(Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised.) 
 
A second woman has now accused former United States President Donald Trump of molesting her on a New York City-bound jet back in 1979, on Tuesday (May 2). This comes amid the ongoing trial where Trump has been accused of sexual assault by writer E. Jean Carroll. During the hearing, a friend of Carroll also backed up the writer’s account of her being raped by Trump&nbsp;in a Manhattan department store.

Woman testifies against Trump&nbsp;

A woman named Jessica Leeds, from Asheville, North Carolina told jurors at the civil trial of Carroll’s lawsuit that Trump allegedly grabbed her chest and ran his hand up her skirt as they sat side by side in first class. Leeds said&nbsp;she was in her late 30s travelling&nbsp;from Dallas or Atlanta to New York’s LaGuardia Airport when "all of a sudden Trump decided to kiss me and grope me."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-raped-me-former-magazine-columnist-e-jean-carrolls-chilling-testimony-586494">‘Donald Trump raped me': Former magazine columnist E. Jean Carroll's chilling testimony</a> 
 
"There was no conversation. It was like out of the blue. It was like a tussle,"&nbsp;said the 81-year-old, as quoted by the Associated Press.&nbsp;She added, “He was trying to kiss me, trying to pull me towards him. He was grabbing my breasts. It was like he had 40 zillion hands. It was like a tussling match between the two of us.”

Leeds said that after a few seconds, she wriggled free of Trump, and told him, “I don’t need this” before storming to the back of the plane, as per media reports.&nbsp;

This comes as another woman, who too was victimised, is expected to testify in the trial against the former president. Leeds was called to the witness stand by Carroll’s lawyers who are reportedly trying to prove that Trump has a history of assaulting women and that the writer’s case was not a one-off incident.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-writer-e-jean-carroll-testifies-in-her-lawsuit-against-donald-trump-586495">US writer E. Jean Carroll testifies in her lawsuit against Donald Trump</a>

However, this is not the first time that Leeds went public with her account of the alleged airplane assault. In an interview, the now 81-year-old spoke up about the incident during Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign after he claimed that he had never touched women against their will.&nbsp;

Carroll’s friend testifies

Trump’s lawyer said the former president has decided against testifying. Meanwhile, the former president has repeatedly denied the women’s claims and said that these allegations are politically motivated. 
 
The former magazine advice columnist who first publicly aired her allegations against Trump in 2019, has accused the former president of raping her at Bergdorf Goodman, a luxury department store based on Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, New York. &nbsp; 
 
Carroll said after raping her, Trump defamed her when she spoke the truth. Carroll is suing Trump for battery and defamation in a civil trial. Carroll denied making up her claims to drive publicity for her memoir, “What Do We Need Men For? A Modest Proposal,” during the cross-examination, on Monday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trumps-official-website-tries-to-discredit-rape-accuser-jean-carroll-claims-shes-a-sexual-harasser-587387">Trump’s official website tries to discredit rape accuser Jean Carroll, claims she’s a sexual harasser: Report</a>

Carroll’s friend, author Lisa Birnbach, told a jury in Manhattan federal court that she “vividly” remembers how one evening back in 1996, Carroll called her and said that Trump had just attacked her in a dressing room of the department store. Carroll told her Trump slammed her into the wall, pulled down her tights and “penetrated her with his penis.”

“I whispered, E. Jean, he raped you. You should go to the police,” Birnbach testified. According to the author, Carroll was emotional and hyperventilating on the phone. Birnbach testified that&nbsp;Carroll refused to go to the police and asked her to never tell anyone about the incident.

“Instead of wallowing, she puts on lipstick, dusts herself off and moves on,” said Birnbach, about why her Carroll&nbsp;stayed silent about the alleged assault for decades.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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(Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised.) A second woman has now accused former United States President Donald Trump of molesting her on a New York City-bound jet back in 1979, on Tuesday (May 2).

(Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised.) A second woman has now accused former United States President Donald Trump of molesting her on a New York City-bound jet back in 1979, on Tuesday (May 2). This comes amid the ongoing trial where Trump has been accused of sexual assault by writer E. Jean Carroll. During the hearing, a friend of Carroll also backed up the writer’s account of her being raped by Trump in a Manhattan department store. Woman testifies against Trump A woman named Jessica Leeds, from Asheville, North Carolina told jurors at the civil trial of Carroll’s lawsuit that Trump allegedly grabbed her chest and ran his hand up her skirt as they sat side by side in first class. Leeds said she was in her late 30s travelling from Dallas or Atlanta to New York’s LaGuardia Airport when "all of a sudden Trump decided to kiss me and grope me." ALSO READ | ‘Donald Trump raped me': Former magazine columnist E. Jean Carroll's chilling testimony "There was no conversation. It was like out of the blue. It was like a tussle," said the 81-year-old, as quoted by the Associated Press. She added, “He was trying to kiss me, trying to pull me towards him. He was grabbing my breasts. It was like he had 40 zillion hands. It was like a tussling match between the two of us.” Leeds said that after a few seconds, she wriggled free of Trump, and told him, “I don’t need this” before storming to the back of the plane, as per media reports. This comes as another woman, who too was victimised, is expected to testify in the trial against the former president. Leeds was called to the witness stand by Carroll’s lawyers who are reportedly trying to prove that Trump has a history of assaulting women and that the writer’s case was not a one-off incident. ALSO WATCH | US writer E. Jean Carroll testifies in her lawsuit against Donald Trump However, this is not the first time that Leeds went public with her account of the alleged airplane assault. In an interview, the now 81-year-old spoke up about the incident during Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign after he claimed that he had never touched women against their will. Carroll’s friend testifies Trump’s lawyer said the former president has decided against testifying. Meanwhile, the former president has repeatedly denied the women’s claims and said that these allegations are politically motivated. The former magazine advice columnist who first publicly aired her allegations against Trump in 2019, has accused the former president of raping her at Bergdorf Goodman, a luxury department store based on Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, New York. Carroll said after raping her, Trump defamed her when she spoke the truth. Carroll is suing Trump for battery and defamation in a civil trial. Carroll denied making up her claims to drive publicity for her memoir, “What Do We Need Men For? A Modest Proposal,” during the cross-examination, on Monday. ALSO READ | Trump’s official website tries to discredit rape accuser Jean Carroll, claims she’s a sexual harasser: Report Carroll’s friend, author Lisa Birnbach, told a jury in Manhattan federal court that she “vividly” remembers how one evening back in 1996, Carroll called her and said that Trump had just attacked her in a dressing room of the department store. Carroll told her Trump slammed her into the wall, pulled down her tights and “penetrated her with his penis.” “I whispered, E. Jean, he raped you. You should go to the police,” Birnbach testified. According to the author, Carroll was emotional and hyperventilating on the phone. Birnbach testified that Carroll refused to go to the police and asked her to never tell anyone about the incident. “Instead of wallowing, she puts on lipstick, dusts herself off and moves on,” said Birnbach, about why her Carroll stayed silent about the alleged assault for decades. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Another woman accuses Trump of sexual assault; E. Jean Carroll’s friend testifies at trial

A man in China has been sentenced to six months in jail after he scared around 1,100 chickens to death over a feud with his neighbour. In two separate incidents and a curious court case, reported by the state-owned media, the man whose last name was Gu has been imprisoned and fined after he scared thousands of his neighbour’s chickens to death.&nbsp;

What was the feud about?

The duo’s feud had reportedly begun in April last year when Gu became upset with his neighbour with the surname Zhong as he chopped down his trees without informing him. “Kill the chicken to scare the monkey,” is an old Chinese idiom which roughly translates to the best way of intimidating&nbsp;a big rival is destroying a smaller one, which Gu has seemingly taken too literally.&nbsp;

The two incidents

According to the state-owned China Daily newspaper, while Gu’s goal was unclear, one night he snuck into Zhong’s property and shined a flashlight on the chickens on the farm which resulted in around 500 chickens fleeing in a corner and crushing one another to death. Subsequently, he was detained by the local police and forced to pay Zhong a&nbsp; compensation of 3,000 yuan ($436).&nbsp;

This left Gu more angry and he returned to Zhong’s farm and repeated the action only this time it resulted in the death of 640 chickens. According to Chinese authorities, the 1,100 dead chickens were estimated to be worth a total of 13,840 yuan ($2,015).&nbsp;

What’s the verdict?

The court in Hengyang county of central China’s Hunan province delivered its verdict on Gu’s case who at that point had repeatedly sneaked into Zhong’s property. As per China Daily, the court found him guilty of intentionally causing “property loss” and sentenced him to serve six months in prison with one year of probation. This was a smaller sentence as Gu had reportedly shown remorse for his actions.&nbsp; 
 
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A man in China has been sentenced to six months in jail after he scared around 1,100 chickens to death over a feud with his neighbour. In two separate incidents and a curious court case, reported by the state-owned media, the man whose last name was Gu has been imprisoned and fined after he scared thousands of his neighbour’s chickens to death.

A man in China has been sentenced to six months in jail after he scared around 1,100 chickens to death over a feud with his neighbour. In two separate incidents and a curious court case, reported by the state-owned media, the man whose last name was Gu has been imprisoned and fined after he scared thousands of his neighbour’s chickens to death. What was the feud about? The duo’s feud had reportedly begun in April last year when Gu became upset with his neighbour with the surname Zhong as he chopped down his trees without informing him. “Kill the chicken to scare the monkey,” is an old Chinese idiom which roughly translates to the best way of intimidating a big rival is destroying a smaller one, which Gu has seemingly taken too literally. The two incidents According to the state-owned China Daily newspaper, while Gu’s goal was unclear, one night he snuck into Zhong’s property and shined a flashlight on the chickens on the farm which resulted in around 500 chickens fleeing in a corner and crushing one another to death. Subsequently, he was detained by the local police and forced to pay Zhong a compensation of 3,000 yuan ($436). This left Gu more angry and he returned to Zhong’s farm and repeated the action only this time it resulted in the death of 640 chickens. According to Chinese authorities, the 1,100 dead chickens were estimated to be worth a total of 13,840 yuan ($2,015). What’s the verdict? The court in Hengyang county of central China’s Hunan province delivered its verdict on Gu’s case who at that point had repeatedly sneaked into Zhong’s property. As per China Daily, the court found him guilty of intentionally causing “property loss” and sentenced him to serve six months in prison with one year of probation. This was a smaller sentence as Gu had reportedly shown remorse for his actions. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Chinese man jailed for scaring neighbour’s over 1100 chickens to death due to feud

Iran has sentenced a former top defence officer&nbsp;Ali Reza Akbari to death, after being found guilty of espionage for the United Kingdom, state-affiliated media reported on Wednesday.&nbsp;As per reports&nbsp;from&nbsp;the semi-official Tasnim news agency, the judiciary declared Ali Reza Akbari, who served as deputy defence minister until 2001, to be a "key spy" for British intelligence. It claimed that Iranian intelligence uncovered&nbsp;the espionage by giving him false information.&nbsp;

Additionally, Tasnim news agency claimed that Akbari had&nbsp;spied on previous nuclear negotiations between Iran and Western governments. Under President Mohammad Khatami, a reformer who advocated for better ties with the West, Akbari held the office&nbsp;of deputy defence minister.

Iran has been engaged in a shadow war with the US and Israel for several years that has been characterised by covert strikes against Iran's contentious nuclear programme. Foreign intelligence services had made significant gains, as evidenced by the killing of Iran's top nuclear scientist in 2020, which Iran claimed Israel was responsible for.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-jailed-activist-sepideh-qolian-writes-letter-describing-brutality-in-jail-551523">Iran: Jailed activist Sepideh Qolian writes letter describing brutality in prison&nbsp;</a>

Akbari, who was the head of a private think tank, hasn't been spotted in the streets since 2019, when he was reportedly detained.

His trial's specifics have not been made public by the authorities. Those accused of espionage and other offences involving national security are often prosecuted covertly, where, according to rights organisations, they are not allowed&nbsp;to choose their own attorneys and cannot view the evidence against them.

Also watch |&nbsp;Iran's prominent rights activist sentenced to five years in prison

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The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hm-zara-among-brands-accused-of-unfairly-treating-bangladesh-suppliers-paid-them-less-than-production-costs-551622">UK</a> Foreign Office was requested to intercede to stop his impending execution, reported the Guardian following which&nbsp;UK foreign secretary, James Cleverly, urged the Iranian government not to go ahead with its&nbsp;plans to execute Akbari.

“Iran must halt the execution of British-Iranian national Alireza Akbari and immediately release him. This is a politically motivated act by a barbaric regime that has total disregard for human life,”&nbsp;Cleverly said.

Akbari’s wife, Maryam Akbari, told the Guardian that her husband is a patriot and was a victim of Iranian factional power politics.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Iran has sentenced a former top defence officer Ali Reza Akbari to death, after being found guilty of espionage for the United Kingdom, state-affiliated media reported on Wednesday.

Iran has sentenced a former top defence officer Ali Reza Akbari to death, after being found guilty of espionage for the United Kingdom, state-affiliated media reported on Wednesday. As per reports from the semi-official Tasnim news agency, the judiciary declared Ali Reza Akbari, who served as deputy defence minister until 2001, to be a "key spy" for British intelligence. It claimed that Iranian intelligence uncovered the espionage by giving him false information. Additionally, Tasnim news agency claimed that Akbari had spied on previous nuclear negotiations between Iran and Western governments. Under President Mohammad Khatami, a reformer who advocated for better ties with the West, Akbari held the office of deputy defence minister. Iran has been engaged in a shadow war with the US and Israel for several years that has been characterised by covert strikes against Iran's contentious nuclear programme. Foreign intelligence services had made significant gains, as evidenced by the killing of Iran's top nuclear scientist in 2020, which Iran claimed Israel was responsible for. Also read | Iran: Jailed activist Sepideh Qolian writes letter describing brutality in prison Akbari, who was the head of a private think tank, hasn't been spotted in the streets since 2019, when he was reportedly detained. His trial's specifics have not been made public by the authorities. Those accused of espionage and other offences involving national security are often prosecuted covertly, where, according to rights organisations, they are not allowed to choose their own attorneys and cannot view the evidence against them. Also watch | Iran's prominent rights activist sentenced to five years in prison The UK Foreign Office was requested to intercede to stop his impending execution, reported the Guardian following which UK foreign secretary, James Cleverly, urged the Iranian government not to go ahead with its plans to execute Akbari. “Iran must halt the execution of British-Iranian national Alireza Akbari and immediately release him. This is a politically motivated act by a barbaric regime that has total disregard for human life,” Cleverly said. Akbari’s wife, Maryam Akbari, told the Guardian that her husband is a patriot and was a victim of Iranian factional power politics. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Iran sentences ex-deputy defence minister to death over alleged espionage for the UK

A New Zealand court has mandated that health officials temporarily seize custody of a child who is embroiled in&nbsp;a dispute over blood transfusions from donors who have received the COVID-19 vaccine.&nbsp;The four-month-old child is in an Auckland hospital receiving emergency treatment for a cardiac condition. His parents had opposed the procedure and had asked a judge to order that he get blood from unvaccinated donors instead. The High Court, however, decided that the procedure was in the child's "best interest."

The boy, called&nbsp;Baby W in court documents, was put under the court's guardianship "from the date of the order until completion of his operation and post-operative rehabilitation," Justice Ian Gault said.

He agreed with health officials that the boy's "life [was] truly contingent on the application being granted," and he rejected the parents' plea&nbsp;for unvaccinated blood, calling it superfluous and non-viable, as reported by the BBC.&nbsp;

However, he emphasised that the boy's parents remained his primary caregivers and insisted that doctors must always keep them updated on the boy's status and course of treatment.

The High Court, however, decided that the procedure was in the child's "best interest."

Sue Grey, the attorney for the parents, also asked Justice Gault to denounce the establishment of a customised donor programme using only blood from unvaccinated donors. Grey said that the vaccine's long-term effects were "untested" and charged physicians of refusing to offer an alternative donor service due to their ideological beliefs.

The development of any direct donor service, however, would have been a "slippery slope," according to the state blood service's attorney, and would "destroy a good blood service."

The case has garnered the attention of anti-vaccine activists in New Zealand, with protesters gathering&nbsp;outside the court before the decision was made on Wednesday and many of them carrying placards.

Te Whatu Ora (Health NZ) took cognizance&nbsp;that the situation was "difficult for everybody involved" but emphasised that the "health and wellbeing"&nbsp;of all the children in its custody remained its topmost priority.

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A New Zealand court has mandated that health officials temporarily seize custody of a child who is embroiled in a dispute over blood transfusions from donors who have received the COVID-19 vaccine.

A New Zealand court has mandated that health officials temporarily seize custody of a child who is embroiled in a dispute over blood transfusions from donors who have received the COVID-19 vaccine. The four-month-old child is in an Auckland hospital receiving emergency treatment for a cardiac condition. His parents had opposed the procedure and had asked a judge to order that he get blood from unvaccinated donors instead. The High Court, however, decided that the procedure was in the child's "best interest." The boy, called Baby W in court documents, was put under the court's guardianship "from the date of the order until completion of his operation and post-operative rehabilitation," Justice Ian Gault said. He agreed with health officials that the boy's "life [was] truly contingent on the application being granted," and he rejected the parents' plea for unvaccinated blood, calling it superfluous and non-viable, as reported by the BBC. However, he emphasised that the boy's parents remained his primary caregivers and insisted that doctors must always keep them updated on the boy's status and course of treatment. The High Court, however, decided that the procedure was in the child's "best interest." Sue Grey, the attorney for the parents, also asked Justice Gault to denounce the establishment of a customised donor programme using only blood from unvaccinated donors. Grey said that the vaccine's long-term effects were "untested" and charged physicians of refusing to offer an alternative donor service due to their ideological beliefs. The development of any direct donor service, however, would have been a "slippery slope," according to the state blood service's attorney, and would "destroy a good blood service." The case has garnered the attention of anti-vaccine activists in New Zealand, with protesters gathering outside the court before the decision was made on Wednesday and many of them carrying placards. Te Whatu Ora (Health NZ) took cognizance that the situation was "difficult for everybody involved" but emphasised that the "health and wellbeing" of all the children in its custody remained its topmost priority. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

New Zealand court takes custody of ill infant from anti-vax parents over unviable request

A French man has been granted the ‘right to be boring’ when the judge in a Paris court ruled in his favour and determined that his former employer was wrong to fire him for refusing to join his colleagues for the end-of-week drinks.&nbsp;

The man who is referred to as Mr T in the court documents worked as a senior adviser for Cubik Partners, a consultancy firm in Paris, France, between 2011 to 2015 said a report by the Daily Telegraph. Mr T did not agree with the company’s idea of “fun” which included going out for drinks after work once a week.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-based-furniture-company-fires-all-2700-employees-days-before-thanksgiving-reports-537929">US-based furniture company fires all 2,700 employees, days before Thanksgiving: Reports</a>

In 2015, the firm fired him for "professional inadequacy" as he refused to participate in these outings and accused him of being boring,&nbsp;a poor listener, and difficult to work with. However, Mr T argued that he is entitled to his “critical behaviour” and refusal to participate in “company policy based on incitement to partake in various excesses”. Mr T also said&nbsp;that he does not agree with the company’s idea of “fun”.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-french-man-fired-for-being-boring-538314">Gravitas: French man fired for being 'boring'</a>

Earlier this month, the French Court of Cassation ruled in Mr T’s favour after a seven-year legal battle and ordered the Cubik Partners to pay 2,574 pounds (approximately $3085).&nbsp; 
 
In its ruling, the court reportedly said that not everyone can “forcibly participate in seminars and end-of-week drinks frequently ending up in excessive alcohol intake, encouraged by associates who made very large quantities of alcohol available.” Mr T also claimed&nbsp;that the company's&nbsp;"fun" values also included&nbsp;"humiliating and intrusive practices” like&nbsp;obligating him&nbsp;to share a bed with a coworker&nbsp;during work seminars.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/french-man-sues-employer-for-boring-job-gets-45000-severance-package-444376">French man sues employer for 'boring' job, gets $45,000 severance package</a>

Referring to the company’s idea of “fun” the court said that it infringed on the employee’s right to dignity and respect of private life. Furthermore, the judge also said that Mr T was entitled to “freedom of expression” including his refusal to participate in activities which were his “fundamental freedom” and are also not grounds for dismissal.&nbsp;However, the sacked employee&nbsp;has demanded another 395,630 pounds (nearly $473,955) which will be considered during the next hearing.

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A French man has been granted the ‘right to be boring’ when the judge in a Paris court ruled in his favour and determined that his former employer was wrong to fire him for refusing to join his colleagues for the end-of-week drinks.

A French man has been granted the ‘right to be boring’ when the judge in a Paris court ruled in his favour and determined that his former employer was wrong to fire him for refusing to join his colleagues for the end-of-week drinks. The man who is referred to as Mr T in the court documents worked as a senior adviser for Cubik Partners, a consultancy firm in Paris, France, between 2011 to 2015 said a report by the Daily Telegraph. Mr T did not agree with the company’s idea of “fun” which included going out for drinks after work once a week. ALSO READ | US-based furniture company fires all 2,700 employees, days before Thanksgiving: Reports In 2015, the firm fired him for "professional inadequacy" as he refused to participate in these outings and accused him of being boring, a poor listener, and difficult to work with. However, Mr T argued that he is entitled to his “critical behaviour” and refusal to participate in “company policy based on incitement to partake in various excesses”. Mr T also said that he does not agree with the company’s idea of “fun”. ALSO WATCH | Gravitas: French man fired for being 'boring' Earlier this month, the French Court of Cassation ruled in Mr T’s favour after a seven-year legal battle and ordered the Cubik Partners to pay 2,574 pounds (approximately $3085). In its ruling, the court reportedly said that not everyone can “forcibly participate in seminars and end-of-week drinks frequently ending up in excessive alcohol intake, encouraged by associates who made very large quantities of alcohol available.” Mr T also claimed that the company's "fun" values also included "humiliating and intrusive practices” like obligating him to share a bed with a coworker during work seminars. ALSO READ | French man sues employer for 'boring' job, gets $45,000 severance package Referring to the company’s idea of “fun” the court said that it infringed on the employee’s right to dignity and respect of private life. Furthermore, the judge also said that Mr T was entitled to “freedom of expression” including his refusal to participate in activities which were his “fundamental freedom” and are also not grounds for dismissal. However, the sacked employee has demanded another 395,630 pounds (nearly $473,955) which will be considered during the next hearing. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

French man wins the right to be boring after he was fired for not being ‘fun’ at work

A US Court has denied former Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes' request for a new trial, a little more than a month after she submitted the petition. US District Judge Edward Davila, overseeing the case said Holmes' side did not produce enough material evidence to prove government misconduct in the case.

A US Court has denied former Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes' request for a new trial, a little more than a month after she submitted the petition. US District Judge Edward Davila, overseeing the case said Holmes' side did not produce enough material evidence to prove government misconduct in the case. As a result, the case was not deemed worthy of a new trial. As reported by WION, Adam Rosendorff, former lab director at Theranos appeared at Holmes' home in August and apologised for his role in the entire incident. Consequently, together with some new evidence and Rosendorff's apology, Holmes approached the court and requested a hearing to assess her new trial request. Read more: Ex-Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes faces hearing for new trial request after key witnesss apologises At the time, the judge was also amused by Rosendorff's apology and said,“I will say I haven’t seen a case where this happened before." According to Holmes' partner, Billy Evans, Rosendorff was forced by the prosecutors to make everyone look bad in the company. Who is Elizabeth Holmes? Elizabeth Holmes was the founder and CEO of Theranos, a now-defunct health technology company that soared in valuation after the company falsely claimed to have revolutionised blood testing by developing testing methods that could use surprisingly small volumes of blood, such as from a fingerprick. She was found guilty of fraud in 2022. WATCH | Gravitas: This Entrepreneur made billions from an invention that didn't exist × Theranos' fraud business strategy was built on the premise of performing blood tests with proprietary technology that just required a pinprick in your finger and a tiny bit of blood. Holmes was found guilty of investor fraud and conspiracy, but was found not guilty of three charges of cheating patients who paid for Theranos tests, as well as a related conspiracy allegation. Read more: After a three-month trial, jury finds ex-Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes guilty of fraud (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes' request for a new trial denied by a US court

Days before the deadline to finalise its agreement with Elon Musk, Twitter Inc. has blocked equity award accounts for employees, according to a report by Bloomberg News. This move is an indication that the social media company expects the agreement to be completed.

Twitter shares rose 1.8% to $51.6 following the news, which is still less than Musk's offer price of $54.2 per share.

The Delaware court has ordered <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-withdraws-proposal-to-pentagon-seking-funds-for-starlink-526391">Musk</a>, the CEO of Tesla Inc., and Twitter to finalise the $44 billion acquisition on October 28. In April, the agreement was initially made public.

According to the article, the social media business informed personnel this week that they won't be able to access or trade shares from the Equity Award Center.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/florida-governor-desantis-lauds-musk-for-providing-internet-services-to-ukraine-526311">Florida Governor DeSantis lauds Musk for providing internet services to Ukraine</a>

The page said the change was done "in anticipation of the closing of the pending acquisition of Twitter by an entity controlled by Elon Musk," according to the report, citing two people familiar with the change.&nbsp;

In May, Musk attempted to back out of the agreement, claiming that Twitter had overstated the number of spam and bot accounts on its social media network. This sparked a string of legal disputes between the two sides.

The trial that was supposed to take place this week was halted by the judge when Musk changed his mind and declared that he would carry out the agreement under its original provisions earlier this month.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Days before the deadline to finalise its agreement with Elon Musk, Twitter Inc. has blocked equity award accounts for employees, according to a report by Bloomberg News.

Days before the deadline to finalise its agreement with Elon Musk, Twitter Inc. has blocked equity award accounts for employees, according to a report by Bloomberg News. This move is an indication that the social media company expects the agreement to be completed. Twitter shares rose 1.8% to $51.6 following the news, which is still less than Musk's offer price of $54.2 per share. The Delaware court has ordered Musk, the CEO of Tesla Inc., and Twitter to finalise the $44 billion acquisition on October 28. In April, the agreement was initially made public. According to the article, the social media business informed personnel this week that they won't be able to access or trade shares from the Equity Award Center. Also read | Florida Governor DeSantis lauds Musk for providing internet services to Ukraine The page said the change was done "in anticipation of the closing of the pending acquisition of Twitter by an entity controlled by Elon Musk," according to the report, citing two people familiar with the change. In May, Musk attempted to back out of the agreement, claiming that Twitter had overstated the number of spam and bot accounts on its social media network. This sparked a string of legal disputes between the two sides. The trial that was supposed to take place this week was halted by the judge when Musk changed his mind and declared that he would carry out the agreement under its original provisions earlier this month. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Twitter locks employee stock accounts in anticipation of deal

In a case that has upended his coaching career, former Manchester United player Ryan Giggs will go on trial on Monday on allegations of physically assaulting and coercively manipulating his ex-girlfriend.

The 48-year-old, who most recently served as the Wales national team's coach, has entered a not-guilty plea to the allegations, which carry a potential five-year jail sentence.

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Judge Hilary Manley would preside over the jury trial at a crown court in Manchester, which was scheduled to begin at 10:30 am (09:30 GMT). It is anticipated to go for 10 days.

On November 1, 2020, when police were called to Giggs' home in the Manchester area, he is accused of beating his ex-girlfriend, PR executive Kate Greville, and causing actual bodily damage to her.

He is&nbsp;also accused of assaulting Emma Greville, her younger sister, that same day.

Additionally, he is accused of using coercive and controlling tactics toward Kate Greville during the course of their romantic engagement, which started in 2017 and ended with the alleged assault.

According to the accusation, Greville, 36, was subjected to "isolation, belittling, humiliation, harassment, degradation, and abuse" as a result of his behaviour.

In November 2020, Giggs was detained by the police at his residence and later freed on bail.

At his initial court appearance in April of last year, he entered a not guilty plea and rejected the accusations.

His trial was scheduled to be heard in January, but it was postponed because of the Covid pandemic's impact on the backlog of court cases.

Chris Daw, the attorney for Giggs, has represented prominent athletes like former England and Chelsea football captain John Terry, who was acquitted in 2012 of racist abuse against teammate Anton Ferdinand.

After being placed on leave following his imprisonment, Giggs resigned as the manager of Wales in June.

He stated that he did not want the team's preparations for this year's World Cup in Qatar to be hampered by "continuous curiosity around this case."

He remains on conditional bail, and has said he looks forward to "clearing my name".&nbsp;

Over the course of his playing career, Giggs made a club-record 963 appearances for Manchester United, where he captured 13 Premier League championships and two Champions League trophies.

After David Moyes was fired at the end of the 2013–14 season, he took interim control of Old Trafford, where he later started his coaching career. Prior to that, he served as Louis van Gaal's assistant for two years.

Wales qualified for Euro 2020, just their second major tournament appearance since the 1958 World Cup, after Giggs was named manager in January 2018.

Shortly before another court case involving a prominent football player, Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy, his trial begins.

In a case involving seven women, the Frenchman is scheduled to go on trial in Chester, northwest England, on Wednesday. He is charged with rape and violence.

City has suspended Mendy, who contests the charges.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a case that has upended his coaching career, former Manchester United player Ryan Giggs will go on trial on Monday on allegations of physically assaulting and coercively manipulating his ex-girlfriend.

In a case that has upended his coaching career, former Manchester United player Ryan Giggs will go on trial on Monday on allegations of physically assaulting and coercively manipulating his ex-girlfriend. The 48-year-old, who most recently served as the Wales national team's coach, has entered a not-guilty plea to the allegations, which carry a potential five-year jail sentence. Former Manchester United star Ryan Giggs stands trial on Monday on charges of attacking and coercively controlling his ex-girlfriend, in a case that has upended his managerial career. https://t.co/3fiwN2puWr pic.twitter.com/HBatVqGc0R — Eyewitness News (@ewnupdates) August 8, 2022 × Judge Hilary Manley would preside over the jury trial at a crown court in Manchester, which was scheduled to begin at 10:30 am (09:30 GMT). It is anticipated to go for 10 days. On November 1, 2020, when police were called to Giggs' home in the Manchester area, he is accused of beating his ex-girlfriend, PR executive Kate Greville, and causing actual bodily damage to her. He is also accused of assaulting Emma Greville, her younger sister, that same day. Additionally, he is accused of using coercive and controlling tactics toward Kate Greville during the course of their romantic engagement, which started in 2017 and ended with the alleged assault. According to the accusation, Greville, 36, was subjected to "isolation, belittling, humiliation, harassment, degradation, and abuse" as a result of his behaviour. In November 2020, Giggs was detained by the police at his residence and later freed on bail. At his initial court appearance in April of last year, he entered a not guilty plea and rejected the accusations. His trial was scheduled to be heard in January, but it was postponed because of the Covid pandemic's impact on the backlog of court cases. Chris Daw, the attorney for Giggs, has represented prominent athletes like former England and Chelsea football captain John Terry, who was acquitted in 2012 of racist abuse against teammate Anton Ferdinand. After being placed on leave following his imprisonment, Giggs resigned as the manager of Wales in June. He stated that he did not want the team's preparations for this year's World Cup in Qatar to be hampered by "continuous curiosity around this case." He remains on conditional bail, and has said he looks forward to "clearing my name". Over the course of his playing career, Giggs made a club-record 963 appearances for Manchester United, where he captured 13 Premier League championships and two Champions League trophies. After David Moyes was fired at the end of the 2013–14 season, he took interim control of Old Trafford, where he later started his coaching career. Prior to that, he served as Louis van Gaal's assistant for two years. Wales qualified for Euro 2020, just their second major tournament appearance since the 1958 World Cup, after Giggs was named manager in January 2018. Shortly before another court case involving a prominent football player, Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy, his trial begins. In a case involving seven women, the Frenchman is scheduled to go on trial in Chester, northwest England, on Wednesday. He is charged with rape and violence. City has suspended Mendy, who contests the charges. (With inputs from agencies)

Court battle for Manchester United and Wales icon Ryan Giggs

The heirs of a 19th-century sultanate are attempting to take Malaysian government assets all over the world, despite a stay of the case issued by a French judge.&nbsp;Talking to Reuters their attorneys said that the heirs&nbsp;are merely&nbsp;attempting&nbsp;to execute a $14.9 billion arbitration verdict they had&nbsp;obtained against the Southeast Asian country. The verdict in question is in connection to a land deal from the colonial era.&nbsp;The&nbsp;Sultan in question had made a deal with a British trading company in 1878 to allow the company to exploit resources in the territory he controlled, including what is now the oil-rich Malaysian state of Sabah, on the northern tip of Borneo. After gaining independence from Britain, Malaysia took over the deal giving the heirs who are&nbsp;Philippine nationals an annual token fee.&nbsp;

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However, the payments were terminated in 2013, with Malaysia claiming that Sabah belonged to its territory and that no one else had any claim to it.&nbsp;The heirs who assert that they are the last Sultan of Sulu's successors-in-interest filed a case soon after.&nbsp;

In order to resolve the conflict over the land deal, a French arbitration court ordered Malaysia to pay the amount to the lineal descendants of the last Sultan of Sulu in February.

However, Malaysia announced on Wednesday that a Paris Court of Appeal has stayed the verdict after concluding that the award's execution may violate the nation's sovereignty.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/good-guy-with-a-gun-3-killed-in-mass-shooting-in-indiana-armed-onlooker-saves-the-day-498318">'Good guy with a gun': 3 killed in mass shooting in Indiana, armed onlooker saves the day</a>

The stay, according to law minister Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, would stop the award from being implemented while Malaysia seeks to overturn the decision. Malaysia hadn't previously taken part in the arbitration.

However, attorneys for the claimants assert that the February judgement is still enforceable outside of France under the New York Convention, an international arbitration agreement ratified by 170 nations.

According to Paul Cohen, the heirs' principal co-counsel at the London-based law firm 4-5 Gray's Inn Square, "the'stay' that seems to comfort the Malaysian government temporarily delays local enforcement in one country, France itself," adding "It does not apply to the other 169."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The heirs of a 19th-century sultanate are attempting to take Malaysian government assets all over the world, despite a stay of the case issued by a French judge.

The heirs of a 19th-century sultanate are attempting to take Malaysian government assets all over the world, despite a stay of the case issued by a French judge. Talking to Reuters their attorneys said that the heirs are merely attempting to execute a $14.9 billion arbitration verdict they had obtained against the Southeast Asian country. The verdict in question is in connection to a land deal from the colonial era. The Sultan in question had made a deal with a British trading company in 1878 to allow the company to exploit resources in the territory he controlled, including what is now the oil-rich Malaysian state of Sabah, on the northern tip of Borneo. After gaining independence from Britain, Malaysia took over the deal giving the heirs who are Philippine nationals an annual token fee. Watch | World in Pictures: Ukrainian cargo plane crashes in Greece; Spain, Portugal battle wildfires However, the payments were terminated in 2013, with Malaysia claiming that Sabah belonged to its territory and that no one else had any claim to it. The heirs who assert that they are the last Sultan of Sulu's successors-in-interest filed a case soon after. In order to resolve the conflict over the land deal, a French arbitration court ordered Malaysia to pay the amount to the lineal descendants of the last Sultan of Sulu in February. However, Malaysia announced on Wednesday that a Paris Court of Appeal has stayed the verdict after concluding that the award's execution may violate the nation's sovereignty. Also read | 'Good guy with a gun': 3 killed in mass shooting in Indiana, armed onlooker saves the day The stay, according to law minister Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, would stop the award from being implemented while Malaysia seeks to overturn the decision. Malaysia hadn't previously taken part in the arbitration. However, attorneys for the claimants assert that the February judgement is still enforceable outside of France under the New York Convention, an international arbitration agreement ratified by 170 nations. According to Paul Cohen, the heirs' principal co-counsel at the London-based law firm 4-5 Gray's Inn Square, "the'stay' that seems to comfort the Malaysian government temporarily delays local enforcement in one country, France itself," adding "It does not apply to the other 169." (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Malaysian government's international assets at stake as heirs of a 19th century sultan claim $15 billion award

Deposed Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi was unable to attend a scheduled court hearing for health reasons, her legal team said on Monday.

A member of her legal team described her condition as dizziness caused by motion sickness.

The 76-year-old leader, who has been detained on various charges since her overthrow in a military coup on 1 February, did not have coronavirus but felt ill having not travelled in a vehicle for a long time, her lawyer Min Min Soe told Reuters.

“It is not serious sickness... She suffered car sickness. She cannot stand that feeling and told us she wanted to take a rest,” Soe was quoted as saying.

Suu Kyi is on trial in the capital Naypyitaw over charges that include illegal importation and possession of walkie-talkie radios and violating coronavirus protocols.

She is also facing charges in a separate case of accepting bribes and violating a state secrets law

&nbsp;Her lawyers reject all of the allegations.

Khin Maung Zaw, who is leading her legal team, said Aung San Suu Kyi could not take the stand on Monday and the judge consented to her absence.

“She seemed to be ill, sneezing and said she was drowsy. Therefore, the lawyers talked only briefly with her,” he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Deposed Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi was unable to attend a scheduled court hearing for health reasons, her legal team said on Monday. A member of her legal team described her condition as dizziness caused by motion sickness.

Deposed Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi was unable to attend a scheduled court hearing for health reasons, her legal team said on Monday. A member of her legal team described her condition as dizziness caused by motion sickness. The 76-year-old leader, who has been detained on various charges since her overthrow in a military coup on 1 February, did not have coronavirus but felt ill having not travelled in a vehicle for a long time, her lawyer Min Min Soe told Reuters. “It is not serious sickness... She suffered car sickness. She cannot stand that feeling and told us she wanted to take a rest,” Soe was quoted as saying. Suu Kyi is on trial in the capital Naypyitaw over charges that include illegal importation and possession of walkie-talkie radios and violating coronavirus protocols. She is also facing charges in a separate case of accepting bribes and violating a state secrets law Her lawyers reject all of the allegations. Khin Maung Zaw, who is leading her legal team, said Aung San Suu Kyi could not take the stand on Monday and the judge consented to her absence. “She seemed to be ill, sneezing and said she was drowsy. Therefore, the lawyers talked only briefly with her,” he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Myanmar’s Suu Kyi skips court hearing citing ‘dizziness’

A&nbsp;British&nbsp;teenager accused of faking a gang&nbsp;rape&nbsp;allegation was given a&nbsp;suspended&nbsp;sentence by a court in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-in-apparent-stumble-calls-israel-a-nuclear-power-272310">Cyprus</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday in a case that prompted a rare rebuke from Britain and protests from activists who say she did not get a fair&nbsp;trial.

The 19-year-old says she was coerced by police into dropping a complaint that she was&nbsp;raped by a group of Israeli youths in the holiday resort of Ayia Napa in July. She was convicted on December&nbsp;30 of public mischief over the withdrawn&nbsp;rape&nbsp;report.

Dressed in black and standing silently before the judge in a packed courtroom, the woman, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, was sentenced to four months in&nbsp;jail,&nbsp;suspended&nbsp;for three years.

Raising his voice over chants from supporters of the woman outside, Judge Michalis Papathanasiou said the sentence took into account her age, clean criminal record and remorse, and that he was giving her a "second chance".

"All mitigating factors were taken into account but it does not negate the seriousness of the offense," Papathanasiou said, noting that 12 individuals had been briefly detained on the basis of her accusation.

Police ordered window blinds in the courtroom to be pulled down to block the sight of about 150 protesters who shouted slogans like "Blaming the victim is the second&nbsp;rape" and "Cyprus&nbsp;justice, shame on you".

<img alt="Activists take part in a demonstration outside the Famagusta courthouse in Paralimni, Cyprus" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="eadefbad-1871-4d74-b66d-4af82c74b59b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2817%29_2.jpg" /> 
[Activists take part in a demonstration to support the british teen outside the Famagusta courthouse in Paralimni, Cyprus (Courtesy: Reuters)]

"We are here to raise social awareness of&nbsp;rape. There is no justice here," said Dana Salmon, one of almost 60 activists from Israel who had flown in to support the woman.

Lawyers say the woman is suffering from post-traumatic stress and will appeal to clear her name.

"The fight for her innocence will go on regardless," said Lewis Power QC, who was assisting the local defense team.

"We will maintain this young girl was stripped of her dignity and basic human rights."

The woman insists that an assault took place and that she was pressured to withdraw her complaint during overnight questioning from police and with no lawyer present. One defence witness, a former state forensic pathologist, said her injuries were consistent with&nbsp;rape.

The case has shone a harsh spotlight on&nbsp;Cyprus, which is popular with&nbsp;British&nbsp;holidaymakers and prompted calls to boycott the island.

British&nbsp;Foreign Secretary <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-boris-johnson-exclaimed-with-f-word-in-reaction-to-soleimanis-killing-in-us-airstrikes-272225">Dominic Raab</a>, who has expressed "very serious concerns" about the woman's treatment, said he was relieved she would be returning home after being barred from leaving the island.

"We will be following up on some of the issues in relation to the case, I spoke to the Cypriot foreign minister about that," he said, adding there was no immediate plan to change the travel advice to&nbsp;Cyprus&nbsp;for Britons.

Twelve Israeli youths who were detained for questioning were swiftly released after the woman recanted her accusation. They were not required to give any evidence at the woman's&nbsp;trial.

Cypriot newspapers have reported that President Nicos Anastasiades might pardon the woman, although a senior government source told reporters that was premature.

Lawyers for the woman say they will press ahead with an appeal because a pardon would not expunge her criminal record.

A British teenager accused of faking a gang rape allegation was given a suspended sentence by a court in Cyprus on Tuesday in a case that prompted a rare rebuke from Britain and protests from activists who say she did not get a fair trial.

A British teenager accused of faking a gang rape allegation was given a suspended sentence by a court in Cyprus on Tuesday in a case that prompted a rare rebuke from Britain and protests from activists who say she did not get a fair trial. The 19-year-old says she was coerced by police into dropping a complaint that she was raped by a group of Israeli youths in the holiday resort of Ayia Napa in July. She was convicted on December 30 of public mischief over the withdrawn rape report. Dressed in black and standing silently before the judge in a packed courtroom, the woman, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, was sentenced to four months in jail, suspended for three years. Raising his voice over chants from supporters of the woman outside, Judge Michalis Papathanasiou said the sentence took into account her age, clean criminal record and remorse, and that he was giving her a "second chance". "All mitigating factors were taken into account but it does not negate the seriousness of the offense," Papathanasiou said, noting that 12 individuals had been briefly detained on the basis of her accusation. Police ordered window blinds in the courtroom to be pulled down to block the sight of about 150 protesters who shouted slogans like "Blaming the victim is the second rape" and "Cyprus justice, shame on you". [Activists take part in a demonstration to support the british teen outside the Famagusta courthouse in Paralimni, Cyprus (Courtesy: Reuters)] "We are here to raise social awareness of rape. There is no justice here," said Dana Salmon, one of almost 60 activists from Israel who had flown in to support the woman. Lawyers say the woman is suffering from post-traumatic stress and will appeal to clear her name. "The fight for her innocence will go on regardless," said Lewis Power QC, who was assisting the local defense team. "We will maintain this young girl was stripped of her dignity and basic human rights." The woman insists that an assault took place and that she was pressured to withdraw her complaint during overnight questioning from police and with no lawyer present. One defence witness, a former state forensic pathologist, said her injuries were consistent with rape. The case has shone a harsh spotlight on Cyprus, which is popular with British holidaymakers and prompted calls to boycott the island. British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, who has expressed "very serious concerns" about the woman's treatment, said he was relieved she would be returning home after being barred from leaving the island. "We will be following up on some of the issues in relation to the case, I spoke to the Cypriot foreign minister about that," he said, adding there was no immediate plan to change the travel advice to Cyprus for Britons. Twelve Israeli youths who were detained for questioning were swiftly released after the woman recanted her accusation. They were not required to give any evidence at the woman's trial. Cypriot newspapers have reported that President Nicos Anastasiades might pardon the woman, although a senior government source told reporters that was premature. Lawyers for the woman say they will press ahead with an appeal because a pardon would not expunge her criminal record.

UK teen in Cyprus gang rape case handed four-month suspended jail sentence

A Slovak businessman and three others appeared in court for the first time on Thursday to face charges over the murder of an investigative journalist and his fiancée, a case that triggered mass protests against corruption.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-of-slovaks-protest-government-despite-new-pm-36123">Jan Kuciak and Martina Kusnirova</a>, both 27, were gunned down in their house outside the capital Bratislava in 2018.

As she arrived in court, Kusnirova's mother demanded that Kuciak's unfinished investigations be resolved.

Prosecutors say entrepreneur <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/slovakia-set-to-elect-anti-graft-lawyer-as-first-female-president-206871">Marian Kocner</a>, a subject of Kuciak’s reporting on fraud cases involving politically connected businessmen, had contracted his killing.

The murders stoked public anger over perceived corruption in Slovakia, forcing Prime Minister Robert to resign. His Smer party faces a tight election on February 29.

The case is a test of Slovak police and judicial independence given that the investigation exposed business and personal links between Kocner and police and public officials.

"We will be satisfied only when all the cases Jan wrote about are solved. Then their deaths will make at least some sense. It’s not enough to convict the murderers," Zlatica Kusnirova told reporters as she entered the Special Criminal Court in Pezinok near the capital Bratislava.

At Thursday's hearing judges will either set the date for the trial or ask prosecutors to submit more evidence.

Guards in balaclavas and bearing automatic rifles led the handcuffed defendants into a courtroom.

At the start of the hearing, the prosecutor and all defendants including two men who allegedly carried out the murder and a woman accused of being an intermediary said no when asked by the judge if they wanted a deal for a reduced sentence in exchange for confession.

Alena Zsuzsova, who prosecutors say was an intermediary, said: "I am not interested, I am innocent."

All face up to life in prison if convicted.

The court may impose a reduced sentence if they confess during the main trial. Slovak media and Kuciak's family lawyer have said one the defendants had admitted during the investigation to be the shooter.

A fifth man has confessed to facilitating the killing and has made a plea deal with prosecutors to act as a witness.

Prosecutors said in August they had extracted tens of thousands of messages from Kocner’s phone containing communication with "representatives of state bodies and the justice system".

The revelations caused several senior officials to resign. Slovakia's former chief prosecutor was charged with abuse of power in a case also involving Kocner.

A Slovak businessman and three others appeared in court for the first time on Thursday to face charges over the murder of an investigative journalist and his fiancée, a case that triggered mass protests against corruption.

A Slovak businessman and three others appeared in court for the first time on Thursday to face charges over the murder of an investigative journalist and his fiancée, a case that triggered mass protests against corruption. Jan Kuciak and Martina Kusnirova, both 27, were gunned down in their house outside the capital Bratislava in 2018. As she arrived in court, Kusnirova's mother demanded that Kuciak's unfinished investigations be resolved. Prosecutors say entrepreneur Marian Kocner, a subject of Kuciak’s reporting on fraud cases involving politically connected businessmen, had contracted his killing. The murders stoked public anger over perceived corruption in Slovakia, forcing Prime Minister Robert to resign. His Smer party faces a tight election on February 29. The case is a test of Slovak police and judicial independence given that the investigation exposed business and personal links between Kocner and police and public officials. "We will be satisfied only when all the cases Jan wrote about are solved. Then their deaths will make at least some sense. It’s not enough to convict the murderers," Zlatica Kusnirova told reporters as she entered the Special Criminal Court in Pezinok near the capital Bratislava. At Thursday's hearing judges will either set the date for the trial or ask prosecutors to submit more evidence. Guards in balaclavas and bearing automatic rifles led the handcuffed defendants into a courtroom. At the start of the hearing, the prosecutor and all defendants including two men who allegedly carried out the murder and a woman accused of being an intermediary said no when asked by the judge if they wanted a deal for a reduced sentence in exchange for confession. Alena Zsuzsova, who prosecutors say was an intermediary, said: "I am not interested, I am innocent." All face up to life in prison if convicted. The court may impose a reduced sentence if they confess during the main trial. Slovak media and Kuciak's family lawyer have said one the defendants had admitted during the investigation to be the shooter. A fifth man has confessed to facilitating the killing and has made a plea deal with prosecutors to act as a witness. Prosecutors said in August they had extracted tens of thousands of messages from Kocner’s phone containing communication with "representatives of state bodies and the justice system". The revelations caused several senior officials to resign. Slovakia's former chief prosecutor was charged with abuse of power in a case also involving Kocner.

Four tried in Slovak journalist's killing reject deal

&nbsp;A sessions court here has issued non-bailable warrants against two Pakistan Army officials - Major Abdul Rehman Pasha and Major Iqbal - in connection with the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case.

While Major Pasha has retired, the prosecution believes Major Iqbal is still serving as an ISI official in Pakistan, as disclosed by US-born Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist David Coleman Headley, an approver in the case here.

Both Major Iqbal and Major Pasha are shown as wanted accused in the charge sheet filed by the city police's crime branch in the case.

Additional Sessions Judge S V Yarlagadda on January 21 allowed an application filed by special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam.

The application was filed before the court which is presently conducting a trial against alleged LeT operative Sayyed Zabiuddin Ansari alias Abu Jundal in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case.

Nikam said in the application that the role of the two Pakistani Army officials was revealed further during the testimony of Headley on the conspiracy hatched in the case.

Headley, who is presently lodged in a US jail, turned approver in the case and his testimony was recorded via video conference in 2016.

"David Headley's testimony has vindicated the stand of India that the terror attacks of November 26, 2008, were not only sponsored by militant groups of Pakistan but were, in fact, actively supported by Pakistan Army officials," Nikam told PTI.

Judge Yarlagadda, after perusing the application, supplementary charge sheet filed by the crime branch and hearing brief arguments from Nikam, said he was allowing the application.

"The application filed by the prosecution for the issuance of non-bailable warrant against the two persons (Pasha and Iqbal) is allowed. These two persons are shown as wanted suspects. The approver, David Headley, has named them in his evidence," the court said.

"Hence, issue non-bailable warrants against both the accused persons," the court ordered and posted the matter for further hearing on February 6.

Headley in his testimony before the court here had claimed that during the conspiracy to commit the terror attacks in Mumbai, Major Iqbal and Major Pasha were present in the meetings during which targets were selected. 
LeT operatives Sajeed Mir, Abu Kaahfa and Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi were also present in the meetings, Headley had said.

Nikam said Headley's oral testimony is not the only evidence against these two persons (Pasha and Iqbal) and that the prosecution also has in its possession corroborative documentary evidence.

Headley had visited Mumbai in September 2006 and informed Major Iqbal about his surveillance of Hotel Taj in south Mumbai and on his return to Pakistan, he had handed over photographs and videos of the same.

He also said that Major Iqbal gave him USD 25,000 to do intelligence work in India.

Headley further claimed that Major Iqbal had asked him to also get classified information about Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) here and of political party Shiv Sena's office, 'Sena Bhawan', located in central Mumbai.

He said he had also received Rs 80,000 from Major Pasha for carrying out surveillance work in India.

According to Nikam, Headley had been in regular contact with Major Pasha during the course of the conspiracy, planning and execution of the attack.

"It is pertinent to note that Headley in his testimony had said Pasha wanted the National Defence College in New Delhi also to be included in the target list and had, in fact, told Headley that if the attack on the army college was successful then they would be able to kill more brigadiers and generals than they have in the past," Nikam said.

On November 26, 2008, 10 Pakistani terrorists arrived by sea route and opened fire indiscriminately, killing 166 people, including 18 security personnel, and injuring several others, besides damaging property worth crores.

The attacks lasted three days. The places that were attacked included south Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus railway station, the Taj Hotel, the Trident Hotel, Cafe Leopold and Chabad House.

While nine of the terrorists were killed during the siege, Ajmal Kasab was caught alive by Mumbai Police and later awarded death sentence.

A sessions court here has issued non-bailable warrants against two Pakistan Army officials - Major Abdul Rehman Pasha and Major Iqbal - in connection with the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case.

A sessions court here has issued non-bailable warrants against two Pakistan Army officials - Major Abdul Rehman Pasha and Major Iqbal - in connection with the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case. While Major Pasha has retired, the prosecution believes Major Iqbal is still serving as an ISI official in Pakistan, as disclosed by US-born Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist David Coleman Headley, an approver in the case here. Both Major Iqbal and Major Pasha are shown as wanted accused in the charge sheet filed by the city police's crime branch in the case. Additional Sessions Judge S V Yarlagadda on January 21 allowed an application filed by special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam. The application was filed before the court which is presently conducting a trial against alleged LeT operative Sayyed Zabiuddin Ansari alias Abu Jundal in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case. Nikam said in the application that the role of the two Pakistani Army officials was revealed further during the testimony of Headley on the conspiracy hatched in the case. Headley, who is presently lodged in a US jail, turned approver in the case and his testimony was recorded via video conference in 2016. "David Headley's testimony has vindicated the stand of India that the terror attacks of November 26, 2008, were not only sponsored by militant groups of Pakistan but were, in fact, actively supported by Pakistan Army officials," Nikam told PTI. Judge Yarlagadda, after perusing the application, supplementary charge sheet filed by the crime branch and hearing brief arguments from Nikam, said he was allowing the application. "The application filed by the prosecution for the issuance of non-bailable warrant against the two persons (Pasha and Iqbal) is allowed. These two persons are shown as wanted suspects. The approver, David Headley, has named them in his evidence," the court said. "Hence, issue non-bailable warrants against both the accused persons," the court ordered and posted the matter for further hearing on February 6. Headley in his testimony before the court here had claimed that during the conspiracy to commit the terror attacks in Mumbai, Major Iqbal and Major Pasha were present in the meetings during which targets were selected. LeT operatives Sajeed Mir, Abu Kaahfa and Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi were also present in the meetings, Headley had said. Nikam said Headley's oral testimony is not the only evidence against these two persons (Pasha and Iqbal) and that the prosecution also has in its possession corroborative documentary evidence. Headley had visited Mumbai in September 2006 and informed Major Iqbal about his surveillance of Hotel Taj in south Mumbai and on his return to Pakistan, he had handed over photographs and videos of the same. He also said that Major Iqbal gave him USD 25,000 to do intelligence work in India. Headley further claimed that Major Iqbal had asked him to also get classified information about Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) here and of political party Shiv Sena's office, 'Sena Bhawan', located in central Mumbai. He said he had also received Rs 80,000 from Major Pasha for carrying out surveillance work in India. According to Nikam, Headley had been in regular contact with Major Pasha during the course of the conspiracy, planning and execution of the attack. "It is pertinent to note that Headley in his testimony had said Pasha wanted the National Defence College in New Delhi also to be included in the target list and had, in fact, told Headley that if the attack on the army college was successful then they would be able to kill more brigadiers and generals than they have in the past," Nikam said. On November 26, 2008, 10 Pakistani terrorists arrived by sea route and opened fire indiscriminately, killing 166 people, including 18 security personnel, and injuring several others, besides damaging property worth crores. The attacks lasted three days. The places that were attacked included south Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus railway station, the Taj Hotel, the Trident Hotel, Cafe Leopold and Chabad House. While nine of the terrorists were killed during the siege, Ajmal Kasab was caught alive by Mumbai Police and later awarded death sentence.

26/11 Mumbai terror attack case: Court issues NBW against two Pakistan Army officials

US President Donald Trump put responsibility for raising the age limits on gun purchases to the courts and US states on Monday, saying he would wait for judicial rulings before acting.

&quot;On 18 to 21 Age Limits, watching court cases and rulings before acting. States are making this decision. Things are moving rapidly on this, but not much political support (to put it mildly),&quot; he wrote on Twitter.&nbsp;

The proposal to raise the minimum age for buying guns from 18 to 21 was not part of a modest set of gun safety proposals announced on Sunday night by Trump administration officials, which included training teachers to carry guns in schools and improving background checks.

Trump has said he believes armed teachers would deter school shootings and better protect students when they happen. The idea, already in place in some states, is backed by the National Rifle Association gun lobby.

The Republican president, who championed gun rights during his 2016 campaign, vowed to take action to prevent school shootings after a gunman killed 17 students and faculty at a high school in Parkland, Florida, on February 14.

The modest fixes proposed by the White House stepped back from some of the more sweeping changes Trump had considered after the latest school shooting.

"On 18 to 21 Age Limits, watching court cases and rulings before acting. States are making this decision. Things are moving rapidly on this, but not much political support (to put it mildly)," he wrote on Twitter.

US President Donald Trump put responsibility for raising the age limits on gun purchases to the courts and US states on Monday, saying he would wait for judicial rulings before acting. "On 18 to 21 Age Limits, watching court cases and rulings before acting. States are making this decision. Things are moving rapidly on this, but not much political support (to put it mildly)," he wrote on Twitter. The proposal to raise the minimum age for buying guns from 18 to 21 was not part of a modest set of gun safety proposals announced on Sunday night by Trump administration officials, which included training teachers to carry guns in schools and improving background checks. Trump has said he believes armed teachers would deter school shootings and better protect students when they happen. The idea, already in place in some states, is backed by the National Rifle Association gun lobby. The Republican president, who championed gun rights during his 2016 campaign, vowed to take action to prevent school shootings after a gunman killed 17 students and faculty at a high school in Parkland, Florida, on February 14. The modest fixes proposed by the White House stepped back from some of the more sweeping changes Trump had considered after the latest school shooting.

Trump says watching courts before acting on gun age limits

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