The US Bureau of Prisons on Friday announced that Ana Belen Montes, one of the highest-ranking US officials, who worked as a Cuban spy has been released after two decades. The 65-year-old was found guilty in 2022 for using her position as a Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) official to leak information and pleaded guilty to committing espionage. She was sentenced to 25 years, Reuters reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-six-year-old-boy-detained-after-shooting-teacher-police-say-not-an-accident-550198">Also read |&nbsp;US: Six-year-old boy detained after shooting teacher, police say 'not an accident'&nbsp;</a>

Montes began working in DIA in 1985 and later became one of the agency's top Cuba analysts.&nbsp;

According to the prosecutors,&nbsp;Montes received several messages from Havans over a short-radio wave, which she would then type on her laptop and decode. She was also accused of supplying information about four U.S. spies to&nbsp;Cuba,&nbsp;besides other classified information.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-announces-3-billion-in-aid-package-for-ukraine-including-bradley-armoured-vehicles-550147">Also read |&nbsp;US announces $3 billion in aid package for Ukraine, including Bradley armoured vehicles</a>

After this, she was arrested in September 2001. During her sentencing a year later, Montes argued that she had always obeyed conscience and that US policies to Cuba were cruel and unfair. She said, "I felt morally obligated to help the island defend itself from our efforts to impose our values and our political system on it."

The US sentencing judge, Ricardo Urbina said that she put US citizens and the nation as a whole at risk.&nbsp;

After the release, Urbina ordered that Montes should be placed under supervision for five years, with a ban from working for governments or contacting foreign agents without permission. She also said that her internet access to be monitored.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The US Bureau of Prisons on Friday announced that Ana Belen Montes, one of the highest-ranking US officials, who worked as a Cuban spy has been released after two decades.

The US Bureau of Prisons on Friday announced that Ana Belen Montes, one of the highest-ranking US officials, who worked as a Cuban spy has been released after two decades. The 65-year-old was found guilty in 2022 for using her position as a Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) official to leak information and pleaded guilty to committing espionage. She was sentenced to 25 years, Reuters reported. Also read | US: Six-year-old boy detained after shooting teacher, police say 'not an accident' Montes began working in DIA in 1985 and later became one of the agency's top Cuba analysts. According to the prosecutors, Montes received several messages from Havans over a short-radio wave, which she would then type on her laptop and decode. She was also accused of supplying information about four U.S. spies to Cuba, besides other classified information. Also read | US announces $3 billion in aid package for Ukraine, including Bradley armoured vehicles After this, she was arrested in September 2001. During her sentencing a year later, Montes argued that she had always obeyed conscience and that US policies to Cuba were cruel and unfair. She said, "I felt morally obligated to help the island defend itself from our efforts to impose our values and our political system on it." The US sentencing judge, Ricardo Urbina said that she put US citizens and the nation as a whole at risk. After the release, Urbina ordered that Montes should be placed under supervision for five years, with a ban from working for governments or contacting foreign agents without permission. She also said that her internet access to be monitored. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US releases Cuba spy Ana Belen Montes after 20 years in prison

After becoming the largest customer in the global liquefied natural gas market in 2022, the European Union's Imports for LNG are rapidly increasing this in order to replace dwindling Russian Pipeline gas supplies before 2022.

EU expands LNG imports to replace Russian gas supplies

As Britain continues to witness strikes organized by workers across various sectors, reports have emerged alleging that the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak considered a ban on joining unions.

UK: PM Sunak considered banning border force from joining unions

Silicon Valley giant Apple has started hiring workforce for its retail store in India. Apple posted listings for 12 different job functions in the Indian market.

India: Apple starts hiring for retail stores across country, company posts listings

Amid the executions and growing protests in Iran, local media has reported citing unnamed police source that the government is set to impose a new phase of a plan to enforce hijab across the country.

Iran: Women ordered to wear headscarves even in cars, receive warning over text message

An array of hope for Pakistan that is currently reeling under surging terror attacks mostly carried out by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan after a series of attacks. The TTP leaders have now indicated that they are willing to hold talks.

TTP: Held talks with Pakistan mediated by Afghanistan, still open to the ceasefire agreement

China's smartphone industry is looking at a tough year ahead. Analysts say it is not expected to see meaningful growth until 2024 owing to Global supply chain disruption and weak consumer spending.

China: Smartphone industry to remain under pressure in 2023, total shipments shrunk by 10% in 2022

In a bid to address the health care crisis plaguing Britain UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called an emergency meeting with the ministers, medics and healthcare professionals.

UK: PM Rishi Sunak holds emergency meet to address health service issues

Russia has ended a self-declared ceasefire that it had announced on account of the Orthodox Christmas and vowed to push on with combat until it emerges victorious over Ukraine. Fresh shelling was reported from Ukrainian town of Bakhmut overnight and both the sides have accused each other of not observing the ceasefire.

War in Ukraine: Country reports fresh shelling in Donetsk, volunteers in Bakhmut help civilians

In London's High Court, rival members of the royal family of Qatar are squabbling over ownership of the largest cut blue diamond in the world. One side is attempting to force a $10 million sale of the magnificent 70 carat "Idol's Eye" stone.

Tussle between two Qatari royals reach London high court

The drama of the British royal family doesn't seem to be ending anytime soon. Prince Harry's memoir 'Spare' is set to release on Tuesday. Because of pre-orders, it's already number one on Amazon UK's best-selling book list.

UK: British royal family drama continues, Prince Harry's memoir, 'Spare', set to release on Tuesday

Nigeria, a country that returned to democracy in 1999 is all set to witness general elections in a few weeks time but a large number of citizens are yet to collect their permanent voter cards.

Nigeria: Residents not collecting their permanent voter cards

Syrian government writes letters to UN Secretary-General and Security Council's president condemning alleged Israeli strikes at Damascus International Airport.

The West Asia Post: Syria opposes Damascus Airport strike

Palestinian teens killed in West Bank. Gazans flee to Europe for a better life. Palestinians reel under Israeli aggression.

The West Asia Post: Unrest & chaos grip West Bank

Portugal Captain Cristiano Ronaldo visits Riyadh to join Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr. @ghadifrancis brings you all the details on this week's #TheWestAsiaPost

The West Asia Post: Al-Nassr's new hero Ronaldo in Riyadh

A little less than a month after scientists working on a nuclear fusion project in the US made a major breakthrough, some not-so-good news has come for other scientists working on a similar international project.

A little less than a month after scientists working on a nuclear fusion project in the US made a major breakthrough, some not-so-good news has come for other scientists working on a similar international project. Pietro Barabaschi, director general of the multi-billion dollar International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project said the previous goal to carry a first operation test to create plasma by 2025 was unrealistic. The date "wasn't realistic in the first place," even before two major problems surfaced, Barabaschi was quoted as saying by AFP. He added that fixing the problems "is not a question of weeks, but months, even years." Earlier, the project had the aim to achieve full fusion power by 2035. However, the delay cited by Barabaschi means that it could be pushed around by another few years. ITER is a joint project between the US, India, China, Japan, the European Union, South Korea and Russia. It was started after a summit between US president Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev in 1985. Despite the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Moscow has managed to keep its end of the bargain connected to the project. The project site is in southern France but the decades-old initiative has been criticised for regularly running into technical challenges and cost overruns. Akin to the scientists in the US, the ITER project aims to prove the feasibility of fusion as a large-scale source of energy for the world. WATCH | Gravitas: Decoding nuclear fusion energy breakthrough × Last month, the scientists at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California said they were successful in generating a fusion reaction between two hydrogen atoms and were also able to maintain the reaction in a controlled environment. At the time, the US government patted its own back and said the breakthrough will help towards finding a renewable energy source that can help the world replace fossil fuels. “Today, we tell the world that America has achieved a tremendous scientific breakthrough ... we invested in our national labs and we invested in fundamental research, and tomorrow will continue for a future that is powered, in part by fusion energy,” said US Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm. Read more: Beyond belief!: US announces historic nuclear fusion breakthrough, but how is it important for us? Nuclear fusion takes place when two or more atoms fuse to create a bigger one and this is the same process that takes place within the sun. It is the inverse of nuclear fission, which occurs when heavy atoms are split apart. Fission is the technology currently used in nuclear power plants, but the process generates a lot of waste that emits radiation for a long time. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

International nuclear fusion energy project faces delays, say scientists

The US House of Representatives elected GOP leader Kevin McCarthy of California as speaker in a dramatic 15th vote. Watch this video to know more.

US House Speaker stalemate ends, heated exchange between Kevin McCarthy and Matt Gaetz

House Speaker stalemate ends, heated exchange between Kevin McCarthy and Matt Gaetz

Thousands of Kurdish people living in France marched in the streets of Paris to mark the 10th anniversary of the killing of three Kurdish activists in the French capital. The marches were also mourning for three people killed outside a Kurdish Cultural Center in Paris two weeks ago in what prosecutors called a racist attack.

Paris: Kurds protest in memory of community members killed in attacks

WION Fineprint: Republican leader Kevin McCarthy elected as US House Speaker

An Indian town is falling apart. The buildings in the Himalayan town of Joshimath, a hot spot for many pilgrimages and tricks are cracking up due to soil shifting of the ground surface. Cracks have been reported at more than 600 houses.

India: Over 600 houses in Joshimath have developed cracks, leaving people in agony

Ukraine's front line where there is no lull in fighting, shells continue to rain. The air is filled with the stench of explosives. Artillery shells kept streaking overhead and thudding into this Ukrainian territory.

War in Ukraine: Attacks continue in Ukraine despite Russia's cease-fire

Two days of fierce winds and heavy rain have left thousands in California without power. Six journalists in South Sudan have been detained by the country's national security forces over a viral video of President Salva Kirr wetting himself. Allied Pilots Association, the union representing 15,000 American Airlines pilots, has raised questions on the latest cockpit protocols that the airline imposed without appropriate training.&nbsp;

In what comes as unfortunate news for Tennis fans, Spanish teenage sensation, world no. 1 and US Open champion Carlos Alcaraz will be missing the curtain raiser Grand Slam of the season - the Australian Open due to a leg injury.

Click on headlines to read more:

<a href="www.wionews.com/world/california-thousands-without-power-as-stormy-weather-lashes-region-550183">California: Thousands without power as stormy weather lashes region</a>

<img alt="California storms" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="be1c79b3-25ce-4af3-b772-45f55cc5f20c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/323728-california.jpg" />

The next bout of heavy showers and gusty winds was expected to sweep the northwestern corner of California late on Friday and spread southward into the San Francisco Bay Area and central coast through Saturday and Sunday, the National Weather Service (NWS) said. Southern Oregon was also forecast to take a hit.

<a href="www.wionews.com/world/six-journalists-detained-over-viral-video-of-south-sudans-president-kiir-wetting-himself-probe-on-550181">Six journalists detained over viral video of South Sudan's President Kiir wetting himself; probe on</a>

<img alt="South Sudan President Kiir" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="de23e2cf-c053-488b-86d5-03f10ef8e088" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/323727-0003277224.jpg" />

According to a press freedom watchdog, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) on Friday reported that six journalists of South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC) were detained under suspicion over the release of the unauthorised footage.

The clip went viral, filmed during a public event in Sudan which clearly shows South Sudanese President Kiir standing for the national anthem, spreading a stain on his pants, Guardian reported.

<a href="www.wionews.com/americas/usa-american-airlines-pilots-raise-concerns-over-new-cockpit-protocols-550190">USA: American Airlines pilots raise concerns over new cockpit protocols</a>

<img alt="American Airlines" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="254fda7c-11fd-4651-9b37-547dc957fcb1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/American_0.png" />

According to the union, the carrier enforced new systems for cockpit communications during critical situations like low-visibility landings, reported Reuters news agency.&nbsp;

"The operational changes that management is attempting to implement without fulsome training alters how pilots communicate, coordinate, and execute flight safety duties at some of the most high-threat times," APA said on Monday. The APA also mentioned that the carried made the changes over a bulletin.

<a href="www.wionews.com/sports/heartbreak-world-no-1-carlos-alcaraz-to-miss-australian-open-due-to-an-injury-550173">World no. 1 Carlos Alcaraz to miss Australian Open due to an injury</a>

<a href="www.wionews.com/sports/heartbreak-world-no-1-carlos-alcaraz-to-miss-australian-open-due-to-an-injury-550173"><img alt="Carlos Alcaraz" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7938a86b-2124-4730-9543-8d3dc3921c32" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/download_16.jpg" /></a>

The 19-year-old took to his Twitter account to share the news. He said the injury came at a time when he was at his best in the preseason.&nbsp;

"I picked up an injury through a chance, unnatural movement in training. This time it's the semimembranosus muscle in my right leg," tweeted Alcaraz.&nbsp;

Watch| China in talks with Pfizer for generic Covid drug, says reports

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-in-talks-with-pfizer-for-generic-covid-drug-says-reports-550185/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Two days of fierce winds and heavy rain have left thousands in California without power. Six journalists in South Sudan have been detained by the country's national security forces over a viral video of President Salva Kirr wetting himself.

Two days of fierce winds and heavy rain have left thousands in California without power. Six journalists in South Sudan have been detained by the country's national security forces over a viral video of President Salva Kirr wetting himself. Allied Pilots Association, the union representing 15,000 American Airlines pilots, has raised questions on the latest cockpit protocols that the airline imposed without appropriate training. In what comes as unfortunate news for Tennis fans, Spanish teenage sensation, world no. 1 and US Open champion Carlos Alcaraz will be missing the curtain raiser Grand Slam of the season - the Australian Open due to a leg injury. Click on headlines to read more: California: Thousands without power as stormy weather lashes region The next bout of heavy showers and gusty winds was expected to sweep the northwestern corner of California late on Friday and spread southward into the San Francisco Bay Area and central coast through Saturday and Sunday, the National Weather Service (NWS) said. Southern Oregon was also forecast to take a hit. Six journalists detained over viral video of South Sudan's President Kiir wetting himself; probe on According to a press freedom watchdog, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) on Friday reported that six journalists of South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC) were detained under suspicion over the release of the unauthorised footage. The clip went viral, filmed during a public event in Sudan which clearly shows South Sudanese President Kiir standing for the national anthem, spreading a stain on his pants, Guardian reported. USA: American Airlines pilots raise concerns over new cockpit protocols According to the union, the carrier enforced new systems for cockpit communications during critical situations like low-visibility landings, reported Reuters news agency. "The operational changes that management is attempting to implement without fulsome training alters how pilots communicate, coordinate, and execute flight safety duties at some of the most high-threat times," APA said on Monday. The APA also mentioned that the carried made the changes over a bulletin. World no. 1 Carlos Alcaraz to miss Australian Open due to an injury The 19-year-old took to his Twitter account to share the news. He said the injury came at a time when he was at his best in the preseason. "I picked up an injury through a chance, unnatural movement in training. This time it's the semimembranosus muscle in my right leg," tweeted Alcaraz. Watch| China in talks with Pfizer for generic Covid drug, says reports

Morning Brief: Californian storms leave thousands without power, six journalists detained in Sudan, and more

Six journalists in South Sudan have been detained by the country's national security forces over a viral video of President Salva Kirr wetting himself.

According to a press freedom watchdog, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) on Friday reported that six journalists of South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC) were detained under suspicion over the release of the unauthorised footage.

The clip went viral, filmed during a public event in Sudan which clearly shows South Sudanese President Kiir standing for the national anthem, spreading a stain on his pants, Guardian reported.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-71-year-old-south-sudanese-prez-kiir-fit-to-rule-the-country-after-he-wets-himself-netizens-raise-concerns-545645">Also read |&nbsp;Is South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir, 71, fit to rule? Netizens react after he wets himself</a>

The cameras which were focusing on the road opening event suddenly focused on the pants of the president. The video raised doubts amongst netizens questioning Kiir's ability to rule the country. Ever since he's been elected, Sudan has not contested any elections.

Citing media reports, people from CPJ said on the condition of anonymity named the detainees Jobal Tombe the control room director, camera operator and technician &nbsp;Victor Lado, camera operators Joseph Oliver and Jacob Benjamin, camera operator and technician Mustafa Osman, and control room technician Cherbek Ruben.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com//india-news/top-indian-army-officer-to-head-un-peacekeeping-mission-in-south-sudan-495084">Also read |&nbsp;Top Indian Army officer to head UN peacekeeping mission in south Sudan</a>

The CPJ representative Muthoki Mumo said that these arrests make a pattern of arbitrary detention whenever government officials find coverage unfavourable.&nbsp;

He said, "Authorities should unconditionally release these six SSBC employees and ensure that they can work without further intimidation or threat of arrest."

The Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) called for a "speedy conclusion" to the investigation, as it initially denied reports of journalists detained.&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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Six journalists in South Sudan have been detained by the country's national security forces over a viral video of President Salva Kirr wetting himself. According to a press freedom watchdog, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) on Friday reported that six journalists of South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC) were detained under suspicion over the release of the unauthorised footage.

Six journalists in South Sudan have been detained by the country's national security forces over a viral video of President Salva Kirr wetting himself. According to a press freedom watchdog, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) on Friday reported that six journalists of South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC) were detained under suspicion over the release of the unauthorised footage. The clip went viral, filmed during a public event in Sudan which clearly shows South Sudanese President Kiir standing for the national anthem, spreading a stain on his pants, Guardian reported. Also read | Is South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir, 71, fit to rule? Netizens react after he wets himself The cameras which were focusing on the road opening event suddenly focused on the pants of the president. The video raised doubts amongst netizens questioning Kiir's ability to rule the country. Ever since he's been elected, Sudan has not contested any elections. Citing media reports, people from CPJ said on the condition of anonymity named the detainees Jobal Tombe the control room director, camera operator and technician Victor Lado, camera operators Joseph Oliver and Jacob Benjamin, camera operator and technician Mustafa Osman, and control room technician Cherbek Ruben. Also read | Top Indian Army officer to head UN peacekeeping mission in south Sudan The CPJ representative Muthoki Mumo said that these arrests make a pattern of arbitrary detention whenever government officials find coverage unfavourable. He said, "Authorities should unconditionally release these six SSBC employees and ensure that they can work without further intimidation or threat of arrest." The Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) called for a "speedy conclusion" to the investigation, as it initially denied reports of journalists detained. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Six journalists detained over viral video of South Sudan's President Kiir wetting himself; probe on

A powerful storm dumped several inches of rain over California which has killed two including a toddler. The rainfall resulted in flooding and heavy river storm caused power outages in at least 60,000 homes and businesses.

California: Lashed by deadly storm, forecasters predict more storms in coming days

Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich who is under Western sanctions has reportedly made his children the beneficiaries of multi-billion dollar trusts. The reorganization is said to have happened weeks before Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Russia: Billionaire Abramovich transfers trust ownership to skip sanctions

Prince Harry's remarks on killing 25 people in Afghanistan has invited widespread backlash from Taliban to UK veterans, Royal commentators, newspapers and common Britons.

Harry Not 'Spare'D: British commentators, citizens criticise Prince's comments

The 40-day Luna New Year travel period known as "chun yun" began on Saturday in China, igniting concerns about a massive influx of travellers and the further spread of Covid-19 infections.

China: 40-day Lunar New Year migration begins amid surging Covid

Israel's new security cabinet, a forum responsible for outlining and implementing the country's Foreign and Defence policy has approved a series of punitive steps against the Palestinian leadership.

Israel-Palestine Tensions: Israel's new government approves steps to penalise Palestinians

An unruly passenger who is said to have urinated on an elderly woman has been arrested. 34 year old was arrested by daily police from Bengaluru in South India and has been brought back to the national capital.

Air India Urination Case: Man arrested for peeing on woman on plane, sent to jail

The leader of the church that supports Kiev gave a Christmas sermon for the first time at the nation's most important monastery during the ongoing tug-of-war for the Orthodox faithful in Ukraine. The Mass on Saturday was a very symbolic event that revealed the severe rift with the distinct Moscow-led church that has previously held services at the sacred place.

Orthodox Christmas Celebration: Russia-Ukraine celebrate orthodox Christmas

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