As Pakistan continues to grapple with the economic crisis, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif admitted that the country has already defaulted and held ‘everyone’ including the establishment, bureaucracy, and politicians responsible for it. Addressing an event in Sialkot on Saturday (February 18), Asif said that standing on one's own feet was essential for Pakistan to become a stable country.&nbsp;

“You may have learnt that Pakistan is going bankrupt or that a default or meltdown is taking place. It has already taken place. We are living in a bankrupt country,” Asif said, The Dawn reported on Sunday. "The solution to our problems lies within the country. The IMF does not have the solution to Pakistan's problems," the defence minister added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-pakistan-finance-minister-booked-in-sedition-case-for-derailing-imf-deal-reports-562291">Former Pakistan finance minister booked in sedition case for derailing IMF deal: Reports</a>

Asif also said the present situation was the outcome of the least regard for the Constitution and the rule of law during the last seven decades, the report said.

His remarks come as Pakistan sees decades-high inflation and critically low foreign exchange reserves depleted by continued debt repayment obligations. According to reports, the country's foreign exchange reserves are slightly over $3 billion which is hardly enough for 10-15 days of imports.&nbsp;

Earlier this week, a senior economist with Moody's Analytics told the news agency Reuters that inflation in Pakistan could average 33% in the first half of this year, adding a bailout for the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was unlikely to put the economy back on track.&nbsp;

"Our view is that an IMF bailout alone isn't going to be enough to get the economy back on track. What the economy really needs is persistent and sound economic management," senior economist Katrina Ell said on Wednesday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-agrees-to-imf-conditions-on-release-of-11-bln-funding-560834">Amid economic crisis, Pakistan government approves new tax on power to meet IMF conditions</a>

"There's still an inevitably tough journey ahead. We're expecting fiscal and monetary austerity to continue well into 2024," Ell told Reuters. The Moody's economist added even though the Pakistani economy is in deep recession, inflation is incredibly high as (the result of) part of the latest bailout conditions.

Pakistan, which is in dire need of funds, could not reach a deal with the IMF last week. An IMF delegation departed Islamabad after 10 days of talks but said negotiations would continue.&nbsp;

In a statement last week, the IMF said, "Considerable progress was made during the mission on policy measures to address domestic and external imbalances. Virtual discussions will continue in the coming days to finalise the implementation details of these policies."

(With inputs from agencies)

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As Pakistan continues to grapple with the economic crisis, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif admitted that the country has already defaulted and held ‘everyone’ including the establishment, bureaucracy, and politicians responsible for it.

As Pakistan continues to grapple with the economic crisis, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif admitted that the country has already defaulted and held ‘everyone’ including the establishment, bureaucracy, and politicians responsible for it. Addressing an event in Sialkot on Saturday (February 18), Asif said that standing on one's own feet was essential for Pakistan to become a stable country. “You may have learnt that Pakistan is going bankrupt or that a default or meltdown is taking place. It has already taken place. We are living in a bankrupt country,” Asif said, The Dawn reported on Sunday. "The solution to our problems lies within the country. The IMF does not have the solution to Pakistan's problems," the defence minister added. ALSO READ | Former Pakistan finance minister booked in sedition case for derailing IMF deal: Reports Asif also said the present situation was the outcome of the least regard for the Constitution and the rule of law during the last seven decades, the report said. His remarks come as Pakistan sees decades-high inflation and critically low foreign exchange reserves depleted by continued debt repayment obligations. According to reports, the country's foreign exchange reserves are slightly over $3 billion which is hardly enough for 10-15 days of imports. Earlier this week, a senior economist with Moody's Analytics told the news agency Reuters that inflation in Pakistan could average 33% in the first half of this year, adding a bailout for the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was unlikely to put the economy back on track. "Our view is that an IMF bailout alone isn't going to be enough to get the economy back on track. What the economy really needs is persistent and sound economic management," senior economist Katrina Ell said on Wednesday. ALSO READ | Amid economic crisis, Pakistan government approves new tax on power to meet IMF conditions "There's still an inevitably tough journey ahead. We're expecting fiscal and monetary austerity to continue well into 2024," Ell told Reuters. The Moody's economist added even though the Pakistani economy is in deep recession, inflation is incredibly high as (the result of) part of the latest bailout conditions. Pakistan, which is in dire need of funds, could not reach a deal with the IMF last week. An IMF delegation departed Islamabad after 10 days of talks but said negotiations would continue. In a statement last week, the IMF said, "Considerable progress was made during the mission on policy measures to address domestic and external imbalances. Virtual discussions will continue in the coming days to finalise the implementation details of these policies." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pakistan economic crisis: Defence minister admits country has already defaulted

Romania has opened a criminal investigation against five doctors suspected of reusing hundreds of medical implants extracted from dead patients. In a statement, the Romanian prosecutors said that one of the five doctors, working at a hospital in Iași city, was taken into custody pending investigation on charges of abuse of power and bribe-taking, news agency Reuters reported on Saturday (February 18).&nbsp;

The doctor, who has not been identified, oversaw a network of four other doctors who provided him with cardiac implants extracted from deceased patients without prior approval from them or their families, the prosecutors added. The doctor had performed 238 surgeries over seven years from 2017, by illegally using implants from dead patients or of unknown provenance and putting his patients at risk of serious complications or death, the prosecutors alleged.

They added that a large number of the implants recommended by the doctor was not necessary and was prompted by fake diagnoses or by specific symptoms deliberately triggered by previously prescribed medication.&nbsp;

For years, Romania's healthcare system has been plagued by corruption, inefficiencies and politicised management. Reuters reported on Saturday that tens of thousands of doctors (in Romania) and nurses have emigrated and the country spends the least on healthcare in the European Union (EU).

In July last year, the International Trade Administration (ITA) said the cost of healthcare in Romania in 2021 was $16.7 billion or $872.3 per person and 5.9 per cent of the GDP, one of the European Union's lowest per capita. The ITA said that despite attempts to promote primary care, the amount of health spending dedicated to primary and ambulatory care is the second lowest in the EU.&nbsp;

It added that numerous drug manufacturers also have operations in Romania, but in recent years, problems such as law-back tax and pricing concessions required by the National Health Insurance House (CNAS) have compelled businesses to remove their goods from the Romanian market, lay off employees, or scale back their operations in the country.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Romania has opened a criminal investigation against five doctors suspected of reusing hundreds of medical implants extracted from dead patients. In a statement, the Romanian prosecutors said that one of the five doctors, working at a hospital in Iași city, was taken into custody pending investigation on charges of abuse of power and bribe-taking, news agency Reuters reported on Saturday (February 18).

Romania has opened a criminal investigation against five doctors suspected of reusing hundreds of medical implants extracted from dead patients. In a statement, the Romanian prosecutors said that one of the five doctors, working at a hospital in Iași city, was taken into custody pending investigation on charges of abuse of power and bribe-taking, news agency Reuters reported on Saturday (February 18). The doctor, who has not been identified, oversaw a network of four other doctors who provided him with cardiac implants extracted from deceased patients without prior approval from them or their families, the prosecutors added. The doctor had performed 238 surgeries over seven years from 2017, by illegally using implants from dead patients or of unknown provenance and putting his patients at risk of serious complications or death, the prosecutors alleged. They added that a large number of the implants recommended by the doctor was not necessary and was prompted by fake diagnoses or by specific symptoms deliberately triggered by previously prescribed medication. For years, Romania's healthcare system has been plagued by corruption, inefficiencies and politicised management. Reuters reported on Saturday that tens of thousands of doctors (in Romania) and nurses have emigrated and the country spends the least on healthcare in the European Union (EU). In July last year, the International Trade Administration (ITA) said the cost of healthcare in Romania in 2021 was $16.7 billion or $872.3 per person and 5.9 per cent of the GDP, one of the European Union's lowest per capita. The ITA said that despite attempts to promote primary care, the amount of health spending dedicated to primary and ambulatory care is the second lowest in the EU. It added that numerous drug manufacturers also have operations in Romania, but in recent years, problems such as law-back tax and pricing concessions required by the National Health Insurance House (CNAS) have compelled businesses to remove their goods from the Romanian market, lay off employees, or scale back their operations in the country. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Romania probes five doctors suspected of reusing medical implants extracted from dead patients

Three men were convicted by an anti-terror court in France late Friday (February 17) over a plot to attack President Emmanuel Macron in 2018. The men were part of a Facebook group called the "Barjols" and were convicted of conspiracy to commit a terrorist act after the court heard how they discussed using a ceramic knife to stab Macron at a World War I commemoration, according to a report by the news agency AFP. The accused are expected to file appeals.&nbsp;

Barjols was formed in 2017 in the aftermath of several deadly attacks in France, including one at the Charlie Hebdo magazine and the Bataclan concert hall in Paris.

Jean-Pierre Bouyer, a former mechanic, was handed the longest sentence of four years in prison, with one year suspended, which is well below the maximum jail term of 10 years for the offence. Bouyer, 66, was arrested on November 6, 2018, with three others in the eastern Moselle region. The AFP report said that cops found a commando-style knife and an army vest in his car as well as three firearms at his home.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/munich-security-conference-french-president-macron-bashes-putin-in-a-hard-hitting-address-563193">Munich Security Conference: French President Macron bashes Putin in a hard-hitting address</a>

Two other men arrested with the 66-year-old were handed shorter prison sentences, while nine co-defendants and fellow members of the Barjols were cleared. A 13th member was given a suspended sentence for illegally possessing a firearm.

The chief prosecutor called the Barjols an "incubator of violent action" when she summed up her arguments against the 13 defendants, almost all of whom had no criminal record. Their ideas could seem "eccentric" but the "threat was real", she said.&nbsp;

Since the beginning of the trial last month, the anti-terror court heard details of the group's alcohol-fuelled meetings, their racist online discussions of migration, their fear of a civil war, and their hatred of President Emmanuel Macron. The case also raised questions about the point at which online conspiracies and violent fantasies become criminal, with defence lawyers claiming the prosecution lacked evidence of any real desire to act, the news agency reported.&nbsp;

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Jean-Pierre Bouyer's lawyer Olivia Ronen said she regretted that the judges did not recognise the case was blown out of proportion and there was no hard evidence to convict.

"The court ended up a bit in the middle of the road," fellow defence lawyer Francois Ormillien said, highlighting the guilty verdicts but "extremely light" sentences.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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Three men were convicted by an anti-terror court in France late Friday (February 17) over a plot to attack President Emmanuel Macron in 2018. The men were part of a Facebook group called the "Barjols" and were convicted of conspiracy to commit a terrorist act after the court heard how they discussed using a ceramic knife to stab Macron at a World War I commemoration, according to a report by the news agency AFP.

Three men were convicted by an anti-terror court in France late Friday (February 17) over a plot to attack President Emmanuel Macron in 2018. The men were part of a Facebook group called the "Barjols" and were convicted of conspiracy to commit a terrorist act after the court heard how they discussed using a ceramic knife to stab Macron at a World War I commemoration, according to a report by the news agency AFP. The accused are expected to file appeals. Barjols was formed in 2017 in the aftermath of several deadly attacks in France, including one at the Charlie Hebdo magazine and the Bataclan concert hall in Paris. Jean-Pierre Bouyer, a former mechanic, was handed the longest sentence of four years in prison, with one year suspended, which is well below the maximum jail term of 10 years for the offence. Bouyer, 66, was arrested on November 6, 2018, with three others in the eastern Moselle region. The AFP report said that cops found a commando-style knife and an army vest in his car as well as three firearms at his home. ALSO READ | Munich Security Conference: French President Macron bashes Putin in a hard-hitting address Two other men arrested with the 66-year-old were handed shorter prison sentences, while nine co-defendants and fellow members of the Barjols were cleared. A 13th member was given a suspended sentence for illegally possessing a firearm. The chief prosecutor called the Barjols an "incubator of violent action" when she summed up her arguments against the 13 defendants, almost all of whom had no criminal record. Their ideas could seem "eccentric" but the "threat was real", she said. Since the beginning of the trial last month, the anti-terror court heard details of the group's alcohol-fuelled meetings, their racist online discussions of migration, their fear of a civil war, and their hatred of President Emmanuel Macron. The case also raised questions about the point at which online conspiracies and violent fantasies become criminal, with defence lawyers claiming the prosecution lacked evidence of any real desire to act, the news agency reported. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Jean-Pierre Bouyer's lawyer Olivia Ronen said she regretted that the judges did not recognise the case was blown out of proportion and there was no hard evidence to convict. "The court ended up a bit in the middle of the road," fellow defence lawyer Francois Ormillien said, highlighting the guilty verdicts but "extremely light" sentences. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

France: Three men convicted by court over plot to attack President Emmanuel Macron in 2018

In the United States, a gunman killed six people late Friday (February 17), including his ex-wife and stepfather in Mississippi after which he was caught by the police. An investigation has been launched into the incident. Five former Memphis police officers who were charged for Tyre Nichols' death pleaded not guilty on Friday. And in Syria, 53 people were killed in an ambush blamed on the Islamic State (IS). This was the deadliest attack by the group since January 2022.&nbsp;

Click on the headlines to read more.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mississippi-mass-shooting-six-people-killed-police-detains-suspected-gunman-563281">Mississippi mass shooting: Gunman kills 6, including ex-wife, stepfather</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/02/18/333230-untitled-design-2023-02-18t072618175.png?imwidth=1920" />

A gunman killed six people, including his ex-wife and stepfather in Mississippi after which he was caught by the police. An investigation is being carried out to understand the motive behind the attack. 
&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-five-former-memphis-police-officers-charged-with-tyre-nichols-death-plead-not-guilty-563273">US: Five former Memphis police officers charged for Tyre Nichols’ case plead not guilty</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/02/18/333226-wion-images-9.png?imwidth=1920" />

The five now former officers from the United States’ city of Memphis in Tennessee police department, who were involved in the alleged death of the 29-year-old Black man, Tyre Nichols have pleaded not guilty on charges including second-degree murder on Friday (February 17).&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syria-53-killed-in-ambush-blamed-on-islamic-state-say-reports-563294">Syria: 53 killed in ambush blamed on Islamic State, say reports</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/08/26/156659-islamic-state.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

Fifty-three people were killed on Friday (February 17) in an ambush in central Syria blamed on the Islamic State. According to state television, the victims were truffle hunting when they were killed "during an attack by the terrorists of IS to the southwest of the town of Al-Sokhna."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-biden-not-to-cross-into-ukraine-during-his-poland-visit-563298">US President Biden not to cross into Ukraine during his Poland visit</a>

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United States President Joe Biden will not be entering Ukraine during a visit to Poland next week to mark the Russia-Ukraine war's one-year anniversary. On Friday, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that Biden will visit Warsaw, Poland, where he had delivered a speech last year at the Royal Castle of the city.

WATCH| India: After Air India's mega deal, Indigo expected to order 500 jets

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In the United States, a gunman killed six people late Friday (February 17), including his ex-wife and stepfather in Mississippi after which he was caught by the police.

In the United States, a gunman killed six people late Friday (February 17), including his ex-wife and stepfather in Mississippi after which he was caught by the police. An investigation has been launched into the incident. Five former Memphis police officers who were charged for Tyre Nichols' death pleaded not guilty on Friday. And in Syria, 53 people were killed in an ambush blamed on the Islamic State (IS). This was the deadliest attack by the group since January 2022. Click on the headlines to read more. Mississippi mass shooting: Gunman kills 6, including ex-wife, stepfather A gunman killed six people, including his ex-wife and stepfather in Mississippi after which he was caught by the police. An investigation is being carried out to understand the motive behind the attack. US: Five former Memphis police officers charged for Tyre Nichols’ case plead not guilty The five now former officers from the United States’ city of Memphis in Tennessee police department, who were involved in the alleged death of the 29-year-old Black man, Tyre Nichols have pleaded not guilty on charges including second-degree murder on Friday (February 17). Syria: 53 killed in ambush blamed on Islamic State, say reports Fifty-three people were killed on Friday (February 17) in an ambush in central Syria blamed on the Islamic State. According to state television, the victims were truffle hunting when they were killed "during an attack by the terrorists of IS to the southwest of the town of Al-Sokhna." US President Biden not to cross into Ukraine during his Poland visit United States President Joe Biden will not be entering Ukraine during a visit to Poland next week to mark the Russia-Ukraine war's one-year anniversary. On Friday, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that Biden will visit Warsaw, Poland, where he had delivered a speech last year at the Royal Castle of the city. WATCH| India: After Air India's mega deal, Indigo expected to order 500 jets ×

Morning brief: Mississippi mass shooting kills 6; cops charged for Nichols' death plead not guilty, & more

Fifty-three people were killed on Friday (February 17) in central Syria in an ambush blamed on the Islamic State. According to state television, the victims were truffle hunting when they were killed "during an attack by the terrorists of IS to the southwest of the town of Al-Sokhna." The director of the Palmyra hospital Walid Audi said the victims included 46 civilians and seven soldiers. The dastardly attack comes at a time when Syria is grappling with the devastation of the massive earthquakes.&nbsp;

Speaking to radio station Sham FM, Audi said the bodies had "been brought to the hospital after the ambush" that targeted dozens. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the attack was carried out by IS terrorists on motorcycles who opened fire on truffle hunters, news agency AFP reported early Saturday. The IS did not immediately claim responsibility for the ambush.&nbsp;

This was the deadliest attack by the group&nbsp;since January 2022 when they stormed a prison in the Kurdish-controlled northeastern city of Hasakeh in a bid to free fellow members. The resulting fighting inside the city had killed 105 people, mostly civilians, as well as 268 terrorists.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/senior-isis-leader-killed-four-us-troops-dog-wounded-after-helicopter-raid-in-syria-563245">Senior ISIS leader killed, four American troops, dog wounded after helicopter raid in Syria: US military</a>

Meanwhile, on Friday, American troops killed a senior IS leader in Syria. The leader, identified as Hamza al-Homsi, was killed with the US Central Command saying that four military personnel were injured during the raid. The injured were being treated at an American medical facility in Iraq.&nbsp;

After losing their territory following a military onslaught backed by a US-led coalition in March 2019, the Islamic State remnants in Syria mostly retreated to hideouts in the desert. Since then, the group has used such hideouts to ambush Kurdish-led forces and Syrian government troops while continuing to mount attacks in neighbouring Iraq.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Fifty-three people were killed on Friday (February 17) in central Syria in an ambush blamed on the Islamic State. According to state television, the victims were truffle hunting when they were killed "during an attack by the terrorists of IS to the southwest of the town of Al-Sokhna.

Fifty-three people were killed on Friday (February 17) in central Syria in an ambush blamed on the Islamic State. According to state television, the victims were truffle hunting when they were killed "during an attack by the terrorists of IS to the southwest of the town of Al-Sokhna." The director of the Palmyra hospital Walid Audi said the victims included 46 civilians and seven soldiers. The dastardly attack comes at a time when Syria is grappling with the devastation of the massive earthquakes. Speaking to radio station Sham FM, Audi said the bodies had "been brought to the hospital after the ambush" that targeted dozens. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the attack was carried out by IS terrorists on motorcycles who opened fire on truffle hunters, news agency AFP reported early Saturday. The IS did not immediately claim responsibility for the ambush. This was the deadliest attack by the group since January 2022 when they stormed a prison in the Kurdish-controlled northeastern city of Hasakeh in a bid to free fellow members. The resulting fighting inside the city had killed 105 people, mostly civilians, as well as 268 terrorists. ALSO READ | Senior ISIS leader killed, four American troops, dog wounded after helicopter raid in Syria: US military Meanwhile, on Friday, American troops killed a senior IS leader in Syria. The leader, identified as Hamza al-Homsi, was killed with the US Central Command saying that four military personnel were injured during the raid. The injured were being treated at an American medical facility in Iraq. After losing their territory following a military onslaught backed by a US-led coalition in March 2019, the Islamic State remnants in Syria mostly retreated to hideouts in the desert. Since then, the group has used such hideouts to ambush Kurdish-led forces and Syrian government troops while continuing to mount attacks in neighbouring Iraq. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Syria: 53 killed in ambush blamed on Islamic State terrorists, say reports

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday (February 17) urged the West to maintain speedy weapons' deliveries as Russia's offensive will enter the second year soon. Addressing the Munich Security Conference via a video link, Zelensky said that his country could ensure the collapse of Moscow's aggression this year as long as it received the weapons it needed.&nbsp;"We need speed -- the speed of our agreements, speed of our delivery... speed of decisions to limit Russian potential," Zelensky said, the news agency AFP reported.&nbsp;

"Ukraine’s key message at the Munich Security Conference is an obvious one – we have to do everything so we bring about the collapse of Russian aggression before year-end. This is possible, this is necessary but this is possible if Ukraine receives the weaponry needed for this. That is why our diplomatic marathon is ongoing without let up," he added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/munich-security-conference-french-president-macron-bashes-putin-in-a-hard-hitting-address-563193">Munich Security Conference: French President Macron bashes Putin in a hard-hitting address</a>

"Following my visit to Washington in December a 'tank coalition' for Ukraine has been created, the taboo on the supply of long-range missiles is being lifted, there are new achievements in strengthening our artillery and the world has already heard how important it is for worldwide security to create an 'aviation coalition' for Ukraine," Zelensky further said, the news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

The Ukrainian president also said that he would continue to consolidate support for initiatives promulgated by Ukraine at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). "Next week, we will present an important resolution and today I presented its main ideas to the leaders of The Commonwealth Caribbean among others. Ukraine’s foreign policy is always based on respect for all who are party to international relations," he added.&nbsp;

Zelensky thanked those who were supporting Ukraine's efforts to stabilise international relations and reiterated his ambitions for Ukraine to join the European Union (EU).&nbsp;

The Ukraine war has been one of the dominating issues at the Munich Security Conference which will go on till Sunday.&nbsp;

French President Emmanuel Macron, who was a part of the conference, joined in the call for allies to intensify the support for Ukraine to aid its forces in launching a counter-offensive. "It is not the time for dialogue because we have a Russia which has chosen war, which has chosen to intensify the war, and which has chosen to go as far as committing war crimes and to attacking civilian infrastructure," Macron said, AFP reported.&nbsp;

German chancellor Olaf Scholz, meanwhile, insisted that Berlin's support was "designed to last", and urged allies to speed up deliveries of heavy tanks promised to Ukraine.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday (February 17) urged the West to maintain speedy weapons' deliveries as Russia's offensive will enter the second year soon.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday (February 17) urged the West to maintain speedy weapons' deliveries as Russia's offensive will enter the second year soon. Addressing the Munich Security Conference via a video link, Zelensky said that his country could ensure the collapse of Moscow's aggression this year as long as it received the weapons it needed. "We need speed -- the speed of our agreements, speed of our delivery... speed of decisions to limit Russian potential," Zelensky said, the news agency AFP reported. "Ukraine’s key message at the Munich Security Conference is an obvious one – we have to do everything so we bring about the collapse of Russian aggression before year-end. This is possible, this is necessary but this is possible if Ukraine receives the weaponry needed for this. That is why our diplomatic marathon is ongoing without let up," he added. ALSO READ | Munich Security Conference: French President Macron bashes Putin in a hard-hitting address "Following my visit to Washington in December a 'tank coalition' for Ukraine has been created, the taboo on the supply of long-range missiles is being lifted, there are new achievements in strengthening our artillery and the world has already heard how important it is for worldwide security to create an 'aviation coalition' for Ukraine," Zelensky further said, the news agency Reuters reported. The Ukrainian president also said that he would continue to consolidate support for initiatives promulgated by Ukraine at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). "Next week, we will present an important resolution and today I presented its main ideas to the leaders of The Commonwealth Caribbean among others. Ukraine’s foreign policy is always based on respect for all who are party to international relations," he added. Zelensky thanked those who were supporting Ukraine's efforts to stabilise international relations and reiterated his ambitions for Ukraine to join the European Union (EU). The Ukraine war has been one of the dominating issues at the Munich Security Conference which will go on till Sunday. French President Emmanuel Macron, who was a part of the conference, joined in the call for allies to intensify the support for Ukraine to aid its forces in launching a counter-offensive. "It is not the time for dialogue because we have a Russia which has chosen war, which has chosen to intensify the war, and which has chosen to go as far as committing war crimes and to attacking civilian infrastructure," Macron said, AFP reported. German chancellor Olaf Scholz, meanwhile, insisted that Berlin's support was "designed to last", and urged allies to speed up deliveries of heavy tanks promised to Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ukraine war: At Munich Security Conference, Zelensky urges West to maintain speedy weapons’ deliveries

Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College in Nashville, Tennessee was blasted in a school newspaper after administrators used ChatGPT to write an e-mail about the importance of community regarding the shooting at the Michigan State University (MSU) where a gunman killed three students and wounded five others. According to a report by The Vanderbilt Hustler on Friday (February 17), the Peabody Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) sent an e-mail on Thursday which said, "We must recognise that creating a safe and inclusive environment is an ongoing process that requires ongoing effort and commitment.”

“We must continue to engage in conversations about how we can do better, learn from our mistakes, and work together to build a stronger, more inclusive community,” the mail added. &nbsp;A line at the bottom of this five-paragraph email said it had been paraphrased using ChatGPT, which is an artificial intelligence (AI) text generator.

The body of this email mentioned “Peabody” once and did not use any other Vanderbilt-specific terms. It also referred to multiple recent shootings in Michigan, when only one incident occurred, the Vanderbilt Hustler report on Friday added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/michigan-state-university-firing-police-search-for-motive-say-suspect-was-mentally-ill-562106">Michigan State University firing: Police identify victims, say shooter was mentally ill. Here's all we know</a>

Laith Kayat, whose younger sister is a student at MSU, said that the EDI office's use of ChatGPT in drafting was disgusting. “There is a sick and twisted irony to making a computer write your message about community and togetherness because you can’t be bothered to reflect on it yourself,” Kayat said, and called on Vanderbilt administrators to take more action in preventing gun violence and to be more intentional with these actions.&nbsp;

Jackson Davis, an undergraduate at Peabody, said he was disappointed that the EDI Office allegedly used ChatGPT to write its response to the shooting. “They release milquetoast, mealymouthed statements that really say nothing whenever an issue arises on or off campus with real political and moral stakes,” Davis said.&nbsp;

Amid the mounting criticism, Associate Dean for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Nicole Joseph sent a follow-up apology mail to the Peabody community on Friday. Joseph said that using ChatGPT to write the initial mail was poor judgement.&nbsp;

“While we believe in the message of inclusivity expressed in the email, using ChatGPT to generate communications on behalf of our community in a time of sorrow and in response to a tragedy contradicts the values that characterise Peabody College, the apology mail read. The apology said, "As with all new technologies that affect higher education, this moment gives us all an opportunity to reflect on what we know and what we still must learn about AI."

The MSU gunman was identified as 43-year-old Anthony Dwayne McRae killed himself hours after committing the crime. McRae had no connection with the university, and authorities said that they were trying to determine whether mental illness played a role in the rampage, news agency Reuters reported on Thursday.&nbsp;

The authorities also found two pages of notes on McRae that listed two public schools in New Jersey and the names of a warehouse where he worked, a church, and other places where he appears to have felt slighted. 
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Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College in Nashville, Tennessee was blasted in a school newspaper after administrators used ChatGPT to write an e-mail about the importance of community regarding the shooting at the Michigan State University (MSU) where a gunman killed three students and wounded five others.

Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College in Nashville, Tennessee was blasted in a school newspaper after administrators used ChatGPT to write an e-mail about the importance of community regarding the shooting at the Michigan State University (MSU) where a gunman killed three students and wounded five others. According to a report by The Vanderbilt Hustler on Friday (February 17), the Peabody Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) sent an e-mail on Thursday which said, "We must recognise that creating a safe and inclusive environment is an ongoing process that requires ongoing effort and commitment.” “We must continue to engage in conversations about how we can do better, learn from our mistakes, and work together to build a stronger, more inclusive community,” the mail added. A line at the bottom of this five-paragraph email said it had been paraphrased using ChatGPT, which is an artificial intelligence (AI) text generator. The body of this email mentioned “Peabody” once and did not use any other Vanderbilt-specific terms. It also referred to multiple recent shootings in Michigan, when only one incident occurred, the Vanderbilt Hustler report on Friday added. ALSO READ | Michigan State University firing: Police identify victims, say shooter was mentally ill. Here's all we know Laith Kayat, whose younger sister is a student at MSU, said that the EDI office's use of ChatGPT in drafting was disgusting. “There is a sick and twisted irony to making a computer write your message about community and togetherness because you can’t be bothered to reflect on it yourself,” Kayat said, and called on Vanderbilt administrators to take more action in preventing gun violence and to be more intentional with these actions. Jackson Davis, an undergraduate at Peabody, said he was disappointed that the EDI Office allegedly used ChatGPT to write its response to the shooting. “They release milquetoast, mealymouthed statements that really say nothing whenever an issue arises on or off campus with real political and moral stakes,” Davis said. Amid the mounting criticism, Associate Dean for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Nicole Joseph sent a follow-up apology mail to the Peabody community on Friday. Joseph said that using ChatGPT to write the initial mail was poor judgement. “While we believe in the message of inclusivity expressed in the email, using ChatGPT to generate communications on behalf of our community in a time of sorrow and in response to a tragedy contradicts the values that characterise Peabody College, the apology mail read. The apology said, "As with all new technologies that affect higher education, this moment gives us all an opportunity to reflect on what we know and what we still must learn about AI." The MSU gunman was identified as 43-year-old Anthony Dwayne McRae killed himself hours after committing the crime. McRae had no connection with the university, and authorities said that they were trying to determine whether mental illness played a role in the rampage, news agency Reuters reported on Thursday. The authorities also found two pages of notes on McRae that listed two public schools in New Jersey and the names of a warehouse where he worked, a church, and other places where he appears to have felt slighted. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US college faces criticism for ChatGPT's use in email; apologises later

A reputation management company in Spain has been hired by more than 1,400 people to hide their murky pasts online. Eliminalia promises people to erase their pasts from the internet "by using an array of underhanded tactics to stifle criticism of its clients, from intimidating journalists to churning out fake news," according to a report by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) on Friday (February 17).

A reputation management company in Spain has been hired by more than 1,400 people to hide their murky pasts online. Eliminalia promises people to erase their pasts from the internet "by using an array of underhanded tactics to stifle criticism of its clients, from intimidating journalists to churning out fake news," according to a report by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) on Friday (February 17). Eliminalia is based in Barcelona and has been laundering reputations for over ten years. Its clients include dozens of people who have been convicted or suspected of crimes including drug trafficking, money laundering, sexual assault and fraud. The company has emerged as a crucial player in the global disinformation-for-hire industry. Who is behind Eliminalia? According to a report by the Guardian on Friday, Eliminalia was founded in 2013 by Diego “Didac” Sanchez. Over the years, it has built a catalogue of clients from across 50 countries. Sanchez, 30, claims to control a sprawling network of companies including a Ukrainian surrogacy business which is under investigation for trafficking babies. According to the OCCRP, Sanchez appears to have built its network with a man named Jose Maria Hill Prados, who was convicted of sexually abusing him as a minor. Although Prados’ name does not appear on Eliminalia’s records, Spanish investigators suspect he may control the reputation manager, too. Leaked files reveal the company's digital influence Thousands of leaked files obtained by French non-profit Forbidden Stories gave insights into Eliminalia's extensive web of digital influence. According to the records, Eliminalia used copyright and privacy laws to intimidate journalists, manipulate search engines to hide information and churn out fake news. In some countries, the Spanish reputation management company opened new business ventures with its criminal clients. Citing experts, OCCRP reported that Eliminalia has been a part of a growing disinformation industry that helps bad actors, from criminals to kleptocrats, to hide their murky pasts. Tena Prelec, a research fellow at Oxford University who studies transnational kleptocracy, said, "This whole mechanism, this commission of money and reputation laundering, this everyday kleptocracy, depends today on transnational professional intermediaries." “You have a whole series of professional service industries, such as public relations agents, lobbyists, lawyers … who basically help in this retasking of unsavoury individuals and companies and governments as internationally respected businesspeople and philanthropic cosmopolitans,” Prelec added. Who are the clients? The leaked files show that over 1,400 clients have used Eliminalia to clean up their reputations. These include hundreds of people who have been convicted or suspected of the earlier-mentioned crimes. The clients also include some ordinary people seeking to erase malicious material posted about them online. Here are some of the company's criminal clients > Area S.p.A. -an Italian company- paid Eliminalia $107,215 (100,000 Euros) to remove 72 news reports that it was fined in the United States for illegally providing equipment to Syria’s sanctioned government. Speaking to the OCCRP, Area said it hired the Spanish company to remove content through legal means only because it was often incorrect and unfairly presumed the company’s (Area's) guilt. > Malchas Tetruashvili, a money launderer for Russian-Georgian mafia boss Tariel Oniani, paid $32,164 (30,000 euros) to get rid of 79 links to unfavourable content about him after a Spanish court sentenced him to five months in prison. > José Mestre Fernandez, who was sentenced for heading a cocaine trafficking network in Barcelona, was a client of Eliminalia from 2016-2020. The list also includes a former political candidate Miguel Ángel Colorado Cessa- who was accused of laundering money for the notorious Los Zetas Cartel in Mexico. He paid Eliminalia $9,000 to remove news reports linking him and his brother Francisco Antonio Colorado Cessa (who died in 2018) to the Los Zetas. Another such client was Gabriel Westmann, who was accused by Argentina authorities in 2017 of having laundered money for the Sinaloa drug cartel, another notorious drug cartel in Mexico. However, the charges were dismissed two years later due to insufficient evidence. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'We erase your past': Spanish firm helps clients clean up their online profile

The ongoing war in Ukraine will soon mark one year and today a global security conference will be held in Munich, Germany where Russia's offensive will be a dominating issue. The conference will go on till Sunday and will be attended by politicians, military officials and diplomats from across the world. Ukrainian officials are also expected to address the conference. 

Russia-Ukraine war updates: Ukraine says Russian strikes kill 5 near Bakhmut

The total number of deaths due to the massive earthquake in Turkey and Syria climbed to 43,885 on Friday (February 17) as rescue efforts are nearing their end. United States President Joe Biden will hold talks with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in the wake of the balloon controversy which has worsened the relations between Washington and Beijing. And two US Senators teamed up to introduce a bipartisan Senate resolution reaffirming America's recognition of Arunachal Pradesh as an integral part of India, condemning China's military aggression to change the status quo along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). 
&nbsp;

Click on the headlines to read more.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-syria-earthquake-three-pulled-alive-248-hours-after-deadly-quake-as-toll-nears-44000-562884">Turkey-Syria earthquake: Three pulled alive 248 hours after deadly quake as toll nears 44,000</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/02/17/332961-untitled-design-2023-02-17t083901132.png?imwidth=1920" />

Miracle stories of survival from the Turkey earthquake continue to emerge days after the deadly earthquake struck Turkey and parts of Syria. Three more people were pulled from the rubble 10 days after the Turkey earthquake, with two of them being minors.&nbsp;The massive earthquake has killed a total of 43,885 people in the two countries.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-to-talk-to-xi-in-wake-of-balloon-shoot-down-by-us-562889">US President Biden to talk to China's Xi in wake of balloon controversy</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/02/17/332964-untitled-design-2023-02-17t085252025.png?imwidth=1920" />

The diplomatic relations between United States and China have suffered due to the balloon controversy, as Biden has made it a top priority to reset its ties with China.&nbsp;The US&nbsp; has remained in a state of alarm since a huge white Chinese balloon was spotted flying over various secret nuclear weapons sites.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-senators-introduce-bipartisan-resolution-reaffirming-arunachal-pradesh-as-integral-part-of-india-562896">US Senators introduce bipartisan resolution reaffirming Arunachal Pradesh as integral part of India</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/02/17/332969-0009q66kf.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

The bipartisan resolution comes after Indian and Chinese troops&nbsp;engaged in a skirmish in Arunachal Pradesh along the Line of Actual Control (LAC)&nbsp;in December 2022, the&nbsp;biggest clash in the Eastern Sector in six years.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-zelensky-rules-out-giving-up-any-territory-in-peace-deal-562877">Russia-Ukraine war: Zelensky rules out giving up any territory in peace deal</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/02/17/332950-untitled-design-2023-02-17t072448540.png?imwidth=1920" />

Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky, while speaking to BBC, expressed his unwillingness to part away with any territory for a peace deal with Russia and hoped that Belarus doesn't join the war alongside Russia.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

WATCH | China sanctions lockheed Martin and a unit of Raytheon

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The total number of deaths due to the massive earthquake in Turkey and Syria climbed to 43,885 on Friday (February 17) as rescue efforts are nearing their end. United States President Joe Biden will hold talks with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in the wake of the balloon controversy which has worsened the relations between Washington and Beijing.

The total number of deaths due to the massive earthquake in Turkey and Syria climbed to 43,885 on Friday (February 17) as rescue efforts are nearing their end. United States President Joe Biden will hold talks with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in the wake of the balloon controversy which has worsened the relations between Washington and Beijing. And two US Senators teamed up to introduce a bipartisan Senate resolution reaffirming America's recognition of Arunachal Pradesh as an integral part of India, condemning China's military aggression to change the status quo along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Click on the headlines to read more. Turkey-Syria earthquake: Three pulled alive 248 hours after deadly quake as toll nears 44,000 Miracle stories of survival from the Turkey earthquake continue to emerge days after the deadly earthquake struck Turkey and parts of Syria. Three more people were pulled from the rubble 10 days after the Turkey earthquake, with two of them being minors. The massive earthquake has killed a total of 43,885 people in the two countries. US President Biden to talk to China's Xi in wake of balloon controversy The diplomatic relations between United States and China have suffered due to the balloon controversy, as Biden has made it a top priority to reset its ties with China. The US has remained in a state of alarm since a huge white Chinese balloon was spotted flying over various secret nuclear weapons sites. US Senators introduce bipartisan resolution reaffirming Arunachal Pradesh as integral part of India The bipartisan resolution comes after Indian and Chinese troops engaged in a skirmish in Arunachal Pradesh along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in December 2022, the biggest clash in the Eastern Sector in six years. Russia-Ukraine war: Zelensky rules out giving up any territory in peace deal Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky, while speaking to BBC, expressed his unwillingness to part away with any territory for a peace deal with Russia and hoped that Belarus doesn't join the war alongside Russia. WATCH | China sanctions lockheed Martin and a unit of Raytheon ×

Morning brief: Turkey-Syria quake toll nears 44K, Biden to speak to Xi in wake of balloon controversy, & more

Two United States (US) Senators- Jeff Merkley (Democratic Senator from Oregon) and Bill Hagerty (Republican Senator from Tennessee) teamed up to introduce a bipartisan Senate resolution reaffirming America's recognition of Arunachal Pradesh as an integral part of India, condemning China's military aggression to change the status quo along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

In a statement on Thursday (February 16), Senator Merkley said that US's values supporting freedom and a rules-based order must be at the centre of all its actions and relationships around the world- especially as the Chinese government pushes an alternative vision.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-to-talk-to-xi-in-wake-of-balloon-shoot-down-by-us-562889">US President Biden to talk to China's Xi in wake of balloon controversy</a>

“This resolution makes clear that the United States views the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh as part of the Republic of India—not the People’s Republic of China (PRC)—and commits the US to deepening support and assistance to the region, alongside like-minded international partners and donors,” Merkley added.&nbsp;

Senator Bill Hagerty, meanwhile, said on Thursday that at a time when China continued to pose grave and gathering threats to the free and open Indo-Pacific, it was critical for the US to "stand shoulder-to-shoulder" with its partners in the region, especially India.

"This bipartisan resolution expresses the Senate’s support for unequivocally recognizing the state of Arunachal Pradesh as an integral part of India, condemning China’s military aggression to change the status quo along the Line of Actual Control, and further enhancing the US-India strategic partnership and the Quad in support of the Free and Open Indo-Pacific," Senator Hagerty added.&nbsp;

Thursday's resolution comes after Indian and Chinese troops engaged in a skirmish in Arunachal Pradesh along the LAC in December 2022, the biggest clash in the Eastern Sector in six years. The statement by Senator Merkley said the resolution reaffirmed that the US recognised the McMahon Line as the international boundary between China and Arunachal Pradesh, and pushes back against Beijing's claims that Arunachal is PRC&nbsp;territory, which is a part of the PRC’s increasingly aggressive and expansionist policies.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sanctions-imposed-by-china-on-lockheed-martin-and-raytheon-over-taiwan-arms-sales-562840">Sanctions imposed by China on Lockheed Martin and Raytheon over Taiwan arms sales</a>

"The Senators’ resolution condemns additional PRC provocations, including the People’s Republic of China’s use of military force to change the status quo along the Line of Actual Control, construction of villages in contested areas, publication of maps with Mandarin-language names for cities and feature in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, and expansion of PRC territorial claims in Bhutan," the statement added.&nbsp;

The resolution also commended the Indian government for taking steps to defend itself from China's aggression and security threats. These efforts included securing &nbsp;India’s telecommunications infrastructure; examining its procurement processes and supply chains and expanding cooperation with Taiwan in public health and other sectors.&nbsp; 
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Two United States (US) Senators- Jeff Merkley (Democratic Senator from Oregon) and Bill Hagerty (Republican Senator from Tennessee) teamed up to introduce a bipartisan Senate resolution reaffirming America's recognition of Arunachal Pradesh as an integral part of India, condemning China's military aggression to change the status quo along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Two United States (US) Senators- Jeff Merkley (Democratic Senator from Oregon) and Bill Hagerty (Republican Senator from Tennessee) teamed up to introduce a bipartisan Senate resolution reaffirming America's recognition of Arunachal Pradesh as an integral part of India, condemning China's military aggression to change the status quo along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). In a statement on Thursday (February 16), Senator Merkley said that US's values supporting freedom and a rules-based order must be at the centre of all its actions and relationships around the world- especially as the Chinese government pushes an alternative vision. ALSO READ | US President Biden to talk to China's Xi in wake of balloon controversy “This resolution makes clear that the United States views the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh as part of the Republic of India—not the People’s Republic of China (PRC)—and commits the US to deepening support and assistance to the region, alongside like-minded international partners and donors,” Merkley added. Senator Bill Hagerty, meanwhile, said on Thursday that at a time when China continued to pose grave and gathering threats to the free and open Indo-Pacific, it was critical for the US to "stand shoulder-to-shoulder" with its partners in the region, especially India. "This bipartisan resolution expresses the Senate’s support for unequivocally recognizing the state of Arunachal Pradesh as an integral part of India, condemning China’s military aggression to change the status quo along the Line of Actual Control, and further enhancing the US-India strategic partnership and the Quad in support of the Free and Open Indo-Pacific," Senator Hagerty added. Thursday's resolution comes after Indian and Chinese troops engaged in a skirmish in Arunachal Pradesh along the LAC in December 2022, the biggest clash in the Eastern Sector in six years. The statement by Senator Merkley said the resolution reaffirmed that the US recognised the McMahon Line as the international boundary between China and Arunachal Pradesh, and pushes back against Beijing's claims that Arunachal is PRC territory, which is a part of the PRC’s increasingly aggressive and expansionist policies. ALSO READ | Sanctions imposed by China on Lockheed Martin and Raytheon over Taiwan arms sales "The Senators’ resolution condemns additional PRC provocations, including the People’s Republic of China’s use of military force to change the status quo along the Line of Actual Control, construction of villages in contested areas, publication of maps with Mandarin-language names for cities and feature in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, and expansion of PRC territorial claims in Bhutan," the statement added. The resolution also commended the Indian government for taking steps to defend itself from China's aggression and security threats. These efforts included securing India’s telecommunications infrastructure; examining its procurement processes and supply chains and expanding cooperation with Taiwan in public health and other sectors. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US Senators introduce bipartisan resolution reaffirming Arunachal Pradesh as integral part of India

A 24-year-old woman in Tampa city of the United States fought off a man who physically assaulted her in her apartment complex's gym. According to a video tweeted by Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office on Thursday (February 16), the incident is from last month. The woman-Natasha Alma-was working out in the gym when she saw a man trying to enter the premises. She opened the door and let him in and continued her workout.&nbsp;

However, several minutes later, the man approached Alma and tried to grab her. Alma pushed him away but he started chasing her. The attacker grabbed Alma and she fought back by punching him in the face. The attacker then pinned her to the floor but she continued fighting. Eventually, the attacker gave up and when he released his grip, Alma said she ran out of the gym to a nearby apartment.&nbsp;

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A woman shares her experience after fighting off a man who physically assaulted her in her apartment complex's gym. 
 
Nashali Alma wanted to speak out about her experience to encourage other women who've dealt with similar incidents to speak out. <a href="https://t.co/hyTeO3quRA">pic.twitter.com/hyTeO3quRA</a>
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According to a report by USA Today on Thursday, investigators tracked down the man and arrested him on the allegations of sexual abuse, kidnapping and false imprisonment. Alma wanted to speak out about her experience to encourage other women who've dealt with similar incidents to speak out.

Sheriff Chad Chronister from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said that he was grateful that Alma came forward. "I know that her story is going to be an inspiration to other women," Chronister added.&nbsp;

Alma, meanwhile said, "My advice would be to never give up. My parents always told me in life to never give up on anything. And that's one thing I kept in my mind when I was fighting him. &nbsp;

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A 24-year-old woman in Tampa city of the United States fought off a man who physically assaulted her in her apartment complex's gym. According to a video tweeted by Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office on Thursday (February 16), the incident is from last month.

A 24-year-old woman in Tampa city of the United States fought off a man who physically assaulted her in her apartment complex's gym. According to a video tweeted by Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office on Thursday (February 16), the incident is from last month. The woman-Natasha Alma-was working out in the gym when she saw a man trying to enter the premises. She opened the door and let him in and continued her workout. However, several minutes later, the man approached Alma and tried to grab her. Alma pushed him away but he started chasing her. The attacker grabbed Alma and she fought back by punching him in the face. The attacker then pinned her to the floor but she continued fighting. Eventually, the attacker gave up and when he released his grip, Alma said she ran out of the gym to a nearby apartment. A woman shares her experience after fighting off a man who physically assaulted her in her apartment complex's gym. Nashali Alma wanted to speak out about her experience to encourage other women who've dealt with similar incidents to speak out. pic.twitter.com/hyTeO3quRA — HCSO (@HCSOSheriff) February 15, 2023 × According to a report by USA Today on Thursday, investigators tracked down the man and arrested him on the allegations of sexual abuse, kidnapping and false imprisonment. Alma wanted to speak out about her experience to encourage other women who've dealt with similar incidents to speak out. Sheriff Chad Chronister from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said that he was grateful that Alma came forward. "I know that her story is going to be an inspiration to other women," Chronister added. Alma, meanwhile said, "My advice would be to never give up. My parents always told me in life to never give up on anything. And that's one thing I kept in my mind when I was fighting him. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US shocker: Video shows Tampa woman fighting an attacker in a gym

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Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.