Satellite images show that China is constructing a new dam in Tibet on a tributary of the Ganga, close to the tri-junction of its borders with India and Nepal. According to a report by Hindustan Times on Friday (January 20), this development comes in the wake of the Chinese government unveiling plans to build a super dam close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Tibet on the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo river. This river flows into the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh as the Siang and then to the state of Assam as the Brahmaputra.&nbsp;

Taking to Twitter on Thursday (January 19), Damien Symon, a geo-intelligence expert, said that since early 2021, China has been constructing a dam on the Mabja Zangbo river just a few kilometres north of the trijunction border with India and Nepal. Sharing images of the dam construction done by Beijing, Symon said, "While the structure isn't complete, the project will raise concerns regarding China's future control on water in the region."

The Hindustan Times report, citing people familiar with the developments, said the dam, which is located at the strategic tri-junction of China’s borders with India and Nepal and opposite the Kalapani region of Uttarakhand, could be used to divert or restrict water of the Mabja Zangbo river. They added that the dam could also be used to store water, whose release could create floods downstream.&nbsp;

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Since early 2021, China has been constructing a dam on the Mabja Zangbo river just a few kilometers north of the trijunction border with India &amp; Nepal, while the structure isn't complete, the project will raise concerns regarding China's future control on water in the region <a href="https://t.co/XH5xSWirMk">pic.twitter.com/XH5xSWirMk</a>
— Damien Symon (@detresfa_) <a href="https://twitter.com/detresfa_/status/1615924414016638977?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, Sameer Patil, a senior fellow at the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), described the new dam as a clear attempt by Beijing to strengthen its existing infrastructure with dual-use benefits, as it had done previously on the Yarlung Zangbo river, the report added.&nbsp;

The relations between India and China have been strained following the border skirmishes, which started more than two years back. Numerous rounds of talks have been held between the two countries but there has been no resolution&nbsp;so far.&nbsp;

WION Dispatch: Indian Army Chief on situation at the LAC, says 'situation stable but unpredictable'

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Last week, Indian Army's chief General Manoj Pande said that there had been a slight increase in the number of Chinese troops at the LAC, adding the army was keeping a close watch on the movements. "There is a slight increase in the number of troops [by China] opposite our Eastern command. We are keeping a close watch on the movements," General Pande said during a press conference on January 12.&nbsp;

He added that the situation along the northern borders with China was under control but it remained unpredictable.&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

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Satellite images show that China is constructing a new dam in Tibet on a tributary of the Ganga, close to the tri-junction of its borders with India and Nepal. According to a report by Hindustan Times on Friday (January 20), this development comes in the wake of the Chinese government unveiling plans to build a super dam close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Tibet on the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo river.

Satellite images show that China is constructing a new dam in Tibet on a tributary of the Ganga, close to the tri-junction of its borders with India and Nepal. According to a report by Hindustan Times on Friday (January 20), this development comes in the wake of the Chinese government unveiling plans to build a super dam close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Tibet on the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo river. This river flows into the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh as the Siang and then to the state of Assam as the Brahmaputra. Taking to Twitter on Thursday (January 19), Damien Symon, a geo-intelligence expert, said that since early 2021, China has been constructing a dam on the Mabja Zangbo river just a few kilometres north of the trijunction border with India and Nepal. Sharing images of the dam construction done by Beijing, Symon said, "While the structure isn't complete, the project will raise concerns regarding China's future control on water in the region." The Hindustan Times report, citing people familiar with the developments, said the dam, which is located at the strategic tri-junction of China’s borders with India and Nepal and opposite the Kalapani region of Uttarakhand, could be used to divert or restrict water of the Mabja Zangbo river. They added that the dam could also be used to store water, whose release could create floods downstream. Since early 2021, China has been constructing a dam on the Mabja Zangbo river just a few kilometers north of the trijunction border with India & Nepal, while the structure isn't complete, the project will raise concerns regarding China's future control on water in the region pic.twitter.com/XH5xSWirMk — Damien Symon (@detresfa_) January 19, 2023 × Meanwhile, Sameer Patil, a senior fellow at the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), described the new dam as a clear attempt by Beijing to strengthen its existing infrastructure with dual-use benefits, as it had done previously on the Yarlung Zangbo river, the report added. The relations between India and China have been strained following the border skirmishes, which started more than two years back. Numerous rounds of talks have been held between the two countries but there has been no resolution so far. WION Dispatch: Indian Army Chief on situation at the LAC, says 'situation stable but unpredictable' × Last week, Indian Army's chief General Manoj Pande said that there had been a slight increase in the number of Chinese troops at the LAC, adding the army was keeping a close watch on the movements. "There is a slight increase in the number of troops [by China] opposite our Eastern command. We are keeping a close watch on the movements," General Pande said during a press conference on January 12. He added that the situation along the northern borders with China was under control but it remained unpredictable. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Satellite images show China constructing new dam close to borders with India, Nepal: Report

Abdul Rehman Makki, the Lashkar-e-Taiba`s (LeT's) deputy chief on Thursday (January 19) denied any links with Al-Qaeda, days after he was added to the United Nations Security Council's (UNSC) <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/huge-success-for-indias-diplomatic-efforts-unsc-blacklists-let-dep-chief-abdul-makki-as-global-terrorist-553366">list of designated terrorists</a>. Releasing a video from the Kot Lakhpat Jail in Pakistan's Lahore, Makki said "I believe that the grounds for my listing are based on heresy and disinformation by the Indian government. I never met Osama Bin Laden, Ayman Al-Zawahiri or Abdullah Azam as alleged by some propaganda reports," news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

He said that he denounced the views and actions of Al-Qaeda, adding that it was the opposite of what he believed in. "I believe in the principal position of the Pakistani government regarding Kashmir...," the LeT leader further said in the video on Thursday.&nbsp;

Makki is the cousin of the Mumbai terror attack mastermind and Jamat-ud-Dawa (JuD) Hafiz Saeed. Makki has been in jail since 2019 serving multiple sentences in terror finance cases along with Saeed and some other senior leaders of the LeT and JuD. On Monday, he was added to the UNSC's list of designated terrorists, and subjected to an assets freeze, travel ban and arms embargo.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/makkis-un-blacklisting-to-help-indias-efforts-to-dismantle-terror-infrastructure-mea-553591">Makki's UN blacklisting to help India's efforts to dismantle terror infrastructure: MEA</a>

The Indian government had made listings of Pakistan-based terrorists a top priority of its UN tenure during 2021-22, ANI reported citing people familiar with developments. The government submitted five names under the 1267 committee last year which included Abdul Rehman Makki.&nbsp;

In a statement, the UN said, "On 16 January 2023, the Security Council Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning ISIL (Da`esh), Al-Qaida, and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities approved the addition of the entry specified below to its ISIL (Da`esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List of individuals and entities subject to the assets freeze, travel ban and arms embargo set out in paragraph 1 of Security Council resolution 2610 (2021) and adopted under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations."

India and the United States already listed Makki as a terrorist under their respective domestic laws. He has been involved involved in raising funds, recruiting and radicalizing youth to violence and planning attacks in India, especially in Jammu and Kashmir, the report added. Reacting to the UNSC listing, Makki said "No due process was followed or information was provided regarding these listings."

(With inputs from agencies)

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Abdul Rehman Makki, the Lashkar-e-Taiba`s (LeT's) deputy chief on Thursday (January 19) denied any links with Al-Qaeda, days after he was added to the United Nations Security Council's (UNSC) list of designated terrorists.

Abdul Rehman Makki, the Lashkar-e-Taiba`s (LeT's) deputy chief on Thursday (January 19) denied any links with Al-Qaeda, days after he was added to the United Nations Security Council's (UNSC) list of designated terrorists. Releasing a video from the Kot Lakhpat Jail in Pakistan's Lahore, Makki said "I believe that the grounds for my listing are based on heresy and disinformation by the Indian government. I never met Osama Bin Laden, Ayman Al-Zawahiri or Abdullah Azam as alleged by some propaganda reports," news agency ANI reported. He said that he denounced the views and actions of Al-Qaeda, adding that it was the opposite of what he believed in. "I believe in the principal position of the Pakistani government regarding Kashmir...," the LeT leader further said in the video on Thursday. Makki is the cousin of the Mumbai terror attack mastermind and Jamat-ud-Dawa (JuD) Hafiz Saeed. Makki has been in jail since 2019 serving multiple sentences in terror finance cases along with Saeed and some other senior leaders of the LeT and JuD. On Monday, he was added to the UNSC's list of designated terrorists, and subjected to an assets freeze, travel ban and arms embargo. ALSO READ | Makki's UN blacklisting to help India's efforts to dismantle terror infrastructure: MEA The Indian government had made listings of Pakistan-based terrorists a top priority of its UN tenure during 2021-22, ANI reported citing people familiar with developments. The government submitted five names under the 1267 committee last year which included Abdul Rehman Makki. In a statement, the UN said, "On 16 January 2023, the Security Council Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning ISIL (Da`esh), Al-Qaida, and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities approved the addition of the entry specified below to its ISIL (Da`esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List of individuals and entities subject to the assets freeze, travel ban and arms embargo set out in paragraph 1 of Security Council resolution 2610 (2021) and adopted under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations." India and the United States already listed Makki as a terrorist under their respective domestic laws. He has been involved involved in raising funds, recruiting and radicalizing youth to violence and planning attacks in India, especially in Jammu and Kashmir, the report added. Reacting to the UNSC listing, Makki said "No due process was followed or information was provided regarding these listings." (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.

'Never met Osama': LeT leader Abdul Rehman Makki denies links with Al-Qaeda

Former United States President Donald Trump mistook his sexual assault accuser E. Jean Carroll for his ex-wife Marla Maples in testimony for her suit against him. Trump was married to Maples his second wife, from 1993 to 1999. He mistook Carroll for his ex-wife during a deposition at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida on October 19 last year.

Excerpts of the deposition, which were released on Tuesday (January 17), saw Trump potentially undermining one of his defences against Carroll's allegation that he raped her in the changing room of a New York department store in the mid-1990s.&nbsp;

Carroll, who is a journalist and an author, accused Trump of sexual assault and defamation after the former President said in an interview with "The Hill" in 2019 that she was lying and simply trying to market her book, news agency AFP reported on Thursday.&nbsp;

During the October 19 deposition, Trump was asked about the alleged incident to which he replied, "Physically she's not my type, and now that I've gotten indirectly to hear things about her, she wouldn't be my type in any way, shape, or form."

However, when Trump was shown a photograph of himself with Carroll and others at a reception in the 1990s. Trump replied, "That's Marla, that's my wife," before being corrected by his lawyer.&nbsp;

Initially, E. Jean Carroll had not gone public with the allegations of the incident. But in 2019, she divulged the details in her book. In October last year, Trump took to social media to call her story "a hoax and a lie" and her book "a complete scam." A month later, after a New York law designed to protect sexual assault victims decades after the crime took place came into effect, Carroll expanded her case by suing him for assault, the AFP report added.

In October last year, the court had taken depositions from both parties in the defamation case and the trial would now open on April 10. The report pointed out that Trump could be protected in the case as he made the initial statements against Carroll while he was serving as President.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
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Former United States President Donald Trump mistook his sexual assault accuser E. Jean Carroll for his ex-wife Marla Maples in testimony for her suit against him.

Former United States President Donald Trump mistook his sexual assault accuser E. Jean Carroll for his ex-wife Marla Maples in testimony for her suit against him. Trump was married to Maples his second wife, from 1993 to 1999. He mistook Carroll for his ex-wife during a deposition at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida on October 19 last year. Excerpts of the deposition, which were released on Tuesday (January 17), saw Trump potentially undermining one of his defences against Carroll's allegation that he raped her in the changing room of a New York department store in the mid-1990s. Carroll, who is a journalist and an author, accused Trump of sexual assault and defamation after the former President said in an interview with "The Hill" in 2019 that she was lying and simply trying to market her book, news agency AFP reported on Thursday. During the October 19 deposition, Trump was asked about the alleged incident to which he replied, "Physically she's not my type, and now that I've gotten indirectly to hear things about her, she wouldn't be my type in any way, shape, or form." However, when Trump was shown a photograph of himself with Carroll and others at a reception in the 1990s. Trump replied, "That's Marla, that's my wife," before being corrected by his lawyer. Initially, E. Jean Carroll had not gone public with the allegations of the incident. But in 2019, she divulged the details in her book. In October last year, Trump took to social media to call her story "a hoax and a lie" and her book "a complete scam." A month later, after a New York law designed to protect sexual assault victims decades after the crime took place came into effect, Carroll expanded her case by suing him for assault, the AFP report added. In October last year, the court had taken depositions from both parties in the defamation case and the trial would now open on April 10. The report pointed out that Trump could be protected in the case as he made the initial statements against Carroll while he was serving as President. (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.

Trump mistakes sexual assault accuser for ex-wife Marla in testimony: Report

A.K. Saseendran, the minister for forests and wildlife protection in the Indian state of Kerala, has been slammed over his comment that his government might consider solutions including sterilisation or culling to check the number of tigers in the southern state. According to a report by the BBC on Thursday (January 19), Saseendran was speaking amid an outrage over the death of a farmer in a tiger attack on January 13 in Mananthavady forest range in the Wayanad district. The farmer, 50, was severely injured and died due to a cardiac arrest as he was being transferred from one hospital to another. An allegation was also circulating that there was a delay in his treatment.&nbsp;

Following his death, farmers in the area protested against forest officials and demanded that the tiger should be killed.&nbsp;Citing local media, the report said that A.K. Saseendran suggested culling tigers as a possible solution to the problem. The Kerala wildlife minister later told the BBC that this suggestion came from locals who were a part of a meeting with political parties to discuss a way out.&nbsp;

However, his remark led to criticism from wildlife experts. Dr Ullas Karanth, a conservationist and tiger expert, told BBC that the population of tigers only increased by a thousand over the past five decades, adding the suggestion to cull them was not sound.&nbsp;

Another expert Praveen Bhargav said a recently amended section of the Wildlife Act did not allow the declaration of tigers as vermin, adding that the Kerala minister's proposal was legally not tenable. However, Bhargav, who is a former member of the National Board for Wildlife, told BBC that there was a provision in the law, "in case of serious human-wildlife conflict", where a state's chief wildlife warden could allow a tiger to be hunted" after being satisfied that it could not be tranquilised or translocated.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, another Indian state-Maharashtra saw a surge in man-animal conflicts. From January to December last year, 105 people died due to attacks by wild creatures, mainly tigers and leopards. A wildlife expert Sunil Limaye told news agency IANS on January 7 that humans continue to encroach wildlife territories though there are clear dos and don'ts in place, particularly in the regions adjoining animal sanctuaries/reserves dotting Maharashtra. 
 
Limaye said it is more for humans to beware of the dangers lurking in the wild than to expect appropriate behaviour from animals.

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A.K. Saseendran, the minister for forests and wildlife protection in the Indian state of Kerala, has been slammed over his comment that his government might consider solutions including sterilisation or culling to check the number of tigers in the southern state.

A.K. Saseendran, the minister for forests and wildlife protection in the Indian state of Kerala, has been slammed over his comment that his government might consider solutions including sterilisation or culling to check the number of tigers in the southern state. According to a report by the BBC on Thursday (January 19), Saseendran was speaking amid an outrage over the death of a farmer in a tiger attack on January 13 in Mananthavady forest range in the Wayanad district. The farmer, 50, was severely injured and died due to a cardiac arrest as he was being transferred from one hospital to another. An allegation was also circulating that there was a delay in his treatment. Following his death, farmers in the area protested against forest officials and demanded that the tiger should be killed. Citing local media, the report said that A.K. Saseendran suggested culling tigers as a possible solution to the problem. The Kerala wildlife minister later told the BBC that this suggestion came from locals who were a part of a meeting with political parties to discuss a way out. However, his remark led to criticism from wildlife experts. Dr Ullas Karanth, a conservationist and tiger expert, told BBC that the population of tigers only increased by a thousand over the past five decades, adding the suggestion to cull them was not sound. Another expert Praveen Bhargav said a recently amended section of the Wildlife Act did not allow the declaration of tigers as vermin, adding that the Kerala minister's proposal was legally not tenable. However, Bhargav, who is a former member of the National Board for Wildlife, told BBC that there was a provision in the law, "in case of serious human-wildlife conflict", where a state's chief wildlife warden could allow a tiger to be hunted" after being satisfied that it could not be tranquilised or translocated. Meanwhile, another Indian state-Maharashtra saw a surge in man-animal conflicts. From January to December last year, 105 people died due to attacks by wild creatures, mainly tigers and leopards. A wildlife expert Sunil Limaye told news agency IANS on January 7 that humans continue to encroach wildlife territories though there are clear dos and don'ts in place, particularly in the regions adjoining animal sanctuaries/reserves dotting Maharashtra. Limaye said it is more for humans to beware of the dangers lurking in the wild than to expect appropriate behaviour from animals. 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.

India: Minister in Kerala govt slammed over tiger culling remark, says report

Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Thursday (January 19) dissolved the country's Parliament and called for a snap election on March 19. President Tokayev, 69, also dissolved the country's local legislatures. In a message to the citizens published by the presidency, Tokayev said he hoped that the snap election will give new impetus to the modernisation of Kazakhstan, a report by news agency AFP said.&nbsp;

President Tokayev was re-elected in November last year, winning 80 per cent of the votes after an election which was criticised for its lack of competition. During the poll campaign, Tokayev had promised to create a ''New Kazakhstan" which he said would be fairer. The 69-year-old leader also promised to reform "all the main institutions of power".

The announcement of a snap election in Kazakhstan comes a year after the country saw anti-government protests against the rise in fuel prices. The protests, which were initially peaceful, soon took a violent turn resulting in the deaths of 238 people. Thousands of people were arrested for their alleged participation in the demonstrations. According to a report by the BBC in January 2022, the government had blamed the violence on terrorists with international links but did not provide any evidence.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, nearly a week back, the government repealed a law that granted authority to former President Nursultan Nazarbayev to further limit his and his family's influence. Nazarbayev served as the president from 1991 to 2019 and retained political influence even after stepping down. A number of his relatives had senior positions in the public sector but were sacked after last year's violence.&nbsp;

However, some closest relatives of the former president enjoyed legal immunity until now. On January 13, a joint session of both chambers of the Parliament voted in favour of revoking this law. "During a period of deep political transformations, when Kazakhstan is moving towards democracy and pluralism, it is important not to allow any mechanisms leading the appropriation of power by separate groups," lawmaker Erlan Sairov told Parliament, according to a report by news agency Kazinform.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Thursday (January 19) dissolved the country's Parliament and called for a snap election on March 19. President Tokayev, 69, also dissolved the country's local legislatures.

Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Thursday (January 19) dissolved the country's Parliament and called for a snap election on March 19. President Tokayev, 69, also dissolved the country's local legislatures. In a message to the citizens published by the presidency, Tokayev said he hoped that the snap election will give new impetus to the modernisation of Kazakhstan, a report by news agency AFP said. President Tokayev was re-elected in November last year, winning 80 per cent of the votes after an election which was criticised for its lack of competition. During the poll campaign, Tokayev had promised to create a ''New Kazakhstan" which he said would be fairer. The 69-year-old leader also promised to reform "all the main institutions of power". The announcement of a snap election in Kazakhstan comes a year after the country saw anti-government protests against the rise in fuel prices. The protests, which were initially peaceful, soon took a violent turn resulting in the deaths of 238 people. Thousands of people were arrested for their alleged participation in the demonstrations. According to a report by the BBC in January 2022, the government had blamed the violence on terrorists with international links but did not provide any evidence. Meanwhile, nearly a week back, the government repealed a law that granted authority to former President Nursultan Nazarbayev to further limit his and his family's influence. Nazarbayev served as the president from 1991 to 2019 and retained political influence even after stepping down. A number of his relatives had senior positions in the public sector but were sacked after last year's violence. However, some closest relatives of the former president enjoyed legal immunity until now. On January 13, a joint session of both chambers of the Parliament voted in favour of revoking this law. "During a period of deep political transformations, when Kazakhstan is moving towards democracy and pluralism, it is important not to allow any mechanisms leading the appropriation of power by separate groups," lawmaker Erlan Sairov told Parliament, according to a report by news agency Kazinform. (With inputs from agencies)

Kazakhstan President dissolves parliament, calls for snap election on March 19

Temperatures have plunged to minus 62.7 degree Celsius (80.9 degrees Fahrenheit) in Russia's Yakutsk- which is the coldest city in the world. A report by CNN on Thursday (January 19) citing meteorologists said this is the coldest Yakutsk has been in more than 20 years. A few days back, temperatures in the city had plunged to minus 50 degrees Celsius on January 15 during an abnormally cold snap. Located 5,000 km (3,100 miles) east of Moscow on the permafrost of the Russian Far East, residents of Yakutsk often see temperatures drop well below minus 40.

The cold season in the city lasts for a little over three months starting from mid-November till the end of February and January is the coldest month.&nbsp;

Speaking to news agency Reuters, Anatasia Gruzdeva, a city resident said on January 15, "You can’t fight with frost. You either adjust and dress accordingly or you suffer and drive a car. It’s quite simple actually. I have two mittens and two scarves. Warm shoes are a must. And you need to cover your head. This is all very important. Also, warm trousers, because the biggest heat loss is in the leg area. If your legs are cold, you are cold. So dress warmly."

Another resident Nurgusun Starostina said that there are no special secrets to dealing with the cold. "Just dress warmly," she said. "In layers, like a cabbage!" Starostina, who sells frozen fish at a market without a refrigerator or freezer, told the news agency.&nbsp;

Last week, a weather forecast by the Gismeteo online service said that temperatures were expected to plunge as low as -52 degree Celsius and -65 degree Celsius in some areas of Yakutsk during the weekend. The residents, however, remained unfazed by the frigid conditions. "To be honest, we're used to cold snaps. (Minus) 50 or 60, there's no huge difference for us. We're used, we dress like this (LOOKS DOWN) in winter, we're prepared," resident Marina Zakharyeva told Reuters on January 11.&nbsp;

Another resident, Maksim Zommer, who came to Yakutsk from St Petersburg, said that at first, one would feel a bit strange to breathe as the air comes inside cold and it does not get entirely warm in the nose. " But then the body adapts and it's fine. The problem for me, as well as for many of those who come from the European part, is that my nose freezes. Probably it is because they're longer than those of the local residents," Zommer added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Temperatures have plunged to minus 62.7 degree Celsius (80.9 degrees Fahrenheit) in Russia's Yakutsk- which is the coldest city in the world. A report by CNN on Thursday (January 19) citing meteorologists said this is the coldest Yakutsk has been in more than 20 years.

Temperatures have plunged to minus 62.7 degree Celsius (80.9 degrees Fahrenheit) in Russia's Yakutsk- which is the coldest city in the world. A report by CNN on Thursday (January 19) citing meteorologists said this is the coldest Yakutsk has been in more than 20 years. A few days back, temperatures in the city had plunged to minus 50 degrees Celsius on January 15 during an abnormally cold snap. Located 5,000 km (3,100 miles) east of Moscow on the permafrost of the Russian Far East, residents of Yakutsk often see temperatures drop well below minus 40. The cold season in the city lasts for a little over three months starting from mid-November till the end of February and January is the coldest month. Speaking to news agency Reuters, Anatasia Gruzdeva, a city resident said on January 15, "You can’t fight with frost. You either adjust and dress accordingly or you suffer and drive a car. It’s quite simple actually. I have two mittens and two scarves. Warm shoes are a must. And you need to cover your head. This is all very important. Also, warm trousers, because the biggest heat loss is in the leg area. If your legs are cold, you are cold. So dress warmly." Another resident Nurgusun Starostina said that there are no special secrets to dealing with the cold. "Just dress warmly," she said. "In layers, like a cabbage!" Starostina, who sells frozen fish at a market without a refrigerator or freezer, told the news agency. Last week, a weather forecast by the Gismeteo online service said that temperatures were expected to plunge as low as -52 degree Celsius and -65 degree Celsius in some areas of Yakutsk during the weekend. The residents, however, remained unfazed by the frigid conditions. "To be honest, we're used to cold snaps. (Minus) 50 or 60, there's no huge difference for us. We're used, we dress like this (LOOKS DOWN) in winter, we're prepared," resident Marina Zakharyeva told Reuters on January 11. Another resident, Maksim Zommer, who came to Yakutsk from St Petersburg, said that at first, one would feel a bit strange to breathe as the air comes inside cold and it does not get entirely warm in the nose. " But then the body adapts and it's fine. The problem for me, as well as for many of those who come from the European part, is that my nose freezes. Probably it is because they're longer than those of the local residents," Zommer added. (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.

Temperatures in Yakutsk, world's coldest city, plunge to -62.7°C

An Iranian man- Sajjad Heidarnava who beheaded his 17-year-old wife Mona Heidari in February last year, has been jailed for over eight years, the judiciary said on Wednesday (Wednesday 18). Speaking to reporters, judiciary spokesperson Massoud Setayeshi said that Heydari has been sentenced to seven and a half years in prison for murder and eight months for assault, news agency AFP reported. "The accused has no right to protest against the verdict and the decision is final," Setayeshi said adding that Heidar Heidarnava, the victim's brother-in-law was sentenced to 45 months in prison for complicity in intentional homicide.&nbsp;

"The second defendant in the case, Heidar Heidarnava, was sentenced to 45 months in prison for complicity in intentional homicide," the spokesperson said.&nbsp;

In February 2022, Mona was killed by Sajjad and Heidar in Khuzestan province's capital Ahvaz. A video of a smiling Sajjad carrying his wife's decapitated head on a street sparked outrage across Iran. Monaá family had pardoned the killers rather than demanding qesas which is Iran's Islamic law of retribution, the AFP report said.&nbsp; 
At the time of the murder, news outlets in Iran reported that Mona was married to Sajjad when she was 12 and had a three-year-old son with him.&nbsp;

Citing local media, a report by BBC World News on Wednesday said that the 17-year-old fled to Turkey after she was allegedly subjected to domestic violence by her husband who refused her request for a divorce. The report added that Mona returned to Iran days before she was killed as she reportedly received assurances from her family that she would be safe.

Following her killing, several human rights activists called for changes to the law to protect women against domestic violence and the increase in the minimum age of marriage for girls, which is currently 13.&nbsp;

Wednesday's verdict comes as Iran has been rocked by anti-hijab protests since September last year following the death of 22-year-old Kurdish-Iranian woman Mahsa Amini in police custody. Amini was arrested by the morality police for allegedly violating the country's mandatory hijab law.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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An Iranian man- Sajjad Heidarnava who beheaded his 17-year-old wife Mona Heidari in February last year, has been jailed for over eight years, the judiciary said on Wednesday (Wednesday 18).

An Iranian man- Sajjad Heidarnava who beheaded his 17-year-old wife Mona Heidari in February last year, has been jailed for over eight years, the judiciary said on Wednesday (Wednesday 18). Speaking to reporters, judiciary spokesperson Massoud Setayeshi said that Heydari has been sentenced to seven and a half years in prison for murder and eight months for assault, news agency AFP reported. "The accused has no right to protest against the verdict and the decision is final," Setayeshi said adding that Heidar Heidarnava, the victim's brother-in-law was sentenced to 45 months in prison for complicity in intentional homicide. "The second defendant in the case, Heidar Heidarnava, was sentenced to 45 months in prison for complicity in intentional homicide," the spokesperson said. In February 2022, Mona was killed by Sajjad and Heidar in Khuzestan province's capital Ahvaz. A video of a smiling Sajjad carrying his wife's decapitated head on a street sparked outrage across Iran. Monaá family had pardoned the killers rather than demanding qesas which is Iran's Islamic law of retribution, the AFP report said. At the time of the murder, news outlets in Iran reported that Mona was married to Sajjad when she was 12 and had a three-year-old son with him. Citing local media, a report by BBC World News on Wednesday said that the 17-year-old fled to Turkey after she was allegedly subjected to domestic violence by her husband who refused her request for a divorce. The report added that Mona returned to Iran days before she was killed as she reportedly received assurances from her family that she would be safe. Following her killing, several human rights activists called for changes to the law to protect women against domestic violence and the increase in the minimum age of marriage for girls, which is currently 13. Wednesday's verdict comes as Iran has been rocked by anti-hijab protests since September last year following the death of 22-year-old Kurdish-Iranian woman Mahsa Amini in police custody. Amini was arrested by the morality police for allegedly violating the country's mandatory hijab law. (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.

Iranian man jailed for eight years for beheading teen wife: Judiciary

Mexico's President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said on Wednesday (January 18) that he would consider a plea by jailed drug kingpin El Chapo (Joaquin Guzman), 65, to return from the United States to complete his sentence on humanitarian grounds. Speaking to reporters, President Obrador said the government will review the plea, adding, it was unclear if it had the power to grant the request. "But the door must always be left open when it comes to human rights," Obrador said, news agency AFP reported.&nbsp;

El Chapo, the founder of the Sinaloa cartel, has been serving a life sentence in a maximum security prison in Colorado, US, after he was convicted in 2019 of charges including drug trafficking, money laundering and weapons-related offences. On Tuesday, Chapo's lawyer Jose Refugio Rodriguez said that the drug kingpin appealed to President Obrador for help due to alleged "psychological torment" he had been suffering at the Colorado prison.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-says-29-killed-in-operation-to-arrest-drug-kingpin-el-chapos-son-550100">Mexico govt says 29 killed in operation to arrest drug kingpin El Chapo's son</a>

"In the six years that Joaquin has been in the United States, he has not seen the sun," Rodriguez said, adding the message to Obrador, described as an SOS, was transmitted via one of El Chapo's lawyers in the US as well as his family. In an interview with Radio Formula, the lawyer said that Chapo is only allowed outside three times a week to a small area where he "doesn't get the sun," and has fewer visits or phone calls than other prisoners.&nbsp;

Rodriguez also said that the 65-year-old drug kingpin wants President Obrador to address the procedural violations during his extradition in 2017 under the previous government, AFP further reported.&nbsp;

In a separate development on Tuesday, the Mexico Embassy in the US confirmed that it received an email from Rodriguez on January 10. Mexico's foreign minister Marcelo Ebrard, without referring to the content of this email, downplayed the chance of any government intercession in favour of El Chapo. "He is serving a sentence there, he has a sentence. So, frankly, I don't see any possibilities for him, but I'm going to review it with the prosecutor's office," Ebrard told reporters.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/violence-grips-mexico-after-the-arrest-of-el-chapos-son-ovidio-guzman-lopez-549882">Violence grips Mexico after the arrest of El Chapo's son Ovidio Guzman Lopez</a>

Earlier in January, Chapo's son Ovidio Guzman was arrested by authorities following six months of intelligence work to track him down. The US put out a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to Guzman's capture and accused him of being a key player in the Sinaloa cartel. His arrest triggered widespread violence in Mexico. The government had said that 29 people — 10 soldiers and 19 criminal suspects — were killed in the operation to arrest him.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Mexico's President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said on Wednesday (January 18) that he would consider a plea by jailed drug kingpin El Chapo (Joaquin Guzman), 65, to return from the United States to complete his sentence on humanitarian grounds.

Mexico's President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said on Wednesday (January 18) that he would consider a plea by jailed drug kingpin El Chapo (Joaquin Guzman), 65, to return from the United States to complete his sentence on humanitarian grounds. Speaking to reporters, President Obrador said the government will review the plea, adding, it was unclear if it had the power to grant the request. "But the door must always be left open when it comes to human rights," Obrador said, news agency AFP reported. El Chapo, the founder of the Sinaloa cartel, has been serving a life sentence in a maximum security prison in Colorado, US, after he was convicted in 2019 of charges including drug trafficking, money laundering and weapons-related offences. On Tuesday, Chapo's lawyer Jose Refugio Rodriguez said that the drug kingpin appealed to President Obrador for help due to alleged "psychological torment" he had been suffering at the Colorado prison. ALSO READ | Mexico govt says 29 killed in operation to arrest drug kingpin El Chapo's son "In the six years that Joaquin has been in the United States, he has not seen the sun," Rodriguez said, adding the message to Obrador, described as an SOS, was transmitted via one of El Chapo's lawyers in the US as well as his family. In an interview with Radio Formula, the lawyer said that Chapo is only allowed outside three times a week to a small area where he "doesn't get the sun," and has fewer visits or phone calls than other prisoners. Rodriguez also said that the 65-year-old drug kingpin wants President Obrador to address the procedural violations during his extradition in 2017 under the previous government, AFP further reported. In a separate development on Tuesday, the Mexico Embassy in the US confirmed that it received an email from Rodriguez on January 10. Mexico's foreign minister Marcelo Ebrard, without referring to the content of this email, downplayed the chance of any government intercession in favour of El Chapo. "He is serving a sentence there, he has a sentence. So, frankly, I don't see any possibilities for him, but I'm going to review it with the prosecutor's office," Ebrard told reporters. ALSO READ | Violence grips Mexico after the arrest of El Chapo's son Ovidio Guzman Lopez Earlier in January, Chapo's son Ovidio Guzman was arrested by authorities following six months of intelligence work to track him down. The US put out a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to Guzman's capture and accused him of being a key player in the Sinaloa cartel. His arrest triggered widespread violence in Mexico. The government had said that 29 people — 10 soldiers and 19 criminal suspects — were killed in the operation to arrest him. (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.

Mexico to consider jailed drug kingpin El Chapo's request to return from US

As the probe into the cash-for-influence scandal in the European Parliament continues, investigators have now homed in on a meeting of the Parliament's subcommittee on human rights, days before the football World Cup in Qatar began. A report by the Guardian on Wednesday (January 18) said the meeting was held on November 14 last year in Belgium's capital city Brussels where Qatar's labour minister Ali bin Samikh al-Marri, defended his nation's record on the rights of workers. During the meeting, al-Marri told Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) that reforms were undertaken in a short space of time so it was only natural that the government faced difficulties, the Guardian report said.&nbsp;

However, MEPs criticised the labour rights record of Qatar with one MEP, a football aficionado, saying he would not watch a single game while another parliamentarian termed the Qatar World Cup as "the World Cup of shame," the report added.&nbsp;

One of the key suspects in the corruption scandal, former Italian MEP Pier Antonio Panzeri had written Oatari minister Ali bin Samikh al-Marri's speech for the November 14, 2022 meeting, the Le Soir newspaper said citing a judicial document. Panzeri advised al-Marri how to position himself and also called on old friends in the Parliament to ask questions to lead the minister on a known path.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-what-do-we-know-about-the-european-parliament-graft-scandal-so-far-553856">Explained: What do we know about the European Parliament graft scandal so far?</a>

Before the above meeting, Panzeri and Francesco Giorgi- another suspect in the graft scandal- held a meeting with a Qatari delegation, which included al-Marri, at the Steigenberger Wiltcher hotel in Brussels. CCTV footage from the hotel showed Panzeri and Giorgi taking elevators to a private meeting in a suite on October 9. The meeting concluded after 90 minutes and CCTV footage showed Panzeri and Giorgi leaving with&nbsp; “a bag thicker than when they arrived”, Le Soir reported citing an investigation report.&nbsp;

Speaking to investigators, Francesco Giorgi said the meeting aimed to prepare al-Marri for the hearing scheduled at the Parliament. "By prepare, I mean explain to him the European point of view and how he should react," he added.&nbsp;

The Guardian report on Wednesday pointed out that Pier Antonio Panzeri had rightly anticipated the criticism of Qatar's record on the rights of migrant workers from several MEPs when the subcommittee on human rights met on November 14. Citing judicial documents, Le Soir further reported that Panzeri contacted serving MEPs asking them to intervene in the debate. These MEPs included Marc Tarabella (from Belgium) and Andrea Cozzolino (from Italy).&nbsp;

During the November 14 meeting, Andrea Cozzolino veered off script by asking Qatari labour minister al-Marri to further clarify wages and working conditions, but ended by asking how the Parliament could be more involved in overseeing labour standards in the Middle Eastern country, the Guardian report said.

On the other hand, Marc Tarabella accused the critical MEPs of basing their assertions on outdated information and urged them to respect Qatar's journey. Tarabella said such MEPs failed to criticise Russia and China over the &nbsp;Sochi Winter Olympics and Beijing Summer Games. This week, the Parliament&nbsp;launched a process to remove immunity from Tarabella and Cozzolino, after a request from Belgian prosecutors, the report added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/morocco-tried-to-bribe-members-of-european-parliament-over-pegasus-probe-546277">Morocco ‘tried to bribe’ members of European Parliament for Pegasus probe details</a>

The above developments come as Pier Antonio Panzeri struck a deal with Belgian prosecutors to provide information about the graft scandal regarding the names of countries involved and the payment of the bribes made. Issuing a statement, the prosecutors said in return, Panzeri would get a limited sentence including imprisonment, a fine and confiscation of one million euros in assets.

Meanwhile, the European Parliament chose Marc Angel as one of the chamber's vice presidents to replace Greek lawmaker Eva Kaili- after she was removed following her arrest in the graft scandal.&nbsp;

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As the probe into the cash-for-influence scandal in the European Parliament continues, investigators have now homed in on a meeting of the Parliament's subcommittee on human rights, days before the football World Cup in Qatar began.

As the probe into the cash-for-influence scandal in the European Parliament continues, investigators have now homed in on a meeting of the Parliament's subcommittee on human rights, days before the football World Cup in Qatar began. A report by the Guardian on Wednesday (January 18) said the meeting was held on November 14 last year in Belgium's capital city Brussels where Qatar's labour minister Ali bin Samikh al-Marri, defended his nation's record on the rights of workers. During the meeting, al-Marri told Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) that reforms were undertaken in a short space of time so it was only natural that the government faced difficulties, the Guardian report said. However, MEPs criticised the labour rights record of Qatar with one MEP, a football aficionado, saying he would not watch a single game while another parliamentarian termed the Qatar World Cup as "the World Cup of shame," the report added. One of the key suspects in the corruption scandal, former Italian MEP Pier Antonio Panzeri had written Oatari minister Ali bin Samikh al-Marri's speech for the November 14, 2022 meeting, the Le Soir newspaper said citing a judicial document. Panzeri advised al-Marri how to position himself and also called on old friends in the Parliament to ask questions to lead the minister on a known path. ALSO READ | Explained: What do we know about the European Parliament graft scandal so far? Before the above meeting, Panzeri and Francesco Giorgi- another suspect in the graft scandal- held a meeting with a Qatari delegation, which included al-Marri, at the Steigenberger Wiltcher hotel in Brussels. CCTV footage from the hotel showed Panzeri and Giorgi taking elevators to a private meeting in a suite on October 9. The meeting concluded after 90 minutes and CCTV footage showed Panzeri and Giorgi leaving with “a bag thicker than when they arrived”, Le Soir reported citing an investigation report. Speaking to investigators, Francesco Giorgi said the meeting aimed to prepare al-Marri for the hearing scheduled at the Parliament. "By prepare, I mean explain to him the European point of view and how he should react," he added. The Guardian report on Wednesday pointed out that Pier Antonio Panzeri had rightly anticipated the criticism of Qatar's record on the rights of migrant workers from several MEPs when the subcommittee on human rights met on November 14. Citing judicial documents, Le Soir further reported that Panzeri contacted serving MEPs asking them to intervene in the debate. These MEPs included Marc Tarabella (from Belgium) and Andrea Cozzolino (from Italy). During the November 14 meeting, Andrea Cozzolino veered off script by asking Qatari labour minister al-Marri to further clarify wages and working conditions, but ended by asking how the Parliament could be more involved in overseeing labour standards in the Middle Eastern country, the Guardian report said. On the other hand, Marc Tarabella accused the critical MEPs of basing their assertions on outdated information and urged them to respect Qatar's journey. Tarabella said such MEPs failed to criticise Russia and China over the Sochi Winter Olympics and Beijing Summer Games. This week, the Parliament launched a process to remove immunity from Tarabella and Cozzolino, after a request from Belgian prosecutors, the report added. ALSO READ | Morocco ‘tried to bribe’ members of European Parliament for Pegasus probe details The above developments come as Pier Antonio Panzeri struck a deal with Belgian prosecutors to provide information about the graft scandal regarding the names of countries involved and the payment of the bribes made. Issuing a statement, the prosecutors said in return, Panzeri would get a limited sentence including imprisonment, a fine and confiscation of one million euros in assets. Meanwhile, the European Parliament chose Marc Angel as one of the chamber's vice presidents to replace Greek lawmaker Eva Kaili- after she was removed following her arrest in the graft scandal. 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.

EU graft scandal probe homes in on Brussels meeting days before World Cup: Reports

Alvin Chau, Macau's gambling kingpin,&nbsp;was on Wednesday (January 18) sentenced to 18 years in prison for running an illegal gambling empire. Chau, 48, the chairman of the Suncity Group, was responsible for pioneering the junket industry which brought high rollers from mainland China to Macau. He was the chairman (of the group) until December 2021, a month after his arrest. A report by the news agency AFP on Wednesday said that prosecutors charged Chau with 289 counts of fraud, money laundering and illegal gambling. Judge Lou Ieng Ha found the 48-year-old guilty of fraud, running a criminal syndicate and operating illegal bets. However, she acquitted him on the charge of money laundering.&nbsp;

In her ruling, Judge Ha said that under Chau's leadership, the Suncity Group operated illegal gambling for unlawful gains for a long time, the report added. Apart from the prison sentence, Chau has also been ordered to pay $834 million to the Macau government and $275 million to five of the city's six casino operators -- MGM China, Wynn Macau, Sands China, Galaxy Entertainment and SJM Holdings. 
 
Chau's lawyers argued he did not operate any illegal gambling or commit money laundering, adding no one from the Suncity Group promoted gambling on the mainland.&nbsp;

Macau is the only Chinese city where citizens are allowed to gamble in casinos. A report by the news agency Reuters on Wednesday said that tax revenues from Macau's casinos account for over 80% of government income. The Suncity Group had been a major player in Macau until 2019, accounting for 25% of total gaming revenues, the report said citing industry executives.&nbsp;

Since Chau's arrest, Macau's junket industry has collapsed. The government still allows junkets to operate. However, they face far more scrutiny after a new legislation was approved last month that regulates their licensing and activities.

At present, junkets are only allowed to partner with a single casino, the report added. Meanwhile, another high-profile junket boss Levo Chan, a rival of Chau, is being prosecuted separately for fraud, money laundering and running a criminal syndicate.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Alvin Chau, Macau's gambling kingpin, was on Wednesday (January 18) sentenced to 18 years in prison for running an illegal gambling empire. Chau, 48, the chairman of the Suncity Group, was responsible for pioneering the junket industry which brought high rollers from mainland China to Macau.

Alvin Chau, Macau's gambling kingpin, was on Wednesday (January 18) sentenced to 18 years in prison for running an illegal gambling empire. Chau, 48, the chairman of the Suncity Group, was responsible for pioneering the junket industry which brought high rollers from mainland China to Macau. He was the chairman (of the group) until December 2021, a month after his arrest. A report by the news agency AFP on Wednesday said that prosecutors charged Chau with 289 counts of fraud, money laundering and illegal gambling. Judge Lou Ieng Ha found the 48-year-old guilty of fraud, running a criminal syndicate and operating illegal bets. However, she acquitted him on the charge of money laundering. In her ruling, Judge Ha said that under Chau's leadership, the Suncity Group operated illegal gambling for unlawful gains for a long time, the report added. Apart from the prison sentence, Chau has also been ordered to pay $834 million to the Macau government and $275 million to five of the city's six casino operators -- MGM China, Wynn Macau, Sands China, Galaxy Entertainment and SJM Holdings. Chau's lawyers argued he did not operate any illegal gambling or commit money laundering, adding no one from the Suncity Group promoted gambling on the mainland. Macau is the only Chinese city where citizens are allowed to gamble in casinos. A report by the news agency Reuters on Wednesday said that tax revenues from Macau's casinos account for over 80% of government income. The Suncity Group had been a major player in Macau until 2019, accounting for 25% of total gaming revenues, the report said citing industry executives. Since Chau's arrest, Macau's junket industry has collapsed. The government still allows junkets to operate. However, they face far more scrutiny after a new legislation was approved last month that regulates their licensing and activities. At present, junkets are only allowed to partner with a single casino, the report added. Meanwhile, another high-profile junket boss Levo Chan, a rival of Chau, is being prosecuted separately for fraud, money laundering and running a criminal syndicate. (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.

Macau's gambling kingpin Alvin Chau sentenced to 18 years in prison

Lawmakers in the European Union (EU) will on Wednesday (January 18) vote on a candidate to replace former Parliament vice president Eva Kaili, after a key suspect in the European Parliament corruption scandal cut a deal with Belgian prosecutors to reveal information about the countries involved and the bribes payment, a report by news agency Associated Press said.

Lawmakers in the European Union (EU) will on Wednesday (January 18) vote on a candidate to replace former Parliament vice president Eva Kaili, after a key suspect in the European Parliament corruption scandal cut a deal with Belgian prosecutors to reveal information about the countries involved and the bribes payment, a report by news agency Associated Press said. Kaili was removed from the top post after she was taken into custody in December last year facing charges of corruption, money laundering and membership in a criminal organisation. Apart from Kaili, Belgian prosecutors suspect that three other lawmakers — former Italian Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Pier Antonio Panzeri, Kaili’s partner and Panzeri’s friend Francesco Giorgi; and Niccolo Figa-Talamanca, head of the charity group No Peace Without Justice, were paid by Qatar and Morocco to influence decision-making at the assembly, the report said. However, both countries have denied the allegation. On Tuesday, Belgian prosecutors said that key suspect Pier Antonio Panzeri cut a deal to reveal more information about the scandal in exchange for a lighter sentence. Here is what you need to know about the corruption scandal which has rocked the European Parliament (one of the legislative bodies of the EU): What is the scandal about? Back in 2021, the Belgian Police started to probe possible interference by a foreign government in the European Union's decision-making, acting on the information provided by Belgium's intelligence service, a report by news agency Bloomberg said citing the Le Soir newspaper. Over 20 searches were carried out at the residences and offices of European lawmakers in Belgium's capital Brussels and Italy, and led to the seizure of 1.5 million euros. ALSO READ | Morocco ‘tried to bribe’ members of European Parliament for Pegasus probe details December 2022: Four arrests made In December last year, four suspects were arrested — Eva Kaili, Pier Antonio Panzeri, Francesco Giorgi and Niccolo Figa-Talamanca. They were held on charges of "criminal organisation, corruption and money laundering". Citing Le Soir, the Bloomberg report said that according to Belgian prosecutors, the scandal focused on a Gulf country that was suspected of having sought to influence the political and economic decisions of the European Parliament. The prosecutors believed cash and other gifts were used to secure favours from people of influence in the legislature. In a statement to prosecutors by Francesco Giorgi and a former assistant of ex-Italian MEP Pierre Antonio Panzeri, investigators were focusing on Panzeri’s time as chair of a parliamentary human rights committee, when he worked with the Qatar government. In documents related to the case, Qatar and Morocco were mentioned, and Francesco Giorgi admitted that he was involved in activities led by Panzeri aimed at favouring the interests of these two countries, Le Soir said. News also came out that former EU commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos accepted 60,000 euros for carrying out work for an NGO headed by Panzeri which was linked to the corruption allegations. Panzeri cuts deal for a lighter sentence Pier Antonio Panzeri, who is currently under arrest, will reveal information about the corruption scandal. Issuing a statement, the Belgian prosecutors said in return, Panzeri would get a limited sentence including imprisonment, a fine and confiscation of one million euros in assets. According to Belgian media, the former Italian MEP was under surveillance by Belgian intelligence services for at least a month before he was arrested. ALSO READ | European parliament plans to ban Qatari officials from premises The Italian government, meanwhile, arrested Panzeri's wife and daughter under a warrant issued by Belgium and authorised their extradition. Citing local media, the news agency AFP reported his wife is challenging the court order and their daughter is expected to follow suit. What is the European Parliament doing about the scandal? Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, said that no stone will ne left unturned in fighting attempts to exert undue influence on lawmakers. On Monday (January 16), Metsola vowed to impose new rules to tackle foreign corruption, and also pledged to ensure "more transparency" and "accountability" - with a "first-step approach" that would include greater scrutiny of "those representing third countries and their interests". (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.

Explained: What do we know about the European Parliament graft scandal so far?

The office of Brazil's prosecutor general on Tuesday presented its first charges against thousands of supporters of former president Jair Bolsonaro for storming the capital city of Brasilia on January 8, calling for a military coup to oust current president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. The prosecutors, who charged 39 supporters, requested they should be imprisoned as a preventive measure and that $7.7 million (40 million reais) of their assets be frozen to help cover damages, a report by news agency Associated Press said on Tuesday (January 17).&nbsp;

As per a statement on Monday, the prosecutor general's office said these 39 were charged with armed criminal association, a violent attempt to subvert the democratic state of law, staging a coup and damage to public property. Their identities have not been released yet, the report added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-riots-ex-bolsonaro-minister-anderson-torres-arrested-552661">Brazil riots: Ex-Bolsonaro minister Anderson Torres arrested</a>

Right after the January 8 riots, over 2,000 Bolsonaro supporters were arrested immediately. Of these, 300 were detained at the crime scene. At present, some 1,400 supporters remain in custody, a report by news agency AFP said. More than 600 were already released pending investigation. These included mainly elderly people, pregnant women and mothers with small children, the report added.&nbsp;

The charges against the supporters come just days after Anderson Torres, the former justice minister in Bolsonaro's cabinet was arrested on January 14 over the riots. Torres was arrested when he arrived in Brasilia from the United States- where he and Bolsonaro were at the time of the riots.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-supreme-court-allows-authorities-to-include-jair-bolsonaro-in-january-8-riots-probe-552494">Brazil Supreme Court allows authorities to include Jair Bolsonaro in January 8 riots probe</a>

Meanwhile, Bolsonaro, who remains in the United States, will be included in an investigation into the origin of the January 8 riots. Justice Alexandre de Moraes granted a request from the office of the prosecutor general (PGR)to include the former president in the wider probe, citing a video he posted on Facebook two days after the riots. The video, posted two days after the riots questioned the regularity of last year's presidential elections. The PGR pointed out that even though the video was posted after the violence, &nbsp;it might serve as "a probative connection" that justified "a global investigation of the acts performed before and after January 8, 2023, by the defendant."

Bolsonaro's defence denied any involvement by him in the riots. News agency AFP earlier reported that as per a note issued by Bolsonaro's office, the former president never had any relationship or participation in these movements, blaming the violence on infiltrators.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The office of Brazil's prosecutor general on Tuesday presented its first charges against thousands of supporters of former president Jair Bolsonaro for storming the capital city of Brasilia on January 8, calling for a military coup to oust current president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

The office of Brazil's prosecutor general on Tuesday presented its first charges against thousands of supporters of former president Jair Bolsonaro for storming the capital city of Brasilia on January 8, calling for a military coup to oust current president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. The prosecutors, who charged 39 supporters, requested they should be imprisoned as a preventive measure and that $7.7 million (40 million reais) of their assets be frozen to help cover damages, a report by news agency Associated Press said on Tuesday (January 17). As per a statement on Monday, the prosecutor general's office said these 39 were charged with armed criminal association, a violent attempt to subvert the democratic state of law, staging a coup and damage to public property. Their identities have not been released yet, the report added. ALSO READ | Brazil riots: Ex-Bolsonaro minister Anderson Torres arrested Right after the January 8 riots, over 2,000 Bolsonaro supporters were arrested immediately. Of these, 300 were detained at the crime scene. At present, some 1,400 supporters remain in custody, a report by news agency AFP said. More than 600 were already released pending investigation. These included mainly elderly people, pregnant women and mothers with small children, the report added. The charges against the supporters come just days after Anderson Torres, the former justice minister in Bolsonaro's cabinet was arrested on January 14 over the riots. Torres was arrested when he arrived in Brasilia from the United States- where he and Bolsonaro were at the time of the riots. ALSO READ | Brazil Supreme Court allows authorities to include Jair Bolsonaro in January 8 riots probe Meanwhile, Bolsonaro, who remains in the United States, will be included in an investigation into the origin of the January 8 riots. Justice Alexandre de Moraes granted a request from the office of the prosecutor general (PGR)to include the former president in the wider probe, citing a video he posted on Facebook two days after the riots. The video, posted two days after the riots questioned the regularity of last year's presidential elections. The PGR pointed out that even though the video was posted after the violence, it might serve as "a probative connection" that justified "a global investigation of the acts performed before and after January 8, 2023, by the defendant." Bolsonaro's defence denied any involvement by him in the riots. News agency AFP earlier reported that as per a note issued by Bolsonaro's office, the former president never had any relationship or participation in these movements, blaming the violence on infiltrators. (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.

Brazil: Prosecutors charge 39 in pro-Bolsonaro riots in Brasilia

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