Iranian Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term by a Revolutionary Court, drawing global concern over human rights and political repression. Mohammadi was convicted on charges including “gathering and collusion against national security” and “propaganda against the state,” resulting in a multi‑year sentence, travel ban, and internal exile. The sentence comes as she was reportedly on a hunger strike and amid broader government crackdowns on dissent.


Iran Sentences Nobel Peace Laureate Narges Mohammadi to 6 Years 

A Bangladesh bank on Saturday (Feb 17) confirmed that it had expelled Nobel peace laureate Muhammad Yunus from the two businesses that he founded, following his conviction in a criminal case.

Eighty-three-year-old Yunus has been hailed for lifting millions of people out of poverty with his microlender Grameen Bank. However, he has earned the animosity of long-time Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who accused him of "sucking blood" from the poor.

The Hasina-led government propelled Yunus' resignation from the bank in the year 2011, following which he focused on running dozens of anti-poverty organisations that he founded.

The bank's current government-appointed chairman on Saturday (Feb 17) said that its board had nominated new directors for at least two firms that were still under Yunus' control.

"They don't own the enterprises," A.K.M Saiful Majid told reporters. "They are subsidiaries of the Grameen Bank."

Grameen Bank chief legal counsel Masud Akhter released a statement saying that Majid will now head Grameen Telecom and Grameen Kalyan.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-sec-144-imposed-in-islamabad-ahead-of-ptis-nationwide-protests-691163">Pakistan: Sec 144 imposed in Islamabad ahead of PTI's call for nationwide protests</a>

Grameen Telecom, which was created to offer cheaper mobile phone services in rural areas, has over the years become one of Bangladesh's richest companies.

It holds a 34 per cent stake in the country's largest mobile phone network, worth billions of dollars.

Earlier, on Thursday (Feb 15), Yunus during a press briefing said that a group of "outsiders" this week entered the building which houses his firms and made attempts to "forcefully" take over the offices and lock the staff out.&nbsp;

He said there was no legal basis for his expulsion but that police had denied registering a criminal complaint.

Majid rejected the claim about the seizure being illegal or a forceful one.

Yunus' popularity among the Bangladeshi public has for years reserved him as a potential rival to Hasina, who secured a fifth term in office in January 2024 after an election boycotted by opposition parties.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Bangladesh bank on Saturday (Feb 17) confirmed that it had expelled Nobel peace laureate Muhammad Yunus from the two businesses that he founded, following his conviction in a criminal case.

A Bangladesh bank on Saturday (Feb 17) confirmed that it had expelled Nobel peace laureate Muhammad Yunus from the two businesses that he founded, following his conviction in a criminal case. Eighty-three-year-old Yunus has been hailed for lifting millions of people out of poverty with his microlender Grameen Bank. However, he has earned the animosity of long-time Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who accused him of "sucking blood" from the poor. The Hasina-led government propelled Yunus' resignation from the bank in the year 2011, following which he focused on running dozens of anti-poverty organisations that he founded. The bank's current government-appointed chairman on Saturday (Feb 17) said that its board had nominated new directors for at least two firms that were still under Yunus' control. "They don't own the enterprises," A.K.M Saiful Majid told reporters. "They are subsidiaries of the Grameen Bank." Grameen Bank chief legal counsel Masud Akhter released a statement saying that Majid will now head Grameen Telecom and Grameen Kalyan. Also read: Pakistan: Sec 144 imposed in Islamabad ahead of PTI's call for nationwide protests Grameen Telecom, which was created to offer cheaper mobile phone services in rural areas, has over the years become one of Bangladesh's richest companies. It holds a 34 per cent stake in the country's largest mobile phone network, worth billions of dollars. Earlier, on Thursday (Feb 15), Yunus during a press briefing said that a group of "outsiders" this week entered the building which houses his firms and made attempts to "forcefully" take over the offices and lock the staff out. He said there was no legal basis for his expulsion but that police had denied registering a criminal complaint. Majid rejected the claim about the seizure being illegal or a forceful one. Yunus' popularity among the Bangladeshi public has for years reserved him as a potential rival to Hasina, who secured a fifth term in office in January 2024 after an election boycotted by opposition parties. (With inputs from agencies)

Bangladesh bank confirms ouster of Nobel peace laureate Muhammad Yunus

Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel peace laureate, was convicted on Monday (Jan 1) of violating Bangladesh's labour laws, news agency AFP reported citing a prosecutor.&nbsp;

Prosecutor Khurshid Alam Khan told AFP, "Professor Yunus and three of his Grameen Telecom colleagues were convicted under labour laws and sentenced to six months in simple imprisonment". Khan added that all four were immediately granted bail pending appeals.&nbsp;

The 83-year-old Yunus and his Grameen Bank won the 2006 Nobel peace prize for their work to lift millions out of poverty by granting tiny loans of under $100 to the rural poor of Bangladesh. He pioneered a global movement, which is now known as microcredit.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-begins-preparing-ground-for-potential-arrest-warrant-against-xi-jinping-heres-how-675575">Taiwan begins preparing ground for potential arrest warrant against Xi Jinping. Here's how</a>&nbsp;

However, he was accused by the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of "sucking blood from the poor".&nbsp;

Yunus and his colleagues from Grameen Telecom, one of his companies, were accused of breaking labour regulations when they neglected to establish a workers' benefit fund. But all four of them have denied charges.&nbsp;

Supporters of Yunus called the move politically motivated. They say that the government is attempting to discredit him because he once considered setting up a political party to rival Hasina's Awami League. Dozens of people staged a small rally in support of Yunus outside the court.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/africa-brazil-take-steps-to-halt-donkey-trade-dealing-supply-blow-to-chinese-ejiao-medicine-675578">Africa, Brazil take steps to halt donkey trade, dealing supply blow to Chinese ejiao medicine</a>&nbsp;

Yunus told reporters after the hearing: "I have been punished for a crime that I haven't committed. If you want to call it justice, you can."

The Nobel laureate is facing more than 100 other charges over labour law violations and alleged graft. He told reporters after one of the hearings last month that he had not profited from any of the more than 50 social business firms he had set up in Bangladesh.

"They were not for my personal benefit," Yunus said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel peace laureate, was convicted on Monday (Jan 1) of violating Bangladesh's labour laws, news agency AFP reported citing a prosecutor. Prosecutor Khurshid Alam Khan told AFP, "Professor Yunus and three of his Grameen Telecom colleagues were convicted under labour laws and sentenced to six months in simple imprisonment".

Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel peace laureate, was convicted on Monday (Jan 1) of violating Bangladesh's labour laws, news agency AFP reported citing a prosecutor. Prosecutor Khurshid Alam Khan told AFP, "Professor Yunus and three of his Grameen Telecom colleagues were convicted under labour laws and sentenced to six months in simple imprisonment". Khan added that all four were immediately granted bail pending appeals. The 83-year-old Yunus and his Grameen Bank won the 2006 Nobel peace prize for their work to lift millions out of poverty by granting tiny loans of under $100 to the rural poor of Bangladesh. He pioneered a global movement, which is now known as microcredit. Also read: Taiwan begins preparing ground for potential arrest warrant against Xi Jinping. Here's how However, he was accused by the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of "sucking blood from the poor". Yunus and his colleagues from Grameen Telecom, one of his companies, were accused of breaking labour regulations when they neglected to establish a workers' benefit fund. But all four of them have denied charges. Supporters of Yunus called the move politically motivated. They say that the government is attempting to discredit him because he once considered setting up a political party to rival Hasina's Awami League. Dozens of people staged a small rally in support of Yunus outside the court. Also read: Africa, Brazil take steps to halt donkey trade, dealing supply blow to Chinese ejiao medicine Yunus told reporters after the hearing: "I have been punished for a crime that I haven't committed. If you want to call it justice, you can." The Nobel laureate is facing more than 100 other charges over labour law violations and alleged graft. He told reporters after one of the hearings last month that he had not profited from any of the more than 50 social business firms he had set up in Bangladesh. "They were not for my personal benefit," Yunus said. (With inputs from agencies)

Bangladesh: Nobel peace laureate Muhammad Yunus convicted of violating labour laws

The Nobel Peace Prize 2021 is being awarded to Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov for safeguarding freedom of expression, ‘which is a precondition for democracy and lasting peace’.<o:p></o:p>

Maria Ressa is a Filipino-American journalist, an author and the co-founder and CEO of Rappler. Dmitry Andreyevich Muratov is a Russian journalist who is known as the Editor-in-Chief of the a Russian newspaper, Novaya Gazeta.

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The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided to award the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize to Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov for their efforts to safeguard freedom of expression, which is a precondition for democracy and lasting peace.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NobelPrize?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NobelPrize</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NobelPeacePrize?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NobelPeacePrize</a> <a href="https://t.co/KHeGG9YOTT">pic.twitter.com/KHeGG9YOTT</a>
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"Ms Ressa and Mr Muratov are receiving the Peace Prize for their courageous fight for freedom of expression in the Philippines and Russia. At the same time, they are representatives of all journalists who stand up for this ideal in a world in which democracy and freedom of the press face increasingly adverse conditions," the committee said in a statement.

Last year, the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to&nbsp;World Food Programme for its efforts on&nbsp;fighting hunger and food insecurity around the world.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/us-scientists-david-julius-ardem-patapoutian-win-nobel-prize-in-medicine-for-research-about-temperature-and-touch-418138">US scientists David Julius, Ardem Patapoutian win Nobel prize in medicine for research about temperature and touch</a>

Ressa has been awarded this prestigious award for her work throughout the years in exposing abuse of power, authoritarianism and misuse of violence in her home country,&nbsp;the Philippines. She also heads Rappler, which was founded in 2021 as one of the main and biggest investigative journalism company in the country.

"As a journalist and the Rappler’s CEO, Ressa has shown herself to be a fearless defender of freedom of expression," the committee said. "Rappler has focused critical attention on the Duterte regime’s controversial, murderous anti-drug campaign. The number of deaths is so high that the campaign resembles a war waged against the country’s own population. Ms Ressa and Rappler have also documented how social media is being used to spread fake news, harass opponents and manipulate public discourse."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-tanzanian-writer-abdulrazak-gurnah-conferred-nobel-prize-for-literature-2021-418900">Tanzanian writer Abdulrazak Gurnah conferred Nobel Prize for Literature 2021</a>

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Dmitry Andreyevich Muratov has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for fighting for freedom of rights and standing up as the voice of criticism and opposition in Russia, even&nbsp;under "increasingly challenging conditions".

"Novaja Gazeta is the most independent newspaper in Russia today, with a fundamentally critical attitude towards power. The newspaper’s fact-based journalism and professional integrity have made it an important source of information on censurable aspects of Russian society rarely mentioned by other media," the committee said. "Since its start-up in 1993, Novaja Gazeta has published critical articles on subjects ranging from corruption, police violence, unlawful arrests, electoral fraud and ”troll factories” to the use of Russian military forces both within and outside Russia."

The committee also highlighted how the Russian journalist has carried on serving his duties even as him, his colleagues and his company was repeatedly attacked, harassed, threatened and even killed. "Despite the killings and threats, editor-in-chief Muratov has refused to abandon the newspaper’s independent policy. He has consistently defended the right of journalists to write anything they want about whatever they want, as long as they comply with the professional and ethical standards of journalism."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/syukuro-manabe-klaus-hasselmann-and-giorgio-parisi-win-2021-nobel-prize-in-physics-418351">Syukuro Manabe, Klaus Hasselmann and Giorgio Parisi win 2021 Nobel Prize in Physics</a>

These two journalists have been awarded Nobel Peace Prize for being a strong supporter of fact-based and independent journalism. The two winners have managed to stand strong against all criticism and dangers throughout the years to help people exercise their rights to freedom, and motivate a more diverse and correct idea of democracy.

"The award of the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize to Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov is intended to underscore the importance of protecting and defending these fundamental rights," the committee added.

Kremlin has also congratulated the 'courageous' Nobel Prize winner Muratov.&nbsp;We can congratulate Dmitry Muratov, he persistently works in accordance with his own ideals, he is devoted to them, he is talented, he is brave. Of course, it's a high grade and we congratulate him," Kremlin spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov said.

Muratov dedicated his award to the six journalists who have lost their lives while doing their work for the betterment of the society.&nbsp;"I can't take credit for this. This is Novaya Gazeta's. It is that of those who died defending the right of people to freedom of speech," Muratov was cited by Russian news agency TASS as saying.

<o:p></o:p>

The Nobel Peace Prize 2021 is being awarded to Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov for safeguarding freedom of expression, ‘which is a precondition for democracy and lasting peace’.

The Nobel Peace Prize 2021 is being awarded to Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov for safeguarding freedom of expression, ‘which is a precondition for democracy and lasting peace’. Maria Ressa is a Filipino-American journalist, an author and the co-founder and CEO of Rappler. Dmitry Andreyevich Muratov is a Russian journalist who is known as the Editor-in-Chief of the a Russian newspaper, Novaya Gazeta. BREAKING NEWS: The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided to award the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize to Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov for their efforts to safeguard freedom of expression, which is a precondition for democracy and lasting peace.#NobelPrize #NobelPeacePrize pic.twitter.com/KHeGG9YOTT — The Nobel Prize (@NobelPrize) October 8, 2021 × "Ms Ressa and Mr Muratov are receiving the Peace Prize for their courageous fight for freedom of expression in the Philippines and Russia. At the same time, they are representatives of all journalists who stand up for this ideal in a world in which democracy and freedom of the press face increasingly adverse conditions," the committee said in a statement. Last year, the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to World Food Programme for its efforts on fighting hunger and food insecurity around the world. Also read | US scientists David Julius, Ardem Patapoutian win Nobel prize in medicine for research about temperature and touch Ressa has been awarded this prestigious award for her work throughout the years in exposing abuse of power, authoritarianism and misuse of violence in her home country, the Philippines. She also heads Rappler, which was founded in 2021 as one of the main and biggest investigative journalism company in the country. "As a journalist and the Rappler’s CEO, Ressa has shown herself to be a fearless defender of freedom of expression," the committee said. "Rappler has focused critical attention on the Duterte regime’s controversial, murderous anti-drug campaign. The number of deaths is so high that the campaign resembles a war waged against the country’s own population. Ms Ressa and Rappler have also documented how social media is being used to spread fake news, harass opponents and manipulate public discourse." Also read | Tanzanian writer Abdulrazak Gurnah conferred Nobel Prize for Literature 2021 Meanwhile, Dmitry Andreyevich Muratov has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for fighting for freedom of rights and standing up as the voice of criticism and opposition in Russia, even under "increasingly challenging conditions". "Novaja Gazeta is the most independent newspaper in Russia today, with a fundamentally critical attitude towards power. The newspaper’s fact-based journalism and professional integrity have made it an important source of information on censurable aspects of Russian society rarely mentioned by other media," the committee said. "Since its start-up in 1993, Novaja Gazeta has published critical articles on subjects ranging from corruption, police violence, unlawful arrests, electoral fraud and ”troll factories” to the use of Russian military forces both within and outside Russia." The committee also highlighted how the Russian journalist has carried on serving his duties even as him, his colleagues and his company was repeatedly attacked, harassed, threatened and even killed. "Despite the killings and threats, editor-in-chief Muratov has refused to abandon the newspaper’s independent policy. He has consistently defended the right of journalists to write anything they want about whatever they want, as long as they comply with the professional and ethical standards of journalism." Also read | Syukuro Manabe, Klaus Hasselmann and Giorgio Parisi win 2021 Nobel Prize in Physics These two journalists have been awarded Nobel Peace Prize for being a strong supporter of fact-based and independent journalism. The two winners have managed to stand strong against all criticism and dangers throughout the years to help people exercise their rights to freedom, and motivate a more diverse and correct idea of democracy. "The award of the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize to Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov is intended to underscore the importance of protecting and defending these fundamental rights," the committee added. Kremlin has also congratulated the 'courageous' Nobel Prize winner Muratov. We can congratulate Dmitry Muratov, he persistently works in accordance with his own ideals, he is devoted to them, he is talented, he is brave. Of course, it's a high grade and we congratulate him," Kremlin spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov said. Muratov dedicated his award to the six journalists who have lost their lives while doing their work for the betterment of the society. "I can't take credit for this. This is Novaya Gazeta's. It is that of those who died defending the right of people to freedom of speech," Muratov was cited by Russian news agency TASS as saying.

Nobel Peace Prize awarded to journalists Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov

There are a whopping 329 candidates for the Nobel Peace Prize for 2021, the third-highest ever, according to the organiser of the prestigious award. 
The candidates include 234 individuals and 95 organisations, The Norwegian Nobel Committee said on Monday.

This year's number is up from 317 in 2020. &nbsp;The current record of 376 candidates was reached in 2016.

Any persons who are qualified to nominate can submit candidates. They include&nbsp;members of national assemblies and national governments, members of The International Court of Justice, university professors, directors of peace research institutes and foreign policy institutes, and persons who have been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in the past.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee is composed of five members appointed by the Storting (Norwegian parliament). The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded in Oslo, Norway, not in Stockholm, Sweden, where the Nobel Prizes in Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature and the Economics Prize are awarded.

According to media reports, this year's nominees include the World Health Organization; Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya; Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny; the Black Lives Matter movement; former White House adviser Jared Kushner and his deputy Avi Berkowitz, who negotiated peace agreements between Israel and Arab countries.

World Food Programme, a United Nations Agency, won the Peace Nobel in 2020.

(With agency inputs) 
&nbsp;

There are a whopping 329 candidates for the Nobel Peace Prize for 2021, the third-highest ever, according to the organiser of the prestigious award. The candidates include 234 individuals and 95 organisations, The Norwegian Nobel Committee said on Monday.

There are a whopping 329 candidates for the Nobel Peace Prize for 2021, the third-highest ever, according to the organiser of the prestigious award. The candidates include 234 individuals and 95 organisations, The Norwegian Nobel Committee said on Monday. This year's number is up from 317 in 2020. The current record of 376 candidates was reached in 2016. Any persons who are qualified to nominate can submit candidates. They include members of national assemblies and national governments, members of The International Court of Justice, university professors, directors of peace research institutes and foreign policy institutes, and persons who have been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in the past. The Norwegian Nobel Committee is composed of five members appointed by the Storting (Norwegian parliament). The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded in Oslo, Norway, not in Stockholm, Sweden, where the Nobel Prizes in Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature and the Economics Prize are awarded. According to media reports, this year's nominees include the World Health Organization; Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya; Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny; the Black Lives Matter movement; former White House adviser Jared Kushner and his deputy Avi Berkowitz, who negotiated peace agreements between Israel and Arab countries. World Food Programme, a United Nations Agency, won the Peace Nobel in 2020. (With agency inputs)

This year's Nobel Peace Prize candidates are third highest ever

The White House on Wednesday acknowledged the nomination of President Donald Trump for the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize, while calling it a testimony to Trump's "bold diplomacy and vision".

“Today, President Donald J Trump was nominated for the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize for his leadership in brokering the Abraham Accords, bringing about the full normalization of relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates and marking a major step toward a more peaceful Middle East”, the White House press statement said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-nominated-for-nobel-peace-prize-2021-following-israel-uae-deal-326247">US President Donald Trump nominated for Nobel Peace Prize 2021</a>

The&nbsp;US president has been nominated for the 2021 Nobel Prize for his efforts in normalising ties between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, and for facilitating the historic deal. He was nominated by&nbsp;Christian Tybring-Gjedde, a member of Norwegian Parliament.

“This historic diplomatic breakthrough between Israel and the United Arab Emirates is the most significant step toward peace in the Middle East in more than a quarter of a century”, the statement further read.

'He has done more for peace than others'

Tybring-Gjedde said that Trump has done more for peace than numerous holders of the coveted award. “For his merit, I think he has done more trying to create peace between nations than most other Peace Prize nominees,"&nbsp;Tybring-Gjedde told&nbsp;Fox News.

“This peace deal is a testament to the bold diplomacy and vision of President Trump, and he is honored to be considered by the Nobel Committee. President Trump will host the Israeli and Emirati delegations for a signing ceremony of the Abraham Accords on September 15 at the White House”, White House statement further said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/meet-donald-trumps-latest-admirer-noor-bin-ladin-the-niece-of-osama-bin-laden-325838" hreflang="en">Meet Donald Trump's latest admirer - Noor Bin Ladin, the niece of Osama Bin Laden</a>

President Trump had earlier claimed that he was robbed of the Nobel Peace Prize.

During a rally in Toledo, Ohio, in January 2020,&nbsp;Trump had&nbsp;said he deserved the prize which was earlier awarded to Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. “I made a deal, I saved a country, and I just heard that the head of that country is now getting the Nobel Peace Prize for saving the country. I said, ‘What, did I have something do with it?'” Trump claimed.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/us-election-2020-kamala-harris-will-never-be-president-of-us-says-donald-trump-325860" hreflang="en">US election 2020: Kamala Harris will never be president of US, says Donald Trump</a>

Abiy received the peace prize for ending Ethiopian border conflict with neighbouring Eritrea, which was settled in 2018.

Earlier, allies of the US president had said that Trump deserves the Nobel Prize for his negotiations with North Korea. Trump had also complained about his predecessor, President Barack Obama receiving the coveted award.

The White House on Wednesday acknowledged the nomination of President Donald Trump for the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize, while calling it a testimony to Trump's "bold diplomacy and vision".

The White House on Wednesday acknowledged the nomination of President Donald Trump for the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize, while calling it a testimony to Trump's "bold diplomacy and vision". “Today, President Donald J Trump was nominated for the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize for his leadership in brokering the Abraham Accords, bringing about the full normalization of relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates and marking a major step toward a more peaceful Middle East”, the White House press statement said. Also read: US President Donald Trump nominated for Nobel Peace Prize 2021 The US president has been nominated for the 2021 Nobel Prize for his efforts in normalising ties between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, and for facilitating the historic deal. He was nominated by Christian Tybring-Gjedde, a member of Norwegian Parliament. “This historic diplomatic breakthrough between Israel and the United Arab Emirates is the most significant step toward peace in the Middle East in more than a quarter of a century”, the statement further read. 'He has done more for peace than others' Tybring-Gjedde said that Trump has done more for peace than numerous holders of the coveted award. “For his merit, I think he has done more trying to create peace between nations than most other Peace Prize nominees," Tybring-Gjedde told Fox News. “This peace deal is a testament to the bold diplomacy and vision of President Trump, and he is honored to be considered by the Nobel Committee. President Trump will host the Israeli and Emirati delegations for a signing ceremony of the Abraham Accords on September 15 at the White House”, White House statement further said. Also read: Meet Donald Trump's latest admirer - Noor Bin Ladin, the niece of Osama Bin Laden President Trump had earlier claimed that he was robbed of the Nobel Peace Prize. During a rally in Toledo, Ohio, in January 2020, Trump had said he deserved the prize which was earlier awarded to Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. “I made a deal, I saved a country, and I just heard that the head of that country is now getting the Nobel Peace Prize for saving the country. I said, ‘What, did I have something do with it?'” Trump claimed. Also read: US election 2020: Kamala Harris will never be president of US, says Donald Trump Abiy received the peace prize for ending Ethiopian border conflict with neighbouring Eritrea, which was settled in 2018. Earlier, allies of the US president had said that Trump deserves the Nobel Prize for his negotiations with North Korea. Trump had also complained about his predecessor, President Barack Obama receiving the coveted award.

Trump's Nobel Peace Prize nomination a 'testament to his bold diplomacy and vision': White House

By Mallika Singh&nbsp;

Ethiopia’s minority Sidama community voted in favour of forming their own federal region last Wednesday after a referendum. 98.5 per cent of the voters choose an autonomous rule, the country’s electoral board declared. &nbsp;

With official results released on Saturday by Wubshet Ayele, Deputy Head of the National Electoral Board, the board showed a provisional voter turnout of 99.7 per cent.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopias-sidama-vote-on-autonomy-in-test-of-nationalist-passions-263392">Wednesday’s ballots</a> grant the Sidama community, who constitute 4 per cent of Ethiopia’s total population of 105 million, their own self-governing region, the tenth of its kind in the African country.

The region is going to grant the fifth largest ethnic group of the country control over local taxes, education, security and certain legislation. They have demanded to leave the diverse Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples' Region one of the nine regional states for years.

More than 80 ethnic groups of Ethiopia are granted the right to demand autonomy by its constitution. However, it was only under the leadership of Abiy Ahmed that the community’s request for a referendum was approved.

Soon after the polls opened for the referendum Prime Minister tweeted “The Sidama referendum is an expression of the democratisation path Ethiopia has set out on. As citizens go out to vote today, I call upon all to engage peacefully throughout the process.”

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The Sidama referendum is an expression of the democratization path Ethiopia has set out on. As citizens go out to vote today, I call upon all to engage peacefully throughout the process.
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At least 17 people were killed in July due to clashes between security forces and Sidama activists as a result of the government’s decision to delay polls by five months.

Sidama activists had submitted their request for a referendum last year when Abiy Ahmed took office, which according to the constitution should have been held within a year of the request, with July 18 being the deadline.

However, large scale violence was avoided as opposition groups conceded to the government’s demand for a five-month delay.&nbsp;

Ever since Abiy Ahmed took office in one of Africa’s most repressive states, Ethiopia has been making rapid changes to create a more encompassing society, while also leading a peace process with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopia-and-eritrea-decades-of-discord-then-detente-255294">Eritrea</a>, efforts for which won the prime minister a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopian-prime-minister-abiy-ahmed-ali-awarded-nobel-peace-prize-255217">Nobel Peace Prize</a> this year.&nbsp;

However, greater freedoms have led in the eruption of long-repressed discontent among ethnic communities, leading to more than a dozen other communities debating whether to demand similar autonomy under Ahmed’s reforms.&nbsp;&nbsp;

According to the United Nations and other monitoring groups, more than two million were displaced and hundreds killed in 2018 as a result of these rising tensions.&nbsp;

The closely watched referendum which was declared the achievement of a lifetime after decades-long struggle for autonomy by Sidama voters was stated to be peaceful with no major irregularities by Ethiopia’s Human Rights Commissioner Daniel Bekele.&nbsp;

The referendum and its implementation are being seen as a test to whether ethnic violence in the country can be resolved peacefully and also for its electoral process as general elections are scheduled for May next year.

By Mallika Singh Ethiopia’s minority Sidama community voted in favour of forming their own federal region last Wednesday after a referendum. 98.5 per cent of the voters choose an autonomous rule, the country’s electoral board declared.

By Mallika Singh Ethiopia’s minority Sidama community voted in favour of forming their own federal region last Wednesday after a referendum. 98.5 per cent of the voters choose an autonomous rule, the country’s electoral board declared. With official results released on Saturday by Wubshet Ayele, Deputy Head of the National Electoral Board, the board showed a provisional voter turnout of 99.7 per cent. Wednesday’s ballots grant the Sidama community, who constitute 4 per cent of Ethiopia’s total population of 105 million, their own self-governing region, the tenth of its kind in the African country. The region is going to grant the fifth largest ethnic group of the country control over local taxes, education, security and certain legislation. They have demanded to leave the diverse Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples' Region one of the nine regional states for years. More than 80 ethnic groups of Ethiopia are granted the right to demand autonomy by its constitution. However, it was only under the leadership of Abiy Ahmed that the community’s request for a referendum was approved. Soon after the polls opened for the referendum Prime Minister tweeted “The Sidama referendum is an expression of the democratisation path Ethiopia has set out on. As citizens go out to vote today, I call upon all to engage peacefully throughout the process.” The Sidama referendum is an expression of the democratization path Ethiopia has set out on. As citizens go out to vote today, I call upon all to engage peacefully throughout the process. — Abiy Ahmed Ali (@AbiyAhmedAli) November 20, 2019 × At least 17 people were killed in July due to clashes between security forces and Sidama activists as a result of the government’s decision to delay polls by five months. Sidama activists had submitted their request for a referendum last year when Abiy Ahmed took office, which according to the constitution should have been held within a year of the request, with July 18 being the deadline. However, large scale violence was avoided as opposition groups conceded to the government’s demand for a five-month delay. Ever since Abiy Ahmed took office in one of Africa’s most repressive states, Ethiopia has been making rapid changes to create a more encompassing society, while also leading a peace process with Eritrea, efforts for which won the prime minister a Nobel Peace Prize this year. However, greater freedoms have led in the eruption of long-repressed discontent among ethnic communities, leading to more than a dozen other communities debating whether to demand similar autonomy under Ahmed’s reforms. According to the United Nations and other monitoring groups, more than two million were displaced and hundreds killed in 2018 as a result of these rising tensions. The closely watched referendum which was declared the achievement of a lifetime after decades-long struggle for autonomy by Sidama voters was stated to be peaceful with no major irregularities by Ethiopia’s Human Rights Commissioner Daniel Bekele. The referendum and its implementation are being seen as a test to whether ethnic violence in the country can be resolved peacefully and also for its electoral process as general elections are scheduled for May next year.

Ethiopia Referendum: Sidama community unanimously votes in favour of establishing federal region

On WION Edit, we are going to look at the interest of top politicians in brokering and mediating peace.

This is now becoming an easy way to attain prominence. There are specific multi-lateral forums for this purpose.

Yet, leaders want their few minutes of glory. One lure is the possibility of the Nobel Peace Prize.

In 1990, the then-Russian President Mikhail Gorbachev was given a Nobel Peace Prize for his role in bringing the cold war to a peaceful end.

Now we are taking anything away from Gorbachev, but the fact of the matter is - the Soviet economy could not sustain communism.

So Gorbachev had a role, but he was neither responsible for the fall of the communist dictatorship or peace. Besides, the early years after the fall of the Soviet Union were riddled with poverty and conflict in the region.

The second mistake took place in 2009.

When the same Nobel Peace Prize was given to Barack Obama 'For his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and co-operation between peoples'.

The same Barack Obama under whose rule, the US entered Syria without an invitation. The same Barack Obama who oversaw a crisis in West Asia. But yet - recognition comes with pretention.&nbsp;

It's easy to pretend to be a messiah of peace and get noticed.

But the fun here is - even leaders like Imran Khan and Donald Trump are trying to be messengers of peace with their dodgy reputations.

Trump even said recently that he deserves a Nobel Prize for his efforts in mediating peace.

Now, the problem here is geopolitical conflicts have a history and history makes it a difficult task to settle disputes.

But leaders, egged on, by the overestimation of their abilities - try to muddle the pool and take credit for tiny achievements.

This approach is highly problematic. History is full of examples - take for instance the case of Norway and the European Union trying to broker peace between the Sri Lankan government and LTTE in the early years of this Millenium.

Or the case of India trying to broker peace between the two sides in the late 1980s.

Needless to say - the attempts only ended in a civil war, death of a former prime minister of India and bloodshed.

So should no global leader play peace mediator? We are not saying that.

We are saying that if there is a conflict - the best a third party can do is to bring the warring factions to the negotiating table.

And once that's done - it's for the stakeholders to decide the parameters of peace negotiations not for third parties.

Now organisations like the UN are established for this very purpose. So why do we need individual leaders to play peace brokers?

This is a complex issue. Russia can be a peace broker between Syria and Turkey because it is a stakeholder in the conflict.

Russia's support is the lifeblood of the Syrian government. Hence there is interest.

Similarly, the US and Russia can play a role in deescalating tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran again, because it's their weapons that will wreak havoc if there is a conflict.

What explains a person like Imran Khan trying to broker peace between Iran and Saudi Arabia?

This is nothing - but a foolish attempt at image-building.

New Delhi always insists that bilateral issues should be discussed between the two parties involved. And this pertains not only to Kashmir and Pakistan but to every other issue as well.

Such a stance is rooted in common sense because right now we live in a world where leaders want to poke their nose on issues that should least bother them.&nbsp; 
 
WION Edit: Mediating peace is becoming a way to attain prominence)

 
&nbsp;

On WION Edit, we are going to look at the interest of top politicians in brokering and mediating peace. This is now becoming an easy way to attain prominence. There are specific multi-lateral forums for this purpose.

On WION Edit, we are going to look at the interest of top politicians in brokering and mediating peace. This is now becoming an easy way to attain prominence. There are specific multi-lateral forums for this purpose. Yet, leaders want their few minutes of glory. One lure is the possibility of the Nobel Peace Prize. In 1990, the then-Russian President Mikhail Gorbachev was given a Nobel Peace Prize for his role in bringing the cold war to a peaceful end. Now we are taking anything away from Gorbachev, but the fact of the matter is - the Soviet economy could not sustain communism. So Gorbachev had a role, but he was neither responsible for the fall of the communist dictatorship or peace. Besides, the early years after the fall of the Soviet Union were riddled with poverty and conflict in the region. The second mistake took place in 2009. When the same Nobel Peace Prize was given to Barack Obama 'For his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and co-operation between peoples'. The same Barack Obama under whose rule, the US entered Syria without an invitation. The same Barack Obama who oversaw a crisis in West Asia. But yet - recognition comes with pretention. It's easy to pretend to be a messiah of peace and get noticed. But the fun here is - even leaders like Imran Khan and Donald Trump are trying to be messengers of peace with their dodgy reputations. Trump even said recently that he deserves a Nobel Prize for his efforts in mediating peace. Now, the problem here is geopolitical conflicts have a history and history makes it a difficult task to settle disputes. But leaders, egged on, by the overestimation of their abilities - try to muddle the pool and take credit for tiny achievements. This approach is highly problematic. History is full of examples - take for instance the case of Norway and the European Union trying to broker peace between the Sri Lankan government and LTTE in the early years of this Millenium. Or the case of India trying to broker peace between the two sides in the late 1980s. Needless to say - the attempts only ended in a civil war, death of a former prime minister of India and bloodshed. So should no global leader play peace mediator? We are not saying that. We are saying that if there is a conflict - the best a third party can do is to bring the warring factions to the negotiating table. And once that's done - it's for the stakeholders to decide the parameters of peace negotiations not for third parties. Now organisations like the UN are established for this very purpose. So why do we need individual leaders to play peace brokers? This is a complex issue. Russia can be a peace broker between Syria and Turkey because it is a stakeholder in the conflict. Russia's support is the lifeblood of the Syrian government. Hence there is interest. Similarly, the US and Russia can play a role in deescalating tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran again, because it's their weapons that will wreak havoc if there is a conflict. What explains a person like Imran Khan trying to broker peace between Iran and Saudi Arabia? This is nothing - but a foolish attempt at image-building. New Delhi always insists that bilateral issues should be discussed between the two parties involved. And this pertains not only to Kashmir and Pakistan but to every other issue as well. Such a stance is rooted in common sense because right now we live in a world where leaders want to poke their nose on issues that should least bother them. WION Edit: Mediating peace is becoming a way to attain prominence)

WION Edit: Mediating peace is becoming a way to attain prominence

Nobel peace prize winner 2019 announced. Ethiopian prime minister Abiy Ahmed wins 2019 Nobel peace prize

Ethiopian PM wins Nobel Peace Prize

Jailed Saudi women's rights activist Loujain al-Hathloul has been nominated for this year's Nobel Peace Prize after being put forward by a group of Norwegian and Canadian politicians.

Jailed Saudi women's rights activist Loujain al-Hathloul has been nominated for this year's Nobel Peace Prize after being put forward by a group of Norwegian and Canadian politicians. Loujain was arrested during a crackdown on May 15, 2018, where she was protesting along with a dozen other women's rights activists. The women protesters had long campaigned for ending a ban on women driving cars. The case has drawn global criticism following last year’s murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi agents inside the kingdom’s Istanbul consulate. In an interview with WION, Walid al-Hathloul, brother of Loujain spoke on how he feels on hearing such news and also shared details of the complete crackdown. Having lost hope with the government's response and help on the matter, Walid hopes his sister is released soon. Here is the full excerpt of the conversation- WION- How do you feel after hearing that your sister has been nominated for Nobel Peace Prize? Can you let us know what's the latest in her case? WALID- There’s no news in Loujain’s case. MBS said in 60 minutes that he will personally investigate the torture but so far we haven’t heard any news about initiating an investigation on torture. As to the peace prize, I heard it from the news and I hope it’s real. Also, It’s hard to tell because they're unpredictable and not transparent at all. WION -Your sister has been put behind bars. Why? Can you describe how it all began and why it happened? WALID- At the beginning when she was arrested as part of the crackdown on May 15, 2018, we did not know why she was arrested. Local media immediately published that she was a traitor and was working with a foreign power. During her detention, they did not charge her with anything until the trial which started after ten months. After reading the charge sheet, we found out that most of the charges are related to her human rights activism. One of the charges that she is facing is applying for a job at the UN. So clearly there is no consistency between what they said at the beginning and for what they officially charged her. As to why she was arrested, it is difficult to know but I would say that there’s an abuse of power. WION- Who were the other activists involved? How many of them are still behind bars and what has been the development in their release so far? WALID- As there’s a lack of transparency in the legal system, it’s difficult to answer the question accurately but I would assume that there are four other women in jail, not including men. In the beginning, they started a trial but all of a sudden after the third session they stopped the whole trial and nobody knows why they did that. Also, nobody knows if they will resume the trial anytime in the future. WION-Loujain al-Hathloul has rejected a proposal to secure her release from prison in exchange for a video statement denying she was tortured in custody. Can you briefly describe your statement? WALID- I don’t have any position in that matter as each option has a consequence and it makes it hard to decide which option I should pick. But regardless of my position, it is Loujain who should decide what is best for her. I believe that they went too far by asking a video release to deny the torture. WION-You can appeal to any international body or anyone that you wish to. Did you try this before? WALID- I prefer not to answer this question. WION- What is your grievance with the government and Who do you wish to appeal to and why? WALID- We have been contacting the government since day one. We sent countless letters to the government but got no response. Unfortunately, we are now in a position where we have lost hope that the government would cooperate with us. WION- Have you ever tried reaching Donald Trump/ United States as it is Saudi's important ally as well. WALID- I prefer not to answer this question. WION- What do you want for your sister now? WALID- All I want is to see Loujain free.

I hope news is real: Brother of Saudi women's rights activist on her being contender for Nobel Peace Prize

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