A Pakistani court has sentenced former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi to 17 years in prison each in a corruption case over the underpriced purchase of luxury state gifts. Khan, jailed since August 2023, denies any wrongdoing. This conviction adds to a series of legal cases against the former premier, who is already serving a 14-year sentence in another graft case.

Toshakhana Case: Former Pak PM Imran Khan & Bushra Bibi Sentenced to 17 Years of Imprisonment

Indian-American doctor, identified as Dharmesh Patel, won't be jailed for now after he allegedly attempted to kill his wife and two children by driving them off a cliff in his Tesla car in the United States.&nbsp;

Instead, the man will be given mental health treatment.

<h2>Here's how the incident unfolded&nbsp;</h2>

Patel, who is a radiologist in California, drove his car with his wife Neha and two children, aged 7 and 4, off a cliff after he suffered a psychotic breakdown last year, said the psychologists in the court.&nbsp;

They added that Patel feared that his children faced the risk of getting sex trafficked which led him to crash the car.&nbsp;

After he drove the car off the cliff, the Tesla fell more than 250 feet. The family survived the crash and later people were rescued from the mangled car.&nbsp;

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Neha Patel accepted that her husband intentionally drove the car off the cliff but later accepted that she did not wish to prosecute her husband.

<h2>Man suffering from schizoaffective disorder: Doctors&nbsp;</h2>

As per the doctors, the accused suffered from schizoaffective disorder. He also had a major depressive disorder.&nbsp;

"He had been hearing footsteps and thought he was being followed in the weeks before the crash. It was paranoid and kind of delusional thinking that he acted on at the time to protect his family from a worse fate," said a psychologist in the court.

"He was concerned that his children were at risk of being kidnapped, possibly for sexual molestation," he added.

<h2>What did the US court say?</h2>

A US court on Thursday (June 27) said that Patel was eligible for a 'mental health diversion' which permits an accused with mental illness who has committed a crime to receive mental health treatment and not serve time in jail.

As per the law, such a provision can only be considered if the illness has played a major role in the crime.&nbsp;

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Superior Court Judge Susan M. Jakubowski said that Patel was eligible for the programme on the basis of the diagnosis of the doctors. She ordered his release and permitted him to go to his parents in California.&nbsp;

The man will be monitored using GPS and needs to report to the court once every week. He is also not permitted to travel abroad and needs to submit his driving license and passport. The next hearing of the case will happen on July 1.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian-American doctor, identified as Dharmesh Patel, won't be jailed for now after he allegedly attempted to kill his wife and two children by driving them off a cliff in his Tesla car in the United States.

Indian-American doctor, identified as Dharmesh Patel, won't be jailed for now after he allegedly attempted to kill his wife and two children by driving them off a cliff in his Tesla car in the United States. Instead, the man will be given mental health treatment. Here's how the incident unfolded Patel, who is a radiologist in California, drove his car with his wife Neha and two children, aged 7 and 4, off a cliff after he suffered a psychotic breakdown last year, said the psychologists in the court. They added that Patel feared that his children faced the risk of getting sex trafficked which led him to crash the car. After he drove the car off the cliff, the Tesla fell more than 250 feet. The family survived the crash and later people were rescued from the mangled car. Also Read: About Half of India's population falls short on physical activity: Study Neha Patel accepted that her husband intentionally drove the car off the cliff but later accepted that she did not wish to prosecute her husband. Man suffering from schizoaffective disorder: Doctors As per the doctors, the accused suffered from schizoaffective disorder. He also had a major depressive disorder. "He had been hearing footsteps and thought he was being followed in the weeks before the crash. It was paranoid and kind of delusional thinking that he acted on at the time to protect his family from a worse fate," said a psychologist in the court. "He was concerned that his children were at risk of being kidnapped, possibly for sexual molestation," he added. What did the US court say? A US court on Thursday (June 27) said that Patel was eligible for a 'mental health diversion' which permits an accused with mental illness who has committed a crime to receive mental health treatment and not serve time in jail. As per the law, such a provision can only be considered if the illness has played a major role in the crime. Watch: US explores Indian interest in lunar gateway Superior Court Judge Susan M. Jakubowski said that Patel was eligible for the programme on the basis of the diagnosis of the doctors. She ordered his release and permitted him to go to his parents in California. The man will be monitored using GPS and needs to report to the court once every week. He is also not permitted to travel abroad and needs to submit his driving license and passport. The next hearing of the case will happen on July 1. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian-origin doctor escapes imprisonment after driving wife, two children off cliff in US

The uncle of Mahsa Amini, who was a young Iranian-Kurdish woman and had died in custody igniting months-long protests, has been sentenced to more than five years of imprisonment for criticising the government in 2022, said the rights groups.

30-year-old Safa Aeli was sentenced to five years and four months of imprisonment by the revolutionary court in the family’s home town of Saqez which is located in north-western Iran, said the Norway-based Hengaw group and US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA).

<h2>Amini's uncle to&nbsp;outline biography of a security force member</h2>

Aeli had to also face sanctions, which included a highly unusual demand to produce a written document which outlines the biography of a security force member who had lost his life in the protest and later submit his “own personal interpretation” of the completed document to the judicial authorities, said Hengaw.

Amini's uncle was also given the order to share a voice message regarding the work on his social media accounts. In case, he failed to do that he was to be banned from expressing any views regarding the protests.

22-year-old Mahsa Amini died in hospital in September 2022 after she was arrested for allegedly flouting Islamic code of dressing for women in the Islamic Republic.&nbsp;

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The family of Amini and the activists have claimed that she was killed after she suffered a blow on her head while she was in custody. Iranian officials have denied the claims.&nbsp;

HRANA, quoting family lawyer Saleh Nikbakht, said that part of the prison sentence given to Aeli was suspended and he is now needs to remain in prison for three years and six months.

The charges against Aeli include dissemination of anti-government propaganda, insulting supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and participating in the protests which violated internal security.

Watch:&nbsp;Iran foreign minister visits Syria meets Syrian President Bashar al-Assad

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One month after getting arrested in September 2023, Aeli was released on bail, just before the one-year death anniversary of Mahsa Amini.

The protests after the death of Amini shook Islamic authorities in Iran. However, the protests have now subsided after there was a crackdown on rights groups, in which hundreds were killed and thousands were arrested.&nbsp;

In the cases related to the protests, the government has till now executed nine men, as per the rights groups.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The uncle of Mahsa Amini, who was a young Iranian-Kurdish woman and had died in custody igniting months-long protests, has been sentenced to more than five years of imprisonment for criticising the government in 2022, said the rights groups.

The uncle of Mahsa Amini, who was a young Iranian-Kurdish woman and had died in custody igniting months-long protests, has been sentenced to more than five years of imprisonment for criticising the government in 2022, said the rights groups. 30-year-old Safa Aeli was sentenced to five years and four months of imprisonment by the revolutionary court in the family’s home town of Saqez which is located in north-western Iran, said the Norway-based Hengaw group and US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA). Amini's uncle to outline biography of a security force member Aeli had to also face sanctions, which included a highly unusual demand to produce a written document which outlines the biography of a security force member who had lost his life in the protest and later submit his “own personal interpretation” of the completed document to the judicial authorities, said Hengaw. Amini's uncle was also given the order to share a voice message regarding the work on his social media accounts. In case, he failed to do that he was to be banned from expressing any views regarding the protests. 22-year-old Mahsa Amini died in hospital in September 2022 after she was arrested for allegedly flouting Islamic code of dressing for women in the Islamic Republic. Also Read: Iran recruiting British Muslims on pilgrimage in Middle East to spy on Jews: Report The family of Amini and the activists have claimed that she was killed after she suffered a blow on her head while she was in custody. Iranian officials have denied the claims. HRANA, quoting family lawyer Saleh Nikbakht, said that part of the prison sentence given to Aeli was suspended and he is now needs to remain in prison for three years and six months. The charges against Aeli include dissemination of anti-government propaganda, insulting supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and participating in the protests which violated internal security. Watch: Iran foreign minister visits Syria meets Syrian President Bashar al-Assad One month after getting arrested in September 2023, Aeli was released on bail, just before the one-year death anniversary of Mahsa Amini. The protests after the death of Amini shook Islamic authorities in Iran. However, the protests have now subsided after there was a crackdown on rights groups, in which hundreds were killed and thousands were arrested. In the cases related to the protests, the government has till now executed nine men, as per the rights groups. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran: Mahsa Amini’s uncle faces five years of imprisonment over protests, say rights groups

Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi were sentenced to seven years of imprisonment each by a Rawalpindi court in the "un-Islamic nikah" case on Saturday (Feb 3). 
 
The case is related to their marriage which took place during Bushra Bibi's Iddat period. The verdict was announced by senior civil judge Qudratullah after the complaint was filed by Bushra’s former husband Khawar Fareed Maneka, who called their marriage “un-Islamic and illegal”, in a makeshift court located at the Adiala district jail. 
 
The court gave the verdict in the same week when Khan was given 14 years of&nbsp;prison sentence in the Toshakhana case and 10 years in the cipher case.

<h2 lang="en-US">Maneka alleges Bushra, Imran's marriage 'fraudulent'</h2>

The cross-examinations of the statements submitted by the four witnesses of the case were completed and Khan and Bushra's statements were recorded under section 342.

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A day before, the complainant's counsel Raja Rizwan Abbasi, along with Bushra Bibi's lawyer Usman Gul and Khan's lawyer Salman Akram Raja also gave their final arguments. 
 
In his petition, Maneka called Bushra and Khan’s nikkah “fraudulent” and claimed that their marriage was solemnised during the latter's iddat, after her divorce from Maneka. 
 
“That above said nikah and the marriage ceremony was neither legal nor Islamic as it was solemnised without observing iddah period,” stated the petition, as reported by Geo.tv.

Maneka had also alleged that the former prime minister destroyed his entire life as the petition stated that the PTI top leader “stigmatised the complainant and his family just to achieve his unethical and immoral objects through intrusion in the complainant's peaceful marital life”.

Watch:&nbsp;Imran Khan and Elections in Pakistan | WION Inside South Asia

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“In light of the above, it is humbly prayed that respondents No.1 [Imran Khan] and 2 [Bushra Bibi] be summoned and punished strictly in accordance with law in the interest of justice,” claimed Maneka in the court.

Bushra also faces a case filed by her former husband, Khawar Maneka, alleging fraudulent marriage and fornication.

<h2>Iddat case filed to ‘humiliate’ me and Bushra Bibi, claims Imran</h2>

After being&nbsp;convicted in the Iddat case, PTI founder Imran Khan, while speaking to the reporters, said that the case was filed to “humiliate and disgrace” both him and his wife Bushra Bibi.

“This marks the first instance in history where a case related to Iddat has been initiated,” Khan said.

He added that this was also the first time when someone was given a 14-year prison sentence in a Toshakhana case.

In Islam, iddat is a specific period that a woman must observe after either divorce or her husband's death and during which she is expected not to marry another man.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi were sentenced to seven years of imprisonment each by a Rawalpindi court in the "un-Islamic nikah" case on Saturday (Feb 3).

Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi were sentenced to seven years of imprisonment each by a Rawalpindi court in the "un-Islamic nikah" case on Saturday (Feb 3). The case is related to their marriage which took place during Bushra Bibi's Iddat period. The verdict was announced by senior civil judge Qudratullah after the complaint was filed by Bushra’s former husband Khawar Fareed Maneka, who called their marriage “un-Islamic and illegal”, in a makeshift court located at the Adiala district jail. The court gave the verdict in the same week when Khan was given 14 years of prison sentence in the Toshakhana case and 10 years in the cipher case. Maneka alleges Bushra, Imran's marriage 'fraudulent' The cross-examinations of the statements submitted by the four witnesses of the case were completed and Khan and Bushra's statements were recorded under section 342. Also read: Who is Bushra Bibi, the prayerful wife of ex-Pakistan PM Imran Khan? A day before, the complainant's counsel Raja Rizwan Abbasi, along with Bushra Bibi's lawyer Usman Gul and Khan's lawyer Salman Akram Raja also gave their final arguments. In his petition, Maneka called Bushra and Khan’s nikkah “fraudulent” and claimed that their marriage was solemnised during the latter's iddat, after her divorce from Maneka. “That above said nikah and the marriage ceremony was neither legal nor Islamic as it was solemnised without observing iddah period,” stated the petition, as reported by Geo.tv. Maneka had also alleged that the former prime minister destroyed his entire life as the petition stated that the PTI top leader “stigmatised the complainant and his family just to achieve his unethical and immoral objects through intrusion in the complainant's peaceful marital life”. Watch: Imran Khan and Elections in Pakistan | WION Inside South Asia “In light of the above, it is humbly prayed that respondents No.1 [Imran Khan] and 2 [Bushra Bibi] be summoned and punished strictly in accordance with law in the interest of justice,” claimed Maneka in the court. Bushra also faces a case filed by her former husband, Khawar Maneka, alleging fraudulent marriage and fornication. Iddat case filed to ‘humiliate’ me and Bushra Bibi, claims Imran After being convicted in the Iddat case, PTI founder Imran Khan, while speaking to the reporters, said that the case was filed to “humiliate and disgrace” both him and his wife Bushra Bibi. “This marks the first instance in history where a case related to Iddat has been initiated,” Khan said. He added that this was also the first time when someone was given a 14-year prison sentence in a Toshakhana case. In Islam, iddat is a specific period that a woman must observe after either divorce or her husband's death and during which she is expected not to marry another man. (With inputs from agencies)

Ex-Pak PM Imran Khan, wife Bushra Bibi sentenced to 7 years in 'un-Islamic nikah' case

Glynn Simmons, a 71-year-old, wrongly imprisoned for 48 years, has been declared innocent in a rare legal reversal. Convicted in 1974 for a murder he didn't commit, Simmons's exoneration came after crucial evidence was uncovered. This decision, a significant moment in the U.S. justice system, highlights the significant impact of judicial errors and the resilience required to endure decades of injustice. Now battling cancer, Simmons's story is a poignant reminder of the cost of wrongful convictions.

Gravitas: 71-year-old Glynn Simmons exonerated after 48 years in wrongful imprisonment

Cardinal Angelo Becciu, who was once a former advisor to Pope Francis and was seen as a papal contender himself, has been sentenced to 5.5 years of imprisonment for financial crimes in a historic Vatican fraud trial on Saturday (Dec 16). 
 
The 75-year-old once powerful Italian cardinal was jailed by a Vatican Court for financial crimes, which brought the historic trial to an end 
 
Becciu, who was the Catholic Church's most senior clergyman, had earlier strongly denied charges which included abuse of office and embezzlement. 
 
He along with nine other defendants, which includes lawyers, financiers, and former Vatican employees, were on trial after they were accused of financial crimes which focused on an opaque property deal done in London.

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The verdict was read out by court president Giuseppe Pignatone on Saturday (Dec 16), with Becciu facing accusations of abuse of office, witness tampering and embezzlement. 
 
Becciu's lawyer Fabio Viglione said that they will respect the court's sentence but will "certainly" appeal. He was further imposed a fine of €8,000 (approx. $8726).

<h2>Vatican fraud trial</h2>

At the centre of the Vatican fraud trial was the purchase of a luxury property, worth €350 million ($380 million), in London which was part of an investment which started in 2014 and ended with the Vatican paying tens of millions of euros. 
 
The trial, which started in July 2021, has brought to the limelight the murky finances of the Holy See, which Pope Francis has decided to clean up since he took the helm of the Catholic Church in March 2013. This is also a test of his reforms. 
 
Francis, just weeks before the trial, gave the civilian courts of the Vatican the power to try bishops and cardinals, where earlier they were judged by a court which presided over by cardinals. 
 
Prosecutor Alessandro Diddi had called for seven years and three months of imprisonment for Becciu, and nearly four and 13 years prison sentence for the others.

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Becciu had always said that he was innocent and that the accusations against him as "totally unfounded" and added that he never took a cent. 
 
The Holy See, meanwhile, viewed itself as "an offended party" and had asked the court, via Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, to "punish all crimes". 
 
Among the Vatican entities, four are civil parties who had requested compensation from the defendants, which included €177 million (approx. $193 million) for reputational and moral damage.

(With inputs from agencies)

Cardinal Angelo Becciu, who was once a former advisor to Pope Francis and was seen as a papal contender himself, has been sentenced to 5.5 years of imprisonment for financial crimes in a historic Vatican fraud trial on Saturday (Dec 16).

Cardinal Angelo Becciu, who was once a former advisor to Pope Francis and was seen as a papal contender himself, has been sentenced to 5.5 years of imprisonment for financial crimes in a historic Vatican fraud trial on Saturday (Dec 16). The 75-year-old once powerful Italian cardinal was jailed by a Vatican Court for financial crimes, which brought the historic trial to an end Becciu, who was the Catholic Church's most senior clergyman, had earlier strongly denied charges which included abuse of office and embezzlement. He along with nine other defendants, which includes lawyers, financiers, and former Vatican employees, were on trial after they were accused of financial crimes which focused on an opaque property deal done in London. Also read: Pope Francis calls for binding global treaty to regulate AI The verdict was read out by court president Giuseppe Pignatone on Saturday (Dec 16), with Becciu facing accusations of abuse of office, witness tampering and embezzlement. Becciu's lawyer Fabio Viglione said that they will respect the court's sentence but will "certainly" appeal. He was further imposed a fine of €8,000 (approx. $8726). Vatican fraud trial At the centre of the Vatican fraud trial was the purchase of a luxury property, worth €350 million ($380 million), in London which was part of an investment which started in 2014 and ended with the Vatican paying tens of millions of euros. The trial, which started in July 2021, has brought to the limelight the murky finances of the Holy See, which Pope Francis has decided to clean up since he took the helm of the Catholic Church in March 2013. This is also a test of his reforms. Francis, just weeks before the trial, gave the civilian courts of the Vatican the power to try bishops and cardinals, where earlier they were judged by a court which presided over by cardinals. Prosecutor Alessandro Diddi had called for seven years and three months of imprisonment for Becciu, and nearly four and 13 years prison sentence for the others. Watch: Vatican re-creates first-ever nativity scene from 800-years-ago, lights up Christmas tree | WION Becciu had always said that he was innocent and that the accusations against him as "totally unfounded" and added that he never took a cent. The Holy See, meanwhile, viewed itself as "an offended party" and had asked the court, via Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, to "punish all crimes". Among the Vatican entities, four are civil parties who had requested compensation from the defendants, which included €177 million (approx. $193 million) for reputational and moral damage. (With inputs from agencies)

Cardinal Becciu sent to prison for 5.5 years in historic Vatican fraud trial

India’s Supreme Court on Tuesday (Nov 28) denied bail to Indian state of Tamil Nadu’s minister V Senthil Balaji, who was arrested in an alleged money laundering case by the Enforcement Directorate and was seeking bail on medical grounds.&nbsp;

“Your sickness doesn't appear to be serious or life-threatening,” stated the Supreme Court. A Supreme Court bench, comprising of Justices SC Sharma and Bela M Trivedi, permitted Balaji to withdraw his plea which sought medical bail after the court said that it was not convinced regarding his medical condition being “serious” or “life-threatening”. &nbsp;

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<h2>SC allows Balaji to seek regular bail from another court</h2>

Balaji was allowed by the court to seek regular bail from the appropriate court and stated that the observations recently made by the Madras High Court while refusing his medical bail would not come in the way.&nbsp;

"Any observation made in the interim order against the petitioner on merits shall not come in the way of the petitioner in filing regular bail application," said the bench. &nbsp;

The bench further expressed its disinclination to entertain the matter, after which the bail plea was withdrawn and the court then dismissed the matter as withdrawn. Earlier, the top court had asked Balaji to submit his medical reports on record.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;India PM Modi visits Tirupati shrine | New Zealand to scrap 'smoking ban'&nbsp;

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The high court, while dismissing the bail plea, said that from Balaji’s health report, it did not appear that he had a medical condition which can only be attended if he was released from jail on bail.&nbsp;

On June 14, Balaji was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with a money laundering case which was linked to a cash-for-jobs scam, when he held the position of the transport minister in the AIADMK regime.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

India’s Supreme Court on Tuesday (Nov 28) denied bail to Indian state of Tamil Nadu’s minister V Senthil Balaji, who was arrested in an alleged money laundering case by the Enforcement Directorate and was seeking bail on medical grounds.

India’s Supreme Court on Tuesday (Nov 28) denied bail to Indian state of Tamil Nadu’s minister V Senthil Balaji, who was arrested in an alleged money laundering case by the Enforcement Directorate and was seeking bail on medical grounds. “Your sickness doesn't appear to be serious or life-threatening,” stated the Supreme Court. A Supreme Court bench, comprising of Justices SC Sharma and Bela M Trivedi, permitted Balaji to withdraw his plea which sought medical bail after the court said that it was not convinced regarding his medical condition being “serious” or “life-threatening”. Also read: India closely monitoring respiratory illness in children amid scare from China SC allows Balaji to seek regular bail from another court Balaji was allowed by the court to seek regular bail from the appropriate court and stated that the observations recently made by the Madras High Court while refusing his medical bail would not come in the way. "Any observation made in the interim order against the petitioner on merits shall not come in the way of the petitioner in filing regular bail application," said the bench. The bench further expressed its disinclination to entertain the matter, after which the bail plea was withdrawn and the court then dismissed the matter as withdrawn. Earlier, the top court had asked Balaji to submit his medical reports on record. Watch: India PM Modi visits Tirupati shrine | New Zealand to scrap 'smoking ban' The high court, while dismissing the bail plea, said that from Balaji’s health report, it did not appear that he had a medical condition which can only be attended if he was released from jail on bail. On June 14, Balaji was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with a money laundering case which was linked to a cash-for-jobs scam, when he held the position of the transport minister in the AIADMK regime. (With inputs from agencies)

'Sickness not life-threatening': SC refuses bail to jailed Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji

The prosecutors in Russia demanded an eight-year imprisonment for artist Alexandra Skochilenko who had changed the supermarket price tags with statements which criticised the military offensive of Moscow in Ukraine last year, reported independent media. 
 
Since April last year, the 33-year-old artist and musician was kept in detention after the police arrested her for changing labels in the supermarket in Saint Petersburg with messages against the large-scale intervention of Russia in Ukraine. 
 
"The prosecution has asked for eight years," reported the independent Mediazona website, while citing the information gathered from the courtroom in Saint Petersburg. 
 
Skochilenko, who is mostly famous for her diminutive Sasha, faced accusations of spreading among people disinformation regarding the Russian army.

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The legislation, according to which the people accused of spreading disinformation can be given a maximum prison term of 10 years, was adopted after troops were deployed inside Ukraine by Russia in February 2022. The government has used the legislation to restrain people from criticising the conflict.

<h2>Artist&nbsp;kept on trial despite multiple health conditions</h2>

Skochilenko was kept on trial by Russian authorities even though she had various health conditions which included a congenital heart defect and celiac disease. 
 
Speaking to AFP, her mother Nadezhda Skochilenko said last month that "a real prison term would just be a catastrophe for Sasha". 
 
A photograph of Skochilenko inside the defendant's box was published by Mediazona. She was wearing a colourful T-shirt which had a peace sign on it.

WATCH |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war: 6 killed in Donetsk; Zelensky says, 'Deployed more air defence systems' | WION

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The website further stated that German diplomats along with some cultural figures also attended the hearing. 
 
The price tag messages included descriptive information about people who were hiding in Ukraine's Mariupol from Russian bombing, as a ban was introduced by Moscow on criticism of its offensive. 
 
The artist was arrested after the price tags were reported by a shopper to the police. "The words about how Russia attacked Ukraine are false," the prosecutor was quoted by Mediazona as saying. 
 
"The aim of the special military operation was to protect the citizens of Donbas from aggression," the prosecutor stated while using the name of Kremlin for its offensive. 
 
Till now, the authorities have detained, imprisoned or fined thousands of Russians for opposing the conflict.

(With inputs from agencies)

The prosecutors in Russia demanded an eight-year imprisonment for artist Alexandra Skochilenko who had changed the supermarket price tags with statements which criticised the military offensive of Moscow in Ukraine last year, reported independent media.

The prosecutors in Russia demanded an eight-year imprisonment for artist Alexandra Skochilenko who had changed the supermarket price tags with statements which criticised the military offensive of Moscow in Ukraine last year, reported independent media. Since April last year, the 33-year-old artist and musician was kept in detention after the police arrested her for changing labels in the supermarket in Saint Petersburg with messages against the large-scale intervention of Russia in Ukraine. "The prosecution has asked for eight years," reported the independent Mediazona website, while citing the information gathered from the courtroom in Saint Petersburg. Skochilenko, who is mostly famous for her diminutive Sasha, faced accusations of spreading among people disinformation regarding the Russian army. ALSO READ | No stalemate in Russia-Ukraine war, we are changing strategy: Volodymyr Zelensky The legislation, according to which the people accused of spreading disinformation can be given a maximum prison term of 10 years, was adopted after troops were deployed inside Ukraine by Russia in February 2022. The government has used the legislation to restrain people from criticising the conflict. Artist kept on trial despite multiple health conditions Skochilenko was kept on trial by Russian authorities even though she had various health conditions which included a congenital heart defect and celiac disease. Speaking to AFP, her mother Nadezhda Skochilenko said last month that "a real prison term would just be a catastrophe for Sasha". A photograph of Skochilenko inside the defendant's box was published by Mediazona. She was wearing a colourful T-shirt which had a peace sign on it. WATCH | Russia-Ukraine war: 6 killed in Donetsk; Zelensky says, 'Deployed more air defence systems' | WION The website further stated that German diplomats along with some cultural figures also attended the hearing. The price tag messages included descriptive information about people who were hiding in Ukraine's Mariupol from Russian bombing, as a ban was introduced by Moscow on criticism of its offensive. The artist was arrested after the price tags were reported by a shopper to the police. "The words about how Russia attacked Ukraine are false," the prosecutor was quoted by Mediazona as saying. "The aim of the special military operation was to protect the citizens of Donbas from aggression," the prosecutor stated while using the name of Kremlin for its offensive. Till now, the authorities have detained, imprisoned or fined thousands of Russians for opposing the conflict. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian prosecutors demand eight-year imprisonment for artist opposing Ukraine invasion

Central African Republic’s court of appeal has sentenced former President Francois Bozize to hard labour for life for undermining the internal security of the state and assassinations. Bozize, who is now the leader of a rebel coalition, was sentenced in absentia along with his eldest son and 20 other co-defendants. Who is Bozize? Erik Njoka details his history and role in the country's civil war.

Central African Republic’s ex-president sentenced to life imprisonment

Russia on Tuesday (Sep 26) rejected Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's appeal against&nbsp;a court decision to imprison him for 19 years on extremism charges. He was ordered to be kept in a in a maximum-security prison.

The First Court of Appeal of General Jurisdiction ruled "to uphold the decision" taken by Moscow City Court last month, announced judge Viktor Rogov. 
 
For the last decade, Navalny has been the loudest opposition voice in Russia and had organised huge anti-government rallies before he was imprisoned in 2021 on charges of fraud, which his allies at home and abroad called politically motivated. 
 
Last month, Navalny was handed a 19-year jail term by a court in his prison near Moscow after he was accused of having created an organisation which has undermined public security by carrying out "extremist activities". 
 
The 47-year-old had set up a network of political offices throughout the country as well as a corruption watchdog that made credible graft allegations against political leaders.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-wagner-commander-arrested-in-norway-for-trying-to-cross-border-back-into-russia-illegally-638968">Former Wagner commander arrested in Norway for trying to cross border into Russia illegally</a>

In 2021, he was imprisoned after arriving in Moscow from Germany, where he was recovering after getting poisoned for which he had blamed the Kremlin. 
 
"You are being forced to surrender your Russia without a fight to a gang of traitors, thieves and scoundrels who have seized power. Don't lose the will to resist," said Navalny, in a statement of the ruling.

<h2>Navalny's solitary confinement</h2>

Navalny, who has claimed to be facing multiple health complications and was on a weeks-long hunger strike, has been communicating with the outside world via his lawyers. 
 
After Russia invaded Ukraine, Navalny repeatedly spoke out against the military campaign. 
 
Thousands of people have been detained by Russia, including high-profile political activists, for speaking against the Ukrainian conflict and highlighting alleged atrocities carried out by the Russian military.

WATCH |&nbsp;US new sanctions on China &amp; Russia firms over Moscow military aid, blacklists 28 entities

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Russian authorities have locked up Navalny in the maximum security IK-6 penal colony, around 250 kilometres (155 miles) east of Moscow. 
 
However, the court also ruled to send Navalny to a "special regime" colony in August. This colony has a maximum security facility and has been designed especially for dangerous criminals. It is highly likely to cut him off from the outside world. 
 
There are around 40 prisons across Russia, many are located in remote and isolated regions. Usually, Navalny appears at court hearings through grainy video connections in prison uniforms. ' 
 
As per his allies, Navalny's health has suffered in recent months during solitary confinement. Before the appeal, prison wardens had kept Navalny in a detention cell for the 20th time, his team said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russia on Tuesday (Sep 26) rejected Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's appeal against a court decision to imprison him for 19 years on extremism charges. He was ordered to be kept in a in a maximum-security prison.

Russia on Tuesday (Sep 26) rejected Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's appeal against a court decision to imprison him for 19 years on extremism charges. He was ordered to be kept in a in a maximum-security prison. The First Court of Appeal of General Jurisdiction ruled "to uphold the decision" taken by Moscow City Court last month, announced judge Viktor Rogov. For the last decade, Navalny has been the loudest opposition voice in Russia and had organised huge anti-government rallies before he was imprisoned in 2021 on charges of fraud, which his allies at home and abroad called politically motivated. Last month, Navalny was handed a 19-year jail term by a court in his prison near Moscow after he was accused of having created an organisation which has undermined public security by carrying out "extremist activities". The 47-year-old had set up a network of political offices throughout the country as well as a corruption watchdog that made credible graft allegations against political leaders. ALSO READ | Former Wagner commander arrested in Norway for trying to cross border into Russia illegally In 2021, he was imprisoned after arriving in Moscow from Germany, where he was recovering after getting poisoned for which he had blamed the Kremlin. "You are being forced to surrender your Russia without a fight to a gang of traitors, thieves and scoundrels who have seized power. Don't lose the will to resist," said Navalny, in a statement of the ruling. Navalny's solitary confinement Navalny, who has claimed to be facing multiple health complications and was on a weeks-long hunger strike, has been communicating with the outside world via his lawyers. After Russia invaded Ukraine, Navalny repeatedly spoke out against the military campaign. Thousands of people have been detained by Russia, including high-profile political activists, for speaking against the Ukrainian conflict and highlighting alleged atrocities carried out by the Russian military. WATCH | US new sanctions on China & Russia firms over Moscow military aid, blacklists 28 entities Russian authorities have locked up Navalny in the maximum security IK-6 penal colony, around 250 kilometres (155 miles) east of Moscow. However, the court also ruled to send Navalny to a "special regime" colony in August. This colony has a maximum security facility and has been designed especially for dangerous criminals. It is highly likely to cut him off from the outside world. There are around 40 prisons across Russia, many are located in remote and isolated regions. Usually, Navalny appears at court hearings through grainy video connections in prison uniforms. ' As per his allies, Navalny's health has suffered in recent months during solitary confinement. Before the appeal, prison wardens had kept Navalny in a detention cell for the 20th time, his team said. (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

Russia rejects Navalny's appeal against 19-year imprisonment on extremism charges

Actor Danny Masterson, who had starred in “That ’70s Show”, was sentenced to 30 years&nbsp;to life&nbsp;by a judge on Thursday (September 7) for raping two women two decades ago. 
 
The sentence was handed down by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo to the 47-year-old after statements of the victims were heard, which revealed the trauma they went through and the suffering they faced for years due to the disturbing memories. 
 
The actor, who was in police custody from May, was present in the court wearing a suit. Masterson silently watched the women, who gave their statements, without any visible reaction.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-danny-masterson-found-guilty-on-two-rape-charges-faces-30-years-in-prison-599003">Danny Masterson found guilty on two rape charges, faces 30 years in prison</a>

“When you raped me, you stole from me,” stated one of the victims, who Masterson was convicted of raping in 2003. “That’s what rape is, a theft of the spirit. You are pathetic, disturbed and completely violent. The world is better off with you in prison,” she added. 
 
Meanwhile, the other woman who was also raped by the star said that he “has not shown an ounce of remorse for the pain he caused.” Addressing the judge, she said, “I knew he belonged behind bars for the safety of all the women he came into contact with. I am so sorry, and I’m so upset. I wish I’d reported him sooner to the police.” 
 
An initial jury was not able to reach verdicts on three counts of rape in December and hence, a mistrial was announced, after which Masterson was retried by the prosecutors on all three counts earlier this year.

<h2>Masterson you are not the victim here: Judge</h2>

During the hearing, the actor waived his right to speak before the sentence was announced and gave no visible reaction after the judge announced the decision, nor did the family members who were sitting beside him. Masterson's wife and actor Bijou Phillips was tearful before the judgement was announced in the hearing.

The actor was sentenced by the judge after he rejected a defence motion for a new trial which was argued earlier on Thursday. The sentence given was the maximum permitted by law.

WATCH |&nbsp;Movies delayed due to strike in Hollywood

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Masterson will become eligible for parole after serving 25 1/2 years but can be kept in prison for life.

“Masterson, I know that you’re sitting here steadfast in your claims of innocence, and thus no doubt feeling victimised by a justice system that has failed you,” said Olmedo, while speaking to Masterson before announcing the sentence.

“But Masterson, you are not the victim here. Your actions 20 years ago took away another person’s voice, and choice. One way or another you will have to come to terms with your prior actions, and their consequences,” he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Actor Danny Masterson, who had starred in “That ’70s Show”, was sentenced to 30 years to life by a judge on Thursday (September 7) for raping two women two decades ago.

Actor Danny Masterson, who had starred in “That ’70s Show”, was sentenced to 30 years to life by a judge on Thursday (September 7) for raping two women two decades ago. The sentence was handed down by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo to the 47-year-old after statements of the victims were heard, which revealed the trauma they went through and the suffering they faced for years due to the disturbing memories. The actor, who was in police custody from May, was present in the court wearing a suit. Masterson silently watched the women, who gave their statements, without any visible reaction. ALSO READ | Danny Masterson found guilty on two rape charges, faces 30 years in prison “When you raped me, you stole from me,” stated one of the victims, who Masterson was convicted of raping in 2003. “That’s what rape is, a theft of the spirit. You are pathetic, disturbed and completely violent. The world is better off with you in prison,” she added. Meanwhile, the other woman who was also raped by the star said that he “has not shown an ounce of remorse for the pain he caused.” Addressing the judge, she said, “I knew he belonged behind bars for the safety of all the women he came into contact with. I am so sorry, and I’m so upset. I wish I’d reported him sooner to the police.” An initial jury was not able to reach verdicts on three counts of rape in December and hence, a mistrial was announced, after which Masterson was retried by the prosecutors on all three counts earlier this year. Masterson you are not the victim here: Judge During the hearing, the actor waived his right to speak before the sentence was announced and gave no visible reaction after the judge announced the decision, nor did the family members who were sitting beside him. Masterson's wife and actor Bijou Phillips was tearful before the judgement was announced in the hearing. The actor was sentenced by the judge after he rejected a defence motion for a new trial which was argued earlier on Thursday. The sentence given was the maximum permitted by law. WATCH | Movies delayed due to strike in Hollywood Masterson will become eligible for parole after serving 25 1/2 years but can be kept in prison for life. “Masterson, I know that you’re sitting here steadfast in your claims of innocence, and thus no doubt feeling victimised by a justice system that has failed you,” said Olmedo, while speaking to Masterson before announcing the sentence. “But Masterson, you are not the victim here. Your actions 20 years ago took away another person’s voice, and choice. One way or another you will have to come to terms with your prior actions, and their consequences,” he added. (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

‘That ‘70s Show’ star Danny Masterson sentenced to 30 years in prison for rapes

The court sentenced right-wing Proud Boys group's former chairman Enrique Tarrio to 22 years of imprisonment for his involvement in the US Capitol attack&nbsp;carried out on 6 January 2021 by Donald Trump's supporters, who were trying to overturn the election defeat of the former president.

The court convicted Enrique Tarrio of charges, which included seditious conspiracy and for the role he played in planning the storming of Trump's supporters inside the Capitol when efforts were made by thousands of people to violently stop Congress from certifying the election results that were falsely claimed by Trump to be 'fake'.

"That day broke our previously unbroken tradition of peacefully transferring power. That previously unbroken tradition is broken now, and it's going to take time and effort to fix it," said US District Judge Timothy Kelly, during the sentencing hearing, which continued for four hours in the national capital.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/convicted-proud-boys-member-claims-trump-will-pardon-him-in-2024-632198">Convicted Proud Boys member Joe Biggs claims Trump will pardon him in 2024</a>

A 33-year prison term was sought by the prosecutors for Tarrio, who was not present in Washington on January 6, 2021, but still faced accusation of leading the military-style assault on the Capitol which was carried out by members of the Proud Boys.

In May, the 39-year-old, along with various members of the Proud Boys, was convicted of seditious conspiracy and the roles they played in their attempt to halt congressional certification of the 2020 election victory clinched by Democrat Joe Biden over Donald Trump.

<h2>January 6 'was a national embarrassment': Tarrio</h2>

During the hearing, Tarrio said that the Capitol attack was a “national embarrassment” and expressed his remorse over the entire incident.

In a husky voice, filled with emotion, Tarrio said, “What happened on January 6 was a national embarrassment. I do not think what happened that day was acceptable. Regardless of who is to blame, I blame myself. I want to express how sorry I am for the events that occurred on January 6.”

WATCH |&nbsp;2021 US Capitol Riots: 1100 criminally charged for attacks

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Pleading to US district judge Timothy Kelly, Tarrio further said, “Please show me mercy. I ask you that you not take my 40s from me.”

Last week, Judge Kelly pronounced an 18-year prison sentence to 32-year-old Ethan Nordean, another member of the Proud Boys. Meanwhile, the founder of another far-right militia Oath Keepers, which played a pivotal role in the Capitol siege, Stewart Rhodes, was also sentenced to 18 years of imprisonment.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The court sentenced right-wing Proud Boys group's former chairman Enrique Tarrio to 22 years of imprisonment for his involvement in the US Capitol attack carried out on 6 January 2021 by Donald Trump's supporters, who were trying to overturn the election defeat of the former president.

The court sentenced right-wing Proud Boys group's former chairman Enrique Tarrio to 22 years of imprisonment for his involvement in the US Capitol attack carried out on 6 January 2021 by Donald Trump's supporters, who were trying to overturn the election defeat of the former president. The court convicted Enrique Tarrio of charges, which included seditious conspiracy and for the role he played in planning the storming of Trump's supporters inside the Capitol when efforts were made by thousands of people to violently stop Congress from certifying the election results that were falsely claimed by Trump to be 'fake'. "That day broke our previously unbroken tradition of peacefully transferring power. That previously unbroken tradition is broken now, and it's going to take time and effort to fix it," said US District Judge Timothy Kelly, during the sentencing hearing, which continued for four hours in the national capital. ALSO READ | Convicted Proud Boys member Joe Biggs claims Trump will pardon him in 2024 A 33-year prison term was sought by the prosecutors for Tarrio, who was not present in Washington on January 6, 2021, but still faced accusation of leading the military-style assault on the Capitol which was carried out by members of the Proud Boys. In May, the 39-year-old, along with various members of the Proud Boys, was convicted of seditious conspiracy and the roles they played in their attempt to halt congressional certification of the 2020 election victory clinched by Democrat Joe Biden over Donald Trump. January 6 'was a national embarrassment': Tarrio During the hearing, Tarrio said that the Capitol attack was a “national embarrassment” and expressed his remorse over the entire incident. In a husky voice, filled with emotion, Tarrio said, “What happened on January 6 was a national embarrassment. I do not think what happened that day was acceptable. Regardless of who is to blame, I blame myself. I want to express how sorry I am for the events that occurred on January 6.” WATCH | 2021 US Capitol Riots: 1100 criminally charged for attacks Pleading to US district judge Timothy Kelly, Tarrio further said, “Please show me mercy. I ask you that you not take my 40s from me.” Last week, Judge Kelly pronounced an 18-year prison sentence to 32-year-old Ethan Nordean, another member of the Proud Boys. Meanwhile, the founder of another far-right militia Oath Keepers, which played a pivotal role in the Capitol siege, Stewart Rhodes, was also sentenced to 18 years of imprisonment. (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

US Capitol attack: Former Proud Boys leader sentenced to 22 years imprisonment

Members of Proud Boys Dominic Pezzola and&nbsp;Ethan Nordean were awarded long-term imprisonment on Friday (September 1) for their role in US Capitol attack.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A member of Proud Boys Dominic Pezzola, who has been accused of leading the US Capitol riot by making his way into the complex using a police shield before filming himself smoking a celebratory cigar, was sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, one of the leaders of the Proud Boys,&nbsp;Ethan Nordean,&nbsp;was awarded&nbsp;18 years imprisonment after getting convicted of seditious conspiracy. 
 
The 46-year-old former US Marine Pezzola fought with officers when the Congress was raided on 6 January 2021. Pezzola was convicted of obstructing an official proceeding and assaulting the police. 
 
Meanwhile, another member of Proud Boy Ethan Nordean was sentenced over a more serious seditious conspiracy charge. In a selfie video, which was made on the day of the riot, Pezzola is seen smoking what he stated was a "victory cigar" inside the Capitol building.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/leader-of-proud-boys-militia-sentenced-to-17-years-imprisonment-over-us-capitol-attack-631008">Leader of Proud Boys militia sentenced to 17 years over US Capitol attack</a>

During the sentencing on Friday (September 1), Pezzola said that he regretted his actions. His wife, mother and daughter spoke while addressing the judge, as the mother described him as a "wonderful child" who "never gave me any trouble". 
 
However, once the prison term was announced and the judge went out of the room, Pezzola shouted, "Trump won!"

<h2>Drinking club to foot-soldiers of Trump</h2>

Seven years ago, Proud Boys started as a "drinking club" but soon turned into the foot soldiers of Donald Trump and became the first people to march inside the Capitol on January 6. 
 
Among the five arrested, Pezzola was acquitted of seditious conspiracy, a charge which is slammed over people for overthrowing the government or using force "to prevent, hinder, or delay the execution of any law of the United States". 
 
However, the prosecutors argued that the violent actions of Pezzola at the riot warranted a stiff sentence. "Pezzola's actions and testimony leave no doubt that he intended to influence or affect the conduct of government by intimidation or coercion," wrote prosecutors in a sentencing memo. "He committed crimes of terrorism on January 6,” they added.

WATCH |&nbsp;2021 US Capitol Riots: 1100 criminally charged for attacks

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Judge Timothy Kelly on Friday said to Pezzola that he had "played a significant role" in the Capitol riot even though he did not have a leadership role in the Proud Boys. "It was a national disgrace, what happened," Judge Kelly stated. 
 
During the trial, Pezzola had downplayed his actions on January 6, stating that the crowd were "trespassing protesters" and not an "invading force". He further told jurors that his actions during the Capitol attack can be explained by his reverting to military training after seeing the use of non-lethal munitions by the police to try to disperse the crowd. 
 
"In the military and Marine Corps, you don't ever turn around and run away. You're conditioned not to think about the flight response. You're conditioned to run toward the danger,” Pezzola said. 
 
While speaking with the Washington Post after he was convicted, Pezzola said that the trial was a "complete sham" and made fringe claims that the federal officials and informants had actually “set up” the riot.

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Members of Proud Boys Dominic Pezzola and Ethan Nordean were awarded long-term imprisonment on Friday (September 1) for their role in US Capitol attack. A member of Proud Boys Dominic Pezzola, who has been accused of leading the US Capitol riot by making his way into the complex using a police shield before filming himself smoking a celebratory cigar, was sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment.

Members of Proud Boys Dominic Pezzola and Ethan Nordean were awarded long-term imprisonment on Friday (September 1) for their role in US Capitol attack. A member of Proud Boys Dominic Pezzola, who has been accused of leading the US Capitol riot by making his way into the complex using a police shield before filming himself smoking a celebratory cigar, was sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment. Meanwhile, one of the leaders of the Proud Boys, Ethan Nordean, was awarded 18 years imprisonment after getting convicted of seditious conspiracy. The 46-year-old former US Marine Pezzola fought with officers when the Congress was raided on 6 January 2021. Pezzola was convicted of obstructing an official proceeding and assaulting the police. Meanwhile, another member of Proud Boy Ethan Nordean was sentenced over a more serious seditious conspiracy charge. In a selfie video, which was made on the day of the riot, Pezzola is seen smoking what he stated was a "victory cigar" inside the Capitol building. ALSO READ | Leader of Proud Boys militia sentenced to 17 years over US Capitol attack During the sentencing on Friday (September 1), Pezzola said that he regretted his actions. His wife, mother and daughter spoke while addressing the judge, as the mother described him as a "wonderful child" who "never gave me any trouble". However, once the prison term was announced and the judge went out of the room, Pezzola shouted, "Trump won!" Drinking club to foot-soldiers of Trump Seven years ago, Proud Boys started as a "drinking club" but soon turned into the foot soldiers of Donald Trump and became the first people to march inside the Capitol on January 6. Among the five arrested, Pezzola was acquitted of seditious conspiracy, a charge which is slammed over people for overthrowing the government or using force "to prevent, hinder, or delay the execution of any law of the United States". However, the prosecutors argued that the violent actions of Pezzola at the riot warranted a stiff sentence. "Pezzola's actions and testimony leave no doubt that he intended to influence or affect the conduct of government by intimidation or coercion," wrote prosecutors in a sentencing memo. "He committed crimes of terrorism on January 6,” they added. WATCH | 2021 US Capitol Riots: 1100 criminally charged for attacks Judge Timothy Kelly on Friday said to Pezzola that he had "played a significant role" in the Capitol riot even though he did not have a leadership role in the Proud Boys. "It was a national disgrace, what happened," Judge Kelly stated. During the trial, Pezzola had downplayed his actions on January 6, stating that the crowd were "trespassing protesters" and not an "invading force". He further told jurors that his actions during the Capitol attack can be explained by his reverting to military training after seeing the use of non-lethal munitions by the police to try to disperse the crowd. "In the military and Marine Corps, you don't ever turn around and run away. You're conditioned not to think about the flight response. You're conditioned to run toward the danger,” Pezzola said. While speaking with the Washington Post after he was convicted, Pezzola said that the trial was a "complete sham" and made fringe claims that the federal officials and informants had actually “set up” the riot. 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

Proud Boys members Dominic Pezzola, Ethan Nordean get prison sentence in Capitol attack case

Leader of the Proud Boys militia Joe Biggs, who had declared a “war” to ensure Donald Trump remains the US president, was sentenced to 17 years in prison on Thursday (August 31). This marked one of the longest prison sentences ever given over the 2021 Capitol attack in the United States. 
 
Prosecutors stated that Joe Biggs was a central figure in a “seditious conspiracy" to forcibly overturn the election victory of Joe Biden, as he led the supporters of Trump in a military-style assault on 6 January 2021.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-capitol-hill-riot-case-prosecutors-seek-33-yrs-jail-for-ex-proud-boys-chairperson-henry-tarrio-report-626977">US Capitol Hill riot case: Prosecutors seek 33 years jail for ex-Proud Boys chairperson Henry Tarrio</a>

His prison sentence was one year less than the longest prison sentence given to those convicted for participation in the Capitol attack. Stewart Rhodes, the founder of another far-right militia&nbsp;Oath Keepers,&nbsp;which was also actively involved in the Capitol siege, was awarded 18 years of prison sentence.

<h2>Prosecutors appeal for 33 years&nbsp;imprisonment</h2>

However, the prison sentence given was only half of the 33 years which was appealed by the prosecutors as Judge Timothy Kelly stated that it was not a mass-casualty event and Biggs did not carry the intention of killing anyone amid the uprising. 
 
However, Kelly said, "There is a need for deterrence." The assault "broke our tradition of the peaceful transfer of power, which is one of the most precious things that we had as Americans," the judge stated. 
 
Before the prison sentence was announced, a tearful Biggs expressed his regrets and said that he would now not remain in touch with the Proud Boys and would only focus on the welfare of his daughter and wife.

WATCH |&nbsp;Capitol Riots: Donald Trump expects to be indicted 'any day now'&nbsp;

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"I'm so sorry," he said to the court. "I know that I messed up that day, but I'm not a terrorist," he added. Prosecutor Jason McCullough stated that what was done by Biggs and his fellow rioters in shutting down the Congress that day was "no different than the act of a spectacular bombing of a building." 
 
"They aimed to intimidate and terrify elected officials," he stated, as he equated the January 6 attack to terrorism. Biggs is among the first five figures of Proud Boys, which includes&nbsp;national chairman Enrique Tarrio, who will be sentenced this week. 
 
Four members were convicted for seditious conspiracy on May 4 and the fifth was found guilty by the court of lesser charges. All of them were convicted of obstruction of a congressional proceeding, destruction of government property and impeding law enforcement.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Leader of the Proud Boys militia Joe Biggs, who had declared a “war” to ensure Donald Trump remains the US president, was sentenced to 17 years in prison on Thursday (August 31).

Leader of the Proud Boys militia Joe Biggs, who had declared a “war” to ensure Donald Trump remains the US president, was sentenced to 17 years in prison on Thursday (August 31). This marked one of the longest prison sentences ever given over the 2021 Capitol attack in the United States. Prosecutors stated that Joe Biggs was a central figure in a “seditious conspiracy" to forcibly overturn the election victory of Joe Biden, as he led the supporters of Trump in a military-style assault on 6 January 2021. ALSO READ | US Capitol Hill riot case: Prosecutors seek 33 years jail for ex-Proud Boys chairperson Henry Tarrio His prison sentence was one year less than the longest prison sentence given to those convicted for participation in the Capitol attack. Stewart Rhodes, the founder of another far-right militia Oath Keepers, which was also actively involved in the Capitol siege, was awarded 18 years of prison sentence. Prosecutors appeal for 33 years imprisonment However, the prison sentence given was only half of the 33 years which was appealed by the prosecutors as Judge Timothy Kelly stated that it was not a mass-casualty event and Biggs did not carry the intention of killing anyone amid the uprising. However, Kelly said, "There is a need for deterrence." The assault "broke our tradition of the peaceful transfer of power, which is one of the most precious things that we had as Americans," the judge stated. Before the prison sentence was announced, a tearful Biggs expressed his regrets and said that he would now not remain in touch with the Proud Boys and would only focus on the welfare of his daughter and wife. WATCH | Capitol Riots: Donald Trump expects to be indicted 'any day now' "I'm so sorry," he said to the court. "I know that I messed up that day, but I'm not a terrorist," he added. Prosecutor Jason McCullough stated that what was done by Biggs and his fellow rioters in shutting down the Congress that day was "no different than the act of a spectacular bombing of a building." "They aimed to intimidate and terrify elected officials," he stated, as he equated the January 6 attack to terrorism. Biggs is among the first five figures of Proud Boys, which includes national chairman Enrique Tarrio, who will be sentenced this week. Four members were convicted for seditious conspiracy on May 4 and the fifth was found guilty by the court of lesser charges. All of them were convicted of obstruction of a congressional proceeding, destruction of government property and impeding law enforcement. (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

Leader of Proud Boys militia sentenced to 17 years over US Capitol attack

A recent study conducted by the Rand Europe research institute has uncovered a concerning pattern of heightened activity at high-security detention facilities in Tibet. This increased activity was measured through night-time lighting usage, suggesting a potential rise in more severe imprisonments by Chinese authorities.&nbsp;

Tibet's autonomous region is notoriously secretive and referred to as an "information black hole" in the report.&nbsp;

<h2>Research findings</h2>

The study used overhead satellite imagery analysis and night-time lighting data to gain insights into the situation.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-support-to-taliban-regime-emboldens-terror-inside-its-borders-un-report-619894">Pakistan's support to Taliban regime emboldens terror inside its borders: UN report</a>

The researchers examined 79 detention facilities across the Tibetan Autonomous Region and found that the growth in night-time lighting was particularly concentrated in the 14 higher-security facilities. The study revealed increases in night-time lighting across prisons during 2019-2020 and in high-security detention facilities during 2021-2022. In contrast, lower security facilities showed a peak in growth back in 2017.

<h2>Possible interpretations</h2>

The emitted light visible from space could indicate various developments within detention facilities. Researchers said it might signify new construction, as was demonstrated in earlier studies on Xinjiang facilities. However, this time expansion of existing buildings is more likely in the case of Tibetan facilities.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/typhoon-doksuri-lashes-philippines-as-china-and-taiwan-stay-alert-619883">Typhoon Doksuri lashes Philippines as China and Taiwan stay alert&nbsp;</a>

Additionally, increased light could indicate higher occupancy or usage of the facilities, without necessarily implying physical expansion.

<h2>Comparison: Xinjiang and Tibet&nbsp;</h2>

The researchers believe that the heightened activity in Tibetan detention facilities could point to a shift towards longer detentions, similar to what has been observed in Xinjiang, where a substantial number of people were sent to re-education facilities and high-security detention centres.&nbsp;

Tibet, like other border regions, including Xinjiang and Mongolia, has experienced long-standing crackdowns on the religious and cultural practices of non-Han ethnic minorities.&nbsp;

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Obtaining accurate information from inside the TAR is exceedingly difficult due to strict controls on travel, communication, and information flow.&nbsp;

Unlike Xinjiang, where there has been more international focus and media coverage, Tibet remains largely understudied and shrouded in secrecy. The report said that the lack of reliable data from Tibet does not imply a lack of repressive control but emphasises the need for further research and international attention on the region.

<h2>Concerns raised by activists&nbsp;</h2>

Activists and human rights groups have expressed growing concern over the harassment, detention, and torture of Tibetan activists, religious figures, and intellectuals. Additionally, mass surveillance, mandatory re-education programmes, and the transfer of Tibetan children to state-run "boarding schools" have drawn criticism. These actions aim to assimilate Tibetans culturally, religiously, and linguistically into the dominant Han society.

Director of defence and security at Rand Europe, Ruth Harris, told the Guardian,&nbsp;“Tibet remains an information black hole and any attempt to understand the security landscape there is fraught with difficulty."&nbsp;

“Foreign researchers are blocked from accessing many Chinese sources and find much available data unreliable,” she added.

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A recent study conducted by the Rand Europe research institute has uncovered a concerning pattern of heightened activity at high-security detention facilities in Tibet.

A recent study conducted by the Rand Europe research institute has uncovered a concerning pattern of heightened activity at high-security detention facilities in Tibet. This increased activity was measured through night-time lighting usage, suggesting a potential rise in more severe imprisonments by Chinese authorities. Tibet's autonomous region is notoriously secretive and referred to as an "information black hole" in the report. Research findings The study used overhead satellite imagery analysis and night-time lighting data to gain insights into the situation. Also Read | Pakistan's support to Taliban regime emboldens terror inside its borders: UN report The researchers examined 79 detention facilities across the Tibetan Autonomous Region and found that the growth in night-time lighting was particularly concentrated in the 14 higher-security facilities. The study revealed increases in night-time lighting across prisons during 2019-2020 and in high-security detention facilities during 2021-2022. In contrast, lower security facilities showed a peak in growth back in 2017. Possible interpretations The emitted light visible from space could indicate various developments within detention facilities. Researchers said it might signify new construction, as was demonstrated in earlier studies on Xinjiang facilities. However, this time expansion of existing buildings is more likely in the case of Tibetan facilities. Also Read | Typhoon Doksuri lashes Philippines as China and Taiwan stay alert Additionally, increased light could indicate higher occupancy or usage of the facilities, without necessarily implying physical expansion. Comparison: Xinjiang and Tibet The researchers believe that the heightened activity in Tibetan detention facilities could point to a shift towards longer detentions, similar to what has been observed in Xinjiang, where a substantial number of people were sent to re-education facilities and high-security detention centres. Tibet, like other border regions, including Xinjiang and Mongolia, has experienced long-standing crackdowns on the religious and cultural practices of non-Han ethnic minorities. Watch | Russian defence minister's Pyongyang visit | Putin to meet African leaders | WION Speed News × Obtaining accurate information from inside the TAR is exceedingly difficult due to strict controls on travel, communication, and information flow. Unlike Xinjiang, where there has been more international focus and media coverage, Tibet remains largely understudied and shrouded in secrecy. The report said that the lack of reliable data from Tibet does not imply a lack of repressive control but emphasises the need for further research and international attention on the region. Concerns raised by activists Activists and human rights groups have expressed growing concern over the harassment, detention, and torture of Tibetan activists, religious figures, and intellectuals. Additionally, mass surveillance, mandatory re-education programmes, and the transfer of Tibetan children to state-run "boarding schools" have drawn criticism. These actions aim to assimilate Tibetans culturally, religiously, and linguistically into the dominant Han society. Director of defence and security at Rand Europe, Ruth Harris, told the Guardian, “Tibet remains an information black hole and any attempt to understand the security landscape there is fraught with difficulty." “Foreign researchers are blocked from accessing many Chinese sources and find much available data unreliable,” she 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. ×

Satellite data reveals activity spike at Tibet detention centres, suggest harsher imprisonments by China

A court in the US sentenced an art dealer to two years and three months imprisonment on Tuesday (May 30) after he was found involved in a scheme which was aimed at the sale of fake Andy Warhol paintings. 
 
Daniel Elie Bouaziz,69, was sentenced in Fort Pierce federal court in South Florida. In February, he pleaded guilty to a single count of money laundering, while prosecutors decided to drop 16 other counts which are related to embezzlement and fraud. 
 
A fine of $15,000 was imposed on Bouaziz, and the court will hold a restitution hearing on August 16. Prosecutors stated that Palm Beach County's Danieli Fine Art and Galerie Danieli's owner Bouaziz sold counterfeit artworks in October 2021 to a customer, which included pieces purportedly by Warhol. 
 
He also sold fake paintings by Keith Haring, Henri Matisse and Roy Lichtenstein.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-italian-historian-claims-to-have-found-location-of-bridge-in-mona-lisa-painting-588723">Italian historian claims to have found location of bridge in Mona Lisa painting</a>

The customer was told by Bouaziz that the pieces, which were being sold by him for prices ranging between $75,000 and $240,000, were all authentic originals and that some pieces have been signed by the artists themselves, stated investigators. 
 
Officials stated that Bouaziz was made a down payment of $200,000 by the customer which was deposited into the account of Bouaziz, and then the comingled funds were transferred to other accounts. In reality, the paintings were reproductions purchased in online auctions.

<h2>Appeal for 'reasonable' sentence to&nbsp;Bouaziz</h2>

The judge was appealed to give a “reasonable” sentence to Bouaziz, considering his age and poor health. 
 
“While Bouaziz may (have) been generous to some, as countless people claim in their letters of support to this court, he was defrauding others,” stated Assistant US Attorney Sarah Schall. 
 
“Bouaziz won people over with his philanthropy, high-end vehicles, ties to the local synagogue, invitations to lunch, history as an opera singer, art events and more,” he added.

WATCH |&nbsp;Van Gogh 360 degree debuts in India, a new digital immersive art travelling exhibition

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In a sentencing memorandum, federal prosecutors noted that Bouaziz “knew some of the pieces he sold were not genuine”. They added that, in one instance, he sold fraudulent art for $25,0000 to an undercover agent. 
 
The prosecutors said that Bouaziz had won over many people in Palm Beach with his luxury cars, invitations to art events and lunch and his philanthropy. They added that Bouaziz's generosity belied a darker reality. “Bouaziz painted a picture of himself that he wanted others to see and believe,” they stated. 
 
Bouaziz was charged in June after an investigation which involved serving search warrants at his galleries, reviewing his financial records as well as undercover purchases of what has been deemed to be fraudulent art.

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A court in the US sentenced an art dealer to two years and three months imprisonment on Tuesday (May 30) after he was found involved in a scheme which was aimed at the sale of fake Andy Warhol paintings.

A court in the US sentenced an art dealer to two years and three months imprisonment on Tuesday (May 30) after he was found involved in a scheme which was aimed at the sale of fake Andy Warhol paintings. Daniel Elie Bouaziz,69, was sentenced in Fort Pierce federal court in South Florida. In February, he pleaded guilty to a single count of money laundering, while prosecutors decided to drop 16 other counts which are related to embezzlement and fraud. A fine of $15,000 was imposed on Bouaziz, and the court will hold a restitution hearing on August 16. Prosecutors stated that Palm Beach County's Danieli Fine Art and Galerie Danieli's owner Bouaziz sold counterfeit artworks in October 2021 to a customer, which included pieces purportedly by Warhol. He also sold fake paintings by Keith Haring, Henri Matisse and Roy Lichtenstein. ALSO READ | Italian historian claims to have found location of bridge in Mona Lisa painting The customer was told by Bouaziz that the pieces, which were being sold by him for prices ranging between $75,000 and $240,000, were all authentic originals and that some pieces have been signed by the artists themselves, stated investigators. Officials stated that Bouaziz was made a down payment of $200,000 by the customer which was deposited into the account of Bouaziz, and then the comingled funds were transferred to other accounts. In reality, the paintings were reproductions purchased in online auctions. Appeal for 'reasonable' sentence to Bouaziz The judge was appealed to give a “reasonable” sentence to Bouaziz, considering his age and poor health. “While Bouaziz may (have) been generous to some, as countless people claim in their letters of support to this court, he was defrauding others,” stated Assistant US Attorney Sarah Schall. “Bouaziz won people over with his philanthropy, high-end vehicles, ties to the local synagogue, invitations to lunch, history as an opera singer, art events and more,” he added. WATCH | Van Gogh 360 degree debuts in India, a new digital immersive art travelling exhibition In a sentencing memorandum, federal prosecutors noted that Bouaziz “knew some of the pieces he sold were not genuine”. They added that, in one instance, he sold fraudulent art for $25,0000 to an undercover agent. The prosecutors said that Bouaziz had won over many people in Palm Beach with his luxury cars, invitations to art events and lunch and his philanthropy. They added that Bouaziz's generosity belied a darker reality. “Bouaziz painted a picture of himself that he wanted others to see and believe,” they stated. Bouaziz was charged in June after an investigation which involved serving search warrants at his galleries, reviewing his financial records as well as undercover purchases of what has been deemed to be fraudulent art. (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

Art dealer faces two years in prison for selling fake Andy Warhol paintings

An Australian man will be sentenced to more than a year of imprisonment for allegedly spitting on an imam's face at a mosque in Indonesia. 
 
Brenton Craig Abbas Abdullah McArthur has been facing the charge of assaulting the imam in a mosque in Bandung. The incident was recorded on a CCTV camera. 
 
The video footage went viral and showed a man, who was sporting a baseball cap, entering the mosque and speaking to the imam before spitting on his face. The imam is seen fleeing away as the Australian man casually walks back.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-sumatra-island-hit-by-73-earthquake-tsunami-warning-issued-585824">Indonesia: Sumatra Island hit by 7.3 earthquake, tsunami warning issued</a>

Indonesian police stated that McArthur was living at a hotel which was near the mosque. The police tracked the Australian man using his passport and arrested him at Soekarno-Hatta airport where he was trying to board a flight bound to Australia. 
 
“We immediately ask(ed) immigration to stop him and cancel him from leaving the country,” stated Bandung’s police chief Budi Sartono. 
 
“We immediately pick(ed) him up at the airport and (took) him to the Bandung Police Station for interrogation,” he added. 
 
As per local media, McArthur's resident visa had expired and he was accompanied by Australian embassy officials accompanied to the police station. 
 
McArthur was charged with articles 315 and 335 of the criminal code, which regulate unpleasant insults and acts. The man may face a maximum imprisonment of 14 months if convicted by the court, stated the Indonesian news website Kumparan. 
 
McArthur, taking over his social media account, denied committing any wrong acts and claimed that he was only a victim. 
 
“Stop crying all your racist tears,” he stated on Instagram. “I am a Muslim and this is just racist, threatening a bule and laughing being a coward,” he further wrote. 
 
'Bule' is a word used in the Indonesian language to describe foreigners, especially those of European descent.

WATCH | Indonesian regulator's green light to Indomie, safe for consumption | World News | WION

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Speaking to the Indonesian news website, Imam Basri Anwar, said that McArthur was “disturbed” by the Qur’an's recitation over a loudspeaker. “When it’s Clean Friday, there’s a recitation of the Qur’an,” he stated. “I think he feels disturbed,” he added. 
 
McArthur's job has been listed as an English teacher and game developer, and his home town has been mentioned as Gosnells which is in Perth, Western Australia. 
 
A spokesperson from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said that it was willing to provide consular assistance to the Australian man after he was detained for spitting on the imam in Indonesia. “Due to privacy obligations, we are unable to provide further information,” she stated. 
&nbsp;

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<h2>&nbsp;</h2>
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An Australian man will be sentenced to more than a year of imprisonment for allegedly spitting on an imam's face at a mosque in Indonesia. Brenton Craig Abbas Abdullah McArthur has been facing the charge of assaulting the imam in a mosque in Bandung.

An Australian man will be sentenced to more than a year of imprisonment for allegedly spitting on an imam's face at a mosque in Indonesia. Brenton Craig Abbas Abdullah McArthur has been facing the charge of assaulting the imam in a mosque in Bandung. The incident was recorded on a CCTV camera. The video footage went viral and showed a man, who was sporting a baseball cap, entering the mosque and speaking to the imam before spitting on his face. The imam is seen fleeing away as the Australian man casually walks back. ALSO READ | Indonesia: Sumatra Island hit by 7.3 earthquake, tsunami warning issued Indonesian police stated that McArthur was living at a hotel which was near the mosque. The police tracked the Australian man using his passport and arrested him at Soekarno-Hatta airport where he was trying to board a flight bound to Australia. “We immediately ask(ed) immigration to stop him and cancel him from leaving the country,” stated Bandung’s police chief Budi Sartono. “We immediately pick(ed) him up at the airport and (took) him to the Bandung Police Station for interrogation,” he added. As per local media, McArthur's resident visa had expired and he was accompanied by Australian embassy officials accompanied to the police station. McArthur was charged with articles 315 and 335 of the criminal code, which regulate unpleasant insults and acts. The man may face a maximum imprisonment of 14 months if convicted by the court, stated the Indonesian news website Kumparan. McArthur, taking over his social media account, denied committing any wrong acts and claimed that he was only a victim. “Stop crying all your racist tears,” he stated on Instagram. “I am a Muslim and this is just racist, threatening a bule and laughing being a coward,” he further wrote. 'Bule' is a word used in the Indonesian language to describe foreigners, especially those of European descent. WATCH | Indonesian regulator's green light to Indomie, safe for consumption | World News | WION Speaking to the Indonesian news website, Imam Basri Anwar, said that McArthur was “disturbed” by the Qur’an's recitation over a loudspeaker. “When it’s Clean Friday, there’s a recitation of the Qur’an,” he stated. “I think he feels disturbed,” he added. McArthur's job has been listed as an English teacher and game developer, and his home town has been mentioned as Gosnells which is in Perth, Western Australia. A spokesperson from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said that it was willing to provide consular assistance to the Australian man after he was detained for spitting on the imam in Indonesia. “Due to privacy obligations, we are unable to provide further information,” she stated. 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

Australian man spits on imam’s face in Indonesia, faces more than a year’s jail term

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

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

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

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday said that he had "nothing to do" with the arrest of Istanbul's opposition mayor, because of which the latter won't be able to fray in the presidential election scheduled for June 2023.

The prison sentence of Ekrem Imamoglu, after his politically ignited defamation court trial, stirred an international storm. The mayor has been sentenced to imprisonment for two years and seven months after he insulted the Supreme Electoral Council's members in Turkey. As per reports, in a speech he gave in 2019, the mayor said that “those who cancelled March 31 elections are fools”.&nbsp;

ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/explained-thousands-protest-in-turkey-over-istanbul-mayors-conviction-political-ban-543673">Explained: Thousands protest in Turkey over Istanbul mayor's conviction, political ban</a>

However, President Erdogan maintained that he had no role in the court's verdict.

"What is behind the storm sparked by a verdict these past few days? This debate has nothing to do with us — neither with me nor with our nation," said Erdogan, while making his first comments on the issue since the verdict was given on Wednesday.

"We laugh at all the false words uttered so surely by those seeing a political manoeuvre in the sentence. But we are sad to see that some are trying to conduct their games of thrones through us," he added, indicating that reactions to the court's verdict were a result of rivalries present within the opposition.&nbsp;

WATCH| Turkey: Headscarf debate reaches Parliament; Turkish feminists condemn Erdogan's move

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On Thursday, thousands of people protested in Istanbul in support of Imamoglu, who had established himself as an opposition candidate who can break the two-decade dominance of Erdogan over Turkish politics, after clinching his mayoral success.

The imprisonment of Imamoglu also received international criticism. On Thursday, the United States announced that it is "deeply troubled and disappointed" with his conviction and imposed a ban on any political activity, which eventually denies him to run for the presidency. Meanwhile, Germany called it a "harsh blow for democracy".

(With inputs from agencies)

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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday said that he had "nothing to do" with the arrest of Istanbul's opposition mayor, because of which the latter won't be able to fray in the presidential election scheduled for June 2023.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday said that he had "nothing to do" with the arrest of Istanbul's opposition mayor, because of which the latter won't be able to fray in the presidential election scheduled for June 2023. The prison sentence of Ekrem Imamoglu, after his politically ignited defamation court trial, stirred an international storm. The mayor has been sentenced to imprisonment for two years and seven months after he insulted the Supreme Electoral Council's members in Turkey. As per reports, in a speech he gave in 2019, the mayor said that “those who cancelled March 31 elections are fools”. ALSO READ| Explained: Thousands protest in Turkey over Istanbul mayor's conviction, political ban However, President Erdogan maintained that he had no role in the court's verdict. "What is behind the storm sparked by a verdict these past few days? This debate has nothing to do with us — neither with me nor with our nation," said Erdogan, while making his first comments on the issue since the verdict was given on Wednesday. "We laugh at all the false words uttered so surely by those seeing a political manoeuvre in the sentence. But we are sad to see that some are trying to conduct their games of thrones through us," he added, indicating that reactions to the court's verdict were a result of rivalries present within the opposition. WATCH| Turkey: Headscarf debate reaches Parliament; Turkish feminists condemn Erdogan's move On Thursday, thousands of people protested in Istanbul in support of Imamoglu, who had established himself as an opposition candidate who can break the two-decade dominance of Erdogan over Turkish politics, after clinching his mayoral success. The imprisonment of Imamoglu also received international criticism. On Thursday, the United States announced that it is "deeply troubled and disappointed" with his conviction and imposed a ban on any political activity, which eventually denies him to run for the presidency. Meanwhile, Germany called it a "harsh blow for democracy". (With inputs from agencies)

President Erdogan says he has ‘nothing to do’ with conviction of Istanbul’s mayor

The Supreme Leader of Iran Ali Khamenei's niece was sentenced to imprisonment for three years after she was convicted for criticising the regime publicly and extending her support to the protests taking place across the country against the Islamic Republic, said her lawyer on Friday.

On November 23. Farideh Moradkhani, who belongs to that part of Khamenei’s family which has been critical of the regime for a long, was arrested by the police and has been in police custody since then.

ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sister-of-irans-supreme-leader-denounces-her-brothers-despotic-regime-541157">Sister of Iran's supreme leader denounces her brother's 'despotic' regime</a>

Moradkhani's lawyer Mohammad Hossein Aghasi, in a tweet, said that her trial took place in a clerical court, which is independent of the judiciary of the country and is only answerable to the supreme leader, although she is not a cleric.

The lawyer added that he was not allowed to attend the hearing where Moradkhani was sentenced to 15 years of imprisonment initially.&nbsp;

However, his appeal was accepted by the court and her prison term was shortened by three years, the lawyer informed.&nbsp;

ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-president-raisi-says-will-continue-crackdown-on-protesters-541728">Iran: President Raisi says crackdown on protesters will continue; Sunni cleric questions execution</a>

Earlier, Moradkhani’s mother and the supreme leader's sister, Badri Hosseini Khamenei, had announced her opposition to Ali Khamenei's regime and expressed her solidarity with the movement against Mahsa Amini's killing in the police custody which has swept Iran.

In a letter released publicly by her son from France, Badri stated that all her ties with Ali Khamenei have been cut off and demanded that he should step down from his position.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Supreme Leader of Iran Ali Khamenei's niece was sentenced to imprisonment for three years after she was convicted for criticising the regime publicly and extending her support to the protests taking place across the country against the Islamic Republic, said her lawyer on Friday.

The Supreme Leader of Iran Ali Khamenei's niece was sentenced to imprisonment for three years after she was convicted for criticising the regime publicly and extending her support to the protests taking place across the country against the Islamic Republic, said her lawyer on Friday. On November 23. Farideh Moradkhani, who belongs to that part of Khamenei’s family which has been critical of the regime for a long, was arrested by the police and has been in police custody since then. ALSO READ| Sister of Iran's supreme leader denounces her brother's 'despotic' regime Moradkhani's lawyer Mohammad Hossein Aghasi, in a tweet, said that her trial took place in a clerical court, which is independent of the judiciary of the country and is only answerable to the supreme leader, although she is not a cleric. The lawyer added that he was not allowed to attend the hearing where Moradkhani was sentenced to 15 years of imprisonment initially. However, his appeal was accepted by the court and her prison term was shortened by three years, the lawyer informed. ALSO READ| Iran: President Raisi says crackdown on protesters will continue; Sunni cleric questions execution Earlier, Moradkhani’s mother and the supreme leader's sister, Badri Hosseini Khamenei, had announced her opposition to Ali Khamenei's regime and expressed her solidarity with the movement against Mahsa Amini's killing in the police custody which has swept Iran. In a letter released publicly by her son from France, Badri stated that all her ties with Ali Khamenei have been cut off and demanded that he should step down from his position. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran leader Khamenei’s niece Farideh Moradkhani sentenced to three years’ imprisonment

Three people, who were accused of targeting Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in a failed drone attack in 2018, were sentenced to 30 years of imprisonment, said their relatives on Friday.

The court convicted retired army major Juan Carlos Marrufo, retired colonel Juan Francisco Rodriguez and Maria Delgado Tabosky on charges of "terrorism, treason and criminal conspiracy,” as stated by one of the accused's family member.

The court started the criminal hearing on Thursday night, which continued till the early hours of Friday, the family member stated.

ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-frozen-funds-to-be-gradually-released-for-humanitarian-aid-537874">Venezuela's frozen funds to be gradually released for humanitarian aid</a>

One of the accused Delgado Tabosky, 48, holds citizenship of Spain and Venezuela and is Osman Delgado Tabosky's sister, who lives in the United States.

The Maduro government has accused Osman of financing the drone attack. On August 4, 2018, two drones filled with explosives blew up near the place where the president was speaking to an assembly of National Guard members.

One of the drone explosions took place in the air over guardsmen who were standing in formation, leading to a few of them getting injured. The second drone crashed into a building which was two blocks away.

President Maduro and his wife remained unhurt in the attack. Marrufo, aged 52, is the husband of Maria Delgado Tabosky and holds citizenship in both Italy and Venezuela.

WATCH|&nbsp;

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The Working Group on Arbitrary Detention stated that Delgado Tabosky and Marrufo's arrests in 2019 were "arbitrary”. The couple remained imprisoned at the General Directorate of Military Counterintelligence for three years and eight months.

&nbsp;Their relatives have appealed for the transfer of the couple to prison and have made failed requests to Italy and Spain to intervene in their cases.

Meanwhile, 17 others accused of their involvement in the attack, including former opposition legislator Juan Requesens, were sentenced to imprisonment between five and 30 years in August.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Three people, who were accused of targeting Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in a failed drone attack in 2018, were sentenced to 30 years of imprisonment, said their relatives on Friday.

Three people, who were accused of targeting Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in a failed drone attack in 2018, were sentenced to 30 years of imprisonment, said their relatives on Friday. The court convicted retired army major Juan Carlos Marrufo, retired colonel Juan Francisco Rodriguez and Maria Delgado Tabosky on charges of "terrorism, treason and criminal conspiracy,” as stated by one of the accused's family member. The court started the criminal hearing on Thursday night, which continued till the early hours of Friday, the family member stated. ALSO READ| Venezuela's frozen funds to be gradually released for humanitarian aid One of the accused Delgado Tabosky, 48, holds citizenship of Spain and Venezuela and is Osman Delgado Tabosky's sister, who lives in the United States. The Maduro government has accused Osman of financing the drone attack. On August 4, 2018, two drones filled with explosives blew up near the place where the president was speaking to an assembly of National Guard members. One of the drone explosions took place in the air over guardsmen who were standing in formation, leading to a few of them getting injured. The second drone crashed into a building which was two blocks away. President Maduro and his wife remained unhurt in the attack. Marrufo, aged 52, is the husband of Maria Delgado Tabosky and holds citizenship in both Italy and Venezuela. WATCH| The Working Group on Arbitrary Detention stated that Delgado Tabosky and Marrufo's arrests in 2019 were "arbitrary”. The couple remained imprisoned at the General Directorate of Military Counterintelligence for three years and eight months. Their relatives have appealed for the transfer of the couple to prison and have made failed requests to Italy and Spain to intervene in their cases. Meanwhile, 17 others accused of their involvement in the attack, including former opposition legislator Juan Requesens, were sentenced to imprisonment between five and 30 years in August. (With inputs from agencies)

Three imprisoned for 30 years after failed drone attack on Venezuelan president

In Australia, a man has been sentenced to 24 years in jail for murdering his wife 40 years ago. The case was reopened after a podcast unearthed new evidence.

Australia: Man gets 24-years of imprisonment for murdering wife 40-years ago

A&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;national&nbsp;has been&nbsp;sentenced&nbsp;to 29 months in&nbsp;prison&nbsp;after&nbsp;pleading&nbsp;guilty&nbsp;in January to conspiring to steal&nbsp;trade&nbsp;secrets&nbsp;from agricultural company Monsanto to benefit the&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;government, the U.S. Justice Department said on Thursday.

Xiang Haitao, 44, who was employed by Monsanto and a subsidiary from 2008 to 2017, had pleaded&nbsp;guilty&nbsp;in Missouri federal court to one count of conspiracy to commit economic espionage.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/morning-news-brief-us-ends-normal-trade-ties-with-russia-omicron-lasts-three-days-less-than-delta-and-more-469248">Morning news brief: US ends normal trade ties with Russia, Omicron lasts three days less than Delta, and more</a>

On Thursday, he was&nbsp;sentenced&nbsp;to 29 months in&nbsp;prison&nbsp;followed by three years of supervised release and a $150,000 fine, the Justice Department said in a statement.

"Xiang conspired to steal an important&nbsp;trade&nbsp;secret to gain an unfair advantage for himself and the PRC (People's Republic of China)," said Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen of the Justice Department's&nbsp;National&nbsp;Security Division.

Watch |&nbsp;Severe storm wreaks havoc in South US &amp; destroys government building and houses

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"Economic espionage is a serious&nbsp;offense that can threaten U.S. companies’ competitive advantage, and the&nbsp;National&nbsp;Security Division is committed to holding accountable anyone who steals&nbsp;trade&nbsp;secrets&nbsp;to benefit a foreign government," Olsen said.

Federal officials found Xiang in possession of copies of a proprietary predictive algorithm developed by Monsanto as he was waiting to board a flight to China in June 2017, the Justice Department said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-invasion-us-congress-votes-to-end-normal-trade-relations-with-russia-469239">Ukraine invasion: US Congress votes to end normal trade relations with Russia</a>

He was allowed to fly to China, where he worked for the&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;Academy of Science's Institute of Soil Science. He was arrested when he returned to the United States in November 2019, the Justice Department added.

Monsanto was acquired by Bayer AG in 2018.

A Chinese national has been sentenced to 29 months in prison after pleading guilty in January to conspiring to steal trade secrets from agricultural company Monsanto to benefit the Chinese government, the U.

A Chinese national has been sentenced to 29 months in prison after pleading guilty in January to conspiring to steal trade secrets from agricultural company Monsanto to benefit the Chinese government, the U.S. Justice Department said on Thursday. Xiang Haitao, 44, who was employed by Monsanto and a subsidiary from 2008 to 2017, had pleaded guilty in Missouri federal court to one count of conspiracy to commit economic espionage. Also read | Morning news brief: US ends normal trade ties with Russia, Omicron lasts three days less than Delta, and more On Thursday, he was sentenced to 29 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release and a $150,000 fine, the Justice Department said in a statement. "Xiang conspired to steal an important trade secret to gain an unfair advantage for himself and the PRC (People's Republic of China)," said Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen of the Justice Department's National Security Division. Watch | Severe storm wreaks havoc in South US & destroys government building and houses "Economic espionage is a serious offense that can threaten U.S. companies’ competitive advantage, and the National Security Division is committed to holding accountable anyone who steals trade secrets to benefit a foreign government," Olsen said. Federal officials found Xiang in possession of copies of a proprietary predictive algorithm developed by Monsanto as he was waiting to board a flight to China in June 2017, the Justice Department said. Also read | Ukraine invasion: US Congress votes to end normal trade relations with Russia He was allowed to fly to China, where he worked for the Chinese Academy of Science's Institute of Soil Science. He was arrested when he returned to the United States in November 2019, the Justice Department added. Monsanto was acquired by Bayer AG in 2018.

Chinese national sent to US prison after pleading guilty to stealing trade secrets

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/the-harvey-weinstein-40-years-journey-from-the-studio-to-the-courtroom-272139">Harvey Weinstein</a>, 66, the most public figure associated with the #MeToo movement has finally been punished. The media mogul has been charged with rape and other sex crimes, for which he could face up to 28 years in prison.

Reportedly, the Hollywood producer's heinous crimes against women were overlooked for a long time before the #MeToo movement had even been mobilised.

A district court has charged Weinstein with raping one woman and sexually assaulting another in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/the-women-at-the-heart-of-the-harvey-weinstein-trial-271772">separate incidents</a> over a two-day period in 2013.&nbsp;

Jackie Lacey, the Los Angeles County District Attorney on the introduction of new charges against Weinstein had this to say, ''I'm here today to announce that my office has charged Harvey Weinstein with sexually assaulting two women in Los Angeles county. We believe the evidence will show that the defendant used his power and influence to gain access to his victims and then committed violent crimes against them".

Lacey further added that if he were to be convicted as charged in the case, he could face up to 28 years in prison. ''My office will ask the court to set bail at five million dollars'', Lacey said.

<img alt="Weinstein" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="91688458-f100-49e8-8c16-67a0617ff698" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%289%29_10.jpg" /> 
Image: An artist's rendition of the film producer Harvey Weinstein sitting&nbsp;alongside lawyers Donna Rotunno and Arthur Aidala while&nbsp;appearing&nbsp;in front of Judge James Burke in Criminal Court on the first day of his sexual assault trial in the Manhattan borough of New York City | Source: Reuters&nbsp;

Weinstein is also facing trial on the East Coast, with five charges in New York City. These are also rape and sexual assault charges. If convicted on these accounts, he could be imprisoned for life.

After the #MeToo movement gained traction, more than 80 women came forward with accusations of rape and/or assault against Weinstein. He responded by trying to close a 25 million dollar settlement deal with more than 30 women.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Harvey Weinstein -&nbsp;When powerful men pay their way out of #metoo!

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A clause of the settlement said that he would not be required to admit wrongdoing. The public rehabilitation campaign for Weinstein that being manufactures was instantly rejected.

Women continue to face the consequences of coming forward with reports of assault and harassment.

Lawyers in the trial are expected to begin selecting jurors today.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/the-harvey-weinstein-40-years-journey-from-the-studio-to-the-courtroom-272139">The Harvey Weinstein 40 years Journey: From the studio to the courtroom</a>

Harvey Weinstein, 66, the most public figure associated with the #MeToo movement has finally been punished. The media mogul has been charged with rape and other sex crimes, for which he could face up to 28 years in prison.

Harvey Weinstein, 66, the most public figure associated with the #MeToo movement has finally been punished. The media mogul has been charged with rape and other sex crimes, for which he could face up to 28 years in prison. Reportedly, the Hollywood producer's heinous crimes against women were overlooked for a long time before the #MeToo movement had even been mobilised. A district court has charged Weinstein with raping one woman and sexually assaulting another in separate incidents over a two-day period in 2013. Jackie Lacey, the Los Angeles County District Attorney on the introduction of new charges against Weinstein had this to say, ''I'm here today to announce that my office has charged Harvey Weinstein with sexually assaulting two women in Los Angeles county. We believe the evidence will show that the defendant used his power and influence to gain access to his victims and then committed violent crimes against them". Lacey further added that if he were to be convicted as charged in the case, he could face up to 28 years in prison. ''My office will ask the court to set bail at five million dollars'', Lacey said. Image: An artist's rendition of the film producer Harvey Weinstein sitting alongside lawyers Donna Rotunno and Arthur Aidala while appearing in front of Judge James Burke in Criminal Court on the first day of his sexual assault trial in the Manhattan borough of New York City | Source: Reuters Weinstein is also facing trial on the East Coast, with five charges in New York City. These are also rape and sexual assault charges. If convicted on these accounts, he could be imprisoned for life. After the #MeToo movement gained traction, more than 80 women came forward with accusations of rape and/or assault against Weinstein. He responded by trying to close a 25 million dollar settlement deal with more than 30 women. Watch: Harvey Weinstein - When powerful men pay their way out of #metoo! A clause of the settlement said that he would not be required to admit wrongdoing. The public rehabilitation campaign for Weinstein that being manufactures was instantly rejected. Women continue to face the consequences of coming forward with reports of assault and harassment. Lawyers in the trial are expected to begin selecting jurors today. Also read: The Harvey Weinstein 40 years Journey: From the studio to the courtroom

Harvey Weinstein charged with rape in LA; could face up to 28 years in prison

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