Indore, India
In an effort to make Madhya Pradesh’s Indore city free of beggars, the district authorities have said on Monday, December 16, that FIR will registered against those who give alms from January 1, 2025.
District collector Ashish Singh told reporters that the administration has already issued an order to ban begging in Indore, according to news agency PTI.
“Our awareness campaign against begging will go on in the city till the end of this month (December). If any person is found giving alms from January 1, a First Information Report (FIR) will be registered against him/her,” he said.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/three-hindu-idols-found-in-sambhals-newly-uncovered-shiv-hanuman-temple-784428">Three Hindu idols found in Sambhal’s newly uncovered Shiv-Hanuman Temple</a>
Singh also urged residents to not give alms to beggars, saying, “I appeal to all residents of Indore not to become partners in the sin by giving alms to people.” 
In recent months, the administration has exposed different organised gangs who make people beg. Singh also said that many people who were involved in the act of begging have been rehabilitated.
<h2>Initiative against begging</h2>
The Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has launched a pilot project aimed at making 10 Indian cities beggar-free, including Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Indore, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur, Patna, and Ahmedabad.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bengaluru-techie-suicide-how-one-phone-call-helped-police-track-down-nikita-singhania-784417">Bengaluru techie suicide: How one phone call helped police track down estranged wife Nikita Singhania</a>
The scheme, which will be implemented through state governments, local bodies, and other organisations, aims to provide various services to those engaged in begging. This includes awareness generation, identification, rehabilitation, counselling, medical facilities, education, skill development, and sustainable settlement.
Search and rescue operations for beggars in the city have been carried out by the Indore administration for their rehabilitation. Earlier in September, 12 beggars were rescued from Khajrana Temple Square, according to reports. In another incident, 10 beggars and 4 children were rescued from the Annapurna Temple area in Indore city. In addition, authorities rescued 12 beggars from Balaji Temple in front of the zoo, reports claim.
(With inputs from agencies)

District collector Ashish Singh also urged residents to not give alms to beggars saying, “I appeal to all residents of Indore not to become partners in the sin by giving alms to people”



Indore, India In an effort to make Madhya Pradesh’s Indore city free of beggars, the district authorities have said on Monday, December 16, that FIR will registered against those who give alms from January 1, 2025. District collector Ashish Singh told reporters that the administration has already issued an order to ban begging in Indore, according to news agency PTI. “Our awareness campaign against begging will go on in the city till the end of this month (December). If any person is found giving alms from January 1, a First Information Report (FIR) will be registered against him/her,” he said. Also read | Three Hindu idols found in Sambhal’s newly uncovered Shiv-Hanuman Temple Singh also urged residents to not give alms to beggars, saying, “I appeal to all residents of Indore not to become partners in the sin by giving alms to people.” In recent months, the administration has exposed different organised gangs who make people beg. Singh also said that many people who were involved in the act of begging have been rehabilitated. Initiative against begging The Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has launched a pilot project aimed at making 10 Indian cities beggar-free, including Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Indore, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur, Patna, and Ahmedabad. Also read | Bengaluru techie suicide: How one phone call helped police track down estranged wife Nikita Singhania The scheme, which will be implemented through state governments, local bodies, and other organisations, aims to provide various services to those engaged in begging. This includes awareness generation, identification, rehabilitation, counselling, medical facilities, education, skill development, and sustainable settlement. Search and rescue operations for beggars in the city have been carried out by the Indore administration for their rehabilitation. Earlier in September, 12 beggars were rescued from Khajrana Temple Square, according to reports. In another incident, 10 beggars and 4 children were rescued from the Annapurna Temple area in Indore city. In addition, authorities rescued 12 beggars from Balaji Temple in front of the zoo, reports claim. (With inputs from agencies)

Giving alms in Madhya Pradesh's Indore could land you in jail from January 1

In an effort to make Madhya Pradesh’s Indore city free of beggars, the district authorities have said on Monday, December 16, that FIR will registered against those who give alms from January 1, 2025.

District collector Ashish Singh told reporters that the administration has already issued an order to ban begging in Indore, according to news agency PTI.

“Our awareness campaign against begging will go on in the city till the end of this month (December). If any person is found giving alms from January 1, a First Information Report (FIR) will&nbsp;be registered against him/her,” he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/three-hindu-idols-found-in-sambhals-newly-uncovered-shiv-hanuman-temple-784428">Three Hindu idols found in Sambhal’s newly uncovered Shiv-Hanuman Temple</a>

Singh also urged residents to not give alms to beggars, saying, “I appeal to all residents of Indore not to become partners in the sin by giving alms to people.”&nbsp;

In recent months, the administration has exposed different organised gangs who make people beg. Singh also said that many people who were involved in the act of begging have been rehabilitated.

<h2>Initiative against begging</h2>

The Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has launched a pilot project aimed at making 10 Indian cities beggar-free, including Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Indore, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur, Patna, and Ahmedabad.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bengaluru-techie-suicide-how-one-phone-call-helped-police-track-down-nikita-singhania-784417">Bengaluru techie suicide: How one phone call helped police track down estranged wife Nikita Singhania</a>

The scheme, which will be implemented through state governments, local bodies, and other organisations, aims to provide various services to those engaged in begging. This includes awareness generation, identification, rehabilitation, counselling, medical facilities, education, skill development, and sustainable settlement.

Search and rescue operations for beggars in the city have been carried out by the Indore administration for their rehabilitation. Earlier in September, 12 beggars were rescued from Khajrana Temple Square, according to reports. In another incident, 10 beggars and 4 children were rescued from the Annapurna Temple area in Indore city. In addition, authorities rescued 12 beggars from Balaji Temple in front of the zoo, reports claim.

(With inputs from agencies)

In an effort to make Madhya Pradesh’s Indore city free of beggars, the district authorities have said on Monday, December 16, that FIR will registered against those who give alms from January 1, 2025.

In an effort to make Madhya Pradesh’s Indore city free of beggars, the district authorities have said on Monday, December 16, that FIR will registered against those who give alms from January 1, 2025. District collector Ashish Singh told reporters that the administration has already issued an order to ban begging in Indore, according to news agency PTI. “Our awareness campaign against begging will go on in the city till the end of this month (December). If any person is found giving alms from January 1, a First Information Report (FIR) will be registered against him/her,” he said. Also read | Three Hindu idols found in Sambhal’s newly uncovered Shiv-Hanuman Temple Singh also urged residents to not give alms to beggars, saying, “I appeal to all residents of Indore not to become partners in the sin by giving alms to people.” In recent months, the administration has exposed different organised gangs who make people beg. Singh also said that many people who were involved in the act of begging have been rehabilitated. Initiative against begging The Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has launched a pilot project aimed at making 10 Indian cities beggar-free, including Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Indore, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur, Patna, and Ahmedabad. Also read | Bengaluru techie suicide: How one phone call helped police track down estranged wife Nikita Singhania The scheme, which will be implemented through state governments, local bodies, and other organisations, aims to provide various services to those engaged in begging. This includes awareness generation, identification, rehabilitation, counselling, medical facilities, education, skill development, and sustainable settlement. Search and rescue operations for beggars in the city have been carried out by the Indore administration for their rehabilitation. Earlier in September, 12 beggars were rescued from Khajrana Temple Square, according to reports. In another incident, 10 beggars and 4 children were rescued from the Annapurna Temple area in Indore city. In addition, authorities rescued 12 beggars from Balaji Temple in front of the zoo, reports claim. (With inputs from agencies)

Amid escalating chaos and gang violence in Haiti, the nation's Prime Minister Ariel Henry said on Monday night he will resign as soon as a transition council and a temporary leader are chosen.&nbsp;

Henry had assumed the role, unelected, in 2021 after the assassination of the country's last president, Jovenel Moïse. He was also the acting president since Moïse's death.

However, the latest announcement doesn't make&nbsp;it clear when it will happen.&nbsp;

"The government that I am leading will resign immediately after the installation of (a transition) council,"&nbsp;Henry&nbsp;said in a late night video address.

"I'm asking all Haitians to remain calm and do everything they can for peace and stability to come back as fast as possible," he added.&nbsp;

<h2>An interim prime minister to be named</h2>

Previously, Guyana's leader and current CARICOM President, Irfaan Ali confirmed the resignation, stating, "We acknowledge the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry upon the establishment of a transitional presidential council and the naming of an interim prime minister."&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/woe-betide-anyone-haiti-gang-leader-barbecue-threatens-hotels-hiding-politicians-in-his-bloody-revolution-699152">'Woe betide anyone': Haiti gang leader Barbecue threatens hotels 'hiding politicians' in his bloody revolution</a>

This announcement came after the CARICOM meeting in the Jamaican capital of Kingston. The regional bloc of 25 countries, which works on economic integration, security and social development, held talks focused on establishing a transitional council to facilitate Haiti's first elections since 2016, Reuters news agency reported.

As per the report citing&nbsp;a US State Department official, Henry was involved in&nbsp;virtual discussions with CARICOM.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-embassy-personally-airlifted-from-violence-hit-haiti-698643">US military airlifts personnel from American embassy in violence-hit Haiti</a>

<h2>Haiti turmoil: What is happening?</h2>

The Caribbean nation has been facing severe challenges, including attacks by gangs on government structures. The situation&nbsp;in Haiti has been increasingly unstable with widespread violence and insecurity.&nbsp;

On March 3, Haiti declared a state of emergency after clashes disrupted communications and resulted in two massive prison breaks. All of this occurred after Haiti gang leader Jimmy Cherizier, also known as "Barbecue," declared a plan to unify and remove unelected Prime Minister Ariel Henry from power.

Also watch | Haiti PM stranded in Puerto Rico as he tried to return home amidst gang violence

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" data-gtm-yt-inspected-20="true" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/haiti-pm-stranded-in-puerto-rico-as-he-tried-to-return-home-amidst-gang-violence-698304/embed" width="560"></iframe>

No elections have been held in the country since 2016 and with the presidency vacant, protesters&nbsp;have demanded Henry's resignation per a political agreement requiring polls and his transfer of power to newly elected officials by February 7, 2022.&nbsp;

However, last month, Henry delayed the scheduled elections, saying they could not be held until it was safe to do so. His decision served only to further enrage protesters who had for months demanded he stand down as Haiti slid further into poverty and rampant gang violence.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Amid escalating chaos and gang violence in Haiti, the nation's Prime Minister Ariel Henry said on Monday night he will resign as soon as a transition council and a temporary leader are chosen.

Amid escalating chaos and gang violence in Haiti, the nation's Prime Minister Ariel Henry said on Monday night he will resign as soon as a transition council and a temporary leader are chosen. Henry had assumed the role, unelected, in 2021 after the assassination of the country's last president, Jovenel Moïse. He was also the acting president since Moïse's death. However, the latest announcement doesn't make it clear when it will happen. "The government that I am leading will resign immediately after the installation of (a transition) council," Henry said in a late night video address. "I'm asking all Haitians to remain calm and do everything they can for peace and stability to come back as fast as possible," he added. An interim prime minister to be named Previously, Guyana's leader and current CARICOM President, Irfaan Ali confirmed the resignation, stating, "We acknowledge the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry upon the establishment of a transitional presidential council and the naming of an interim prime minister." Also read | 'Woe betide anyone': Haiti gang leader Barbecue threatens hotels 'hiding politicians' in his bloody revolution This announcement came after the CARICOM meeting in the Jamaican capital of Kingston. The regional bloc of 25 countries, which works on economic integration, security and social development, held talks focused on establishing a transitional council to facilitate Haiti's first elections since 2016, Reuters news agency reported. As per the report citing a US State Department official, Henry was involved in virtual discussions with CARICOM. Also read | US military airlifts personnel from American embassy in violence-hit Haiti Haiti turmoil: What is happening? The Caribbean nation has been facing severe challenges, including attacks by gangs on government structures. The situation in Haiti has been increasingly unstable with widespread violence and insecurity. On March 3, Haiti declared a state of emergency after clashes disrupted communications and resulted in two massive prison breaks. All of this occurred after Haiti gang leader Jimmy Cherizier, also known as "Barbecue," declared a plan to unify and remove unelected Prime Minister Ariel Henry from power. Also watch | Haiti PM stranded in Puerto Rico as he tried to return home amidst gang violence No elections have been held in the country since 2016 and with the presidency vacant, protesters have demanded Henry's resignation per a political agreement requiring polls and his transfer of power to newly elected officials by February 7, 2022. However, last month, Henry delayed the scheduled elections, saying they could not be held until it was safe to do so. His decision served only to further enrage protesters who had for months demanded he stand down as Haiti slid further into poverty and rampant gang violence. (With inputs from agencies)

Embattled Haiti PM Ariel Henry quits amid rise in gang violence

International connectivity to Haiti has been restored. It was disrupted on Sunday because of violent clashes in the capital that damaged communications infrastructure. As per&nbsp;Maarten Boute, chairperson of&nbsp;Digicel, one of the main telecoms providers in Haiti, the company's field teams have fully restored the connection on Sunday afternoon.

This comes as several thousand inmates escaped from Haiti's main prison in the capital, Port-au-Prince, after an overnight violent attack. As per reports, the attack on Saturday (March 2) led to the death of at least a dozen people. Hundreds of inmates may have escaped from another facility known as Croix des Bouquets after a similar attack. However, the numbers are not clear yet.

<h2>Ongoing violence in Haiti</h2>

Pierre Esperance of the National Network for the Defense of Human Rights, an NGO, reports that following the overnight attack, only about 100 of the National Penitentiary's roughly 3,800 inmates remained inside.&nbsp;

In conversation with AFP, he mentioned seeing numerous prisoners' bodies and wounded individuals in the aftermath of the attack.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kamala-harris-issues-us-sharpest-rebuke-yet-calls-out-israel-for-the-catastrophe-says-it-must-do-more-696260">Kamala Harris issues US' sharpest rebuke yet, calls out Israel for the 'catastrophe', says it 'must do more'</a>

An AFP journalist who visited the prison observed around a dozen bodies outside the facility, some displaying wounds from gunfire or other projectiles. Inside, the prison was nearly deserted, with only a few remaining inmates.

The Haitian government, in a statement, reported that there was another assault on another facility known as Croix des Bouquets. There, the police attempted to repel the gang and the attempt resulted in several injuries among both the prison staff and inmates.

As per Esperance, it remains unclear how many inmates escaped from the second prison, which housed 1,450 inmates.

The assault, as per AFP, occurred amid a recent surge in violence in Port-au-Prince, where since Thursday heavily armed gangs controlling much of the city have been unleashing chaos. These gangs are reportedly seeking the removal of Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who has been at the helm of the crisis-ridden Caribbean nation since the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021.

Watch |&nbsp;Haiti violence claims lives of at least 4 police officers

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/haiti-violence-claims-lives-of-at-least-4-police-officers-695906/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2>Who has escaped?</h2>

Local media reports suggest that prominent gang leaders and individuals implicated in Moise's assassination were among those detained in the main prison, situated just a few hundred meters from the National Palace.&nbsp;

According to the Haitian daily Le Nouvelliste, the prison had been under surveillance by the assailants via drones since Thursday before the attack occurred on Saturday evening.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gun-battles-rage-in-haiti-as-gang-leader-pushes-for-pms-ouster-695610">Gun battles rage in Haiti as gang leader pushes for PM's ouster</a>

In a video, gang leader Jimmy Cherisier, known as Barbecue, stated that armed groups in Haiti were collaborating to pressure Prime Minister Ariel Henry to resign.&nbsp;

As the situation in Haiti escalates, Prime Minister Henry's whereabouts remain uncertain, with reports indicating he was in Kenya on Friday, seeking support for an international police assistance mission led by Nairobi.&nbsp;

Haiti, already grappling with longstanding turmoil exacerbated by the 2021 presidential assassination, continues to face political instability. No elections have been held since 2016 and with the presidency vacant, protesters&nbsp;have demanded Henry's resignation per a political agreement requiring polls and his transfer of power to newly elected officials by February 7, 2022.

(With inputs from agencies)

International connectivity to Haiti has been restored. It was disrupted on Sunday because of violent clashes in the capital that damaged communications infrastructure.

International connectivity to Haiti has been restored. It was disrupted on Sunday because of violent clashes in the capital that damaged communications infrastructure. As per Maarten Boute, chairperson of Digicel, one of the main telecoms providers in Haiti, the company's field teams have fully restored the connection on Sunday afternoon. This comes as several thousand inmates escaped from Haiti's main prison in the capital, Port-au-Prince, after an overnight violent attack. As per reports, the attack on Saturday (March 2) led to the death of at least a dozen people. Hundreds of inmates may have escaped from another facility known as Croix des Bouquets after a similar attack. However, the numbers are not clear yet. Ongoing violence in Haiti Pierre Esperance of the National Network for the Defense of Human Rights, an NGO, reports that following the overnight attack, only about 100 of the National Penitentiary's roughly 3,800 inmates remained inside. In conversation with AFP, he mentioned seeing numerous prisoners' bodies and wounded individuals in the aftermath of the attack. Also read | Kamala Harris issues US' sharpest rebuke yet, calls out Israel for the 'catastrophe', says it 'must do more' An AFP journalist who visited the prison observed around a dozen bodies outside the facility, some displaying wounds from gunfire or other projectiles. Inside, the prison was nearly deserted, with only a few remaining inmates. The Haitian government, in a statement, reported that there was another assault on another facility known as Croix des Bouquets. There, the police attempted to repel the gang and the attempt resulted in several injuries among both the prison staff and inmates. As per Esperance, it remains unclear how many inmates escaped from the second prison, which housed 1,450 inmates. The assault, as per AFP, occurred amid a recent surge in violence in Port-au-Prince, where since Thursday heavily armed gangs controlling much of the city have been unleashing chaos. These gangs are reportedly seeking the removal of Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who has been at the helm of the crisis-ridden Caribbean nation since the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021. Watch | Haiti violence claims lives of at least 4 police officers Who has escaped? Local media reports suggest that prominent gang leaders and individuals implicated in Moise's assassination were among those detained in the main prison, situated just a few hundred meters from the National Palace. According to the Haitian daily Le Nouvelliste, the prison had been under surveillance by the assailants via drones since Thursday before the attack occurred on Saturday evening. Also Read | Gun battles rage in Haiti as gang leader pushes for PM's ouster In a video, gang leader Jimmy Cherisier, known as Barbecue, stated that armed groups in Haiti were collaborating to pressure Prime Minister Ariel Henry to resign. As the situation in Haiti escalates, Prime Minister Henry's whereabouts remain uncertain, with reports indicating he was in Kenya on Friday, seeking support for an international police assistance mission led by Nairobi. Haiti, already grappling with longstanding turmoil exacerbated by the 2021 presidential assassination, continues to face political instability. No elections have been held since 2016 and with the presidency vacant, protesters have demanded Henry's resignation per a political agreement requiring polls and his transfer of power to newly elected officials by February 7, 2022. (With inputs from agencies)

Haiti jailbreak: International connectivity back after almost 4,000 inmates escape prison

The United Nations Security Council on Monday authorised a foreign security mission to&nbsp;Haiti, a year after the Caribbean country asked for help to fight violent gangs that have largely overrun its capital Port-au-Prince.

"More than just a simple vote, this is in fact an expression of solidarity with a population in distress,"&nbsp;Haiti's Foreign Minister Jean Victor Geneus told the council. "It's a glimmer of hope for the people that have for too long been suffering."

The 15-member council adopted a resolution, drafted by the United States and Ecuador, that authorizes the so-called Multinational Security Support mission "to take all necessary measures" - code for use of force.

China and Russia abstained from the vote, wary of authorizing the blanket use of force under Chapter 7 of the founding U.N. Charter. The remaining 13 members voted in favour.

"We have stepped up to create a new way of preserving global peace and security, answering the repeated calls of a member state facing a multi-dimensional crisis amid alarming spiralling gang violence," said senior U.S. diplomat Jeffrey DeLaurentis.

The Security Council also expanded a U.N. arms embargo to include all gangs - a measure China wanted.&nbsp;Haitian officials have said guns used by gangs are believed to be mostly imported from the United States. The embargo previously only applied to specific individuals.

"This is a very important decision. If the council had taken this step at an earlier time, the security situation in&nbsp;Haiti&nbsp;might not have deteriorated to what it is today," China's U.N. Ambassador Zhang Jun told the council after the vote.

The response to&nbsp;Haiti's request for help was delayed due to a struggle to find a country willing to lead a security assistance mission. Kenya stepped forward in July with a pledge of 1,000 police. The Bahamas then committed 150 people, while Jamaica and Antigua and Barbuda are also willing to help.

<h2>Elections</h2>

Following the council's approval on Monday, it was not immediately clear how quickly a force could be deployed.

"Today's vote is only the first step. Now, the work of getting the mission off the ground begins," U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield said in a statement.

While not sending any troops, the U.S. government hopes to provide $100 million to back the multinational mission with logistical and financial assistance, which could include intelligence, airlift, communications and medical support.

Countries have been cautious of supporting the unelected administration of Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who has said fair elections cannot be held with current insecurity.&nbsp;Haiti&nbsp;has been without any elected representatives since January.

The Security Council stressed an "urgent need" for&nbsp;Haiti&nbsp;to make progress toward "transparent, inclusive, and credible electoral processes and free and fair elections."

The security assistance mission, while approved by the U.N. Security Council, is not a United Nations operation.

U.N. peacekeepers were deployed to&nbsp;Haiti&nbsp;in 2004 after a rebellion led to the ouster and exile of then-President Jean-Bertrand Aristide. Peacekeeping troops left in 2017 and were replaced by U.N. police, who left in 2019.

Haitians are wary of an armed U.N. presence. The Caribbean country was free of cholera until 2010, when U.N. peacekeepers dumped infected sewage into a river. More than 9,000 people died of the disease, and some 800,000 fell ill.

The council resolution adopted on Monday asks the countries taking part in the security mission "to adopt appropriate wastewater management and other environmental controls to guard against the introduction and spread of water-borne diseases."

You can&nbsp;now write for&nbsp;wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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The United Nations Security Council on Monday authorised a foreign security mission to Haiti, a year after the Caribbean country asked for help to fight violent gangs that have largely overrun its capital Port-au-Prince.

The United Nations Security Council on Monday authorised a foreign security mission to Haiti, a year after the Caribbean country asked for help to fight violent gangs that have largely overrun its capital Port-au-Prince. "More than just a simple vote, this is in fact an expression of solidarity with a population in distress," Haiti's Foreign Minister Jean Victor Geneus told the council. "It's a glimmer of hope for the people that have for too long been suffering." The 15-member council adopted a resolution, drafted by the United States and Ecuador, that authorizes the so-called Multinational Security Support mission "to take all necessary measures" - code for use of force. China and Russia abstained from the vote, wary of authorizing the blanket use of force under Chapter 7 of the founding U.N. Charter. The remaining 13 members voted in favour. "We have stepped up to create a new way of preserving global peace and security, answering the repeated calls of a member state facing a multi-dimensional crisis amid alarming spiralling gang violence," said senior U.S. diplomat Jeffrey DeLaurentis. The Security Council also expanded a U.N. arms embargo to include all gangs - a measure China wanted. Haitian officials have said guns used by gangs are believed to be mostly imported from the United States. The embargo previously only applied to specific individuals. "This is a very important decision. If the council had taken this step at an earlier time, the security situation in Haiti might not have deteriorated to what it is today," China's U.N. Ambassador Zhang Jun told the council after the vote. The response to Haiti's request for help was delayed due to a struggle to find a country willing to lead a security assistance mission. Kenya stepped forward in July with a pledge of 1,000 police. The Bahamas then committed 150 people, while Jamaica and Antigua and Barbuda are also willing to help. Elections Following the council's approval on Monday, it was not immediately clear how quickly a force could be deployed. "Today's vote is only the first step. Now, the work of getting the mission off the ground begins," U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield said in a statement. While not sending any troops, the U.S. government hopes to provide $100 million to back the multinational mission with logistical and financial assistance, which could include intelligence, airlift, communications and medical support. Countries have been cautious of supporting the unelected administration of Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who has said fair elections cannot be held with current insecurity. Haiti has been without any elected representatives since January. The Security Council stressed an "urgent need" for Haiti to make progress toward "transparent, inclusive, and credible electoral processes and free and fair elections." The security assistance mission, while approved by the U.N. Security Council, is not a United Nations operation. U.N. peacekeepers were deployed to Haiti in 2004 after a rebellion led to the ouster and exile of then-President Jean-Bertrand Aristide. Peacekeeping troops left in 2017 and were replaced by U.N. police, who left in 2019. Haitians are wary of an armed U.N. presence. The Caribbean country was free of cholera until 2010, when U.N. peacekeepers dumped infected sewage into a river. More than 9,000 people died of the disease, and some 800,000 fell ill. The council resolution adopted on Monday asks the countries taking part in the security mission "to adopt appropriate wastewater management and other environmental controls to guard against the introduction and spread of water-borne diseases." 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

UN authorises Haiti security mission to fight gangs

Haiti is in danger and urgently in need of assistance. The security situation in Haiti today is comparable to countries at war. Since the assassination of former President Jovenel Moise in July 2021, emboldened gangs have seized control of 80% of the Haitian capital. Some 200 gangs operate with impunity in the Port-Au-Prince Metropolitan area. Kidnappings, loot, rape & Killings have sowed terror in communities already suffering endemic poverty. On the 7th of August, thousands of protesters took to the streets of the Haitian capital, Port-Au-Prince. They were demanding protection from violent gangs pillaging neighbourhoods in Port-Au-Prince and beyond. Mohammed Saleh brings you this report.

Gangs have seized control of 80% of Port-Au-Prince

The recent killing of Jimi Sandhu has brought back the focus on Indo-Candian organised crime rings. Indo-Canadian gangs have been active since the 1980s. They are among the top organised crime groups in Canada. And there's allegedly a link between these gangs and the Khalistan separatist movement. To find out more, Watch DARK WORLD with Harshit Sabarwal.

Indian-origin gangs of Canada: Drugs, murders & politics | DARK WORLD

Delhi Police apprehended at least 22 people linked to an extortion gang who allegedly lured people into fake loan schemes and used their personal data which they later sent&nbsp;to their associates in China.

The cyber cell of Delhi Police reportedly found at least a hundred fake loan apps involved in extortion. Reports say the Lucknow-based gang extorted&nbsp;millions as it&nbsp;transferred money through cryptocurrency and hawala.

The gang&nbsp;uploaded applications to grant small loans. After a person gave out his details, the gang members would call them from fake IDs threatening to expose applicants by uploading morphed nude pictures on the internet, police said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-generation-of-tiktok-obsessed-mafia-gangsters-posing-threat-to-code-of-silence-500465">Also Read:&nbsp;New generation of TikTok-obsessed Mafia gangsters</a>

The apps were hosted on Google Playstore and other websites and the money was deposited in fraudulent bank accounts. Officials said the contact list and call logs were uploaded on&nbsp;servers based in China and Hong Kong. The men used multiple fake accounts to transfer money. Several people filed complaints with Delhi Police to investigate the fake loan apps following which officials launched investigation.

WATCH:&nbsp;South African authorities charge 7 men over gang rape

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Police said the victims were lured with loans of up to $200 to $250&nbsp;and then forced to pay thousands of dollars. The police also reportedly received reports of suicide cases linked to the scam.

The police conducted raids across Bihar, Haryana, Delhi and Karnataka with their network spread across Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and other states. The police said the main accused were Supreet K Shetty and Navneet Kumar Bhati, who reportedly studied in China.

The police recovered a large number of mobile phones, hard disks, laptops and credit cards during the raids. Police said the gang members were also involved in shifting their call centres to Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nepal.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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Delhi Police apprehended at least 22 people linked to an extortion gang who allegedly lured people into fake loan schemes and used their personal data which they later sent to their associates in China.

Delhi Police apprehended at least 22 people linked to an extortion gang who allegedly lured people into fake loan schemes and used their personal data which they later sent to their associates in China. The cyber cell of Delhi Police reportedly found at least a hundred fake loan apps involved in extortion. Reports say the Lucknow-based gang extorted millions as it transferred money through cryptocurrency and hawala. The gang uploaded applications to grant small loans. After a person gave out his details, the gang members would call them from fake IDs threatening to expose applicants by uploading morphed nude pictures on the internet, police said. Also Read: New generation of TikTok-obsessed Mafia gangsters The apps were hosted on Google Playstore and other websites and the money was deposited in fraudulent bank accounts. Officials said the contact list and call logs were uploaded on servers based in China and Hong Kong. The men used multiple fake accounts to transfer money. Several people filed complaints with Delhi Police to investigate the fake loan apps following which officials launched investigation. WATCH: South African authorities charge 7 men over gang rape Police said the victims were lured with loans of up to $200 to $250 and then forced to pay thousands of dollars. The police also reportedly received reports of suicide cases linked to the scam. The police conducted raids across Bihar, Haryana, Delhi and Karnataka with their network spread across Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and other states. The police said the main accused were Supreet K Shetty and Navneet Kumar Bhati, who reportedly studied in China. The police recovered a large number of mobile phones, hard disks, laptops and credit cards during the raids. Police said the gang members were also involved in shifting their call centres to Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nepal. (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.

Delhi Police bust gang that used loan apps for extortion, sent victim's personal data to China

Nigerian officials have warned that IS-aligned jihadists are training criminal gangs engaged in mass kidnappings in the country's northwest, in a sign of deepening cooperation between armed factions.

The development could complicate threats facing Nigeria's security forces who are mired in a 12-year conflict with Islamist militants in northeast Borno while battling criminals across northwestern states.&nbsp;

In a July 23 memo sent to his officers and seen by AFP, Nigeria's immigration chief Muhammad Babandede warned of mass "movement of bandits from Zamfara in northwest to Borno for intensive Boko Haram training."

Nigerian officials use Boko Haram as a general term for all jihadist groups and heavily armed criminal gangs are often referred to locally as bandits.

"In view of this information,... you should intensify monitoring and surveillance around your area of jurisdiction with the view to gathering information," the memo said.

Since the conflict began in 2009, several factions emerged within Nigeria's Boko Haram jihadist group, with the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) now the dominant force after breaking away in 2016.

Since May,&nbsp;ISWAP has consolidated control in the northeast and security sources say militants forged a closer alliance with gangs in the northwest following the death&nbsp;of Boko Haram's leader Abubakar Shekau in clashes with ISWAP fighters.&nbsp;

Northwest Nigeria has been long been terrorised by criminal gangs who raid villages, steal cattle, kidnap residents and burn homes after looting supplies.

Military deployments and peace deals&nbsp;have failed to end attacks by the bandits who hide in camps in Rugu forest, straddling Katsina, Kaduna, Zamfara and Niger states.&nbsp;

Recently the heavily armed gangs have turned to mass kidnappings of students from schools and colleges to squeeze out more ransom cash.&nbsp;

The bandits chase financial gain and have no known ideological leanings, but there has been growing concern among security experts and officials over their ties with jihadists.

The alliance assures mutual benefits: Jihadists make money by supplying arms to the bandits who use them in raids on villages and kidnapping for ransom.&nbsp;

"It is no surprise that the bandits are moving to the northeast for training with ISWAP," said one security source in the region who has been involved in fighting criminal gangs.

"The more the bandits forge alliance with jihadists, the more they get radicalised, dimming the possibility of any peace deal with authorities."

Growing collaboration

Jihadist cooperation with criminal gangs is not new in Nigeria.

Two years ago, Nigeria's then defence minister warned about bandit ties with Boko Haram in Zamfara.

Awwalun Daudawa, a bandit chief behind the kidnapping of 300 students from Kankara in December, was a former Boko Haram gunrunner.

He was killed in May in clashes with a rival gang.

Another al-Qaeda-affiliated jihadist group, Ansaru, operates in Kogi and Kaduna states and near Abuja, often collaborating with bandits, according to another security source who took part in operations against the militants.

ISWAP kept links with bandits in Zamfara state since its formation and has camps in forests in the state, according to local sources with deep knowledge of bandit activities.

But the deepening ties between ISWAP and bandits appear to have emboldened the criminals, said the security source in the region.

The bandits may feel more morally justified for their crimes, now they are increasingly aligned with ISWAP which claims to be waging a holy war, said the security source.

Local officials have made several peace deals with bandits, only for the criminals to renege, sometimes at the instigation of the jihadist group, sources with knowledge of the amnesty deals said.

ISWAP was instrumental in the internal squabbles between Buharin Daji, a criminal kingpin in Zamfara, and his lieutenant Dogo Gide, said one local source with past contacts with jihadists.

In March 2018 Gide and his gang killed Daji and seven of his lieutenants in a meeting at the behest of ISWAP who saw him as an obstacle in their effort to strengthen alliance with criminals gangs.&nbsp;

Buharin Daji was opposed to ISWAP on the grounds that they wanted to spread their hardline Salafi interpretation of Islam among his people, said the source.

Gide later reneged on a peace deal with authorities in Zamfara on ISWAP orders before relocating to Niger state, from where he has coordinated kidnappings.

With Shekau out of the way, closer collaboration between ISWAP jihadists and bandits may increase, said another security source in the northeast.

"Shekau was, in a way, a stumbling block in ISWAP's plan for closer cooperation," the source said. "Now that Shekau is dead and Boko Haram subdued, the coast is clear."

Nigerian officials have warned that IS-aligned jihadists are training criminal gangs engaged in mass kidnappings in the country's northwest, in a sign of deepening cooperation between armed factions.

Nigerian officials have warned that IS-aligned jihadists are training criminal gangs engaged in mass kidnappings in the country's northwest, in a sign of deepening cooperation between armed factions. The development could complicate threats facing Nigeria's security forces who are mired in a 12-year conflict with Islamist militants in northeast Borno while battling criminals across northwestern states. In a July 23 memo sent to his officers and seen by AFP, Nigeria's immigration chief Muhammad Babandede warned of mass "movement of bandits from Zamfara in northwest to Borno for intensive Boko Haram training." Nigerian officials use Boko Haram as a general term for all jihadist groups and heavily armed criminal gangs are often referred to locally as bandits. "In view of this information,... you should intensify monitoring and surveillance around your area of jurisdiction with the view to gathering information," the memo said. Since the conflict began in 2009, several factions emerged within Nigeria's Boko Haram jihadist group, with the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) now the dominant force after breaking away in 2016. Since May, ISWAP has consolidated control in the northeast and security sources say militants forged a closer alliance with gangs in the northwest following the death of Boko Haram's leader Abubakar Shekau in clashes with ISWAP fighters. Northwest Nigeria has been long been terrorised by criminal gangs who raid villages, steal cattle, kidnap residents and burn homes after looting supplies. Military deployments and peace deals have failed to end attacks by the bandits who hide in camps in Rugu forest, straddling Katsina, Kaduna, Zamfara and Niger states. Recently the heavily armed gangs have turned to mass kidnappings of students from schools and colleges to squeeze out more ransom cash. The bandits chase financial gain and have no known ideological leanings, but there has been growing concern among security experts and officials over their ties with jihadists. The alliance assures mutual benefits: Jihadists make money by supplying arms to the bandits who use them in raids on villages and kidnapping for ransom. "It is no surprise that the bandits are moving to the northeast for training with ISWAP," said one security source in the region who has been involved in fighting criminal gangs. "The more the bandits forge alliance with jihadists, the more they get radicalised, dimming the possibility of any peace deal with authorities." Growing collaboration Jihadist cooperation with criminal gangs is not new in Nigeria. Two years ago, Nigeria's then defence minister warned about bandit ties with Boko Haram in Zamfara. Awwalun Daudawa, a bandit chief behind the kidnapping of 300 students from Kankara in December, was a former Boko Haram gunrunner. He was killed in May in clashes with a rival gang. Another al-Qaeda-affiliated jihadist group, Ansaru, operates in Kogi and Kaduna states and near Abuja, often collaborating with bandits, according to another security source who took part in operations against the militants. ISWAP kept links with bandits in Zamfara state since its formation and has camps in forests in the state, according to local sources with deep knowledge of bandit activities. But the deepening ties between ISWAP and bandits appear to have emboldened the criminals, said the security source in the region. The bandits may feel more morally justified for their crimes, now they are increasingly aligned with ISWAP which claims to be waging a holy war, said the security source. Local officials have made several peace deals with bandits, only for the criminals to renege, sometimes at the instigation of the jihadist group, sources with knowledge of the amnesty deals said. ISWAP was instrumental in the internal squabbles between Buharin Daji, a criminal kingpin in Zamfara, and his lieutenant Dogo Gide, said one local source with past contacts with jihadists. In March 2018 Gide and his gang killed Daji and seven of his lieutenants in a meeting at the behest of ISWAP who saw him as an obstacle in their effort to strengthen alliance with criminals gangs. Buharin Daji was opposed to ISWAP on the grounds that they wanted to spread their hardline Salafi interpretation of Islam among his people, said the source. Gide later reneged on a peace deal with authorities in Zamfara on ISWAP orders before relocating to Niger state, from where he has coordinated kidnappings. With Shekau out of the way, closer collaboration between ISWAP jihadists and bandits may increase, said another security source in the northeast. "Shekau was, in a way, a stumbling block in ISWAP's plan for closer cooperation," the source said. "Now that Shekau is dead and Boko Haram subdued, the coast is clear."

Nigeria warns kidnap gangs train with jihadists as cooperation grows

President Donald Trump declared Tuesday in his State of the Union address to Congress that what he calls America&#39;s &quot;open borders&quot; had allowed drug gangs to pour into US communities.

Pointing out a guest &mdash; a mother who lost two daughters to murder &mdash; Trump urged Congress to come together to &quot;close the loopholes&quot; that he said allow in groups like El Salvador&#39;s MS-13.

&quot;Many of these gang members took advantage of glaring loopholes and our laws to enter the country as illegal, unaccompanied, alien minors,&quot; Trump claimed, laying out his immigration plan.

If the president wins congressional backing for his immigration plans they will include four pillars tightening what he and his populist supporters see as weak links in current law.

The first pillar, and one that might not find immediate support with the most vocal members of Trump&#39;s anti-immigrant base, is a &quot;path to citizenship&quot; for undocumented migrants who arrived at a young age.

The second pillar, Trump said, &quot;fully secures the border&quot; by building a huge wall on the Mexican frontier and hiring more immigration agents.

The third pillar would end America&#39;s Green Card lottery, and replace it with a so-called merit-based system for migrants with skills needed by US businesses.

And the fourth pillar &mdash; an idea that drew protests from Democrat lawmakers during the speech, would end &quot;chain migration&quot; policies that allow migrants to bring in family members.

Trump urged Congress to come together to "close the loopholes" that he said allow in groups like El Salvador's MS-13

President Donald Trump declared Tuesday in his State of the Union address to Congress that what he calls America's "open borders" had allowed drug gangs to pour into US communities. Pointing out a guest — a mother who lost two daughters to murder — Trump urged Congress to come together to "close the loopholes" that he said allow in groups like El Salvador's MS-13. "Many of these gang members took advantage of glaring loopholes and our laws to enter the country as illegal, unaccompanied, alien minors," Trump claimed, laying out his immigration plan. If the president wins congressional backing for his immigration plans they will include four pillars tightening what he and his populist supporters see as weak links in current law. The first pillar, and one that might not find immediate support with the most vocal members of Trump's anti-immigrant base, is a "path to citizenship" for undocumented migrants who arrived at a young age. The second pillar, Trump said, "fully secures the border" by building a huge wall on the Mexican frontier and hiring more immigration agents. The third pillar would end America's Green Card lottery, and replace it with a so-called merit-based system for migrants with skills needed by US businesses. And the fourth pillar — an idea that drew protests from Democrat lawmakers during the speech, would end "chain migration" policies that allow migrants to bring in family members.

'Open borders' promote guns, gangs and cost lives: Donald Trump

Almost 22 months ago, Maldivian journalist, Ahmed Rilwan, 28, disappeared in Mal?. He was last seen&nbsp;on a closed-circuit television camera while trying to buy a ferryboat ticket on his way home. His family still believes he will return one day, but his colleagues have a far more grim take on this. They believe Ahmed has been murdered.&nbsp; 
 
A police chief inspector recently confirmed that he was in fact abducted on the same night from his apartment. &nbsp; 
 
&quot;The situation is very bad. The media is under attack from all fronts,&quot; said Zaheena Rasheed, editor of the online newspaper, The Maldives Independent, where Rilwan worked as a reporter. 
 
For most travellers, Mal?, the capital city of the Maldives, is just a quick stopover on their way to dreamlike beaches and crystal blue waters. However, the dreamy landscape has a much more sinister side to it and Zaheena has good reason to be worried. &nbsp; 
 
&quot;I am very afraid. I myself have received death threats. I could disappear or I could be killed. My office has already been attacked. Other media offices have been burned to the ground,&quot; he fears are not unfounded. 
 
The streets of Mal? are home to criminal gangs involved in drug dealing, robberies and violence on commission. A survey by the Asia Foundation, based on interactions with 130 gang affiliates, reports that there are &quot;between 20 and 30 different gangs operating in Mal?, with 50 to 400 members in each group.&quot; This means that more than a thousand individuals are involved in such criminal activities in a city of 150,000. &nbsp; &nbsp; 
 
These gangs often carry out violence on behalf of political groups. The report reads: &quot;Politicians and businessmen often offer drugs and alcohol when they (the gang members) complete an illegal task (commissioned by them). Hence, there is a reciprocal relationship between gang members and politicians and businessmen.&quot; They often act in an atmosphere of impunity.&nbsp; 
 
Gang members are most likely to get away with it given the protection offered by the rich and influential. Even if some are caught they are able to get out of police stations without their crimes being brought to book. Escaping a gang is nearly impossible for a designated victim. Mal? is a small town on an island. Hiding is not really a viable option.&nbsp; 
 
It is not only about the fear of gangs. The Maldivian media is facing an increasingly difficult situation. In April, a group of journalists was arrested for a day. They were part of a protest against a draft law aiming to reintroduce defamation as a crime that was abolished seven years ago. Just a month before, the Civil Court had halted the printing of Haveeru, the oldest and most widely-circulated Maldivian newspaper. An order issued against a three-decade old ownership dispute. &nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
The turbulent situation took off in 2008, a turning point in the history of the archipelago. The human rights activist and environmentalist Mohamed Nasheed became the first democratically elected president of the country. His victory ended three decades of autocratic rule by Maumoon Abdul Gayoom who was the longest-serving politician in South Asia. Gayoom granted economic growth to the archipelago, but democracy paid a high price. One-party elections, politicians appointed only by the president, heavy restrictions on freedom of press, religion and dissent were the norm. 
 
Nasheed&#39;s liberal agenda came as a break with the past. After decriminalising defamation, his government passed a bill to establish a Media Council &quot;to preserve the freedom of media&quot;. He allowed foreign journalists to travel freely to the country and granted greater access to the local press. Minivan News, then the only local English online newspaper, could start working in the Maldives rather than in exile in Sri Lanka. &nbsp; 
 
Young democracies, however, are often fragile, and so was Nasheed`s presidency. After less than three years, a police mutiny and weeks of protest staged by his opponents, he decided to resign &ndash; or was forced to do so &quot;at &nbsp;gunpoint&quot;. &nbsp; &nbsp; 
 
In a contested run-off, Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, half-brother of the man who ruled for 30 years, became the new Maldivian President. &nbsp; &nbsp; 
 
In 2015, events abruptly turned and Nasheed&#39;s situation plummeted. Following a trial that Amnesty International called &quot;deeply flawed and politically motivated&quot;, the former president was sentenced to 13 years for terrorism. He was accused of arbitrarily removing the criminal court chief judge during his presidency. &nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
Some Maldivians did not accept the verdict in silence and took to the streets in Mal?. The police arrested many protesters, including three reporters, who were covering the protest. &nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
&quot;There is a big crackdown on media freedom. It is very difficult for a person who is critical of the government to find any kind of work in the country,&quot; said Azra Naseem, a Maldivian research fellow at the Institute for International Conflict Resolution and Reconstruction in Dublin City University. &quot;If you are not with the government there is no space for you in the Maldives.&quot; 
 
Former president Nasheed is currently in London. 
 
He was authorised to leave his prison cell for a delicate surgery on the condition that he would return to jail once the treatment was done. However, that may not happen now. The British government has granted former president Nasheed political refugee status. A news welcomed by the media community and sections of Maldivian citizens who are not keen to toe the totalitarian line. 
 
&quot;Maldivians want to see better days. I am not alone and this is my home. I grew up in a dictatorship and I don&#39;t want to see my country regress into fear. I want to see a freer and more equal Maldives,&quot; Zaheena Rasheed said.

Journalists arrested, a former president on the run, criminal gangs, political unrest, radical Islamists and more...

Almost 22 months ago, Maldivian journalist, Ahmed Rilwan, 28, disappeared in Mal?. He was last seen on a closed-circuit television camera while trying to buy a ferryboat ticket on his way home. His family still believes he will return one day, but his colleagues have a far more grim take on this. They believe Ahmed has been murdered. A police chief inspector recently confirmed that he was in fact abducted on the same night from his apartment. "The situation is very bad. The media is under attack from all fronts," said Zaheena Rasheed, editor of the online newspaper, The Maldives Independent, where Rilwan worked as a reporter. For most travellers, Mal?, the capital city of the Maldives, is just a quick stopover on their way to dreamlike beaches and crystal blue waters. However, the dreamy landscape has a much more sinister side to it and Zaheena has good reason to be worried. "I am very afraid. I myself have received death threats. I could disappear or I could be killed. My office has already been attacked. Other media offices have been burned to the ground," he fears are not unfounded. The streets of Mal? are home to criminal gangs involved in drug dealing, robberies and violence on commission. A survey by the Asia Foundation, based on interactions with 130 gang affiliates, reports that there are "between 20 and 30 different gangs operating in Mal?, with 50 to 400 members in each group." This means that more than a thousand individuals are involved in such criminal activities in a city of 150,000. These gangs often carry out violence on behalf of political groups. The report reads: "Politicians and businessmen often offer drugs and alcohol when they (the gang members) complete an illegal task (commissioned by them). Hence, there is a reciprocal relationship between gang members and politicians and businessmen." They often act in an atmosphere of impunity. Gang members are most likely to get away with it given the protection offered by the rich and influential. Even if some are caught they are able to get out of police stations without their crimes being brought to book. Escaping a gang is nearly impossible for a designated victim. Mal? is a small town on an island. Hiding is not really a viable option. It is not only about the fear of gangs. The Maldivian media is facing an increasingly difficult situation. In April, a group of journalists was arrested for a day. They were part of a protest against a draft law aiming to reintroduce defamation as a crime that was abolished seven years ago. Just a month before, the Civil Court had halted the printing of Haveeru, the oldest and most widely-circulated Maldivian newspaper. An order issued against a three-decade old ownership dispute. The turbulent situation took off in 2008, a turning point in the history of the archipelago. The human rights activist and environmentalist Mohamed Nasheed became the first democratically elected president of the country. His victory ended three decades of autocratic rule by Maumoon Abdul Gayoom who was the longest-serving politician in South Asia. Gayoom granted economic growth to the archipelago, but democracy paid a high price. One-party elections, politicians appointed only by the president, heavy restrictions on freedom of press, religion and dissent were the norm. Nasheed's liberal agenda came as a break with the past. After decriminalising defamation, his government passed a bill to establish a Media Council "to preserve the freedom of media". He allowed foreign journalists to travel freely to the country and granted greater access to the local press. Minivan News, then the only local English online newspaper, could start working in the Maldives rather than in exile in Sri Lanka. Young democracies, however, are often fragile, and so was Nasheed`s presidency. After less than three years, a police mutiny and weeks of protest staged by his opponents, he decided to resign – or was forced to do so "at gunpoint". In a contested run-off, Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, half-brother of the man who ruled for 30 years, became the new Maldivian President. In 2015, events abruptly turned and Nasheed's situation plummeted. Following a trial that Amnesty International called "deeply flawed and politically motivated", the former president was sentenced to 13 years for terrorism. He was accused of arbitrarily removing the criminal court chief judge during his presidency. Some Maldivians did not accept the verdict in silence and took to the streets in Mal?. The police arrested many protesters, including three reporters, who were covering the protest. "There is a big crackdown on media freedom. It is very difficult for a person who is critical of the government to find any kind of work in the country," said Azra Naseem, a Maldivian research fellow at the Institute for International Conflict Resolution and Reconstruction in Dublin City University. "If you are not with the government there is no space for you in the Maldives." Former president Nasheed is currently in London. He was authorised to leave his prison cell for a delicate surgery on the condition that he would return to jail once the treatment was done. However, that may not happen now. The British government has granted former president Nasheed political refugee status. A news welcomed by the media community and sections of Maldivian citizens who are not keen to toe the totalitarian line. "Maldivians want to see better days. I am not alone and this is my home. I grew up in a dictatorship and I don't want to see my country regress into fear. I want to see a freer and more equal Maldives," Zaheena Rasheed said.

Mal?: Political hit jobs, drugs, robberies - the grime under the sun and sand

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