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Russian drones struck a busy shopping centre in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih on Friday, killing at least five people and injuring 91 others, according to updated regional authorities. Twenty-one of those wounded were reported to be in serious condition. The attack triggered fires inside the shopping centre as emergency crews rushed to the scene. Videos circulating on social media showed rescuers assisting wounded people outside the damaged building while thick smoke rose from the site.&nbsp;Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the strike as a ‘cynical and despicable’ attack. According to Ukrainian officials, the Russian forces carried out two strikes on the shopping centre. The second drone hit roughly half an hour after the initial attack, while emergency responders were already working at the scene. Zelensky said the follow-up strike had targeted the emergency responders. "As of now, five deaths have been reported," he added.&nbsp;The regional administration initially reported five fatalities, but the death toll later rose to six after one seriously injured victim died in hospital. The number of injured remained at 91, including 21 people in serious condition. Oleksandr Ganzha, head of the Dnipropetrovsk regional military administration, said shops inside the shopping centre had caught fire following the attack.&nbsp;Kryvyi Rih, the hometown of President Zelensky, has repeatedly been targeted by Russian attacks since the full-scale invasion began. The industrial city is located around 60 kilometres (37 miles) from the front line. The latest attack comes as Russia has intensified its aerial bombardment of Ukrainian cities. Zelensky has called on Ukraine's international partners to increase pressure on Moscow. "The world must respond to them accordingly, with real pressure on the aggressor. For peace to be possible, Russia must face real accountability," he said. The deadly strike also came ahead of a planned meeting of Ukraine's international supporters.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sword-attack-at-swedish-school-leaves-several-injured-as-police-detain-suspect-in-fagersta-1787322033339">Sword attack at Swedish school leaves several injured as police detain suspect in Fagersta</a><h2>Ukraine allies to meet on Monday</h2>Countries supporting Ukraine will meet in Kyiv on Monday, August 24, to reaffirm their backing for the country. The meeting will coincide with Ukraine's Independence Day. The meeting of the Coalition of the Willing will be co-chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and British Prime Minister Andy Burnham. Zelensky is expected to participate from Kyiv, while European Council President António Costa will attend and NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska will join remotely.&nbsp;The coalition was established by European allies to strengthen military and security support for Ukraine following Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. At previous meetings, Ukraine's partners have discussed additional air-defence assistance and plans for potential security arrangements following a ceasefire. The upcoming meeting takes place as Moscow continues to launch heavy missile and drone attacks against Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv. Zelensky has urged Ukraine's allies to respond more forcefully to what he describes as an escalation of Russia's war.

Russian drones hit a shopping centre in Kryvyi Rih twice, killing six and injuring 91, as Ukraine allies prepare for a Kyiv support meeting

Russian drones struck a busy shopping centre in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih on Friday, killing at least five people and injuring 91 others, according to updated regional authorities. Twenty-one of those wounded were reported to be in serious condition. The attack triggered fires inside the shopping centre as emergency crews rushed to the scene. Videos circulating on social media showed rescuers assisting wounded people outside the damaged building while thick smoke rose from the site. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the strike as a ‘cynical and despicable’ attack. According to Ukrainian officials, the Russian forces carried out two strikes on the shopping centre. The second drone hit roughly half an hour after the initial attack, while emergency responders were already working at the scene. Zelensky said the follow-up strike had targeted the emergency responders. "As of now, five deaths have been reported," he added. The regional administration initially reported five fatalities, but the death toll later rose to six after one seriously injured victim died in hospital. The number of injured remained at 91, including 21 people in serious condition. Oleksandr Ganzha, head of the Dnipropetrovsk regional military administration, said shops inside the shopping centre had caught fire following the attack. Kryvyi Rih, the hometown of President Zelensky, has repeatedly been targeted by Russian attacks since the full-scale invasion began. The industrial city is located around 60 kilometres (37 miles) from the front line. The latest attack comes as Russia has intensified its aerial bombardment of Ukrainian cities. Zelensky has called on Ukraine's international partners to increase pressure on Moscow. "The world must respond to them accordingly, with real pressure on the aggressor. For peace to be possible, Russia must face real accountability," he said. The deadly strike also came ahead of a planned meeting of Ukraine's international supporters. Also Read: Sword attack at Swedish school leaves several injured as police detain suspect in Fagersta Ukraine allies to meet on Monday Countries supporting Ukraine will meet in Kyiv on Monday, August 24, to reaffirm their backing for the country. The meeting will coincide with Ukraine's Independence Day. The meeting of the Coalition of the Willing will be co-chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and British Prime Minister Andy Burnham. Zelensky is expected to participate from Kyiv, while European Council President António Costa will attend and NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska will join remotely. The coalition was established by European allies to strengthen military and security support for Ukraine following Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. At previous meetings, Ukraine's partners have discussed additional air-defence assistance and plans for potential security arrangements following a ceasefire. The upcoming meeting takes place as Moscow continues to launch heavy missile and drone attacks against Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv. Zelensky has urged Ukraine's allies to respond more forcefully to what he describes as an escalation of Russia's war.

Russian drones struck a Kryvyi Rih shopping centre twice, killing six and injuring 91 as Ukraine's allies prepare to meet in Kyiv

'Cynical and despicable attack': Russian drones strike shopping centre in Kryvyi Rih, killing five and injuring multiple

An attacker armed with a sword wounded several people at a high school in central Sweden on Friday (Aug 21), authorities said, with Swedish media reporting that police had shot the alleged perpetrator.&nbsp;“An assailant armed with a sword has entered Brinellskolan and wounded several people,” Fagersta municipality said in a statement. It added that the assailant had been detained by police.Aftonbladet reported that a person wielding a machete had been shot in the leg by police. The report could not immediately be independently verified.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/someone-must-want-her-job-laura-loomer-claims-wh-staff-are-behind-nasty-stories-about-trump-and-natalie-harp-1787315663344">‘Someone must want her job’: Laura Loomer claims WH staff are behind ‘nasty stories’ about Trump and Natalie Harp</a>&nbsp;The municipality did not give a specific number of people injured but said police were searching the school. Other schools in the area had also been locked down, according to the municipality.Public broadcaster SVT reported that ambulances, police vehicles and a police helicopter were at the school in Fagersta, a small city with a population of around 12,000.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/she-has-no-official-role-questions-mount-after-hegseth-s-wife-attended-sensitive-pentagon-meeting-on-ukraine-1787299038864">‘She has no official role’: Questions mount after Hegseth’s wife attended sensitive Pentagon meeting on Ukraine</a>&nbsp;The incident comes amid a history of high-profile attacks at Swedish educational institutions.In February 2025, a 35-year-old man killed 10 people at an adult education centre in Orebro in Sweden's worst mass shooting. Police said the attack was motivated by the man's desire to end his life amid financial and psychological difficulties.&nbsp;In March 2022, an 18-year-old student fatally stabbed two teachers at a secondary school in Malmo.&nbsp;In October 2015, three people were killed in a racially motivated attack at a school in the western town of Trollhattan. The sword-wielding attacker was subsequently killed by police.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-pardoned-bank-robber-jon-ponder-in-2020-now-he-is-accused-of-sexually-assaulting-inmates-1787302088988">Trump pardoned bank robber Jon Ponder in 2020; now he is accused of sexually assaulting inmates</a>

A sword-wielding attacker injured several people at a high school in Fagersta, Sweden, on Friday before being detained by police. Local authorities locked down nearby schools during the response.



An attacker armed with a sword wounded several people at a high school in central Sweden on Friday (Aug 21), authorities said, with Swedish media reporting that police had shot the alleged perpetrator. “An assailant armed with a sword has entered Brinellskolan and wounded several people,” Fagersta municipality said in a statement. It added that the assailant had been detained by police. Aftonbladet reported that a person wielding a machete had been shot in the leg by police. The report could not immediately be independently verified. Also read: ‘Someone must want her job’: Laura Loomer claims WH staff are behind ‘nasty stories’ about Trump and Natalie Harp The municipality did not give a specific number of people injured but said police were searching the school. Other schools in the area had also been locked down, according to the municipality. Public broadcaster SVT reported that ambulances, police vehicles and a police helicopter were at the school in Fagersta, a small city with a population of around 12,000. Also read: ‘She has no official role’: Questions mount after Hegseth’s wife attended sensitive Pentagon meeting on Ukraine The incident comes amid a history of high-profile attacks at Swedish educational institutions. In February 2025, a 35-year-old man killed 10 people at an adult education centre in Orebro in Sweden's worst mass shooting. Police said the attack was motivated by the man's desire to end his life amid financial and psychological difficulties. In March 2022, an 18-year-old student fatally stabbed two teachers at a secondary school in Malmo. In October 2015, three people were killed in a racially motivated attack at a school in the western town of Trollhattan. The sword-wielding attacker was subsequently killed by police. Also read: Trump pardoned bank robber Jon Ponder in 2020; now he is accused of sexually assaulting inmates

A sword-wielding attacker injured several people at a high school in Fagersta, Sweden, on Friday before being detained by police. Local authorities locked down nearby schools during the response.&nbsp;

Sword attack at Swedish school leaves several injured as police detain suspect in Fagersta

Turkey has sought an international arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over alleged "genocide" linked to Israel's interception of an aid flotilla heading to Gaza, Justice Minister Akin Gurlek said on Friday.&nbsp;The Turkish Justice Ministry has also sought an Interpol red notice for another Israeli national, Afek Moskovitch. The move follows arrest warrants issued by Turkey against Netanyahu and other Israeli officials over allegations related to Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza. Israel has rejected accusations of genocide.&nbsp;Gurlek said on X that the Justice Ministry had asked the Interior Ministry to issue international arrest alerts for Netanyahu and Moskovitch.&nbsp;"As part of the judicial proceedings concerning the attack in international waters on the Flotilla activists (...) and in accordance with the arrest warrants issued on July 14, 2026, against Benjamin Netanyahu and Afek Moskovitch for 'genocide,' the ministry of justice has requested that the ministry of the interior issue red notices for their international arrest," the minister stated.&nbsp;According to the ministry, the two are being prosecuted for “crimes against humanity, genocide, aggravated deprivation of liberty, 'intentional assault and battery,' torture, destruction of property, aggravated looting, and hijacking of transport vehicles.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Gazze’ye insani yardım ulaştırmak amacıyla yola çıkan Küresel Sumud Filosu aktivistlerine uluslararası sularda gerçekleştirilen saldırıya ilişkin yargı süreci kararlılıkla devam etmektedir. İstanbul 11. Ağır Ceza Mahkemesinin 2026/108 Esas sayılı dosyasında, aralarında Binyamin…&mdash; Akın Gürlek (@abakingurlek) <a href="https://x.com/abakingurlek/status/2090765048431985015?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Flotilla interception sparks legal action</h2>Around 50 vessels were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla that departed Turkey in May for the besieged Palestinian territory. Israeli forces intercepted the activists in the Mediterranean, detained them and later took them to an Israeli prison before their expulsion.&nbsp;The latest Turkish action comes amid a sharp deterioration in relations between Ankara and Jerusalem since the Hamas-led October 7, 2023 attack and the subsequent Gaza war. Turkey has hosted Hamas leaders, while President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has repeatedly criticised Israel. Ankara has also ended trade and direct flights with Israel.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/it-is-better-we-end-the-war-now-iran-s-pezeshkian-says-tehran-is-in-position-of-power-1787318532156">‘It is better we end the war now’: Iran’s Pezeshkian says Tehran is in ‘position of power’</a><h2>Tensions rise over Syria</h2>The dispute has also expanded beyond Gaza. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Thursday that Erdogan was "dragging Turkey into dangerous adventures in Syria".&nbsp;Katz made the remarks after Israel carried out airstrikes on Syria's Abu al-Duhar air base earlier this week, claiming Turkish troops were preparing to deploy there.&nbsp;Turkey's Defence Ministry rejected the claim, saying it had no military presence at the base. It also said Ankara would continue supporting Syria's efforts to develop its infrastructure and military capabilities.Meanwhile, Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir triggered further controversy after releasing a video showing detained flotilla activists on their knees with their hands tied behind their backs.

Turkey has sought Interpol red notices for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and another Israeli national over alleged genocide linked to the interception of a Gaza aid flotilla, amid worsening tensions between Ankara and Jerusalem.

Turkey has sought an international arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over alleged "genocide" linked to Israel's interception of an aid flotilla heading to Gaza, Justice Minister Akin Gurlek said on Friday. The Turkish Justice Ministry has also sought an Interpol red notice for another Israeli national, Afek Moskovitch. The move follows arrest warrants issued by Turkey against Netanyahu and other Israeli officials over allegations related to Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza. Israel has rejected accusations of genocide. Gurlek said on X that the Justice Ministry had asked the Interior Ministry to issue international arrest alerts for Netanyahu and Moskovitch. "As part of the judicial proceedings concerning the attack in international waters on the Flotilla activists (...) and in accordance with the arrest warrants issued on July 14, 2026, against Benjamin Netanyahu and Afek Moskovitch for 'genocide,' the ministry of justice has requested that the ministry of the interior issue red notices for their international arrest," the minister stated. According to the ministry, the two are being prosecuted for “crimes against humanity, genocide, aggravated deprivation of liberty, 'intentional assault and battery,' torture, destruction of property, aggravated looting, and hijacking of transport vehicles.”

Turkey has sought Interpol red notices for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and another Israeli national over alleged genocide linked to the interception of a Gaza aid flotilla, amid worsening tensions between Ankara and Jerusalem.

Turkey issues 'genocide' warrant for Israeli PM Netanyahu over Gaza flotilla

A Japanese father has faced backlash after allegedly leaving his seven-year-old son alone on Mount Fuji while continuing towards the summit with his elder son. The 48-year-old man was trekking with his two sons on Thursday when the younger boy, a first-grade student from Nagoya, reportedly said he was tired at the sixth station of the Fujinomiya trail, at an elevation of about 2,490 metres.&nbsp;Instead of stopping the climb or returning with the child, the father allegedly told him to wait there before continuing towards the summit with his elder son, a first-year middle school student. The boy was later found sitting alone on a bench by a mountain hut worker at around 7:40 am. As heavy rain began to fall, the worker took the child inside the hut and alerted authorities.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/someone-must-want-her-job-laura-loomer-claims-wh-staff-are-behind-nasty-stories-about-trump-and-natalie-harp-1787315663344">‘Someone must want her job’: Laura Loomer claims WH staff are behind ‘nasty stories’ about Trump and Natalie Harp</a>&nbsp;Police later contacted the father, warned him that leaving a child unattended was unacceptable and returned the boy to him.<h2>The criticism on social media</h2>The incident has sparked criticism on Japanese social media, with users questioning the father's decision to leave the child alone in mountainous terrain.&nbsp;"Not accepted," one user wrote, while another described the incident as "horrific". The father reportedly expressed regret over his decision, telling authorities: "I made a rash decision, and I deeply regret it."&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/she-has-no-official-role-questions-mount-after-hegseth-s-wife-attended-sensitive-pentagon-meeting-on-ukraine-1787299038864">‘She has no official role’: Questions mount after Hegseth’s wife attended sensitive Pentagon meeting on Ukraine</a>&nbsp;Authorities have advised hikers to consider the abilities and stamina of everyone in their group when planning a climb. They stressed that hikers should adjust their pace and plans according to the least experienced or least physically capable member, rather than leaving anyone behind.&nbsp;

A Japanese father sparked outrage after leaving his tired seven-year-old son alone at Mount Fuji’s sixth station to summit with his older child. Authorities safely returned the boy and issued a warning.

A Japanese father has faced backlash after allegedly leaving his seven-year-old son alone on Mount Fuji while continuing towards the summit with his elder son. The 48-year-old man was trekking with his two sons on Thursday when the younger boy, a first-grade student from Nagoya, reportedly said he was tired at the sixth station of the Fujinomiya trail, at an elevation of about 2,490 metres. Instead of stopping the climb or returning with the child, the father allegedly told him to wait there before continuing towards the summit with his elder son, a first-year middle school student. The boy was later found sitting alone on a bench by a mountain hut worker at around 7:40 am. As heavy rain began to fall, the worker took the child inside the hut and alerted authorities. Also read: ‘Someone must want her job’: Laura Loomer claims WH staff are behind ‘nasty stories’ about Trump and Natalie Harp Police later contacted the father, warned him that leaving a child unattended was unacceptable and returned the boy to him. The criticism on social media The incident has sparked criticism on Japanese social media, with users questioning the father's decision to leave the child alone in mountainous terrain. "Not accepted," one user wrote, while another described the incident as "horrific". The father reportedly expressed regret over his decision, telling authorities: "I made a rash decision, and I deeply regret it." Also read: ‘She has no official role’: Questions mount after Hegseth’s wife attended sensitive Pentagon meeting on Ukraine Authorities have advised hikers to consider the abilities and stamina of everyone in their group when planning a climb. They stressed that hikers should adjust their pace and plans according to the least experienced or least physically capable member, rather than leaving anyone behind.

A Japanese father sparked outrage after leaving his tired seven-year-old son alone at Mount Fuji’s sixth station to summit with his older child. Authorities safely returned the boy and issued a warning.

‘Wait here, I’m going to the summit’: Japanese father leaves tired 7-year-old son alone on a, sparks outrage

Taiwan's coast guard said on Friday (August 21) it had warned and shadowed a Chinese research vessel sailing in sensitive waters west of Taiwan, marking the third time the ship has been detected near the island since May in what Taipei considers ongoing maritime provocation. China regards democratically governed Taiwan as part of its territory and rejects sovereignty claims made by Taipei, including those concerning waters surrounding the island.&nbsp;Taiwan has repeatedly reported sightings of Chinese vessels, including China Coast Guard ships, operating near the island. Taipei describes such activity as ‘grey zone’ harassment intended to pressure the Taiwanese government and create an appearance of Chinese jurisdiction. The coast guard said the research vessel, the Tongji, entered waters late Thursday and was spotted 24.9 nautical miles northwest of the Penghu islands. Located in the Taiwan Strait, Penghu hosts several major Taiwanese military facilities. Taiwanese authorities said the vessel was not seen deploying or towing any equipment.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/el-nino-warning-2027-very-likely-to-become-hottest-year-on-record-as-pacific-temperatures-surge-1787315323276">El Nino warning: 2027 ‘very likely’ to become hottest year on record as Pacific temperatures surge</a>&nbsp;A coast guard patrol boat was sent to sail alongside the Tongji and broadcast ‘strong’ warnings ordering the vessel to leave the area. By Friday morning, the Tongji was approximately 28 nautical miles west-southwest of Taiwan's Liuqiu island, a popular tourist destination in the southern part of the Taiwan Strait. The vessel was continuing to travel southeast, according to the coast guard. China's Taiwan Affairs Office had not immediately responded to a request for comment.&nbsp;Taiwan's coast guard said it would proactively deploy vessels in response to Chinese ships, "firmly defending national sovereignty and ensuring the safety of our nation's waters". China's military also maintains an almost daily presence around Taiwan. Taiwan first detected the Tongji near the island in May. On at least one occasion, authorities said the vessel was observed lowering ropes into the water, raising suspicions that it was deploying scientific instruments for what Taipei described as "illegal" survey operations. Chinese state media has reported that the Tongji has all-weather operational capabilities and can carry remotely operated vehicles, laboratories and unmanned systems.

Taiwan's coast guard shadowed Chinese research ship Tongji near Penghu, warning it to leave as Taipei cites repeated maritime 'grey zone' activity

Taiwan's coast guard said on Friday (August 21) it had warned and shadowed a Chinese research vessel sailing in sensitive waters west of Taiwan, marking the third time the ship has been detected near the island since May in what Taipei considers ongoing maritime provocation. China regards democratically governed Taiwan as part of its territory and rejects sovereignty claims made by Taipei, including those concerning waters surrounding the island. Taiwan has repeatedly reported sightings of Chinese vessels, including China Coast Guard ships, operating near the island. Taipei describes such activity as ‘grey zone’ harassment intended to pressure the Taiwanese government and create an appearance of Chinese jurisdiction. The coast guard said the research vessel, the Tongji, entered waters late Thursday and was spotted 24.9 nautical miles northwest of the Penghu islands. Located in the Taiwan Strait, Penghu hosts several major Taiwanese military facilities. Taiwanese authorities said the vessel was not seen deploying or towing any equipment. Also Read: El Nino warning: 2027 ‘very likely’ to become hottest year on record as Pacific temperatures surge A coast guard patrol boat was sent to sail alongside the Tongji and broadcast ‘strong’ warnings ordering the vessel to leave the area. By Friday morning, the Tongji was approximately 28 nautical miles west-southwest of Taiwan's Liuqiu island, a popular tourist destination in the southern part of the Taiwan Strait. The vessel was continuing to travel southeast, according to the coast guard. China's Taiwan Affairs Office had not immediately responded to a request for comment. Taiwan's coast guard said it would proactively deploy vessels in response to Chinese ships, "firmly defending national sovereignty and ensuring the safety of our nation's waters". China's military also maintains an almost daily presence around Taiwan. Taiwan first detected the Tongji near the island in May. On at least one occasion, authorities said the vessel was observed lowering ropes into the water, raising suspicions that it was deploying scientific instruments for what Taipei described as "illegal" survey operations. Chinese state media has reported that the Tongji has all-weather operational capabilities and can carry remotely operated vehicles, laboratories and unmanned systems.

Taiwan shadowed a Chinese research ship near Penghu, calling its repeated presence a 'grey zone' provocation and strengthening maritime patrols

Taiwan coast guard shadows Chinese research ship near Penghu, calls presence maritime provocation

After former prime minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan was taken back to prison after a brief hospital visit for a medical check-up early Friday (Aug 21), his sister Dr Uzma Khan alleged that he was being “severely tortured ” in prison. Uzma claimed that Khan had a bandage over one his eyes and was taken through the "dark" hospital using the light from a mobile phone.&nbsp;"There was darkness in the PIMS, and he was taken in the light of a mobile phone," she said, adding, "I told him, 'Walk slowly.'"&nbsp;Uzma made the comments at a press conference on Friday. She said that Khan was being subjected to inhuman treatment in jail as her eyes swelled with tears.&nbsp;Speaking further she alleged that no blood test was done and there was no clarity on who was the doctor attending to Khan at Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad.&nbsp;She also claimed that Khan told her he was being "severely tortured" in jail and that no one listened to his appeals.<h2>Why Imran Khan was taken to hospital?</h2>&nbsp;Pakistan’s former prime minister, Imran Khan, who had been serving his jail sentence, was briefly taken to a hospital for a medical check-up early Friday (Aug 21) before being taken back to Adiala prison.&nbsp;This came amid uproar over health concerns of the incarcerated founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) that led to the Supreme Court issuing an order earlier this week, directing Khan to be moved to Islamabad’s Shifa International Hospital for treatment.&nbsp;The 73-year-old has been serving a 14-year prison sentence since August 2023 after he was charged with corruption and other crimes. Khan, who was found guilty of concealing details of Toshakhana gifts, has insisted that the charges were politically motivated. He was also found guilty in a $259 million corruption case, also known as the Al-Qadir Trust case. However, while being held at Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail, reports have emerged about his health concerns, with his party members, family and supporters expressing outrage.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Speaking further she alleged that no blood test was done and there was no clarity on who was the doctor attending to Khan at Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad.

After former prime minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan was taken back to prison after a brief hospital visit for a medical check-up early Friday (Aug 21), his sister Dr Uzma Khan alleged that he was being “severely tortured ” in prison. Uzma claimed that Khan had a bandage over one his eyes and was taken through the "dark" hospital using the light from a mobile phone. "There was darkness in the PIMS, and he was taken in the light of a mobile phone," she said, adding, "I told him, 'Walk slowly.'" Uzma made the comments at a press conference on Friday. She said that Khan was being subjected to inhuman treatment in jail as her eyes swelled with tears. Speaking further she alleged that no blood test was done and there was no clarity on who was the doctor attending to Khan at Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad. She also claimed that Khan told her he was being "severely tortured" in jail and that no one listened to his appeals. Why Imran Khan was taken to hospital? Pakistan’s former prime minister, Imran Khan, who had been serving his jail sentence, was briefly taken to a hospital for a medical check-up early Friday (Aug 21) before being taken back to Adiala prison. This came amid uproar over health concerns of the incarcerated founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) that led to the Supreme Court issuing an order earlier this week, directing Khan to be moved to Islamabad’s Shifa International Hospital for treatment. The 73-year-old has been serving a 14-year prison sentence since August 2023 after he was charged with corruption and other crimes. Khan, who was found guilty of concealing details of Toshakhana gifts, has insisted that the charges were politically motivated. He was also found guilty in a $259 million corruption case, also known as the Al-Qadir Trust case. However, while being held at Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail, reports have emerged about his health concerns, with his party members, family and supporters expressing outrage.

Speaking further she alleged that no blood test was done and there was no clarity on who was the doctor attending to Khan at Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad.

Imran Khan 'severely tortured in jail, no blood test done at hospital', claims sister

A powerful El Nino event developing across the Pacific Ocean could become the strongest in living memory, according to a warning from the UK Met office. The naturally occurring climate phenomenon can push up global temperatures and significantly alter weather patterns around the world. Combined with human-driven climate change, the developing event is expected to increase the likelihood of extreme weather in several regions.&nbsp;The Met Office says it is ‘very likely’ that 2027 will become the hottest year ever recorded globally, potentially surpassing the current record set in 2024. Scientists are already seeing indications that El Niño is influencing weather patterns. South Asia's monsoon rainfall has been running below average, while hurricane activity in the Atlantic has been suppressed. The UK could also face a greater risk of a wet and stormy autumn, with long-range forecasts already pointing towards increasingly unsettled conditions. "We should be clear that this is an unprecedented event," said Prof Adam Scaife, head of long-range forecasting at the UK Met office. "I have never seen an El Nino signal this intense in our forecasts."<h2>What is El Nino?</h2>El Nino is a naturally occurring climate pattern that typically develops every two to seven years and lasts for roughly a year. Under normal conditions, trade winds blow from east to west across the Pacific. During El Niño, these winds can weaken or even reverse, allowing unusually warm water to move eastwards across the ocean. That warmer water releases substantial amounts of heat into the atmosphere, raising global temperatures and changing rainfall patterns across different parts of the world.&nbsp;Scientists generally classify an El Nino event when sea-surface temperatures in a key region of the Pacific are at least 0.5C above the long-term average. Current measurements are already more than 2C above normal. According to the latest Met Office forecasts, temperatures in this region could rise beyond 3C above average later this year as the event approaches its peak. Such warming would be unprecedented in records dating back to 1950 and could represent the strongest El Niño since at least the 19th century, the Met office says.&nbsp;The unusually warm water deeper beneath the Pacific could further strengthen the event. Temperatures around 100 metres below the surface are reportedly as much as 8C above normal in some areas, creating a large reservoir of heat that could help sustain and intensify El Nino. Some climate researchers have forecast an even stronger event, potentially reaching 4C above average.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/swiss-tourist-gets-1-year-in-indonesia-prison-for-insulting-hindu-holiday-nyepi-1787313223055">Swiss tourist gets 1 year in Indonesia prison for insulting Hindu holiday Nyepi</a><h2>Is climate change making El Nino stronger?</h2>Scientists are still investigating the relationship between climate change and El Nino. The World Meteorological Organization says there is currently ‘no evidence’ that global warming is increasing the frequency or strength of El Nino events. However, the question remains an active area of scientific research.&nbsp;A 2021 assessment by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change found that El Nino intensity appears to have increased since 1950 compared with the longer historical period extending back to around 1400. Researchers caution, however, that El Nino has varied considerably in strength over thousands of years, making it difficult to establish a direct link between its recent behaviour and human-caused warming. What is much clearer is that El Nino events are now occurring on top of a significantly warmer global climate. As a result, their effects can be amplified.<h2>Why 2027 could be the hottest year on record?</h2>Global temperatures have already climbed by approximately 1.4C since the late 19th century, largely because of human activities including the burning of fossil fuels. El Nino can temporarily add to that warming because large quantities of heat stored in the ocean are released into the atmosphere. The warming effect is particularly significant in the calendar year following the winter peak of an El Nino event. Met Office climate scientist Dr Nick Dunstone said this effect is particularly pronounced in the calendar year following the winter peak of the El Nino. "Hence, 2027 is very likely to replace 2024 as the warmest year on record," he said.

A powerful El Niño could become the strongest in living memory, raising extreme weather risks and making 2027 very likely the hottest year on record

A powerful El Nino event developing across the Pacific Ocean could become the strongest in living memory, according to a warning from the UK Met office. The naturally occurring climate phenomenon can push up global temperatures and significantly alter weather patterns around the world. Combined with human-driven climate change, the developing event is expected to increase the likelihood of extreme weather in several regions. The Met Office says it is ‘very likely’ that 2027 will become the hottest year ever recorded globally, potentially surpassing the current record set in 2024. Scientists are already seeing indications that El Niño is influencing weather patterns. South Asia's monsoon rainfall has been running below average, while hurricane activity in the Atlantic has been suppressed. The UK could also face a greater risk of a wet and stormy autumn, with long-range forecasts already pointing towards increasingly unsettled conditions. "We should be clear that this is an unprecedented event," said Prof Adam Scaife, head of long-range forecasting at the UK Met office. "I have never seen an El Nino signal this intense in our forecasts." What is El Nino? El Nino is a naturally occurring climate pattern that typically develops every two to seven years and lasts for roughly a year. Under normal conditions, trade winds blow from east to west across the Pacific. During El Niño, these winds can weaken or even reverse, allowing unusually warm water to move eastwards across the ocean. That warmer water releases substantial amounts of heat into the atmosphere, raising global temperatures and changing rainfall patterns across different parts of the world. Scientists generally classify an El Nino event when sea-surface temperatures in a key region of the Pacific are at least 0.5C above the long-term average. Current measurements are already more than 2C above normal. According to the latest Met Office forecasts, temperatures in this region could rise beyond 3C above average later this year as the event approaches its peak. Such warming would be unprecedented in records dating back to 1950 and could represent the strongest El Niño since at least the 19th century, the Met office says. The unusually warm water deeper beneath the Pacific could further strengthen the event. Temperatures around 100 metres below the surface are reportedly as much as 8C above normal in some areas, creating a large reservoir of heat that could help sustain and intensify El Nino. Some climate researchers have forecast an even stronger event, potentially reaching 4C above average. Also Read: Swiss tourist gets 1 year in Indonesia prison for insulting Hindu holiday Nyepi Is climate change making El Nino stronger? Scientists are still investigating the relationship between climate change and El Nino. The World Meteorological Organization says there is currently ‘no evidence’ that global warming is increasing the frequency or strength of El Nino events. However, the question remains an active area of scientific research. A 2021 assessment by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change found that El Nino intensity appears to have increased since 1950 compared with the longer historical period extending back to around 1400. Researchers caution, however, that El Nino has varied considerably in strength over thousands of years, making it difficult to establish a direct link between its recent behaviour and human-caused warming. What is much clearer is that El Nino events are now occurring on top of a significantly warmer global climate. As a result, their effects can be amplified. Why 2027 could be the hottest year on record? Global temperatures have already climbed by approximately 1.4C since the late 19th century, largely because of human activities including the burning of fossil fuels. El Nino can temporarily add to that warming because large quantities of heat stored in the ocean are released into the atmosphere. The warming effect is particularly significant in the calendar year following the winter peak of an El Nino event. Met Office climate scientist Dr Nick Dunstone said this effect is particularly pronounced in the calendar year following the winter peak of the El Nino. "Hence, 2027 is very likely to replace 2024 as the warmest year on record," he said.

A record-strength El Nino could drive extreme weather worldwide and make 2027 very likely to become the hottest year ever recorded

El Nino warning: 2027 ‘very likely’ to become hottest year on record as Pacific temperatures surge

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said it is time to end the months-long war with the United States, arguing that Tehran is in a position of strength despite the ongoing conflict. Speaking at a meeting with doctors on Friday (Aug 21), Pezeshkian said Iran should bring the war to an end while it had the upper hand. “It is better that we bring the war to an end now as we are in a position of power and dignity,” Pezeshkian said, according to remarks carried by Iranian state media.He also claimed that the international community recognised Iran’s “victory” and accused the United States of attacking Iranian schools, hospitals and infrastructure in violation of international rules.Pezeshkian’s comments came as tensions between Tehran and Washington remained high, with Iran’s foreign ministry accusing the US of “economic terrorism” and “crimes against humanity” over a fresh sanctions campaign.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/any-assistance-to-us-military-amounts-to-participation-in-us-military-operation-iran-s-stark-warning-to-gulf-countries-1787131901398">‘Any assistance to US military amounts to participation in US military operation’: Iran’s stark warning to Gulf countries</a>“The perpetrators and instigators of these sanctions are deserving of trial and punishment for committing such heinous crimes,” Iran’s foreign ministry said in a statement carried by state media.The comments followed a warning from US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Thursday that Washington would seek to “collapse” the Iranian regime through its campaign of economic pressure.The conflict has now continued for nearly six months, with Washington threatening further measures aimed at isolating Iran and putting additional pressure on its economy.China has also criticised the US approach. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Friday that sanctions and pressure would not resolve the conflict in the Middle East.Asked about US President Donald Trump’s threats, Lin told reporters that “sanctions and pressure will not help resolve the issue”.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-s-new-infiltration-bill-could-turn-foreign-contacts-into-crimes-journalists-and-others-face-prison-under-proposed-law-details-inside-1786935582385">What's inside Iran’s new ‘infiltration’ bill that could turn foreign contacts into crimes: Journalists and others face prison under this law</a>Washington has urged other governments, including Beijing, to join efforts to isolate the Iranian economy, adding another layer to the wider diplomatic tensions surrounding the conflict.

Iranian President Pezeshkian called to end the six-month US war from a position of strength, while Washington vowed to collapse Iran's economy despite China's opposition to sanctions.



Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said it is time to end the months-long war with the United States, arguing that Tehran is in a position of strength despite the ongoing conflict. Speaking at a meeting with doctors on Friday (Aug 21), Pezeshkian said Iran should bring the war to an end while it had the upper hand. “It is better that we bring the war to an end now as we are in a position of power and dignity,” Pezeshkian said, according to remarks carried by Iranian state media. He also claimed that the international community recognised Iran’s “victory” and accused the United States of attacking Iranian schools, hospitals and infrastructure in violation of international rules. Pezeshkian’s comments came as tensions between Tehran and Washington remained high, with Iran’s foreign ministry accusing the US of “economic terrorism” and “crimes against humanity” over a fresh sanctions campaign. Also read: ‘Any assistance to US military amounts to participation in US military operation’: Iran’s stark warning to Gulf countries “The perpetrators and instigators of these sanctions are deserving of trial and punishment for committing such heinous crimes,” Iran’s foreign ministry said in a statement carried by state media. The comments followed a warning from US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Thursday that Washington would seek to “collapse” the Iranian regime through its campaign of economic pressure. The conflict has now continued for nearly six months, with Washington threatening further measures aimed at isolating Iran and putting additional pressure on its economy. China has also criticised the US approach. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Friday that sanctions and pressure would not resolve the conflict in the Middle East. Asked about US President Donald Trump’s threats, Lin told reporters that “sanctions and pressure will not help resolve the issue”. Also read: What's inside Iran’s new ‘infiltration’ bill that could turn foreign contacts into crimes: Journalists and others face prison under this law Washington has urged other governments, including Beijing, to join efforts to isolate the Iranian economy, adding another layer to the wider diplomatic tensions surrounding the conflict.

Iranian President Pezeshkian called to end the six-month US war from a position of strength, while Washington vowed to collapse Iran's economy despite China's opposition to sanctions.&nbsp;

‘It is better we end the war now’: Iran’s Pezeshkian says Tehran is in ‘position of power’

Conservative activist Laura Loomer has claimed that negative stories about Natalie Harp, an executive assistant to US President Donald Trump, are being leaked from within the White House. Loomer, a vocal supporter of Trump, made the claim in a post on X, suggesting that some White House staff members were unhappy with Harp and jealous of her position.&nbsp;“Make no mistake, the nasty stories you’re seeing about Natalie Harp that are being posted are coming from inside the West Wing,” Loomer wrote. She alleged that some people working for Trump were driven by “professional jealousy” and were “very bothered by loyalty”.&nbsp;Loomer also questioned how details about Harp’s work and her conversations with Trump could have reached the media unless people working with her were speaking about her.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Make no mistake, the nasty stories you’re seeing about Natalie Harp that are being posted are coming from inside the West Wing. A lot of the people who work for President Trump suffer from major professional jealousy and they are very bothered by loyalty. How would anyone in…&mdash; Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) <a href="https://x.com/LauraLoomer/status/2090101841488986291?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-pardoned-bank-robber-jon-ponder-in-2020-now-he-is-accused-of-sexually-assaulting-inmates-1787302088988">Trump pardoned bank robber Jon Ponder in 2020; now he is accused of sexually assaulting inmates</a><h2>‘Someone who works with her must want her job’</h2>&nbsp;“How would anyone in the media know about Natalie’s work performance or have detailed accounts of her conversations with POTUS unless her colleagues are speaking badly about her?” she wrote. “Someone who works with her must want her job.” Harp has attracted increased media attention in recent months amid scrutiny of her role around Trump.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/she-has-no-official-role-questions-mount-after-hegseth-s-wife-attended-sensitive-pentagon-meeting-on-ukraine-1787299038864">‘She has no official role’: Questions mount after Hegseth’s wife attended sensitive Pentagon meeting on Ukraine</a>&nbsp;Loomer, who has previously been criticised for promoting conspiracy theories online, also claimed that Trump’s administration has too many internal leakers. “There are way too many leakers in the WH,” she wrote, adding, “This is why vetting matters.” Loomer did not provide evidence to support her claims that White House staff members were behind the reports about Harp or that anyone was seeking to replace her.

Laura Loomer claimed White House staff are leaking negative stories about Donald Trump’s assistant, Natalie Harp, due to professional jealousy, though she provided no evidence for the accusations.

Conservative activist Laura Loomer has claimed that negative stories about Natalie Harp, an executive assistant to US President Donald Trump, are being leaked from within the White House. Loomer, a vocal supporter of Trump, made the claim in a post on X, suggesting that some White House staff members were unhappy with Harp and jealous of her position. “Make no mistake, the nasty stories you’re seeing about Natalie Harp that are being posted are coming from inside the West Wing,” Loomer wrote. She alleged that some people working for Trump were driven by “professional jealousy” and were “very bothered by loyalty”. Loomer also questioned how details about Harp’s work and her conversations with Trump could have reached the media unless people working with her were speaking about her.

Laura Loomer claimed White House staff are leaking negative stories about Donald Trump’s assistant, Natalie Harp, due to professional jealousy, though she provided no evidence for the accusations.

‘Someone must want her job’: Laura Loomer claims WH staff are behind ‘nasty stories’ about Trump and Natalie Harp

A Denpasar court in Bali sentenced Swiss tourist Luzian Andrin Zgraggen, 26, to one year in prison on Thursday after finding him guilty of insulting the island's sacred Hindu observance, Nyepi.&nbsp;The case centred on Instagram posts in which Zgraggen showed himself violating restrictions imposed during the Day of Silence. The Denpasar District Court found that he continued to publish the content after villa staff had explained the rules to him.&nbsp;Nyepi requires people across Bali to remain indoors, maintain silence and meditate. The annual observance usually takes place in March, with streets and beaches empty except for patrols enforcing the restrictions. Bali's airport closes, and internet access is switched off for the day.&nbsp;The rules cover residents and visitors regardless of their religion or nationality. People can leave their accommodation only in emergencies.&nbsp;Zgraggen shared video clips showing him walking towards a beach during the observance. In one post, he described the tradition as “crazy” and used an expletive.&nbsp;The content spread widely online and angered Balinese residents, who viewed it as disrespectful. Authorities located him after receiving public complaints and arrested him at a villa in Legian near Kuta Beach.&nbsp;Presiding judge Tjokorda Putra Budi Pastima said the conduct had caused offence and public anger.“What the defendant did offended the Balinese people, hurt their faith and provoked public outrage,” said presiding judge Tjokorda Putra Budi Pastima. “The defendant must be held accountable for his actions.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/goons-of-bjp-after-blood-of-ashutosh-dipke-slams-bjp-criticises-rajasthan-police-1787310582399">'Will hold protest in Jaipur if arrests not made within 48 hours', threatens Dipke</a><h3>Tourist says he did not intend to offend</h3>&nbsp;Zgraggen appeared before the court when his trial began in June. He denied intending to insult either the religious observance or local residents.&nbsp;He told the court that he became frustrated after being unable to obtain food during the shutdown and said he did not fully understand how extensive the restrictions were.&nbsp;Indonesia's new criminal code allows a sentence of up to five years for the offence. The court reduced the punishment after considering his age and conduct during proceedings.&nbsp;“I deeply regret what I did; I apologise to the Balinese people,” Zgraggen said in his defence plea.Authorities have previously detained tourists for leaving their accommodation during Nyepi, but those incidents generally did not result in prosecution.

A Swiss tourist was sentenced to one year in prison by an Indonesian court for insulting the sacred Hindu observance of Nyepi through social media posts.

A Denpasar court in Bali sentenced Swiss tourist Luzian Andrin Zgraggen, 26, to one year in prison on Thursday after finding him guilty of insulting the island's sacred Hindu observance, Nyepi. The case centred on Instagram posts in which Zgraggen showed himself violating restrictions imposed during the Day of Silence. The Denpasar District Court found that he continued to publish the content after villa staff had explained the rules to him. Nyepi requires people across Bali to remain indoors, maintain silence and meditate. The annual observance usually takes place in March, with streets and beaches empty except for patrols enforcing the restrictions. Bali's airport closes, and internet access is switched off for the day. The rules cover residents and visitors regardless of their religion or nationality. People can leave their accommodation only in emergencies. Zgraggen shared video clips showing him walking towards a beach during the observance. In one post, he described the tradition as “crazy” and used an expletive. The content spread widely online and angered Balinese residents, who viewed it as disrespectful. Authorities located him after receiving public complaints and arrested him at a villa in Legian near Kuta Beach. Presiding judge Tjokorda Putra Budi Pastima said the conduct had caused offence and public anger. “What the defendant did offended the Balinese people, hurt their faith and provoked public outrage,” said presiding judge Tjokorda Putra Budi Pastima. “The defendant must be held accountable for his actions.” Also Read: 'Will hold protest in Jaipur if arrests not made within 48 hours', threatens Dipke Tourist says he did not intend to offend Zgraggen appeared before the court when his trial began in June. He denied intending to insult either the religious observance or local residents. He told the court that he became frustrated after being unable to obtain food during the shutdown and said he did not fully understand how extensive the restrictions were. Indonesia's new criminal code allows a sentence of up to five years for the offence. The court reduced the punishment after considering his age and conduct during proceedings. “I deeply regret what I did; I apologise to the Balinese people,” Zgraggen said in his defence plea. Authorities have previously detained tourists for leaving their accommodation during Nyepi, but those incidents generally did not result in prosecution.

A Swiss tourist was sentenced to one year in prison by an Indonesian court for insulting the sacred Hindu observance of Nyepi through social media posts.

Swiss tourist gets 1 year in Indonesia prison for insulting Hindu holiday Nyepi

A 38-year-old woman appeared in court for duping several people by posing as a 12-year-old and getting them to take care of her. Amanda Maria Souza de Oliveira was arrested in Brazil in June for the fraud. She managed to convince a couple that she was a child who then adopted her. She lived in a room full of toys and children's furnishings, got them to shell out money for her expenses and even had a 12th birthday party. She spoke like a child too, and no one suspected that she was an adult.&nbsp;When the police entered her room, she panicked and started speaking in her regular voice. Amanda has been charged with fraud and false identity. It was later revealed that she had done the same thing to many others by claiming that she had run away from her home because her father physically and sexually abused her. She used the lie to get other people to take care of her.&nbsp;A hearing happened in Joinville, in northern Santa Catarina, Brazil, where the family with whom Amanda was last living also appeared. Prosecutors told the court that Amanda met people with a fake identity, that of Gabriele Ferreira dos Santos, and claimed to be 11. She later changed her age to 12.&nbsp;&nbsp;To make her claim more convincing, Amanda used props like a baby bottle, an infantilised voice, and toys. Since she was a full-grown woman, she had to come up with a reason for her appearance. Amanda told the family that she was autistic and was forcibly given hormones. She told the police that she did not intend to defraud anyone. "It is clear that I deceived people; I lied. But I did not intend to scam anyone," she said.<h2>Amanda's lawyers argued no one suffered financial losses</h2>Her defence lawyer, Lucio Sousa, also presented the same argument, arguing she did not cheat anyone out of money and that what she did was merely a survival strategy. He added that she did not commit robbery or theft, and there were no grounds to prove fraud in the case. Amanda’s lawyer Sarita de Paiva told the media that she was simply seeking love and affection that she did not get as a child.<h2>Amanda told people she was sexually abused</h2>But the police presented others who had been deceived by Amanda over 10 years. Social worker Delma Soares said she lived with her under the name of Karolina in 2017, claiming she was being sexually preyed on. She asked Delma if she helped people affected by prostitution and child abuse. "She had the posture and behaviour of a teenager. She liked to wear children’s clothes with childish designs," the social worker said. While living with her, she started noticing signs that she was not a teenager but an adult, but had no way to prove it. People did not believe her.&nbsp;In 2023, Amanda presented herself as an autistic teenager who had suffered abuse to nutritionist Renata Magalhaes. She acted like a child and used drawings and emotional episodes to convince her into believing that she was a child. Amanda's phone search history was on "how an autistic person behaves and how to make drawings to move evangelical people," Renata said.<h2>Amanda inserted nails and wires into her own body</h2>She was once taken to the hospital with injuries caused by needles and pieces of wire. Renata said that she inserted needles into herself and later vomited them in front of her. Renata said that while people are making jokes about it, Amanda is a "fraudster, a narcissist, and a dangerous woman." Amanda duped her during the COVID-19 pandemic by telling her she was 13 years old and suffering from terminal leukaemia. Another woman even had her name tattooed on her hand after becoming close to her.&nbsp;Amanda's lawyers have requested her release, and the verdict is expected in five days.&nbsp;

The Brazilian woman who duped a family by posing as a 12-year-old has done the same to several other people in the last decade. Many others told their story about Amanda, who told them she was a child who was sexually abused.

A 38-year-old woman appeared in court for duping several people by posing as a 12-year-old and getting them to take care of her. Amanda Maria Souza de Oliveira was arrested in Brazil in June for the fraud. She managed to convince a couple that she was a child who then adopted her. She lived in a room full of toys and children's furnishings, got them to shell out money for her expenses and even had a 12th birthday party. She spoke like a child too, and no one suspected that she was an adult. When the police entered her room, she panicked and started speaking in her regular voice. Amanda has been charged with fraud and false identity. It was later revealed that she had done the same thing to many others by claiming that she had run away from her home because her father physically and sexually abused her. She used the lie to get other people to take care of her. A hearing happened in Joinville, in northern Santa Catarina, Brazil, where the family with whom Amanda was last living also appeared. Prosecutors told the court that Amanda met people with a fake identity, that of Gabriele Ferreira dos Santos, and claimed to be 11. She later changed her age to 12. To make her claim more convincing, Amanda used props like a baby bottle, an infantilised voice, and toys. Since she was a full-grown woman, she had to come up with a reason for her appearance. Amanda told the family that she was autistic and was forcibly given hormones. She told the police that she did not intend to defraud anyone. "It is clear that I deceived people; I lied. But I did not intend to scam anyone," she said. Amanda's lawyers argued no one suffered financial losses Her defence lawyer, Lucio Sousa, also presented the same argument, arguing she did not cheat anyone out of money and that what she did was merely a survival strategy. He added that she did not commit robbery or theft, and there were no grounds to prove fraud in the case. Amanda’s lawyer Sarita de Paiva told the media that she was simply seeking love and affection that she did not get as a child. Amanda told people she was sexually abused But the police presented others who had been deceived by Amanda over 10 years. Social worker Delma Soares said she lived with her under the name of Karolina in 2017, claiming she was being sexually preyed on. She asked Delma if she helped people affected by prostitution and child abuse. "She had the posture and behaviour of a teenager. She liked to wear children’s clothes with childish designs," the social worker said. While living with her, she started noticing signs that she was not a teenager but an adult, but had no way to prove it. People did not believe her. In 2023, Amanda presented herself as an autistic teenager who had suffered abuse to nutritionist Renata Magalhaes. She acted like a child and used drawings and emotional episodes to convince her into believing that she was a child. Amanda's phone search history was on "how an autistic person behaves and how to make drawings to move evangelical people," Renata said. Amanda inserted nails and wires into her own body She was once taken to the hospital with injuries caused by needles and pieces of wire. Renata said that she inserted needles into herself and later vomited them in front of her. Renata said that while people are making jokes about it, Amanda is a "fraudster, a narcissist, and a dangerous woman." Amanda duped her during the COVID-19 pandemic by telling her she was 13 years old and suffering from terminal leukaemia. Another woman even had her name tattooed on her hand after becoming close to her. Amanda's lawyers have requested her release, and the verdict is expected in five days.

The Brazilian woman who duped a family by posing as a 12-year-old has done the same to several other people in the last decade. Many others told their story about Amanda, who told them she was a child who was sexually abused.

38-year-old posed as 12, played sexual victim, to dupe multiple people into taking her in

Two supercars, a Ferrari and a McLaren, were set ablaze in a suspected firebomb attack during a Pakistani wedding in Birmingham. The incident took place outside the Royal Shalimar in Sparkbrook, where around 500 guests had gathered inside for the marriage function. The two supercars were targeted on Wednesday evening after a hooded assailant allegedly threw at least three petrol bombs at the vehicles parked outside the venue.CCTV footage showed several figures dressed in black standing opposite Royal Shalimar before what appeared to be petrol bombs were thrown at the cars. The vehicles were soon engulfed in flames, while smaller fires also broke out nearby, including near the front of the venue. The footage also showed the suspected attackers fleeing after several men ran out from the venue and confronted them. Staff members rushed to tackle the flames with fire extinguishers as emergency services were called to the scene.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨🇬🇧 PETROL BOMBS TORCH SUPERCARS AT BIRMINGHAM WEDDING At least 5 incendiary devices thrown outside the Royal Shalimar in <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/Birmingham?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Birmingham</a> during a wedding with ~500 guests 3 thrown at the venue &amp; 2 at luxury cars 3 men fled in a white Volkswagen Golf<a href="https://x.com/hashtag/%E3%82%B6%E3%83%8A%E3%83%AB%E3%82%AB%E3%83%B3%E3%83%89?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ザナルカンド</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/BombAttack?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BombAttack</a> <a href="https://t.co/3ZWSa6BRtw">pic.twitter.com/3ZWSa6BRtw</a>&mdash; GlobeUpdate (@Globupdate) <a href="https://x.com/Globupdate/status/2090397715553300870?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Wedding guest Fahim Kayani said he was inside having his meal when he became aware of the disturbance.“I was aware of a disturbance outside. The restaurant staff responded very quickly and put the flames out using fire extinguishers before the emergency services arrived,” Kayani told the Birmingham Mail.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/imran-khan-back-in-jail-after-court-ordered-hospital-visit-amid-health-concerns-1787281243352">Imran Khan back in jail after court ordered hospital visit amid health concerns</a>He said the large number of guests, including children, made the incident particularly concerning.“Everyone stayed very calm but it could have been a lot worse. There was a big wedding and lots of people around,” he said.“Young people were standing not far from the cars that were firebombed; one kicked one of the missiles away before it could roll under one of the cars. One young child was just a few metres away.”West Midlands Police said officers were called to Royal Shalimar on Highgate Road at around 8.30 pm. Three men were seen running down Mole Street before getting into a white Volkswagen Golf and driving away. No injuries were reported.A fire engine from Highgate station attended, and firefighters made one vehicle safe. Police have launched an investigation into the suspected attack.According to its website, Royal Shalimar has a capacity of more than 1,000 guests and describes itself as contributing to Birmingham being the “hub of multiculturalism”.&nbsp;

A Ferrari and McLaren were firebombed outside a Pakistani wedding in Birmingham, where around 500 guests were inside. CCTV showed hooded men fleeing after petrol bombs were thrown at the cars.

Two supercars, a Ferrari and a McLaren, were set ablaze in a suspected firebomb attack during a Pakistani wedding in Birmingham. The incident took place outside the Royal Shalimar in Sparkbrook, where around 500 guests had gathered inside for the marriage function. The two supercars were targeted on Wednesday evening after a hooded assailant allegedly threw at least three petrol bombs at the vehicles parked outside the venue. CCTV footage showed several figures dressed in black standing opposite Royal Shalimar before what appeared to be petrol bombs were thrown at the cars. The vehicles were soon engulfed in flames, while smaller fires also broke out nearby, including near the front of the venue. The footage also showed the suspected attackers fleeing after several men ran out from the venue and confronted them. Staff members rushed to tackle the flames with fire extinguishers as emergency services were called to the scene.

A Ferrari and McLaren were firebombed outside a Pakistani wedding in Birmingham, where around 500 guests were inside. CCTV showed hooded men fleeing after petrol bombs were thrown at the cars.

WATCH | Ferrari, McLaren petrol-bombed at Pakistani wedding in Birmingham, CCTV footage captures scary visuals

Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has stirred controversy after sharing a video showing the construction of a facility intended to carry out death sentences against Palestinians convicted of terrorism. In the video, Ben-Gvir visits the unidentified site, believed to be near a prison, and points to construction work while saying it is where “terrorists will be executed”. He also said the complex would include viewing areas where victims’ families could watch executions.“I promised to worsen the conditions of terrorists in prisons – we kept it,” Ben-Gvir said. “I promised to pass the Death Penalty for Terrorists law – we did. And now the death row and hanging facility are also starting to take shape.”The facility follows legislation passed by Israel’s Knesset earlier this year that makes the death penalty mandatory in military courts for certain offences, unless judges determine that special circumstances warrant life imprisonment.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-denies-military-presence-at-syrian-base-struck-by-israel-what-we-know-1787222281891">Turkey denies military presence at Syrian base struck by Israel – What we know</a>Critics have accused the legislation of discriminating against Palestinians because it applies to Palestinians tried in military courts but does not operate in the same way for Jewish Israelis. The law applies to murder committed with the “intent to deny the existence of the state of Israel”.The legislation has faced international criticism, with Amnesty International describing it as a measure that undermines safeguards protecting the right to life and a fair trial.Ben-Gvir has long been a controversial figure, with past convictions linked to incitement to racism and support for the banned Kach movement. He has also faced sanctions from several European countries.His latest post comes amid renewed international criticism over his remarks advocating targeted killings in Gaza. France, Germany and the United Nations have condemned his comments.The controversy also coincides with growing criticism of Israel over settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank, including plans for development in the E1 area near Jerusalem.

Israel’s far-right minister Itamar Ben-Gvir shared a video showing a new gallows facility for Palestinians convicted of terror offences, sparking fresh international condemnation.

Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has stirred controversy after sharing a video showing the construction of a facility intended to carry out death sentences against Palestinians convicted of terrorism. In the video, Ben-Gvir visits the unidentified site, believed to be near a prison, and points to construction work while saying it is where “terrorists will be executed”. He also said the complex would include viewing areas where victims’ families could watch executions. “I promised to worsen the conditions of terrorists in prisons – we kept it,” Ben-Gvir said. “I promised to pass the Death Penalty for Terrorists law – we did. And now the death row and hanging facility are also starting to take shape.” The facility follows legislation passed by Israel’s Knesset earlier this year that makes the death penalty mandatory in military courts for certain offences, unless judges determine that special circumstances warrant life imprisonment. Also read | Turkey denies military presence at Syrian base struck by Israel – What we know Critics have accused the legislation of discriminating against Palestinians because it applies to Palestinians tried in military courts but does not operate in the same way for Jewish Israelis. The law applies to murder committed with the “intent to deny the existence of the state of Israel”. The legislation has faced international criticism, with Amnesty International describing it as a measure that undermines safeguards protecting the right to life and a fair trial. Ben-Gvir has long been a controversial figure, with past convictions linked to incitement to racism and support for the banned Kach movement. He has also faced sanctions from several European countries. His latest post comes amid renewed international criticism over his remarks advocating targeted killings in Gaza. France, Germany and the United Nations have condemned his comments. The controversy also coincides with growing criticism of Israel over settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank, including plans for development in the E1 area near Jerusalem.

Israel’s far-right minister Itamar Ben-Gvir shared a video showing a new gallows facility for Palestinians convicted of terror offences, sparking fresh international condemnation.

Gallows for Palestinians? Israel’s Ben-Gvir faces backlash for sharing video of ‘hanging facility’

Bangladesh is open to joining a Saudi Arabia-led economic or defence framework involving Pakistan and Turkiye, while weighing its own national interests and changes in global trade and the economy, Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir said on Thursday (Aug 20).&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/treachery-of-puppet-rulers-iran-s-hardline-newspaper-rails-against-mecca-defence-pact-accuses-muslim-leaders-of-abandoning-palestinians-1786429230978">‘Treachery of puppet rulers’: Iran’s hardline newspaper rails against Mecca defence pact, accuses Muslim leaders of abandoning Palestinians</a>&nbsp;“Bangladesh maintains a positive approach towards the possibility of joining an economic or defence framework involving Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkiye, taking into account its own interests and the changing dynamics of the global economy and trade,” Kabir said in an interview.&nbsp;Also read <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fake-news-mea-rejects-report-claiming-india-sought-defence-pact-with-israel-after-pakistan-saudi-arabia-turkey-deal-1786126942881">‘Fake news’: MEA rejects report claiming India sought defence pact with Israel after Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey deal</a>&nbsp;Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan signed a joint defence pact in Mecca earlier this month, committing to consider an armed attack against any one of the three countries as an attack against all three. Bangladesh’s position comes as Dhaka seeks to expand its diplomatic and economic engagement with several countries, including Pakistan and China.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/security-can-t-be-bought-with-pakistan-turkey-deal-iran-tells-saudi-arabia-1786115733935">'Security can't be bought with Pakistan, Turkey deal': Iran tells Saudi Arabia</a>&nbsp;Kabir said Bangladesh was strengthening relations with Islamabad, particularly through trade and people-to-people connectivity, describing the move as part of normal diplomatic engagement.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-why-did-saudi-arabia-pakistan-and-t-rkiye-decide-to-strengthen-their-defence-partnership-now-1786273153202">EXPLAINED: Why did Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye decide to strengthen their defence partnership now?</a>&nbsp;He also said relations between Bangladesh and China had reached “a new height”, with Dhaka seeking deeper engagement with Beijing while avoiding geopolitical pressure. He pointed to the two countries’ “Two Plus Two” mechanism and comprehensive partnership as part of the growing relationship.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/don-t-trust-israel-syria-challenges-israeli-claims-after-airstrikes-hit-military-airbase-over-alleged-turkish-presence-1787235011676">‘Don’t trust Israel’: Syria challenges Israeli claims after airstrikes hit military airbase over alleged Turkish presence</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

Bangladesh is open to joining a Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkiye defence and economic pact, Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir announced, citing national interests alongside deepening diplomatic ties with China and Pakistan.  

Bangladesh is open to joining a Saudi Arabia-led economic or defence framework involving Pakistan and Turkiye, while weighing its own national interests and changes in global trade and the economy, Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir said on Thursday (Aug 20). Also read: ‘Treachery of puppet rulers’: Iran’s hardline newspaper rails against Mecca defence pact, accuses Muslim leaders of abandoning Palestinians “Bangladesh maintains a positive approach towards the possibility of joining an economic or defence framework involving Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkiye, taking into account its own interests and the changing dynamics of the global economy and trade,” Kabir said in an interview. Also read ‘Fake news’: MEA rejects report claiming India sought defence pact with Israel after Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey deal Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan signed a joint defence pact in Mecca earlier this month, committing to consider an armed attack against any one of the three countries as an attack against all three. Bangladesh’s position comes as Dhaka seeks to expand its diplomatic and economic engagement with several countries, including Pakistan and China. Also read: 'Security can't be bought with Pakistan, Turkey deal': Iran tells Saudi Arabia Kabir said Bangladesh was strengthening relations with Islamabad, particularly through trade and people-to-people connectivity, describing the move as part of normal diplomatic engagement. Also read: EXPLAINED: Why did Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye decide to strengthen their defence partnership now? He also said relations between Bangladesh and China had reached “a new height”, with Dhaka seeking deeper engagement with Beijing while avoiding geopolitical pressure. He pointed to the two countries’ “Two Plus Two” mechanism and comprehensive partnership as part of the growing relationship. Also read: ‘Don’t trust Israel’: Syria challenges Israeli claims after airstrikes hit military airbase over alleged Turkish presence

Bangladesh is open to joining a Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkiye defence and economic pact, Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir announced, citing national interests alongside deepening diplomatic ties with China and Pakistan. &nbsp;

Bangladesh may join Saudi-Pakistan-Turkiye defence pact, citing ‘national interest’

US First Lady Melania Trump made a rare joke about her long absence from the public eye on Thursday (Aug 20), opening a White House event with a line that immediately drew attention to the speculation surrounding her low public profile. "Good afternoon. I heard you missed me. Here I am," Melania said with a chuckle as she addressed guests in the White House Rose Garden.The 56-year-old first lady had not been seen publicly since the FIFA World Cup final on July 19. She had also skipped several other high-profile appearances, including the rescheduled White House Correspondents' Dinner on July 24.Her latest appearance came as the White House was also facing questions over President Donald Trump's close aide Natalie Harp, who was among the people involved in Trump's secret aircraft switch during his Turkey trip.Melania's public persona has generally been marked by a reserved, formal style, making moments when she uses humour or reacts spontaneously particularly noticeable.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-want-to-destroy-fbi-charges-35-year-old-jessica-bowie-with-isis-inspired-plot-to-bomb-new-york-capitol-kill-the-senators-1787272657507">'I want to destroy...': FBI charges 35-year-old woman with ISIS-inspired plot to bomb New York Capitol, 'kill the senators'</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">&#39;I heard you missed me&#39;: Melania Trump ends month- long public absence, announces a $2 million Fox Corporation-IndyCar partnership for a scholarship initiative for foster children <a href="https://x.com/kripatistic?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kripatistic</a> gets you more <a href="https://t.co/aqxgpLhkkI">pic.twitter.com/aqxgpLhkkI</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://x.com/WIONews/status/2090712881264562277?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>'Empathy' moment that left White House crowd laughing</h2>One of the most widely discussed examples came in May, when Melania praised her husband during an event honouring military mothers."Most know my husband as the strong Commander in Chief, but his empathy transcends the role and shapes a caring leader," she said.The room broke into laughter as she delivered the line, while Trump himself smiled. The moment quickly spread online and became one of the more unusual lighthearted moments of her second term.<h2>'The robots are here'</h2>Another memorable appearance came during a White House technology event in June, when Melania spoke about robotics and artificial intelligence alongside a humanoid robot.Her highly formal delivery, followed by the line "The robots are here", became a viral moment and was picked up by late-night comedy programmes.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-rejects-us-call-to-isolate-iran-says-sanctions-and-pressure-will-not-resolve-conflict-1787299284181">China rejects US call to isolate Iran, says 'sanctions and pressure' will not resolve conflict</a><h2>Taking the joke in 2016</h2>Melania has also shown that she can play along with political humour. At the 2016 Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner, Trump joked about the controversy surrounding her Republican National Convention speech and its similarity to Michelle Obama's earlier remarks.Trump said the media had praised Michelle Obama while criticising Melania for delivering "the exact same speech". Melania, seated behind him, smiled and laughed as the joke landed.&nbsp;

Melania Trump has returned to the White House spotlight after weeks away, opening an event with an unusually playful remark about her absence. Her "I heard you missed me" line immediately drew attention.

US First Lady Melania Trump made a rare joke about her long absence from the public eye on Thursday (Aug 20), opening a White House event with a line that immediately drew attention to the speculation surrounding her low public profile. "Good afternoon. I heard you missed me. Here I am," Melania said with a chuckle as she addressed guests in the White House Rose Garden. The 56-year-old first lady had not been seen publicly since the FIFA World Cup final on July 19. She had also skipped several other high-profile appearances, including the rescheduled White House Correspondents' Dinner on July 24. Her latest appearance came as the White House was also facing questions over President Donald Trump's close aide Natalie Harp, who was among the people involved in Trump's secret aircraft switch during his Turkey trip. Melania's public persona has generally been marked by a reserved, formal style, making moments when she uses humour or reacts spontaneously particularly noticeable. Also read | 'I want to destroy...': FBI charges 35-year-old woman with ISIS-inspired plot to bomb New York Capitol, 'kill the senators'

Melania Trump has returned to the White House spotlight after weeks away, opening an event with an unusually playful remark about her absence. Her "I heard you missed me" line immediately drew attention.

Where was Melania? Trump’s wife returns after weeks with cheeky 'missed me' joke: Her rare moments of humour in public

Donald Trump’s 2020 pardon of former bank robber Jon Ponder described him as “a source of inspiration” for inmates seeking to rebuild their lives after prison. But four years later, Ponder, 60, has been arrested and charged with sexually assaulting inmates, becoming the latest recipient of a Trump pardon to face new criminal charges.&nbsp;Ponder faces 20 charges, including one count of sexual assault, seven counts of unauthorised custodial contact, one count of attempted coercion and 11 gross misdemeanour charges. Several incarcerated women have accused him of using his position at his non-profit organisation, HOPE for Prisoners, to solicit sex and make inappropriate advances.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/she-has-no-official-role-questions-mount-after-hegseth-s-wife-attended-sensitive-pentagon-meeting-on-ukraine-1787299038864">‘She has no official role’: Questions mount after Hegseth’s wife attended sensitive Pentagon meeting on Ukraine</a>&nbsp;According to arrest reports, at least four women accused Ponder of soliciting oral sex and phone sex while they were incarcerated. Police said they called Ponder seven times on Tuesday, but he did not answer and refused to leave his home as investigators attempted to search the property. Officers reportedly found 1.3 grams of methamphetamine at the residence.&nbsp;Ponder was later arrested and booked into the Clark County Detention Centre. He was due to make his first court appearance on Thursday (Aug 20). Ponder pleaded guilty to bank robbery in 2005 and served a 63-month prison sentence, according to the White House. Trump pardoned him in 2020 during the second night of the Republican National Convention.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/you-are-all-that-matters-to-me-natalie-harp-s-letter-to-trump-fuels-affair-rumours-this-is-what-she-wrote-1787209687067">‘You are all that matters to me’: Natalie Harp’s letter to Trump fuels affair rumours. This is what she wrote</a>&nbsp;His case is among a growing list of Trump pardon recipients who have subsequently been arrested or charged with new offences. The list includes nearly 100 people pardoned over crimes connected to the January 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol, with some later facing sex-related charges, including allegations involving sexual assault and possession of child pornography.&nbsp;

Former bank robber Jon Ponder, pardoned by Donald Trump in 2020, was arrested in Clark County on 20 charges, including sexual assault involving incarcerated women and drug possession.

Donald Trump’s 2020 pardon of former bank robber Jon Ponder described him as “a source of inspiration” for inmates seeking to rebuild their lives after prison. But four years later, Ponder, 60, has been arrested and charged with sexually assaulting inmates, becoming the latest recipient of a Trump pardon to face new criminal charges. Ponder faces 20 charges, including one count of sexual assault, seven counts of unauthorised custodial contact, one count of attempted coercion and 11 gross misdemeanour charges. Several incarcerated women have accused him of using his position at his non-profit organisation, HOPE for Prisoners, to solicit sex and make inappropriate advances. Also read: ‘She has no official role’: Questions mount after Hegseth’s wife attended sensitive Pentagon meeting on Ukraine According to arrest reports, at least four women accused Ponder of soliciting oral sex and phone sex while they were incarcerated. Police said they called Ponder seven times on Tuesday, but he did not answer and refused to leave his home as investigators attempted to search the property. Officers reportedly found 1.3 grams of methamphetamine at the residence. Ponder was later arrested and booked into the Clark County Detention Centre. He was due to make his first court appearance on Thursday (Aug 20). Ponder pleaded guilty to bank robbery in 2005 and served a 63-month prison sentence, according to the White House. Trump pardoned him in 2020 during the second night of the Republican National Convention. Also read: ‘You are all that matters to me’: Natalie Harp’s letter to Trump fuels affair rumours. This is what she wrote His case is among a growing list of Trump pardon recipients who have subsequently been arrested or charged with new offences. The list includes nearly 100 people pardoned over crimes connected to the January 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol, with some later facing sex-related charges, including allegations involving sexual assault and possession of child pornography.

Former bank robber Jon Ponder, pardoned by Donald Trump in 2020, was arrested in Clark County on 20 charges, including sexual assault involving incarcerated women and drug possession.

Trump pardoned bank robber Jon Ponder in 2020; now he is accused of sexually assaulting inmates

China on Friday (Aug 21) rejected the United States' push for countries, including Beijing, to help isolate Iran's economy, saying "sanctions and pressure" would not resolve the conflict in the Middle East. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian called for a political and diplomatic solution as Washington steps up economic pressure on Tehran. "Sanctions and pressure will not help resolve the issue," Lin told reporters at a briefing. He urged "all relevant parties to take responsible measures and resolve the problem through political and diplomatic means".Notably, Chinese President Xi Jinping is due to visit the White House on September 24.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-announces-crushing-economic-campaign-against-iran-threatens-allies-with-tremendous-penalties-1787186991774">Trump announces ‘crushing’ economic campaign against Iran, threatens allies with ‘tremendous’ penalties</a><h2>US pressuring allies to support Iran economic pressure campaign</h2>The response came a day after the United States called on its allies and China to join President Donald Trump's campaign to isolate Iran economically.Trump had announced what he described as the "MOST CRUSHING ECONOMIC OPERATION EVER TAKEN AGAINST ANY COUNTRY", promising unprecedented economic warfare and isolation against Tehran.US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has since reinforced the message, warning countries that continue economic ties with Iran could face consequences. "Any remaining tie to Tehran will hasten a nation's economic oblivion, whether that tie be purposefully constructed or willfully ignored," Bessent said on X.Washington has not yet detailed the full scope of the measures. Bessent said further details would be provided during a press conference on Monday. Asked about pressure on China, Bessent said some discussions were better conducted privately, while urging Beijing to "get with the program".Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uae-suspends-trade-with-iran-accuses-it-of-targeting-gulf-shipping-tehran-calls-claim-baseless-1787100695124">UAE suspends trade with Iran, accuses it of targeting Gulf shipping; Tehran calls claim baseless</a><h2>Iran calls US sanctions 'economic terrorism'</h2>Tehran has rejected the US campaign, accusing Washington of using economic pressure to divert attention from its own problems. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the proposed campaign as a diversion from what he called America's "unprecedented debt &amp; surging interest costs".Iran's Foreign Ministry went further, describing US sanctions as "economic terrorism" and "crimes against humanity".

Washington is pressing China to join its campaign against Iran, but Beijing is pushing back. China's latest response comes just weeks before Xi Jinping is due to meet Donald Trump at the White House.

China on Friday (Aug 21) rejected the United States' push for countries, including Beijing, to help isolate Iran's economy, saying "sanctions and pressure" would not resolve the conflict in the Middle East. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian called for a political and diplomatic solution as Washington steps up economic pressure on Tehran. "Sanctions and pressure will not help resolve the issue," Lin told reporters at a briefing. He urged "all relevant parties to take responsible measures and resolve the problem through political and diplomatic means". Notably, Chinese President Xi Jinping is due to visit the White House on September 24. Also read | Trump announces ‘crushing’ economic campaign against Iran, threatens allies with ‘tremendous’ penalties US pressuring allies to support Iran economic pressure campaign The response came a day after the United States called on its allies and China to join President Donald Trump's campaign to isolate Iran economically. Trump had announced what he described as the "MOST CRUSHING ECONOMIC OPERATION EVER TAKEN AGAINST ANY COUNTRY", promising unprecedented economic warfare and isolation against Tehran. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has since reinforced the message, warning countries that continue economic ties with Iran could face consequences. "Any remaining tie to Tehran will hasten a nation's economic oblivion, whether that tie be purposefully constructed or willfully ignored," Bessent said on X. Washington has not yet detailed the full scope of the measures. Bessent said further details would be provided during a press conference on Monday. Asked about pressure on China, Bessent said some discussions were better conducted privately, while urging Beijing to "get with the program". Also read | UAE suspends trade with Iran, accuses it of targeting Gulf shipping; Tehran calls claim baseless Iran calls US sanctions 'economic terrorism' Tehran has rejected the US campaign, accusing Washington of using economic pressure to divert attention from its own problems. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the proposed campaign as a diversion from what he called America's "unprecedented debt & surging interest costs". Iran's Foreign Ministry went further, describing US sanctions as "economic terrorism" and "crimes against humanity".

Washington is pressing China to join its campaign against Iran, but Beijing is pushing back. China's latest response comes just weeks before Xi Jinping is due to meet Donald Trump at the White House.

China rejects US call to isolate Iran, says 'sanctions and pressure' will not resolve conflict

The US Army has decided to phase out a drone unit that was studying and incorporating lessons from foreign wars. The move also includes the use of uncrewed systems in the Russia-Ukraine war. The infantry battalion, known as the Unmanned Assault Battalion, is set to participate in the Joint Multinational Readiness Centre in the coming days in Germany. In response, the official confirmed that the battalion will “refocus on its core warfighting tasks as an airborne infantry battalion assigned to a Mobile Brigade Combat Team (Airborne),” after the exercises. It also said that the US Army Europe and Africa, with the Army and U.S. European Command's backup, tasked the infantry battalion to prototype an employment concept for a tactical unmanned systems battalion. The unit had also been backed by Gen. Chris Donahue, former commander of U.S. Army Europe and Africa, whose ouster by Hegseth in July split opinion among Republican lawmakers in Congress. The Army declined to respond to The Hill's request for comment. Military experts criticised the move to phase out the unit, noting that Ukraine serves as a live "battle lab" for understanding how drone warfare is reshaping modern combat, home to some of the world's most seasoned drone operators, who continue refining their tactics under constant Russian assault.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/she-has-no-official-role-questions-mount-after-hegseth-s-wife-attended-sensitive-pentagon-meeting-on-ukraine-1787299038864">‘She has no official role’: Questions mount after Hegseth’s wife attended sensitive Pentagon meeting on Ukraine</a> “The U.S. is behind in adopting and fielding small drones. While the Pentagon is planning a massive investment in small drones, procurement is not enough to close this gap. There is a risk that the U.S. Army invests in the wrong types of drones or obsolete technology and doesn’t learn how to employ them effectively on a highly contested battlefield,” Stacie Pettyjohn, a senior fellow and director of the defence program at the Centre for a New American Security (CNAS), said on Thursday. “The experience of a recent exercise in Europe … in which the Ukrainians beat U.S. Army forces, shows that the U.S. has a lot to learn,” added Pettyjohn, a US defence strategy expert. “The Pentagon should be taking every opportunity to learn from the Ukraine war. The Russians, Chinese and North Koreans certainly are.”<h3>‘Confusing moves’&nbsp;</h3>Cameron McMillan, who previously served as a counter-rocket, artillery and mortar battle captain in Iraq, described the phaseout as one of several confusing moves by the Army in recent months, also citing the relocation or withdrawal of units and commands built for large-scale ground combat in Europe to regions where such capabilities are less critical. “As the Iran war has demonstrated, the U.S. Army has a significant gap in drone defence capability, capacity and doctrine. In the Middle East, that challenge is largely defending static bases against long-range one-way-attack … drones. But in Europe, the counterdrone challenge is much greater,” and includes defending against smaller first-person view drones, McMillan, now a senior research analyst at the Centre on Military and Political Power at the Foundation for Defence of Democracies, said on Thursday. “This drone unit was designed to incorporate and apply desperately needed lessons learned from Ukraine to help the U.S. Army adapt to this challenge, "McMillan added. After the war between the US and Iran started in late February, the importance of drone warfare in modern conflicts was noted as Iran was launching scores of one-way attack drones, striking US bases in the Persian Gulf region.

 The official confirmed that the battalion will “refocus on its core warfighting tasks as an airborne infantry battalion assigned to a Mobile Brigade Combat Team (Airborne),” after the exercises.

The US Army has decided to phase out a drone unit that was studying and incorporating lessons from foreign wars. The move also includes the use of uncrewed systems in the Russia-Ukraine war. The infantry battalion, known as the Unmanned Assault Battalion, is set to participate in the Joint Multinational Readiness Centre in the coming days in Germany. In response, the official confirmed that the battalion will “refocus on its core warfighting tasks as an airborne infantry battalion assigned to a Mobile Brigade Combat Team (Airborne),” after the exercises. It also said that the US Army Europe and Africa, with the Army and U.S. European Command's backup, tasked the infantry battalion to prototype an employment concept for a tactical unmanned systems battalion. The unit had also been backed by Gen. Chris Donahue, former commander of U.S. Army Europe and Africa, whose ouster by Hegseth in July split opinion among Republican lawmakers in Congress. The Army declined to respond to The Hill's request for comment. Military experts criticised the move to phase out the unit, noting that Ukraine serves as a live "battle lab" for understanding how drone warfare is reshaping modern combat, home to some of the world's most seasoned drone operators, who continue refining their tactics under constant Russian assault. Also read: ‘She has no official role’: Questions mount after Hegseth’s wife attended sensitive Pentagon meeting on Ukraine “The U.S. is behind in adopting and fielding small drones. While the Pentagon is planning a massive investment in small drones, procurement is not enough to close this gap. There is a risk that the U.S. Army invests in the wrong types of drones or obsolete technology and doesn’t learn how to employ them effectively on a highly contested battlefield,” Stacie Pettyjohn, a senior fellow and director of the defence program at the Centre for a New American Security (CNAS), said on Thursday. “The experience of a recent exercise in Europe … in which the Ukrainians beat U.S. Army forces, shows that the U.S. has a lot to learn,” added Pettyjohn, a US defence strategy expert. “The Pentagon should be taking every opportunity to learn from the Ukraine war. The Russians, Chinese and North Koreans certainly are.” ‘Confusing moves’ Cameron McMillan, who previously served as a counter-rocket, artillery and mortar battle captain in Iraq, described the phaseout as one of several confusing moves by the Army in recent months, also citing the relocation or withdrawal of units and commands built for large-scale ground combat in Europe to regions where such capabilities are less critical. “As the Iran war has demonstrated, the U.S. Army has a significant gap in drone defence capability, capacity and doctrine. In the Middle East, that challenge is largely defending static bases against long-range one-way-attack … drones. But in Europe, the counterdrone challenge is much greater,” and includes defending against smaller first-person view drones, McMillan, now a senior research analyst at the Centre on Military and Political Power at the Foundation for Defence of Democracies, said on Thursday. “This drone unit was designed to incorporate and apply desperately needed lessons learned from Ukraine to help the U.S. Army adapt to this challenge, "McMillan added. After the war between the US and Iran started in late February, the importance of drone warfare in modern conflicts was noted as Iran was launching scores of one-way attack drones, striking US bases in the Persian Gulf region.

&nbsp;The official confirmed that the battalion will “refocus on its core warfighting tasks as an airborne infantry battalion assigned to a Mobile Brigade Combat Team (Airborne),” after the exercises.

US Army to phase out unit tasked with adapting drone lessons from Russia-Ukraine war: Here's why

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth’s wife attended a sensitive Pentagon meeting involving British officials and discussions about the risks facing UK personnel in Ukraine. Her presence at the high-level gathering has raised questions.&nbsp;Jennifer Rauchet, who had no official role in the Trump administration at the time, attended the meeting only for introductions, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell told The Times in response to its report published on Wednesday (Aug 19). British officials reportedly waited for Rauchet to leave before discussing their officers stationed in Ukraine in greater detail, according to the newspaper.&nbsp;The meeting included senior British officials, including the then-head of the UK armed forces. The Wall Street Journal had previously reported on Rauchet’s attendance in March 2025, but The Times reported that the gathering also involved discussions about British personnel operating on the ground in Ukraine amid the war with Russia.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/never-thought-they-were-going-to-betray-me-like-this-ex-cia-informant-who-helped-in-intel-on-osama-bin-laden-faces-deportation-1787211814870">‘Never thought they were going to betray me like this’: Ex-CIA informant who helped in intel on Osama bin Laden faces deportation</a>&nbsp;The episode has drawn criticism from former Pentagon officials. John Ullyot, who previously served as the Pentagon’s chief spokesperson, told The Times that it was “bonkers” for a defence secretary to involve his wife in sensitive official duties.&nbsp;Ullyot also argued that US President Donald Trump “deserves better judgment from his national security leaders” and questioned why Hegseth had faced no apparent consequences over Rauchet’s presence at sensitive meetings.&nbsp;He also referred to other controversies involving Hegseth, including the Signal group chat incident last year in which senior Trump administration officials discussed planned US strikes on Yemen in a group that accidentally included The Atlantic’s editor-in-chief.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-natalie-harp-trump-s-human-printer-is-making-headlines-again-here-s-why-1787024735322">Who is Natalie Harp? Trump’s ‘human printer’ is making headlines again. Here’s why</a>&nbsp;The Pentagon pushed back against Ullyot’s criticism. Acting Pentagon press secretary Joel Valdez accused him of attacking Hegseth after leaving the administration, calling his comments embarrassing. Valdez also shared a post by Donald Trump J., who had previously said Ullyot was “officially exiled from our movement” after he left the Pentagon in April 2025.&nbsp;

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth faces criticism after his wife, Jennifer Rauchet, attended a sensitive Pentagon meeting with British officials regarding UK personnel in Ukraine despite lacking an official role.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth’s wife attended a sensitive Pentagon meeting involving British officials and discussions about the risks facing UK personnel in Ukraine. Her presence at the high-level gathering has raised questions. Jennifer Rauchet, who had no official role in the Trump administration at the time, attended the meeting only for introductions, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell told The Times in response to its report published on Wednesday (Aug 19). British officials reportedly waited for Rauchet to leave before discussing their officers stationed in Ukraine in greater detail, according to the newspaper. The meeting included senior British officials, including the then-head of the UK armed forces. The Wall Street Journal had previously reported on Rauchet’s attendance in March 2025, but The Times reported that the gathering also involved discussions about British personnel operating on the ground in Ukraine amid the war with Russia. Also read: ‘Never thought they were going to betray me like this’: Ex-CIA informant who helped in intel on Osama bin Laden faces deportation The episode has drawn criticism from former Pentagon officials. John Ullyot, who previously served as the Pentagon’s chief spokesperson, told The Times that it was “bonkers” for a defence secretary to involve his wife in sensitive official duties. Ullyot also argued that US President Donald Trump “deserves better judgment from his national security leaders” and questioned why Hegseth had faced no apparent consequences over Rauchet’s presence at sensitive meetings. He also referred to other controversies involving Hegseth, including the Signal group chat incident last year in which senior Trump administration officials discussed planned US strikes on Yemen in a group that accidentally included The Atlantic’s editor-in-chief. Also read: Who is Natalie Harp? Trump’s ‘human printer’ is making headlines again. Here’s why The Pentagon pushed back against Ullyot’s criticism. Acting Pentagon press secretary Joel Valdez accused him of attacking Hegseth after leaving the administration, calling his comments embarrassing. Valdez also shared a post by Donald Trump J., who had previously said Ullyot was “officially exiled from our movement” after he left the Pentagon in April 2025.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth faces criticism after his wife, Jennifer Rauchet, attended a sensitive Pentagon meeting with British officials regarding UK personnel in Ukraine despite lacking an official role.

‘She has no official role’: Questions mount after Hegseth’s wife attended sensitive Pentagon meeting on Ukraine

Two commercial vessels carrying a total of 22 Indian nationals were hijacked by pirates, PTI reported, citing a senior shipping ministry official on Friday (Aug 21). While one of the ships was hijacked off Yemen, the other was seized near Somalia. According to authorities, the Indian crew members are safe.According to the report, the Eritrea-flagged oil products tanker MT Sibu-1 was seized in the Gulf of Aden on August 20, around 30 nautical miles off Yemen. The vessel was carrying 20 crew members, including 16 Indians. Six armed pirates are now believed to be onboard and have taken control of the tanker, according to a senior shipping ministry official.The crew also includes nationals from Syria, Sudan and Iraq, while the nationality of one seafarer remains unconfirmed.The shipping ministry said the vessel’s recruitment agency, S K S Krishi Marine Services, has been directed to file an incident report and provide regular updates through the e-Navik marine casualty reporting system.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-denies-military-presence-at-syrian-base-struck-by-israel-what-we-know-1787222281891">Turkey denies military presence at Syrian base struck by Israel – What we know</a>A separate incident took place on August 17 off Somalia’s Puntland coast when the Cameroon-flagged M/V LUTUF was boarded by eight armed pirates. Six Indians are among its 10 crew members.“The vessel is reported to have been boarded by eight pirates, armed with AK-47 type weapons and operating from two skiffs,” the official said.The crew initially took shelter in the vessel’s citadel, but the pirates later gained entry and moved them to the bridge. No injuries have been reported.The ship was seized near Marraya in Puntland’s Eyl district before being taken towards Somalia’s Nugaal coast. It was reportedly carrying Turkish weapons, communications and satellite equipment destined for a military training facility in Mogadishu.The hijackings come amid renewed piracy concerns in the Gulf of Aden, Somalia and the wider Indian Ocean. Indian seafarers are particularly exposed, with the 2026 BIMCO-ICS report estimating that India supplies 311,936 seafarers globally, making it the world’s second-largest supplier after the Philippines.

Two commercial vessels carrying 22 Indian nationals were hijacked by pirates off Yemen and Somalia. Authorities said all Indian crew members are safe.

Two commercial vessels carrying a total of 22 Indian nationals were hijacked by pirates, PTI reported, citing a senior shipping ministry official on Friday (Aug 21). While one of the ships was hijacked off Yemen, the other was seized near Somalia. According to authorities, the Indian crew members are safe. According to the report, the Eritrea-flagged oil products tanker MT Sibu-1 was seized in the Gulf of Aden on August 20, around 30 nautical miles off Yemen. The vessel was carrying 20 crew members, including 16 Indians. Six armed pirates are now believed to be onboard and have taken control of the tanker, according to a senior shipping ministry official. The crew also includes nationals from Syria, Sudan and Iraq, while the nationality of one seafarer remains unconfirmed. The shipping ministry said the vessel’s recruitment agency, S K S Krishi Marine Services, has been directed to file an incident report and provide regular updates through the e-Navik marine casualty reporting system. Also read | Turkey denies military presence at Syrian base struck by Israel – What we know A separate incident took place on August 17 off Somalia’s Puntland coast when the Cameroon-flagged M/V LUTUF was boarded by eight armed pirates. Six Indians are among its 10 crew members. “The vessel is reported to have been boarded by eight pirates, armed with AK-47 type weapons and operating from two skiffs,” the official said. The crew initially took shelter in the vessel’s citadel, but the pirates later gained entry and moved them to the bridge. No injuries have been reported. The ship was seized near Marraya in Puntland’s Eyl district before being taken towards Somalia’s Nugaal coast. It was reportedly carrying Turkish weapons, communications and satellite equipment destined for a military training facility in Mogadishu. The hijackings come amid renewed piracy concerns in the Gulf of Aden, Somalia and the wider Indian Ocean. Indian seafarers are particularly exposed, with the 2026 BIMCO-ICS report estimating that India supplies 311,936 seafarers globally, making it the world’s second-largest supplier after the Philippines.

Two commercial vessels carrying 22 Indian nationals were hijacked by pirates off Yemen and Somalia. Authorities said all Indian crew members are safe.

Two vessels with 22 Indian crew members hijacked by pirates off Yemen, Somalia

A historic beach club in Italy that faced criticism this year over its policy of separating male and female bathers has recorded a sharp rise in visitors, with the controversy appearing to have brought more people to its shores. La Lanterna beach in Trieste, northeastern Italy, has operated since 1903 and is one of the last beaches in Europe to maintain separate bathing areas for men and women.&nbsp;The council-run beach is divided by a 74-metre wall that extends into the sea, separating the male and female sections. The arrangement also allows women to sunbathe topless without being seen by men, if they choose. Bathers who want to communicate with someone on the other side can walk through the shallow water to the end of the wall.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/woman-fined-for-being-overparked-after-her-heart-stopped-outside-supermarket-1787283785538">Woman fined for being overparked after her heart stopped outside supermarket</a>&nbsp;The unusual arrangement came under scrutiny in June when a man and a woman visiting from Milan entered the men’s section together. When the woman was asked to move to the women’s area, she initially refused and criticised the policy.&nbsp;“You’re a bunch of sexist oafs … This is a form of discrimination. Shame on you,” she was reported as saying, describing the segregation as “medieval”.&nbsp;The couple eventually left, but the incident quickly sparked a wider debate online and across Italian news sites over whether the traditional arrangement should continue. Many Trieste residents defended the beach, arguing that the separation is part of the city’s history and culture.&nbsp;One social media user described La Lanterna as “part of Trieste’s traditions” and said it had become a victim of “cancel culture”. Another wrote: “It’s not from the Middle Ages! It’s part of the history of Trieste. No Triestino wants to remove that wall!”&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/magical-plant-used-for-birth-control-by-romans-and-greeks-found-again-2-000-years-after-going-extinct-1787148634340">Magical plant used for birth control by Romans &amp; Greeks found after 2,000 years</a>&nbsp;Rather than driving visitors away, the controversy appears to have had the opposite effect. According to local newspaper Il Piccolo, La Lanterna sold 53,610 tickets in July, compared with 34,885 during the same month last year. The increase of more than 18,700 tickets represented a significant jump in visitor numbers, with women making up most of the additional customers, the newspaper reported.&nbsp;

Trieste’s historic La Lanterna beach saw July ticket sales surge to over 53,000 following public debate over its traditional 1903 gender-segregated bathing wall, with female visitors driving most of the growth.

A historic beach club in Italy that faced criticism this year over its policy of separating male and female bathers has recorded a sharp rise in visitors, with the controversy appearing to have brought more people to its shores. La Lanterna beach in Trieste, northeastern Italy, has operated since 1903 and is one of the last beaches in Europe to maintain separate bathing areas for men and women. The council-run beach is divided by a 74-metre wall that extends into the sea, separating the male and female sections. The arrangement also allows women to sunbathe topless without being seen by men, if they choose. Bathers who want to communicate with someone on the other side can walk through the shallow water to the end of the wall. Also read: Woman fined for being overparked after her heart stopped outside supermarket The unusual arrangement came under scrutiny in June when a man and a woman visiting from Milan entered the men’s section together. When the woman was asked to move to the women’s area, she initially refused and criticised the policy. “You’re a bunch of sexist oafs … This is a form of discrimination. Shame on you,” she was reported as saying, describing the segregation as “medieval”. The couple eventually left, but the incident quickly sparked a wider debate online and across Italian news sites over whether the traditional arrangement should continue. Many Trieste residents defended the beach, arguing that the separation is part of the city’s history and culture. One social media user described La Lanterna as “part of Trieste’s traditions” and said it had become a victim of “cancel culture”. Another wrote: “It’s not from the Middle Ages! It’s part of the history of Trieste. No Triestino wants to remove that wall!” Also read: Magical plant used for birth control by Romans & Greeks found after 2,000 years Rather than driving visitors away, the controversy appears to have had the opposite effect. According to local newspaper Il Piccolo, La Lanterna sold 53,610 tickets in July, compared with 34,885 during the same month last year. The increase of more than 18,700 tickets represented a significant jump in visitor numbers, with women making up most of the additional customers, the newspaper reported.

Trieste’s historic La Lanterna beach saw July ticket sales surge to over 53,000 following public debate over its traditional 1903 gender-segregated bathing wall, with female visitors driving most of the growth.

‘Sexist’ or historic? Italy’s 123-year-old beach sees visitors surge after ‘men here, women there’ controversy

Bangladesh’s parliament on Thursday (Aug 20) elected veteran Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir as the country’s 23rd President, in the first contested presidential election in 35 years.The 78-year-old BNP Secretary General (who stepped down from the post upon his nomination) secured 255 votes, defeating retired Colonel Oli Ahmed, the candidate backed by the Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party opposition alliance, who received 88 votes. Of the 349 eligible lawmakers, 343 cast ballots in an open vote held in the Jatiya Sangsad chamber from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.; six MPs did not vote. Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, serving as returning officer, announced the results after the count and declared Alamgir duly elected. The Election Commission is to publish the official gazette.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bangladesh-holds-first-voted-presidential-poll-in-35-years-today-who-is-set-to-win-1787193958239">Bangladesh holds first voted presidential poll in 35 years today: Who is set to win?</a>Voting began with Acting President Hafiz Uddin Ahmad and Acting Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal casting the first ballots, followed shortly by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Alamgir himself. The last contested presidential poll took place in 1991, when BNP’s Abdur Rahman Biswas defeated an Awami League candidate; subsequent elections were uncontested with a single nominee.Alamgir, born January 26, 1948, in Thakurgaon, is a long-time opposition figure who served as BNP Secretary General from 2016 (and acting from 2011), making him the party’s longest-serving holder of that office. He entered politics as a student activist, worked as an economics lecturer, and later held roles including Thakurgaon municipality chairman, state minister for agriculture and for civil aviation and tourism (2001–2006), and, after BNP’s return to power in the February 2026 general election, Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister and MP from Thakurgaon-1. He resigned from party posts after his presidential nomination on August 13.The election followed the resignation last month of President Mohammed Shahabuddin on health grounds. Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad had been serving as acting president. Under the Constitution, a new president must be elected within 90 days of a vacancy.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dhaka-says-propitious-environment-needed-for-bangladesh-pm-rahman-s-india-visit-restates-hasina-extradition-demand-1786866065947">Dhaka says ‘propitious environment’ needed for Bangladesh PM Rahman’s India visit; restates Hasina extradition demand</a>Bangladesh operates a parliamentary system in which executive power rests primarily with the Prime Minister and Cabinet. The President is the constitutional head of state, takes precedence over all others, serves as commander-in-chief of the armed forces, and formally appoints the Prime Minister (based on parliamentary confidence) and the Chief Justice. In most other functions, the President acts on the advice of the Prime Minister. The office is largely ceremonial but carries constitutional significance, including the power of mercy (pardons and remissions).Alamgir is scheduled to take the oath of office at Bangabhaban on Friday, August 21 (reported as 7:30 p.m.), with Acting Speaker Kayser Kamal administering it. Preparations are underway at the presidential palace. His elevation comes as Bangladesh continues to navigate the political transition and challenges following the 2024 uprising that ended the previous government and the BNP’s subsequent return to power under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.China’s embassy in Dhaka was among those offering congratulations, expressing readiness to deepen bilateral ties.

Lawmakers elected BNP leader Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir as Bangladesh’s 23rd president with 255 parliamentary votes. He defeated Oli Ahmed following the resignation of former president Mohammed Shahabuddin.

Bangladesh’s parliament on Thursday (Aug 20) elected veteran Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir as the country’s 23rd President, in the first contested presidential election in 35 years. The 78-year-old BNP Secretary General (who stepped down from the post upon his nomination) secured 255 votes, defeating retired Colonel Oli Ahmed, the candidate backed by the Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party opposition alliance, who received 88 votes. Of the 349 eligible lawmakers, 343 cast ballots in an open vote held in the Jatiya Sangsad chamber from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.; six MPs did not vote. Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, serving as returning officer, announced the results after the count and declared Alamgir duly elected. The Election Commission is to publish the official gazette. Also read: Bangladesh holds first voted presidential poll in 35 years today: Who is set to win? Voting began with Acting President Hafiz Uddin Ahmad and Acting Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal casting the first ballots, followed shortly by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Alamgir himself. The last contested presidential poll took place in 1991, when BNP’s Abdur Rahman Biswas defeated an Awami League candidate; subsequent elections were uncontested with a single nominee. Alamgir, born January 26, 1948, in Thakurgaon, is a long-time opposition figure who served as BNP Secretary General from 2016 (and acting from 2011), making him the party’s longest-serving holder of that office. He entered politics as a student activist, worked as an economics lecturer, and later held roles including Thakurgaon municipality chairman, state minister for agriculture and for civil aviation and tourism (2001–2006), and, after BNP’s return to power in the February 2026 general election, Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister and MP from Thakurgaon-1. He resigned from party posts after his presidential nomination on August 13. The election followed the resignation last month of President Mohammed Shahabuddin on health grounds. Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad had been serving as acting president. Under the Constitution, a new president must be elected within 90 days of a vacancy. Also read: Dhaka says ‘propitious environment’ needed for Bangladesh PM Rahman’s India visit; restates Hasina extradition demand Bangladesh operates a parliamentary system in which executive power rests primarily with the Prime Minister and Cabinet. The President is the constitutional head of state, takes precedence over all others, serves as commander-in-chief of the armed forces, and formally appoints the Prime Minister (based on parliamentary confidence) and the Chief Justice. In most other functions, the President acts on the advice of the Prime Minister. The office is largely ceremonial but carries constitutional significance, including the power of mercy (pardons and remissions). Alamgir is scheduled to take the oath of office at Bangabhaban on Friday, August 21 (reported as 7:30 p.m.), with Acting Speaker Kayser Kamal administering it. Preparations are underway at the presidential palace. His elevation comes as Bangladesh continues to navigate the political transition and challenges following the 2024 uprising that ended the previous government and the BNP’s subsequent return to power under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. China’s embassy in Dhaka was among those offering congratulations, expressing readiness to deepen bilateral ties.

Lawmakers elected BNP leader Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir as Bangladesh’s 23rd president with 255 parliamentary votes. He defeated Oli Ahmed following the resignation of former president Mohammed Shahabuddin.

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir elected Bangladesh’s 23rd president

A charter aircraft carrying eight people crashed while approaching a remote radar facility in western Alaska on Thursday (Aug 20), killing everyone on board, the US military said.The crash occurred at the Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site Airport, about 450 miles (725 km) west of Anchorage. The aircraft was described by the military as a civilian-contracted plane.<h2>Who was on board?</h2>The National Transportation Safety Board's Alaska region chief, Clint Johnson, said the aircraft was carrying two pilots and six passengers. It had departed from Anchorage and was believed to have crashed early Thursday afternoon while approaching Cape Newenham.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/if-you-want-peace-prepare-for-war-naravane-warns-china-not-pakistan-is-india-s-main-competitor-1787283477651">'If you want peace, prepare for war': Ex-Army chief Manoj Naravane warns China, not Pakistan, is India's main competitor</a><h2>Aircraft was supporting remote radar site</h2>The radar facility is operated by the Pacific Air Forces Regional Support Center and forms part of a network of remote radar installations across Alaska. These sites are used to monitor aircraft operating in the state's airspace and along its borders.The US military did not provide details about the specific mission being carried out by those aboard the aircraft.US Air Force Lt. Gen. Robert Davis, commander of Alaskan Command, the Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Command Region, and Eleventh Air Force, described the crash as a major loss for the military community."This is a devastating loss for our military family and the communities we serve," Davis said in a statement.He described those on board as "dedicated professionals carrying out a vital mission in a demanding environment".Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-wants-us-astronauts-back-on-the-lunar-surface-by-2028-signs-commercial-first-executive-order-on-space-launches-1787274681496">Trump wants US astronauts back on the lunar surface by 2028; signs 'commercial-first' executive order on space launches</a><h2>Search and recovery operation</h2>Davis said the immediate focus was on supporting the victims' families, friends, and colleagues, while also thanking the teams involved in the response. "Our absolute priority right now is providing unwavering support to their families, friends and teammates during this devastating time," he said."We are profoundly grateful for the swift and tireless response of our search and recovery professionals."Authorities have not yet released further details about what caused the crash or identified the people who were on board.&nbsp;

A charter aircraft carrying eight people has crashed while approaching a remote radar facility in western Alaska, killing everyone on board. Investigators are now working to determine what caused the crash.

A charter aircraft carrying eight people crashed while approaching a remote radar facility in western Alaska on Thursday (Aug 20), killing everyone on board, the US military said. The crash occurred at the Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site Airport, about 450 miles (725 km) west of Anchorage. The aircraft was described by the military as a civilian-contracted plane. Who was on board? The National Transportation Safety Board's Alaska region chief, Clint Johnson, said the aircraft was carrying two pilots and six passengers. It had departed from Anchorage and was believed to have crashed early Thursday afternoon while approaching Cape Newenham. Also read | 'If you want peace, prepare for war': Ex-Army chief Manoj Naravane warns China, not Pakistan, is India's main competitor Aircraft was supporting remote radar site The radar facility is operated by the Pacific Air Forces Regional Support Center and forms part of a network of remote radar installations across Alaska. These sites are used to monitor aircraft operating in the state's airspace and along its borders. The US military did not provide details about the specific mission being carried out by those aboard the aircraft. US Air Force Lt. Gen. Robert Davis, commander of Alaskan Command, the Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Command Region, and Eleventh Air Force, described the crash as a major loss for the military community. "This is a devastating loss for our military family and the communities we serve," Davis said in a statement. He described those on board as "dedicated professionals carrying out a vital mission in a demanding environment". Also read | Trump wants US astronauts back on the lunar surface by 2028; signs 'commercial-first' executive order on space launches Search and recovery operation Davis said the immediate focus was on supporting the victims' families, friends, and colleagues, while also thanking the teams involved in the response. "Our absolute priority right now is providing unwavering support to their families, friends and teammates during this devastating time," he said. "We are profoundly grateful for the swift and tireless response of our search and recovery professionals." Authorities have not yet released further details about what caused the crash or identified the people who were on board.

A charter aircraft carrying eight people has crashed while approaching a remote radar facility in western Alaska, killing everyone on board. Investigators are now working to determine what caused the crash.

'Devastating loss': 8 dead after charter aircraft crashes near remote Alaska radar facility

The US State Department on Thursday (August 20) stated that China's detention of American scholar U Min Zin is unjust and confirmed that securing his release has become a key priority for President Donald Trump's administration as the leaders of the two countries prepare for a Washington meeting next month.&nbsp;According to media reports, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio moved to review Min Zin’s case following his detention on 3 June in China's Yunnan province in southwestern China, where he had travelled at the government's own invitation to take part in an academic conference. Min Zin's brother stated that he had journeyed to Yunnan this summer to attend a conference at Kunming University, invited by a professor he'd known since 2018. He had made previous trips to China without incident, including one for a conference in 2025. This time, however, he was taken into custody almost as soon as he landed in Beijing, with Chinese authorities alleging he is "suspected of spying and endangering Chinese national [security]."<h3>Who is Min Zin?</h3>Min Zin is a Myanmar native and also an expert on his country. He was a student activist during the pro-democracy movement in his youth. Before migrating to the United States, he was compelled to hide for seven years, during which he enrolled in a PhD programme at UC Berkeley. He later became a US citizen after marrying, and then the couple went on to have a teenage daughter. In 2016, Min Zin returned to Myanmar, where he founded a think tank, the Institute for Strategy and Policy-Myanmar (ISP). Following the 2021 coup, he and his family relocated to Thailand, where they have remained ever since. His brother, Aung Maw Zin, recalled that the year 2012 was incredibly important in Min Zin’s life, adding that he became both a naturalised US citizen and a father. America gave him asylum when there was no safe space for him in his home country, Burma.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/if-you-want-peace-prepare-for-war-naravane-warns-china-not-pakistan-is-india-s-main-competitor-1787283477651">'If you want peace, prepare for war': Ex-Army chief Manoj Naravane warns China, not Pakistan, is India's main competitor</a><h3>US State Dept issues statement</h3>State Department Assistant Secretary Dylan Johnson said that "the safety and security of US citizens is the State Department's top priority," adding, "We will continue to advocate for Mr Zin and call for the release of all US citizens who are arbitrarily detained or exit-banned in China." Beijing has yet to respond publicly to Rubio's review, though China's Foreign Ministry stated in June that Min Zin was being held on suspicion of espionage and endangering national security, and that the US consulate in Guangzhou had been informed. &nbsp;

The US Secretary of State Marco Rubio moved to review Min Zin’s case following his detention on 3 June in China's Yunnan province in southwestern China, where he had travelled at the government's own invitation to take part in an academic conference.

The US State Department on Thursday (August 20) stated that China's detention of American scholar U Min Zin is unjust and confirmed that securing his release has become a key priority for President Donald Trump's administration as the leaders of the two countries prepare for a Washington meeting next month. According to media reports, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio moved to review Min Zin’s case following his detention on 3 June in China's Yunnan province in southwestern China, where he had travelled at the government's own invitation to take part in an academic conference. Min Zin's brother stated that he had journeyed to Yunnan this summer to attend a conference at Kunming University, invited by a professor he'd known since 2018. He had made previous trips to China without incident, including one for a conference in 2025. This time, however, he was taken into custody almost as soon as he landed in Beijing, with Chinese authorities alleging he is "suspected of spying and endangering Chinese national [security]." Who is Min Zin? Min Zin is a Myanmar native and also an expert on his country. He was a student activist during the pro-democracy movement in his youth. Before migrating to the United States, he was compelled to hide for seven years, during which he enrolled in a PhD programme at UC Berkeley. He later became a US citizen after marrying, and then the couple went on to have a teenage daughter. In 2016, Min Zin returned to Myanmar, where he founded a think tank, the Institute for Strategy and Policy-Myanmar (ISP). Following the 2021 coup, he and his family relocated to Thailand, where they have remained ever since. His brother, Aung Maw Zin, recalled that the year 2012 was incredibly important in Min Zin’s life, adding that he became both a naturalised US citizen and a father. America gave him asylum when there was no safe space for him in his home country, Burma. Also read: 'If you want peace, prepare for war': Ex-Army chief Manoj Naravane warns China, not Pakistan, is India's main competitor US State Dept issues statement State Department Assistant Secretary Dylan Johnson said that "the safety and security of US citizens is the State Department's top priority," adding, "We will continue to advocate for Mr Zin and call for the release of all US citizens who are arbitrarily detained or exit-banned in China." Beijing has yet to respond publicly to Rubio's review, though China's Foreign Ministry stated in June that Min Zin was being held on suspicion of espionage and endangering national security, and that the US consulate in Guangzhou had been informed.

The US Secretary of State Marco Rubio moved to review Min Zin’s case following his detention on 3 June in China's Yunnan province in southwestern China, where he had travelled at the government's own invitation to take part in an academic conference.

Who is U Min Zin? US scholar ‘wrongfully detained’ in China on spying charges

Nigeria’s 2027 general elections are set to operate under significantly higher campaign spending limits, with presidential and governorship candidates collectively allowed to spend as much as N571 billion if every candidate reaches the maximum permitted by law.The figure is based on the campaign finance provisions contained in the Electoral Act 2026. Under Section 92 of the legislation, a presidential candidate can spend up to N10 billion during the election campaign, while a governorship candidate has a maximum spending limit of N3 billion.Also read |&nbsp;With 19 presidential candidates currently listed for the 2027 contest, their combined statutory spending ceiling stands at N190 billion. At the governorship level, election data currently tracks 127 candidates across the 28 states where governorship elections are scheduled to take place. If all of them spend up to the legal limit, their combined expenditure could reach N381 billion.Together, the two categories produce the N571 billion ceiling. However, the figure does not mean that the candidates will actually spend that amount. It represents the highest total expenditure that would be legally possible if every presidential and governorship candidate exhausted their individual limits.The new law also establishes spending limits for other elective positions. Candidates contesting senatorial seats are permitted to spend up to N500 million, while House of Representatives candidates have a ceiling of N250 million. State House of Assembly and Area Council chairmanship candidates can spend a maximum of N100 million, while candidates for Area Council councillorship positions are limited to N10 million.Another important provision concerns campaign donations. An individual is prohibited from contributing more than N500 million to a single candidate. Consequently, although a presidential candidate may lawfully spend N10 billion, no single donor can provide more than N500 million toward that campaign.The legislation provides penalties for candidates who knowingly exceed the prescribed spending thresholds. A violator may face a fine equivalent to one per cent of the applicable spending limit, imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both.The effectiveness of the rules, however, is expected to depend heavily on enforcement. Civil society organisations have expressed concerns about the ability of electoral authorities to accurately monitor campaign expenditure, particularly across traditional media, social media, billboards, events, logistics and other campaign activities.Advocates of stricter monitoring argue that effective enforcement is necessary to prevent wealthy politicians and financiers from gaining an unfair advantage. They have called for stronger penalties and greater cooperation among the Independent National Electoral Commission, anti-corruption agencies, media organisations and civil society groups.INEC has said monitoring campaign finance falls within its statutory responsibilities, while campaign observers have urged the media and civil society to help identify and document potential violations.The debate comes as campaigning for the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections has commenced. INEC has scheduled the presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027, while governorship and State House of Assembly elections are fixed for February 6, 2027.As political activities intensify, the N571 billion aggregate ceiling is likely to keep campaign financing at the centre of discussions about transparency, equal opportunity and accountability ahead of the 2027 polls.

Nigeria's 2027 election could see presidential and governorship candidates collectively spend up to N571 billion under new legal limits. But who gets how much?

Nigeria’s 2027 general elections are set to operate under significantly higher campaign spending limits, with presidential and governorship candidates collectively allowed to spend as much as N571 billion if every candidate reaches the maximum permitted by law. The figure is based on the campaign finance provisions contained in the Electoral Act 2026. Under Section 92 of the legislation, a presidential candidate can spend up to N10 billion during the election campaign, while a governorship candidate has a maximum spending limit of N3 billion. Also read | With 19 presidential candidates currently listed for the 2027 contest, their combined statutory spending ceiling stands at N190 billion. At the governorship level, election data currently tracks 127 candidates across the 28 states where governorship elections are scheduled to take place. If all of them spend up to the legal limit, their combined expenditure could reach N381 billion. Together, the two categories produce the N571 billion ceiling. However, the figure does not mean that the candidates will actually spend that amount. It represents the highest total expenditure that would be legally possible if every presidential and governorship candidate exhausted their individual limits. The new law also establishes spending limits for other elective positions. Candidates contesting senatorial seats are permitted to spend up to N500 million, while House of Representatives candidates have a ceiling of N250 million. State House of Assembly and Area Council chairmanship candidates can spend a maximum of N100 million, while candidates for Area Council councillorship positions are limited to N10 million. Another important provision concerns campaign donations. An individual is prohibited from contributing more than N500 million to a single candidate. Consequently, although a presidential candidate may lawfully spend N10 billion, no single donor can provide more than N500 million toward that campaign. The legislation provides penalties for candidates who knowingly exceed the prescribed spending thresholds. A violator may face a fine equivalent to one per cent of the applicable spending limit, imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both. The effectiveness of the rules, however, is expected to depend heavily on enforcement. Civil society organisations have expressed concerns about the ability of electoral authorities to accurately monitor campaign expenditure, particularly across traditional media, social media, billboards, events, logistics and other campaign activities. Advocates of stricter monitoring argue that effective enforcement is necessary to prevent wealthy politicians and financiers from gaining an unfair advantage. They have called for stronger penalties and greater cooperation among the Independent National Electoral Commission, anti-corruption agencies, media organisations and civil society groups. INEC has said monitoring campaign finance falls within its statutory responsibilities, while campaign observers have urged the media and civil society to help identify and document potential violations. The debate comes as campaigning for the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections has commenced. INEC has scheduled the presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027, while governorship and State House of Assembly elections are fixed for February 6, 2027. As political activities intensify, the N571 billion aggregate ceiling is likely to keep campaign financing at the centre of discussions about transparency, equal opportunity and accountability ahead of the 2027 polls.

Nigeria's 2027 election could see presidential and governorship candidates collectively spend up to N571 billion under new legal limits. But who gets how much?

Nigeria 2027 elections: Presidential, governorship candidates face N571bn campaign spending ceiling

Pakistan’s former prime minister, Imran Khan, who had been serving his jail sentence, was briefly taken to a hospital for a medical check-up early Friday (Aug 21) before being taken back to prison. This came amid uproar over health concerns of the incarcerated founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) that led to the Supreme Court issuing an order earlier this week, directing Khan to be moved to Islamabad’s Shifa International Hospital for treatment.According to a Dawn report, tight security measures were undertaken outside the hospital during Khan’s move. Pitras Bukhari Road and Service Road South had been cordoned off while hundreds of law enforcement personnel were also deployed in and around the hospital premises.Confirming his arrival at the hospital, Zulfi Bukhari, a spokesman for Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, told AFP, “It’s confirmed that he has arrived at Shifa International Hospital.”“The Supreme Court’s order has been complied with,” he added.Arif Alvi, Pakistan’s former president and a PTI member, also confirmed the development on social media. In a post on X, he wrote, “Tonight, Pakistan is dancing with joy. Imran Khan has been transferred to Shaukat Khanum Hospital.”<h2>Supreme Court order</h2>This came after the country’s Supreme Court on Tuesday (Aug 18) directed the government to move the cricketer-turned-politician to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad within the next two days.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nine-killed-six-injured-in-massive-fire-at-kolkata-hotel-1787107135582">Kolkata hotel fire: Bangladeshi nationals seeking medical treatment among killed</a>“We are mindful of the constitutional and legal obligation of the state, and consequently of the Supreme Court, to safeguard the life, health, dignity and security of persons in custody,” the court ordered. “A prisoner does not, by reason of his incarceration, cease to be entitled to humane treatment and necessary medical care.”The 73-year-old has been serving a 14-year prison sentence since August 2023 after he was charged with corruption and other crimes. Khan, who was found guilty of concealing details of Toshakhana gifts, has insisted that the charges were politically motivated. He was also found guilty in a $259 million corruption case, also known as the Al-Qadir Trust case. However, while being held at Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail, reports have emerged about his health concerns, with his party members, family and supporters expressing outrage.Khan served as the prime minister from 2018 to 2022. He was ousted in a no-confidence vote when the country was facing a political crisis fuelled by tensions between his government and the military establishment. He was arrested in May 2023, triggering a nationwide protest.

Imran Khan was briefly taken to Islamabad’s Shifa International Hospital for a medical check-up amid health concerns, before being returned to jail under tight security.

Pakistan’s former prime minister, Imran Khan, who had been serving his jail sentence, was briefly taken to a hospital for a medical check-up early Friday (Aug 21) before being taken back to prison. This came amid uproar over health concerns of the incarcerated founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) that led to the Supreme Court issuing an order earlier this week, directing Khan to be moved to Islamabad’s Shifa International Hospital for treatment. According to a Dawn report, tight security measures were undertaken outside the hospital during Khan’s move. Pitras Bukhari Road and Service Road South had been cordoned off while hundreds of law enforcement personnel were also deployed in and around the hospital premises. Confirming his arrival at the hospital, Zulfi Bukhari, a spokesman for Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, told AFP, “It’s confirmed that he has arrived at Shifa International Hospital.” “The Supreme Court’s order has been complied with,” he added. Arif Alvi, Pakistan’s former president and a PTI member, also confirmed the development on social media. In a post on X, he wrote, “Tonight, Pakistan is dancing with joy. Imran Khan has been transferred to Shaukat Khanum Hospital.” Supreme Court order This came after the country’s Supreme Court on Tuesday (Aug 18) directed the government to move the cricketer-turned-politician to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad within the next two days. Also read | Kolkata hotel fire: Bangladeshi nationals seeking medical treatment among killed “We are mindful of the constitutional and legal obligation of the state, and consequently of the Supreme Court, to safeguard the life, health, dignity and security of persons in custody,” the court ordered. “A prisoner does not, by reason of his incarceration, cease to be entitled to humane treatment and necessary medical care.” The 73-year-old has been serving a 14-year prison sentence since August 2023 after he was charged with corruption and other crimes. Khan, who was found guilty of concealing details of Toshakhana gifts, has insisted that the charges were politically motivated. He was also found guilty in a $259 million corruption case, also known as the Al-Qadir Trust case. However, while being held at Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail, reports have emerged about his health concerns, with his party members, family and supporters expressing outrage. Khan served as the prime minister from 2018 to 2022. He was ousted in a no-confidence vote when the country was facing a political crisis fuelled by tensions between his government and the military establishment. He was arrested in May 2023, triggering a nationwide protest.

Imran Khan was briefly taken to Islamabad’s Shifa International Hospital for a medical check-up amid health concerns, before being returned to jail under tight security.

Imran Khan back in jail after court ordered hospital visit amid health concerns

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Imran Khan back in jail after court ordered hospital visit amid health concerns