Pakistan's history has been turbulent, with multiple political leaders assassinated since the country's founding in 1947. The latest who is receiving death threats is former prime minister Imran Khan. Here's a list of Pakistan leaders who have been assassinated.

Assassination of Pakistani leaders: A long history littered with conspiracies and hatred

Russian President Vladimir Putin seems to have become the target of rage of several people around the world. &nbsp;

This seems to have happened as the president has attacked Ukraine with full might recently. &nbsp;

In the recent development, a US senator from South Carolina, Lindsey Graham, has called on citizens of Russia to rise up and assassinate Putin to bring an end to Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-humanitarian-relief-biden-administration-offers-temporary-protected-status-to-ukrainians-in-us-458809">Biden admin offers 'Temporary Protected Status' to Ukrainians in US</a>

“Is there a Brutus in Russia? &nbsp;Is there a more successful Colonel Stauffenberg in the Russian military? &nbsp;The only way this ends is for somebody in Russia to take this guy out. You would be doing your country - and the world - a great service,” said Graham, a Republican, in a tweet. &nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Is there a Brutus in Russia? Is there a more successful Colonel Stauffenberg in the Russian military? 
 
The only way this ends is for somebody in Russia to take this guy out. 
 
You would be doing your country - and the world - a great service.
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) <a href="https://twitter.com/LindseyGrahamSC/status/1499574209567199235?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"Easy to say, hard to do. Unless you want to live in darkness for the rest of your life, be isolated from the rest of the world in abject poverty, and live in darkness, you need to step up to the plate," Graham added. &nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The only people who can fix this are the Russian people. 
 
Easy to say, hard to do. 
 
Unless you want to live in darkness for the rest of your life, be isolated from the rest of the world in abject poverty, and live in darkness you need to step up to the plate.
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) <a href="https://twitter.com/LindseyGrahamSC/status/1499575352426958848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Some of Graham's Republican colleagues, including Reps Matt Gaetz of Florida and Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, have rebuked the senator's call for Putin's killing. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-sniper-killed-russias-top-general-say-reports-458776" hreflang="en">Ukrainian sniper killed Russia's top general, say reports</a>

Not just this, a Russian businessman, who is based in California, has offered $1 million for the arrest of Putin for war crimes committed during Ukraine conflict. &nbsp;

On social media, Alex Konanykhin on Tuesday, said, “I promise to pay $1,000,000 to the officer(s) who, complying with their constitutional duty, arrest(s) Putin as a war criminal under Russian and international laws.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin seems to have become the target of rage of several people around the world. This seems to have happened as the president has attacked Ukraine with full might recently.

Russian President Vladimir Putin seems to have become the target of rage of several people around the world. This seems to have happened as the president has attacked Ukraine with full might recently. In the recent development, a US senator from South Carolina, Lindsey Graham, has called on citizens of Russia to rise up and assassinate Putin to bring an end to Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. Also Read: Biden admin offers 'Temporary Protected Status' to Ukrainians in US “Is there a Brutus in Russia? Is there a more successful Colonel Stauffenberg in the Russian military? The only way this ends is for somebody in Russia to take this guy out. You would be doing your country - and the world - a great service,” said Graham, a Republican, in a tweet. Is there a Brutus in Russia? Is there a more successful Colonel Stauffenberg in the Russian military? The only way this ends is for somebody in Russia to take this guy out. You would be doing your country - and the world - a great service. — Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) March 4, 2022 × "Easy to say, hard to do. Unless you want to live in darkness for the rest of your life, be isolated from the rest of the world in abject poverty, and live in darkness, you need to step up to the plate," Graham added. The only people who can fix this are the Russian people. Easy to say, hard to do. Unless you want to live in darkness for the rest of your life, be isolated from the rest of the world in abject poverty, and live in darkness you need to step up to the plate. — Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) March 4, 2022 × Some of Graham's Republican colleagues, including Reps Matt Gaetz of Florida and Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, have rebuked the senator's call for Putin's killing. Also Read: Ukrainian sniper killed Russia's top general, say reports Not just this, a Russian businessman, who is based in California, has offered $1 million for the arrest of Putin for war crimes committed during Ukraine conflict. On social media, Alex Konanykhin on Tuesday, said, “I promise to pay $1,000,000 to the officer(s) who, complying with their constitutional duty, arrest(s) Putin as a war criminal under Russian and international laws.” (With inputs from agencies)

To end Ukraine’s invasion, US senator calls for Russian President Vladimir Putin's assassination

Haiti Prime Minister Ariel Henry has survived an assassination attempt at a church in the northern city of Gonaives where the ceremony marking the 218th anniversary of independence was taking place.

Haiti PM Ariel Henry survives assassination attempt

A man accused of attempting to stab Mali's interim President Assimi Goita last week has died in hospital while in the custody of security services, the government said in a statement on Sunday. 
 
Goita, a special forces colonel who orchestrated two coups in the last year, escaped unharmed after the assailant tried to stab him during prayers at a mosque in the capital Bamako on Tuesday. 
 
Security agents threw a man into the back of a military pickup truck, video obtained by Reuters showed, as Goita was ringed by bodyguards. 
 
"During the investigations ... his state of health deteriorated," the statement said. He was taken to hospital, where he died, it said. 
 
An investigation is underway to determine the cause of death. 
 
Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/explainer-whats-happening-in-mali-right-now-387269" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/explainer-whats-happening-in-mali-right-now-387269&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjMvpCs-_HxAhVMxzgGHRfdC9AQFjACegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1nhaEZssg7u5b1xjLIfoEb" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explainer-whats-happening-in-mali-right-now-387269" target="_blank">Explainer | What's happening in&nbsp;Mali&nbsp;right now?</a> 
 
Mali, the theatre of French-supported operations against al Qaeda and Islamic State-linked insurgents for a decade, was thrown into political turmoil after a military junta led by Goita toppled President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita in August 2020. 
 
Goita served as vice-president to transitional leader Bah Ndaw until the latter`s ouster in May.

A man accused of attempting to stab Mali's interim President Assimi Goita last week has died in hospital while in the custody of security services, the government said in a statement on Sunday.

A man accused of attempting to stab Mali's interim President Assimi Goita last week has died in hospital while in the custody of security services, the government said in a statement on Sunday. Goita, a special forces colonel who orchestrated two coups in the last year, escaped unharmed after the assailant tried to stab him during prayers at a mosque in the capital Bamako on Tuesday. Security agents threw a man into the back of a military pickup truck, video obtained by Reuters showed, as Goita was ringed by bodyguards. "During the investigations ... his state of health deteriorated," the statement said. He was taken to hospital, where he died, it said. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of death. Also read | Explainer | What's happening in Mali right now? Mali, the theatre of French-supported operations against al Qaeda and Islamic State-linked insurgents for a decade, was thrown into political turmoil after a military junta led by Goita toppled President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita in August 2020. Goita served as vice-president to transitional leader Bah Ndaw until the latter`s ouster in May.

Man accused of attempted assassination of Mali president dies in custody

Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina survived an assassination attempt on Tuesday. Authorities have said that it foiled an assassination attempt on Rajoelina and arrested several "foreign and Malagasy" suspects.

Madagascar govt reveals plot to kill President Andry Rajoelina, two arrested

Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina survived an assassination attempt on Tuesday, according to the prosecutor general's office.

Authorities allegedly foiled an assassination attempt on Rajoelina and apprehended several "foreigners and Madagascar natives."

Two French nationals were held as part of the probe, according to a diplomatic source.

According to Radio France Internationale, the foreigners detained were Paul Rafanoharana, a Franco-Malagasy, and Philippe Francois, a Frenchman. 
 
Watch | President of Haiti assassinated in private residence: Interim PM

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/president-of-haiti-assassinated-in-private-residence-interim-pm-396588/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Rafanoharana was arrested at his house Tuesday evening, according to the media outlet's unidentified source, while Francois was stopped at Ivato Airport as he was preparing to leave for France.

(With inputs from agencies)

Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina survived an assassination attempt on Tuesday, according to the prosecutor general's office. Authorities allegedly foiled an assassination attempt on Rajoelina and apprehended several "foreigners and Madagascar natives.

Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina survived an assassination attempt on Tuesday, according to the prosecutor general's office. Authorities allegedly foiled an assassination attempt on Rajoelina and apprehended several "foreigners and Madagascar natives." Two French nationals were held as part of the probe, according to a diplomatic source. According to Radio France Internationale, the foreigners detained were Paul Rafanoharana, a Franco-Malagasy, and Philippe Francois, a Frenchman. Watch | President of Haiti assassinated in private residence: Interim PM Rafanoharana was arrested at his house Tuesday evening, according to the media outlet's unidentified source, while Francois was stopped at Ivato Airport as he was preparing to leave for France. (With inputs from agencies)

Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina reportedly survives assassination attempt

Haiti's new prime minister Ariel Henry took office Tuesday in the aftermath of the president's assassination two weeks ago, pledging to improve the country's dire security and to organise&nbsp;long-delayed elections.

Henry was installed as head of a new government in an attempt to stabilisee a country on the brink of chaos since the murder of president Jovenel Moise at his residence in the early hours of July 7.

The swearing-in of Henry, who was named to the post by Moise days before his death, was seen as a key step towards holding elections as demanded by many Haitians and the international community.

After the president was killed by armed commandos, acting prime minister Claude Joseph declared a "state of siege" and said he was in charge, launching a power tussle in the violence-wracked, impoverished Caribbean nation.

"One of my priority tasks will be to reassure the people that we will do everything to restore order and security," Henry said Tuesday to&nbsp;Haiti's population of 10 million people.

"This is one of the main issues that the president wanted me to tackle, because he understood that it was a necessary step if we were to succeed in his other concern of organising credible, honest, transparent and inclusive elections."

The inauguration ceremony in Port-au-Prince was preceded by solemn tributes to Moise, including speeches, dancing and music on a stage set with bouquets of white flowers and a giant portrait of the assassinated president.

Haitian authorities, with the help of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation, are still investigating the murky motives for Moise's assassination.&nbsp;

More than 20 people, many of them retired Colombian military personnel, have been arrested in connection with the killing.

Ruled by decree

In the new government, Joseph, who agreed to stand down and cede the role to Henry, returned to his former post as foreign minister.

Moise, 53, had ruled&nbsp;Haiti, the poorest country in the Americas, by decree after legislative elections due in 2018 were delayed in the wake of multiple disputes, including on when his own term ended.

As well as presidential, legislative and local elections,&nbsp;Haiti&nbsp;had been due to have a constitutional referendum in September after it was twice postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In the power struggle after Moise's killing, the balance tipped towards Henry when ambassadors -- including from the United States, France and the United Nations -- informally threw their support behind the 71-year-old neurosurgeon.

Haiti&nbsp;has no working parliament and no workable succession process, and was already mired deep in a political and security crisis when Moise was killed.

Haitian police have accused a Haitian doctor with ties to Florida, Christian Emmanuel Sanon, of being a mastermind of the plot and having "political objectives."

"All the culprits, perpetrators and sponsors must be identified and brought before Haitian justice," Henry, who has previously held several ministerial jobs, said in his speech.

"And I hope that exemplary and dissuasive sentences will be pronounced. The nation expects no less from its leaders. Never again will we have to relive such a tragedy."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/haitis-acting-pm-to-resign-in-wake-of-moises-assassination-report-399184">Also read |&nbsp;Haiti’s acting PM to resign in wake of Moise’s&nbsp;assassination: Report&nbsp;</a>

"The solution to the Haitian crisis must come from the Haitians," he added.

"Everything is negotiable, except democracy, elections and the rule of law."

Henry also thanked international partners for the arrival of the country's first batch of Covid-19 vaccines, which arrived last week in a nation with scarce health resources.

The United States, which exerts wide influence in&nbsp;Haiti, welcomed the new government, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken saying it was "a positive and necessary step to respond to the Haitian people’s needs and begin restoring&nbsp;Haiti's democratic institutions."

Moise will be laid to rest on Friday in the northern city of Cap-Haitien. His widow Martine, who was seriously wounded in the attack, was treated in a Miami hospital before returning home over the weekend.

Haiti's new prime minister Ariel Henry took office Tuesday in the aftermath of the president's assassination two weeks ago, pledging to improve the country's dire security and to organise long-delayed elections.

Haiti's new prime minister Ariel Henry took office Tuesday in the aftermath of the president's assassination two weeks ago, pledging to improve the country's dire security and to organise long-delayed elections. Henry was installed as head of a new government in an attempt to stabilisee a country on the brink of chaos since the murder of president Jovenel Moise at his residence in the early hours of July 7. The swearing-in of Henry, who was named to the post by Moise days before his death, was seen as a key step towards holding elections as demanded by many Haitians and the international community. After the president was killed by armed commandos, acting prime minister Claude Joseph declared a "state of siege" and said he was in charge, launching a power tussle in the violence-wracked, impoverished Caribbean nation. "One of my priority tasks will be to reassure the people that we will do everything to restore order and security," Henry said Tuesday to Haiti's population of 10 million people. "This is one of the main issues that the president wanted me to tackle, because he understood that it was a necessary step if we were to succeed in his other concern of organising credible, honest, transparent and inclusive elections." The inauguration ceremony in Port-au-Prince was preceded by solemn tributes to Moise, including speeches, dancing and music on a stage set with bouquets of white flowers and a giant portrait of the assassinated president. Haitian authorities, with the help of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation, are still investigating the murky motives for Moise's assassination. More than 20 people, many of them retired Colombian military personnel, have been arrested in connection with the killing. Ruled by decree In the new government, Joseph, who agreed to stand down and cede the role to Henry, returned to his former post as foreign minister. Moise, 53, had ruled Haiti, the poorest country in the Americas, by decree after legislative elections due in 2018 were delayed in the wake of multiple disputes, including on when his own term ended. As well as presidential, legislative and local elections, Haiti had been due to have a constitutional referendum in September after it was twice postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. In the power struggle after Moise's killing, the balance tipped towards Henry when ambassadors -- including from the United States, France and the United Nations -- informally threw their support behind the 71-year-old neurosurgeon. Haiti has no working parliament and no workable succession process, and was already mired deep in a political and security crisis when Moise was killed. Haitian police have accused a Haitian doctor with ties to Florida, Christian Emmanuel Sanon, of being a mastermind of the plot and having "political objectives." "All the culprits, perpetrators and sponsors must be identified and brought before Haitian justice," Henry, who has previously held several ministerial jobs, said in his speech. "And I hope that exemplary and dissuasive sentences will be pronounced. The nation expects no less from its leaders. Never again will we have to relive such a tragedy." Also read | Haiti’s acting PM to resign in wake of Moise’s assassination: Report "The solution to the Haitian crisis must come from the Haitians," he added. "Everything is negotiable, except democracy, elections and the rule of law." Henry also thanked international partners for the arrival of the country's first batch of Covid-19 vaccines, which arrived last week in a nation with scarce health resources. The United States, which exerts wide influence in Haiti, welcomed the new government, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken saying it was "a positive and necessary step to respond to the Haitian people’s needs and begin restoring Haiti's democratic institutions." Moise will be laid to rest on Friday in the northern city of Cap-Haitien. His widow Martine, who was seriously wounded in the attack, was treated in a Miami hospital before returning home over the weekend.

Roiled by presidential assassination, Haiti swears in new PM

Mali’s interim leader, Colonel Assimi Goita, has assured that he is well after he survived an assassination attempt on Tuesday.

Goita was offering prayers at the Grand Mosque in the capital city, Bamako, on the Islamic festival of Eid al-Adha. After his prayers ended, he was attacked by two assailants, one of whom was wielding a knife.

He was quickly rushed away from the scene of the crime by his security team. While an AFP journalist reported seeing blood on the scene, it is still not clear who was injured.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-chinese-two-mauritanians-kidnapped-in-mali-398760" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/three-chinese-two-mauritanians-kidnapped-in-mali-398760&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjMvpCs-_HxAhVMxzgGHRfdC9AQFjAAegQICRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3AJXKD6iG5vIrvTYCUt658" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-chinese-two-mauritanians-kidnapped-in-mali-398760" target="_blank">Three Chinese, two Mauritanians kidnapped in&nbsp;Mali</a>

However, the interim leader has claimed that he doing very well. "That's part of being a leader, there are always malcontents," Goita said. "There are people who at any time may want to try things to cause instability."

The President’s office also issued a statement saying that Goita is "safe and sound"&nbsp;after surviving the assassination attempt.

"Attempted stabbing attack against the President of the Transition, Colonel Assimi GOITA at the great mosque of Bamako. The attacker was immediately subdued by close security," President's office tweeted. "Investigations are ongoing."

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/explainer-whats-happening-in-mali-right-now-387269" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/explainer-whats-happening-in-mali-right-now-387269&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjMvpCs-_HxAhVMxzgGHRfdC9AQFjACegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1nhaEZssg7u5b1xjLIfoEb" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explainer-whats-happening-in-mali-right-now-387269" target="_blank">Explainer | What's happening in&nbsp;Mali&nbsp;right now?</a>

Religious Affairs Minister Mamadou Kone has also confirmed that a man "tried to kill the president with a knife"&nbsp;but was caught by the police officers. Mosque director, Latus Toure, has claimed that while the attack was directed towards the President, it was someone else who was injured.

A police officer has revealed, on condition of anonymity, that the officials have nabbed two people in connection to the arrest. However, the President and Prime Minister referred to only one attacker in their statements.

Mali’s interim leader, Colonel Assimi Goita, has assured that he is well after he survived an assassination attempt on Tuesday. Goita was offering prayers at the Grand Mosque in the capital city, Bamako, on the Islamic festival of Eid al-Adha.

Mali’s interim leader, Colonel Assimi Goita, has assured that he is well after he survived an assassination attempt on Tuesday. Goita was offering prayers at the Grand Mosque in the capital city, Bamako, on the Islamic festival of Eid al-Adha. After his prayers ended, he was attacked by two assailants, one of whom was wielding a knife. He was quickly rushed away from the scene of the crime by his security team. While an AFP journalist reported seeing blood on the scene, it is still not clear who was injured. Also read | Three Chinese, two Mauritanians kidnapped in Mali However, the interim leader has claimed that he doing very well. "That's part of being a leader, there are always malcontents," Goita said. "There are people who at any time may want to try things to cause instability." The President’s office also issued a statement saying that Goita is "safe and sound" after surviving the assassination attempt. "Attempted stabbing attack against the President of the Transition, Colonel Assimi GOITA at the great mosque of Bamako. The attacker was immediately subdued by close security," President's office tweeted. "Investigations are ongoing." Also read | Explainer | What's happening in Mali right now? Religious Affairs Minister Mamadou Kone has also confirmed that a man "tried to kill the president with a knife" but was caught by the police officers. Mosque director, Latus Toure, has claimed that while the attack was directed towards the President, it was someone else who was injured. A police officer has revealed, on condition of anonymity, that the officials have nabbed two people in connection to the arrest. However, the President and Prime Minister referred to only one attacker in their statements.

'Doing very well': Mali's interim leader survives assassination attempt

According to a top&nbsp;official,&nbsp;Haiti’s interim prime minister Claude Joseph will&nbsp;resign from his post.&nbsp;The move comes in the wake of the July 7 assassination of president Jovenel Moise.&nbsp;

Negotiations are still ongoing, but Ariel Henry, who&nbsp;Moise had designated to replace&nbsp;Joseph a day before he was killed, will lead the country, said&nbsp;elections minister Mathias Pierre as per&nbsp;a report.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Earlier,&nbsp;Martine Moise, the widow of Haiti's assassinated president Jovenel Moise, returned to the Caribbean nation for his funeral after she was treated in a Miami hospital for injuries sustained during the attack at their private residence.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Jovenel Moise was shot dead when assassins armed with assault rifles stormed his home in the hills above Port-au-Prince, tipping the country into uncertainty and sparking a frenzied investigation to identify the authors of the plan.&nbsp;

The Prime Minister's office tweeted a video of Martine Moise arriving back at the Haitian capital's Toussaint Louverture international airport, wearing all black clothing, donning a bullet proof vest and with her right arm in a sling.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Martine Moise had tweeted earlier this week while in Miami that she was still coming to terms with the killing of her husband and had thanked a "team of guardian angels who helped me through this terrible time."&nbsp;

Earlier on Saturday, the important Core Group of international ambassadors and representatives had urged "the formation of a consensual and inclusive government".&nbsp;

"To this end, we strongly encourage the designated Prime Minister Ariel Henry to continue the mission entrusted to him to form such a government," the group said. Henry, who Moise designated Prime Minister shortly before being killed, has not been sworn into his position and the country is being led by Joseph.&nbsp;

The Core Group is made up of ambassadors from Germany, Brazil, Canada, Spain, the United States, France, the European Union and special representatives from the United Nations and the Organization of American States.&nbsp;

"As Haiti faces serious dangers, the members of the group express the wish that all political, economic and civil society actors in the country fully support the authorities in their efforts to restore security throughout the country," it said.&nbsp;

The group also called for the organization of "free, fair, transparent and credible legislative and presidential elections as quickly as possible".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;&nbsp;

According to a top official, Haiti’s interim prime minister Claude Joseph will resign from his post. The move comes in the wake of the July 7 assassination of president Jovenel Moise.

According to a top official, Haiti’s interim prime minister Claude Joseph will resign from his post. The move comes in the wake of the July 7 assassination of president Jovenel Moise. Negotiations are still ongoing, but Ariel Henry, who Moise had designated to replace Joseph a day before he was killed, will lead the country, said elections minister Mathias Pierre as per a report. Earlier, Martine Moise, the widow of Haiti's assassinated president Jovenel Moise, returned to the Caribbean nation for his funeral after she was treated in a Miami hospital for injuries sustained during the attack at their private residence. Jovenel Moise was shot dead when assassins armed with assault rifles stormed his home in the hills above Port-au-Prince, tipping the country into uncertainty and sparking a frenzied investigation to identify the authors of the plan. The Prime Minister's office tweeted a video of Martine Moise arriving back at the Haitian capital's Toussaint Louverture international airport, wearing all black clothing, donning a bullet proof vest and with her right arm in a sling. Martine Moise had tweeted earlier this week while in Miami that she was still coming to terms with the killing of her husband and had thanked a "team of guardian angels who helped me through this terrible time." Earlier on Saturday, the important Core Group of international ambassadors and representatives had urged "the formation of a consensual and inclusive government". "To this end, we strongly encourage the designated Prime Minister Ariel Henry to continue the mission entrusted to him to form such a government," the group said. Henry, who Moise designated Prime Minister shortly before being killed, has not been sworn into his position and the country is being led by Joseph. The Core Group is made up of ambassadors from Germany, Brazil, Canada, Spain, the United States, France, the European Union and special representatives from the United Nations and the Organization of American States. "As Haiti faces serious dangers, the members of the group express the wish that all political, economic and civil society actors in the country fully support the authorities in their efforts to restore security throughout the country," it said. The group also called for the organization of "free, fair, transparent and credible legislative and presidential elections as quickly as possible". (With inputs from agencies)

Haiti’s acting PM to resign in wake of Moise’s assassination: Report 

Slain Haitian President Jovenel Moise's widow issued her first public statements following the attack that killed the Haitian leader. She asked the nation not to "lose its way." Three days after her husband was shot and killed in their home, Martine Moise posted an audio message on Twitter. She said, "Thank you, God, I am alive.".

Haiti Assassination aftermath: Haitian first lady Martine Moise recounts the attack

A heavily armed commando unit that assassinated Haitian President Jovenel Moise was composed of 26 Colombians and two Haitian Americans, authorities said on Thursday, as the hunt went on for the masterminds of the killing. 
 
Moise, 53, was fatally shot early on Wednesday at his home by what officials said was a group of foreign, trained killers, pitching the poorest country in the Americas deeper into turmoil amid political divisions, hunger and widespread gang violence. 
 
Authorities tracked the suspected assassins on Wednesday to a house near the scene of the crime in Petionville, a northern, hillside suburb of the capital, Port-au-Prince. A firefight lasted late into the night and authorities detained a number of suspects on Thursday. 
 
Police Chief Charles Leon paraded 17 men before journalists at a news conference late on Thursday, showing a number of Colombian passports, plus assault rifles, machetes, walkie-talkies and materials including bolt cutters and hammers.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/haiti-police-chief-4-suspected-killers-of-president-moise-slain-2-arrested-396698/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Foreigners came to our country to kill the president," Charles said. "There were … 26 Colombians, identified by their passports … and two Haitian Americans as well.” 
 
He said 15 Colombians were captured, as well as two Haitian Americans. Three of the assailants were killed and eight remained on the run, Charles said. 
 
Colombian Defense Minister Diego Molano said in a statement that preliminary information indicated that Colombians involved in the attack were retired members of the country`s military. He said Bogota would cooperate in the investigation. 
 
Haiti`s minister of elections and interparty relations, Mathias Pierre, identified the Haitian-American suspects as James Solages, 35, and Joseph Vincent, 55. 
 
A State Department spokesman could not confirm if any U.S. citizens were among those detained, but U.S. authorities were in regular contact with Haitian officials, including investigative authorities, to discuss how the United States could provide assistance. 
 
Officials in the mostly French- and Creole-speaking Caribbean nation had said on Wednesday the assassins appeared to have spoken in English and Spanish. 
 
"It was a full, well-equipped commando, with more than six cars and a lot of equipment," Pierre said. 
 
Officials have not yet given a motive for the killing. Since taking office in 2017, Moise had faced mass protests against his rule - first over corruption allegations and his management of the economy, then over his increasing grip on power. 
 
An angry crowd gathered on Thursday morning to watch the police operation unfold, with some setting fire to the suspects` cars and to the house where they had hunkered down. Bullets were strewn in the street. 
 
"Burn them!" shouted some of the hundreds of people outside the police station where the suspects were being held. 
 
Charles said the local population had helped police track down the suspects, but he implored residents in the sprawling seafront city of 1 million people not to take justice into their own hands. 
 
A 15-day state of emergency was declared on Wednesday to help authorities apprehend the killers. But interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph said on Thursday it was time for the economy to reopen and that he had given instructions for the airport to restart operations. 
 
VACUUM OF POWER 
 
Moise`s death has generated confusion about who is the legitimate leader of the country of 11 million people, which shares the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic. 
 
Haiti has struggled to achieve stability since the fall of the Duvalier family dictatorship in 1986, grappling with a series of coups and foreign interventions. 
 
A U.N. peacekeeping mission - meant to restore order after a rebellion toppled then-President Jean-Bertrand Aristide in 2004 - ended in 2019 with the country still in disarray. 
 
"I can picture a scenario under which there are issues regarding to whom the armed forces and national police are loyal, in the case there are rival claims to being placeholder president of the country," said Ryan Berg, an analyst with the Center for Strategic &amp; International Studies. 
 
Haiti`s 1987 constitution stipulates the head of the Supreme Court should take over. But amendments that are not unanimously recognized state that it be the prime minister, or, in the last year of a president`s mandate - the case with Moise - that parliament should elect a president. 
 
The head of the Supreme Court died last month due to COVID-19 amid a surge in infections in one of the few countries yet to start a vaccination campaign. 
 
There is no sitting parliament as legislative elections scheduled for late 2019 were postponed amid political unrest. 
 
Moise just this week appointed a new prime minister, Ariel Henry, to take over from Joseph, although he had yet to be sworn in when the president was killed. 
 
Joseph appeared on Wednesday to take charge of the situation, running the government response to the assassination, appealing to Washington for support and declaring a state of emergency. 
 
Henry - considered more favorably by the opposition - told Haitian newspaper Le Nouvelliste that he did not consider Joseph the legitimate prime minister and he should revert to the role of foreign minister. 
 
"I think we need to speak. Claude was supposed to stay in the government I was going to have," Henry was quoted as saying. 
 
The United Nations Special Envoy for Haiti said on Thursday Joseph would remain leader until an election was held, urging all parties to set aside their differences. 
 
Moise, backed by the international community, had been pushing to hold both elections and a constitutional referendum in September, efforts that were vehemently opposed by Haitian civil society, which had called first for a transitional government to guide the country to a vote. 
 
Pierre told Reuters the Cabinet intended to guide the country to elections in two months` time as planned. 
 
"There are many unknowns about what happens next," said Jake Johnston, a senior research associate at the Center for Economic and Policy Research in Washington. "But it is important to remember that that was also the case before the assassination of Moise."

A heavily armed commando unit that assassinated Haitian President Jovenel Moise was composed of 26 Colombians and two Haitian Americans, authorities said on Thursday, as the hunt went on for the masterminds of the killing.

A heavily armed commando unit that assassinated Haitian President Jovenel Moise was composed of 26 Colombians and two Haitian Americans, authorities said on Thursday, as the hunt went on for the masterminds of the killing. Moise, 53, was fatally shot early on Wednesday at his home by what officials said was a group of foreign, trained killers, pitching the poorest country in the Americas deeper into turmoil amid political divisions, hunger and widespread gang violence. Authorities tracked the suspected assassins on Wednesday to a house near the scene of the crime in Petionville, a northern, hillside suburb of the capital, Port-au-Prince. A firefight lasted late into the night and authorities detained a number of suspects on Thursday. Police Chief Charles Leon paraded 17 men before journalists at a news conference late on Thursday, showing a number of Colombian passports, plus assault rifles, machetes, walkie-talkies and materials including bolt cutters and hammers. Watch: "Foreigners came to our country to kill the president," Charles said. "There were … 26 Colombians, identified by their passports … and two Haitian Americans as well.” He said 15 Colombians were captured, as well as two Haitian Americans. Three of the assailants were killed and eight remained on the run, Charles said. Colombian Defense Minister Diego Molano said in a statement that preliminary information indicated that Colombians involved in the attack were retired members of the country`s military. He said Bogota would cooperate in the investigation. Haiti`s minister of elections and interparty relations, Mathias Pierre, identified the Haitian-American suspects as James Solages, 35, and Joseph Vincent, 55. A State Department spokesman could not confirm if any U.S. citizens were among those detained, but U.S. authorities were in regular contact with Haitian officials, including investigative authorities, to discuss how the United States could provide assistance. Officials in the mostly French- and Creole-speaking Caribbean nation had said on Wednesday the assassins appeared to have spoken in English and Spanish. "It was a full, well-equipped commando, with more than six cars and a lot of equipment," Pierre said. Officials have not yet given a motive for the killing. Since taking office in 2017, Moise had faced mass protests against his rule - first over corruption allegations and his management of the economy, then over his increasing grip on power. An angry crowd gathered on Thursday morning to watch the police operation unfold, with some setting fire to the suspects` cars and to the house where they had hunkered down. Bullets were strewn in the street. "Burn them!" shouted some of the hundreds of people outside the police station where the suspects were being held. Charles said the local population had helped police track down the suspects, but he implored residents in the sprawling seafront city of 1 million people not to take justice into their own hands. A 15-day state of emergency was declared on Wednesday to help authorities apprehend the killers. But interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph said on Thursday it was time for the economy to reopen and that he had given instructions for the airport to restart operations. VACUUM OF POWER Moise`s death has generated confusion about who is the legitimate leader of the country of 11 million people, which shares the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic. Haiti has struggled to achieve stability since the fall of the Duvalier family dictatorship in 1986, grappling with a series of coups and foreign interventions. A U.N. peacekeeping mission - meant to restore order after a rebellion toppled then-President Jean-Bertrand Aristide in 2004 - ended in 2019 with the country still in disarray. "I can picture a scenario under which there are issues regarding to whom the armed forces and national police are loyal, in the case there are rival claims to being placeholder president of the country," said Ryan Berg, an analyst with the Center for Strategic & International Studies. Haiti`s 1987 constitution stipulates the head of the Supreme Court should take over. But amendments that are not unanimously recognized state that it be the prime minister, or, in the last year of a president`s mandate - the case with Moise - that parliament should elect a president. The head of the Supreme Court died last month due to COVID-19 amid a surge in infections in one of the few countries yet to start a vaccination campaign. There is no sitting parliament as legislative elections scheduled for late 2019 were postponed amid political unrest. Moise just this week appointed a new prime minister, Ariel Henry, to take over from Joseph, although he had yet to be sworn in when the president was killed. Joseph appeared on Wednesday to take charge of the situation, running the government response to the assassination, appealing to Washington for support and declaring a state of emergency. Henry - considered more favorably by the opposition - told Haitian newspaper Le Nouvelliste that he did not consider Joseph the legitimate prime minister and he should revert to the role of foreign minister. "I think we need to speak. Claude was supposed to stay in the government I was going to have," Henry was quoted as saying. The United Nations Special Envoy for Haiti said on Thursday Joseph would remain leader until an election was held, urging all parties to set aside their differences. Moise, backed by the international community, had been pushing to hold both elections and a constitutional referendum in September, efforts that were vehemently opposed by Haitian civil society, which had called first for a transitional government to guide the country to a vote. Pierre told Reuters the Cabinet intended to guide the country to elections in two months` time as planned. "There are many unknowns about what happens next," said Jake Johnston, a senior research associate at the Center for Economic and Policy Research in Washington. "But it is important to remember that that was also the case before the assassination of Moise."

Haiti says 26 Colombians, two Haitian Americans among group that killed president

Haiti police executed four "mercenaries" they alleged were behind President Jovenel Moise's assassination on Wednesday and jailed two others.&nbsp;

"Four mercenaries were killed, two were intercepted under our control. Three policemen who had been taken hostage have been recovered," the director general of Haiti's national police Leon Charles said in a televised statement.

He said police pursued the assassins immediately after the attack on Moise and his wife, who survived, at their home in Port-au-Prince early Wednesday.

WATCH:&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/president-of-haiti-assassinated-in-private-residence-interim-pm-396588/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe> 
&nbsp;
In what investigators described as a well-planned operation involving "foreigners" who knew Spanish, a group of unknown assailants entered Moise's home early Wednesday, shooting him and wounding his wife, Martine Moise.

Interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph announced a national "state of siege" and said he was now in charge of the country as the UN Security Council scrambled to convene an emergency meeting for Thursday.

In the capital Port-au-Prince, the airport was closed, but observers reported the city was peaceful, with streets abandoned and no additional security troops on patrol.&nbsp;

Jovenel Moise was the 58th President of Haiti who had taken the office in February 2017 after being declared the winner of the November 2016 election.

This was not the first time Moise was attacked. In February 2021, Moise claimed that an attempt to take his life was blocked by the local police.&nbsp;

"I thank my head of security at the palace. The goal of these people was to make an attempt on my life. That plan was aborted, " local media had quoted him as saying at the time.

(With inputs from agencies)
</div>

Haiti police executed four "mercenaries" they alleged were behind President Jovenel Moise's assassination on Wednesday and jailed two others. "Four mercenaries were killed, two were intercepted under our control.

Haiti police executed four "mercenaries" they alleged were behind President Jovenel Moise's assassination on Wednesday and jailed two others. "Four mercenaries were killed, two were intercepted under our control. Three policemen who had been taken hostage have been recovered," the director general of Haiti's national police Leon Charles said in a televised statement. He said police pursued the assassins immediately after the attack on Moise and his wife, who survived, at their home in Port-au-Prince early Wednesday. WATCH: In what investigators described as a well-planned operation involving "foreigners" who knew Spanish, a group of unknown assailants entered Moise's home early Wednesday, shooting him and wounding his wife, Martine Moise. Interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph announced a national "state of siege" and said he was now in charge of the country as the UN Security Council scrambled to convene an emergency meeting for Thursday. In the capital Port-au-Prince, the airport was closed, but observers reported the city was peaceful, with streets abandoned and no additional security troops on patrol. Jovenel Moise was the 58th President of Haiti who had taken the office in February 2017 after being declared the winner of the November 2016 election. This was not the first time Moise was attacked. In February 2021, Moise claimed that an attempt to take his life was blocked by the local police. "I thank my head of security at the palace. The goal of these people was to make an attempt on my life. That plan was aborted, " local media had quoted him as saying at the time. (With inputs from agencies)

Haiti president assassination: Four 'mercenaries' killed, two arrested by police

In a shocking announcement, Haiti's interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph reported that President&nbsp;Jovenel Moise has been assassinated.

"A group of individuals who have not been identified, some of whom were speaking Spanish and English, attacked the private residence of the President of the Republic and fatally injured the Head of State," Joseph said in a statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/tropical-storm-elsa-churns-past-haiti-headed-for-cuba-395659" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/tropical-storm-elsa-churns-past-haiti-headed-for-cuba-395659&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwinuMmk8dDxAhUS4nMBHRuxBe0QFnoECAEQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw1PGrzS3UdivwYu_u6AYbLm" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tropical-storm-elsa-churns-past-haiti-headed-for-cuba-395659" target="_blank">Tropical storm Elsa churns past&nbsp;Haiti, headed for Cuba</a>

The First Lady,&nbsp;Martine Moïse, was also shot along with the deceased President, but she has survived the attack and is currently under strict security and medical observation.

As per initial reports, Moise family was&nbsp;attacked in his home in the hills above Port-au-Prince.

Claude has urged the country to stay calm and has assured that "all measures have been taken to ensure the continuity of the State and to protect the Nation. Democracy and the Republic will win out."

As of now,&nbsp;Claude Joseph has taken control of the Caribbean country.

Jovenel Moise was the&nbsp;58th President of Haiti who had taken the office in February 2017 after being declared the winner of the November 2016 election.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/president-of-haiti-assassinated-in-private-residence-interim-pm-396588">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/president-of-haiti-assassinated-in-private-residence-interim-pm-396588/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

This was not the first time Moise was attacked. In February 2021, Moise had claimed that an attempt to take his life was blocked by the local police. "I thank my head of security at the palace. The goal of these people was to make an attempt on my life. That plan was aborted," local media had quoted him.

His assassination has come at a time when the country has been battling an alarming increase of armed gangs in the country.

Condolences for 'shocking' incident

The US has offered condolences after the leader's assassination and has assured that the Joe Biden-led government "will be helpful in any way to the people of Haiti, to the government of Haiti,"&nbsp;White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said.

Joe Biden, the US President, was also informed about the incident. "We are shocked and saddened to hear of the horrific assassination of President Jovenel Moise and the attack on First Lady Martine Moise," he said in a statement later. "We condemn this heinous act and I am sending my sincere wishes for First Lady Moise's recovery."

Boris Johnson, the UK Prime Minister, also offered his prayers for the Moise family after the 'abhorrent act' that killed the President. "I am shocked and saddened at the death of President Moïse. Our condolences are with his family and the people of Haiti. This is an abhorrent act and I call for calm at this time," Johnson tweeted.

Calling it a&nbsp;"cowardly assassination", France paid tribute to the leader and urged&nbsp;restraint and calm in the country.&nbsp;"All light must be shed on this crime, which takes place in a political and security climate that has severely worsened," said Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian. "I urge all those in Haitian politics to act with calm and restraint."

In a shocking announcement, Haiti's interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph reported that President Jovenel Moise has been assassinated. "A group of individuals who have not been identified, some of whom were speaking Spanish and English, attacked the private residence of the President of the Republic and fatally injured the Head of State," Joseph said in a statement.

In a shocking announcement, Haiti's interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph reported that President Jovenel Moise has been assassinated. "A group of individuals who have not been identified, some of whom were speaking Spanish and English, attacked the private residence of the President of the Republic and fatally injured the Head of State," Joseph said in a statement. Also read | Tropical storm Elsa churns past Haiti, headed for Cuba The First Lady, Martine Moïse, was also shot along with the deceased President, but she has survived the attack and is currently under strict security and medical observation. As per initial reports, Moise family was attacked in his home in the hills above Port-au-Prince. Claude has urged the country to stay calm and has assured that "all measures have been taken to ensure the continuity of the State and to protect the Nation. Democracy and the Republic will win out." As of now, Claude Joseph has taken control of the Caribbean country. Jovenel Moise was the 58th President of Haiti who had taken the office in February 2017 after being declared the winner of the November 2016 election. WATCH | This was not the first time Moise was attacked. In February 2021, Moise had claimed that an attempt to take his life was blocked by the local police. "I thank my head of security at the palace. The goal of these people was to make an attempt on my life. That plan was aborted," local media had quoted him. His assassination has come at a time when the country has been battling an alarming increase of armed gangs in the country. Condolences for 'shocking' incident The US has offered condolences after the leader's assassination and has assured that the Joe Biden-led government "will be helpful in any way to the people of Haiti, to the government of Haiti," White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said. Joe Biden, the US President, was also informed about the incident. "We are shocked and saddened to hear of the horrific assassination of President Jovenel Moise and the attack on First Lady Martine Moise," he said in a statement later. "We condemn this heinous act and I am sending my sincere wishes for First Lady Moise's recovery." Boris Johnson, the UK Prime Minister, also offered his prayers for the Moise family after the 'abhorrent act' that killed the President. "I am shocked and saddened at the death of President Moïse. Our condolences are with his family and the people of Haiti. This is an abhorrent act and I call for calm at this time," Johnson tweeted. Calling it a "cowardly assassination", France paid tribute to the leader and urged restraint and calm in the country. "All light must be shed on this crime, which takes place in a political and security climate that has severely worsened," said Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian. "I urge all those in Haitian politics to act with calm and restraint."

Haiti President Jovenel Moise assassinated, wife injured; World leaders pay tribute

The CIA made its first known attempt to assassinate a leader of the Cuban revolution in 1960, offering $10,000 to a pilot flying Raul Castro from Prague to Havana to arrange an "accident," according to declassified documents published Friday.

Pilot Jose Raul Martinez, who had been recruited by the CIA, asked for — and received — assurance from the agency that it would provide university educations to his two sons if he died during the operation, according to the documents published by the Washington-based National Security Archive research institute.

After Martinez left for Prague, CIA headquarters in the United States told its Havana station to cancel the mission.&nbsp;

"Do not pursue," the cable said. "Would like to drop matter."

At that point, the pilot was already out of contact. When he returned to Cuba, Martinez told his handler that "he had no opportunity to arrange an accident such as we had discussed."

The plot came to light as Castro, the 89-year-old brother of late revolutionary leader Fidel Castro, prepares to leave Cuban politics by stepping down as head of the all-powerful Community Party of Cuba.&nbsp;

Raul's departure ends a near six-decade family hold on power in Cuba that started in 1959.

The reins will now pass to 60-year-old Miguel Diaz-Canel, who has served as Cuba's president since 2018.

"These documents remind us of a dark and sinister past in US operations against the Cuban revolution," National Security Archive analyst Peter Kornbluh told AFP.

"As the Castro era officially comes to an end, US policymakers have the opportunity to leave this historical baggage behind and engage Cuba's post-Castro future."

Fidel Castro defied 11 American presidents and survived numerous assassination plots — 638 according to Guinness World Records — as well as a failed 1961 attempt by 1,400 anti-Castro Cubans, who were trained and financed by the CIA, to land at the Bay of Pigs in an attempt to overthrow the communist regime.

The CIA made its first known attempt to assassinate a leader of the Cuban revolution in 1960, offering $10,000 to a pilot flying Raul Castro from Prague to Havana to arrange an "accident," according to declassified documents published Friday.

The CIA made its first known attempt to assassinate a leader of the Cuban revolution in 1960, offering $10,000 to a pilot flying Raul Castro from Prague to Havana to arrange an "accident," according to declassified documents published Friday. Pilot Jose Raul Martinez, who had been recruited by the CIA, asked for — and received — assurance from the agency that it would provide university educations to his two sons if he died during the operation, according to the documents published by the Washington-based National Security Archive research institute. After Martinez left for Prague, CIA headquarters in the United States told its Havana station to cancel the mission. "Do not pursue," the cable said. "Would like to drop matter." At that point, the pilot was already out of contact. When he returned to Cuba, Martinez told his handler that "he had no opportunity to arrange an accident such as we had discussed." The plot came to light as Castro, the 89-year-old brother of late revolutionary leader Fidel Castro, prepares to leave Cuban politics by stepping down as head of the all-powerful Community Party of Cuba. Raul's departure ends a near six-decade family hold on power in Cuba that started in 1959. The reins will now pass to 60-year-old Miguel Diaz-Canel, who has served as Cuba's president since 2018. "These documents remind us of a dark and sinister past in US operations against the Cuban revolution," National Security Archive analyst Peter Kornbluh told AFP. "As the Castro era officially comes to an end, US policymakers have the opportunity to leave this historical baggage behind and engage Cuba's post-Castro future." Fidel Castro defied 11 American presidents and survived numerous assassination plots — 638 according to Guinness World Records — as well as a failed 1961 attempt by 1,400 anti-Castro Cubans, who were trained and financed by the CIA, to land at the Bay of Pigs in an attempt to overthrow the communist regime.

CIA planned to assassinate Raul Castro in 1960: declassified documents

Libya’s interior minister Fathi Bashagha survived an attack by gunmen on his motorcade which came under fire outside the capital. The gunmen fired on his convoy as he drove across countries capital Tripoli.

WION Dispatch: Libya's Interior Minister Fathi Bashagha survives assassination attempt

Iran's state media has said that the weapon used to kill the country's top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh was made in Israel.

News Alert: Iranian media: Israel-made weapon used in scientist's killing

The body of Iran's assassinated top nuclear scientist is now been taken to the holy shrines ahead of his burial. The mourning ceremony & also the procession took place for Mohsen Fakhrizadeh in the Iranian city Mashhad.

Iran's top nuclear scientists body taken to holy shrines ahead of burial

Iran held its arch-rival Israel responsible for assassination of its top nuclear scientist. Iranian defence ministry said on Friday that assailants targetted the car of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, the scientist. The 59-year-old was targeted while travelling in a car near Absard city in Tehran province's eastern Damavand county.

The United States slapped sanctions on Fakhrizadeh in 2008 for "engaging in activities and transactions that contributed to the development of Iran's nuclear programme", and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu once described him as the father of Iran's nuclear weapons programme.

A state television reporter said a pickup truck carrying explosives concealed under a cargo of wood exploded in front of Fakhrizadeh's car, before it was sprayed with bullets from an SUV in another lane.

Images from the scene showed a black sedan on the side of the road, its windshield pockmarked with bullet holes. A pool of blood was seen on the asphalt.

State television described Fakhrizadeh as one "of our country's nuclear scientists" and said Israel "had an old and deep enmity towards him".

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-top-nuclear-scientist-mohsen-fakhrizadeh-assassinated-345915">Iran's top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh assassinated</a>

Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said there were "serious indications of an Israeli role" in his assassination.

"Terrorists murdered an eminent Iranian scientist today," Zarif tweeted.

"This cowardice -- with serious indications of Israeli role -- shows desperate warmongering of perpetrators," he added.

He also called on the international community to "end their shameful double standards &amp; condemn this act of state terror."

'Heavy blow'

A spokesman for Netanyahu questioned by AFP in Jerusalem declined to comment.

Iran's armed forces chief of staff called Fakhrizdeh's death "a bitter and heavy blow to the country's defence system" and warned of "severe revenge" for those behind it.

"We assure (Iranians) that we will not rest until we have chased and punished" those involved, Major General Mohammad Bagheri said in tweets picked up by state news agency IRNA.

Fakhrizadeh's assassination comes less than two months before Joe Biden is to take office as US president.

Biden has promised a return to diplomacy with Iran after four hawkish years under US President Donald Trump, who withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018 and began reimposing crippling sanctions.

Trump said at the time that the deal known formally as the Joint&nbsp; 
Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA, did not offer sufficient guarantees to stop Tehran from acquiring an atomic bomb.

Iran has always denied it wants such a weapon.

Trump on Friday retweeted reports on Fakhrizadeh's assassination, without commenting on it himself.

'Strike killers like lightning'

Hossein Dehghan, military adviser to Iran's supreme leader and a former senior officer in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, accused Israel of trying to provoke a war through the assassination.

"In the last days of the political life of their gambling ally (Trump), the Zionists are trying to intensify pressure on Iran to create a full-blown war," he tweeted.

"We will strike the killers like lightning."

Ellie Geranmayeh of the European Council on International Relations said on Twitter that the "objective behind the killing wasn't to hinder (Iran's) nuclear programme but to undermine diplomacy."

She noted that recent high-level visits by US officials to Israel and Saudi Arabia "raised flags something being cooked up" to "provoke Iran &amp; complicate Biden's diplomatic push."

The killing of Fakhrizadeh is the latest in a series of assassinations of nuclear scientists in Iran in recent years that the Islamic republic has blamed on Israel.

The New York Times reported earlier in November that Al-Qaeda's second-in-command was secretly shot and killed in Tehran by two Israeli operatives on a motorcycle at Washington's behest.

The senior leader, who went by the nom de guerre Abu Muhammad al-Masri, was killed in August along with his daughter, Miriam, the widow of Osama bin Laden's son Hamza, the Times said, citing intelligence sources.

Iran said the report was based on "made-up information" and reaffirmed its denial of the presence of any of the group's members in the Islamic republic.

(With AFP inputs)

Iran held its arch-rival Israel responsible for assassination of its top nuclear scientist. Iranian defence ministry said on Friday that assailants targetted the car of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, the scientist.

Iran held its arch-rival Israel responsible for assassination of its top nuclear scientist. Iranian defence ministry said on Friday that assailants targetted the car of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, the scientist. The 59-year-old was targeted while travelling in a car near Absard city in Tehran province's eastern Damavand county. The United States slapped sanctions on Fakhrizadeh in 2008 for "engaging in activities and transactions that contributed to the development of Iran's nuclear programme", and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu once described him as the father of Iran's nuclear weapons programme. A state television reporter said a pickup truck carrying explosives concealed under a cargo of wood exploded in front of Fakhrizadeh's car, before it was sprayed with bullets from an SUV in another lane. Images from the scene showed a black sedan on the side of the road, its windshield pockmarked with bullet holes. A pool of blood was seen on the asphalt. State television described Fakhrizadeh as one "of our country's nuclear scientists" and said Israel "had an old and deep enmity towards him". Also Read | Iran's top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh assassinated Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said there were "serious indications of an Israeli role" in his assassination. "Terrorists murdered an eminent Iranian scientist today," Zarif tweeted. "This cowardice -- with serious indications of Israeli role -- shows desperate warmongering of perpetrators," he added. He also called on the international community to "end their shameful double standards & condemn this act of state terror." 'Heavy blow' A spokesman for Netanyahu questioned by AFP in Jerusalem declined to comment. Iran's armed forces chief of staff called Fakhrizdeh's death "a bitter and heavy blow to the country's defence system" and warned of "severe revenge" for those behind it. "We assure (Iranians) that we will not rest until we have chased and punished" those involved, Major General Mohammad Bagheri said in tweets picked up by state news agency IRNA. Fakhrizadeh's assassination comes less than two months before Joe Biden is to take office as US president. Biden has promised a return to diplomacy with Iran after four hawkish years under US President Donald Trump, who withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018 and began reimposing crippling sanctions. Trump said at the time that the deal known formally as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA, did not offer sufficient guarantees to stop Tehran from acquiring an atomic bomb. Iran has always denied it wants such a weapon. Trump on Friday retweeted reports on Fakhrizadeh's assassination, without commenting on it himself. 'Strike killers like lightning' Hossein Dehghan, military adviser to Iran's supreme leader and a former senior officer in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, accused Israel of trying to provoke a war through the assassination. "In the last days of the political life of their gambling ally (Trump), the Zionists are trying to intensify pressure on Iran to create a full-blown war," he tweeted. "We will strike the killers like lightning." Ellie Geranmayeh of the European Council on International Relations said on Twitter that the "objective behind the killing wasn't to hinder (Iran's) nuclear programme but to undermine diplomacy." She noted that recent high-level visits by US officials to Israel and Saudi Arabia "raised flags something being cooked up" to "provoke Iran & complicate Biden's diplomatic push." The killing of Fakhrizadeh is the latest in a series of assassinations of nuclear scientists in Iran in recent years that the Islamic republic has blamed on Israel. The New York Times reported earlier in November that Al-Qaeda's second-in-command was secretly shot and killed in Tehran by two Israeli operatives on a motorcycle at Washington's behest. The senior leader, who went by the nom de guerre Abu Muhammad al-Masri, was killed in August along with his daughter, Miriam, the widow of Osama bin Laden's son Hamza, the Times said, citing intelligence sources. Iran said the report was based on "made-up information" and reaffirmed its denial of the presence of any of the group's members in the Islamic republic. (With AFP inputs)

Iran accuses Israel of killing nuclear scientist, vows 'revenge'

The former head of the US Central Intelligence Agency labelled the assassination of a top Iranian nuclear scientist Friday a "criminal" act that risks inflaming conflict in the region.

John Brennan said he did not know who was to blame for the murder of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, as Tehran pointed its finger at Israel.

"This was a criminal act &amp; highly reckless. It risks lethal retaliation &amp; a new round of regional conflict," Brennan said in a series of tweets.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
This was a criminal act &amp; highly reckless. It risks lethal retaliation &amp; a new round of regional conflict. 
Iranian leaders would be wise to wait for the return of responsible American leadership on the global stage &amp; to resist the urge to respond against perceived culprits. <a href="https://t.co/0uZhyBTM3S">https://t.co/0uZhyBTM3S</a>
— John O. Brennan (@JohnBrennan) <a href="https://twitter.com/JohnBrennan/status/1332400792620462082?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"I do not know whether a foreign government authorized or carried out the murder of Fakhrizadeh," he said.

"Such an act of state-sponsored terrorism would be a flagrant violation of international law &amp; encourage more governments to carry out lethal attacks against foreign officials."

Brennan noted that Fakhrizadeh was not a designated terrorist nor a member of Al Qaeda or the Islamic State group, designated terror groups which would be legal targets.

A strong critic of President Donald Trump, Brennan urged Tehran to "resist the urge" to retaliate and "wait for the return of responsible American leadership on the global stage," a reference to November 3 election winner Joe Biden, who will replace Trump on January 20.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-top-nuclear-scientist-mohsen-fakhrizadeh-assassinated-345915">Iran's top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh assassinated</a>

Brennan was director of the CIA from 2013 to 2017, under the administration of President Barack Obama and then-vice president Biden.

Brennan did not take part in Biden's election campaign and has not appeared to be involved in his preparations for taking office on January 20.

But early this week Biden named Brennan's former deputy director at the CIA, Avril Haines, as his director of national intelligence.

The former head of the US Central Intelligence Agency labelled the assassination of a top Iranian nuclear scientist Friday a "criminal" act that risks inflaming conflict in the region.

The former head of the US Central Intelligence Agency labelled the assassination of a top Iranian nuclear scientist Friday a "criminal" act that risks inflaming conflict in the region. John Brennan said he did not know who was to blame for the murder of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, as Tehran pointed its finger at Israel. "This was a criminal act & highly reckless. It risks lethal retaliation & a new round of regional conflict," Brennan said in a series of tweets. This was a criminal act & highly reckless. It risks lethal retaliation & a new round of regional conflict. Iranian leaders would be wise to wait for the return of responsible American leadership on the global stage & to resist the urge to respond against perceived culprits. https://t.co/0uZhyBTM3S — John O. Brennan (@JohnBrennan) November 27, 2020 × "I do not know whether a foreign government authorized or carried out the murder of Fakhrizadeh," he said. "Such an act of state-sponsored terrorism would be a flagrant violation of international law & encourage more governments to carry out lethal attacks against foreign officials." Brennan noted that Fakhrizadeh was not a designated terrorist nor a member of Al Qaeda or the Islamic State group, designated terror groups which would be legal targets. A strong critic of President Donald Trump, Brennan urged Tehran to "resist the urge" to retaliate and "wait for the return of responsible American leadership on the global stage," a reference to November 3 election winner Joe Biden, who will replace Trump on January 20. Also read | Iran's top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh assassinated Brennan was director of the CIA from 2013 to 2017, under the administration of President Barack Obama and then-vice president Biden. Brennan did not take part in Biden's election campaign and has not appeared to be involved in his preparations for taking office on January 20. But early this week Biden named Brennan's former deputy director at the CIA, Avril Haines, as his director of national intelligence.

Ex-CIA chief condemns 'criminal' assassination of Iranian

The man who cut short the life and music of rock superstar John Lennon with a burst of bullets nearly 40 years ago lost his 11th bid to be freed from a sentence that could keep him behind bars for the rest of his life, a New York prison system spokesperson said on Wednesday.

A parole board denied a request for release from Mark David Chapman, who must wait two more years before he becomes eligible again, the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision spokesperson said.

The rationale behind the decision of the Board of Parole panel members who interviewed Chapman on August 19 at the Wende Correctional Facility near Buffalo, was not immediately disclosed.

Chapman, 65, who has previously said that he long ago stopped being the troubled young man who shot one of the most famous people in the world to gain notoriety, is serving 20 years to life after pleading guilty to second-degree murder.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/elton-johns-ex-wife-attempted-suicide-during-honeymoon-after-he-told-her-marriage-wasnt-working-323149">Also read:&nbsp;Elton John's ex-wife attempted suicide during honeymoon after he told her 'marriage wasn't working'</a>

The assassination-style murder of Lennon, a founder of the Beatles who also had solo hits such as "Imagine" and "(Just Like) Starting Over", stunned the music world, the British-born musician`s adopted home of New York City and a generation that grew up with "Beatlemania."

At 40, Lennon had just emerged from a musical hiatus with the release of his "Double Fantasy" album when he went to a nighttime recording session on December 8, 1980. When he returned to his home on Manhattan`s Upper West Side, Chapman was waiting for him and shot him four times in front of his wife Yoko Ono.

Since 2000, the first year Chapman was eligible for parole, Ono, 87, has steadfastly opposed his release. Her attorney, Jonas Herbsman, said she submitted comments to the parole board, which he would only say are "consistent with the prior letters."

At his previous parole interview in August 2018, Chapman said he was a changed man and a religious Christian who would welcome freedom even though he said he did not deserve it.

A remorseful Chapman, whose 2018 prison photo shows a leaner man than the pudgy 25-year-old who pulled the trigger, remembered being in a “tug of war” with himself over what he was about to do before yielding to the idea of killing for fame.

“I was too far in,” he said in a transcript of the hearing.

Chapman has worked as a porter and wheelchair repairman at the prison hospital and has occasionally been visited by his wife whom he married about 18 months before the murder.

The man who cut short the life and music of rock superstar John Lennon with a burst of bullets nearly 40 years ago lost his 11th bid to be freed from a sentence that could keep him behind bars for the rest of his life, a New York prison system spokesperson said on Wednesday.

The man who cut short the life and music of rock superstar John Lennon with a burst of bullets nearly 40 years ago lost his 11th bid to be freed from a sentence that could keep him behind bars for the rest of his life, a New York prison system spokesperson said on Wednesday. A parole board denied a request for release from Mark David Chapman, who must wait two more years before he becomes eligible again, the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision spokesperson said. The rationale behind the decision of the Board of Parole panel members who interviewed Chapman on August 19 at the Wende Correctional Facility near Buffalo, was not immediately disclosed. Chapman, 65, who has previously said that he long ago stopped being the troubled young man who shot one of the most famous people in the world to gain notoriety, is serving 20 years to life after pleading guilty to second-degree murder. Also read: Elton John's ex-wife attempted suicide during honeymoon after he told her 'marriage wasn't working' The assassination-style murder of Lennon, a founder of the Beatles who also had solo hits such as "Imagine" and "(Just Like) Starting Over", stunned the music world, the British-born musician`s adopted home of New York City and a generation that grew up with "Beatlemania." At 40, Lennon had just emerged from a musical hiatus with the release of his "Double Fantasy" album when he went to a nighttime recording session on December 8, 1980. When he returned to his home on Manhattan`s Upper West Side, Chapman was waiting for him and shot him four times in front of his wife Yoko Ono. Since 2000, the first year Chapman was eligible for parole, Ono, 87, has steadfastly opposed his release. Her attorney, Jonas Herbsman, said she submitted comments to the parole board, which he would only say are "consistent with the prior letters." At his previous parole interview in August 2018, Chapman said he was a changed man and a religious Christian who would welcome freedom even though he said he did not deserve it. A remorseful Chapman, whose 2018 prison photo shows a leaner man than the pudgy 25-year-old who pulled the trigger, remembered being in a “tug of war” with himself over what he was about to do before yielding to the idea of killing for fame. “I was too far in,” he said in a transcript of the hearing. Chapman has worked as a porter and wheelchair repairman at the prison hospital and has occasionally been visited by his wife whom he married about 18 months before the murder.

New York rejects 11th parole bid of John Lennon's killer

The US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, on February 28 defended the action of the assassination of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani in his testimony. He said Qassem Soleimani posed an imminent threat to American lives.

Mike Pompeo defends Qassem Soleimani's assassination

February 13th in History: France's first atom bomb test, assassination of Kim Jong-nam and more!

The Delhi unit of the BJP Sunday requested the commissioner of police to review the security cover of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/votes-shifted-towards-congress-because-of-kejriwals-bad-record-sheila-dikshit-219576"> Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal</a>, a day after the AAP chief alleged that he could be assassinated by police personnel deployed for his security.

In a letter to Commissioner of Delhi Police Amulya Patnaik, BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor said Kejriwal's statement was "damaging" for the morale of his security staff as well as the entire police force in the national capital.

He also sent copies of the letter to Home minister Rajnath Singh and Delhi's Lt Governor Anil Baijal.

Kejriwal on Saturday had alleged that the BJP was after his life and said he could be assassinated like former prime minister Indira Gandhi by police personnel deployed for his security.

Recently, the Delhi chief minister had also told a news channel in Punjab that the BJP was after his life and they would "murder" him one day.

Kapoor in the letter said, "I believe this statement coming from a chief minister is highly damaging for the morale of not only his security guards but the entire Delhi Police force personnel who are deployed for VIP security".&nbsp;

He asked for psychological counselling of Delhi Police personnel deployed for Chief Minister Kejriwal's security, saying they must be "depressed" over his allegations.

"All security staff deployed around Kejriwal should be given psychological counselling and Delhi should immediately review his security cover".

Delhi Police should seek an apology from Kejriwal for his allegations and if he refuses his security cover should be withdrawn, Kapoor said.&nbsp;

The Delhi unit of the BJP Sunday requested the commissioner of police to review the security cover of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, a day after the AAP chief alleged that he could be assassinated by police personnel deployed for his security.

The Delhi unit of the BJP Sunday requested the commissioner of police to review the security cover of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, a day after the AAP chief alleged that he could be assassinated by police personnel deployed for his security. In a letter to Commissioner of Delhi Police Amulya Patnaik, BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor said Kejriwal's statement was "damaging" for the morale of his security staff as well as the entire police force in the national capital. He also sent copies of the letter to Home minister Rajnath Singh and Delhi's Lt Governor Anil Baijal. Kejriwal on Saturday had alleged that the BJP was after his life and said he could be assassinated like former prime minister Indira Gandhi by police personnel deployed for his security. Recently, the Delhi chief minister had also told a news channel in Punjab that the BJP was after his life and they would "murder" him one day. Kapoor in the letter said, "I believe this statement coming from a chief minister is highly damaging for the morale of not only his security guards but the entire Delhi Police force personnel who are deployed for VIP security". He asked for psychological counselling of Delhi Police personnel deployed for Chief Minister Kejriwal's security, saying they must be "depressed" over his allegations. "All security staff deployed around Kejriwal should be given psychological counselling and Delhi should immediately review his security cover". Delhi Police should seek an apology from Kejriwal for his allegations and if he refuses his security cover should be withdrawn, Kapoor said.

Delhi BJP asks police chief to review security cover of Arvind Kejriwal

Congress President Rahul Gandhi has pleaded "not guilty" to the defamation case filed against him by an RSS worker.&nbsp

Rahul entered his plea at a court in Bhiwandi, near Thane in Maharashtra, where he had said at a rally in 2014 that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh had assassinated Mahatma Gandhi.&nbsp

The Bhiwandi court framed charges against Gandhi on Tuesday and set August 10 as the next date of hearing.&nbsp

News reports quoted Rahul as saying the BJP and RSS could slap as many cases as they wanted on him but&nbsp"we will fight them and win".&nbsp

Rahul had earlier approached the Supreme Court asking for the case to be quashed.&nbsp

The court however told Gandhi in 2016 that he should not have resorted to "collective denunciation" of an organisation and would either have to apologise or face trial.&nbsp

Gandhi chose to go to trial.&nbsp 
&nbsp

Rahul entered his plea at a court in Bhiwandi, near Thane in Maharashtra, where he had said at a rally in 2014 that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh had assassinated Mahatma Gandhi

Congress President Rahul Gandhi has pleaded "not guilty" to the defamation case filed against him by an RSS worker. Rahul entered his plea at a court in Bhiwandi, near Thane in Maharashtra, where he had said at a rally in 2014 that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh had assassinated Mahatma Gandhi. The Bhiwandi court framed charges against Gandhi on Tuesday and set August 10 as the next date of hearing. News reports quoted Rahul as saying the BJP and RSS could slap as many cases as they wanted on him but "we will fight them and win". Rahul had earlier approached the Supreme Court asking for the case to be quashed. The court however told Gandhi in 2016 that he should not have resorted to "collective denunciation" of an organisation and would either have to apologise or face trial. Gandhi chose to go to trial.

Rahul Gandhi pleads 'not guilty' in RSS defamation case

Pakistan's Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal, who recently survived an apparent <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/man-who-shot-pakistani-minister-affiliated-to-blasphemy-focused-religious-party-135051">assassination attempt</a>, is now in a satisfactory condition, according to the hospital authorities.

Iqbal, who was shot in the arm on Sunday evening, was shifted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after his surgery was completed.

Ahmed Iqbal, the minister's son, said, "My father is now out of danger," reported Geo News.

The minister underwent two operations. One for removing the bullet from his lower torso and the other to mend his broken elbow bone.

However, the bullet that entered Iqbal's abdomen was not removed as pulling it out could have proved to be risky, as per the doctors.

On Sunday, Iqbal was shot by an assassin during a corner meeting in Narowal's Kanjrur tehsil with a 30-bore pistol from a distance of 20 yards.

He sustained a bullet wound in his right shoulder.

The suspected shooter was later taken into custody. He was identified as a 20 to 22-year-old local, residing in Kanjrur Tehsil.

The Punjab government, confirming the arrest, said that the suspect "is being interrogated by the police," Dawn reported.

Ahsan Iqbal, however, will be kept under observation in the ICU for 24 hours more.&nbsp

Iqbal, who was shot in the arm on Sunday evening, was shifted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after his surgery was completed

Pakistan's Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal, who recently survived an apparent assassination attempt, is now in a satisfactory condition, according to the hospital authorities. Iqbal, who was shot in the arm on Sunday evening, was shifted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after his surgery was completed. Ahmed Iqbal, the minister's son, said, "My father is now out of danger," reported Geo News. The minister underwent two operations. One for removing the bullet from his lower torso and the other to mend his broken elbow bone. However, the bullet that entered Iqbal's abdomen was not removed as pulling it out could have proved to be risky, as per the doctors. On Sunday, Iqbal was shot by an assassin during a corner meeting in Narowal's Kanjrur tehsil with a 30-bore pistol from a distance of 20 yards. He sustained a bullet wound in his right shoulder. The suspected shooter was later taken into custody. He was identified as a 20 to 22-year-old local, residing in Kanjrur Tehsil. The Punjab government, confirming the arrest, said that the suspect "is being interrogated by the police," Dawn reported. Ahsan Iqbal, however, will be kept under observation in the ICU for 24 hours more.

Pakistan minister in 'satisfactory condition' after assassination bid

The Supreme Court on Wednesday dismissed a plea seeking a re-investigation into the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi.

A bench of Justices S A Bobde and L Nageswara Rao, which heard the matter, dismissed the petition filed by Mumbai-based Pankaj Phadnis from Abhinav Bharat.

The apex court, which reserved its verdict on March 6, had made it clear that it would not go by "sentiments" but rely on legal submissions to decide on the petition.

The apex court had said the plea seeking retrial of the case was based on academic research but that could not form the basis to reopen the matter which happened years ago.

The petitioner had questioned the 'three bullet theory' relied upon by various courts to hold the conviction of Nathuram Godse and Narayan Apte, who was hanged. He had contended that there was a need to examine whether there was a fourth bullet, which was fired by someone other than Godse.

Phadnis, a trustee of charitable trust Abhinav Bharat, had also sought the expunction of "adverse, unfounded" remarks made by the Kapur Commission in 1969 report against Vinayak Damodar Savarkar and the setting up of a commission to probe the conspiracy behind the incident.

Phadnis alleged that the Maratha community was "maligned" due to these adverse remarks, which should hence be removed. He said there should be a retrial of the case, which led to the conviction and execution of Godse and Apte on November 15, 1949.&nbsp

The court, however, said it did not share his sentiments that Marathas have been maligned and observed,"Maratha people have survived in spite of all this. You are talking about two persons who happened to be from Maharashtra. They do not represent the state. The observation about two persons does not malign whole Marathis."

Phadnis claimed in his affidavit that the alleged conspirators were hanged even before the murder trial had attained legal finality from the top court.

Gandhi was shot dead at point-blank range in New Delhi on January 30, 1948, by Godse, a right-wing advocate of Hindu nationalism. The assassination case had led to the conviction and execution of Godse and Apte on November 15, 1949. Savarkar was given benefit of doubt due to lack of evidence.

Phadnis had challenged the decision of the Bombay High Court which on June 6, 2016, had dismissed his plea on two grounds — first, that the findings of fact have been recorded by the competent court and confirmed right up to the apex court second, that the Kapur Commission had submitted its report and made observations in 1969, while the present petition was filed 46 years later.

The apex court had said the plea seeking retrial of the case was based on academic research but that could not form the basis to reopen the matter which happened years ago.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday dismissed a plea seeking a re-investigation into the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. A bench of Justices S A Bobde and L Nageswara Rao, which heard the matter, dismissed the petition filed by Mumbai-based Pankaj Phadnis from Abhinav Bharat. The apex court, which reserved its verdict on March 6, had made it clear that it would not go by "sentiments" but rely on legal submissions to decide on the petition. The apex court had said the plea seeking retrial of the case was based on academic research but that could not form the basis to reopen the matter which happened years ago. The petitioner had questioned the 'three bullet theory' relied upon by various courts to hold the conviction of Nathuram Godse and Narayan Apte, who was hanged. He had contended that there was a need to examine whether there was a fourth bullet, which was fired by someone other than Godse. Phadnis, a trustee of charitable trust Abhinav Bharat, had also sought the expunction of "adverse, unfounded" remarks made by the Kapur Commission in 1969 report against Vinayak Damodar Savarkar and the setting up of a commission to probe the conspiracy behind the incident. Phadnis alleged that the Maratha community was "maligned" due to these adverse remarks, which should hence be removed. He said there should be a retrial of the case, which led to the conviction and execution of Godse and Apte on November 15, 1949. The court, however, said it did not share his sentiments that Marathas have been maligned and observed,"Maratha people have survived in spite of all this. You are talking about two persons who happened to be from Maharashtra. They do not represent the state. The observation about two persons does not malign whole Marathis." Phadnis claimed in his affidavit that the alleged conspirators were hanged even before the murder trial had attained legal finality from the top court. Gandhi was shot dead at point-blank range in New Delhi on January 30, 1948, by Godse, a right-wing advocate of Hindu nationalism. The assassination case had led to the conviction and execution of Godse and Apte on November 15, 1949. Savarkar was given benefit of doubt due to lack of evidence. Phadnis had challenged the decision of the Bombay High Court which on June 6, 2016, had dismissed his plea on two grounds — first, that the findings of fact have been recorded by the competent court and confirmed right up to the apex court second, that the Kapur Commission had submitted its report and made observations in 1969, while the present petition was filed 46 years later.

Supreme Court dismisses plea seeking re-probe into Mahatma Gandhi assassination

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy on Monday claimed that the act of Congress Party President Rahul Gandhi forgiving the killers of his father, Rajiv Gandhi, raised suspicion of &quot;supari killing&quot; or a plotted murder for financial gains.

Speaking to the media, Swamy urged that a probe be conducted into the death of the former Prime Minister.

&quot;The reason given by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) for the assassination was that the Indian Army was sent to Sri Lanka to fight them. However, he (Rajiv Gandhi) was only acting upon a motion passed in Parliament stating that Sri Lanka had asked for assistance to fight the LTTE, as they could not do so alone,&quot; he said.

The Congress President in an earlier interaction with Indian Institute of Management (IIM) alumni in Singapore had reportedly stated that he and his sister, Priyanka Gandhi, have &quot;completely forgiven&quot; his father&#39;s killers, as they found it difficult to hate people, although the assassination had deeply angered and hurt them for several years.

In this regard, Swamy, while launching a scathing attack at Rahul Gandhi, alleged that the leniency given to the killers of Rajiv Gandhi gave rise to suspicions about the latter&#39;s assassination, and added that the Congress President&#39;s statement on forgiving the accused lacked patriotism.

&quot;He (Rajiv) was a true nationalist, and those responsible for killing him in the prime of his life should be shown no leniency. Initially, Nalini, one of the killers, was awarded a death sentence, but this was reduced to life imprisonment. I fail to understand why we should be lenient towards someone who collaborated with foreigners to kill our former Prime Minister. Rahul&#39;s statement lacks patriotism; he should understand that the punishment was awarded to the killers of the former Prime Minister, not his father,&quot; he said.

The senior BJP leader further alleged that there was some &quot;understanding&quot; with the LTTE, and therefore, urged a probe into the matter.

&quot;Why did Priyanka (Gandhi) visit the convicts in jail; only the relatives of convicts are allowed to visit them, which she is not. Furthermore, Sonia (Gandhi) took care of Nalini&#39;s daughter&#39;s education in England. Nalini was also awarded a scholarship to study computer science at the Indira Gandhi University. I don&#39;t understand why they are showing such sympathy. I suspect there is something wrong,&quot; he added.

For the unversed, Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by a suspected LTTE suicide bomber, during an election rally in Tamil Nadu&#39;s Sriperumbudur in May 1991.

Speaking to the media, Swamy urged that a probe be conducted into the death of the former Prime Minister

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy on Monday claimed that the act of Congress Party President Rahul Gandhi forgiving the killers of his father, Rajiv Gandhi, raised suspicion of "supari killing" or a plotted murder for financial gains. Speaking to the media, Swamy urged that a probe be conducted into the death of the former Prime Minister. "The reason given by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) for the assassination was that the Indian Army was sent to Sri Lanka to fight them. However, he (Rajiv Gandhi) was only acting upon a motion passed in Parliament stating that Sri Lanka had asked for assistance to fight the LTTE, as they could not do so alone," he said. The Congress President in an earlier interaction with Indian Institute of Management (IIM) alumni in Singapore had reportedly stated that he and his sister, Priyanka Gandhi, have "completely forgiven" his father's killers, as they found it difficult to hate people, although the assassination had deeply angered and hurt them for several years. In this regard, Swamy, while launching a scathing attack at Rahul Gandhi, alleged that the leniency given to the killers of Rajiv Gandhi gave rise to suspicions about the latter's assassination, and added that the Congress President's statement on forgiving the accused lacked patriotism. "He (Rajiv) was a true nationalist, and those responsible for killing him in the prime of his life should be shown no leniency. Initially, Nalini, one of the killers, was awarded a death sentence, but this was reduced to life imprisonment. I fail to understand why we should be lenient towards someone who collaborated with foreigners to kill our former Prime Minister. Rahul's statement lacks patriotism; he should understand that the punishment was awarded to the killers of the former Prime Minister, not his father," he said. The senior BJP leader further alleged that there was some "understanding" with the LTTE, and therefore, urged a probe into the matter. "Why did Priyanka (Gandhi) visit the convicts in jail; only the relatives of convicts are allowed to visit them, which she is not. Furthermore, Sonia (Gandhi) took care of Nalini's daughter's education in England. Nalini was also awarded a scholarship to study computer science at the Indira Gandhi University. I don't understand why they are showing such sympathy. I suspect there is something wrong," he added. For the unversed, Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by a suspected LTTE suicide bomber, during an election rally in Tamil Nadu's Sriperumbudur in May 1991.

Rajiv Gandhi assassination: Subramanian Swamy suspects 'supari killing', demands probe

Islamabad: Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has convened a special Cabinet meeting in Lahore on Friday to discuss the &quot;deteriorating situation&quot; in violence-hit Kashmir and chalk out a &quot;future course of action&quot; on the issue. 
&quot;The Cabinet will discuss the oppressive actions of Indian security forces against innocent civilians and the overall situation in Kashmir after the brutal assassination of Burhan Wani,&quot; the Prime Minister&#39;s Office said in a statement. 
The meeting at Governor House in Lahore will discuss the &quot;rapidly deteriorating situation&quot; in Kashmir and the Prime Minister will chalk out a &quot;future course of action&quot; on the issue, it said. 
The statement also noted that on the directions of the Prime Minister, the foreign office summoned the Indian high commissioner to the foreign office and conveyed the &quot;strong concerns of the Pakistani government and people on rapidly deteriorating human rights situation in Kashmir and increasing oppression by Indian security forces.&quot; 
It said that a detailed briefing was also given to ambassadors of all permanent members of UN security council of UN &quot;regarding atrocities of the security forces.&quot; 
India had asked Pakistan to refrain from interfering in its internal affairs after Sharif issued a statement expressing &quot;shock&quot; at the killing of Hizbul commander Burhan Wani. 
Sharif today said the &quot;voice and struggle&quot; of the people of Kashmir cannot be suppressed through use of &quot;brutal force and human rights abuses&quot;. 
He said this during a meeting with PoK Parliament Special Committee Chairman and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazal (JUI-F) President Maulana Fazlur Rehman in Lahore. 
During the meeting, Rehman apprised the Prime Minister on his recent talks with separatist leaders over the &quot;human rights violations&quot; by Indian military and paramilitary forces in Jammu and Kashmir. 
Rehman said the &quot;Kashmiri leadership looks towards Pakistan in difficult times&quot;, according to an official statement. 
Sharif said, &quot;The government and people of Pakistan respect the sentiments of their Kashmiri brethren and will continue to support the Kashmir cause at each and every forum internationally come what may.&quot; 
&quot;The resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute is only possible by the realisation of the right to self-determination of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, as per the UNSC resolutions, through a fair and impartial plebiscite under UN auspices,&quot; Sharif said. 
Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary also briefed the Islamabad-based Ambassadors of the member countries of the OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir (Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Niger) over the situation in the Valley. 
In the meeting, Pakistan called on the OIC member states to raise their voice against &quot;the blatant human rights violations&quot; of Kashmiri Muslims. 
The Foreign Secretary also briefed the Ambassadors of the European Union over the situation and emphasised the need for a fair and transparent inquiry against individuals responsible for these killings.&nbsp; 
 
(PTI)

It will discuss the 'oppressive actions of Indian security forces' and the overall situation after the 'brutal assassination of Burhan Wani'

Islamabad: Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has convened a special Cabinet meeting in Lahore on Friday to discuss the "deteriorating situation" in violence-hit Kashmir and chalk out a "future course of action" on the issue. "The Cabinet will discuss the oppressive actions of Indian security forces against innocent civilians and the overall situation in Kashmir after the brutal assassination of Burhan Wani," the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement. The meeting at Governor House in Lahore will discuss the "rapidly deteriorating situation" in Kashmir and the Prime Minister will chalk out a "future course of action" on the issue, it said. The statement also noted that on the directions of the Prime Minister, the foreign office summoned the Indian high commissioner to the foreign office and conveyed the "strong concerns of the Pakistani government and people on rapidly deteriorating human rights situation in Kashmir and increasing oppression by Indian security forces." It said that a detailed briefing was also given to ambassadors of all permanent members of UN security council of UN "regarding atrocities of the security forces." India had asked Pakistan to refrain from interfering in its internal affairs after Sharif issued a statement expressing "shock" at the killing of Hizbul commander Burhan Wani. Sharif today said the "voice and struggle" of the people of Kashmir cannot be suppressed through use of "brutal force and human rights abuses". He said this during a meeting with PoK Parliament Special Committee Chairman and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazal (JUI-F) President Maulana Fazlur Rehman in Lahore. During the meeting, Rehman apprised the Prime Minister on his recent talks with separatist leaders over the "human rights violations" by Indian military and paramilitary forces in Jammu and Kashmir. Rehman said the "Kashmiri leadership looks towards Pakistan in difficult times", according to an official statement. Sharif said, "The government and people of Pakistan respect the sentiments of their Kashmiri brethren and will continue to support the Kashmir cause at each and every forum internationally come what may." "The resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute is only possible by the realisation of the right to self-determination of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, as per the UNSC resolutions, through a fair and impartial plebiscite under UN auspices," Sharif said. Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary also briefed the Islamabad-based Ambassadors of the member countries of the OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir (Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Niger) over the situation in the Valley. In the meeting, Pakistan called on the OIC member states to raise their voice against "the blatant human rights violations" of Kashmiri Muslims. The Foreign Secretary also briefed the Ambassadors of the European Union over the situation and emphasised the need for a fair and transparent inquiry against individuals responsible for these killings. (PTI)

Pakistan PM calls special Cabinet meeting on Friday to discuss Kashmir situation

assassination

Assassination, News on Assassination, stories on Assassination, articles on Assassination, Assassination stories at Wion, Assassination news, Assassination latest news