S1 E20: Civil Forfeiture, Hong Kong Protests & Brazil: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver

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Hong Kong Protests

Hong Kong protesters are demonstrating against the Chinese government's decision to pre-select candidates for the 2017 elections.
The protests have been peaceful and polite, with protesters using creative methods like umbrellas and the app Fire Chat to communicate.

Norway, Ukraine, Poland, and Sweden have withdrawn their bids to host the 2022 Winter Olympics, leaving only Beijing and a resort in Kazakhstan as potential hosts.
Last Week Tonight announces its bid to host the Olympics in their studio, highlighting their ability to meet the IOC's demands and offering unique mascots.

Columbus Day is criticized for celebrating Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Bahamas and the negative impact on Native Americans.
Many US states and cities no longer recognize Columbus Day, and alternative Italian-American heroes are suggested for celebration instead.

Civil forfeiture is a procedure by which the state and federal government can seize people's property without convicting them of a crime.
Police departments are allowed to keep most or all of the money they seize, creating an incentive to target people with cash.
Civil forfeiture laws have some positive consequences but are also subject to abuse.
In many cases, people have had their money seized without being charged with a crime and have difficulty getting it back.
Police departments have used forfeiture money to buy non-essential items like toys and margarita machines.
Auditors in Texas found that law enforcement agencies were misusing seized assets, including purchasing a Zamboni and margarita machines.
Civil forfeiture laws have led to the seizure of thousands of houses, vehicles, and millions of dollars in cash in Philadelphia.
The Sorrells family's house was seized after their son was arrested on drug charges, even though the amount of drugs involved was relatively small.
Recourse for individuals whose property has been seized is difficult, as they often face prosecutors in court without a judge present.
Many people choose to walk away from their property rather than fight the legal battle.