Former Brazil and Barcelona forward Ronaldinho Gaucho was arrested in Paraguay on Friday for attempting to enter the country with an adulterated passport, Paraguayan police said.

Gilberto Fleitas, the head of the investigations unit of the Paraguayan police, said Ronaldinho and his brother were taken into custody just hours after a judge refused to ratify a prosecutor's proposal for an alternative punishment.

"The detention order has been carried out," Fleitas told Reuters.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/soccer-bahrains-baqer-gets-10-game-ban-for-racist-gesture-269939">Football: Bahrain's Baqer gets 10-game ban for racist gesture</a>

TV pictures showed the pair being taken in a police vehicle from the Sheraton hotel in Asuncion to a police station on the outskirts of the city.

Ronaldinho and his brother Roberto Assis, who is also his business manager, are expected to face a judge on Saturday who will decide whether to free the pair or keep them in custody while investigations continue.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-cup-mbappe-treble-over-lyon-fires-psg-into-finals-284366">French Cup: Mbappe treble over Lyon fires PSG into finals</a>

Their unexpected arrest came just hours after the two brothers appeared set to leave the landlocked South American nation and draw a line under their tumultuous stay that began on Wednesday when they were questioned by police after presenting falsified passports on arrival at the Asuncion airport.

Federico Delfino, a prosecutor investigating the case, said he believed the two had been tricked into accepting Paraguayan passports on arrival and recommended that because they had cooperated with official they be released after paying an alternative punishment.

However, a judge rejected that accord on Friday and just minutes later the deal was abrogated by the top public prosecutor.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/pakistan-brazil-friendly-football-aiming-to-promote-the-game-among-youngsters-350">&nbsp;Ronaldinho, Anelka play football in Pakistan</a>

Arrest warrants were then issued for both the former Gremio, AC Milan and Paris St-Germain player and his brother.

Officers from the organised crime and economic crimes units have been tasked with handling the case, a statement from the top prosecutor’s office said.

Reuters has contacted the lawyer for both men to ask for comment on Friday's developments.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ronaldinho-set-to-visit-pakistan-to-promote-football-13373/amp">Ronaldinho set to visit Pakistan to promote football</a>

The brothers were invited to Paraguay by a local casino owner and had arrived on Wednesday to take part in a soccer clinic for children and a book launch.

Although he last played professionally in 2015, Ronaldinho, who also turned out for Brazilian clubs Atletico Mineiro, Flamengo and Fluminense, is still hugely popular with global football fans for his skills and showmanship.

The 39-year-old was the best player in the world at his peak in the early part of this century.

He was named FIFA World Player of the year in 2004 and 2005 and won the World Cup with Brazil in 2002 and the Champions League with Barcelona in 2006.

Former Brazil and Barcelona forward Ronaldinho Gaucho was arrested in Paraguay on Friday for attempting to enter the country with an adulterated passport, Paraguayan police said.

Former Brazil and Barcelona forward Ronaldinho Gaucho was arrested in Paraguay on Friday for attempting to enter the country with an adulterated passport, Paraguayan police said. Gilberto Fleitas, the head of the investigations unit of the Paraguayan police, said Ronaldinho and his brother were taken into custody just hours after a judge refused to ratify a prosecutor's proposal for an alternative punishment. "The detention order has been carried out," Fleitas told Reuters. Also Read: Football: Bahrain's Baqer gets 10-game ban for racist gesture TV pictures showed the pair being taken in a police vehicle from the Sheraton hotel in Asuncion to a police station on the outskirts of the city. Ronaldinho and his brother Roberto Assis, who is also his business manager, are expected to face a judge on Saturday who will decide whether to free the pair or keep them in custody while investigations continue. Also Read: French Cup: Mbappe treble over Lyon fires PSG into finals Their unexpected arrest came just hours after the two brothers appeared set to leave the landlocked South American nation and draw a line under their tumultuous stay that began on Wednesday when they were questioned by police after presenting falsified passports on arrival at the Asuncion airport. Federico Delfino, a prosecutor investigating the case, said he believed the two had been tricked into accepting Paraguayan passports on arrival and recommended that because they had cooperated with official they be released after paying an alternative punishment. However, a judge rejected that accord on Friday and just minutes later the deal was abrogated by the top public prosecutor. Also Read: Ronaldinho, Anelka play football in Pakistan Arrest warrants were then issued for both the former Gremio, AC Milan and Paris St-Germain player and his brother. Officers from the organised crime and economic crimes units have been tasked with handling the case, a statement from the top prosecutor’s office said. Reuters has contacted the lawyer for both men to ask for comment on Friday's developments. Also Read: Ronaldinho set to visit Pakistan to promote football The brothers were invited to Paraguay by a local casino owner and had arrived on Wednesday to take part in a soccer clinic for children and a book launch. Although he last played professionally in 2015, Ronaldinho, who also turned out for Brazilian clubs Atletico Mineiro, Flamengo and Fluminense, is still hugely popular with global football fans for his skills and showmanship. The 39-year-old was the best player in the world at his peak in the early part of this century. He was named FIFA World Player of the year in 2004 and 2005 and won the World Cup with Brazil in 2002 and the Champions League with Barcelona in 2006.

Former Barcelona forward Ronaldinho arrested in Paraguay

Venezuela has arrested eleven&nbsp;people in connection with a weekend raid of a remote military outpost in southern Bolivar state, but some suspects have fled across the border to Brazil with stolen weapons, President Nicolas Maduro said on Monday.

Authorities have accused Brazil, Colombia and Peru - all adversaries of socialist Maduro who recognize opposition leader Juan Guaido as the rightful president - of complicity with the attack, in which one Venezuelan soldier was killed. All three countries' governments have denied involvement.

In an evening address on state television, Maduro called on Brazilian President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-believe-god-is-brazilian-made-me-president-jair-bolsonaro-268197">Jair Bolsonaro</a> to cooperate.

"Capture the assailants in Brazilian territory and return the weapons to the Venezuelan armed forces," Maduro said.

He said the eleven&nbsp;detainees included both military and civilian suspects, without providing details.

Authorities have blamed "extreme sectors of the opposition" for the raid. Venezuela, whose economy has collapsed under Maduro, has been locked in a deep political crisis since Guaido, the head of the opposition-held National Assembly, assumed a rival presidency in January.

Maduro dismisses <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/maduro-has-abandoned-the-negotiation-talks-venezuelas-juan-guaido-250055">Juan&nbsp;Guaido</a> as a US&nbsp;puppet seeking to oust him in a coup.

Information Minister Jorge Rodriguez said in an earlier address on Monday that Darwin Balaguera, a former National Guard member who deserted in February and fled to Colombia, was detained over the raid. The channel broadcast video of Balaguera answering authorities' questions in custody.

Balaguera was among hundreds of Venezuelan soldiers who defected to Colombia during a Guaido-led attempt to bring humanitarian aid into the country through Colombia and Brazil in February. Some have said they are prepared to take up arms to remove Maduro.

Olnar Ortiz, an attorney with nonprofit rights group Penal Forum, said at least seven members of the Pemon <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/indigenous-people-are-forgotten-victims-of-the-ongoing-crisis-in-venezuela-215018">indigenous group</a> were arrested in connection with the incident. Ortiz said four other Pemon individuals were missing.

Ortiz said authorities raided homes in the Pemon village of Kumarakapay near Venezuela's border with Brazil on Sunday evening, searching for suspected participants in the raid.

"They are criminalizing everyone without concrete evidence, without respect for due process," Ortiz said.

There were deadly confrontations between indigenous Pemon and authorities during the February aid effort. Troops loyal to Maduro blocked the aid from entering.

Venezuela has arrested eleven people in connection with a weekend raid of a remote military outpost in southern Bolivar state, but some suspects have fled across the border to Brazil with stolen weapons, President Nicolas Maduro said on Monday.

Venezuela has arrested eleven people in connection with a weekend raid of a remote military outpost in southern Bolivar state, but some suspects have fled across the border to Brazil with stolen weapons, President Nicolas Maduro said on Monday. Authorities have accused Brazil, Colombia and Peru - all adversaries of socialist Maduro who recognize opposition leader Juan Guaido as the rightful president - of complicity with the attack, in which one Venezuelan soldier was killed. All three countries' governments have denied involvement. In an evening address on state television, Maduro called on Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro to cooperate. "Capture the assailants in Brazilian territory and return the weapons to the Venezuelan armed forces," Maduro said. He said the eleven detainees included both military and civilian suspects, without providing details. Authorities have blamed "extreme sectors of the opposition" for the raid. Venezuela, whose economy has collapsed under Maduro, has been locked in a deep political crisis since Guaido, the head of the opposition-held National Assembly, assumed a rival presidency in January. Maduro dismisses Juan Guaido as a US puppet seeking to oust him in a coup. Information Minister Jorge Rodriguez said in an earlier address on Monday that Darwin Balaguera, a former National Guard member who deserted in February and fled to Colombia, was detained over the raid. The channel broadcast video of Balaguera answering authorities' questions in custody. Balaguera was among hundreds of Venezuelan soldiers who defected to Colombia during a Guaido-led attempt to bring humanitarian aid into the country through Colombia and Brazil in February. Some have said they are prepared to take up arms to remove Maduro. Olnar Ortiz, an attorney with nonprofit rights group Penal Forum, said at least seven members of the Pemon indigenous group were arrested in connection with the incident. Ortiz said four other Pemon individuals were missing. Ortiz said authorities raided homes in the Pemon village of Kumarakapay near Venezuela's border with Brazil on Sunday evening, searching for suspected participants in the raid. "They are criminalizing everyone without concrete evidence, without respect for due process," Ortiz said. There were deadly confrontations between indigenous Pemon and authorities during the February aid effort. Troops loyal to Maduro blocked the aid from entering.

Eleven arrested after weekend raid on military outpost: Maduro

Dozens of Chinese nationals have been arrested in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../one-dead-six-injured-in-suicide-bombing-at- indonesian-police-station-261872">Indonesia</a> over an online scam that bilked victims out of millions of dollars, authorities said Tuesday.

Acting on a tip-off from their Chinese counterparts, Indonesian police said they conducted a half dozen raids Monday evening in the capital Jakarta and Malang city, arresting 85 Chinese nationals and six Indonesians.

The roundup comes several days after almost 700 Chinese nationals were arrested in neighbouring Malaysia where authorities raided a building and busted a major online investment scam operation.

It was not immediately clear if the busts were related.

On Tuesday, Indonesian police said the suspects targeted victims in mainland <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../china-summons-us-ambassador-over-hong- kong-rights-bill-264512">China</a> and netted some 36 billion rupiah ($2.6 million) over a period of four months. They did not say how many people were scammed.

"They pretended to be police or prosecutors and called their victims, telling them that they had legal problems and demanded money to settle the issue," said Jakarta police chief Gatot Eddy Pramono.

"Some of them also pretended to be bankers offering investments," he added.

Police also seized evidence including laptops and computers, Gatot said.

Some scammers have moved to Indonesia and other regional countries after China cracked down on their networks, according to Gatot.

Dozens of Chinese nationals have been arrested in Indonesia over an online scam that bilked victims out of millions of dollars, authorities said Tuesday. Acting on a tip-off from their Chinese counterparts, Indonesian police said they conducted a half dozen raids Monday evening in the capital Jakarta and Malang city, arresting 85 Chinese nationals and six Indonesians.

Dozens of Chinese nationals have been arrested in Indonesia over an online scam that bilked victims out of millions of dollars, authorities said Tuesday. Acting on a tip-off from their Chinese counterparts, Indonesian police said they conducted a half dozen raids Monday evening in the capital Jakarta and Malang city, arresting 85 Chinese nationals and six Indonesians. The roundup comes several days after almost 700 Chinese nationals were arrested in neighbouring Malaysia where authorities raided a building and busted a major online investment scam operation. It was not immediately clear if the busts were related. On Tuesday, Indonesian police said the suspects targeted victims in mainland China and netted some 36 billion rupiah ($2.6 million) over a period of four months. They did not say how many people were scammed. "They pretended to be police or prosecutors and called their victims, telling them that they had legal problems and demanded money to settle the issue," said Jakarta police chief Gatot Eddy Pramono. "Some of them also pretended to be bankers offering investments," he added. Police also seized evidence including laptops and computers, Gatot said. Some scammers have moved to Indonesia and other regional countries after China cracked down on their networks, according to Gatot.

Indonesia arrests dozens of Chinese over online scam

One year ago, the sudden arrest at a Tokyo airport of Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn, one of the world's best-known and respected tycoons, sent shockwaves through the business world.

After 130 days languishing in a Japanese detention centre, Ghosn is now out on bail and vigorously proclaiming his innocence, seeking to have his case declared null and void,&nbsp;even if legal experts and his own defence deem his chances unlikely.

The 65-year-old Brazil-born executive faces charges of deferring part of his salary until after his retirement and concealing this from shareholders, as well as syphoning off millions in Nissan cash for his own purposes.

Ghosn denies every charge and has accused prosecutors and even Japanese government officials of colluding in a "plot" with Nissan to find a way to destroy him, fearful he was seeking to merge the firm with France's Renault.

His defence team filed a motion on October 24 to throw out the case given what they allege is illegal activity by Nissan and the prosecution,&nbsp;including seizing his wife's phone and searching private homes.

But even his own defence lawyer Takashi Takano is doubtful of success, telling AFP: "There are no precedents and Japanese courts are very reluctant to accept this type of argument."

Yasuyuki Takai, a former head of the special prosecutors' bureau in Tokyo, agreed: "This motion has zero chance of succeeding."

"The real goal of the lawyers is to get an acquittal. This motion can only serve to calm down the accused and to say publicly that the prosecutors and Nissan did terrible things," Takai told AFP.

'Hostage justice'

Independent lawyer Nobuo Gohara said it was "debatable" as to whether Ghosn even had a legal obligation to declare the alleged deferred salary and "in any case, it should not have led to an arrest".

"The Ghosn case was an enormous global shock which has uncovered very big problems in the way the Japanese system functions," Gohara told AFP.

"This case should never have existed. You can only think that the end goal was to arrest Carlos Ghosn."

The world-famous executive, once revered in Japan for rescuing the struggling Nissan and who crisscrossed the globe in private jets as the head of worldwide business, now faces 15 years in prison if convicted.

Defence and prosecution teams have held regular pre-trial meetings but Ghosn's team has complained that they do not yet have access to prosecution documents "proving" the tycoon's guilt.

This has delayed progress towards a trial and also explains why the defence has not yet itself produced what it says is cast-iron proof of Ghosn's innocence.

Around 99 per cent of trials in Japan result in a conviction and the global media attention given to the Ghosn case has shone a spotlight on the Japanese justice system.

Suspects can be detained for several days without being formally charged and can be re-arrested many times, extending the period of detention,&nbsp;a system critics dub "hostage justice" designed to extract a confession.

Ghosn is now out on bail and has been able to enjoy some trips outside Tokyo with his daughter while preparing for a trial expected to take place in the spring of next year.

His lawyers describe him as in relatively good spirits and combative, even though he remains banned from any contact with his wife Carole,&nbsp;a measure Takano slams as "stupid" and "useless".

"There is no justification... It's just a punishment," said the lawyer, adding he hoped the judges would relent before the Christmas holidays.

One year ago, the sudden arrest at a Tokyo airport of Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn, one of the world's best-known and respected tycoons, sent shockwaves through the business world.

One year ago, the sudden arrest at a Tokyo airport of Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn, one of the world's best-known and respected tycoons, sent shockwaves through the business world. After 130 days languishing in a Japanese detention centre, Ghosn is now out on bail and vigorously proclaiming his innocence, seeking to have his case declared null and void, even if legal experts and his own defence deem his chances unlikely. The 65-year-old Brazil-born executive faces charges of deferring part of his salary until after his retirement and concealing this from shareholders, as well as syphoning off millions in Nissan cash for his own purposes. Ghosn denies every charge and has accused prosecutors and even Japanese government officials of colluding in a "plot" with Nissan to find a way to destroy him, fearful he was seeking to merge the firm with France's Renault. His defence team filed a motion on October 24 to throw out the case given what they allege is illegal activity by Nissan and the prosecution, including seizing his wife's phone and searching private homes. But even his own defence lawyer Takashi Takano is doubtful of success, telling AFP: "There are no precedents and Japanese courts are very reluctant to accept this type of argument." Yasuyuki Takai, a former head of the special prosecutors' bureau in Tokyo, agreed: "This motion has zero chance of succeeding." "The real goal of the lawyers is to get an acquittal. This motion can only serve to calm down the accused and to say publicly that the prosecutors and Nissan did terrible things," Takai told AFP. 'Hostage justice' Independent lawyer Nobuo Gohara said it was "debatable" as to whether Ghosn even had a legal obligation to declare the alleged deferred salary and "in any case, it should not have led to an arrest". "The Ghosn case was an enormous global shock which has uncovered very big problems in the way the Japanese system functions," Gohara told AFP. "This case should never have existed. You can only think that the end goal was to arrest Carlos Ghosn." The world-famous executive, once revered in Japan for rescuing the struggling Nissan and who crisscrossed the globe in private jets as the head of worldwide business, now faces 15 years in prison if convicted. Defence and prosecution teams have held regular pre-trial meetings but Ghosn's team has complained that they do not yet have access to prosecution documents "proving" the tycoon's guilt. This has delayed progress towards a trial and also explains why the defence has not yet itself produced what it says is cast-iron proof of Ghosn's innocence. Around 99 per cent of trials in Japan result in a conviction and the global media attention given to the Ghosn case has shone a spotlight on the Japanese justice system. Suspects can be detained for several days without being formally charged and can be re-arrested many times, extending the period of detention, a system critics dub "hostage justice" designed to extract a confession. Ghosn is now out on bail and has been able to enjoy some trips outside Tokyo with his daughter while preparing for a trial expected to take place in the spring of next year. His lawyers describe him as in relatively good spirits and combative, even though he remains banned from any contact with his wife Carole, a measure Takano slams as "stupid" and "useless". "There is no justification... It's just a punishment," said the lawyer, adding he hoped the judges would relent before the Christmas holidays.

One year after arrest, Ghosn seeks to throw out case against him

Actress and activist Jane Fonda accepted the BAFTA Stanley Kubrick Britannia Award while getting arrested for protesting against climate change.

The award honours people for excellence and&nbsp;longlasting influence in films. The ceremony was held at the Hilton in Beverly Hills, California. Fonda opted to send an acceptance video message, which is customary in the case of absence.

While being arrested in Washington DC, Fonda thanked BAFTA for the recognition and claimed that she was ''very honoured''.

This was Fonda's third recent arrest, as she faced her last arrest for protesting outside the United States Capitol on Friday. She has constantly been demanding urgent action against climate change.

"It's so important that we help people understand that this crisis is urgent. Urgent. It is too late for business as usual. I'm inspired by Greta Thunberg, the young Swedish student, who said 'we have to behave like our house is on fire. Because it is.' And that's why we're calling these Fire Drill Fridays", Fonda said

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Folks, <a href="https://twitter.com/Janefonda?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Janefonda</a> accepted the Stanley Kubrick Britannia Award WHILE BEING ARRESTED. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Britannias?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Britannias</a> <a href="https://t.co/LDbZKTZWrs">pic.twitter.com/LDbZKTZWrs</a>
— BAFTA Los Angeles (@BAFTALA) <a href="https://twitter.com/BAFTALA/status/1187950061990207489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Fonda&nbsp;marched arm-in-arm with other protesters, chanting, "What do we want? A Green New Deal! When do we want it? Now!"

The&nbsp;protest marked the second week of "Fire Drill Fridays", a movement inspired by young climate activists.

The Oscar-winning actress was best known outside the screen for her Vietnam War activism.&nbsp;Fonda, a longtime anti-war and women's' rights activist, launched a fitness craze with her 1980s workout videos, and was recently nominated for a Screen Actors Guild awards for her lead role in TV series "Grace and Frankie".

Previous winners of the Stanely Kubrick Britannia Award include Cate Blanchett, George Clooney and Meryl Streep.

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

Actress and activist Jane Fonda accepted the BAFTA Stanley Kubrick Britannia Award while getting arrested for protesting against climate change. The award honours people for excellence and longlasting influence in films.

Actress and activist Jane Fonda accepted the BAFTA Stanley Kubrick Britannia Award while getting arrested for protesting against climate change. The award honours people for excellence and longlasting influence in films. The ceremony was held at the Hilton in Beverly Hills, California. Fonda opted to send an acceptance video message, which is customary in the case of absence. While being arrested in Washington DC, Fonda thanked BAFTA for the recognition and claimed that she was ''very honoured''. This was Fonda's third recent arrest, as she faced her last arrest for protesting outside the United States Capitol on Friday. She has constantly been demanding urgent action against climate change. "It's so important that we help people understand that this crisis is urgent. Urgent. It is too late for business as usual. I'm inspired by Greta Thunberg, the young Swedish student, who said 'we have to behave like our house is on fire. Because it is.' And that's why we're calling these Fire Drill Fridays", Fonda said Folks, @Janefonda accepted the Stanley Kubrick Britannia Award WHILE BEING ARRESTED. #Britannias pic.twitter.com/LDbZKTZWrs — BAFTA Los Angeles (@BAFTALA) October 26, 2019 × Fonda marched arm-in-arm with other protesters, chanting, "What do we want? A Green New Deal! When do we want it? Now!" The protest marked the second week of "Fire Drill Fridays", a movement inspired by young climate activists. The Oscar-winning actress was best known outside the screen for her Vietnam War activism. Fonda, a longtime anti-war and women's' rights activist, launched a fitness craze with her 1980s workout videos, and was recently nominated for a Screen Actors Guild awards for her lead role in TV series "Grace and Frankie". Previous winners of the Stanely Kubrick Britannia Award include Cate Blanchett, George Clooney and Meryl Streep. (With inputs from Reuters)

Jane Fonda accepts BAFTA award while getting arrested for climate change protest

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-of-syria-kurds-seek-refuge-in-iraq-256251">Syrians returning to their homes</a> after being displaced by the country's eight-year civil war face arbitrary detentions, endemic corruption and inefficient public services, an activist group said Wednesday.

After a series of Russia-backed victories against jihadists and other rebels, President Bashar al-Assad's government is back in control of around 60 per cent of Syria.

Moscow and Damascus are trying to encourage Syrians displaced by the war in and outside the country to make their way home.

But the Syrian Association for Citizens' Dignity warned against returns to areas back under the control of President Bashar al-Assad's government.

"It is not safe for displaced Syrians to return to Assad-held areas," SACD warned in a report released in Istanbul, based on the testimony of 165 people living in government-held areas.

"Two-thirds of the interviewees stated that they live in constant fear of arrest or harassment from the security services and various militias that run a maze of checkpoints," it said.

"Forced conscription into Assad's forces is rampant."&nbsp;

The report, which gathered testimonies from Aleppo, Homs and Daraa provinces, said residents also have to deal with&nbsp;blackmail and demands for bribes.

"Corruption and extortion by the regime and militias permeate every aspect of life for returnees," the report said.

More than 60 per cent of respondents found health standards to be sub-standard, and an overwhelming majority complained about very poor water, electricity and municipal services.&nbsp;

Among the 5.6 million <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkeys-erdogan-rules-out-talks-with-syrian-kurdish-forces-256247">Syrians who have fled to neighbouring countries</a>, a majority live in Turkey and Lebanon, countries which have stepped up pressure on them in recent months in a bid to persuade them to go home.

The UN refugee agency UNHCR has repeatedly stressed all returns should be voluntary.

It says 198,000 Syrians went home between 2016 and August this year.

But the Damascus government has denied reports that returnees are arrested.

"I defy them to share the name of a single person who has been arrested among those who have returned to Syria," Foreign Minister Walid Muallem said earlier this month.

"We don't detain anyone. We encourage them to make safe returns to their villages."

Syrians returning to their homes after being displaced by the country's eight-year civil war face arbitrary detentions, endemic corruption and inefficient public services, an activist group said Wednesday.

Syrians returning to their homes after being displaced by the country's eight-year civil war face arbitrary detentions, endemic corruption and inefficient public services, an activist group said Wednesday. After a series of Russia-backed victories against jihadists and other rebels, President Bashar al-Assad's government is back in control of around 60 per cent of Syria. Moscow and Damascus are trying to encourage Syrians displaced by the war in and outside the country to make their way home. But the Syrian Association for Citizens' Dignity warned against returns to areas back under the control of President Bashar al-Assad's government. "It is not safe for displaced Syrians to return to Assad-held areas," SACD warned in a report released in Istanbul, based on the testimony of 165 people living in government-held areas. "Two-thirds of the interviewees stated that they live in constant fear of arrest or harassment from the security services and various militias that run a maze of checkpoints," it said. "Forced conscription into Assad's forces is rampant." The report, which gathered testimonies from Aleppo, Homs and Daraa provinces, said residents also have to deal with blackmail and demands for bribes. "Corruption and extortion by the regime and militias permeate every aspect of life for returnees," the report said. More than 60 per cent of respondents found health standards to be sub-standard, and an overwhelming majority complained about very poor water, electricity and municipal services. Among the 5.6 million Syrians who have fled to neighbouring countries, a majority live in Turkey and Lebanon, countries which have stepped up pressure on them in recent months in a bid to persuade them to go home. The UN refugee agency UNHCR has repeatedly stressed all returns should be voluntary. It says 198,000 Syrians went home between 2016 and August this year. But the Damascus government has denied reports that returnees are arrested. "I defy them to share the name of a single person who has been arrested among those who have returned to Syria," Foreign Minister Walid Muallem said earlier this month. "We don't detain anyone. We encourage them to make safe returns to their villages."

Arrests, extortion, detention: Syrians warned against heading home

Two foreign-born Florida businessmen associated with U.S. President Donald Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani have been arrested on suspicion of conspiring to funnel foreign money to U.S. political candidates, officials said

Trump Impeachment Probe: Trump donors charged in Campaign Impeachment Probe

More than 500 people were&nbsp;arrested&nbsp;after&nbsp;clashes in&nbsp;Indonesia's capital amid <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-rally-across-indonesia-in-fresh-legal-reform-protests-252836">nationwide&nbsp;protests</a>&nbsp;against a raft of divisive reforms, including <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-president-delays-law-criminalising-sex-outside-of-marriage-250820">banning pre-marital sex</a> and weakening the anti-graft agency, authorities said Tuesday.

The arrests came&nbsp;after&nbsp;a night of pitched street battles between riot police and stone-throwing protesters many high school and university students,&nbsp;in Jakarta's sprawling downtown core.

Watch Video:&nbsp;Indonesian police fire tear gas to break up anti-graft, sex-ban law protests

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Security forces geared up for more unrest Tuesday as some 575 lawmakers were sworn in at the country's heavily barricaded parliament building.

Since last week, at least two students have died and&nbsp;hundreds&nbsp;more have been injured as a wave of unrest swept across the Southeast Asian archipelago, just weeks before President Joko Widodo kicks off another term as head of the world's third-biggest democracy.

The&nbsp;protests&nbsp;are among the biggest student rallies since mass street demonstrations in 1998 toppled the Suharto dictatorship.

"So far we have detained 519 rioters from yesterday's demonstration," Jakarta police spokesman Argo Yuwono told AFP Tuesday.

"We're questioning them to determine whether or not they are students," he added.

The government has sought to portray the&nbsp;protests&nbsp;as being hijacked by agitators aiming to disrupt the government and suggested they were similar to deadly post-election riots that paralysed Jakarta in May.

National police spokesman Dedi Prasetyo was quoted by local media as saying that police had detained 649 demonstrators from Monday's&nbsp;protests.

Several dozen protesters were injured Monday at rallies in other parts of the country, authorities said.

The demonstrations have been fuelled by a proposed bill that includes dozens of legal changes&nbsp;from criminalising pre-marital sex and restricting contraceptive sales, to making it illegal to insult the president and toughening the Muslim-majority country's blasphemy law.

Passage of the reforms has now been delayed, and Widodo has said he would also consider revising a separate bill that critics fear would dilute the powers of&nbsp;Indonesia's corruption-fighting agency.

Some 13 police officers have been questioned and detained over the deaths of two students in riots on Sulawesi island last week.

Police have previously denied responsibility.

Students have issued a wide-ranging list of demands including scrapping some criminal-code changes, withdrawing troops from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-raises-the-minimum-age-for-brides-to-end-child-marriage-250308">Indonesia</a>'s restive Papua region, and halting forest fires in Sumatra and Borneo that unleashed toxic haze across Southeast Asia.

Updating&nbsp;Indonesia's criminal code,&nbsp;which dates back to the Dutch colonial era&nbsp;has been debated for decades, but there was a renewed push this year backed by conservative Islamic groups.

The controversial changes could affect millions of Indonesians, including gay and heterosexual couples who might face jail for having sex outside wedlock or having an affair.

More than 500 people were arrested after clashes in Indonesia's capital amid nationwide protests against a raft of divisive reforms, including banning pre-marital sex and weakening the anti-graft agency, authorities said Tuesday.

More than 500 people were arrested after clashes in Indonesia's capital amid nationwide protests against a raft of divisive reforms, including banning pre-marital sex and weakening the anti-graft agency, authorities said Tuesday. The arrests came after a night of pitched street battles between riot police and stone-throwing protesters many high school and university students, in Jakarta's sprawling downtown core. Watch Video: Indonesian police fire tear gas to break up anti-graft, sex-ban law protests × Security forces geared up for more unrest Tuesday as some 575 lawmakers were sworn in at the country's heavily barricaded parliament building. Since last week, at least two students have died and hundreds more have been injured as a wave of unrest swept across the Southeast Asian archipelago, just weeks before President Joko Widodo kicks off another term as head of the world's third-biggest democracy. The protests are among the biggest student rallies since mass street demonstrations in 1998 toppled the Suharto dictatorship. "So far we have detained 519 rioters from yesterday's demonstration," Jakarta police spokesman Argo Yuwono told AFP Tuesday. "We're questioning them to determine whether or not they are students," he added. The government has sought to portray the protests as being hijacked by agitators aiming to disrupt the government and suggested they were similar to deadly post-election riots that paralysed Jakarta in May. National police spokesman Dedi Prasetyo was quoted by local media as saying that police had detained 649 demonstrators from Monday's protests. Several dozen protesters were injured Monday at rallies in other parts of the country, authorities said. The demonstrations have been fuelled by a proposed bill that includes dozens of legal changes from criminalising pre-marital sex and restricting contraceptive sales, to making it illegal to insult the president and toughening the Muslim-majority country's blasphemy law. Passage of the reforms has now been delayed, and Widodo has said he would also consider revising a separate bill that critics fear would dilute the powers of Indonesia's corruption-fighting agency. Some 13 police officers have been questioned and detained over the deaths of two students in riots on Sulawesi island last week. Police have previously denied responsibility. Students have issued a wide-ranging list of demands including scrapping some criminal-code changes, withdrawing troops from Indonesia's restive Papua region, and halting forest fires in Sumatra and Borneo that unleashed toxic haze across Southeast Asia. Updating Indonesia's criminal code, which dates back to the Dutch colonial era has been debated for decades, but there was a renewed push this year backed by conservative Islamic groups. The controversial changes could affect millions of Indonesians, including gay and heterosexual couples who might face jail for having sex outside wedlock or having an affair.

Hundreds arrested in Indonesia after fresh protests over legal-reforms

Iran seized a boat and arrested 12 Filipinos as it busted a "fuel-smuggling ring" in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, the semi-official news agency ISNA reported.

"A foreign tugboat was confiscated as well as 283,900 litres (75,000 gallons) of petrol worth 233.71 billion rials ($20.2 million)," ISNA said, citing the coast guard chief in the southern province of Hormozgan.

"Twelve Philippine nationals were arrested and the relevant judiciary officials are currently taking the required legal measures," Major Hossein Dehaki was quoted as saying.

Dehaki said the group was suspected of operating a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-seizes-foreign-vessel-smuggling-fuel-state-media-240586">fuel-smuggling</a> ring and the confiscated shipment had been intercepted close to Sirik county in the Strait of Hormuz.

The seizure comes amid tensions in the Gulf after the United States unilaterally withdrew from a nuclear deal putting curbs on Iran's nuclear programme in return for relief from sanctions.

The escalation has seen ships mysteriously attacked, drones downed and oil tankers seized in the Strait of Hormuz a chokepoint for a third of world's seaborne oil.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps detained a "foreign tanker" in Gulf waters on July 14 for allegedly smuggling contraband fuel.

"With a capacity of two million litres and 12 foreign crew on board, the vessel was en route to deliver contraband fuel received from Iranian boats to foreign ships," the Guards said at the time.

Maritime tracking service TankerTrackers reported the Panamanian-flagged MT Riah, used in the strait for fuelling other vessels, had crossed into Iranian waters, and at that point, its automatic identification system stopped sending signals.

In the most high-profile seizure, the Guards impounded the British-flagged Stena Impero tanker in the Strait of Hormuz on July 19 for breaking "international maritime rules".

Iran also seized another ship on July 31 with seven foreign crew onboard over fuel smuggling, but it has not revealed the vessel's identity or the nationality of its crew.

Iran seized a boat and arrested 12 Filipinos as it busted a "fuel-smuggling ring" in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, the semi-official news agency ISNA reported.

Iran seized a boat and arrested 12 Filipinos as it busted a "fuel-smuggling ring" in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, the semi-official news agency ISNA reported. "A foreign tugboat was confiscated as well as 283,900 litres (75,000 gallons) of petrol worth 233.71 billion rials ($20.2 million)," ISNA said, citing the coast guard chief in the southern province of Hormozgan. "Twelve Philippine nationals were arrested and the relevant judiciary officials are currently taking the required legal measures," Major Hossein Dehaki was quoted as saying. Dehaki said the group was suspected of operating a fuel-smuggling ring and the confiscated shipment had been intercepted close to Sirik county in the Strait of Hormuz. The seizure comes amid tensions in the Gulf after the United States unilaterally withdrew from a nuclear deal putting curbs on Iran's nuclear programme in return for relief from sanctions. The escalation has seen ships mysteriously attacked, drones downed and oil tankers seized in the Strait of Hormuz a chokepoint for a third of world's seaborne oil. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps detained a "foreign tanker" in Gulf waters on July 14 for allegedly smuggling contraband fuel. "With a capacity of two million litres and 12 foreign crew on board, the vessel was en route to deliver contraband fuel received from Iranian boats to foreign ships," the Guards said at the time. Maritime tracking service TankerTrackers reported the Panamanian-flagged MT Riah, used in the strait for fuelling other vessels, had crossed into Iranian waters, and at that point, its automatic identification system stopped sending signals. In the most high-profile seizure, the Guards impounded the British-flagged Stena Impero tanker in the Strait of Hormuz on July 19 for breaking "international maritime rules". Iran also seized another ship on July 31 with seven foreign crew onboard over fuel smuggling, but it has not revealed the vessel's identity or the nationality of its crew.

Iran seizes boat in Strait of Hormuz, arrests Filipinos: Report

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=http://www.wionews.com/sitemap-2019-feb.xml&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwie4ZP90r7kAhU76XMBHVeTCDcQFjAAegQIBxAB&amp;usg=AOvVaw2J02jDSfBGEJhKYGAAP3ui">Italy</a> has issued arrest warrants for 10 people, including an imam, suspected of financing terrorism, prosecutors said Saturday.

Eight of the suspects are of Tunisian origin and two are Italian. The Imam is from the city of Teramo in the central region of Abruzzo. &nbsp;

The suspects are alleged to have "created many false accounts, through various companies to set aside large sums of money," the prosecutor’s office in Aquila said.

The money was used to finance activities related to the radical Al-Nusra organisation, the former Syrian branch of Al Qaeda, it said.

Part of the money was also intended for imams in Italy, &nbsp;"including one convicted for association with a group linked to international terrorism".

An Italian accountant is also among the 10 suspects, whose property, money and real estate, said to be worth more than one million euros (over $1.1 million), were seized, the statement said.

Italy has issued arrest warrants for 10 people, including an imam, suspected of financing terrorism, prosecutors said Saturday. Eight of the suspects are of Tunisian origin and two are Italian.

Italy has issued arrest warrants for 10 people, including an imam, suspected of financing terrorism, prosecutors said Saturday. Eight of the suspects are of Tunisian origin and two are Italian. The Imam is from the city of Teramo in the central region of Abruzzo. The suspects are alleged to have "created many false accounts, through various companies to set aside large sums of money," the prosecutor’s office in Aquila said. The money was used to finance activities related to the radical Al-Nusra organisation, the former Syrian branch of Al Qaeda, it said. Part of the money was also intended for imams in Italy, "including one convicted for association with a group linked to international terrorism". An Italian accountant is also among the 10 suspects, whose property, money and real estate, said to be worth more than one million euros (over $1.1 million), were seized, the statement said.

Italy seeks 10, including Imam, on terror finance charges

French&nbsp;police&nbsp;have&nbsp;arrested&nbsp;three&nbsp;people, including a 24-year-old computer science student of Algerian nationality, in connection with last week's&nbsp;bomb&nbsp;blast in Lyon that injured 13 people, authorities said.

The case is being handled as a terrorism investigation given the circumstances of the attack, committed in broad daylight, and the use of an explosive device capable of hitting a large number of people with screws and metal balls packed into a bag.

A&nbsp;police&nbsp;source said the&nbsp;three&nbsp;arrested were the student, who does not have a&nbsp;police&nbsp;record, a minor who studies at a high school in&nbsp;Lyon&nbsp;and is also of Algerian nationality, and a woman.

The Paris prosecutors' office said that minor was a member of the main suspect's family circle. No information was provided about the woman.

French&nbsp;Interior Minister Christophe Castaner also announced the&nbsp;arrest&nbsp;of the man on Twitter but did not provide further details on the suspect or where he was&nbsp;arrested.

Security camera footage of the incident shows a partially masked suspect wheeling a bicycle to the scene, before leaving a bag outside a branch of a popular bakery chain.

DNA traces were found on the remains of the parcel, according to a source close to the investigation.

Another source said the judicial&nbsp;police&nbsp;arrested the man on the street after having tailed him.

They decided not to&nbsp;arrest&nbsp;him at his apartment, the source said, for fear that there could still be some triacetone triperoxide or TATP, the powerful but unstable homemade explosive that was used in the attack.

French police have arrested three people, including a 24-year-old computer science student of Algerian nationality, in connection with last week's bomb blast in Lyon that injured 13 people, authorities said.

French police have arrested three people, including a 24-year-old computer science student of Algerian nationality, in connection with last week's bomb blast in Lyon that injured 13 people, authorities said. The case is being handled as a terrorism investigation given the circumstances of the attack, committed in broad daylight, and the use of an explosive device capable of hitting a large number of people with screws and metal balls packed into a bag. A police source said the three arrested were the student, who does not have a police record, a minor who studies at a high school in Lyon and is also of Algerian nationality, and a woman. The Paris prosecutors' office said that minor was a member of the main suspect's family circle. No information was provided about the woman. French Interior Minister Christophe Castaner also announced the arrest of the man on Twitter but did not provide further details on the suspect or where he was arrested. Security camera footage of the incident shows a partially masked suspect wheeling a bicycle to the scene, before leaving a bag outside a branch of a popular bakery chain. DNA traces were found on the remains of the parcel, according to a source close to the investigation. Another source said the judicial police arrested the man on the street after having tailed him. They decided not to arrest him at his apartment, the source said, for fear that there could still be some triacetone triperoxide or TATP, the powerful but unstable homemade explosive that was used in the attack.

French police arrest three over Lyon bomb blast

Suspected cow vigilantes allegedly thrashed two persons in Madhya Pradesh's Seoni with sticks, accusing them of carrying beef, following which five accused have been arrested, police said Saturday.

The group of five 'gau rakshaks' also allegedly forced one of the victims to beat up a woman accompanying them with chappals, a police officer said.

Police also said that the three people who were beaten up have been arrested as possession and sale of beef is illegal in Madhya Pradesh.

In a purported video clip of the incident, which has been widely circulated on social media, the five accused can be seen beating up the two men. Later, they also forced one of the men to beat up the woman accompanying them.

The attackers also forced the three persons to raise slogans of 'Jai Shree Ram', as seen in the video.

According to police, the incident occurred on May 22 on Mandla Road in Kanhiwada area under Dunda Seoni police station limits.

Seoni Superintendent of Police Lalit Shakyawar said an FIR has been registered against the five persons under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) at Dunda Seoni police station, and all of them have been arrested.

Dunda Seoni police station in charge GS Uike said the three persons who were beaten up have been arrested for allegedly carrying beef as its possession and sale is banned in the state.

Uike said none of the victims sustained any serious injuries in the attack.

"The accused persons shot videos of thrashing. Police reached the spot after the incident and brought the trio along with the meat they were carrying to the police station," he said.

One of the accused uploaded the video on social media on May 23, but later withdrew it following a sharp reaction from various quarters, he said. 
However, police took cognisance of the clip and traced the accused persons.

Meanwhile, the SP said police seized 140 kg red meat, suspected to be beef, from the trio. Police also seized a three-wheeler and a scooter from them.

Suspected cow vigilantes allegedly thrashed two persons in Madhya Pradesh's Seoni with sticks, accusing them of carrying beef, following which five accused have been arrested, police said Saturday.

Suspected cow vigilantes allegedly thrashed two persons in Madhya Pradesh's Seoni with sticks, accusing them of carrying beef, following which five accused have been arrested, police said Saturday. The group of five 'gau rakshaks' also allegedly forced one of the victims to beat up a woman accompanying them with chappals, a police officer said. Police also said that the three people who were beaten up have been arrested as possession and sale of beef is illegal in Madhya Pradesh. In a purported video clip of the incident, which has been widely circulated on social media, the five accused can be seen beating up the two men. Later, they also forced one of the men to beat up the woman accompanying them. The attackers also forced the three persons to raise slogans of 'Jai Shree Ram', as seen in the video. According to police, the incident occurred on May 22 on Mandla Road in Kanhiwada area under Dunda Seoni police station limits. Seoni Superintendent of Police Lalit Shakyawar said an FIR has been registered against the five persons under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) at Dunda Seoni police station, and all of them have been arrested. Dunda Seoni police station in charge GS Uike said the three persons who were beaten up have been arrested for allegedly carrying beef as its possession and sale is banned in the state. Uike said none of the victims sustained any serious injuries in the attack. "The accused persons shot videos of thrashing. Police reached the spot after the incident and brought the trio along with the meat they were carrying to the police station," he said. One of the accused uploaded the video on social media on May 23, but later withdrew it following a sharp reaction from various quarters, he said. However, police took cognisance of the clip and traced the accused persons. Meanwhile, the SP said police seized 140 kg red meat, suspected to be beef, from the trio. Police also seized a three-wheeler and a scooter from them.

Two beaten up for carrying beef in Madhya Pradesh, cops arrest them as well as 5 attackers

Julian Assange: Heroic Whistleblower now battles rape allegation

A Vietnamese court has jailed two activists on charges of publishing damaging anti-state propaganda about the communist-run country, state media reported Saturday, the latest convictions under a hardline leadership intolerant of dissent.

The women, Vu Thi Dung and Nguyen Thi Ngoc Suong, were sentenced Friday to six and five years respectively for posting videos and articles on Facebook against proposed special economic zones and beefed-up cybersecurity law, the People's Police newspaper reported.

The court, in the country's south, found them both guilty of "making, hoarding and spreading propaganda information, documents and materials against the socialist republic of Vietnam".

Both market vendors, the two women are the latest to face harsh blowback for publicly opposing the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-removes-more-pages-tied-to-russian-operators-216645/amp">cybersecurity law,</a> which would require internet companies to hand over user data and remove content if requested by the government.

The proposed special economic zones are also deeply sensitive and sparked rare nationwide protests last year in which police stations and government offices were ransacked.

Independent media is banned in Vietnam, with online posts, comments and critics strictly monitored and bloggers, activists and rights lawyers routinely jailed.

The hardline leadership in charge since 2016 has been harsh on dissidents, with nearly 60 put behind bars last year according to an AFP tally.

A Vietnamese activist who also criticised both the special economic zones and the cybersecurity law was sentenced to two years in prison in March for "abusing democratic freedoms".

Critics say the draconian cyber law will be used to target online dissent, but it has yet to be implemented.

The draft bill on economic zones also sparked an uproar as many in Vietnam believed it would grant incentives to Chinese companies.

No mention of China was suggested in the legislation but officials put off passing the bill following the protests, which hit the capital Hanoi and the commercial hub Ho Chi Minh City.

Dozens of demonstrators have been jailed since taking part.

A Vietnamese court has jailed two activists on charges of publishing damaging anti-state propaganda about the communist-run country, state media reported Saturday, the latest convictions under a hardline leadership intolerant of dissent.

A Vietnamese court has jailed two activists on charges of publishing damaging anti-state propaganda about the communist-run country, state media reported Saturday, the latest convictions under a hardline leadership intolerant of dissent. The women, Vu Thi Dung and Nguyen Thi Ngoc Suong, were sentenced Friday to six and five years respectively for posting videos and articles on Facebook against proposed special economic zones and beefed-up cybersecurity law, the People's Police newspaper reported. The court, in the country's south, found them both guilty of "making, hoarding and spreading propaganda information, documents and materials against the socialist republic of Vietnam". Both market vendors, the two women are the latest to face harsh blowback for publicly opposing the cybersecurity law, which would require internet companies to hand over user data and remove content if requested by the government. The proposed special economic zones are also deeply sensitive and sparked rare nationwide protests last year in which police stations and government offices were ransacked. Independent media is banned in Vietnam, with online posts, comments and critics strictly monitored and bloggers, activists and rights lawyers routinely jailed. The hardline leadership in charge since 2016 has been harsh on dissidents, with nearly 60 put behind bars last year according to an AFP tally. A Vietnamese activist who also criticised both the special economic zones and the cybersecurity law was sentenced to two years in prison in March for "abusing democratic freedoms". Critics say the draconian cyber law will be used to target online dissent, but it has yet to be implemented. The draft bill on economic zones also sparked an uproar as many in Vietnam believed it would grant incentives to Chinese companies. No mention of China was suggested in the legislation but officials put off passing the bill following the protests, which hit the capital Hanoi and the commercial hub Ho Chi Minh City. Dozens of demonstrators have been jailed since taking part.

Vietnam jails two activists for 'spreading propaganda' on Facebook

Venezuela's opposition leader <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-juan-guaido-makes-new-bid-to-rally-military-support-215851&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj4xPDj45DiAhXo7XMBHcY1DAYQFjADegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2anQhDHQYHESg3YI2d4ig-">Juan Guaido</a> accused President Nicolas Maduro's regime on Thursday of "dismantling" parliament after three lawmakers sought diplomatic refuge while another was arrested for treason.&nbsp;

"If we can talk about a coup d'etat in Venezuela, here it is the dismantling of the national parliament," Guaido told a news conference, accusing Maduro's regime of "state terrorism."

Guido, who considers himself the country's legitimate acting leader, spoke out after opposition<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/will-prosecute-seven-lawmakers-who-backed-uprising-venezuela-supreme-court-216866&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjbhYaX5JDiAhVJ7XMBHUfLAb0QFjAAegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3lONm5lgMyoOsRQZAKmeoK"> lawmakers Richard Blanco</a>, Mariela Magallanes and Americo De Grazia sought refuge in the Argentine and Italian embassies in Caracas.

They are among 10 National Assembly members charged with treason for supporting Guaido's call for a military revolt on April 30.

The group also includes Edgar Zambrano, vice-president of Venezuela's opposition-controlled parliament, who was seized by intelligence agents on Wednesday night.

Guaido led around 30 members of the armed forces in trying to spark an insurrection to dislodge Maduro 10 days ago, but while it provoked two days of deadly clashes, it quickly fizzled out.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/security-forces-in-venezuela-arrests-juan-guaidos-top-aide-edgar-zambrano-217293/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Venezuela was plunged into turmoil in January when Guaido declared himself acting president in a direct challenge to Maduro's authority.

He has since been recognized by more than 50 countries as he steps up the pressure to oust Maduro, whom he considers illegitimate after 2018 elections widely seen as fraudulent.

Guaido called for a national demonstration on Saturday to reject measures taken by the Supreme Court against opposition lawmakers.

'We're not going to stop'&nbsp;

"To make themselves look strong, to give the impression of control they don't have, what is the only tool they've used for years?" he asked, referring to the Maduro regime.

"Terror, state terrorism," said Guaido, whose own parliamentary immunity has been stripped by the Supreme Court.

"We're not going to stop, we're going to stay in the streets. This is a process that will end with Venezuela's liberty."

Maduro, though, has remained steadfast, propped up by Venezuela's powerful military high command and all branches of government except the sidelined National Assembly.

Zambrano's arrest on Wednesday night was both bizarre and dramatic, with the lawmaker commenting on events live on Twitter as it happened.

The 64-year-old's car was surrounded outside his Democratic Action Party's headquarters before it was towed, with him still in it, to the notorious Helicoide prison, within the headquarters of Venezuela's SEBIN intelligence agency.

"Democrats, keep up the fight!" tweeted Zambrano as images of the arrest circulated on social media.

&nbsp;'Kidnapped'&nbsp;

On Wednesday Guaido accused the regime of having "kidnapped" Zambrano. The European Union and several Latin American states echoed his criticism while the US called for his immediate release.

"This is an attack on the independence of the nation's democratically elected legislative branch and is part of the Maduro regime's continued attempts to crush dissent and free debate in Venezuela," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement.

"This assault on the National Assembly should serve as a clarion call to the region and the world that the dictatorship is not interested in constitutional solutions to the Venezuelan people's problems."

Even Mexico, which has steadfastly maintained its recognition for Maduro as Venezuelan president, voiced its "concern" over Zambrano's treatment.

Venezuela's Attorney General Tarek William Saab says the two days of clashes that followed Guaido's unsuccessful revolt left six people dead.

The Constituent Assembly, which Maduro created to sideline the National Assembly, has said it will suspend the immunity of any lawmakers who backed the uprising.

Venezuela has suffered five years of recession that has seen more than 2.7 million people flee poverty, hyperinflation, food shortages and insecurity since 2015, according to United Nations figures.

Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido accused President Nicolas Maduro's regime on Thursday of "dismantling" parliament after three lawmakers sought diplomatic refuge while another was arrested for treason.

Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido accused President Nicolas Maduro's regime on Thursday of "dismantling" parliament after three lawmakers sought diplomatic refuge while another was arrested for treason. "If we can talk about a coup d'etat in Venezuela, here it is the dismantling of the national parliament," Guaido told a news conference, accusing Maduro's regime of "state terrorism." Guido, who considers himself the country's legitimate acting leader, spoke out after opposition lawmakers Richard Blanco, Mariela Magallanes and Americo De Grazia sought refuge in the Argentine and Italian embassies in Caracas. They are among 10 National Assembly members charged with treason for supporting Guaido's call for a military revolt on April 30. The group also includes Edgar Zambrano, vice-president of Venezuela's opposition-controlled parliament, who was seized by intelligence agents on Wednesday night. Guaido led around 30 members of the armed forces in trying to spark an insurrection to dislodge Maduro 10 days ago, but while it provoked two days of deadly clashes, it quickly fizzled out. Venezuela was plunged into turmoil in January when Guaido declared himself acting president in a direct challenge to Maduro's authority. He has since been recognized by more than 50 countries as he steps up the pressure to oust Maduro, whom he considers illegitimate after 2018 elections widely seen as fraudulent. Guaido called for a national demonstration on Saturday to reject measures taken by the Supreme Court against opposition lawmakers. 'We're not going to stop' "To make themselves look strong, to give the impression of control they don't have, what is the only tool they've used for years?" he asked, referring to the Maduro regime. "Terror, state terrorism," said Guaido, whose own parliamentary immunity has been stripped by the Supreme Court. "We're not going to stop, we're going to stay in the streets. This is a process that will end with Venezuela's liberty." Maduro, though, has remained steadfast, propped up by Venezuela's powerful military high command and all branches of government except the sidelined National Assembly. Zambrano's arrest on Wednesday night was both bizarre and dramatic, with the lawmaker commenting on events live on Twitter as it happened. The 64-year-old's car was surrounded outside his Democratic Action Party's headquarters before it was towed, with him still in it, to the notorious Helicoide prison, within the headquarters of Venezuela's SEBIN intelligence agency. "Democrats, keep up the fight!" tweeted Zambrano as images of the arrest circulated on social media. 'Kidnapped' On Wednesday Guaido accused the regime of having "kidnapped" Zambrano. The European Union and several Latin American states echoed his criticism while the US called for his immediate release. "This is an attack on the independence of the nation's democratically elected legislative branch and is part of the Maduro regime's continued attempts to crush dissent and free debate in Venezuela," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement. "This assault on the National Assembly should serve as a clarion call to the region and the world that the dictatorship is not interested in constitutional solutions to the Venezuelan people's problems." Even Mexico, which has steadfastly maintained its recognition for Maduro as Venezuelan president, voiced its "concern" over Zambrano's treatment. Venezuela's Attorney General Tarek William Saab says the two days of clashes that followed Guaido's unsuccessful revolt left six people dead. The Constituent Assembly, which Maduro created to sideline the National Assembly, has said it will suspend the immunity of any lawmakers who backed the uprising. Venezuela has suffered five years of recession that has seen more than 2.7 million people flee poverty, hyperinflation, food shortages and insecurity since 2015, according to United Nations figures.

Venezuela opposition leader Guaido blasts Maduro over opposition crackdown

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-government-raises-partial-airspace-ban-matter-with-pakistan-216393&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjhhq2lmIviAhU28HMBHVlrBrUQFjACegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw28SsQqPIaeIDWtBzVITrYk">Pakistan</a> has arrested 34 Indian fishermen for allegedly violating the country's territorial waters, nearly 10 days after releasing 60 prisoners from India as a goodwill gesture, officials said Wednesday.

The <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-releases-second-batch-of-100-indian-fishermen-210530&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwijxsX8l4viAhWRjeYKHR2eDVsQFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3lL5o2UlU3iJSeVRcfCVg8">fishermen</a>, arrested on Tuesday, have been handed over to the police, a Pakistan Maritime Security Agency spokesman said. "They will appear before a judicial magistrate who will decide on their judicial remand," he said.

This is the first time since January that the maritime security agency has arrested Indian fishermen. In January, five Gujarati boatsmen were arrested and jailed. On April 29, Pakistan released 55 Indian fishermen and five civilians as a "goodwill gesture" amidst tension between the two countries after the Pulwama terror attack.

Last month, the Pakistani government released more than 250 Indian fishermen from the Landhi and Malir jails in Karachi. The fishermen were released in three phases. The Pakistan Foreign Ministry had earlier announced to release 360 Indian fishermen in four separate batches in April as a goodwill gesture.

Pakistan and India frequently arrest fishermen as there is no clear demarcation of the maritime border in the Arabian Sea and these fishermen do not have boats equipped with the technology to know their precise location.

Owing to the lengthy and slow bureaucratic and legal procedures, the fishermen usually remain in jail for several months and sometimes years. According to the list of prisoners exchanged by India and Pakistan in January, there are 347 Pakistani prisoners in Indian jails, 249 of whom are described as civilians and 98 fishermen, the report said.&nbsp;

Pakistan has arrested 34 Indian fishermen for allegedly violating the country's territorial waters, nearly 10 days after releasing 60 prisoners from India as a goodwill gesture, officials said Wednesday.

Pakistan has arrested 34 Indian fishermen for allegedly violating the country's territorial waters, nearly 10 days after releasing 60 prisoners from India as a goodwill gesture, officials said Wednesday. The fishermen, arrested on Tuesday, have been handed over to the police, a Pakistan Maritime Security Agency spokesman said. "They will appear before a judicial magistrate who will decide on their judicial remand," he said. This is the first time since January that the maritime security agency has arrested Indian fishermen. In January, five Gujarati boatsmen were arrested and jailed. On April 29, Pakistan released 55 Indian fishermen and five civilians as a "goodwill gesture" amidst tension between the two countries after the Pulwama terror attack. Last month, the Pakistani government released more than 250 Indian fishermen from the Landhi and Malir jails in Karachi. The fishermen were released in three phases. The Pakistan Foreign Ministry had earlier announced to release 360 Indian fishermen in four separate batches in April as a goodwill gesture. Pakistan and India frequently arrest fishermen as there is no clear demarcation of the maritime border in the Arabian Sea and these fishermen do not have boats equipped with the technology to know their precise location. Owing to the lengthy and slow bureaucratic and legal procedures, the fishermen usually remain in jail for several months and sometimes years. According to the list of prisoners exchanged by India and Pakistan in January, there are 347 Pakistani prisoners in Indian jails, 249 of whom are described as civilians and 98 fishermen, the report said.

Pakistan arrests 34 Indian fishermen for violating territorial waters

WikiLeaks founder <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/julian-assange-to-fight-us-extradition-request-lawyer-209644&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjT84maj8_hAhVUi3AKHZCiDhEQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw02SYjD9U9RyGbzR2efpgpU">Julian Assange</a>'s father on Sunday called on Australia to bring his son home, saying he was shocked to see his son's condition after his arrest in London last week.

John Shipton -- who was secretary of the Wikileaks Party when his son tried to run for a Senate seat in 2013 national elections -- reportedly visited Assange every Christmas at the Ecuador embassy in London after he sought refuge there in 2012.

"DFAT (Department of Foreign Affairs) and the prime minister should in a nuanced way do something," Shipton told Melbourne's Sunday Herald Sun.&nbsp;

"It can be resolved simply to the satisfaction of all. There has been some talk in a meeting between a senator and a senior DFAT official to extradite Julian to Australia."&nbsp;

Shipton said he was shocked to see the state of his son when he was arrested at the embassy on Thursday on allegations of skipping bail, and on a US extradition warrant related to a huge leak of official documents.

"I saw him, the way they dragged him down the steps, the coppers (police), he didn't look good. I'm 74 and I look better than him and he's 47. It's such a shock," he said.&nbsp;

"For months and months he has been living like a high-security prisoner, he can't even go to the toilet. There have been cameras watching his every move." Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Friday that Assange would receive "no special treatment" from Canberra.

The 47-year-old Australian had sought refuge in the embassy while on bail awaiting extradition to Sweden to face charges of sexual assault and rape, which he always denied.&nbsp;

British lawmakers on Saturday urged their government to prioritise any extradition bid Sweden might make for him over the allegations.

Swedish prosecutors dropped a preliminary investigation into the rape allegation in 2017.

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange's father on Sunday called on Australia to bring his son home, saying he was shocked to see his son's condition after his arrest in London last week.

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange's father on Sunday called on Australia to bring his son home, saying he was shocked to see his son's condition after his arrest in London last week. John Shipton -- who was secretary of the Wikileaks Party when his son tried to run for a Senate seat in 2013 national elections -- reportedly visited Assange every Christmas at the Ecuador embassy in London after he sought refuge there in 2012. "DFAT (Department of Foreign Affairs) and the prime minister should in a nuanced way do something," Shipton told Melbourne's Sunday Herald Sun. "It can be resolved simply to the satisfaction of all. There has been some talk in a meeting between a senator and a senior DFAT official to extradite Julian to Australia." Shipton said he was shocked to see the state of his son when he was arrested at the embassy on Thursday on allegations of skipping bail, and on a US extradition warrant related to a huge leak of official documents. "I saw him, the way they dragged him down the steps, the coppers (police), he didn't look good. I'm 74 and I look better than him and he's 47. It's such a shock," he said. "For months and months he has been living like a high-security prisoner, he can't even go to the toilet. There have been cameras watching his every move." Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Friday that Assange would receive "no special treatment" from Canberra. The 47-year-old Australian had sought refuge in the embassy while on bail awaiting extradition to Sweden to face charges of sexual assault and rape, which he always denied. British lawmakers on Saturday urged their government to prioritise any extradition bid Sweden might make for him over the allegations. Swedish prosecutors dropped a preliminary investigation into the rape allegation in 2017.

Assange's father calls on Australia to bring him home

A Pakistani police head constable and his brother-in-law, who also works in the police department, have been arrested in Punjab province for their alleged links with the Islamic State, police said on Monday.&nbsp;

Hand grenades, suicide vests and other explosives have also been recovered from the duo, they said.

Punjab police head constable Amjad Firdous Khan and his brother-in-law Shahid Khan, a front desk operator at the Lower Mall police station, were working for the banned outfit for quite some time, they said.

"Amjad's brother Shahzad Khan, who was an active IS member, fled when police raided their house in Gujjar Pura a few days ago," a police officer said, adding that Amjad and Shahid are being interrogated.&nbsp;

"Police and intelligence agencies are determining the exact role of the arrested policemen. It is believed that Shahzad wanted to target officials of the intelligence agencies," he said.

A Pakistani police head constable and his brother-in-law, who also works in the police department, have been arrested in Punjab province for their alleged links with the Islamic State, police said on Monday.

A Pakistani police head constable and his brother-in-law, who also works in the police department, have been arrested in Punjab province for their alleged links with the Islamic State, police said on Monday. Hand grenades, suicide vests and other explosives have also been recovered from the duo, they said. Punjab police head constable Amjad Firdous Khan and his brother-in-law Shahid Khan, a front desk operator at the Lower Mall police station, were working for the banned outfit for quite some time, they said. "Amjad's brother Shahzad Khan, who was an active IS member, fled when police raided their house in Gujjar Pura a few days ago," a police officer said, adding that Amjad and Shahid are being interrogated. "Police and intelligence agencies are determining the exact role of the arrested policemen. It is believed that Shahzad wanted to target officials of the intelligence agencies," he said.

Two Pakistan policemen arrested for suspected Islamic State links

Seven <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/myanmar-police-fire-rubber-bullets-tear-gas-to-scatter-ethnic-minority-protest-196896">Myanmar</a> students were sentenced to three months in jail with hard labour for burning portraits of officials in protest over campus safety, a student activist said Wednesday, the latest draconian response to rippling discontent with authorities.&nbsp;

Those jailed were among dozens enacting a mock funeral on December 28 calling for more security at a Mandalay university in central<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-activists-charged-after-protesting-independence-hero-statue-196112"> Myanmar </a>after a student's murder near its campus.&nbsp;

They burned paper coffins and portraits of the city's chief minister, Myanmar's security and home affairs ministers, and the head of the university, calling for increased security around the students' compound.

Three people were arrested during the protest and four others were detained a few days later when they rallied for their peers' release.&nbsp;

The seven students were each sentenced to a total of three months in prison with hard labour for protesting without permission and arson, student leader Ei Mon Khin told AFP by phone from the court.&nbsp;

"They will be taken to Obo prison in Mandalay later," she said.&nbsp;

Time served will be deducted from their sentences, meaning they face a further one and a half months in jail.

This is one of several recent examples of a heavy-handed response to protests by authorities.

On Tuesday police fired rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse a crowd of several thousand in eastern Kayah state, the latest in a string of rallies against a statue of Aung San, father of civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

He is widely revered by the majority ethnic Bamar (Burmese) population as an independence hero but is viewed critically among many ethnic minority groups, who see him as a symbol of Bamar domination.

Police agreed Tuesday evening to release dozens of arrested protesters in return for a suspension of the rallies while talks take place, state-run Global New Light of Myanmar reported, a development welcomed by rights groups.

"The Myanmar authorities have a long history of using excessive and lethal force against peaceful protesters," said Fortify Rights CEO Matthew Smith.&nbsp;

"The government needs to break the trend now."

Seven Myanmar students were sentenced to three months in jail with hard labour for burning portraits of officials in protest over campus safety, a student activist said Wednesday, the latest draconian response to rippling discontent with authorities.

Seven Myanmar students were sentenced to three months in jail with hard labour for burning portraits of officials in protest over campus safety, a student activist said Wednesday, the latest draconian response to rippling discontent with authorities. Those jailed were among dozens enacting a mock funeral on December 28 calling for more security at a Mandalay university in central Myanmar after a student's murder near its campus. They burned paper coffins and portraits of the city's chief minister, Myanmar's security and home affairs ministers, and the head of the university, calling for increased security around the students' compound. Three people were arrested during the protest and four others were detained a few days later when they rallied for their peers' release. The seven students were each sentenced to a total of three months in prison with hard labour for protesting without permission and arson, student leader Ei Mon Khin told AFP by phone from the court. "They will be taken to Obo prison in Mandalay later," she said. Time served will be deducted from their sentences, meaning they face a further one and a half months in jail. This is one of several recent examples of a heavy-handed response to protests by authorities. On Tuesday police fired rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse a crowd of several thousand in eastern Kayah state, the latest in a string of rallies against a statue of Aung San, father of civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi. He is widely revered by the majority ethnic Bamar (Burmese) population as an independence hero but is viewed critically among many ethnic minority groups, who see him as a symbol of Bamar domination. Police agreed Tuesday evening to release dozens of arrested protesters in return for a suspension of the rallies while talks take place, state-run Global New Light of Myanmar reported, a development welcomed by rights groups. "The Myanmar authorities have a long history of using excessive and lethal force against peaceful protesters," said Fortify Rights CEO Matthew Smith. "The government needs to break the trend now."

Myanmar students sentenced to hard labour over protest demanding campus safety

Pakistan's anti-graft body on Wednesday arrested Punjab government's powerful senior minister Abdul Aleem Khan for possessing assets beyond his known sources of income.

The arrest has come as a jolt for Prime Minister Imran Khan who is already facing a barrage of criticism for running the province of over 100 million people through his 'puppet' Chief Minister Usman Buzdar.

"We have arrested Punjab senior minister Abdul Aleem Khan for possessing assets beyond his known sources of income and he will be presented before an accountability court in Lahore on Thursday," National Accountability Bureau spokesperson Nawazish Ali Asim said in a statement.

The NAB has been probing Aleem Khan in multiple inquiries, including his offshore company Hexam Investment Overseas Ltd, owning assets beyond his known sources of income and his two housing societies - Park View housing society and River Age Housing Society in Lahore - for the last one year or so.

Punjab Information Minister Fayazul Hasan Chohan said the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf party will not protest over the NAB's decision to arrest the minister. "Unlike the opposition, we will not surround the NAB offices," he said.

Opposition Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has welcomed the arrest of the minister and said that there should be across the board possibility.&nbsp;

"We want PM Khan to sack all those cabinet members who are facing NAB investigation on corruption charges," PML-N senior leader and former Sindh governor Muhammad Zubair said.

PML-N president and opposition leader in the National Assembly, Shehbaz Sharif, the younger brother of former premier Nawaz Sharif, is also in jail in NAB's custody in a corruption case.

Pakistan's anti-graft body on Wednesday arrested Punjab government's powerful senior minister Abdul Aleem Khan for possessing assets beyond his known sources of income.

Pakistan's anti-graft body on Wednesday arrested Punjab government's powerful senior minister Abdul Aleem Khan for possessing assets beyond his known sources of income. The arrest has come as a jolt for Prime Minister Imran Khan who is already facing a barrage of criticism for running the province of over 100 million people through his 'puppet' Chief Minister Usman Buzdar. "We have arrested Punjab senior minister Abdul Aleem Khan for possessing assets beyond his known sources of income and he will be presented before an accountability court in Lahore on Thursday," National Accountability Bureau spokesperson Nawazish Ali Asim said in a statement. The NAB has been probing Aleem Khan in multiple inquiries, including his offshore company Hexam Investment Overseas Ltd, owning assets beyond his known sources of income and his two housing societies - Park View housing society and River Age Housing Society in Lahore - for the last one year or so. Punjab Information Minister Fayazul Hasan Chohan said the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf party will not protest over the NAB's decision to arrest the minister. "Unlike the opposition, we will not surround the NAB offices," he said. Opposition Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has welcomed the arrest of the minister and said that there should be across the board possibility. "We want PM Khan to sack all those cabinet members who are facing NAB investigation on corruption charges," PML-N senior leader and former Sindh governor Muhammad Zubair said. PML-N president and opposition leader in the National Assembly, Shehbaz Sharif, the younger brother of former premier Nawaz Sharif, is also in jail in NAB's custody in a corruption case.

Pakistan's anti-graft body arrests Punjab government's senior minister

The Republican chairman of the US Senate judiciary panel on Wednesday requested a briefing from the FBI on the arrest of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/roger-stone-open-to-talk-with-mueller-in-russia-probe-193312">Roger Stone</a>, a longtime associate of President Donald Trump, in an inquiry into Russian interference in the 2016 US election.

Senator Lindsey Graham said he was concerned about the number of agents involved, tactics employed and the timing of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ex-trump-advisor-stone-indicted-in-mueller-probe-192975">Stone's arrest</a> on Friday in Florida. Graham asked for the briefing to take place no later than February 5.

A video of Stone's arrest broadcast on CNN showed an FBI team taking him away from his Fort Lauderdale, Florida, home in the dark just before 6 am and Stone surrendering without any issue.

"Although I am sure these tactics would be standard procedure for the arrest of a violent offender, I have questions regarding their necessity in this case," Graham wrote in the letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray.

The top Republican on the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee, Representative Doug Collins, expressed similar concerns in a letter to Wray.

Collins asked Wray for answers by February 13 to a series of questions, including whether Wray was aware of what Collins called the FBI's "immense show of force" during the raid.

"Given the nature of the charges in Stone's indictment, many believe the FBI used an excessive amount of force during his arrest," Collins wrote.

Some law enforcement experts said in the aftermath that when a person has not agreed to give themselves up to authorities voluntarily, such procedures were standard.

Trump, in an interview with the conservative website Daily Caller on Wednesday, said Stone's arrest was a "very, very disappointing scene" and he would "think about" asking the FBI to review its policies.

"When you have 29 people and you have armoured vehicles, and you had all of the other - you know, many people know Roger, and Roger is not a person that they would have to worry about from that standpoint," Trump said.

The FBI did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Prosecutors accuse Stone, a self-proclaimed "dirty trickster" and longtime Republican operative, of obstruction, witness tampering, and lying to Congress. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Special Counsel Robert Mueller is investigating US allegations that Russia meddled in the election and whether members of the campaign of then-Republican candidate Trump coordinated with Moscow officials. So far, the investigation has ensnared 34 people. Moscow denies interference and Trump dismisses the probe as a political witch hunt.

The Republican chairman of the US Senate judiciary panel on Wednesday requested a briefing from the FBI on the arrest of Roger Stone, a longtime associate of President Donald Trump, in an inquiry into Russian interference in the 2016 US election.

The Republican chairman of the US Senate judiciary panel on Wednesday requested a briefing from the FBI on the arrest of Roger Stone, a longtime associate of President Donald Trump, in an inquiry into Russian interference in the 2016 US election. Senator Lindsey Graham said he was concerned about the number of agents involved, tactics employed and the timing of Stone's arrest on Friday in Florida. Graham asked for the briefing to take place no later than February 5. A video of Stone's arrest broadcast on CNN showed an FBI team taking him away from his Fort Lauderdale, Florida, home in the dark just before 6 am and Stone surrendering without any issue. "Although I am sure these tactics would be standard procedure for the arrest of a violent offender, I have questions regarding their necessity in this case," Graham wrote in the letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray. The top Republican on the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee, Representative Doug Collins, expressed similar concerns in a letter to Wray. Collins asked Wray for answers by February 13 to a series of questions, including whether Wray was aware of what Collins called the FBI's "immense show of force" during the raid. "Given the nature of the charges in Stone's indictment, many believe the FBI used an excessive amount of force during his arrest," Collins wrote. Some law enforcement experts said in the aftermath that when a person has not agreed to give themselves up to authorities voluntarily, such procedures were standard. Trump, in an interview with the conservative website Daily Caller on Wednesday, said Stone's arrest was a "very, very disappointing scene" and he would "think about" asking the FBI to review its policies. "When you have 29 people and you have armoured vehicles, and you had all of the other - you know, many people know Roger, and Roger is not a person that they would have to worry about from that standpoint," Trump said. The FBI did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Prosecutors accuse Stone, a self-proclaimed "dirty trickster" and longtime Republican operative, of obstruction, witness tampering, and lying to Congress. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Special Counsel Robert Mueller is investigating US allegations that Russia meddled in the election and whether members of the campaign of then-Republican candidate Trump coordinated with Moscow officials. So far, the investigation has ensnared 34 people. Moscow denies interference and Trump dismisses the probe as a political witch hunt.

US Senate judiciary chair requests FBI briefing on arrest of Trump ally

Cambodia renewed calls for arrest of veteran <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/one-party-rule-terrible-setback-for-cambodia-opposition-chief-156171">opposition chief Sam Rainsy</a> on Monday amid the threat of sanctions by the European Union, its biggest garment export market worth billions of euros a year, over human rights concerns.

Sam Rainsy's opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) was dissolved by the Supreme Court in 2017 and 118 CNRP members were banned from politics ahead of the 2018 general election.

Long-time Prime Minister Hun Sen won every seat in the July vote and the European Union warned that it would strip Cambodia of its "Everything but Arms" duty-free trading access.

Hun Sen this month threatened to retaliate against the opposition if the European Union withdrew duty-free trading access.

Sam Rainsy, who lives in France where he fled in 2015 after a conviction for defamation, has said that he will return to Cambodia sometime this year.

Two arrest warrants for Sam Rainsy from 2015 were republished in a messaging app Telegram for public officials on Monday for defamation and using false public documents and incitement to cause social instability.

A spokesman for the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) warned that a third party might kill Sam Rainsy and blame the government if he returns.

"If convict Sam Rainsy dares to enter Cambodia, there may be a third party shooting to kill convict Sam Rainsy and put the blame on the royal government of Cambodia," Sok Eysan told Reuters.

Sam Rainsy didn't respond to a request for comment. He has said in the past that the convictions are politically motivated.

Cambodian businesses and unions urged the European Union last week not to withdraw trade preferences, saying such a decision would pose serious economic damage and harm millions of workers and their families, especially rural women.

Cambodia renewed calls for arrest of veteran opposition chief Sam Rainsy on Monday amid the threat of sanctions by the European Union, its biggest garment export market worth billions of euros a year, over human rights concerns.

Cambodia renewed calls for arrest of veteran opposition chief Sam Rainsy on Monday amid the threat of sanctions by the European Union, its biggest garment export market worth billions of euros a year, over human rights concerns. Sam Rainsy's opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) was dissolved by the Supreme Court in 2017 and 118 CNRP members were banned from politics ahead of the 2018 general election. Long-time Prime Minister Hun Sen won every seat in the July vote and the European Union warned that it would strip Cambodia of its "Everything but Arms" duty-free trading access. Hun Sen this month threatened to retaliate against the opposition if the European Union withdrew duty-free trading access. Sam Rainsy, who lives in France where he fled in 2015 after a conviction for defamation, has said that he will return to Cambodia sometime this year. Two arrest warrants for Sam Rainsy from 2015 were republished in a messaging app Telegram for public officials on Monday for defamation and using false public documents and incitement to cause social instability. A spokesman for the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) warned that a third party might kill Sam Rainsy and blame the government if he returns. "If convict Sam Rainsy dares to enter Cambodia, there may be a third party shooting to kill convict Sam Rainsy and put the blame on the royal government of Cambodia," Sok Eysan told Reuters. Sam Rainsy didn't respond to a request for comment. He has said in the past that the convictions are politically motivated. Cambodian businesses and unions urged the European Union last week not to withdraw trade preferences, saying such a decision would pose serious economic damage and harm millions of workers and their families, especially rural women.

Cambodia seeks opposition leader's arrest amid EU sanctions threat

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj congratulated her Bangladeshi counterpart Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali for his recent win in the 11th Parliamentary elections held on Sunday.

The EAM reiterated that India would continue cooperation with Bangladesh as a close neighbour while extending her wishes to the Bangladeshi Foreign Minister.

"Foreign Minister Mahmood Ali thanked Indian External Affairs Minister for the call. He expressed the hope that both the countries would continue to work together for the benefit of the two peoples," a release issued by Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/our-ties-will-continue-to-flourish-under-her-leadership-pm-modi-congratulates-sheikh-hasina-on-parliamentary-win-187474">Sunday's elections</a> saw the Awami League-led Grand Alliance securing a landslide victory by winning 288 seats. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) helmed front, on the other hand, suffered a major setback as it only secured seven seats.

The new lawmakers are slated to be sworn in on January 3 in Dhaka. However, Members of Parliament (MPs) from BNP will not be taking an oath tomorrow, as the party has rejected election results and has called for fresh elections.

Sunday's elections saw the Awami League-led Grand Alliance securing a landslide victory by winning 288 seats.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj congratulated her Bangladeshi counterpart Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali for his recent win in the 11th Parliamentary elections held on Sunday. The EAM reiterated that India would continue cooperation with Bangladesh as a close neighbour while extending her wishes to the Bangladeshi Foreign Minister. "Foreign Minister Mahmood Ali thanked Indian External Affairs Minister for the call. He expressed the hope that both the countries would continue to work together for the benefit of the two peoples," a release issued by Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated. Sunday's elections saw the Awami League-led Grand Alliance securing a landslide victory by winning 288 seats. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) helmed front, on the other hand, suffered a major setback as it only secured seven seats. The new lawmakers are slated to be sworn in on January 3 in Dhaka. However, Members of Parliament (MPs) from BNP will not be taking an oath tomorrow, as the party has rejected election results and has called for fresh elections.

Sushma Swaraj congratulates Bangladesh foreign minister on election victory

A journalist working with a prominent media house in<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/i-will-be-everyones-premier-bangladesh-pm-sheikh-hasina-187730"> Bangladesh</a> was arrested for allegedly publishing "false" information about voting irregularities in the just-concluded <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/western-powers-call-for-probe-into-bangladesh-election-irregularities-violence-187810">parliamentary elections</a>, according to a media report.

Hedait Hossain Molla, associated with Bangla Tribune and Probaho, reported that in Khulna 1 constituency, 22,419 more ballots were cast than the number of registered voters, the Dhaka Tribune quoted the police as saying.

He was arrested on Tuesday in Khulna under the Digital Security Act following an FIR by Khulna's Assistant Returning Officer Debashish Chowdhury, senior police officer Mahbubur Rahman said.

The FIR also named Rashedul Islam, another journalist associated with local daily Manabzamin. He was yet to be arrested.&nbsp;

"Initial investigations suggest that they were based on false information," Inspector Sarkar Ibrahim Sohel, who is in charge of the investigation, said.

He said that the Election Commission was informed before the case was filed.&nbsp;

The arrest of the journalist comes two days after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League and its allies won the general elections, bagging 288 of the total 299 seats which went to the polls.&nbsp;

The jailed ex-premier Khalida Zia-led Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which won five seats in the 300-member Parliament, has rejected the poll outcome as "farcical" and demanded a fresh election.

The election was marred by violence, in which 17 people died. The opposition BNP rejected the poll outcome as "farcical" and rigged and demanded a fresh election, amid allegations of intimidation.

The Election Commission (EC) ruled out holding fresh polls.&nbsp;

The opposition Jatiya Oikya Front - National Unity Front (NUF) - comprising the BNP and some smaller parties, criticised the EC and accused its chief of being biased.&nbsp;

Hedait Hossain Molla reported that in Khulna 1 constituency, 22,419 more ballots were cast than the number of registered voters, the Dhaka Tribune quoted the police as saying.

A journalist working with a prominent media house in Bangladesh was arrested for allegedly publishing "false" information about voting irregularities in the just-concluded parliamentary elections, according to a media report. Hedait Hossain Molla, associated with Bangla Tribune and Probaho, reported that in Khulna 1 constituency, 22,419 more ballots were cast than the number of registered voters, the Dhaka Tribune quoted the police as saying. He was arrested on Tuesday in Khulna under the Digital Security Act following an FIR by Khulna's Assistant Returning Officer Debashish Chowdhury, senior police officer Mahbubur Rahman said. The FIR also named Rashedul Islam, another journalist associated with local daily Manabzamin. He was yet to be arrested. "Initial investigations suggest that they were based on false information," Inspector Sarkar Ibrahim Sohel, who is in charge of the investigation, said. He said that the Election Commission was informed before the case was filed. The arrest of the journalist comes two days after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League and its allies won the general elections, bagging 288 of the total 299 seats which went to the polls. The jailed ex-premier Khalida Zia-led Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which won five seats in the 300-member Parliament, has rejected the poll outcome as "farcical" and demanded a fresh election. The election was marred by violence, in which 17 people died. The opposition BNP rejected the poll outcome as "farcical" and rigged and demanded a fresh election, amid allegations of intimidation. The Election Commission (EC) ruled out holding fresh polls. The opposition Jatiya Oikya Front - National Unity Front (NUF) - comprising the BNP and some smaller parties, criticised the EC and accused its chief of being biased.

Journalist arrested in Bangladesh for 'false' reporting on voting irregularities

A brave 16-year-old girl who was allegedly raped by two men in 2017 got her parents booked when try tried to convince her to change her statement against the case in exchange for bribe, reports said on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The girl had gone missing in August last year after which her parents had filed a police complaint. She returned after a week and told police that she was held captive by two men who raped her.&nbsp;

The two men were later arrested. However, one of them got out on interim mail and approached her parents on April 10 hoping they would convince their daughter to withdraw the case in exchange for a bribe of Rs 20 lakh. As per reports, the parents quickly agreed and asked for an advance but the girl went to the police on Tuesday to lodge a complaint against them.&nbsp;

The victim told the police that she was in her room when her parents met the accused and heard the entire conversation. She said that as soon as the man left her house, she went up to her parents to ask for justification. Instead, they tried to convince her to give a false statement.&nbsp;

Reports say that the girl was thrashed and blackmailed by her parents, saying that they desperately needed the money. She said that after thrashing her for a while, someone came to their house to hand them Rs 5 lakh as advance money. Her parents hid that money beneath the bed and left for court.

But, the girl quickly took the bag and went to Aman Vihar police station to lodge a complaint. She narrated the entire incident to the police, immediately after which a case under IPC Sections 195 (A) (threatening any person to give false evidence), 506 (threatening any person to give false evidence) and 120 (B) (punishment of criminal conspiracy) and Section 75 of the Juvenile Justice Act was registered.

Later the mother, upon her arrival from court, was arrested. The father, however, fled as he got the news of his wife's arrest. The police are on a lookout for the man to arrest him.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

As per reports, the girl was raped in August 2017 by two men who had kidnaped her and then left her at an unknown spot afterward. The two men were later arrested.

A brave 16-year-old girl who was allegedly raped by two men in 2017 got her parents booked when try tried to convince her to change her statement against the case in exchange for bribe, reports said on Tuesday. The girl had gone missing in August last year after which her parents had filed a police complaint. She returned after a week and told police that she was held captive by two men who raped her. The two men were later arrested. However, one of them got out on interim mail and approached her parents on April 10 hoping they would convince their daughter to withdraw the case in exchange for a bribe of Rs 20 lakh. As per reports, the parents quickly agreed and asked for an advance but the girl went to the police on Tuesday to lodge a complaint against them. The victim told the police that she was in her room when her parents met the accused and heard the entire conversation. She said that as soon as the man left her house, she went up to her parents to ask for justification. Instead, they tried to convince her to give a false statement. Reports say that the girl was thrashed and blackmailed by her parents, saying that they desperately needed the money. She said that after thrashing her for a while, someone came to their house to hand them Rs 5 lakh as advance money. Her parents hid that money beneath the bed and left for court. But, the girl quickly took the bag and went to Aman Vihar police station to lodge a complaint. She narrated the entire incident to the police, immediately after which a case under IPC Sections 195 (A) (threatening any person to give false evidence), 506 (threatening any person to give false evidence) and 120 (B) (punishment of criminal conspiracy) and Section 75 of the Juvenile Justice Act was registered. Later the mother, upon her arrival from court, was arrested. The father, however, fled as he got the news of his wife's arrest. The police are on a lookout for the man to arrest him.

Delhi girl gets parents booked after they accept a bribe from her rapists

Amid mounting outrage over the alleged gangrape of a minor girl over a year ago, the Allahabad High Court today castigated the UP government for delay in arrest of the accused BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar despite an FIR against him, warning it may be forced to observe that "law and order has collapsed in the state".

The FIR itself came days after the Unnao girl tried to self-immolate in front of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's house on Sunday accusing authorities of inaction, and death of her father in custody the next day allegedly after being beaten up by the politician's brother and their henchmen in front of policemen.

As the public outcry raged amid growing demands by political parties and civil society for the legislator's arrest, protests were also held outside Adityanath's house while the police put the onus on the CBI to arrest the MLA, who has remained defiant and has dubbed allegations as a political conspiracy.

The FIR was registered against Sengar under various sections of the IPC, including for rape, kidnapping and criminal intimidation as well as under provisions of the Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Under POCSO, an accused has to be arrested immediately.

The case was registered hours before the high court was to hear the matter, and so was the UP government's decision on transferring the case to the CBI late last night.

"Police is not ready to register FIR of a minor rape victim. In spite of SIT report, you are repeating that we can only take any action after further investigation, if this is the conduct of the police in state, whom a victim will approach to register a complaint. If this is the stand you repeatedly taking then we will be forced to observe in our order that law and order has collapsed in the state," the court said.

The court, which is expected to pass order tomorrow, took strong objection to the delay in the MLA's arrest as it sought details of the action taken by the government in the matter.

The court was told by the Advocate General that three of the accused in the case were arrested including the MLA's brother but any further action would depend on statements of the complainant and witnesses.

Observing that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) report showed that the medical officers and police officers were hand in glove with the accused to save them, the court said since these officers have been arrested already why further investigation was needed to arrest the main accused.

Senior Advocate G S Chaturvedi, who had moved the court, said the SIT headed by senior police officers conducted preliminary investigation and then filed a report after which the FIR was registered.

When asked when Sengar would be arrested, Principal Secretary (Home) Arvind Kumar told reporters here that the CBI would take a decision on this.

State Director General of Police O P Singh said the minor had not named the MLA before the magistrate earlier as she feared for her life. The government has decided to extend security to the family of the 17-year-old girl, he added.

Kumar dismissed allegations that police was trying to shield the MLA.

Strong reactions came from opposition parties, who demanded immediate arrest of the MLA with senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal attacking Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his silence over the Unnao rape case.

Sibal also alleged that Modi was "not serious" about the crimes against women across the country, in an apparent reference to another rape case in Kathua, Jammu & Kashmir, where the BJP is in the ruling alliance with the PDP.

Several Union ministers including Mahesh Sharma, Piyush Goyal and Maneka Gandhi, however, sought to defend the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh, saying it is committed to protecting women, and ensuring that law takes its course.

Two doctors have been suspended and disciplinary proceedings initiated against three others for laxity in providing the victim's father with proper medical care and treatment prior to his judicial custody and at the district hospital, officials said.

Kumar said the government decided to transfer the case to the CBI after lodging the case into the incidents of June 4, 2017, (alleged rape) and since the two other cases of April 3 this year (cross FIRs on the beating up of the victim's father leading to his death) are connected, they will also be transferred to the CBI.

The teen rape survivor demanded immediate arrest of the MLA, saying the CBI probe could be conducted later.

"Why is he being shielded? If the MLA is allowed to remain out he will not leave my uncle... He had earlier too hatched conspiracies against my kin," she said. PTI

An FIR was finally filed against Unnao MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar on Thursday but police have refused to arrest him, saying the CBI will do it

Amid mounting outrage over the alleged gangrape of a minor girl over a year ago, the Allahabad High Court today castigated the UP government for delay in arrest of the accused BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar despite an FIR against him, warning it may be forced to observe that "law and order has collapsed in the state". The FIR itself came days after the Unnao girl tried to self-immolate in front of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's house on Sunday accusing authorities of inaction, and death of her father in custody the next day allegedly after being beaten up by the politician's brother and their henchmen in front of policemen. As the public outcry raged amid growing demands by political parties and civil society for the legislator's arrest, protests were also held outside Adityanath's house while the police put the onus on the CBI to arrest the MLA, who has remained defiant and has dubbed allegations as a political conspiracy. The FIR was registered against Sengar under various sections of the IPC, including for rape, kidnapping and criminal intimidation as well as under provisions of the Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Under POCSO, an accused has to be arrested immediately. The case was registered hours before the high court was to hear the matter, and so was the UP government's decision on transferring the case to the CBI late last night. "Police is not ready to register FIR of a minor rape victim. In spite of SIT report, you are repeating that we can only take any action after further investigation, if this is the conduct of the police in state, whom a victim will approach to register a complaint. If this is the stand you repeatedly taking then we will be forced to observe in our order that law and order has collapsed in the state," the court said. The court, which is expected to pass order tomorrow, took strong objection to the delay in the MLA's arrest as it sought details of the action taken by the government in the matter. The court was told by the Advocate General that three of the accused in the case were arrested including the MLA's brother but any further action would depend on statements of the complainant and witnesses. Observing that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) report showed that the medical officers and police officers were hand in glove with the accused to save them, the court said since these officers have been arrested already why further investigation was needed to arrest the main accused. Senior Advocate G S Chaturvedi, who had moved the court, said the SIT headed by senior police officers conducted preliminary investigation and then filed a report after which the FIR was registered. When asked when Sengar would be arrested, Principal Secretary (Home) Arvind Kumar told reporters here that the CBI would take a decision on this. State Director General of Police O P Singh said the minor had not named the MLA before the magistrate earlier as she feared for her life. The government has decided to extend security to the family of the 17-year-old girl, he added. Kumar dismissed allegations that police was trying to shield the MLA. Strong reactions came from opposition parties, who demanded immediate arrest of the MLA with senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal attacking Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his silence over the Unnao rape case. Sibal also alleged that Modi was "not serious" about the crimes against women across the country, in an apparent reference to another rape case in Kathua, Jammu & Kashmir, where the BJP is in the ruling alliance with the PDP. Several Union ministers including Mahesh Sharma, Piyush Goyal and Maneka Gandhi, however, sought to defend the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh, saying it is committed to protecting women, and ensuring that law takes its course. Two doctors have been suspended and disciplinary proceedings initiated against three others for laxity in providing the victim's father with proper medical care and treatment prior to his judicial custody and at the district hospital, officials said. Kumar said the government decided to transfer the case to the CBI after lodging the case into the incidents of June 4, 2017, (alleged rape) and since the two other cases of April 3 this year (cross FIRs on the beating up of the victim's father leading to his death) are connected, they will also be transferred to the CBI. The teen rape survivor demanded immediate arrest of the MLA, saying the CBI probe could be conducted later. "Why is he being shielded? If the MLA is allowed to remain out he will not leave my uncle... He had earlier too hatched conspiracies against my kin," she said. PTI

Unnao gang rape case: High court slams UP govt over delay in accused MLA's arrest

A co-owner of Mumbai's Kamala Mills today withdrew from the Supreme Court the plea against his arrest in the case related to the fire tragedy that claimed 14 lives in December last year.

 
Ravi Surajmal Bhandari withdrew his habeas corpus petition after a bench of Justices A K Sikri and Ashok Bhushan asked him to approach the trial court to seek bail.

 
A habeas corpus petition is a writ requiring a person under arrest to be brought before a court.

 
Bhandari had claimed in his plea that he cannot be held liable for the fire tragedy and had termed his arrest "illegal detention".

 
The apex court, on the last date of hearing, had asked how a habeas corpus can be filed when the person is in judicial custody.

 
Kamala Mills is a huge commercial complex in central Mumbai and houses more than 50 restaurants and hundreds of corporate offices.

 
Bhandari was arrested in January along with fire officer Rajendra Patil and Utkarsh Pandey, who supplied 'hookahs' to the pubs Mojo's Bistro and 1 Above where the fire started. All three are in judicial custody.

 
Fourteen persons were killed and several others injured when a fire broke out at the two pubs in the Kamala Mills compound in central Mumbai on December 29, 2017.

Justices A K Sikri and Ashok Bhushan asked him to approach the trial court to seek bail

A co-owner of Mumbai's Kamala Mills today withdrew from the Supreme Court the plea against his arrest in the case related to the fire tragedy that claimed 14 lives in December last year. Ravi Surajmal Bhandari withdrew his habeas corpus petition after a bench of Justices A K Sikri and Ashok Bhushan asked him to approach the trial court to seek bail. A habeas corpus petition is a writ requiring a person under arrest to be brought before a court. Bhandari had claimed in his plea that he cannot be held liable for the fire tragedy and had termed his arrest "illegal detention". The apex court, on the last date of hearing, had asked how a habeas corpus can be filed when the person is in judicial custody. Kamala Mills is a huge commercial complex in central Mumbai and houses more than 50 restaurants and hundreds of corporate offices. Bhandari was arrested in January along with fire officer Rajendra Patil and Utkarsh Pandey, who supplied 'hookahs' to the pubs Mojo's Bistro and 1 Above where the fire started. All three are in judicial custody. Fourteen persons were killed and several others injured when a fire broke out at the two pubs in the Kamala Mills compound in central Mumbai on December 29, 2017.

Kamala Mills co-owner withdraws plea against arrest from SC

The owner of Mumbai&rsquo;s Kamala Mills today moved the Supreme Court challenging his arrest in connection with a fire that claimed 14 lives in December last year.

A bench of Justices A K Sikri and Ashok Bhushan asked Ravi Bhandari to serve a copy of his petition to the Maharashtra government. The top court listed the matter for further hearing on March 27.&nbsp;

Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Bhandari, said his arrest is illegal detention and he can&rsquo;t be booked for the offence of culpable homicide. He said the apex court has already held in the Bhopal gas tragedy and Uphaar cinema hall fire case that they are cases of negligence, which is a bailable offence.

Earlier, the Bombay High Court had dismissed Bhandari&#39;s bail application.Bhandari was arrested in January along with fire officer Rajendra Patil and Utkarsh Pandey, who supplied hookahs to the pubs Mojo&rsquo;s Bistro and 1 Above &nbsp;where the fire started. All three are in judicial custody.

Earlier on January 25, a Mumbai court rejected the bail applications of all five accused- Yug Tuli, Yug Pathak, Abhijit Mankar, Jigar Sanghvi and Kripesh Sanghvi, in connection with the fire case.

 
&nbsp;

The top court listed the matter for further hearing on March 27

The owner of Mumbai’s Kamala Mills today moved the Supreme Court challenging his arrest in connection with a fire that claimed 14 lives in December last year. A bench of Justices A K Sikri and Ashok Bhushan asked Ravi Bhandari to serve a copy of his petition to the Maharashtra government. The top court listed the matter for further hearing on March 27. Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Bhandari, said his arrest is illegal detention and he can’t be booked for the offence of culpable homicide. He said the apex court has already held in the Bhopal gas tragedy and Uphaar cinema hall fire case that they are cases of negligence, which is a bailable offence. Earlier, the Bombay High Court had dismissed Bhandari's bail application.Bhandari was arrested in January along with fire officer Rajendra Patil and Utkarsh Pandey, who supplied hookahs to the pubs Mojo’s Bistro and 1 Above where the fire started. All three are in judicial custody. Earlier on January 25, a Mumbai court rejected the bail applications of all five accused- Yug Tuli, Yug Pathak, Abhijit Mankar, Jigar Sanghvi and Kripesh Sanghvi, in connection with the fire case.

Kamala Mills owner moves Supreme Court against arrest, says it's illegal detention

An alleged Pakistani infiltrator was arrested by the Border Security Force (BSF) on Thursday from the International Border (IB) in Rajasthan&#39;s Bikaner.&nbsp;

The man was arrested from Bandli post and was later handed over to the Khajuwala Police.&nbsp;

The arrested accused revealed his name as Manjoor Khan and claimed to be a resident of Pakistan&#39;s Bahawalpur city.&nbsp;

He is further being interrogated by the Police and Intelligence agencies.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rajasthan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rajasthan</a>: A Pakistani national and suspected spy has been arrested in Pokhran <a href="https://t.co/JanLc9sm2N">pic.twitter.com/JanLc9sm2N</a>
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The accused, Manjoor Khan claimed to be a resident of Pakistan`s Bahawalpur city

An alleged Pakistani infiltrator was arrested by the Border Security Force (BSF) on Thursday from the International Border (IB) in Rajasthan's Bikaner. The man was arrested from Bandli post and was later handed over to the Khajuwala Police. The arrested accused revealed his name as Manjoor Khan and claimed to be a resident of Pakistan's Bahawalpur city. He is further being interrogated by the Police and Intelligence agencies. #Rajasthan: A Pakistani national and suspected spy has been arrested in Pokhran pic.twitter.com/JanLc9sm2N — ANI (@ANI) March 15, 2018 ×

BSF arrests Pak 'infiltrator' in Rajasthan's Bikaner

The Supreme Court will hear the ED&#39;s plea challenging the Delhi High Court order granting interim protection to Karti Chidambaram, son of Congress leader P Chidambaram, in a money laundering case related to the INX Media corruption matter on March 15.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud today considered the Enforcement Directorate&#39;s submission for urgent hearing of its appeal and said it would be heard day after tomorrow.

Advocate Rajat Nair, appearing for the probe agency, mentioned the ED&#39;s appeal for urgent hearing.

On March 9, the Delhi High Court gave Karti Chidambaram a breather in a money laundering case and restrained the ED from arresting him till March 20.

A CBI court yesterday sent Karti Chidambaram to judicial custody till March 24. The court also refused his plea for urgent hearing on his bail plea which was already listed for March 15.

Following the high court order, he cannot be arrested by the ED if the CBI court grants him bail on March 15.

Karti Chidambaram has approached the high court to strike down the powers of arrest of the ED under Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) as unconstitutional and in violation of Article 14 and 21 of the Constitution, which deal with the rights of people for equality before law and protection of personal liberty.

The plea sought quashing of the enforcement case information report (ECIR) and probe by the ED for the offences under the PMLA.

It sought quashing of the probe by the ED, alleging that it was contrary to the procedure established by law and violates Karti Chidambaram&#39;s fundamental rights.

The ED had registered a case against Karti Chidambaram and others in May last year. It had registered an ECIR, the ED&#39;s equivalent of an FIR, against the accused named in the CBI complaint. These accused included Karti Chidambaram, INX Media and its directors, Peter and Indrani Mukerjea.

Advocate appearing for the probe agency mentioned the ED's appeal for urgent hearing

The Supreme Court will hear the ED's plea challenging the Delhi High Court order granting interim protection to Karti Chidambaram, son of Congress leader P Chidambaram, in a money laundering case related to the INX Media corruption matter on March 15. A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud today considered the Enforcement Directorate's submission for urgent hearing of its appeal and said it would be heard day after tomorrow. Advocate Rajat Nair, appearing for the probe agency, mentioned the ED's appeal for urgent hearing. On March 9, the Delhi High Court gave Karti Chidambaram a breather in a money laundering case and restrained the ED from arresting him till March 20. A CBI court yesterday sent Karti Chidambaram to judicial custody till March 24. The court also refused his plea for urgent hearing on his bail plea which was already listed for March 15. Following the high court order, he cannot be arrested by the ED if the CBI court grants him bail on March 15. Karti Chidambaram has approached the high court to strike down the powers of arrest of the ED under Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) as unconstitutional and in violation of Article 14 and 21 of the Constitution, which deal with the rights of people for equality before law and protection of personal liberty. The plea sought quashing of the enforcement case information report (ECIR) and probe by the ED for the offences under the PMLA. It sought quashing of the probe by the ED, alleging that it was contrary to the procedure established by law and violates Karti Chidambaram's fundamental rights. The ED had registered a case against Karti Chidambaram and others in May last year. It had registered an ECIR, the ED's equivalent of an FIR, against the accused named in the CBI complaint. These accused included Karti Chidambaram, INX Media and its directors, Peter and Indrani Mukerjea.

ED moves SC against HC order giving relief to Karti Chidambaram from arrest

A special court on Thursday hearing the high treason case against former president General (R) Pervez Musharraf ordered the government to arrest him and seize his property.

The hearing resumed on Thursday after a gap of nine months.

According to Geo TV, Peshawar High Court Chief Justice Yahya Afridi is heading the bench which includes Lahore High Court Chief Justice Yawar Ali and Balochistan High Court Justice Tahira Safdar.

The bench, formed in 2013, is hearing the case of imposition of extra-constitutional emergency by Musharraf in November 2007.

As the hearing went underway, the Interior Ministry submitted in court a report on Musharraf&#39;s properties, stating that four of the seven properties are owned by the former president and army chief.

Ten years ago, Musharraf imposed an emergency. Prosecutor Akram Sheikh, presenting arguments, pressed the court to order Musharraf&#39;s arrest and production in court.

The court inquired from the Federal Investigation Agency officials what the procedure is to bring back an absconder from abroad. The officials replied that the Interior Ministry sends them a request in this regard after which action is taken.

Chief Justice Afridi remarked that the court is ordering the arrest and seizure of Musharraf&#39;s properties. Musharraf&#39;s counsel, Akhtar Shah, pleaded the court not to order confiscation of Musharraf&#39;s properties until March 21, but Justice Afridi remarked that this court procedure and cannot be curtailed.

The hearing was then adjourned until March 21.

The former army chief was indicted in the case in March 2014 after he appeared before the court and rejected all charges.

On March 18, 2016, the former president left Pakistan for Dubai for medical treatment after his name was removed from the Exit Control List (ECL) on the orders of the Supreme Court.

A few months later, the special court had declared him a proclaimed offender and ordered the confiscation of his property owing to his no-show.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

The bench, formed in 2013, is hearing the case of imposition of extra-constitutional emergency by Musharraf in November 2007

A special court on Thursday hearing the high treason case against former president General (R) Pervez Musharraf ordered the government to arrest him and seize his property. The hearing resumed on Thursday after a gap of nine months. According to Geo TV, Peshawar High Court Chief Justice Yahya Afridi is heading the bench which includes Lahore High Court Chief Justice Yawar Ali and Balochistan High Court Justice Tahira Safdar. The bench, formed in 2013, is hearing the case of imposition of extra-constitutional emergency by Musharraf in November 2007. As the hearing went underway, the Interior Ministry submitted in court a report on Musharraf's properties, stating that four of the seven properties are owned by the former president and army chief. Ten years ago, Musharraf imposed an emergency. Prosecutor Akram Sheikh, presenting arguments, pressed the court to order Musharraf's arrest and production in court. The court inquired from the Federal Investigation Agency officials what the procedure is to bring back an absconder from abroad. The officials replied that the Interior Ministry sends them a request in this regard after which action is taken. Chief Justice Afridi remarked that the court is ordering the arrest and seizure of Musharraf's properties. Musharraf's counsel, Akhtar Shah, pleaded the court not to order confiscation of Musharraf's properties until March 21, but Justice Afridi remarked that this court procedure and cannot be curtailed. The hearing was then adjourned until March 21. The former army chief was indicted in the case in March 2014 after he appeared before the court and rejected all charges. On March 18, 2016, the former president left Pakistan for Dubai for medical treatment after his name was removed from the Exit Control List (ECL) on the orders of the Supreme Court. A few months later, the special court had declared him a proclaimed offender and ordered the confiscation of his property owing to his no-show. (With inputs from ANI)

Pakistan court orders government to arrest Pervez Musharraf, seize his properties

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