Dorgi, Amit Kumar, Amadou Timbila. The

Applicants: INDIVIDUALS CONTRACTING MONUSCO UNOPS in Goma

UN corruption expands under Guterres who bans the Press and refuses its questions.

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by Matthew Russell Lee

UN GATE, Oct 8 – After eight years of failure as UNSG, Antonio Guterres is trying to pick his successor. First, this from over the transom: "Rebeca Grynspan took the helm of the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in 2021 imbued with unbridled ambition.  She immediately embarked on a campaign to use the position as a steppingstone to the UN Secretary-General job in 2026 and started positioning her close allies to set up the necessary machinery for that."

Now on October 8, this: "Since assuming office in 2021, Grynspan has wasted no time in leveraging her position as a platform for her own political aspirations. The organization’s 60th anniversary event in June, which should have been an opportunity to renew its commitment to advancing the interests of the developing world, was instead used as a launchpad for her campaign for the UN’s top job.   In 2022, UN chief Antonio Guterres assigned Grynspan to coordinate a task force working on the global response to the impacts of the war in Ukraine, and she quickly turned it into the vehicle for her UN campaign, pushing UNCTAD’s work to the back burner. Instead, she spends her time scratching the backs of developed countries in hopes that they will return the favour when the time comes for her bid for the UN Secretary-General position." Part 1 of x

 Inner City Press filled out a poll on June 11 - the most important qualification for any future SG is refusal to censor as Guterres has. Watch this site.

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by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack

SDNY COURTHOUSE, Oct 4 – How corrupt is today's United Nations? Well, during the UNGA "High Level" week a Russian state reporter had accreditation stripped or downgraded after an encounter with Germany's Foreign Minister.

 Then after a Russian complaint to SG Antonio Guterres, "the issue is being dealt with between the Russian Federation and our colleagues in the Department of Global Communications," according to Guterres' spokesman Stephane Dujarric.  

Inner City Press in writing asked, Dujarric, Melissa Fleming, the Swiss Mission and 50 others: "On the change of UN accreditation to a Russian state media correspondent, and the statement that Melissa Fleming / DGC was "dealing" with it with the Russian Mission, immediately state what happened, and why - and why Fleming has refused to answer letters about the ban on Inner City Press from pro bono law firms Quinn Emanuel and Duane Morris."

Dujarric and 50 others refused to answer, but sent this to others: "The actions of the journalist in question were a breach of the Media Access Guidelines...  In light of this breach, the journalist’s status was changed by the Department of Global Communications to non-resident correspondent. He remains an accredited journalist, able to access UNHQ and cover meetings, briefings and other events.    

 No answer from Dujarric - but Russia's PR on October 4 did another stakeout, about Nordstream, and didn't mention the issue, clearly satisfied with Guterres' capitulation, on this and more important matters.

And this is the same Dujarric who got Inner City Press thrown out of the UN Briefing Room and the UN, and refuses to answer its daily written questions. This is Guterres' UN - and we'll have more, much more, on it.

***

by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack

UN GATE, Sept 24 – As the UN General Assembly week under SG Antonio Guterres, who bans Press that investigates him, got underway, he met with Iran Masoud Pezeshkian and praised "Iran's important role." But unlike his other photo-ops, the UN withheld the video, for 18 hours. Finally, after Press-ure, it is here.

  On September 24, Guterres went on and on about the rule of law, while banning the Press and citing immunity in court. Joe Biden was late but name-checked Sudan and even Uganda; UK Starmer called for the release of the "sausages."

  As noted Nigeria's president Tinubu bagged out, instead sending his Vice President.

The UN PGA's spokesperson Sharon Birch-Jeffreys, who refused written Press questions, told one allowed in that she didn't know if that meant Nigeria has to give up its first-day speaking spot.

   Guterres also met with Canada's Justin Trudeau and Bob Rae, who followed Guterres spokesman Stephane Dujarric in blocking the Press on X. 

Inner City Press before being banned from the UN by @AntonioGuterres asked @JustinTrudeau a question about Canada arming Saudi Arabia- he called it bad behavior. On Sept 22, 2024, grip n grin of Guterres with Trudeau - & @BobRae48 who blocks Inner City Press on X pic.twitter.com/tYYFoMUrnF

— Inner City Press (@innercitypress) September 23, 2024

 Today's UN is in freefall, like bombs on both sides of Lebanon's Blue Line, as as the gabfest starts. Inner City Press applied to UN MALU's Melissa Fleming to enter to cover UNGA - as to letters from pro bono law firms Quinn Emanuel and Duane Morris, she refused to even answer. Totally corrupt. 

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by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack

SDNY COURTHOUSE, Sept 19 –   How corrupt is the UN under Antonio Guterres? For exposing his links to convicted bribery firm CEFC China Energy, he's banned Inner City Press. But disgusted UN staff continue to send Inner City Press their correspondence to "Big Tony," like on September 12 this, Part 3 (no answers on Part 1 nor Part 2 - UN staff coming forward with more)

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:  continuing with the DMS and CMS, past and current ones:  -         

Inner City Press exclusively covered these - and remains banned by Guterres.

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by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack

SDNY COURTHOUSE, Sept 11 –   How corrupt is the UN under Antonio Guterres? For exposing his links to convicted bribery firm CEFC China Energy, he's banned Inner City Press. But disgusted UN staff continue to send Inner City Press their correspondence to "Big Tony," like on September 11 this, Part 1:

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:  -         

Elija Karambizi, D1, left the UN, from day to night, as he was caught abusing the Education Grant.  -         

Milan Trojanovic, D2, left because of his involvement in harassment and shady business involving the UN with his wife’s company; and the continuous harassment and racism towards African Colleagues.  -         

Sandi Arnold, D1, CMS in Kosovo was dismissed without UN benefit for fraud and several harassments, including sexual harassment.  

Inner City Press exclusively covered that one - banned by Guterres.

***

by Matthew Russell Lee

UN GATE, Sept 5 -- How corrupt is today's UN? Well, SG Antonio Guterres while failing on Gaza and Ukraine is on a  junket through Tonga and Timor Leste, on the way to visiting Xi Jinping in China.

   On August 16 the UN announced the trip, leaving the China leg for last. Inner City Press remains banned by Guterres from entering to ask, no action on this application to enter.

  Now at the FOCAC - Forum on China - Africa Cooperation, Guterres has gushed or slobbered, "as outlined in President Xi’s remarks at last year’s Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation that I had the honor to attend." Cha-ching.

Guterres' office / bagman in China blocks the Press, as does he, after Inner City Press exposed his undisclosed link to convicted UN briber CEFC China Energy.

   Earlier when the UN moved against Inner City Press for its coverage, Timor Leste's Jose Ramos Horta which had answered its questions inquired - and was lied to, that some unspecified rule had been broken.  But did he follow up? We'll have more on this.

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by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack

SDNY COURTHOUSE, Aug 29  – After a United Nations legal official was filmed saying those in the UN are terrified of a possible second Trump term as US President, a formal complaint against him was filed with the UN Ethics Office by a staff who, fearing retaliation, sent a copy to Inner City Press, banned from the UN by SG Antonio Guterres:

Date: On Thursday, 29 August 2024 at 4:48 PM Subject: Report of serious misconduct by Mr. Jorge Paoletti Martinez (P2 1510 ASSOCIATE LEGAL OFFICER, Index Number 10086542)

 To: oioshotline, SERPASOARES@UN.ORG, ALFORD, swanson1, schultz2, ndiaye, lopez22, thanabalasingam, pollardc@un.org 

Dear OIOS and OLA Colleagues  By now you would likely have seen the article in the New York Post published today: The United Nations is “terrified” at the prospect of a second Trump presidency, according to a leaked conversation with a senior official at the global agency.  “I’m not sure the United Nations is going to survive a second term from Donald Trump,” Jorge Paoletti, an associate legal officer at the UN Office of Legal Affairs in New York, said

 This conduct is a violation of Staff Regulations 1.2(f), 1.2(g) and 1.2(i), Staff Rule 1.2(t), as well as Section 4 of ST/AI/2000/13  Staff Regulation 1.2(f) “staff members shall ensure that their views and convictions do not adversely affect their official duties or the interests of the United Nations....

Staff Rule 1.2(t) “Staff members shall not, except in the normal course of official duties or with the prior approval of the Secretary-General, engage in any outside activities that relate to the purpose, activities or interests of the United Nations. Outside activities include but are not limited to: (i) Issuing statements to the press, radio or other agencies of public information; (ii) Accepting speaking engagements; (iii) Taking part in film, theatre, radio or television productions...

Given what was done to Kennedy for losing sensitive data later published by Inner City Press and to Emma Reilly for talking to the press, this "senior official" (P-2 lol) must be sanctioned for bringing the organisation into disrepute.

  Just because he works for our offices in OLA should not give him preferential status. 

I have submitted this report anonymously for fear for retaliation. 

 Watch this site.

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by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack

UN GATE, August 17 – How corrupt is the UN system under Antonio Guterres? Today we turn to UNIDO:

"Dear Matthew Lee, We are writing to urgently bring to your attention serious concerns regarding the mismanagement and potential misappropriation of European Union funds allocated to the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).  Our efforts reporting Ygor Scarcia internally to UNIDO Human Resources and the Internal Oversight Directorate have gone in vain.

Mr. Ygor Scarcia appears to be protected by his Managing Director, Mr. Gunther Beger and Director Dejene Tezera. We have been advised to reach out to you by several staff here at the United Nations in Austria.  

 Specific Irregularities  We would like to highlight irregularities in the management of Project ID 200319, associated with Grant ID 2000004755, under the supervision of Mr. Ygor Scarcia. Several red flags indicate potential misuse of funds previously extended to Mr. Scarcia by Italy, UNDP, Japan, including those from the EURO Trust Fund financed by the EU. Project details can be accessed through the following links:  UNIDO Project ID 200319 UNIDO Project ID 220134 UNIDO Project ID 170097 UNIDO Project ID 190362

There have been numerous instances where project expenses appear to be based on forged deliverables and fake reports to justify these expenditures. Indications suggest Mr. Scarcia may be channeling funds to entities or individuals with whom he has personal affiliations, effectively embezzling funds extended to UNIDO by various donors, notably the EU, UNDP, Japan, and Italian funds. Mr. Scarcia has consistently misled UNIDO, implementing opaque practices and forging reports and invoices. Mr. Scarcia has submitted forged invoices and deliverable reports to justify approvals from the UNIDO finance and procurement team, transferring payments to vendors with personal ties. These funds are then channeled to offshore bank accounts [End of Part 1] We appreciate the vital work you do

Keep it coming. Though Inner City Press remains banned by Guterres and no response by his Melissa Fleming to this, we continue reporting - keep it coming. And watch this site.

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by Matthew Russell Lee

UN GATE, Aug 22 -- How corrupt is today's UN? Well, SG Antonio Guterres while failing on Gaza and Ukraine is on a South Pacific junket to Samoa and Tonga, as a pretext to visiting Xi Jinping in China.

   On August 16 the UN announced the trip, leaving the China leg for last. Inner City Press remains banned by Guterres from entering to ask, no action on this application to enter.

On August 22 Guterres after radio silence intoned in Samoa, "the United Nations stands with the Pacific in calling for justice and change." Which UN? The UN Green Climate Fund's corruption stalled the Vaisigano River Catchment Project, and one of Guterres' interlocutors previously reported "the UN's Samoa office (a multi-country desk which also oversees the UN's Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau programmes) was stripped of its authority to manage the Vaisigano Catchment and other development projects due to the concerns about its financial mismanagement." No mention of any of this in the propaganda trip

  Xi and China own Guterres, and use him for their Operation Fox Hunt plans. Belt and Roadkill book here, Fox Hunt book here

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by Matthew Russell Lee

UN GATE, Aug 16 -- How corrupt is today's UN? Well, SG Antonio Guterres while failing on Gaza and Ukraine is heading off on a South Pacific junket to Samoa and Tonga, as a pretext to visiting Xi Jinping in China.

   On August 16 the UN announced the trip, leaving the China leg for last. Inner City Press remains banned by Guterres from entering to ask, no action on this application to enter.

  Xi and China own Guterres, and use him for their Operation Fox Hunt plans. Belt and Roadkill book here, Fox Hunt book here

***

by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack

UN GATE, Aug 5 –   As Sheikh Hasina flees Bangladesh it's worth remembered that until the very end, the United Nations of Antonio Guterres praised her for giving "peacekeepers" to its missions in Africa (where many were charged with sexual abuse of those they were ostensibly protecting, none held accountable) - and that Sheikh Hasina was part of the Ng Lap Seng / South South News corruption axis.

   Inner City Press repeated asked Guterres and his spokespeople Stephane Dujarric and Melissa Fleming about these issues; their response was to have Inner City Press roughed up and placed on a continuing ban from entering the UN.

  Now Sheikh Hasina is fleeing. Watch this site

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by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack

UN GATE, Aug 1 – Sierra Leone took over the UN Security Council presidency on August 1, 2024 - while Inner City Press is still banned from the UN, despite its June 19 application.

On July 31, Inner City Press wrote to the Sierra Mission: "This is a timely request that you allow Inner City Press to enter and cover, and/or provide the WebEx  pass code(s) to access Sierra Leone's UNSC Presidency press briefing by your  Ambassador Michael Imran Kanu on August 1, 2024. I have questions to ask on what you will do this month about Gaza and Sudan, DRC and Rwanda, as well as the coups in Gabon and Niger and the conflicts in Ukraine, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Yemen and Libya -  and on ongoing cases of sexual abuse and exploitation by UN peacekeepers, and Missions' abuses in NYC, on many of which Inner City Press first reported

Please note that Inner City Press and I participate in the WebEx briefings of, for example, the IMF: March 31, 2022 and since with new IMF spokesperson Sept 28, 2023:

  Sierra Leone, which as first reported by Inner City Press, refuses to even keep its UN Mission in good repair, did not answer; its ambassador conducted a propaganda presser with the Press banned, video here. We will not cease.

 Watch this site.

 Inner City Press on June 19, 2024 again applied to the UN for access, as it gives 100s, to cover the UNGA week. Inner City Press has a NYC Press Pass and writes about the UN. From Sierra Leone and its UN Mission, nothing.

Watch this site. 

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