<p>Kenyan single mothers in Saudi Arabia have been "trapped" in the country after being denied visas and birth certificates for their children in order to leave and return to their homeland.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Guardian spoke to five Kenyan women who explained their misery, saying that they have been unable to register the birth of their children as they were born outside marriage.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They said that they all fled abusive employers who then kept their identity documents.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The women complained that they have been trying to leave the country as their children are unable to get enrolled in schools in Saudi Arabia without the documents. They added that they have also been told that exit visas cannot be processed because they have "stateless" children.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In Saudi Arabia, having sex outside marriage is a crime as per the Islamic laws. However, the human rights groups said that women are disproportionately charged for this since resulting pregnancies are considered evidence.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-military-chief-visits-iran-for-rare-high-level-defence-talks-775058"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Saudi military chief visits Iran for rare high-level defence talks</strong></a></p>

<p>Moreover, survivors of rape or sex trafficking can be deemed to have confessed to extramarital sex and prosecuted.</p>

<p>Children born outside the marriage&nbsp;in Saudi Arabia are not entitled to birth certificates. Additionally, their undocumented status means that they cannot access basic rights and services, including medical care and education, and are also not allowed to travel outside the Kingdom.&nbsp;</p>

<p>These five women interviewed by Guardian shared that they had pregnancies during relationships with fellow migrant workers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hence, all these women became single mothers, meanwhile, some said that they were abandoned by their child's fathers because they feared getting arrested for having extramarital sex.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Saudi Arabia welcomes deal between Yemeni government, Houthis</strong></p>

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<p>Fatima, a migrant from Kenya who came to Saudi Arabia to be a domestic worker, said staff at her nearest hospital in the Saudi capital Riyadh threatened to call the police when she rushed there with labour pains, the Guardian reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“They said they would send me to jail if I didn’t bring [the necessary] documents. I was so afraid to go to jail with labour pains. I pretended like I was strolling around the hospital. Then, I just walked out of the gate and went back to my house," she said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Fatima entered her accommodation in Riyadh, and gave birth to a son just five minutes after that. "I cut the umbilical cord and cleaned myself. I cleaned my baby and wrapped him in a blanket. It was scary, but I just had to do it. There was nobody else to help me.”</p>

<p>She added that she ran away from her employer's home because he was sexually assaulting her and was physically abusive. Moreover, the employer also seized her passport.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moreover, she said that she has been trying to leave Saudi Arabia for the past two years because her son, who has now turned eight, has been unable to go to school.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The authorities here are not too concerned about the babies and their mothers,” Fatima said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier in April, Fatima also staged a public protest in the Manfuhah neighbourhood in Riyadh, along with a group of other migrant mothers. However, protests are illegal in Saudi Arabia and punishable by imprisonment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We want our kids to go to school. They’re missing a lot in their early childhood education. It’s very important, and our babies are missing that opportunity.”</p>

<p>Meanwhile, migrant rights experts have estimated that the number of cases of stateless children born outside marriage in Gulf countries is in thousands, adding that every child has a right to identity and protection, regardless of how and when they were born.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Kenyan single mothers in Saudi Arabia have been "trapped" in the country after being denied visas and birth certificates for their children in order to leave and return to their homeland.

Kenyan single mothers in Saudi Arabia have been "trapped" in the country after being denied visas and birth certificates for their children in order to leave and return to their homeland. Guardian spoke to five Kenyan women who explained their misery, saying that they have been unable to register the birth of their children as they were born outside marriage. They said that they all fled abusive employers who then kept their identity documents. The women complained that they have been trying to leave the country as their children are unable to get enrolled in schools in Saudi Arabia without the documents. They added that they have also been told that exit visas cannot be processed because they have "stateless" children. In Saudi Arabia, having sex outside marriage is a crime as per the Islamic laws. However, the human rights groups said that women are disproportionately charged for this since resulting pregnancies are considered evidence. Also read: Saudi military chief visits Iran for rare high-level defence talks Moreover, survivors of rape or sex trafficking can be deemed to have confessed to extramarital sex and prosecuted. Children born outside the marriage in Saudi Arabia are not entitled to birth certificates. Additionally, their undocumented status means that they cannot access basic rights and services, including medical care and education, and are also not allowed to travel outside the Kingdom. These five women interviewed by Guardian shared that they had pregnancies during relationships with fellow migrant workers. Hence, all these women became single mothers, meanwhile, some said that they were abandoned by their child's fathers because they feared getting arrested for having extramarital sex. Watch | Saudi Arabia welcomes deal between Yemeni government, Houthis × Fatima, a migrant from Kenya who came to Saudi Arabia to be a domestic worker, said staff at her nearest hospital in the Saudi capital Riyadh threatened to call the police when she rushed there with labour pains, the Guardian reported. “They said they would send me to jail if I didn’t bring [the necessary] documents. I was so afraid to go to jail with labour pains. I pretended like I was strolling around the hospital. Then, I just walked out of the gate and went back to my house," she said. Fatima entered her accommodation in Riyadh, and gave birth to a son just five minutes after that. "I cut the umbilical cord and cleaned myself. I cleaned my baby and wrapped him in a blanket. It was scary, but I just had to do it. There was nobody else to help me.” She added that she ran away from her employer's home because he was sexually assaulting her and was physically abusive. Moreover, the employer also seized her passport. Moreover, she said that she has been trying to leave Saudi Arabia for the past two years because her son, who has now turned eight, has been unable to go to school. “The authorities here are not too concerned about the babies and their mothers,” Fatima said. Earlier in April, Fatima also staged a public protest in the Manfuhah neighbourhood in Riyadh, along with a group of other migrant mothers. However, protests are illegal in Saudi Arabia and punishable by imprisonment. “We want our kids to go to school. They’re missing a lot in their early childhood education. It’s very important, and our babies are missing that opportunity.” Meanwhile, migrant rights experts have estimated that the number of cases of stateless children born outside marriage in Gulf countries is in thousands, adding that every child has a right to identity and protection, regardless of how and when they were born. (With inputs from agencies)

Kenyan single mothers 'trapped' in Saudi Arabia as visas are denied to 'stateless' children

<p>Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, said on Wednesday (Dec 18) that China is ready to work with India on the core interests and major concerns of both nations.</p>

<p>The statement comes ahead of Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval's meeting with China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing to discuss the management of peace along the Line of Actual Control.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-nsa-ajit-doval-china-fm-wang-yi-hold-vital-talks-on-peace-along-lac-784914"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;India NSA Ajit Doval, China FM Wang Yi hold vital talks on peace along LAC</strong></a></p>

<p>The Chinese ambassador emphasised that China will work with India to implement the important common understandings between the leaders of the two countries and strengthen mutual trust through dialogue and communication.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"China is ready to work with India to implement the important common understandings between the leaders of China and India, respect each other’s core interests and major concerns, strengthen mutual trust through dialogue and communication, properly settle differences with sincerity and good faith, and bring bilateral relations back to the track of stable and healthy development as soon as possible," the ambassador said in a post on X.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">China is ready to work with India to implement the important common understandings between the leaders of China and India, respect each other’s core interests and major concerns, strengthen mutual trust through dialogue and communication, properly settle differences with… <a href="https://t.co/GxEnBPfWnV">pic.twitter.com/GxEnBPfWnV</a></p>
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<p>During the meeting held on Wednesday, Doval and Wang Yi discussed the restoration of ties between New Delhi and Beijing, which have been frozen for over four years due to the military standoff in eastern Ladakh.</p>

<p>The Indian National Security Adviser arrived in China on Tuesday to take part in the 23rd round of the Special Representatives' talks.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;India-China to Hold Special Representatives Dialogue</strong></p>

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<p>These vital talks are being held after a gap of five years, with the last edition being held in 2019.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The border standoff between India and China began in eastern Ladakh along the LAC in 2020 and was sparked by Chinese military actions. It led to prolonged tensions between the two nations, significantly straining their relations.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, said on Wednesday (Dec 18) that China is ready to work with India on the core interests and major concerns of both nations.

Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, said on Wednesday (Dec 18) that China is ready to work with India on the core interests and major concerns of both nations. The statement comes ahead of Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval's meeting with China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing to discuss the management of peace along the Line of Actual Control. Also read: India NSA Ajit Doval, China FM Wang Yi hold vital talks on peace along LAC The Chinese ambassador emphasised that China will work with India to implement the important common understandings between the leaders of the two countries and strengthen mutual trust through dialogue and communication. "China is ready to work with India to implement the important common understandings between the leaders of China and India, respect each other’s core interests and major concerns, strengthen mutual trust through dialogue and communication, properly settle differences with sincerity and good faith, and bring bilateral relations back to the track of stable and healthy development as soon as possible," the ambassador said in a post on X. China is ready to work with India to implement the important common understandings between the leaders of China and India, respect each other’s core interests and major concerns, strengthen mutual trust through dialogue and communication, properly settle differences with… pic.twitter.com/GxEnBPfWnV — Xu Feihong (@China_Amb_India) December 18, 2024 × During the meeting held on Wednesday, Doval and Wang Yi discussed the restoration of ties between New Delhi and Beijing, which have been frozen for over four years due to the military standoff in eastern Ladakh. The Indian National Security Adviser arrived in China on Tuesday to take part in the 23rd round of the Special Representatives' talks. Watch | India-China to Hold Special Representatives Dialogue × These vital talks are being held after a gap of five years, with the last edition being held in 2019. The border standoff between India and China began in eastern Ladakh along the LAC in 2020 and was sparked by Chinese military actions. It led to prolonged tensions between the two nations, significantly straining their relations. (With inputs from agencies)

'China ready to work with India,' says Chinese envoy as NSA Doval meets Wang Yi in Beijing

<p><span class="region">Moscow, Russia</span>
<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday (Dec 17) claimed that Russian troops have burnt the faces of deceased North Korean soldiers to conceal their identity and hide their presence. </p></p>
<p>Zelensky shared a 31-second video, showing a group of people burning what appears to be a corpse on a snow-covered slope. </p>
<p>"Even after years of war, when we thought the Russians could not get any more cynical, we see something even worse," Zelensky said in a post on X. </p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Even after years of war, when we thought the Russians could not get any more cynical, we see something even worse.</p>
<p>Russia not only sends the North Korean troops to storm Ukrainian positions, but also tries to conceal losses of these people.</p>
<p>They tried to hide the presence of… <a href="https://t.co/KYyGF1rxP8">pic.twitter.com/KYyGF1rxP8</a></p>
<p>— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1868777841917059313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
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<p>He further said that Russia not only sends the North Korean troops to storm Ukrainian positions but also "tries to conceal losses of these people".</p>
<p>The Ukrainian president stressed that the Russians attempted to erase any video evidence of their presence. </p>
<p>"Now, after first combats with our warriors, Russians are trying…to literally burn the faces of North Korean soldiers killed in battle," he said, adding, "This is a demonstration of disrespect, which is currently prevalent in Russia, a disrespect to everything human."</p>
<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-kyiv-claims-killing-or-injuring-30-north-korean-soldiers-in-kursk-region-784464"><strong>Also read: Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv claims killing or injuring 30 North Korean soldiers in Kursk region</strong></a></p>
<p>Zelensky said that there is not a single reason for North Koreans to fight and die for Putin. </p>
<p>"This madness must be stopped—stopped by a reliable and durable peace, as well as Russia’s accountability for this cynical war," he emphasised. </p>
<p>Earlier on Monday, Zelensky claimed that around 30 North Korean troops were killed or wounded in Russia's Kursk border region. This was the first reported casualties since Kyiv announced that Pyongyang had sent 10,000 troops to Russia to help in its war with Ukraine. </p>
<p><strong>Watch | Russia-Ukraine War: Trump To Talk To Zelensky, Putin To End War</strong></p>
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<p>Prior to that, he said that he had "preliminary evidence that the Russians have begun to use soldiers from North Korea in assaults, a noticeable number of them."</p>
<p>Washington and Seoul have also accused Pyongyang of sending over 10,000 troops to support Moscow following the signing of a significant defence agreement between Russia and North Korea earlier this year.</p>
<p><em>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</em></p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Zelensky shared a 31-second video, showing a group of people burning what appears to be a corpse on a snow-covered slope. 



Moscow, Russia Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday (Dec 17) claimed that Russian troops have burnt the faces of deceased North Korean soldiers to conceal their identity and hide their presence. Zelensky shared a 31-second video, showing a group of people burning what appears to be a corpse on a snow-covered slope. "Even after years of war, when we thought the Russians could not get any more cynical, we see something even worse," Zelensky said in a post on X. Even after years of war, when we thought the Russians could not get any more cynical, we see something even worse. Russia not only sends the North Korean troops to storm Ukrainian positions, but also tries to conceal losses of these people. They tried to hide the presence of… pic.twitter.com/KYyGF1rxP8 — Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) December 16, 2024 × He further said that Russia not only sends the North Korean troops to storm Ukrainian positions but also "tries to conceal losses of these people". The Ukrainian president stressed that the Russians attempted to erase any video evidence of their presence. "Now, after first combats with our warriors, Russians are trying…to literally burn the faces of North Korean soldiers killed in battle," he said, adding, "This is a demonstration of disrespect, which is currently prevalent in Russia, a disrespect to everything human." Also read: Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv claims killing or injuring 30 North Korean soldiers in Kursk region Zelensky said that there is not a single reason for North Koreans to fight and die for Putin. "This madness must be stopped—stopped by a reliable and durable peace, as well as Russia’s accountability for this cynical war," he emphasised. Earlier on Monday, Zelensky claimed that around 30 North Korean troops were killed or wounded in Russia's Kursk border region. This was the first reported casualties since Kyiv announced that Pyongyang had sent 10,000 troops to Russia to help in its war with Ukraine. Watch | Russia-Ukraine War: Trump To Talk To Zelensky, Putin To End War × Prior to that, he said that he had "preliminary evidence that the Russians have begun to use soldiers from North Korea in assaults, a noticeable number of them." Washington and Seoul have also accused Pyongyang of sending over 10,000 troops to support Moscow following the signing of a significant defence agreement between Russia and North Korea earlier this year. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

'Madness must be stopped', Zelensky claims Russian troops burning faces of North Korean soldiers killed in war

<p><span class="region">London, United Kingdom</span>
<p>British-Pakistani girl Sara Sharif's father Urfan Sharif, and stepmother Beinash Batool have been jailed for life for murdering their 10-year-old daughter.   </p></p>
<p>Sara was hooded, burned, and beaten during a "campaign of torture" for two years by her father, stepmother and uncle. Her body was found at the family home in Woking, Surrey, in 2023.</p>
<p>Justice Cavanagh on Tuesday (Dec 17) described the treatment of Sara as "torture" and condemned the defendants for not showing a "shred of remorse".</p>
<p>Sara's father has been sentenced to a minimum of 40 years in prison for murder, her stepmother Beinash Batool, 30, received a minimum of 33 years, and her uncle Faisal Malik received 16 years of prison sentence for causing or allowing her death.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sara-sharif-case-father-stepmother-and-uncle-charged-with-10-year-olds-murder-in-uk-636114"><strong>Also read: Sara Sharif case: Father, stepmother and uncle charged with 10-year-old’s murder in UK</strong></a></p>
<p>Sara's mother, Olga Domin, in a statement read out in court, called the murderers "sadists", adding, "Although even this word is not enough for you. I would say you are executioners."</p>
<p>Further paying tribute to her daughter, she said, "She is now an angel who looks down on us from heaven. She is no longer experiencing violence. I hoped that when she grew up we would meet, but now that won't happen."</p>
<p>Prosecutor William Emlyn Jones KC said that the 10-year-old girl was subjected to serious violence from at least the age of six with a variety of weapons, including a cricket bat, an improvised metal truncheon made from the broken leg of a high chair, and a domestic iron.</p>
<p><strong>Watch | Gravitas: 10-year-old Sara Sharif's father, stepmother &amp; uncle charged with murder</strong></p>
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<p>“This is a case involving a gross breach of trust because the deceased was the defendant’s own little child. In their care, she suffered this violence in her own home, where she ought to have been entitled to feel safe, loved, and cared for," she said. </p>
<p>Meanwhile, Sara's uncle was found not guilty of murder but was convicted of causing or allowing her death. </p>
<p>As the judge continued to speak in the court, his voice shook while describing some of the injuries suffered by Sara, calling the abuse as "nothing short of gruesome". </p>
<p>Sara was found dead in her family home in Surrey on August 10 last year. Her father and stepmother killed her two days earlier and fled to Pakistan. </p>
<p>Further, the prison term will take into account time served on remand, with a minimum term of 38 years and 272 days for Sharif and 31 years and 272 days for Batool. </p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Justice Cavanagh on Tuesday (Dec 17) described the treatment of Sara as "torture" and condemned the defendants for not showing a "shred of remorse".



London, United Kingdom British-Pakistani girl Sara Sharif's father Urfan Sharif, and stepmother Beinash Batool have been jailed for life for murdering their 10-year-old daughter. Sara was hooded, burned, and beaten during a "campaign of torture" for two years by her father, stepmother and uncle. Her body was found at the family home in Woking, Surrey, in 2023. Justice Cavanagh on Tuesday (Dec 17) described the treatment of Sara as "torture" and condemned the defendants for not showing a "shred of remorse". Sara's father has been sentenced to a minimum of 40 years in prison for murder, her stepmother Beinash Batool, 30, received a minimum of 33 years, and her uncle Faisal Malik received 16 years of prison sentence for causing or allowing her death. Also read: Sara Sharif case: Father, stepmother and uncle charged with 10-year-old’s murder in UK Sara's mother, Olga Domin, in a statement read out in court, called the murderers "sadists", adding, "Although even this word is not enough for you. I would say you are executioners." Further paying tribute to her daughter, she said, "She is now an angel who looks down on us from heaven. She is no longer experiencing violence. I hoped that when she grew up we would meet, but now that won't happen." Prosecutor William Emlyn Jones KC said that the 10-year-old girl was subjected to serious violence from at least the age of six with a variety of weapons, including a cricket bat, an improvised metal truncheon made from the broken leg of a high chair, and a domestic iron. Watch | Gravitas: 10-year-old Sara Sharif's father, stepmother & uncle charged with murder × “This is a case involving a gross breach of trust because the deceased was the defendant’s own little child. In their care, she suffered this violence in her own home, where she ought to have been entitled to feel safe, loved, and cared for," she said. Meanwhile, Sara's uncle was found not guilty of murder but was convicted of causing or allowing her death. As the judge continued to speak in the court, his voice shook while describing some of the injuries suffered by Sara, calling the abuse as "nothing short of gruesome". Sara was found dead in her family home in Surrey on August 10 last year. Her father and stepmother killed her two days earlier and fled to Pakistan. Further, the prison term will take into account time served on remand, with a minimum term of 38 years and 272 days for Sharif and 31 years and 272 days for Batool. (With inputs from agencies)

Sara Sharif murder: 'Sadist' father and stepmother imprisoned for life for brutally killing her

<p><span class="region">Moscow, Russia</span>
<p>Russian diplomat Igor Kirillov, who was killed in an electric scooter explosion in Moscow, was the head of Russia's Radiation, Chemical and Biological Protection troops. </p></p>
<p>Lieutenant General Kirillov was assassinated by Ukraine's SBU intelligence service on Tuesday (Dec 17), according to a report by Reuters. </p>
<p>Kirillov was killed outside an apartment building along with his assistant when a bomb hidden in an electric scooter went off, said Russia's Investigative Committee, which probes serious crimes. According to the report, a bomb was hidden inside an e-scooter which was parked near the apartment building.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/igor-kirillov-the-russian-general-in-charge-of-nuclear-protection-forces-killed-in-explosion-in-moscow-784646"><strong>Also read: 'Ukraine kills' Russian General Igor Kirillov who was in charge of nation's nuclear protection forces</strong></a></p>
<p>Later, Ukraine claimed responsibility for his killing and said that a Ukrainian intelligence agency had been behind the hit.</p>
<h2><strong>Who was Igor Kirillov?</strong></h2>
<p>In Russia, Kirillov was seen as a tireless patriot, fighting for the truth and exposing Western "crimes". He was also accused by the West of overseeing the use of chemical weapons in their war with Ukraine. </p>
<p>He got popular for his offbeat briefings at the Russian defence ministry, which also provoked the UK Foreign Office to label him as a "significant mouthpiece for Kremlin disinformation". </p>
<p>He was much more than a mouthpiece, as he was heading Russia's Timoshenko Radiation, Chemical and Biological Protection Academy, before going on to lead the Russian army's Radiation, Chemical and Biological Protection Troops in 2017.</p>
<p><strong>WATCH | Russia-Ukraine War: Head Of Russia’s Nuclear Defence Forces Killed In Moscow Blast</strong></p>
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<p>The troops were responsible for identifying hazards and protecting units from contamination but also "causing loss to the enemy by using flame-incendiary means". </p>
<p>The UK Foreign Office said that the force Kirillov commanded had deployed "barbaric chemical weapons in Ukraine", stressing that it highlighted what according to them was the widespread use of riot control agents and "multiple reports of the use of the toxic choking agent chloropicrin".</p>
<p>Kirillov got his notoriety since the beginning of Russia's war with Ukraine as he put forward certain claims directed towards both Ukraine and the West. However, these claims were not based on any facts. </p>
<p>One of his outrageous claims was that the US had been building biological weapons laboratories in Ukraine.</p>
<p>Last month, he also claimed that "one of the priority aims" of Ukraine's counter-offensive into Russia's Kursk border region was to seize the Kursk nuclear power plant. </p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In Russia, Kirillov was seen as a tireless patriot, fighting for the truth and exposing Western "crimes". He was also accused by the West of overseeing the use of chemical weapons in their war with Ukraine. 



Moscow, Russia Russian diplomat Igor Kirillov, who was killed in an electric scooter explosion in Moscow, was the head of Russia's Radiation, Chemical and Biological Protection troops. Lieutenant General Kirillov was assassinated by Ukraine's SBU intelligence service on Tuesday (Dec 17), according to a report by Reuters. Kirillov was killed outside an apartment building along with his assistant when a bomb hidden in an electric scooter went off, said Russia's Investigative Committee, which probes serious crimes. According to the report, a bomb was hidden inside an e-scooter which was parked near the apartment building. Also read: 'Ukraine kills' Russian General Igor Kirillov who was in charge of nation's nuclear protection forces Later, Ukraine claimed responsibility for his killing and said that a Ukrainian intelligence agency had been behind the hit. Who was Igor Kirillov? In Russia, Kirillov was seen as a tireless patriot, fighting for the truth and exposing Western "crimes". He was also accused by the West of overseeing the use of chemical weapons in their war with Ukraine. He got popular for his offbeat briefings at the Russian defence ministry, which also provoked the UK Foreign Office to label him as a "significant mouthpiece for Kremlin disinformation". He was much more than a mouthpiece, as he was heading Russia's Timoshenko Radiation, Chemical and Biological Protection Academy, before going on to lead the Russian army's Radiation, Chemical and Biological Protection Troops in 2017. WATCH | Russia-Ukraine War: Head Of Russia’s Nuclear Defence Forces Killed In Moscow Blast × The troops were responsible for identifying hazards and protecting units from contamination but also "causing loss to the enemy by using flame-incendiary means". The UK Foreign Office said that the force Kirillov commanded had deployed "barbaric chemical weapons in Ukraine", stressing that it highlighted what according to them was the widespread use of riot control agents and "multiple reports of the use of the toxic choking agent chloropicrin". Kirillov got his notoriety since the beginning of Russia's war with Ukraine as he put forward certain claims directed towards both Ukraine and the West. However, these claims were not based on any facts. One of his outrageous claims was that the US had been building biological weapons laboratories in Ukraine. Last month, he also claimed that "one of the priority aims" of Ukraine's counter-offensive into Russia's Kursk border region was to seize the Kursk nuclear power plant. (With inputs from agencies)

Who was Igor Kirillov? Russia's chemical weapons chief and a mouthpiece for exposing Western 'crimes'

<p><span class="region">New Delhi, India</span>
<p><strong><em>Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised.</em></strong></p></p>
<p>A teenager rammed his car into pedestrians, injuring four people, including a 55-year-old man and his seven-year-old grandson, in Delhi's Adarsh Nagar on Monday (Dec 16). </p>
<p>The driver was a 17-year-old boy who was later apprehended. Moreover, legal action has been taken against the owner of the vehicle. </p>
<p>The police said that a case under sections 281 (rash driving) and 125A (causing hurt by an act endangering the life of personal safety) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) has been registered. </p>
<p>The car driven by the teenager rammed into half a dozen pedestrians. </p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">India: Several injured as a driver loses control and crashes into pedestrians in Adarsh Nagar, Delhi.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AdarshNagar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AdarshNagar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Accident?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Accident</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BREAKING?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BREAKING</a> <a href="https://t.co/CcBuLEtCa2">pic.twitter.com/CcBuLEtCa2</a></p>
<p>— Ali Shunnaq ?️ ★彡 ??? 彡★ (@schunnaq) <a href="https://twitter.com/schunnaq/status/1868980968494940586?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
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<p><em>WION cannot verify the authenticity of the video</em></p>
<p>The 55-year-old has been identified as Rajesh and his grandson Mannat. Both of them were rushed to hospital and were in critical condition.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-minor-in-speeding-suv-runs-over-man-in-mumbais-goregaon-754518"><strong>Also read: India: Minor in speeding SUV runs over man in Mumbai's Goregaon</strong></a></p>
<p>The incident was caught on CCTV, which then went viral on social media. According to the video, a white Hyundai Santro car rammed into people standing on a roadside. Rajesh was seen carrying his grandson in his lap when he was hit by the car. </p>
<p>Four more people received minor injuries and required first aid, the police said. </p>
<p><strong>Watch | Pune Porsche case: Bombay HC releases Pune Porsche crash minor accused</strong></p>
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<p><strong>Similar incidents</strong></p>
<p>Incidents like these involving minor drivers ramming vehicles into people on the roads have been happening for a long time now. </p>
<p>Earlier this month, a 19-year-old driving a Porsche rammed the speeding vehicle into motorcycles parked along the footpath in Mumbai's Bandra area. Although no one was injured in the incident, the police booked the teenager Dhruv Gupta for rash and negligent driving. </p>
<p>The accident was captured on a CCTV camera, and according to the footage, five people, including a woman, were sitting in the car. </p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The driver was a 17-year-old boy, who was later apprehended. Moreover, legal action has been taken against the owner of the vehicle. 



New Delhi, India Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised. A teenager rammed his car into pedestrians, injuring four people, including a 55-year-old man and his seven-year-old grandson, in Delhi's Adarsh Nagar on Monday (Dec 16). The driver was a 17-year-old boy who was later apprehended. Moreover, legal action has been taken against the owner of the vehicle. The police said that a case under sections 281 (rash driving) and 125A (causing hurt by an act endangering the life of personal safety) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) has been registered. The car driven by the teenager rammed into half a dozen pedestrians. India: Several injured as a driver loses control and crashes into pedestrians in Adarsh Nagar, Delhi.#India #Delhi #AdarshNagar #Accident #BREAKING pic.twitter.com/CcBuLEtCa2 — Ali Shunnaq ?️ ★彡 ??? 彡★ (@schunnaq) December 17, 2024 × WION cannot verify the authenticity of the video The 55-year-old has been identified as Rajesh and his grandson Mannat. Both of them were rushed to hospital and were in critical condition. Also read: India: Minor in speeding SUV runs over man in Mumbai's Goregaon The incident was caught on CCTV, which then went viral on social media. According to the video, a white Hyundai Santro car rammed into people standing on a roadside. Rajesh was seen carrying his grandson in his lap when he was hit by the car. Four more people received minor injuries and required first aid, the police said. Watch | Pune Porsche case: Bombay HC releases Pune Porsche crash minor accused × Similar incidents Incidents like these involving minor drivers ramming vehicles into people on the roads have been happening for a long time now. Earlier this month, a 19-year-old driving a Porsche rammed the speeding vehicle into motorcycles parked along the footpath in Mumbai's Bandra area. Although no one was injured in the incident, the police booked the teenager Dhruv Gupta for rash and negligent driving. The accident was captured on a CCTV camera, and according to the footage, five people, including a woman, were sitting in the car. (With inputs from agencies)

Video: 17-year-old rams car into pedestrians in Delhi's Adarsh Nagar, four injured

<p><span class="region">New Delhi, India</span>
<p>One Nation One Election bill was admitted in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday afternoon (December 17) amid fierce condemnation from the opposition parties. 269 MPs voted in favour of the bill, while 198 voted against it in the Parliament. </p></p>
<p>Union Law Minister Arjun Meghwal introduced two bills that would allow simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha and assemblies of states and Union Territories. </p>
<p>After the bill was introduced, it was sent to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for detailed discussion.</p>
<p>The opposition slammed the bill introduced by the BJP, calling it "anti-constitutional" and an "attack on democracy". </p>
<p>Trinamool MP Abhishek Banerjee said that this is nothing less than an unashamed attack on democracy, adding that the bill is seizing people's fundamental rights to vote regularly. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-slams-one-nation-one-election-bill-in-lok-sabha-784576"><strong>Also read: 'Assault on basic structure of Constitution': Opposition slams 'One Nation, One Election' bill in Lok Sabha</strong></a></p>
<p>“The BJP’s brazen attempt to introduce a constitutional amendment bill today, while the constitution debate is still underway in Parliament, is nothing short of an unashamed attack on democracy. The One Nation One Election bill seeks to rob the people of their fundamental right to vote regularly,” Banerjee posted on X. </p>
<h2><strong>'Anti-constitutional'</strong></h2>
<p>Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra termed the bill as "anti-constitutional", adding that it is against federalism. </p>
<p>“Anti-constitutional bill, it is against the federalism of our nation. We are opposing the bill,” Gandhi told reporters in Parliament premises.</p>
<h2><strong>'An attempt to remove regional parties from power'</strong></h2>
<p>Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) spokesperson TKS Elangovan also slammed the bill, alleging that it is unconstitutional and is an attempt to put one government in place and remove regional parties from power.</p>
<p><strong>Watch | One Nation One Election Bills for Simultaneous Polls Introduced in Lok Sabha</strong></p>
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<p>"One Nation One Election is not a practical bill. It is unconstitutional. They want one government. The BJP doesn’t want state governments. Do they have the majority to run the government for the next five years? This government will fall, we are waiting. The BJP is planning to remove Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu from politics and capture Andhra Pradesh and Bihar. Regional parties should understand that this is an attempt to remove them from power," Elangovan said.</p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Union Law Minister Arjun Meghwal introduced two bills that would allow simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha and assemblies of states and Union Territories. 



New Delhi, India One Nation One Election bill was admitted in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday afternoon (December 17) amid fierce condemnation from the opposition parties. 269 MPs voted in favour of the bill, while 198 voted against it in the Parliament. Union Law Minister Arjun Meghwal introduced two bills that would allow simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha and assemblies of states and Union Territories. After the bill was introduced, it was sent to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for detailed discussion. The opposition slammed the bill introduced by the BJP, calling it "anti-constitutional" and an "attack on democracy". Trinamool MP Abhishek Banerjee said that this is nothing less than an unashamed attack on democracy, adding that the bill is seizing people's fundamental rights to vote regularly. Also read: 'Assault on basic structure of Constitution': Opposition slams 'One Nation, One Election' bill in Lok Sabha “The BJP’s brazen attempt to introduce a constitutional amendment bill today, while the constitution debate is still underway in Parliament, is nothing short of an unashamed attack on democracy. The One Nation One Election bill seeks to rob the people of their fundamental right to vote regularly,” Banerjee posted on X. 'Anti-constitutional' Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra termed the bill as "anti-constitutional", adding that it is against federalism. “Anti-constitutional bill, it is against the federalism of our nation. We are opposing the bill,” Gandhi told reporters in Parliament premises. 'An attempt to remove regional parties from power' Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) spokesperson TKS Elangovan also slammed the bill, alleging that it is unconstitutional and is an attempt to put one government in place and remove regional parties from power. Watch | One Nation One Election Bills for Simultaneous Polls Introduced in Lok Sabha × "One Nation One Election is not a practical bill. It is unconstitutional. They want one government. The BJP doesn’t want state governments. Do they have the majority to run the government for the next five years? This government will fall, we are waiting. The BJP is planning to remove Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu from politics and capture Andhra Pradesh and Bihar. Regional parties should understand that this is an attempt to remove them from power," Elangovan said. (With inputs from agencies)

One Nation, One Election bills introduced in Lok Sabha; 269 MPs vote in favour, 198 oppose

<p>Democratic party aides have been floating ideas for a Kamala Harris political comeback, looking forward to another run at the US's highest office even after Republican Donald Trump defeated Democratic Party nominee last month in the US Presidential elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier also, Harris did not rule out a second run for the presidency and now has been reportedly considering a run for the California governorship, currently held by Gavin Newsom until 2027.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There were rumours that Newsom was also a presidential contender during this year's elections when Joe Biden stepped down from a rematch with Donald Trump.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Some Democratic party aides believe Trump has sufficiently overturned the norms of losing White House candidates' not attempting a second bite of the proverbial apple to give Harris the opportunity of a repeat bid in 2028, The Washington Post reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-where-did-kamala-harris-campaign-money-of-1-billion-go-776930"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;US election: Where did Kamala Harris' campaign money of $1 billion go?</strong></a></p>

<p>Donna Brazile, a Harris ally, Al Gore 2000 presidential campaign manager, and a political commentator, said, “Since Donald Trump has rewritten the rules—the norms—I don’t believe Kamala Harris or anyone should try to go with precedent, ever."&nbsp;</p>

<p>She added, "There are no rule books.”</p>

<p>“The rules potentially don’t apply this time, and she still absolutely could have a mulligan because of the unique circumstances of this race and the candidate switch," Molly Murphy, a pollster who worked on both the Biden and Harris campaigns said. “But I don’t think it will be a given.”</p>

<p>The Democratic Party has been shaping an argument, saying that her loss to Trump was not as comprehensive as has been popularly portrayed.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;US Elections 2024: 'Time To Roll Up Sleeves' Says Kamala Harris As She Concedes Defeat</strong></p>

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<p>One of the Harris advisors said, “She is ending this race in a very different place than other nominees that have lost. Her approval is higher. People were very happy with the race that she ran.”</p>

<p>However, Harris has not revealed her thoughts on this, but is said to be “processing” her loss and plans to “stay in the fight”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The fight that fueled our campaign – a fight for freedom and opportunity – that did not end on November 5,” Harris said on a call with donors and supporters in November. Reportedly, she used the word “fight” 19 times during that call.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Democratic party aides have been floating ideas for a Kamala Harris political comeback, looking forward to another run at the US's highest office even after Republican Donald Trump defeated Democratic Party nominee last month in the US Presidential elections.

Democratic party aides have been floating ideas for a Kamala Harris political comeback, looking forward to another run at the US's highest office even after Republican Donald Trump defeated Democratic Party nominee last month in the US Presidential elections. Earlier also, Harris did not rule out a second run for the presidency and now has been reportedly considering a run for the California governorship, currently held by Gavin Newsom until 2027. There were rumours that Newsom was also a presidential contender during this year's elections when Joe Biden stepped down from a rematch with Donald Trump. Some Democratic party aides believe Trump has sufficiently overturned the norms of losing White House candidates' not attempting a second bite of the proverbial apple to give Harris the opportunity of a repeat bid in 2028, The Washington Post reported. Also read: US election: Where did Kamala Harris' campaign money of $1 billion go? Donna Brazile, a Harris ally, Al Gore 2000 presidential campaign manager, and a political commentator, said, “Since Donald Trump has rewritten the rules—the norms—I don’t believe Kamala Harris or anyone should try to go with precedent, ever." She added, "There are no rule books.” “The rules potentially don’t apply this time, and she still absolutely could have a mulligan because of the unique circumstances of this race and the candidate switch," Molly Murphy, a pollster who worked on both the Biden and Harris campaigns said. “But I don’t think it will be a given.” The Democratic Party has been shaping an argument, saying that her loss to Trump was not as comprehensive as has been popularly portrayed. Watch | US Elections 2024: 'Time To Roll Up Sleeves' Says Kamala Harris As She Concedes Defeat × One of the Harris advisors said, “She is ending this race in a very different place than other nominees that have lost. Her approval is higher. People were very happy with the race that she ran.” However, Harris has not revealed her thoughts on this, but is said to be “processing” her loss and plans to “stay in the fight”. “The fight that fueled our campaign – a fight for freedom and opportunity – that did not end on November 5,” Harris said on a call with donors and supporters in November. Reportedly, she used the word “fight” 19 times during that call. (With inputs from agencies)

Democrats eye Kamala Harris’ political comeback in 2028 presidential run and bid for California governor

<p>France's new Prime Minister Francois Bayrou Tuesday fended off a torrent of criticism after he chaired a provincial town hall meeting as the French Indian Ocean island of Mayotte grappled with the devastation of a cyclone.</p>

<p>The controversy erupted less than a week after Bayrou was named as the sixth prime minister of &nbsp;President Emmanuel Macron's mandate with the task of ending months of political crisis.</p>

<p>The veteran centrist had already ruffled some feathers by insisting that he would keep his post as mayor of the southwestern city of Pau while serving as prime minister.</p>

<p>Bayrou went to Pau Monday evening to attend the town hall meeting where he confirmed that he would stay on in the post that he has held for the last decade.</p>

<p>His presence there meant he had to attend a meeting called by Macron on the Mayotte crisis by video. Hundreds are feared to have died in the storm.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-ramshackle-housing-left-mayotte-exposed-to-cyclone-chidos-fury-784759"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;How ramshackle housing left Mayotte exposed to Cyclone Chido's fury</strong></a></p>

<p>French National Assembly speaker Yael Braun-Pivet, a member of Macron's centrist party, criticised the trip to Pau.</p>

<p>"In the face of such a catastrophe -- of a kind that has not been seen on French territory for decades -- it is important to be side-by-side with the people."</p>

<p>"I would have preferred that the prime minister, instead of taking a plane for Pau, took a plane for Mamoudzou," she told Franceinfo radio, referring to Mayotte's capital.</p>

<p>The head of the hard-left France Unbowed (LFI) in parliament Mathilde Panot said that after "20 years of the politics of abandonment" of Mayotte, Bayrou "did not understand the symbol" he had sent by going to Pau.</p>

<p>On the right, Republicans (LR) MP Thibault Bazin said that the municipal council could have "done without" the presence of its mayor" given the events in Mayotte and the urgency of France needing a 2025 budget.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Mayotte Reels From Cyclone Chido's Devastation</strong></p>

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<p><strong>'My responsibility'&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>But quizzed about the trip in parliament, Bayrou defended his travel to Pau and remaining its mayor, saying, "We do not have the right to separate the province and the circle of power in Paris."</p>

<p>"Pau is in France," he argued.</p>

<p>"I chaired the municipal council of my city... and I consider that, in doing so, I was also carrying out my responsibility as a citizen," he added.</p>

<p>Bayrou sparked further controversy by declaring "it is not customary for the prime minister and the president to leave the national territory at the same time." Macron has said he will go to Mayotte. But critics pointed out that Mayotte as an overseas territory is an integral part of France.</p>

<p>Appointed on Friday, Bayrou has still to name a government, with ministers from the previous administration staying on in a caretaker capacity.</p>

<p>Bayrou met Macron on Tuesday to discuss the cabinet and was to hold further talks with the head of state, a source close to the prime minister said.</p>

<p>Bayrou told reporters he hoped to have a government formed "in the next days".</p>

<p>In a day of high political drama when Bayrou was unveiled as premier on Friday, sources said Bayrou had effectively strong-armed Macron into naming him by threatening to withdraw the support of the centrist MoDem party that he leads.</p>

<p>Proud of his rural origins in southwestern France, Bayrou has written a biography of one of Pau's most famous natives and his personal hero, King Henry IV, who ruled from 1589 till&nbsp;his assassination in 1610.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</em></p>


France's new Prime Minister Francois Bayrou Tuesday fended off a torrent of criticism after he chaired a provincial town hall meeting as the French Indian Ocean island of Mayotte grappled with the devastation of a cyclone.

France's new Prime Minister Francois Bayrou Tuesday fended off a torrent of criticism after he chaired a provincial town hall meeting as the French Indian Ocean island of Mayotte grappled with the devastation of a cyclone. The controversy erupted less than a week after Bayrou was named as the sixth prime minister of President Emmanuel Macron's mandate with the task of ending months of political crisis. The veteran centrist had already ruffled some feathers by insisting that he would keep his post as mayor of the southwestern city of Pau while serving as prime minister. Bayrou went to Pau Monday evening to attend the town hall meeting where he confirmed that he would stay on in the post that he has held for the last decade. His presence there meant he had to attend a meeting called by Macron on the Mayotte crisis by video. Hundreds are feared to have died in the storm. Also read: How ramshackle housing left Mayotte exposed to Cyclone Chido's fury French National Assembly speaker Yael Braun-Pivet, a member of Macron's centrist party, criticised the trip to Pau. "In the face of such a catastrophe -- of a kind that has not been seen on French territory for decades -- it is important to be side-by-side with the people." "I would have preferred that the prime minister, instead of taking a plane for Pau, took a plane for Mamoudzou," she told Franceinfo radio, referring to Mayotte's capital. The head of the hard-left France Unbowed (LFI) in parliament Mathilde Panot said that after "20 years of the politics of abandonment" of Mayotte, Bayrou "did not understand the symbol" he had sent by going to Pau. On the right, Republicans (LR) MP Thibault Bazin said that the municipal council could have "done without" the presence of its mayor" given the events in Mayotte and the urgency of France needing a 2025 budget. Watch | Mayotte Reels From Cyclone Chido's Devastation × 'My responsibility' But quizzed about the trip in parliament, Bayrou defended his travel to Pau and remaining its mayor, saying, "We do not have the right to separate the province and the circle of power in Paris." "Pau is in France," he argued. "I chaired the municipal council of my city... and I consider that, in doing so, I was also carrying out my responsibility as a citizen," he added. Bayrou sparked further controversy by declaring "it is not customary for the prime minister and the president to leave the national territory at the same time." Macron has said he will go to Mayotte. But critics pointed out that Mayotte as an overseas territory is an integral part of France. Appointed on Friday, Bayrou has still to name a government, with ministers from the previous administration staying on in a caretaker capacity. Bayrou met Macron on Tuesday to discuss the cabinet and was to hold further talks with the head of state, a source close to the prime minister said. Bayrou told reporters he hoped to have a government formed "in the next days". In a day of high political drama when Bayrou was unveiled as premier on Friday, sources said Bayrou had effectively strong-armed Macron into naming him by threatening to withdraw the support of the centrist MoDem party that he leads. Proud of his rural origins in southwestern France, Bayrou has written a biography of one of Pau's most famous natives and his personal hero, King Henry IV, who ruled from 1589 till his assassination in 1610. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

France's new PM faces criticism for chairing town hall meeting amid Mayotte cyclone tragedy

<p>US President-elect Donald Trump has filed a lawsuit against the Des Moines Register newspaper and its top pollster, court documents showed, the day after he stepped up his legal threats against news outlets and said he would also consider suing social media influencers and others for defamation.</p>

<p>The lawsuit filed Monday night in Polk County seeks "accountability for brazen election interference committed by" the newspaper and pollster J. Ann Selzer over its poll published on Nov. 2. That poll showed Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris leading Trump by 13 percentage points in Iowa.</p>

<p>"Selzer’s polling 'miss' was not an astonishing coincidence—it was intentional," the lawsuit said. "As President Trump observed: 'She knew exactly what she was doing'."</p>

<p>The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages and an order barring the Des Moines Register from engaging in "ongoing deceptive and misleading acts and practices" related to polling.</p>

<p>Gannett, parent company of the Des Moines Register, is also named in the suit. A Gannett representative said the organisation stands by its reporting and believes the suit is without merit.</p>

<p>In his remarks to reporters on Monday, Trump threatened to sue the Des Moines Register over the poll. "In my opinion, it was fraud and it was election interference," Trump said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mealy-mouth-politician-lies-and-more-desantis-and-haley-engage-in-verbal-battle-at-pre-iowa-debate-678851"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;'Mealy-mouth politician', 'lies' and more: DeSantis and Haley engage in verbal battle at pre-Iowa debate</strong></a></p>

<p>“It costs a lot of money to do it, but we have to straighten out the press,” Trump also told reporters.</p>

<p>Some legal experts say Trump's comments and legal actions risk chilling news coverage of the incoming administration even if legal protections for journalists are for now robust.</p>

<p>“There is some serious concern that the erosion of legal protections could lead to less aggressive news coverage,” said Syracuse University communications professor Roy Gutterman.</p>

<p>He pointed to the ABC settlement as a possible example of a news organization fearing retribution from the Trump administration, noting that the high cost of litigation could have also influenced the network’s decision.</p>

<p>On Dec. 14, Walt Disney-owned&nbsp;ABC News agreed to give $15 million to Trump’s presidential library to settle a lawsuit over comments that anchor George Stephanopoulos made on air.</p>

<p>The comments involved the civil cases brought against Trump by writer E. Jean Carroll, who accused Trump of sexually assaulting her at a New York department store in the 1990s.</p>

<p>Stephanopoulos said Trump was found liable for rape, but a jury found Trump liable for sexual abuse. New York law distinguishes the two offenses.</p>

<p>Trump is appealing the jury verdict in that case and a judge's ruling in a related lawsuit brought by Carroll.<br />
An ABC News spokesperson said in a statement that the network was pleased that the parties reached an agreement to dismiss the lawsuit.</p>

<p>As part of the settlement, ABC agreed to publish an editor's note stating that the network and Stephanopoulos "regret statements regarding President Donald J. Trump" made during the interview in question.</p>

<p>On Monday, Trump also mentioned his lawsuit against CBS News over an interview with Harris that aired on its "60 Minutes" news programme in October. The lawsuit, which seeks $1 billion in damages, claimed that the interview had been deceptively edited.</p>

<p>CBS has said the suit is "completely without merit" and has asked a judge to dismiss the case.</p>

<p>Trump claimed on Monday that “60 Minutes” participated in ”fraud and election interference."</p>

<h2><strong>Targeting legal protections for journalists</strong></h2>

<p>Any lawsuits by Trump would still face steep hurdles in court because U.S. law has some of the strongest protections in the world for news coverage of public figures.</p>

<p>Longstanding legal precedent holds that public figures must prove defendants knew or strongly suspected something was false but said it anyway, a standard known as “actual malice” that is notoriously difficult to prove in court.</p>

<p>Trump has said this legal standard should be changed, and some U.S. Supreme Court justices have expressed willingness to reexamine the precedent.</p>

<p>“The standard remains a strong one, the strongest in the western world,” said Boston School of Law professor Jeffrey Pyle.</p>

<p>Even if lawsuits by Trump were to fail, they could create headaches for news organizations by publicly revealing potentially embarrassing internal communications and exposing journalists and executives to depositions.</p>

<p>In the ABC lawsuit, some legal experts said the network could have prevailed because Stephanopoulos' comments appeared to be an innocent mistake and not the type of reckless disregard that Trump would have to prove.</p>

<p>A judge denied ABC's motion to dismiss the case in July, rejecting the network's claim that it was broadly protected under Florida laws shielding news organizations from liability for accurate reporting on information received from government officials.</p>

<p>That order only concerned several initial legal questions and did not mean Trump would have ultimately won.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.</em></p>


US President-elect Donald Trump has filed a lawsuit against the Des Moines Register newspaper and its top pollster, court documents showed, the day after he stepped up his legal threats against news outlets and said he would also consider suing social media influencers and others for defamation.

US President-elect Donald Trump has filed a lawsuit against the Des Moines Register newspaper and its top pollster, court documents showed, the day after he stepped up his legal threats against news outlets and said he would also consider suing social media influencers and others for defamation. The lawsuit filed Monday night in Polk County seeks "accountability for brazen election interference committed by" the newspaper and pollster J. Ann Selzer over its poll published on Nov. 2. That poll showed Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris leading Trump by 13 percentage points in Iowa. "Selzer’s polling 'miss' was not an astonishing coincidence—it was intentional," the lawsuit said. "As President Trump observed: 'She knew exactly what she was doing'." The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages and an order barring the Des Moines Register from engaging in "ongoing deceptive and misleading acts and practices" related to polling. Gannett, parent company of the Des Moines Register, is also named in the suit. A Gannett representative said the organisation stands by its reporting and believes the suit is without merit. In his remarks to reporters on Monday, Trump threatened to sue the Des Moines Register over the poll. "In my opinion, it was fraud and it was election interference," Trump said. Also read: 'Mealy-mouth politician', 'lies' and more: DeSantis and Haley engage in verbal battle at pre-Iowa debate “It costs a lot of money to do it, but we have to straighten out the press,” Trump also told reporters. Some legal experts say Trump's comments and legal actions risk chilling news coverage of the incoming administration even if legal protections for journalists are for now robust. “There is some serious concern that the erosion of legal protections could lead to less aggressive news coverage,” said Syracuse University communications professor Roy Gutterman. He pointed to the ABC settlement as a possible example of a news organization fearing retribution from the Trump administration, noting that the high cost of litigation could have also influenced the network’s decision. On Dec. 14, Walt Disney-owned ABC News agreed to give $15 million to Trump’s presidential library to settle a lawsuit over comments that anchor George Stephanopoulos made on air. The comments involved the civil cases brought against Trump by writer E. Jean Carroll, who accused Trump of sexually assaulting her at a New York department store in the 1990s. Stephanopoulos said Trump was found liable for rape, but a jury found Trump liable for sexual abuse. New York law distinguishes the two offenses. Trump is appealing the jury verdict in that case and a judge's ruling in a related lawsuit brought by Carroll. An ABC News spokesperson said in a statement that the network was pleased that the parties reached an agreement to dismiss the lawsuit. As part of the settlement, ABC agreed to publish an editor's note stating that the network and Stephanopoulos "regret statements regarding President Donald J. Trump" made during the interview in question. On Monday, Trump also mentioned his lawsuit against CBS News over an interview with Harris that aired on its "60 Minutes" news programme in October. The lawsuit, which seeks $1 billion in damages, claimed that the interview had been deceptively edited. CBS has said the suit is "completely without merit" and has asked a judge to dismiss the case. Trump claimed on Monday that “60 Minutes” participated in ”fraud and election interference." Targeting legal protections for journalists Any lawsuits by Trump would still face steep hurdles in court because U.S. law has some of the strongest protections in the world for news coverage of public figures. Longstanding legal precedent holds that public figures must prove defendants knew or strongly suspected something was false but said it anyway, a standard known as “actual malice” that is notoriously difficult to prove in court. Trump has said this legal standard should be changed, and some U.S. Supreme Court justices have expressed willingness to reexamine the precedent. “The standard remains a strong one, the strongest in the western world,” said Boston School of Law professor Jeffrey Pyle. Even if lawsuits by Trump were to fail, they could create headaches for news organizations by publicly revealing potentially embarrassing internal communications and exposing journalists and executives to depositions. In the ABC lawsuit, some legal experts said the network could have prevailed because Stephanopoulos' comments appeared to be an innocent mistake and not the type of reckless disregard that Trump would have to prove. A judge denied ABC's motion to dismiss the case in July, rejecting the network's claim that it was broadly protected under Florida laws shielding news organizations from liability for accurate reporting on information received from government officials. That order only concerned several initial legal questions and did not mean Trump would have ultimately won. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Trump sues Des Moines Register and top pollster, vows more lawsuits against them

<p>Mahfuj Alam, who holds a key position in the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government of Bangladesh, shared a post on social media that had a map that included India's eastern and northeastern territories of Bengal, Assam, and Tripura. However, the post was deleted after around two hours.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Alam serves as a special aide to the Yunus government and is also an adviser of the interim government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He is a key student organiser of the protests in Bangladesh that led to the ouster of Sheikh Hasina.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/bangladesh/after-weeks-of-denial-bangladesh-finally-admits-88-incidents-of-violence-against-hindus-783111"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;After weeks of denial, Bangladesh finally admits 88 incidents of violence against Hindus</strong></a></p>

<p>Bangladesh Watch, a non-profit organisation, stated that Alam "alleged that #India maintains a "contain" and "ghettoize" policy towards #Bangladesh. He clearly states that 1975 (the coup that saw Sheikh Mujib and almost his entire family killed) and the 2024 protests both came to save Bangladesh from Indian "reliance" and "hegemony"."</p>

<p>"However, he says that to be truly victorious, independent, and liberated, Bangladesh must "come out of its cage" and expand geographically. He adds that their work has just begun," the organisation added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Bangladesh: Sheikh Hasina Accuses Yunus Of Leading An 'Undemocratic Group'</strong></p>

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<p>During his address at a Clinton Global Initiative event in New York in September, Yunus also introduced Alam as the "mastermind" of the protests that led to the August 5 changeover in Bangladesh.</p>

<p>This comes amid a rise in attacks on Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh.&nbsp;Indian authorities have issued various statements, condemning these attacks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hindus have increasingly come under attack in Bangladesh since the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, earlier this week acknowledged that at least 88 incidents of violence had occurred against the Hindu community over the last few months.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Mahfuj Alam, who holds a key position in the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government of Bangladesh, shared a post on social media that had a map that included India's eastern and northeastern territories of Bengal, Assam, and Tripura.

Mahfuj Alam, who holds a key position in the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government of Bangladesh, shared a post on social media that had a map that included India's eastern and northeastern territories of Bengal, Assam, and Tripura. However, the post was deleted after around two hours. Alam serves as a special aide to the Yunus government and is also an adviser of the interim government. He is a key student organiser of the protests in Bangladesh that led to the ouster of Sheikh Hasina. Also read: After weeks of denial, Bangladesh finally admits 88 incidents of violence against Hindus Bangladesh Watch, a non-profit organisation, stated that Alam "alleged that #India maintains a "contain" and "ghettoize" policy towards #Bangladesh. He clearly states that 1975 (the coup that saw Sheikh Mujib and almost his entire family killed) and the 2024 protests both came to save Bangladesh from Indian "reliance" and "hegemony"." "However, he says that to be truly victorious, independent, and liberated, Bangladesh must "come out of its cage" and expand geographically. He adds that their work has just begun," the organisation added. Watch | Bangladesh: Sheikh Hasina Accuses Yunus Of Leading An 'Undemocratic Group' × During his address at a Clinton Global Initiative event in New York in September, Yunus also introduced Alam as the "mastermind" of the protests that led to the August 5 changeover in Bangladesh. This comes amid a rise in attacks on Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. Indian authorities have issued various statements, condemning these attacks. Hindus have increasingly come under attack in Bangladesh since the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. The interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, earlier this week acknowledged that at least 88 incidents of violence had occurred against the Hindu community over the last few months. (With inputs from agencies)

Yunus' key adviser shares Bangladesh map including India's eastern territories; later deletes post

<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday (Dec 17) claimed that Russian troops have burnt the faces of deceased North Korean soldiers to conceal their identity and hide their presence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Zelensky shared a 31-second video, showing a group of people burning what appears to be a corpse on a snow-covered slope.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Even after years of war, when we thought the Russians could not get any more cynical, we see something even worse," Zelensky said in a post on X.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Even after years of war, when we thought the Russians could not get any more cynical, we see something even worse.<br />
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Russia not only sends the North Korean troops to storm Ukrainian positions, but also tries to conceal losses of these people.<br />
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They tried to hide the presence of… <a href="https://t.co/KYyGF1rxP8">pic.twitter.com/KYyGF1rxP8</a></p>
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1868777841917059313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>He further said that Russia not only sends the North Korean troops to storm Ukrainian positions but also "tries to conceal losses of these people".</p>

<p>The Ukrainian president stressed that the Russians attempted to erase any video evidence of their presence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Now, after first combats with our warriors, Russians are trying…to literally burn the faces of North Korean soldiers killed in battle," he said, adding, "This is a demonstration of disrespect, which is currently prevalent in Russia, a disrespect to everything human."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-kyiv-claims-killing-or-injuring-30-north-korean-soldiers-in-kursk-region-784464"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv claims killing or injuring 30 North Korean soldiers in Kursk region</strong></a></p>

<p>Zelensky said that there is not a single reason for North Koreans to fight and die for Putin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This madness must be stopped—stopped by a reliable and durable peace, as well as Russia’s accountability for this cynical war," he emphasised.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier on Monday, Zelensky claimed that around 30 North Korean troops were killed or wounded in Russia's Kursk border region. This was the first reported casualties since Kyiv announced that Pyongyang had sent 10,000 troops to Russia to help in its war with Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: Trump To Talk To Zelensky, Putin To End War</strong></p>

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<p>Prior to that, he said that he had "preliminary evidence that the Russians have begun to use soldiers from North Korea in assaults, a noticeable number of them."</p>

<p>Washington and Seoul have also accused Pyongyang of sending over 10,000 troops to support Moscow following the signing of a significant defence agreement between Russia and North Korea earlier this year.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</em></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday (Dec 17) claimed that Russian troops have burnt the faces of deceased North Korean soldiers to conceal their identity and hide their presence.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday (Dec 17) claimed that Russian troops have burnt the faces of deceased North Korean soldiers to conceal their identity and hide their presence. Zelensky shared a 31-second video, showing a group of people burning what appears to be a corpse on a snow-covered slope. "Even after years of war, when we thought the Russians could not get any more cynical, we see something even worse," Zelensky said in a post on X. Even after years of war, when we thought the Russians could not get any more cynical, we see something even worse. Russia not only sends the North Korean troops to storm Ukrainian positions, but also tries to conceal losses of these people. They tried to hide the presence of… pic.twitter.com/KYyGF1rxP8 — Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) December 16, 2024 × He further said that Russia not only sends the North Korean troops to storm Ukrainian positions but also "tries to conceal losses of these people". The Ukrainian president stressed that the Russians attempted to erase any video evidence of their presence. "Now, after first combats with our warriors, Russians are trying…to literally burn the faces of North Korean soldiers killed in battle," he said, adding, "This is a demonstration of disrespect, which is currently prevalent in Russia, a disrespect to everything human." Also read: Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv claims killing or injuring 30 North Korean soldiers in Kursk region Zelensky said that there is not a single reason for North Koreans to fight and die for Putin. "This madness must be stopped—stopped by a reliable and durable peace, as well as Russia’s accountability for this cynical war," he emphasised. Earlier on Monday, Zelensky claimed that around 30 North Korean troops were killed or wounded in Russia's Kursk border region. This was the first reported casualties since Kyiv announced that Pyongyang had sent 10,000 troops to Russia to help in its war with Ukraine. Watch | Russia-Ukraine War: Trump To Talk To Zelensky, Putin To End War × Prior to that, he said that he had "preliminary evidence that the Russians have begun to use soldiers from North Korea in assaults, a noticeable number of them." Washington and Seoul have also accused Pyongyang of sending over 10,000 troops to support Moscow following the signing of a significant defence agreement between Russia and North Korea earlier this year. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

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