Sweden on Monday (June 12) agreed to the extradition of a man who was convicted of drug trafficking and is a self-proclaimed supporter of the pro-Kurdish PKK. This also comes ahead of a meeting with Turkish and Swedish officials over the latter's stalled NATO bid. Earlier this month, Sweden even agreed to establish temporary NATO bases on its soil before becoming a member of the military alliance.&nbsp;

<h2>Who is the man being extradited to Turkey?</h2>

A Swedish Justice Ministry official, Ashraf Ahmed, told AFP that the government has granted “an extradition from Sweden regarding a 35-year-old Turkish citizen.” This also comes after the Supreme Court, earlier this year cleared the individual’s repatriation to Turkey, where he is also expected to serve the rest of his drug trafficking sentence.

The man, whose extradition was approved, had been sentenced in 2014 to four years and seven months in a Turkish prison for transporting a bag of cannabis. However, he was later released on parole and moved to Sweden, but was again reported arrested last year after a request from Turkish prosecutors.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sweden-cannot-accept-some-demands-of-turkiye-for-nato-membership-pm-550526">Sweden cannot accept some demands of Turkiye for NATO membership: PM</a>

The convicted drug trafficker who has not been named has since opposed the move and claimed that the real reason that Turkey wants him back is due to his links to the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) and for having shown support for the PKK, reported AFP.&nbsp;

Notably, the news agency cited the court ruling against the man which noted that when asked the Turkish prosecutors if he was involved in any ongoing probes or charges linked to a “terrorist organisation” or “insulting the Turkish president,” the authorities from Ankara had denied.&nbsp;

<h2>How is this related to Sweden’s NATO bid?</h2>

Turkey has stalled Sweden’s NATO bid for months now while accusing the country of being a haven for “terrorists.” This was also in reference to the members of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, a group which has now been banned by Turkey.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sweden-awaits-turkiyes-approval-to-join-nato-550578">Sweden awaits Turkiye's approval to join NATO</a>

Additionally, Ankara has asked Stockholm to crack down on extremist groups and return dozens of people Turkey believes were involved in a failed 2016 coup and the decades-long Kurdish fight for an independent state.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said they wouldn’t support Sweden for NATO membership this was after the Quran-burning incident in the Scandinavian nation.&nbsp;

The incident in question took place in January when right-wing politician Rasmus Paludan, staged an event reportedly gave an hour-long speech against Islam and immigration and subsequently set fire to Islam’s holy book, Quran, outside the Turkish embassy in Stockholm.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-politician-burns-quran-during-protests-in-sweden-draws-condemnation-from-turkiye-554853/#ankaras-strong-condemnation-554864">In pics | Politician burns Quran during protests in Sweden draws condemnation from Turkiye</a>

The move had drawn strong condemnation from Ankara. Notably, Turkey, at the time was also facing pressure from NATO chief <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sweden-has-fulfilled-obligations-for-membership-says-nato-chief-to-erdogan-600473">Jens Stoltenberg</a> to give up its opposition to Sweden’s bid to become a member of the military alliance.&nbsp;

The ratification of any nation to join NATO requires a unanimous vote while Sweden’s bid has been blocked by Turkey and Hungary. Sweden and Finland applied last year to join NATO as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and while Helsinki’s bid was accepted back in April Stockholm continues to struggle.&nbsp;

<h2>NATO to establish bases in Sweden?</h2>

There is a chance that NATO will set up bases in Sweden before the country is even a part of the alliance, “The government has decided that the Swedish Armed Forces may undertake preparations with NATO and NATO countries to enable future joint operations,” said Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Defence Minister Pal Jonson, last week.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/swedens-nato-membership-bid-gets-another-jolt-after-quran-burning-incident-outraged-turkey-555120">'Won't support Sweden's NATO membership', says Turkish President Erdogan</a>

In an opinion piece in the daily Dagens Nyheter, they also wrote, “The preparations may consist of temporary basing of foreign equipment and personnel on Swedish territory. The decision sends a clear signal to Russia and strengthens Sweden's defence.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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Sweden on Monday (June 12) agreed to the extradition of a man who was convicted of drug trafficking and is a self-proclaimed supporter of the pro-Kurdish PKK. This also comes ahead of a meeting with Turkish and Swedish officials over the latter's stalled NATO bid.

Sweden on Monday (June 12) agreed to the extradition of a man who was convicted of drug trafficking and is a self-proclaimed supporter of the pro-Kurdish PKK. This also comes ahead of a meeting with Turkish and Swedish officials over the latter's stalled NATO bid. Earlier this month, Sweden even agreed to establish temporary NATO bases on its soil before becoming a member of the military alliance. Who is the man being extradited to Turkey? A Swedish Justice Ministry official, Ashraf Ahmed, told AFP that the government has granted “an extradition from Sweden regarding a 35-year-old Turkish citizen.” This also comes after the Supreme Court, earlier this year cleared the individual’s repatriation to Turkey, where he is also expected to serve the rest of his drug trafficking sentence. The man, whose extradition was approved, had been sentenced in 2014 to four years and seven months in a Turkish prison for transporting a bag of cannabis. However, he was later released on parole and moved to Sweden, but was again reported arrested last year after a request from Turkish prosecutors. ALSO READ | Sweden cannot accept some demands of Turkiye for NATO membership: PM The convicted drug trafficker who has not been named has since opposed the move and claimed that the real reason that Turkey wants him back is due to his links to the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) and for having shown support for the PKK, reported AFP. Notably, the news agency cited the court ruling against the man which noted that when asked the Turkish prosecutors if he was involved in any ongoing probes or charges linked to a “terrorist organisation” or “insulting the Turkish president,” the authorities from Ankara had denied. How is this related to Sweden’s NATO bid? Turkey has stalled Sweden’s NATO bid for months now while accusing the country of being a haven for “terrorists.” This was also in reference to the members of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, a group which has now been banned by Turkey. ALSO WATCH | Sweden awaits Turkiye's approval to join NATO Additionally, Ankara has asked Stockholm to crack down on extremist groups and return dozens of people Turkey believes were involved in a failed 2016 coup and the decades-long Kurdish fight for an independent state. Earlier this year, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said they wouldn’t support Sweden for NATO membership this was after the Quran-burning incident in the Scandinavian nation. The incident in question took place in January when right-wing politician Rasmus Paludan, staged an event reportedly gave an hour-long speech against Islam and immigration and subsequently set fire to Islam’s holy book, Quran, outside the Turkish embassy in Stockholm. ALSO READ | In pics | Politician burns Quran during protests in Sweden draws condemnation from Turkiye The move had drawn strong condemnation from Ankara. Notably, Turkey, at the time was also facing pressure from NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg to give up its opposition to Sweden’s bid to become a member of the military alliance. The ratification of any nation to join NATO requires a unanimous vote while Sweden’s bid has been blocked by Turkey and Hungary. Sweden and Finland applied last year to join NATO as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and while Helsinki’s bid was accepted back in April Stockholm continues to struggle. NATO to establish bases in Sweden? There is a chance that NATO will set up bases in Sweden before the country is even a part of the alliance, “The government has decided that the Swedish Armed Forces may undertake preparations with NATO and NATO countries to enable future joint operations,” said Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Defence Minister Pal Jonson, last week. ALSO READ | 'Won't support Sweden's NATO membership', says Turkish President Erdogan In an opinion piece in the daily Dagens Nyheter, they also wrote, “The preparations may consist of temporary basing of foreign equipment and personnel on Swedish territory. The decision sends a clear signal to Russia and strengthens Sweden's defence.” (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.

Amid NATO membership bid, Sweden agrees to extradite pro-Kurdish PKK supporter to Turkey

Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, has been unsuccessful in his latest attempt to prevent extradition from Britain to the United States, as per media reports. However, Assange's partner, Stella Assange, has stated that there will be a hearing next week where he will appeal against the extradition ruling.&nbsp;

In a tweet, Stella said a renewed appeal will be filed on Tuesday next week when the matter will then proceed to a public hearing before two new judges at the High Court.

"We remain optimistic that we will prevail and that Julian will not be extradited to the United States where he faces charges that could result in him spending the rest of his life in a maximum security prison for publishing true information that revealed war crimes committed by the US government," she added.&nbsp;

The US authorities have filed 18 charges against Assange related to the disclosure of confidential US military records and diplomatic cables by WikiLeaks.&nbsp;

<h2>UK govt approved extradition&nbsp;</h2>

The British government has approved his extradition, and a judge at London's High Court has determined that Assange has no legal basis to challenge this decision.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iowa-minor-tries-to-rent-hitman-to-kill-child-gets-caught-on-parody-site-602549">Iowa: Minor tries to rent hitman to kill child, gets caught on parody site</a>

Assange's wife remains hopeful that she will succeed in preventing his extradition to the US&nbsp;where he could face severe penalties for publishing information that exposed US government war crimes.&nbsp;

<h2>Julian Assange's health concerns&nbsp;</h2>

Previously, in January 2021, a British judge ruled against Assange's extradition due to concerns about his mental health and the risk of suicide if he were held in a high-security prison.&nbsp;

Nonetheless, this decision was overturned after an appeal by US authorities who offered assurances, which included the possibility of Assange's transfer to Australia to serve any sentence.&nbsp;

However, this was severely criticised by Assange's wife who called US assurances “grossly misleading" adding it is “a formula to keep Julian in prison effectively for the rest of his life”.

The extradition was officially approved by the former British interior minister Priti Patel in June last year.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deserted-dystopia-chinese-city-evacuated-after-cracks-appear-near-high-rises-602506">Deserted dystopia: Chinese city evacuated after cracks appear near high-rises</a>

WikiLeaks gained prominence in 2010 when it released a massive trove of classified files and diplomatic cables, marking the largest security breach of its kind in US military history.

<h2>International calls over Assange's extradition&nbsp;</h2>

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese earlier called on the US to seek a diplomatic resolution to Julian Assange's ongoing incarceration and also expressed concerns over the health of the &nbsp;51-year-old.

Watch | Sunak-Biden Meet: 'Atlantic declaration' seen as a counter to Russia and China

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Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva also called for Assange's release. “It is an embarrassment that a journalist who denounced trickery by one state against another is arrested, condemned to die in jail and we do nothing to free him. It’s a crazy thing,” Lula told media personnel in May.&nbsp;

“We talk about freedom of expression; the guy is in prison because he denounced wrongdoing. And the press doesn’t do anything in defence of this journalist. I can’t understand it," he added.&nbsp;

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Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, has been unsuccessful in his latest attempt to prevent extradition from Britain to the United States, as per media reports.

Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, has been unsuccessful in his latest attempt to prevent extradition from Britain to the United States, as per media reports. However, Assange's partner, Stella Assange, has stated that there will be a hearing next week where he will appeal against the extradition ruling. In a tweet, Stella said a renewed appeal will be filed on Tuesday next week when the matter will then proceed to a public hearing before two new judges at the High Court. "We remain optimistic that we will prevail and that Julian will not be extradited to the United States where he faces charges that could result in him spending the rest of his life in a maximum security prison for publishing true information that revealed war crimes committed by the US government," she added. The US authorities have filed 18 charges against Assange related to the disclosure of confidential US military records and diplomatic cables by WikiLeaks. UK govt approved extradition The British government has approved his extradition, and a judge at London's High Court has determined that Assange has no legal basis to challenge this decision. Also Read | Iowa: Minor tries to rent hitman to kill child, gets caught on parody site Assange's wife remains hopeful that she will succeed in preventing his extradition to the US where he could face severe penalties for publishing information that exposed US government war crimes. Julian Assange's health concerns Previously, in January 2021, a British judge ruled against Assange's extradition due to concerns about his mental health and the risk of suicide if he were held in a high-security prison. Nonetheless, this decision was overturned after an appeal by US authorities who offered assurances, which included the possibility of Assange's transfer to Australia to serve any sentence. However, this was severely criticised by Assange's wife who called US assurances “grossly misleading" adding it is “a formula to keep Julian in prison effectively for the rest of his life”. The extradition was officially approved by the former British interior minister Priti Patel in June last year. Also Read | Deserted dystopia: Chinese city evacuated after cracks appear near high-rises WikiLeaks gained prominence in 2010 when it released a massive trove of classified files and diplomatic cables, marking the largest security breach of its kind in US military history. International calls over Assange's extradition Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese earlier called on the US to seek a diplomatic resolution to Julian Assange's ongoing incarceration and also expressed concerns over the health of the 51-year-old. Watch | Sunak-Biden Meet: 'Atlantic declaration' seen as a counter to Russia and China × Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva also called for Assange's release. “It is an embarrassment that a journalist who denounced trickery by one state against another is arrested, condemned to die in jail and we do nothing to free him. It’s a crazy thing,” Lula told media personnel in May. “We talk about freedom of expression; the guy is in prison because he denounced wrongdoing. And the press doesn’t do anything in defence of this journalist. I can’t understand it," he added. 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. ×

Julian Assange to renew appeal after failed US extradition challenge

Pakistani-origin Canadian businessman and terror suspect&nbsp;Tahawwur Rana&nbsp;has filed a plea challenging a recent US court order that approved&nbsp;his extradition to India where he is facing trial for his involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks that led to the killing of 166 people, including six Americans.

Filing the writ of habeas corpus through his lawyer, Rana, 62, has challenged his extradition by the Government of India.

<h2>Rana claims order violates US-India extradition treaty</h2>

Rana's lawyers have argued that his extradition would violate the United States-India extradition treaty in multiple aspects. They say Rana has&nbsp;been tried and acquitted in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on charges of similar conduct for which India seeks to prosecute him.

They've argued that extradition is therefore barred under Article 6(1) of the Treaty, which declares that "[e]xtradition shall not be granted when the person sought has been convicted or acquitted in the Requested State for the offence for which extradition is requested."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-court-approves-extradition-of-2611-attack-accused-tahawwur-rana-to-india-593456">US court approves extradition of 26/11 attack accused Tahawwur Rana to India</a>

On June 10, 2020, India filed a complaint seeking the provisional arrest of Rana with a view towards extradition. The Biden administration had supported and approved the extradition of Rana to India.

“The Court has reviewed and considered all of the documents submitted in support of and in opposition to the Request, and has considered the arguments presented at the hearing,” Judge Jacqueline Chooljian, US Magistrate Judge of the US District Court Central District of California, said in a 48-page court order dated May 16, 2023.

<h2>Rana knew of David Headley’s complicity in 26/11 attacks</h2>

During court hearings, the US Government lawyers stated that Rana was aware that his childhood friend Pakistani-American David Coleman Headley was involved with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Rana still assisted&nbsp;Headley and provided him cover for his activities. Thereby,&nbsp;he was supporting the terrorist organisation and its associates.

Rana knew of Headley's meetings, what was discussed, and the planning of the attacks, including some of the targets.

The US government asserted that Rana was part of the conspiracy and there is probable cause that he committed the substantive crime of commission of a terrorist act.

Also read |&nbsp;US court allows extradition of 26/11 accused Tahawwur Rana to India

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Rana is currently detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles, United States.

Rana was arrested in the US on an extradition request by India for his role in these attacks.

India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) is probing his role in the 26/11 attacks carried out by Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists in 2008. The NIA has said that it is ready to initiate proceedings to bring him to India through diplomatic channels.

A total of 166 people, including six Americans, were killed in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks in which 10 Pakistani terrorists laid a more than 60-hour siege on November 26, 2008.

(With inputs from agencies)

 
 
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Pakistani-origin Canadian businessman and terror suspect Tahawwur Rana has filed a plea challenging a recent US court order that approved his extradition to India where he is facing trial for his involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks that led to the killing of 166 people, including six Americans.

Pakistani-origin Canadian businessman and terror suspect Tahawwur Rana has filed a plea challenging a recent US court order that approved his extradition to India where he is facing trial for his involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks that led to the killing of 166 people, including six Americans. Filing the writ of habeas corpus through his lawyer, Rana, 62, has challenged his extradition by the Government of India. Rana claims order violates US-India extradition treaty Rana's lawyers have argued that his extradition would violate the United States-India extradition treaty in multiple aspects. They say Rana has been tried and acquitted in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on charges of similar conduct for which India seeks to prosecute him. They've argued that extradition is therefore barred under Article 6(1) of the Treaty, which declares that "[e]xtradition shall not be granted when the person sought has been convicted or acquitted in the Requested State for the offence for which extradition is requested." Also read | US court approves extradition of 26/11 attack accused Tahawwur Rana to India On June 10, 2020, India filed a complaint seeking the provisional arrest of Rana with a view towards extradition. The Biden administration had supported and approved the extradition of Rana to India. “The Court has reviewed and considered all of the documents submitted in support of and in opposition to the Request, and has considered the arguments presented at the hearing,” Judge Jacqueline Chooljian, US Magistrate Judge of the US District Court Central District of California, said in a 48-page court order dated May 16, 2023. Rana knew of David Headley’s complicity in 26/11 attacks During court hearings, the US Government lawyers stated that Rana was aware that his childhood friend Pakistani-American David Coleman Headley was involved with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Rana still assisted Headley and provided him cover for his activities. Thereby, he was supporting the terrorist organisation and its associates. Rana knew of Headley's meetings, what was discussed, and the planning of the attacks, including some of the targets. The US government asserted that Rana was part of the conspiracy and there is probable cause that he committed the substantive crime of commission of a terrorist act. Also read | US court allows extradition of 26/11 accused Tahawwur Rana to India × Rana is currently detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles, United States. Rana was arrested in the US on an extradition request by India for his role in these attacks. India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) is probing his role in the 26/11 attacks carried out by Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists in 2008. The NIA has said that it is ready to initiate proceedings to bring him to India through diplomatic channels. A total of 166 people, including six Americans, were killed in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks in which 10 Pakistani terrorists laid a more than 60-hour siege on November 26, 2008. (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.

US: Mumbai 26/11 attack accused Tahawwur Rana challenges order of his extradition to India

An Indian citizen has been arrested in Britain by Scotland Yard for allegedly funding the banned terrorist outfit Hezbollah. The nabbed individual has been identified as 66-year-old&nbsp;Sundar Nagarajan and hailed from Madurai, a district in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

According to a statement released by the Metropolitan Police, Nagarajan, also known as&nbsp;&nbsp;Kasiviswanathan Naga and Nagarajan Sundar Poongulam was presented before the court where he was denied bail.

"Sundar Nagarajan, (27.08.57) of Hayes UB3, was taken into police custody before appearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court this afternoon for commencement of extradition proceedings," read the statement, adding that he is scheduled to appear for the next court hearing on April 25.&nbsp;

Nagarajan was arrested in West London by the officers from the National Extradition Unit,&nbsp;following an international arrest warrant. He could be extradited to the US where he faces charges of laundering money and supplying it to&nbsp;Hezbollah.&nbsp;

His arrest came hot on the heels of&nbsp;Met’s Counter Terrorism Command arresting&nbsp;one Nazem Ahmad - a wealthy art collector, accused of terrorist financing and money laundering. According to reports,&nbsp;Nagarajan was Ahmad's international accountant and used numerous companies as a front to launder money for the terror organisation.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/war-games-netanyahu-warns-iran-hezbollah-of-red-lines-on-lebanon-border-551434">ALSO READ |&nbsp;War games: Netanyahu warns Iran, Hezbollah of ‘red lines’ on Lebanon border</a>

"Today's arrests are the result of ongoing work and cooperation with our American colleagues, and are a key milestone in what is a complex investigation into terrorist financing," said Detective Chief Superintendent Gareth Rees, of the Met's Counter Terrorism Command.&nbsp;

"With our international partners, we will never give up on our mission to disrupt terrorist activity, both in the UK and abroad, in order to keep the public safe," he added.&nbsp;

<h2>What is Hezbollah?</h2>

Notably,&nbsp;Hezbollah is a Shia terror outfit, majorly operating in Lebanon, backed by Iran which the Conservative government in the UK&nbsp;classified as a terrorist organisation in 2019.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hezbollah-fires-over-36-rockets-after-israel-storms-al-aqsa-mosque-world-at-war-581461">WATCH |&nbsp;Hezbollah fires over 36 rockets after Israel storms Al-Aqsa mosque | World at War</a>

The group came into existence during the 15-year Lebanese Civil War and has been waging a war against Israel. Meanwhile, the Western nations do not have any particular affinity towards Hezbollah either.&nbsp;

Apart from the UK, Hezbollah has been proscribed in&nbsp;Canada, Germany, Britain, Argentina, Honduras, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Kuwait.

(With inputs from agencies)

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An Indian citizen has been arrested in Britain by Scotland Yard for allegedly funding the banned terrorist outfit Hezbollah. The nabbed individual has been identified as 66-year-old Sundar Nagarajan and hailed from Madurai, a district in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

An Indian citizen has been arrested in Britain by Scotland Yard for allegedly funding the banned terrorist outfit Hezbollah. The nabbed individual has been identified as 66-year-old Sundar Nagarajan and hailed from Madurai, a district in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. According to a statement released by the Metropolitan Police, Nagarajan, also known as Kasiviswanathan Naga and Nagarajan Sundar Poongulam was presented before the court where he was denied bail. "Sundar Nagarajan, (27.08.57) of Hayes UB3, was taken into police custody before appearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court this afternoon for commencement of extradition proceedings," read the statement, adding that he is scheduled to appear for the next court hearing on April 25. Nagarajan was arrested in West London by the officers from the National Extradition Unit, following an international arrest warrant. He could be extradited to the US where he faces charges of laundering money and supplying it to Hezbollah. His arrest came hot on the heels of Met’s Counter Terrorism Command arresting one Nazem Ahmad - a wealthy art collector, accused of terrorist financing and money laundering. According to reports, Nagarajan was Ahmad's international accountant and used numerous companies as a front to launder money for the terror organisation. ALSO READ | War games: Netanyahu warns Iran, Hezbollah of ‘red lines’ on Lebanon border "Today's arrests are the result of ongoing work and cooperation with our American colleagues, and are a key milestone in what is a complex investigation into terrorist financing," said Detective Chief Superintendent Gareth Rees, of the Met's Counter Terrorism Command. "With our international partners, we will never give up on our mission to disrupt terrorist activity, both in the UK and abroad, in order to keep the public safe," he added. What is Hezbollah? Notably, Hezbollah is a Shia terror outfit, majorly operating in Lebanon, backed by Iran which the Conservative government in the UK classified as a terrorist organisation in 2019. WATCH | Hezbollah fires over 36 rockets after Israel storms Al-Aqsa mosque | World at War The group came into existence during the 15-year Lebanese Civil War and has been waging a war against Israel. Meanwhile, the Western nations do not have any particular affinity towards Hezbollah either. Apart from the UK, Hezbollah has been proscribed in Canada, Germany, Britain, Argentina, Honduras, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Kuwait. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Indian citizen arrested in London for funding Hezbollah, faces extradition

A court in the United States on Wednesday (April 5) rejected an appeal by former Peru president Alejandro Toledo against his extradition to Peru on corruption charges. This makes it likely that he will be the third former leader who will be jailed in Lima. On Wednesday, Peru's Justice Minister Jose Tello said that a California judge had ordered Toledo to turn himself in to US Marshals Service on Friday and await extradition. Toledo's request for bail was revoked.

Toledo, who was president from 2001 to 2006, is wanted over charges that he received more than $25 million from Brazilian construction company Odebrecht in exchange for help in obtaining public works contracts. Prosecutors are seeking a 20-year-and-six-month prison sentence.

Toledo denies soliciting or receiving bribes. He has not been criminally charged&nbsp;in the US.&nbsp;

"Sooner rather than later, Toledo will answer to Peruvian justice," Tello told television station Canal N, adding that his extradition should take place in a "matter of days".

The Peruvian minister said 77-year-old Toledo is expected to be held while he awaits trial in a jail complex in the outskirts of Lima that was built to hold former president Alberto Fujimori. Former president Pedro Castillo is also being held there.

Fujimori, who ruled from 1990 to 2000, is serving a 25-year prison sentence for human rights abuses, while Castillo is being held in pre-trial detention while he is under investigation for alleged rebellion after trying to dissolve Congress in December. He denies wrongdoing.

Toledo's defence has said it will present another appeal in the U.S., according to Tello, who called it an obvious "delaying tactic."

(With inputs from agencies)

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A court in the United States on Wednesday (April 5) rejected an appeal by former Peru president Alejandro Toledo against his extradition to Peru on corruption charges.

A court in the United States on Wednesday (April 5) rejected an appeal by former Peru president Alejandro Toledo against his extradition to Peru on corruption charges. This makes it likely that he will be the third former leader who will be jailed in Lima. On Wednesday, Peru's Justice Minister Jose Tello said that a California judge had ordered Toledo to turn himself in to US Marshals Service on Friday and await extradition. Toledo's request for bail was revoked. Toledo, who was president from 2001 to 2006, is wanted over charges that he received more than $25 million from Brazilian construction company Odebrecht in exchange for help in obtaining public works contracts. Prosecutors are seeking a 20-year-and-six-month prison sentence. Toledo denies soliciting or receiving bribes. He has not been criminally charged in the US. "Sooner rather than later, Toledo will answer to Peruvian justice," Tello told television station Canal N, adding that his extradition should take place in a "matter of days". The Peruvian minister said 77-year-old Toledo is expected to be held while he awaits trial in a jail complex in the outskirts of Lima that was built to hold former president Alberto Fujimori. Former president Pedro Castillo is also being held there. Fujimori, who ruled from 1990 to 2000, is serving a 25-year prison sentence for human rights abuses, while Castillo is being held in pre-trial detention while he is under investigation for alleged rebellion after trying to dissolve Congress in December. He denies wrongdoing. Toledo's defence has said it will present another appeal in the U.S., according to Tello, who called it an obvious "delaying tactic." (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Peru prepares to jail ex-president Toledo as he awaits extradition from US

Hours after Sam Bankman-Fried's lawyer told a Bahamas judge that he was not ready to be extradited to United States, a Reuters report says that the FTX founder has decided to agree to it to face fraud charges.

This sudden turnaround means that the 30-year-old cryptocurrency mogul is to face charges in New York over accusations that he stole billions from FTX customers to plug losses at Alameda Research, his hedge fund before the exchange abruptly collapsed in November.

Read now |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/democrats-to-set-aside-donations-from-ex-ftx-ceo-sam-bankman-fried-543938">Democrats to set aside donations from ex-FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried</a>

But it was not clear when he would depart&nbsp;the Bahamas, where he was arrested on December 12, per a US extradition request. No further court date was set at the conclusion of Monday's hearing. However, his lawyer Mark Cohen and the US Attorney's Office in Manhattan did not immediately respond to requests for comments.

This abrupt decision seemed surprising after his much-publicised appearance on Monday morning before Magistrate Shaka Serville at a court in the capital Nassau and over the weekend where he had decided to reverse his decision to contest extradition.

Read now |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/who-is-sam-bankman-fried-the-former-ftx-ceo-cryptogenius-who-lost-145-billion-in-a-day-533429"> Sam Bankman-Fried, the former FTX CEO charged with defrauding investors: All you need to know</a>

Bankman-Fried rode a boom in the value of bitcoin and other digital assets to become a billionaire several times over and an influential political donor in the United States until FTX collapsed in early November after a wave of withdrawals. The exchange declared bankruptcy on November 11. Though he has in a way acknowledged risk-management failures at FTX, he, however, had declared that he does not believe he has criminal liability.

At his hearing on Monday, he wore a dark blue jacket and an untucked white shirt, a clear departure from the casual attire he had sported during frequent public appearances in the United States and while running FTX from a ritzy corner of Nassau.

A day after his arrest, on December 13, Bankman-Fried was taken to a Bahamas correctional facility.

Watch | FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried is 'ready to face music?'

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After Monday's hearing, his criminal defense lawyer in the Bahamas, Roberts, told the New York Times that his client had agreed to be voluntarily extradited and that he hoped Bankman-Fried would be back in court later this week.

Another lawyer, Krystal Rolle, who has represented Bankman-Fried on non-criminal matters in the Bahamas, also confirmed comments that Roberts had made earlier to local broadcaster Eyewitness News Bahamas that Bankman-Fried would voluntarily waive his right to an extradition hearing.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Hours after Sam Bankman-Fried's lawyer told a Bahamas judge that he was not ready to be extradited to United States, a Reuters report says that the FTX founder has decided to agree to it to face fraud charges.

Hours after Sam Bankman-Fried's lawyer told a Bahamas judge that he was not ready to be extradited to United States, a Reuters report says that the FTX founder has decided to agree to it to face fraud charges. This sudden turnaround means that the 30-year-old cryptocurrency mogul is to face charges in New York over accusations that he stole billions from FTX customers to plug losses at Alameda Research, his hedge fund before the exchange abruptly collapsed in November. Read now | Democrats to set aside donations from ex-FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried But it was not clear when he would depart the Bahamas, where he was arrested on December 12, per a US extradition request. No further court date was set at the conclusion of Monday's hearing. However, his lawyer Mark Cohen and the US Attorney's Office in Manhattan did not immediately respond to requests for comments. This abrupt decision seemed surprising after his much-publicised appearance on Monday morning before Magistrate Shaka Serville at a court in the capital Nassau and over the weekend where he had decided to reverse his decision to contest extradition. Read now | Sam Bankman-Fried, the former FTX CEO charged with defrauding investors: All you need to know Bankman-Fried rode a boom in the value of bitcoin and other digital assets to become a billionaire several times over and an influential political donor in the United States until FTX collapsed in early November after a wave of withdrawals. The exchange declared bankruptcy on November 11. Though he has in a way acknowledged risk-management failures at FTX, he, however, had declared that he does not believe he has criminal liability. At his hearing on Monday, he wore a dark blue jacket and an untucked white shirt, a clear departure from the casual attire he had sported during frequent public appearances in the United States and while running FTX from a ritzy corner of Nassau. A day after his arrest, on December 13, Bankman-Fried was taken to a Bahamas correctional facility. Watch | FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried is 'ready to face music?' After Monday's hearing, his criminal defense lawyer in the Bahamas, Roberts, told the New York Times that his client had agreed to be voluntarily extradited and that he hoped Bankman-Fried would be back in court later this week. Another lawyer, Krystal Rolle, who has represented Bankman-Fried on non-criminal matters in the Bahamas, also confirmed comments that Roberts had made earlier to local broadcaster Eyewitness News Bahamas that Bankman-Fried would voluntarily waive his right to an extradition hearing. (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.

In a turnaround, FTX's Bankman-Fried will reportedly agree to US extradition to face fraud charges

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has left the world divided. For many, he's a man fighting for the truth, for his critics Assange is a criminal who endangered lives; since 2012 Assange has been on a run trying to escape an extradition to the United States.

UK approves US extradition of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange

In a setback to Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, the UK Home Secretary Priti Patel has approved the US government's request to extradite him on charges including one of spying.

The Home Office said the interior minister "must sign an extradition order if there are no grounds to prohibit the (extradition) order being made" and the courts had found none. Assange has 14 days to appeal.

Wikileaks has reacted on the development saying that this&nbsp;was&nbsp;'dark day for press freedom' and UK.

"This is a dark day for Press freedom and for British democracy," the group said in a statement, insisting Assange, 50, "did nothing wrong" and was "being punished for doing his job".

The Home Office said his extradition had now been approved but he could still appeal the decision. WikiLeaks said he would.

"In this case, the UK courts have not found that it would be oppressive, unjust or an abuse of process to extradite Mr Assange," the Home Office said in a statement.

"Nor have they found that extradition would be incompatible with his human rights, including his right to a fair trial and to freedom of expression, and that whilst in the U.S. he will be treated appropriately, including in relation to his health."

Wikileaks hit global headlines when it published millions of secret US diplomatic cables and other communication 2009 onwards.

Assange is wanted in the US&nbsp;on 18 counts, including a spying charge. The US says that leak of diplomatic cables and other records put lives in danger.

Assange's supporters hail him as an anti-establishment hero who is being made a victim. They maintain that Wikileaks has exposed US&nbsp;wrongdoings in Afghanistan and Iraq wars

(With inputs from agencies)

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In a setback to Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, the UK Home Secretary Priti Patel has approved the US government's request to extradite him on charges including one of spying.

In a setback to Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, the UK Home Secretary Priti Patel has approved the US government's request to extradite him on charges including one of spying. The Home Office said the interior minister "must sign an extradition order if there are no grounds to prohibit the (extradition) order being made" and the courts had found none. Assange has 14 days to appeal. Wikileaks has reacted on the development saying that this was 'dark day for press freedom' and UK. "This is a dark day for Press freedom and for British democracy," the group said in a statement, insisting Assange, 50, "did nothing wrong" and was "being punished for doing his job". The Home Office said his extradition had now been approved but he could still appeal the decision. WikiLeaks said he would. "In this case, the UK courts have not found that it would be oppressive, unjust or an abuse of process to extradite Mr Assange," the Home Office said in a statement. "Nor have they found that extradition would be incompatible with his human rights, including his right to a fair trial and to freedom of expression, and that whilst in the U.S. he will be treated appropriately, including in relation to his health." Wikileaks hit global headlines when it published millions of secret US diplomatic cables and other communication 2009 onwards. Assange is wanted in the US on 18 counts, including a spying charge. The US says that leak of diplomatic cables and other records put lives in danger. Assange's supporters hail him as an anti-establishment hero who is being made a victim. They maintain that Wikileaks has exposed US wrongdoings in Afghanistan and Iraq wars (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Julian Assange extradition to US gets green signal from UK

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange one step closer to extradition

Colombian drug trafficker Dairo Usuga, also known as ‘Otoniel’, has been extradited to the United States. Colombian president Ivan Duque took to Twitter to announce the extradition. "I want to reveal that Dairo Antonio Usuga, alias 'Otoniel' has been extradited," Duque tweeted on Wednesday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-woman-pinned-down-as-healthcare-workers-forcibly-conduct-covid-19-test-watch-476497" hreflang="en">Chinese woman pinned down as COVID-19 test conducted forcibly - WATCH</a>

"Today legality, the rule of law, the security forces and justice triumphed," he added.

Usuga&nbsp;lead the drug cartel known as ‘Clan del Golfo’ who used to control cocaine routes through Mexico, will be facing multiple charges in both New York and Florida district courts.&nbsp; 
 
The extradition was approved by the Colombian president after he was captured in the Uraba region in Antioquia province by the authorities in October. Duque went on to call it "the biggest arrest of a narco-trafficker by the Colombian police since the days of Pablo Escobar."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-pm-modi-french-president-macron-hold-talks-call-for-end-to-russia-ukraine-war-476483">Indian PM, French president hold talks, call for end to Russia-Ukraine war</a>

After the declaration, an appeal was filed from the families who suffered at the hands of Usuga and his gang to prosecute him in Colombia, but the request was denied by the Colombian State Council.

According to the Colombian state department, Usuga faces 122 charges for drug trafficking, criminal association, murder and money laundering. The gang was considered to be one of the most dangerous in the country and the authorities were not able to determine the total number of lives which were lost or affected by the activity and businesses conducted by Usuga and his gang members.

Colombian drug trafficker Dairo Usuga, also known as ‘Otoniel’, has been extradited to the United States. Colombian president Ivan Duque took to Twitter to announce the extradition.

Colombian drug trafficker Dairo Usuga, also known as ‘Otoniel’, has been extradited to the United States. Colombian president Ivan Duque took to Twitter to announce the extradition. "I want to reveal that Dairo Antonio Usuga, alias 'Otoniel' has been extradited," Duque tweeted on Wednesday. Also read | Chinese woman pinned down as COVID-19 test conducted forcibly - WATCH "Today legality, the rule of law, the security forces and justice triumphed," he added. Usuga lead the drug cartel known as ‘Clan del Golfo’ who used to control cocaine routes through Mexico, will be facing multiple charges in both New York and Florida district courts. The extradition was approved by the Colombian president after he was captured in the Uraba region in Antioquia province by the authorities in October. Duque went on to call it "the biggest arrest of a narco-trafficker by the Colombian police since the days of Pablo Escobar." Also read | Indian PM, French president hold talks, call for end to Russia-Ukraine war After the declaration, an appeal was filed from the families who suffered at the hands of Usuga and his gang to prosecute him in Colombia, but the request was denied by the Colombian State Council. According to the Colombian state department, Usuga faces 122 charges for drug trafficking, criminal association, murder and money laundering. The gang was considered to be one of the most dangerous in the country and the authorities were not able to determine the total number of lives which were lost or affected by the activity and businesses conducted by Usuga and his gang members.

Colombian drug lord Dairo Usuga 'Otoniel' extradited to the US, President Ivan Duque announces

Honduran&nbsp;ex-president Juan Orlando Hernandez, wanted on drug trafficking charges in the United States, will remain in prison for at least a month as the extradition case against him proceeds, a judge in the capital Tegucigalpa ruled Wednesday.

The 53-year-old is accused of having facilitated the smuggling of some 500 tons of drugs -- mainly from Colombia and Venezuela -- to the United States via Honduras since 2004.

In turn, he allegedly received "millions of dollars in bribes... from multiple narcotrafficking organisations in Honduras, Mexico and other places," according to a document from the US Embassy in Tegucigalpa.

A judge Wednesday decided to keep Hernandez in preventative detention "in order to guarantee his presence" at the second hearing in the case next month, Supreme Court spokesman Melvin Duarte said.&nbsp;

Hernandez, who was still in office just three weeks ago, was brought to court for his first hearing in the case in a convoy that included armored vehicles and a helicopter from the police station where he had spent the night.

Outside the court building, supporters from his rightwing National Party (NP) shouted, "He is not alone!" while backers of the leftist Libre party that recently ousted the NP from power celebrated Hernandez's fall from grace.

The judge -- whose name authorities are withholding for his own protection -- read Hernandez the charges in court Wednesday before ruling the former president will remain in preventative detention until the case's next hearing on March 16.

Previous extradition requests had taken no more than four months to adjudicate, he added.

The ex-president was placed in a room with a double bed and bathroom, and enough space to exercise, the head of Special Forces, Miguel Perez, said.

Hernandez had surrendered to police Tuesday, hours after the judge issued a warrant for his arrest.

His wife, Ana Garcia, said in a statement that "as a family we are experiencing difficult times," but that "God is our main strength."

'Juancho goes to New York'

In power for eight years until January 27, when leftist Xiomara Castro was sworn in as Honduras's first woman president, Hernandez was taken from his home in the capital Tegucigalpa by&nbsp;Honduran&nbsp;police acting in coordination with American agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration.

The rightwing politician -- who served two successive terms clouded by corruption claims -- offered no resistance, and allowed officers to cuff his hands and feet and fit him out in a bullet-proof vest.

Dozens of people with banners celebrated outside Hernandez's home, while in other cities, people took to the streets with loudspeakers singing, "Juancho goes to New York," using a nickname.

The US Embassy document said Hernandez is accused of shielding drug traffickers from investigation, arrest and extradition, and providing them with classified information about ongoing investigations.

He allegedly made members of the police and military protect drug shipments in Honduras and "allowed brutal acts of violence to be committed without consequence."&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wake-up-call-us-sea-level-to-rise-majorly-by-2050-reveals-study-454053">Also read |&nbsp;'Wake-up call': US sea level to rise majorly by 2050, reveals study</a>

Hernandez is also accused of accepting a million dollars earned from the activities of Mexican drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman in exchange for protecting his Sinaloa cartel's activities in Honduras.

'Defend myself'

Hernandez vowed Tuesday to cooperate with domestic authorities, saying in an audio message on Twitter he was ready to appear in court and "defend myself."

Though Hernandez had portrayed himself as an ally of the US war on drugs during his tenure, traffickers caught in the United States claimed to have paid bribes to the president's inner circle.

Alleged associate Geovanny Fuentes Ramirez was sentenced in the United States last week to life in prison and a fine of $151.7 million for smuggling tons of cocaine into the country -- with Hernandez's aid, according to prosecutors.

Hernandez's brother, former&nbsp;Honduran&nbsp;congressman Tony Hernandez, was given a life sentence in the United States in March 2021 for drug trafficking.

Last week, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that "according to multiple, credible media reports," Hernandez "has engaged in significant corruption by committing or facilitating acts of corruption and narco-trafficking and using the proceeds of illicit activity to facilitate political campaigns."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sydney-officials-on-hunt-for-giant-white-shark-that-ate-swimmer-454078">Also read |&nbsp;Sydney officials on hunt for ‘giant’ white shark that ‘ate’ swimmer</a>

Hernandez denies the claims, which he said were part of a revenge plot by traffickers that his government had captured or extradited to the United States.

'Bankrupt' state

His lawyer, Hermes Ramirez, insisted Monday that Hernandez enjoyed immunity from prosecution as a member of the Guatemala-based Central American Parliament, Parlacen, which he joined hours after leaving office.

During his term in office, Hernandez was accused of unjustly expanding presidential powers, including over the justice system and the country's election tribunal.

His re-election in 2017 was met with widespread protests against an alleged fraudulent campaign in the poverty- and violence-ridden country.

According to the embassy document, drug money financed both Hernandez's election in 2013 and his re-election.

Honduran ex-president Juan Orlando Hernandez, wanted on drug trafficking charges in the United States, will remain in prison for at least a month as the extradition case against him proceeds, a judge in the capital Tegucigalpa ruled Wednesday.

Honduran ex-president Juan Orlando Hernandez, wanted on drug trafficking charges in the United States, will remain in prison for at least a month as the extradition case against him proceeds, a judge in the capital Tegucigalpa ruled Wednesday. The 53-year-old is accused of having facilitated the smuggling of some 500 tons of drugs -- mainly from Colombia and Venezuela -- to the United States via Honduras since 2004. In turn, he allegedly received "millions of dollars in bribes... from multiple narcotrafficking organisations in Honduras, Mexico and other places," according to a document from the US Embassy in Tegucigalpa. A judge Wednesday decided to keep Hernandez in preventative detention "in order to guarantee his presence" at the second hearing in the case next month, Supreme Court spokesman Melvin Duarte said. Hernandez, who was still in office just three weeks ago, was brought to court for his first hearing in the case in a convoy that included armored vehicles and a helicopter from the police station where he had spent the night. Outside the court building, supporters from his rightwing National Party (NP) shouted, "He is not alone!" while backers of the leftist Libre party that recently ousted the NP from power celebrated Hernandez's fall from grace. The judge -- whose name authorities are withholding for his own protection -- read Hernandez the charges in court Wednesday before ruling the former president will remain in preventative detention until the case's next hearing on March 16. Previous extradition requests had taken no more than four months to adjudicate, he added. The ex-president was placed in a room with a double bed and bathroom, and enough space to exercise, the head of Special Forces, Miguel Perez, said. Hernandez had surrendered to police Tuesday, hours after the judge issued a warrant for his arrest. His wife, Ana Garcia, said in a statement that "as a family we are experiencing difficult times," but that "God is our main strength." 'Juancho goes to New York' In power for eight years until January 27, when leftist Xiomara Castro was sworn in as Honduras's first woman president, Hernandez was taken from his home in the capital Tegucigalpa by Honduran police acting in coordination with American agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration. The rightwing politician -- who served two successive terms clouded by corruption claims -- offered no resistance, and allowed officers to cuff his hands and feet and fit him out in a bullet-proof vest. Dozens of people with banners celebrated outside Hernandez's home, while in other cities, people took to the streets with loudspeakers singing, "Juancho goes to New York," using a nickname. The US Embassy document said Hernandez is accused of shielding drug traffickers from investigation, arrest and extradition, and providing them with classified information about ongoing investigations. He allegedly made members of the police and military protect drug shipments in Honduras and "allowed brutal acts of violence to be committed without consequence." Also read | 'Wake-up call': US sea level to rise majorly by 2050, reveals study Hernandez is also accused of accepting a million dollars earned from the activities of Mexican drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman in exchange for protecting his Sinaloa cartel's activities in Honduras. 'Defend myself' Hernandez vowed Tuesday to cooperate with domestic authorities, saying in an audio message on Twitter he was ready to appear in court and "defend myself." Though Hernandez had portrayed himself as an ally of the US war on drugs during his tenure, traffickers caught in the United States claimed to have paid bribes to the president's inner circle. Alleged associate Geovanny Fuentes Ramirez was sentenced in the United States last week to life in prison and a fine of $151.7 million for smuggling tons of cocaine into the country -- with Hernandez's aid, according to prosecutors. Hernandez's brother, former Honduran congressman Tony Hernandez, was given a life sentence in the United States in March 2021 for drug trafficking. Last week, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that "according to multiple, credible media reports," Hernandez "has engaged in significant corruption by committing or facilitating acts of corruption and narco-trafficking and using the proceeds of illicit activity to facilitate political campaigns." Also read | Sydney officials on hunt for ‘giant’ white shark that ‘ate’ swimmer Hernandez denies the claims, which he said were part of a revenge plot by traffickers that his government had captured or extradited to the United States. 'Bankrupt' state His lawyer, Hermes Ramirez, insisted Monday that Hernandez enjoyed immunity from prosecution as a member of the Guatemala-based Central American Parliament, Parlacen, which he joined hours after leaving office. During his term in office, Hernandez was accused of unjustly expanding presidential powers, including over the justice system and the country's election tribunal. His re-election in 2017 was met with widespread protests against an alleged fraudulent campaign in the poverty- and violence-ridden country. According to the embassy document, drug money financed both Hernandez's election in 2013 and his re-election.

Honduran ex-president to remain in custody as US seeks extradition

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has won the right to ask the Supreme Court to block his extradition to the US.&nbsp;The High Court ruled on Monday that Assange had an arguable point.&nbsp;

The London court has given&nbsp;Assange permission to appeal. However, Supreme Court must agree to accept the case before it can move forward.&nbsp;

He was&nbsp;due to find out whether he can appeal to Britain's Supreme Court against the decision to extradite him to the US Supreme Court.&nbsp;

Assange is facing 18 charges relating to the release of 500,000 secret US files.&nbsp;

The US authorities on December 10&nbsp;won a bid in London's High Court to have Assange extradited from the UK to the US to face criminal charges.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-mexico-second-journalist-is-murdered-in-less-than-a-week-447115">Also read |&nbsp;In Mexico, second journalist is murdered in less than a week</a>

The decision came as a reversal of the UK court's January ruling that stated that the 50-year-old could not be extradited because of concerns over his mental health and the Australian would be a suicide risk in the US justice system.&nbsp;

Assange could be jailed for up to 175 years in the US. He is facing charges in the US system under the Espionage Act for his role in publishing classified military and diplomatic cables in 2010 and 2011. The US authorities claimed that the release of confidential records had put lives in danger.&nbsp;

His fiancee Stella Moris has climed that&nbsp;he had spent longer in Belmarsh than several others who are&nbsp;sentenced for violent crimes.

(With inputs from agencies)

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has won the right to ask the Supreme Court to block his extradition to the US. The High Court ruled on Monday that Assange had an arguable point.

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has won the right to ask the Supreme Court to block his extradition to the US. The High Court ruled on Monday that Assange had an arguable point. The London court has given Assange permission to appeal. However, Supreme Court must agree to accept the case before it can move forward. He was due to find out whether he can appeal to Britain's Supreme Court against the decision to extradite him to the US Supreme Court. Assange is facing 18 charges relating to the release of 500,000 secret US files. The US authorities on December 10 won a bid in London's High Court to have Assange extradited from the UK to the US to face criminal charges. Also read | In Mexico, second journalist is murdered in less than a week The decision came as a reversal of the UK court's January ruling that stated that the 50-year-old could not be extradited because of concerns over his mental health and the Australian would be a suicide risk in the US justice system. Assange could be jailed for up to 175 years in the US. He is facing charges in the US system under the Espionage Act for his role in publishing classified military and diplomatic cables in 2010 and 2011. The US authorities claimed that the release of confidential records had put lives in danger. His fiancee Stella Moris has climed that he had spent longer in Belmarsh than several others who are sentenced for violent crimes. (With inputs from agencies)

Julian Assange wins right to appeal US extradition decision

China is on a mission to subdue Taiwan, it has previously used its military might, flying Chinese warcraft inside Taiwan's defence airspace and now a new report has revealed that Beijing is using diplomatic pressure on foreign govt to deport Taiwan nationals to China.

Report: China extradited over 600 Taiwanese worldwide

Lawyers fighting the extradition of Huawei's chief financial officer to the United States on Tuesday presented internal emails from British bank HSBC that they said disproved US&nbsp;claims that Huawei misled the bank. 
 
CFO Meng Wanzhou's legal team said the emails and documents submitted to a Canadian court showed at least two senior HSBC leaders were aware of connections between Huawei and its Iranian subsidiary, Skycom. HSBC declined to comment. 
 
Meng's lawyers are trying to add the documents to evidence. They are meant to counter US&nbsp;charges that only junior employees of the British bank knew about the true nature of relationship between Huawei and Skycom. 
 
US&nbsp;prosecutors have alleged that Meng misled HSBC about Huawei's business dealings in Iran and may have caused the bank to break US&nbsp;sanctions. 
 
Meng, 49, was arrested in December 2018 at Vancouver International Airport on charges of bank fraud in the United States. She has been held on house arrest for more than two years while her case moves through the Canadian legal system. 
 
Her legal team has extracted internal documents from HSBC through a court in Hong Kong, and they hope to refer to them in the case's final hearings scheduled for August. 
 
In particular, the defence alleges that two HSBC managing directors viewed Meng's presentation to HSBC about Huawei's business in Iran. They said it made clear Skycom's ownership structure. 
 
Meng and her legal team appeared in the British Columbia Supreme Court on Tuesday on the first day of a two-day hearing where they will argue to add more evidence to support her case. 
 
The evidence shows the US&nbsp;argument is "so defective as to compel the courts to place no reliance on them," Mark Sandler, defence lawyer for Meng, told the court. 
 
Prosecutors representing the Canadian government argued that the evidence and arguments were beyond the scope of an extradition hearing.

Lawyers fighting the extradition of Huawei's chief financial officer to the United States on Tuesday presented internal emails from British bank HSBC that they said disproved US claims that Huawei misled the bank.

Lawyers fighting the extradition of Huawei's chief financial officer to the United States on Tuesday presented internal emails from British bank HSBC that they said disproved US claims that Huawei misled the bank. CFO Meng Wanzhou's legal team said the emails and documents submitted to a Canadian court showed at least two senior HSBC leaders were aware of connections between Huawei and its Iranian subsidiary, Skycom. HSBC declined to comment. Meng's lawyers are trying to add the documents to evidence. They are meant to counter US charges that only junior employees of the British bank knew about the true nature of relationship between Huawei and Skycom. US prosecutors have alleged that Meng misled HSBC about Huawei's business dealings in Iran and may have caused the bank to break US sanctions. Meng, 49, was arrested in December 2018 at Vancouver International Airport on charges of bank fraud in the United States. She has been held on house arrest for more than two years while her case moves through the Canadian legal system. Her legal team has extracted internal documents from HSBC through a court in Hong Kong, and they hope to refer to them in the case's final hearings scheduled for August. In particular, the defence alleges that two HSBC managing directors viewed Meng's presentation to HSBC about Huawei's business in Iran. They said it made clear Skycom's ownership structure. Meng and her legal team appeared in the British Columbia Supreme Court on Tuesday on the first day of a two-day hearing where they will argue to add more evidence to support her case. The evidence shows the US argument is "so defective as to compel the courts to place no reliance on them," Mark Sandler, defence lawyer for Meng, told the court. Prosecutors representing the Canadian government argued that the evidence and arguments were beyond the scope of an extradition hearing.

Huawei CFO says HSBC emails disprove basis for US extradition claim

A UK court will give a verdict on Diamond merchant Nirav Modi's extradition case. Nirav Modi is currently facing charges of fraud and money laundering.

UK judge to rule on Nirav Modi extradition case

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange will learn on Monday whether a British judge has approved his extradition to the United States to face charges including espionage over the release of secret US&nbsp;military documents. 
 
US&nbsp;authorities accuse Australian-born Assange, 49, of 18 counts of conspiring to hack government computers and of breaching a secrecy law by releasing vast troves of confidential military records and diplomatic cables over a decade ago. 
 
If extradited and then found guilty of espionage, Assange could go to prison for 30 to 40 years, his lawyers say, though prosecutors say he would face no more than 63 months in jail. 
 
Whoever loses Monday`s ruling is likely to appeal to London`s High Court and the case could go the United Kingdom`s Supreme Court, further delaying the final outcome. 
 
U.S. prosecutors and Western security officials see Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, as a reckless and dangerous enemy of the state whose actions put at risk the lives of agents whose names were in the material. 
 
Supporters regard him as an anti-establishment hero who has been victimised because he exposed U.S. wrongdoing in wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and say his prosecution is an assault on journalism and free speech. 
 
Assange`s legal team said in its closing written submission to Judge Vanessa Baraitser that the prosecution had been politically motivated "during a unique period of U.S. history under the (U.S. President Donald) Trump administration." 
 
The legal team representing the United States has challenged that assertion, saying U.S. federal prosecutors are forbidden to consider political opinion in making their decisions. 
 
DIPLOMATIC CABLES 
 
WikiLeaks published a U.S. military video in 2010 showing a 2007 attack by Apache helicopters in Baghdad that killed a dozen people, including two Reuters news staff. It then released thousands of secret classified files and diplomatic cables. 
 
The legal saga began soon afterwards when Sweden sought Assange`s extradition from Britain over allegations of sex crimes. When he lost that case in 2012, he fled to the Ecuadorean embassy in London, where he spent seven years, during which he fathered two children. 
 
When he was finally dragged out in April 2019, he was jailed for breaching British bail conditions although the Swedish case against him had been dropped. Last June, the U.S. Justice Department formally asked Britain to extradite him. 
 
Assange`s legal team say the charges are politically motivated, his mental health is at risk, conditions in U.S. prisons breach Britain`s human rights laws, and he and his lawyers were spied on while he was in the Ecuadorean embassy. 
 
The U.S. legal team has said many of Assange’s defence arguments are issues that should be addressed in a trial and have no bearing on extradition. 
 
There is also a possibility that Joe Biden might reverse the decision to prosecute Assange after Biden succeeds Trump as president later this month.

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange will learn on Monday whether a British judge has approved his extradition to the United States to face charges including espionage over the release of secret US military documents.

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange will learn on Monday whether a British judge has approved his extradition to the United States to face charges including espionage over the release of secret US military documents. US authorities accuse Australian-born Assange, 49, of 18 counts of conspiring to hack government computers and of breaching a secrecy law by releasing vast troves of confidential military records and diplomatic cables over a decade ago. If extradited and then found guilty of espionage, Assange could go to prison for 30 to 40 years, his lawyers say, though prosecutors say he would face no more than 63 months in jail. Whoever loses Monday`s ruling is likely to appeal to London`s High Court and the case could go the United Kingdom`s Supreme Court, further delaying the final outcome. U.S. prosecutors and Western security officials see Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, as a reckless and dangerous enemy of the state whose actions put at risk the lives of agents whose names were in the material. Supporters regard him as an anti-establishment hero who has been victimised because he exposed U.S. wrongdoing in wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and say his prosecution is an assault on journalism and free speech. Assange`s legal team said in its closing written submission to Judge Vanessa Baraitser that the prosecution had been politically motivated "during a unique period of U.S. history under the (U.S. President Donald) Trump administration." The legal team representing the United States has challenged that assertion, saying U.S. federal prosecutors are forbidden to consider political opinion in making their decisions. DIPLOMATIC CABLES WikiLeaks published a U.S. military video in 2010 showing a 2007 attack by Apache helicopters in Baghdad that killed a dozen people, including two Reuters news staff. It then released thousands of secret classified files and diplomatic cables. The legal saga began soon afterwards when Sweden sought Assange`s extradition from Britain over allegations of sex crimes. When he lost that case in 2012, he fled to the Ecuadorean embassy in London, where he spent seven years, during which he fathered two children. When he was finally dragged out in April 2019, he was jailed for breaching British bail conditions although the Swedish case against him had been dropped. Last June, the U.S. Justice Department formally asked Britain to extradite him. Assange`s legal team say the charges are politically motivated, his mental health is at risk, conditions in U.S. prisons breach Britain`s human rights laws, and he and his lawyers were spied on while he was in the Ecuadorean embassy. The U.S. legal team has said many of Assange’s defence arguments are issues that should be addressed in a trial and have no bearing on extradition. There is also a possibility that Joe Biden might reverse the decision to prosecute Assange after Biden succeeds Trump as president later this month.

WikiLeaks founder Assange to hear UK judge's ruling on extradition to US

A special court in Islamabad indicted on Wednesday declared former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif an absconder in the treasury house reference.

The court has taken the decision due to Sharif's prolonged absence from the proceedings. Sharif has been residing in London since November last year on the pretext of medical treatment.

Nawaz Sharif is currently in London for treatment. The government has approached the UK for his extradition.

The opposition parties accuse the government of premier Imran Khan of persecution.

The anti-corruption court had given a final chance to former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, to appear before it on August 17 in a graft case, saying that failing which he may be declared a proclaimed offender.

The 70-year-old three-time premier, who was sentenced in a graft case by an accountability court, informed a court in Lahore that he is unable to return to the country as his doctors have told him not to go out due to the coronavirus pandemic.

According to Sharif’s physician, the three-time prime minister is suffering from complex multi-vessel coronary artery disease and substantial ischemic and threatened myocardium for which he is due to undergo surgery.

(With inputs from agencies)

A special court in Islamabad indicted on Wednesday declared former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif an absconder in the treasury house reference. The court has taken the decision due to Sharif's prolonged absence from the proceedings.

A special court in Islamabad indicted on Wednesday declared former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif an absconder in the treasury house reference. The court has taken the decision due to Sharif's prolonged absence from the proceedings. Sharif has been residing in London since November last year on the pretext of medical treatment. Nawaz Sharif is currently in London for treatment. The government has approached the UK for his extradition. The opposition parties accuse the government of premier Imran Khan of persecution. The anti-corruption court had given a final chance to former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, to appear before it on August 17 in a graft case, saying that failing which he may be declared a proclaimed offender. The 70-year-old three-time premier, who was sentenced in a graft case by an accountability court, informed a court in Lahore that he is unable to return to the country as his doctors have told him not to go out due to the coronavirus pandemic. According to Sharif’s physician, the three-time prime minister is suffering from complex multi-vessel coronary artery disease and substantial ischemic and threatened myocardium for which he is due to undergo surgery. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan declares Nawaz Sharif as an absconder, approaches UK for extradition

Fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi, who has been lodged at a prison in London since his arrest in March last year, is set to appear via videolink for the second leg of his extradition trial at a UK court on Monday.

The 49-year-old jeweller is fighting extradition charges related to the estimated USD 2-billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud and money laundering case brought by the Indian government, being represented at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London by the UK's Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

In line with the coronavirus lockdown restrictions, District Judge Samuel Goozee has directed Modi's appearance from a room in Wandsworth Prison in south-west London with social distancing norms in place for the part-remote setting for the five-day hearing scheduled to conclude on Friday.

Justice Goozee had presided over the first leg of the extradition in May, during which the CPS sought to establish a prima facie case of fraud and money laundering against Modi. The upcoming hearings are ear-marked to complete those arguments after the Indian government had submitted additional 'corroboratory evidence'.

It will then go on to deal with the additional extradition request, made by the Indian authorities and certified by UK Home Secretary Priti Patel earlier this year, which add on the charges of "causing the disappearance of evidence" and intimidating witnesses or 'criminal intimidation to cause death'&nbsp;against Modi.

Goozee has already said that the different extradition requests are inextricably linked, and he would therefore be handing down his judgment at the end of hearing all the arguments.

Additional hearings scheduled for November 3, for the judge to rule on the admissibility of the evidence that will be presented before him, and December 1, when both sides will make their final submissions, mean his ruling on whether Modi has a case to answer before the Indian courts is expected only after the final hearing in December.

The charges against the diamond merchant centre around his firms Diamonds R Us, Solar Exports and Stellar Diamonds making fraudulent use of a credit facility offered by PNB, known as 'letters of undertaking'&nbsp;(LoUs).

The CPS, appearing on behalf of India, had told the court that a number of PNB staff conspired with Modi to ensure LoUs were issued to his companies without ensuring they were subject to the required credit check, without recording the issuance of the LoUs and without charging the required commission upon the transactions.

Modi's team has sought to counter allegations of fraud by deposing witnesses to establish the volatility of the gems trade and that the LoUs were standard practice.

Modi has made repeated attempts at bail over the past year, each of which were turned down as he is deemed a flight risk. The jeweller was arrested on March 19, 2019, on an extradition warrant executed by Scotland Yard.

At a case management hearing ahead of the trial last week, Modi's barrister Clare Montgomery had told the judge that she may be seeking a partial reporting ban on the proceedings following allegations of 'party political bias' against one of their 'expert witnesses from India' retired Indian High Court judge Abhay Thipsay.

"We may have to put in an application for reporting restrictions around the reporting of his [Thipsay] evidence to avoid further public commentary on it," she said.

From the legal documents submitted, prison conditions in India will once again play a major part in this extradition case, as in the past with other Indian extradition cases, with Modi's severe mental health condition being a factor to be raised behind closed doors.&nbsp;

Fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi, who has been lodged at a prison in London since his arrest in March last year, is set to appear via videolink for the second leg of his extradition trial at a UK court on Monday.

Fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi, who has been lodged at a prison in London since his arrest in March last year, is set to appear via videolink for the second leg of his extradition trial at a UK court on Monday. The 49-year-old jeweller is fighting extradition charges related to the estimated USD 2-billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud and money laundering case brought by the Indian government, being represented at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London by the UK's Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). In line with the coronavirus lockdown restrictions, District Judge Samuel Goozee has directed Modi's appearance from a room in Wandsworth Prison in south-west London with social distancing norms in place for the part-remote setting for the five-day hearing scheduled to conclude on Friday. Justice Goozee had presided over the first leg of the extradition in May, during which the CPS sought to establish a prima facie case of fraud and money laundering against Modi. The upcoming hearings are ear-marked to complete those arguments after the Indian government had submitted additional 'corroboratory evidence'. It will then go on to deal with the additional extradition request, made by the Indian authorities and certified by UK Home Secretary Priti Patel earlier this year, which add on the charges of "causing the disappearance of evidence" and intimidating witnesses or 'criminal intimidation to cause death' against Modi. Goozee has already said that the different extradition requests are inextricably linked, and he would therefore be handing down his judgment at the end of hearing all the arguments. Additional hearings scheduled for November 3, for the judge to rule on the admissibility of the evidence that will be presented before him, and December 1, when both sides will make their final submissions, mean his ruling on whether Modi has a case to answer before the Indian courts is expected only after the final hearing in December. The charges against the diamond merchant centre around his firms Diamonds R Us, Solar Exports and Stellar Diamonds making fraudulent use of a credit facility offered by PNB, known as 'letters of undertaking' (LoUs). The CPS, appearing on behalf of India, had told the court that a number of PNB staff conspired with Modi to ensure LoUs were issued to his companies without ensuring they were subject to the required credit check, without recording the issuance of the LoUs and without charging the required commission upon the transactions. Modi's team has sought to counter allegations of fraud by deposing witnesses to establish the volatility of the gems trade and that the LoUs were standard practice. Modi has made repeated attempts at bail over the past year, each of which were turned down as he is deemed a flight risk. The jeweller was arrested on March 19, 2019, on an extradition warrant executed by Scotland Yard. At a case management hearing ahead of the trial last week, Modi's barrister Clare Montgomery had told the judge that she may be seeking a partial reporting ban on the proceedings following allegations of 'party political bias' against one of their 'expert witnesses from India' retired Indian High Court judge Abhay Thipsay. "We may have to put in an application for reporting restrictions around the reporting of his [Thipsay] evidence to avoid further public commentary on it," she said. From the legal documents submitted, prison conditions in India will once again play a major part in this extradition case, as in the past with other Indian extradition cases, with Modi's severe mental health condition being a factor to be raised behind closed doors.

Nirav Modi extradition trial to resume in UK court on September 7

New Zealand has suspended its extradition treaty with Hong Kong on Tuesday. This move comes in protest against the new security law imposed by China on the semi-autonomous region.

New Zealand has suspended its extradition treaty with Hong Kong on Tuesday. This move comes in protest against the new security law imposed by China on the semi-autonomous region. New Zealand has joined its allies in sanctioning China over the move. Also read: American flag lowered at Chengdu consulate after employees vacate building New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters said the suspension was because "New Zealand can no longer trust that Hong Kong's criminal justice system is sufficiently independent from China". The country took this step despite risking the ire of Wellington's largest trading partner. According to Peters, the country was also tightening its restriction on military and dual-use exports to Hong Kong, as well as upgrading travel warnings to Kiwi citizens in the territory. "China's passage of its new national security legislation has eroded rule-of-law principles, undermined the 'one country, two systems' framework that underpins Hong Kong’s unique status, and gone against commitments China made to the international community," Peters said. Canada, Britain and Australia, who are New Zealand's partners in the so-called "Five Eyes" intelligence alliance have taken similar action. The United States has given a hint of doing the same in the coming weeks. The Chinese embassy in Wellington has made no immediate response to the suspension, however, it warned earlier this month that attempts to pressure Beijing on the security law would amount to "gross interference in China's internal affairs". Critics view this new security law as an erosion of civil liberties and human rights in the financial hub, which has been semi-autonomous from China since its handover from Britain in 1997. Kiwis' updated travel advice said the security law had led to an increased risk of arrest for activities such as protests, with the possibility of being removed to mainland China to face maximum penalties of life imprisonment. (Inputs from AFP)

New Zealand suspends its extradition treaty with Hong Kong

A South Korean court on Monday rejected an extradition request by the United States for a man convicted of running one of the world's biggest child pornography websites. 
 
Son Jong-woo, the operator of the South Korea-based dark web child porn site "Welcome to Video", sold the content for digital cash around the world. 
 
He was convicted of violating South Korean child protection laws and completed an 18-month sentence in April but remained in custody after he was also indicted on US federal charges in Washington, DC -- where he could face a much longer punishment.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/italian-police-bust-child-pornography-ring-50-people-under-investigation-310696" hreflang="en">Italian police bust child pornography ring; 50 people under investigation</a> 
 
Son's sentence was in marked contrast to several 15-year terms handed out to users convicted in the US, prompting calls to bolster South Korea's laws against child pornography. 
 
The Seoul High Court denied the US extradition request, saying that sending Son overseas could "hamper South Korea's own investigation into sexually exploitive content", Yonhap news agency reported. 
 
"The decision should not be interpreted as exonerating him," the court added, according to Yonhap. 
 
But South Koreans reacted with disgust to the ruling.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/pornhub-under-fire-for-rape-and-abuse-videos-285295" hreflang="en">Pornhub under fire for rape and abuse videos</a> 
 
"I think I can hear the cheering from various sex criminals over today's news," said one Twitter user. 
 
Another wrote: "South Korea must be the only country that lets child sex abusers go free." 
 
The US Justice Department said last year that 338 people linked to the site had been arrested around the world, including in South Korea, the US, Canada, Spain and Brazil. 
 
Son's site was "the largest child sexual exploitation market by volume of content", it said, and relied on bitcoin cryptocurrency to sell access to 250,000 child porn videos. 
 
It was among the first darknet websites to monetise child exploitation videos using bitcoin, with the site claiming its contents exceeded more than one million downloads, according to the US Justice Department.

A South Korean court on Monday rejected an extradition request by the United States for a man convicted of running one of the world's biggest child pornography websites.

A South Korean court on Monday rejected an extradition request by the United States for a man convicted of running one of the world's biggest child pornography websites. Son Jong-woo, the operator of the South Korea-based dark web child porn site "Welcome to Video", sold the content for digital cash around the world. He was convicted of violating South Korean child protection laws and completed an 18-month sentence in April but remained in custody after he was also indicted on US federal charges in Washington, DC -- where he could face a much longer punishment. Also read: Italian police bust child pornography ring; 50 people under investigation Son's sentence was in marked contrast to several 15-year terms handed out to users convicted in the US, prompting calls to bolster South Korea's laws against child pornography. The Seoul High Court denied the US extradition request, saying that sending Son overseas could "hamper South Korea's own investigation into sexually exploitive content", Yonhap news agency reported. "The decision should not be interpreted as exonerating him," the court added, according to Yonhap. But South Koreans reacted with disgust to the ruling. Also read: Pornhub under fire for rape and abuse videos "I think I can hear the cheering from various sex criminals over today's news," said one Twitter user. Another wrote: "South Korea must be the only country that lets child sex abusers go free." The US Justice Department said last year that 338 people linked to the site had been arrested around the world, including in South Korea, the US, Canada, Spain and Brazil. Son's site was "the largest child sexual exploitation market by volume of content", it said, and relied on bitcoin cryptocurrency to sell access to 250,000 child porn videos. It was among the first darknet websites to monetise child exploitation videos using bitcoin, with the site claiming its contents exceeded more than one million downloads, according to the US Justice Department.

South Korea court rejects child porn site operator's US extradition

A Swedish prosecutor dropped a rape investigation against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, ending the nearly decade-old case that had sent the anti-secrecy campaigner into hiding in London's Ecuadorian embassy to avoid extradition.

Swedish Court drops rape investigation on WikiLeaks founder after 10 years

Israel's top court upheld Sunday an extradition order of a Russian alleged hacker to the United States, where he is wanted for fraud.

The justice ministry had last month finalised the extradition of Aleksey Burkov, who has been held in Israeli custody since 2015, without providing a date.

Burkov appealed the decision to the supreme court, asking that he be sent to Moscow, or that his extradition to the US be&nbsp;conditioned on him serving any future prison term in Russia.

"The appeal is rejected," a panel of three supreme court justices wrote in their Sunday ruling.

They noted that the decision to extradite him was made "after a deep and exhaustive examination of all the considerations".

"We did not find any circumstances... that justify our intervention in the decision," the panel wrote.

Burkov's name has been mentioned several times by Russian and Israeli media in connection with a possible prisoner swap with Naama Issachar, an Israeli-American convicted in Russia on cannabis charges.&nbsp;

The 26-year-old Issachar was arrested in Russia in April for possession of nine grams of cannabis in her baggage when she was transiting Moscow between India and Israel.&nbsp;

She was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison for trafficking and possession of the drug.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said after the verdict that he "would appreciate" Russian President Vladimir Putin looking into the case.&nbsp;

Israel's top court upheld Sunday an extradition order of a Russian alleged hacker to the United States, where he is wanted for fraud. The justice ministry had last month finalised the extradition of Aleksey Burkov, who has been held in Israeli custody since 2015, without providing a date.

Israel's top court upheld Sunday an extradition order of a Russian alleged hacker to the United States, where he is wanted for fraud. The justice ministry had last month finalised the extradition of Aleksey Burkov, who has been held in Israeli custody since 2015, without providing a date. Burkov appealed the decision to the supreme court, asking that he be sent to Moscow, or that his extradition to the US be conditioned on him serving any future prison term in Russia. "The appeal is rejected," a panel of three supreme court justices wrote in their Sunday ruling. They noted that the decision to extradite him was made "after a deep and exhaustive examination of all the considerations". "We did not find any circumstances... that justify our intervention in the decision," the panel wrote. Burkov's name has been mentioned several times by Russian and Israeli media in connection with a possible prisoner swap with Naama Issachar, an Israeli-American convicted in Russia on cannabis charges. The 26-year-old Issachar was arrested in Russia in April for possession of nine grams of cannabis in her baggage when she was transiting Moscow between India and Israel. She was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison for trafficking and possession of the drug. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said after the verdict that he "would appreciate" Russian President Vladimir Putin looking into the case.

Israel court rejects Russian 'hacker' appeal against United States extradition

Will Kill Myself If Extradited says Nirav. Nirav is an accused in India's biggest banking fraud.

WION Dispatch: Mandy Clark on Nirav Modi Extradition

Will Nirav be extradited to India?

Hong Kong's embattled leader took to Facebook Live late Thursday in a bid to reach out to citizens after months of political unrest -- and the emoji count was far from kind.

Carrie Lam -- the city's unelected chief executive -- currently boasts record-low approval ratings as the financial hub convulses with more than four months of huge, increasingly violent pro-democracy protests.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-lawmakers-dragged-from-chamber-as-leader-heckled-for-second-day-256382">Hong Kong lawmakers dragged from chamber as leader heckled for second day</a>

Backed by Beijing, her administration has refused to grant any major concessions to protesters, who are demanding greater democratic freedoms and police accountability.

Angry faces significantly outnumbered hearts and likes left by viewers on the hour-long Facebook Live broadcast, while critics also used the comments section to pile on.

By the end of the session, in which a host chose from a series of pre-selected questions and some live ones, the angry face count stood at more than 9,400 compared to 2,100 likes and 632 hearts.

Lam defended her record and stuck to her oft-repeated talking points that she cannot give in to violent protesters and won't be resigning.

"We need more dialogue and communication, more mutual understanding and tolerance," she said.&nbsp;

She added that she was taken aback by the huge rallies.

"Nobody could predict that we would be facing such a huge storm," she said.&nbsp;

Millions have taken to the streets this summer, initially against a now-dropped bid by its leaders to allow extraditions to the authoritarian Chinese mainland.

But after Beijing and Lam took a hard line, the movement snowballed into a broader push for democracy and police accountability.

Lam has previously stated a willingness to hold dialogue sessions with the public, but they have also got off to a rocky and limited start.&nbsp;

In late September she sat down with some 150 randomly selected members of the public for a live forum where questions critical of her government dominated.

Protesters also surrounded the venue and she was unable to exit for hours until the crowds dispersed.

Hong Kong's embattled leader took to Facebook Live late Thursday in a bid to reach out to citizens after months of political unrest -- and the emoji count was far from kind.

Hong Kong's embattled leader took to Facebook Live late Thursday in a bid to reach out to citizens after months of political unrest -- and the emoji count was far from kind. Carrie Lam -- the city's unelected chief executive -- currently boasts record-low approval ratings as the financial hub convulses with more than four months of huge, increasingly violent pro-democracy protests. Also read: Hong Kong lawmakers dragged from chamber as leader heckled for second day Backed by Beijing, her administration has refused to grant any major concessions to protesters, who are demanding greater democratic freedoms and police accountability. Angry faces significantly outnumbered hearts and likes left by viewers on the hour-long Facebook Live broadcast, while critics also used the comments section to pile on. By the end of the session, in which a host chose from a series of pre-selected questions and some live ones, the angry face count stood at more than 9,400 compared to 2,100 likes and 632 hearts. Lam defended her record and stuck to her oft-repeated talking points that she cannot give in to violent protesters and won't be resigning. "We need more dialogue and communication, more mutual understanding and tolerance," she said. She added that she was taken aback by the huge rallies. "Nobody could predict that we would be facing such a huge storm," she said. Millions have taken to the streets this summer, initially against a now-dropped bid by its leaders to allow extraditions to the authoritarian Chinese mainland. But after Beijing and Lam took a hard line, the movement snowballed into a broader push for democracy and police accountability. Lam has previously stated a willingness to hold dialogue sessions with the public, but they have also got off to a rocky and limited start. In late September she sat down with some 150 randomly selected members of the public for a live forum where questions critical of her government dominated. Protesters also surrounded the venue and she was unable to exit for hours until the crowds dispersed.

Angry emojis flood Hong Kong leader's Facebook Live chat

Strife-torn <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-make-arrests-as-small-flashmob-protests-erupt-255623">Hong Kong</a> is sliding towards becoming a police state, US senator Josh Hawley warned Monday, as the financial hub braces for a rally calling on Washington to punish <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/anyone-attempting-to-split-china-will-end-in-shattered-bones-xi-jinping-in-nepal-255724">China</a> over sliding freedoms.

The international finance hub was battered by another weekend of unrest Sunday as hardcore pro-democracy protesters and police fought running battles across the city.&nbsp;

Protests pushing for greater democratic freedoms and police accountability have raged for the last 19 weeks and there is little end in sight as Beijing and local leaders refuse concessions.

Watch: Protesters set ATMs on blaze in Hong Kong

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A large crowd is expected to gather in the heart of the city's commercial district Monday evening calling for US politicians to pass a bill that could dramatically alter Washington's relationship with the trading hub.

The Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, which could be discussed and voted on by the House of Representatives as early as this week, would require annual reviews of the territory's special trading status -- and potentially sanction some Chinese officials.

Monday's rally is expected to be large because it is one of the few protests in recent weeks to be granted permission to go ahead by police.

Among the bill's sponsors is Hawley, a Republican senator for Missouri.

He made a quick two-day trip to Hong Kong and watched the protests on Sunday night in the crowded district of Mongkok, later meeting with prominent democracy activist Joshua Wong.

"The situation here is urgent," he told reporters on Monday.&nbsp;

Asked what his message would be on returning to Washington he replied: "That Hong Kong is in danger of sliding towards a police state and that representative government in Hong Kong is at risk, and that the one country two systems model is at risk."

One country, two systems is deal China agreed to ahead of the 1997 handover by Britain in which it agreed to allow Hong Kong to keep its unique freedoms such as free speech and an independent judiciary for 50 years.

Democracy activists inside Hong Kong have long accused Beijing of chipping away at those freedoms, a gripe that has fuelled years of growing resentment which exploded this summer.&nbsp;

Threats from Xi

China has accused "external forces" of fuelling unrest in the semi-autonomous city and has seized on supportive comments by western politicians to back its claims.&nbsp;

Hawley's remarks came after Chinese President Xi Jinping issued his most dire warning yet amid the anti-Beijing unrest in Hong Kong.

"Anyone who attempts to split any region from China will perish, with their bodies smashed and bones ground to powder," he said during a trip to Nepal.

"Any external forces that support the splitting of China can only be regarded as delusional by the Chinese people," he said, according to the foreign ministry.

Hawley, at 39 the youngest serving senator and a vocal China hawk, described Xi's comments as "violent rhetoric" that illustrated why he believed the US and its European allies needed to take a stronger line at Beijing's growing regional threat.

Republican China hawks such as Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz have become some of the most vocal supporters of Hong Kong's democracy movement on Capitol Hill -- although the proposed bill is rapidly gathering bipartisan support, especially in the Senate.

Cruz also made a visit to Hong Kong on Saturday during which he accused Beijing of trying to impose a "dictatorship" on the city.&nbsp;

He also said Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam cancelled a meeting because he refused to promise to keep the conversation private -- although Lam's office said she had "other commitments".

During Sunday's clashes one policeman was slashed in the neck with a knife while another undercover officer was beaten.

Police said a remote-controlled homemade bomb exploded near them in Mongkok, the first time such a device had been used. No-one was injured.&nbsp;

Strife-torn Hong Kong is sliding towards becoming a police state, US senator Josh Hawley warned Monday, as the financial hub braces for a rally calling on Washington to punish China over sliding freedoms.

Strife-torn Hong Kong is sliding towards becoming a police state, US senator Josh Hawley warned Monday, as the financial hub braces for a rally calling on Washington to punish China over sliding freedoms. The international finance hub was battered by another weekend of unrest Sunday as hardcore pro-democracy protesters and police fought running battles across the city. Protests pushing for greater democratic freedoms and police accountability have raged for the last 19 weeks and there is little end in sight as Beijing and local leaders refuse concessions. Watch: Protesters set ATMs on blaze in Hong Kong × A large crowd is expected to gather in the heart of the city's commercial district Monday evening calling for US politicians to pass a bill that could dramatically alter Washington's relationship with the trading hub. The Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, which could be discussed and voted on by the House of Representatives as early as this week, would require annual reviews of the territory's special trading status -- and potentially sanction some Chinese officials. Monday's rally is expected to be large because it is one of the few protests in recent weeks to be granted permission to go ahead by police. Among the bill's sponsors is Hawley, a Republican senator for Missouri. He made a quick two-day trip to Hong Kong and watched the protests on Sunday night in the crowded district of Mongkok, later meeting with prominent democracy activist Joshua Wong. "The situation here is urgent," he told reporters on Monday. Asked what his message would be on returning to Washington he replied: "That Hong Kong is in danger of sliding towards a police state and that representative government in Hong Kong is at risk, and that the one country two systems model is at risk." One country, two systems is deal China agreed to ahead of the 1997 handover by Britain in which it agreed to allow Hong Kong to keep its unique freedoms such as free speech and an independent judiciary for 50 years. Democracy activists inside Hong Kong have long accused Beijing of chipping away at those freedoms, a gripe that has fuelled years of growing resentment which exploded this summer. Threats from Xi China has accused "external forces" of fuelling unrest in the semi-autonomous city and has seized on supportive comments by western politicians to back its claims. Hawley's remarks came after Chinese President Xi Jinping issued his most dire warning yet amid the anti-Beijing unrest in Hong Kong. "Anyone who attempts to split any region from China will perish, with their bodies smashed and bones ground to powder," he said during a trip to Nepal. "Any external forces that support the splitting of China can only be regarded as delusional by the Chinese people," he said, according to the foreign ministry. Hawley, at 39 the youngest serving senator and a vocal China hawk, described Xi's comments as "violent rhetoric" that illustrated why he believed the US and its European allies needed to take a stronger line at Beijing's growing regional threat. Republican China hawks such as Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz have become some of the most vocal supporters of Hong Kong's democracy movement on Capitol Hill -- although the proposed bill is rapidly gathering bipartisan support, especially in the Senate. Cruz also made a visit to Hong Kong on Saturday during which he accused Beijing of trying to impose a "dictatorship" on the city. He also said Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam cancelled a meeting because he refused to promise to keep the conversation private -- although Lam's office said she had "other commitments". During Sunday's clashes one policeman was slashed in the neck with a knife while another undercover officer was beaten. Police said a remote-controlled homemade bomb exploded near them in Mongkok, the first time such a device had been used. No-one was injured.

US senator warns Hong Kong of becoming 'police state'

Hong Kong's stock market soared Wednesday after local media reported that the city's embattled leader is planning to fully withdraw a loathed extradition bill, one of the main demands of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-fire-beanbag-rounds-in-overnight-clashes-with-protesters-247486">pro-democracy protesters</a>.

The Hang Seng index leapt more than three per cent in afternoon trade after the South China Morning Post and HK01 both published reports that the city's pro-Beijing chief executive Carrie Lam was planning to shelve the bill.

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam is expected to announce later on Wednesday the formal withdrawal of a proposed extradition bill that sparked three months of protests in the Chinese-ruled city, the South China Morning Post reported, citing unnamed sources.

Other local media outlets also reported on a possible withdrawal of the bill. The chief executive`s office did not immediately respond to request for comment.

The withdrawal of the bill, which would have allowed Hong Kong citizens to be sent to mainland China to face trial, is one of the main demands of pro-democracy protesters who have plunged the former British colony into its deepest crisis in decades.

Hong Kong's stock market soared Wednesday after local media reported that the city's embattled leader is planning to fully withdraw a loathed extradition bill, one of the main demands of pro-democracy protesters.

Hong Kong's stock market soared Wednesday after local media reported that the city's embattled leader is planning to fully withdraw a loathed extradition bill, one of the main demands of pro-democracy protesters. The Hang Seng index leapt more than three per cent in afternoon trade after the South China Morning Post and HK01 both published reports that the city's pro-Beijing chief executive Carrie Lam was planning to shelve the bill. Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam is expected to announce later on Wednesday the formal withdrawal of a proposed extradition bill that sparked three months of protests in the Chinese-ruled city, the South China Morning Post reported, citing unnamed sources. Other local media outlets also reported on a possible withdrawal of the bill. The chief executive`s office did not immediately respond to request for comment. The withdrawal of the bill, which would have allowed Hong Kong citizens to be sent to mainland China to face trial, is one of the main demands of pro-democracy protesters who have plunged the former British colony into its deepest crisis in decades.

Hong Kong stocks surge after extradition bill withdrawal reports

Hong Kong's private sector activity declined at the fastest pace in more than a decade in August, a business survey showed on Wednesday, as an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-fire-beanbag-rounds-in-overnight-clashes-with-protesters-247486">escalating trade war and local political unrest </a>hit all aspects of demand.

The IHS Markit Hong Kong Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) sank to 40.8 in August from 43.8 in July, signalling the steepest deterioration in the private sector since February 2009.

"The latest PMI data reveal a Hong Kong economy flirting with recession in the third quarter as business activity is increasingly aggravated by protest-related paralysis," said Bernard Aw, Principal Economist at IHS Markit.

Hundreds of thousands of people have taken to the streets since mid-June in protests calling for greater democracy in the former British territory. The demonstrations pose a direct challenge to Beijing, which has accused foreign powers, particularly the United States and Britain, of fomenting unrest.

Both the trade headwinds and political crisis have fanned business pessimism, with confidence slumping to its lowest on record, the survey showed.

New orders continued declining and at the sharpest pace since February 2009, dragged by a record decline in new business from mainland China.

Hong Kong is on the verge of its first recession in a decade as the economy shrank 0.4% in April-June from the previous quarter, data showed, as increasingly violent protests turned away tourists and hit retail sales in one of the world's most popular shopping destinations.

Hong Kong's private sector activity declined at the fastest pace in more than a decade in August, a business survey showed on Wednesday, as an escalating trade war and local political unrest hit all aspects of demand.

Hong Kong's private sector activity declined at the fastest pace in more than a decade in August, a business survey showed on Wednesday, as an escalating trade war and local political unrest hit all aspects of demand. The IHS Markit Hong Kong Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) sank to 40.8 in August from 43.8 in July, signalling the steepest deterioration in the private sector since February 2009. "The latest PMI data reveal a Hong Kong economy flirting with recession in the third quarter as business activity is increasingly aggravated by protest-related paralysis," said Bernard Aw, Principal Economist at IHS Markit. Hundreds of thousands of people have taken to the streets since mid-June in protests calling for greater democracy in the former British territory. The demonstrations pose a direct challenge to Beijing, which has accused foreign powers, particularly the United States and Britain, of fomenting unrest. Both the trade headwinds and political crisis have fanned business pessimism, with confidence slumping to its lowest on record, the survey showed. New orders continued declining and at the sharpest pace since February 2009, dragged by a record decline in new business from mainland China. Hong Kong is on the verge of its first recession in a decade as the economy shrank 0.4% in April-June from the previous quarter, data showed, as increasingly violent protests turned away tourists and hit retail sales in one of the world's most popular shopping destinations.

Protests, trade war push Hong Kong August business activity to lowest since Feb 2009: Report

Hong Kong pro-democracy protesters threw morning rush hour train travel into chaos on Monday, kicking off another day of potential turmoil after a weekend featuring some of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-reels-from-worst-clashes-in-months-as-protesters-battle-police-246937">worst violence in three months</a> of anti-government protests.

The global financial hub is in the midst of an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tear-gas-petrol-bombs-as-hong-kong-centre-engulfed-by-chaos-246844">unprecedented crisis </a>as a largely leaderless movement has drawn millions on to the streets to protest against what they see as an erosion of freedoms and increasing interference in their affairs by Beijing.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/flights-cancelled-after-hong-kong-protesters-target-airport-247043">Flights cancelled after Hong Kong protesters target airport</a>

In the latest action, protesters dressed in their signature black stood at doorways of trains, stopping them from closing, at a series of stations on the underground system on Monday morning, causing major delays on the network.

The protesters have also called for a general strike on Monday, while university students are due to rally in the afternoon.

Hong Kong is a semi-autonomous southern Chinese city that operates under a "one country, two systems" framework, which gives citizens rights unseen on the mainland.

China committed to giving the people of Hong Kong those rights in an agreement that saw the city return from British colonial rule in 1997.

China's erosions of those rights has been one of the driving forces behind the protest movement.

The protests started in opposition to government plans to allow the extradition to the mainland of people wanted by Beijing, but have widened to include broader demands.

These include demands for the extradition bill to be formally scrapped and for an independent inquiry into alleged police brutality during the protests.

The protesters also want the city's leader and all its lawmakers to be directly elected, scrapping the current system that heavily favours the Chinese government.

Student boycott&nbsp;

The new round of protest actions on Monday came after yet another weekend of violence on the streets as well as efforts by protesters to disrupt the city's airport, one of the busiest in the world.

On Sunday at least a dozen flights were cancelled after protesters blocked routes to the airport, although police fended off demonstrators' efforts to converge on the terminal itself.

On Saturday, hardcore protesters rampaged through the city centre, setting fires and throwing petrol bombs at riot police in defiance of a rally ban.

Police hit back with tear gas, baton charges and water cannon laced with chemical dye.

Video footage captured by local media showed police charge and beat a crowd cowering inside a train carriage, with Amnesty International calling their actions "horrifying".

Universities were due to resume classes Monday after a summer break, but students -- who make up the backbone of the protest movement -- are planning a two-week boycott.

Protesters were also urging a general strike.&nbsp;

In early August, a city-wide strike -- a rare occurence in a freewheeling finance hub where unions traditionally have little sway -- brought transport chaos to the city.

Hong Kong' flagship carrier Cathay Pacific has warned staff they risk being sacked if they joined Monday's strike after the last walkout was supported by the airline's flight attendant union.

Cathay has already fired at least four staff -- including two pilots -- for supporting the protests.

Hong Kong's reputation as a stable place to do business has been shaken by the ongoing protests.

Visitor arrivals have plummeted, hotel vacancies have soared and retailers have reported huge losses as a result of the protests, but the government has offered little in the way of concessions or suggestions on how to end them.

Hong Kong pro-democracy protesters threw morning rush hour train travel into chaos on Monday, kicking off another day of potential turmoil after a weekend featuring some of the worst violence in three months of anti-government protests.

Hong Kong pro-democracy protesters threw morning rush hour train travel into chaos on Monday, kicking off another day of potential turmoil after a weekend featuring some of the worst violence in three months of anti-government protests. The global financial hub is in the midst of an unprecedented crisis as a largely leaderless movement has drawn millions on to the streets to protest against what they see as an erosion of freedoms and increasing interference in their affairs by Beijing. Also read: Flights cancelled after Hong Kong protesters target airport In the latest action, protesters dressed in their signature black stood at doorways of trains, stopping them from closing, at a series of stations on the underground system on Monday morning, causing major delays on the network. The protesters have also called for a general strike on Monday, while university students are due to rally in the afternoon. Hong Kong is a semi-autonomous southern Chinese city that operates under a "one country, two systems" framework, which gives citizens rights unseen on the mainland. China committed to giving the people of Hong Kong those rights in an agreement that saw the city return from British colonial rule in 1997. China's erosions of those rights has been one of the driving forces behind the protest movement. The protests started in opposition to government plans to allow the extradition to the mainland of people wanted by Beijing, but have widened to include broader demands. These include demands for the extradition bill to be formally scrapped and for an independent inquiry into alleged police brutality during the protests. The protesters also want the city's leader and all its lawmakers to be directly elected, scrapping the current system that heavily favours the Chinese government. Student boycott The new round of protest actions on Monday came after yet another weekend of violence on the streets as well as efforts by protesters to disrupt the city's airport, one of the busiest in the world. On Sunday at least a dozen flights were cancelled after protesters blocked routes to the airport, although police fended off demonstrators' efforts to converge on the terminal itself. On Saturday, hardcore protesters rampaged through the city centre, setting fires and throwing petrol bombs at riot police in defiance of a rally ban. Police hit back with tear gas, baton charges and water cannon laced with chemical dye. Video footage captured by local media showed police charge and beat a crowd cowering inside a train carriage, with Amnesty International calling their actions "horrifying". Universities were due to resume classes Monday after a summer break, but students -- who make up the backbone of the protest movement -- are planning a two-week boycott. Protesters were also urging a general strike. In early August, a city-wide strike -- a rare occurence in a freewheeling finance hub where unions traditionally have little sway -- brought transport chaos to the city. Hong Kong' flagship carrier Cathay Pacific has warned staff they risk being sacked if they joined Monday's strike after the last walkout was supported by the airline's flight attendant union. Cathay has already fired at least four staff -- including two pilots -- for supporting the protests. Hong Kong's reputation as a stable place to do business has been shaken by the ongoing protests. Visitor arrivals have plummeted, hotel vacancies have soared and retailers have reported huge losses as a result of the protests, but the government has offered little in the way of concessions or suggestions on how to end them.

Hong Kong protesters target trains, urge general strike

Earlier this summer, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protesters-in-hong-kong-reject-carrie-lams-assertion-extradition-bill-dead-threaten-mass-rallies-234227">Carrie Lam</a>, the chief executive of Hong Kong, submitted a report to Beijing that assessed protesters` five key demands and found that withdrawing a contentious <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-march-in-hong-kong-demanding-scrapping-of-extradition-bill-227510">extradition bill </a>could help defuse the mounting political crisis in the territory.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-troops-in-hong-kong-wont-sit-on-hands-if-situation-worsens-report-246499">Chinese central government</a> rejected Lam`s proposal to withdraw the extradition bill and ordered her not to yield to any of the protesters` other demands at that time, three individuals with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

China`s role in directing how Hong Kong handles the protests has been widely assumed, supported by stern statements in state media about the country`s sovereignty and protesters` "radical" goals.

Beijing`s rebuff of Lam`s proposal for how to resolve the crisis, detailed for the first time by Reuters, represents concrete evidence of the extent to which China is controlling the Hong Kong government`s response to the unrest.

The Chinese central government has condemned the protests and accused foreign powers of fuelling unrest. The Foreign Ministry has repeatedly warned other nations against interfering in Hong Kong, reiterating that the situation there is an "internal affair."

Watch- Hong Kong: Tensions Intensify

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Lam`s report on the tumult, made before an Aug. 7 meeting in Shenzhen about Hong Kong led by senior Chinese officials that examined the feasibility of the five demands of the protesters, analysing how conceding to some of these might quiet things down, the individuals with direct knowledge said.

In addition to the withdrawal of the extradition bill, the other demands analysed in the report were: an independent inquiry into the protests; fully democratic elections; dropping of the term "riot" in describing protests; and dropping charges against those arrested so far.

The withdrawal of the bill and an independent inquiry were seen to be the most feasible politically, according to a senior government official in the Hong Kong administration, who spoke on condition of anonymity. He said the move was envisioned as helping pacify some of the more moderate protesters who have been angered by Lam`s silence.

The extradition bill is one of the key issues that has helped drive the protests, which have drawn millions of people into the streets of Hong Kong. Lam has said the bill is "dead," but has refused to say explicitly that it has been "withdrawn."

Beijing told Lam not to withdraw the bill, or to launch an inquiry into the tumult, including allegations of excessive police force, according to the senior government official.

Another of the three individuals, who has close ties with senior officials in Hong Kong and also declined to be identified, confirmed the Hong Kong government had submitted the report.

"They said no" to all five demands, said the source. "The situation is far more complicated than most people realise."

The third individual, a senior Chinese official, said that the Hong Kong government had submitted the report to the Central Co-ordination Group for Hong Kong and Macau Affairs, a high-level group led by Politburo Standing Committee member Han Zheng, and that President Xi Jinping was aware of it.

The official confirmed that Beijing had rejected giving in to any of the protesters` demands and wanted Lam`s administration to take more initiative.

In a statement responding to Reuters, Lam`s office said her government had made efforts to address protesters` concerns, but did not comment directly on whether it had made such a proposal to Beijing, or received instructions.

Written questions to China`s Foreign Ministry were referred to the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office (HKMAO), a high-level bureau under China`s State Council. HKMAO did not respond to a faxed request for comment.

Reuters has not seen the report. The news agency also was unable to establish the precise timing of the rejection.

The two Hong Kong sources said the report was submitted between June 16 - the day after Lam announced the suspension of the extradition bill - and Aug. 7, when the HKMAO and China`s representative Liaison Office in Hong Kong held a forum in nearby Shenzhen attended by nearly 500 pro-establishment figures and businesspeople from Hong Kong.

The question of Beijing`s influence strikes at the heart of Hong Kong`s "one country, two systems" governance, which promised the city a high degree of autonomy and wide-ranging freedoms that don`t exist in mainland China.

More than two months of protests have embroiled Hong Kong in its most severe crisis since the former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997. 
What began as a movement to oppose the extradition bill, which would have allowed people to be sent to China for trial in Communist Party controlled courts, has morphed into a broader campaign for greater rights and democracy in a direct challenge to Beijing.

'Her hands are tied'

Ip Kwok-him, a senior pro-Beijing politician who sits on Hong Kong`s elite Executive Council, which advises senior officials, including Lam, told Reuters that "if the central government won`t allow something, you can`t do it." Ip did not know about the proposal to withdraw the bill.

A senior businessman who attended the Shenzhen meeting and has met with Lam recently said "her hands are tied" and Beijing wouldn`t let her withdraw the bill. The businessman spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.

At the Shenzhen meeting, Zhang Xiaoming, the head of the HKMAO, said in televised public remarks that if the turmoil persisted, "the central government must intervene."

Since then, there have been signs of Beijing taking a harder line.

For instance, officials have likened some protests to "terrorism," Chinese paramilitary police have conducted drills near the border, several Hong Kong companies have been pressured to suspend staff supporting the protests, and security personnel have searched the digital devices of some travellers entering China.

On Friday, Joshua Wong, a prominent democracy activist, was arrested, according to his political party, Demosisto.

Earlier this summer, Carrie Lam, the chief executive of Hong Kong, submitted a report to Beijing that assessed protesters` five key demands and found that withdrawing a contentious extradition bill could help defuse the mounting political crisis in the territory.

Earlier this summer, Carrie Lam, the chief executive of Hong Kong, submitted a report to Beijing that assessed protesters` five key demands and found that withdrawing a contentious extradition bill could help defuse the mounting political crisis in the territory. The Chinese central government rejected Lam`s proposal to withdraw the extradition bill and ordered her not to yield to any of the protesters` other demands at that time, three individuals with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters. China`s role in directing how Hong Kong handles the protests has been widely assumed, supported by stern statements in state media about the country`s sovereignty and protesters` "radical" goals. Beijing`s rebuff of Lam`s proposal for how to resolve the crisis, detailed for the first time by Reuters, represents concrete evidence of the extent to which China is controlling the Hong Kong government`s response to the unrest. The Chinese central government has condemned the protests and accused foreign powers of fuelling unrest. The Foreign Ministry has repeatedly warned other nations against interfering in Hong Kong, reiterating that the situation there is an "internal affair." Watch- Hong Kong: Tensions Intensify × Lam`s report on the tumult, made before an Aug. 7 meeting in Shenzhen about Hong Kong led by senior Chinese officials that examined the feasibility of the five demands of the protesters, analysing how conceding to some of these might quiet things down, the individuals with direct knowledge said. In addition to the withdrawal of the extradition bill, the other demands analysed in the report were: an independent inquiry into the protests; fully democratic elections; dropping of the term "riot" in describing protests; and dropping charges against those arrested so far. The withdrawal of the bill and an independent inquiry were seen to be the most feasible politically, according to a senior government official in the Hong Kong administration, who spoke on condition of anonymity. He said the move was envisioned as helping pacify some of the more moderate protesters who have been angered by Lam`s silence. The extradition bill is one of the key issues that has helped drive the protests, which have drawn millions of people into the streets of Hong Kong. Lam has said the bill is "dead," but has refused to say explicitly that it has been "withdrawn." Beijing told Lam not to withdraw the bill, or to launch an inquiry into the tumult, including allegations of excessive police force, according to the senior government official. Another of the three individuals, who has close ties with senior officials in Hong Kong and also declined to be identified, confirmed the Hong Kong government had submitted the report. "They said no" to all five demands, said the source. "The situation is far more complicated than most people realise." The third individual, a senior Chinese official, said that the Hong Kong government had submitted the report to the Central Co-ordination Group for Hong Kong and Macau Affairs, a high-level group led by Politburo Standing Committee member Han Zheng, and that President Xi Jinping was aware of it. The official confirmed that Beijing had rejected giving in to any of the protesters` demands and wanted Lam`s administration to take more initiative. In a statement responding to Reuters, Lam`s office said her government had made efforts to address protesters` concerns, but did not comment directly on whether it had made such a proposal to Beijing, or received instructions. Written questions to China`s Foreign Ministry were referred to the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office (HKMAO), a high-level bureau under China`s State Council. HKMAO did not respond to a faxed request for comment. Reuters has not seen the report. The news agency also was unable to establish the precise timing of the rejection. The two Hong Kong sources said the report was submitted between June 16 - the day after Lam announced the suspension of the extradition bill - and Aug. 7, when the HKMAO and China`s representative Liaison Office in Hong Kong held a forum in nearby Shenzhen attended by nearly 500 pro-establishment figures and businesspeople from Hong Kong. The question of Beijing`s influence strikes at the heart of Hong Kong`s "one country, two systems" governance, which promised the city a high degree of autonomy and wide-ranging freedoms that don`t exist in mainland China. More than two months of protests have embroiled Hong Kong in its most severe crisis since the former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997. What began as a movement to oppose the extradition bill, which would have allowed people to be sent to China for trial in Communist Party controlled courts, has morphed into a broader campaign for greater rights and democracy in a direct challenge to Beijing. 'Her hands are tied' Ip Kwok-him, a senior pro-Beijing politician who sits on Hong Kong`s elite Executive Council, which advises senior officials, including Lam, told Reuters that "if the central government won`t allow something, you can`t do it." Ip did not know about the proposal to withdraw the bill. A senior businessman who attended the Shenzhen meeting and has met with Lam recently said "her hands are tied" and Beijing wouldn`t let her withdraw the bill. The businessman spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter. At the Shenzhen meeting, Zhang Xiaoming, the head of the HKMAO, said in televised public remarks that if the turmoil persisted, "the central government must intervene." Since then, there have been signs of Beijing taking a harder line. For instance, officials have likened some protests to "terrorism," Chinese paramilitary police have conducted drills near the border, several Hong Kong companies have been pressured to suspend staff supporting the protests, and security personnel have searched the digital devices of some travellers entering China. On Friday, Joshua Wong, a prominent democracy activist, was arrested, according to his political party, Demosisto.

Amid crisis, China rejected Hong Kong plan to appease protesters: Report

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-unions-urge-cathay-pacific-to-end-white-terror-244958">Hong Kong</a>'s airport and the roads and railways leading to it were operating normally early on Saturday despite <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-airport-faces-renewed-protest-turbulence-after-last-weeks-fracas-245072">plans by protesters </a>to implement a "stress test" of transport links to the aviation hub early in the day.

Those seeking to enter the terminal had to show valid boarding passes and passports, Reuters witnesses said. Train stations feeding the airport, as well as roads to it, were largely clear, with a light police presence along some access routes.

Authorities had taken out a court order to prevent demonstrations at the airport, which was forced to close for part of last week after protesters thronged the main terminal for several days, grounding around 1000 flights and occasionally clashing with police.

Other protests are planned on Saturday in various districts, including Kwun Tong on the Kowloon peninsula.

The city`s train operator, the MTR Corporation, said in a statement on Friday that it had been granted an injunction to prevent protesters from disrupting train services. The operator also said that if "fights, vandalism or other acts of violence occur," train services at affected stations could be stopped immediately.

The protests, which began as opposition to a now-suspended bill that would have allowed suspects to be extradited to mainland China, have swelled into wider calls for democracy, plunging the city into an unprecedented crisis and posing a direct challenge to China`s leaders. 
&nbsp; 
Demonstrators say they are fighting the erosion of the "one country, two systems" arrangement that enshrined a high degree of autonomy for Hong Kong since it was handed back from British to Chinese rule in 1997.&nbsp;

Almost three months after the demonstrations began, there is no sign of let-up across the China-ruled territory.

On Friday night, thousands of chanting protesters formed human chains around the city in a peaceful protest dubbed the "Hong Kong Way".

Organisers said 135,000 people took part in the demonstration, inspired by one in 1989, when an estimated 2 million people joined arms across three Baltic states in a protest against then-Soviet rule that became known as the "Baltic Way" or "Baltic Chain".

Friday`s protest, which included people linking arms and shining lights on sidewalks and atop Kowloon`s Lion Rock mountain, followed warnings from Communist Party leaders in Beijing and city leader Carrie Lam to stop the demonstrations and restore order.

Authorities have so far refused to meet any of the protesters` five key demands, including calls for an independent inquiry into police brutality, a full withdrawal of the extradition bill, and full democracy.

Organisers are planning a host of protests in the coming weeks including a mass march, a city-wide strike and class boycotts at the city`s universities.

Hong Kong's airport and the roads and railways leading to it were operating normally early on Saturday despite plans by protesters to implement a "stress test" of transport links to the aviation hub early in the day.

Hong Kong's airport and the roads and railways leading to it were operating normally early on Saturday despite plans by protesters to implement a "stress test" of transport links to the aviation hub early in the day. Those seeking to enter the terminal had to show valid boarding passes and passports, Reuters witnesses said. Train stations feeding the airport, as well as roads to it, were largely clear, with a light police presence along some access routes. Authorities had taken out a court order to prevent demonstrations at the airport, which was forced to close for part of last week after protesters thronged the main terminal for several days, grounding around 1000 flights and occasionally clashing with police. Other protests are planned on Saturday in various districts, including Kwun Tong on the Kowloon peninsula. The city`s train operator, the MTR Corporation, said in a statement on Friday that it had been granted an injunction to prevent protesters from disrupting train services. The operator also said that if "fights, vandalism or other acts of violence occur," train services at affected stations could be stopped immediately. The protests, which began as opposition to a now-suspended bill that would have allowed suspects to be extradited to mainland China, have swelled into wider calls for democracy, plunging the city into an unprecedented crisis and posing a direct challenge to China`s leaders. Demonstrators say they are fighting the erosion of the "one country, two systems" arrangement that enshrined a high degree of autonomy for Hong Kong since it was handed back from British to Chinese rule in 1997. Almost three months after the demonstrations began, there is no sign of let-up across the China-ruled territory. On Friday night, thousands of chanting protesters formed human chains around the city in a peaceful protest dubbed the "Hong Kong Way". Organisers said 135,000 people took part in the demonstration, inspired by one in 1989, when an estimated 2 million people joined arms across three Baltic states in a protest against then-Soviet rule that became known as the "Baltic Way" or "Baltic Chain". Friday`s protest, which included people linking arms and shining lights on sidewalks and atop Kowloon`s Lion Rock mountain, followed warnings from Communist Party leaders in Beijing and city leader Carrie Lam to stop the demonstrations and restore order. Authorities have so far refused to meet any of the protesters` five key demands, including calls for an independent inquiry into police brutality, a full withdrawal of the extradition bill, and full democracy. Organisers are planning a host of protests in the coming weeks including a mass march, a city-wide strike and class boycotts at the city`s universities.

Hong Kong airport operating normally despite planned 'stress test' protest

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