Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, died on Sunday (Dec 29) at the age of 100, his non-profit foundation announced. According to the Crater Center, he died "peacefully" at his home in Plains, Georgia, "surrounded by his family". Watch in for more details!

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Georgia's new president Mikheil Kavelashvili sworn in amid mass protest. Watch to know more.

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Zambian police have arrested two men accused of plotting to harm the country's president, Hakainde Hichilema, using witchcraft. The suspects, a Mozambican national and a local village chief, were apprehended in the capital, Lusaka. Watch in for more details!

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The former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has been indicted for corruption and influence peddling. France's highest court has passed a judgment ordering Nicolas Sarkozy to wear an electronic tag for a period of a year. Watch in for more details!

France: Ex-Prez Nicolas Sarkozy Indicted For Bribery & Influence Peddling

<p><span class="region">Seoul, South Korea</span>
<p>Yoon Suk Yeol, the impeached president of South Korea, failed to show up before the corruption watchdog of the country on Wednesday (Dec 18) after they summoned him for questioning over his failed attempt to impose martial law.</p></p>
<p>The parliament had stripped Yoon of his duties at the weekend after he imposed the short-lived martial law on December 3 which pushed the country into its worst political turmoil. </p>
<p>The corruption investigation office's (CIO) investigators had summoned Yoon to their facility located in Seoul at 10 am (0100 GMT). The officials had to question him over the charges of abuse of power and insurrection which he was facing. </p>
<p><strong>Also Read:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-president-to-face-second-martial-law-impeachment-vote-783845">South Korean president to face second martial law impeachment vote</a></p>
<p>“President Yoon did not appear for his summons today,” said a CIO official, while speaking to AFP.</p>
<h2><strong>Yoon’s legal team says 'will comply with investigation' </strong></h2>
<p>The legal team of Yoon on Tuesday (Dec 17) said that he had not committed to insurrection and had taken the vow to fight the charges against him in the court, reported Yonhap news agency.</p>
<p>“While we do not consider the insurrection charges to be legally valid, we will comply with the investigation,” said Seok Dong-hyeon, who is in Yoon’s team.</p>
<p>This week, the CIO said that they had sent a summon to Yoon which was returned “undelivered” after an official at the presidential office did not accept it.</p>
<p>The no-show of Yoon on Wednesday (Dec 18) “will be considered as a failure to comply with the first summons”, said a CIO statement.</p>
<p>As per the investigators, they are planning to send a second summon, however, CIO chief Oh Dong-woon informed parliament on Tuesday (Dec 17) that they are reconsidering if they should issue an arrest warrant.</p>
<p><strong>Watch: South Korea's Acting Leader Reassures Stability After Yoon's Impeachment</strong></p>
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/files/2024/12/17/1712_battle_8pm_pkwo-1734452119-00000003.jpg&videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/1712_battle_8pm_pkwo_.mp4/index.m3u8&duration=149&tags=South Korea,yoon suk yeol,World News,WION" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
<p>South Korean prosecutors as well as a joint team of anti-corruption investigators, the defence ministry and the police have been investigating Yoon. </p>
<p>The impeached president and some of their allies are facing chances of life imprisonment and death penalty, if the court finds him guilty. Yoon has been placed under an international travel ban.</p>
<p>The constitutional court is separately reconsidering if Yoon's impeachment should be upheld.</p>
<p>On Wednesday (Dec 18), the court asked Yoon to submit the martial law decree along with records of cabinet meetings which he had held before and after the imposition of martial law.</p>
<p>The judges have nearly six months to give their verdict on Yoon's case and a preliminary hearing has been scheduled for December 27.</p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The country's corruption watchdog had summoned South Korea’s impeached president Yoon Suk Yeol over his failed attempt to impose martial law 

 



Seoul, South Korea Yoon Suk Yeol, the impeached president of South Korea, failed to show up before the corruption watchdog of the country on Wednesday (Dec 18) after they summoned him for questioning over his failed attempt to impose martial law. The parliament had stripped Yoon of his duties at the weekend after he imposed the short-lived martial law on December 3 which pushed the country into its worst political turmoil. The corruption investigation office's (CIO) investigators had summoned Yoon to their facility located in Seoul at 10 am (0100 GMT). The officials had to question him over the charges of abuse of power and insurrection which he was facing. Also Read: South Korean president to face second martial law impeachment vote “President Yoon did not appear for his summons today,” said a CIO official, while speaking to AFP. Yoon’s legal team says 'will comply with investigation' The legal team of Yoon on Tuesday (Dec 17) said that he had not committed to insurrection and had taken the vow to fight the charges against him in the court, reported Yonhap news agency. “While we do not consider the insurrection charges to be legally valid, we will comply with the investigation,” said Seok Dong-hyeon, who is in Yoon’s team. This week, the CIO said that they had sent a summon to Yoon which was returned “undelivered” after an official at the presidential office did not accept it. The no-show of Yoon on Wednesday (Dec 18) “will be considered as a failure to comply with the first summons”, said a CIO statement. As per the investigators, they are planning to send a second summon, however, CIO chief Oh Dong-woon informed parliament on Tuesday (Dec 17) that they are reconsidering if they should issue an arrest warrant. Watch: South Korea's Acting Leader Reassures Stability After Yoon's Impeachment South Korean prosecutors as well as a joint team of anti-corruption investigators, the defence ministry and the police have been investigating Yoon. The impeached president and some of their allies are facing chances of life imprisonment and death penalty, if the court finds him guilty. Yoon has been placed under an international travel ban. The constitutional court is separately reconsidering if Yoon's impeachment should be upheld. On Wednesday (Dec 18), the court asked Yoon to submit the martial law decree along with records of cabinet meetings which he had held before and after the imposition of martial law. The judges have nearly six months to give their verdict on Yoon's case and a preliminary hearing has been scheduled for December 27. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korean president fails to show up before corruption watchdog over martial law fiasco

<p>Yoon Suk Yeol, the impeached president of South Korea, failed to show up before the corruption watchdog of the country on Wednesday (Dec 18) after they summoned him for questioning over his failed attempt to impose martial law.</p>

<p>The parliament had stripped Yoon of his duties at the weekend after he imposed the short-lived martial law on December 3 which pushed the country into its worst political turmoil.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The corruption investigation office's (CIO) investigators had summoned Yoon to their facility located in Seoul at 10 am (0100 GMT). The officials had to question him over the charges of abuse of power and insurrection which he was facing.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-president-to-face-second-martial-law-impeachment-vote-783845">South Korean president to face second martial law impeachment vote</a></p>

<p>“President Yoon did not appear for his summons today,” said a CIO official, while speaking to AFP.</p>

<h2><strong>Yoon’s legal team says 'will comply with investigation'&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The legal team of Yoon on Tuesday (Dec 17) said that he had not committed to insurrection and had taken the vow to fight the charges against him in the court, reported Yonhap news agency.</p>

<p>“While we do not consider the insurrection charges to be legally valid, we will comply with the investigation,” said Seok Dong-hyeon, who is in Yoon’s team.</p>

<p>This week, the CIO said that they had sent a summon&nbsp;to Yoon which was returned “undelivered” after an official at the presidential office did not accept it.</p>

<p>The no-show of Yoon on Wednesday (Dec 18) “will be considered as a failure to comply with the first summons”, said a CIO statement.</p>

<p>As per the investigators, they are planning to send a second summon, however, CIO chief Oh Dong-woon informed parliament on Tuesday (Dec 17) that they are reconsidering if they should issue an arrest warrant.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;South Korea's Acting Leader Reassures Stability After Yoon's Impeachment</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/south-koreas-acting-leader-reassures-stability-after-yoons-impeachment-784767/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>South Korean prosecutors as well as a joint team of anti-corruption investigators, the defence ministry and the police have been investigating Yoon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The impeached president and some of their allies are facing chances of life imprisonment and&nbsp;death penalty, if the court finds him guilty. Yoon has been placed under an international travel ban.</p>

<p>The constitutional court is separately reconsidering if Yoon's impeachment should be upheld.</p>

<p>On Wednesday (Dec 18), the court asked Yoon to submit the martial law decree along with records of cabinet meetings which he had held before and after the imposition of martial law.</p>

<p>The judges have nearly six months to give their verdict on Yoon's case and a preliminary hearing has been scheduled for December 27.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Yoon Suk Yeol, the impeached president of South Korea, failed to show up before the corruption watchdog of the country on Wednesday (Dec 18) after they summoned him for questioning over his failed attempt to impose martial law.

Yoon Suk Yeol, the impeached president of South Korea, failed to show up before the corruption watchdog of the country on Wednesday (Dec 18) after they summoned him for questioning over his failed attempt to impose martial law. The parliament had stripped Yoon of his duties at the weekend after he imposed the short-lived martial law on December 3 which pushed the country into its worst political turmoil. The corruption investigation office's (CIO) investigators had summoned Yoon to their facility located in Seoul at 10 am (0100 GMT). The officials had to question him over the charges of abuse of power and insurrection which he was facing. Also Read: South Korean president to face second martial law impeachment vote “President Yoon did not appear for his summons today,” said a CIO official, while speaking to AFP. Yoon’s legal team says 'will comply with investigation' The legal team of Yoon on Tuesday (Dec 17) said that he had not committed to insurrection and had taken the vow to fight the charges against him in the court, reported Yonhap news agency. “While we do not consider the insurrection charges to be legally valid, we will comply with the investigation,” said Seok Dong-hyeon, who is in Yoon’s team. This week, the CIO said that they had sent a summon to Yoon which was returned “undelivered” after an official at the presidential office did not accept it. The no-show of Yoon on Wednesday (Dec 18) “will be considered as a failure to comply with the first summons”, said a CIO statement. As per the investigators, they are planning to send a second summon, however, CIO chief Oh Dong-woon informed parliament on Tuesday (Dec 17) that they are reconsidering if they should issue an arrest warrant. Watch: South Korea's Acting Leader Reassures Stability After Yoon's Impeachment South Korean prosecutors as well as a joint team of anti-corruption investigators, the defence ministry and the police have been investigating Yoon. The impeached president and some of their allies are facing chances of life imprisonment and death penalty, if the court finds him guilty. Yoon has been placed under an international travel ban. The constitutional court is separately reconsidering if Yoon's impeachment should be upheld. On Wednesday (Dec 18), the court asked Yoon to submit the martial law decree along with records of cabinet meetings which he had held before and after the imposition of martial law. The judges have nearly six months to give their verdict on Yoon's case and a preliminary hearing has been scheduled for December 27. (With inputs from agencies)

Ghana's newly elected President, John Mahama, said a funding arrangement with the international monetary fund will constrain his administration's capacity to implement quick substantial reforms. This follows a recent electoral victory that granted him a significant mandate to address the country's severe debt crisis and high inflation.

Ghana's President-elect Says IMF Deal to Cap Radical Reforms

Ghana's newly elected President, John Mahama, said a funding arrangement with the international monetary fund will constrain his administration's capacity to implement quick substantial reforms. This follows a recent electoral victory that granted him a significant mandate to address the country's severe debt crisis and high inflation.



In a significant development, South Korean Prime Minister Han took charge as the country's interim president following an unexpected political shift. In his address, Han emphasized the need for stronger military ties with the United States to ensure national security and regional stability.

South Korea: PM Han Took Charge As Interim President, Calls For Military Bolster Ties With US

In a significant development, South Korean Prime Minister Han took charge as the country's interim president following an unexpected political shift. In his address, Han emphasized the need for stronger military ties with the United States to ensure national security and regional stability. 



South Korea's President Yoon faces a second impeachment vote as political tensions escalate.

South Korea: President Yoon Faces Second Impeachment Vote

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been impeached by Parliament after a controversial decision to impose martial law, which was quickly revoked. The impeachment comes amid growing political tensions, with critics arguing the move was an overreach of presidential power. The outcome of this impeachment will significantly impact Yoon's leadership and South Korea’s political landscape.

BREAKING: South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol Impeached By Parliament Over Martial Law

South Korean President Yoon Seok-youl is facing a second impeachment vote following controversy over his martial law decree. Opponents argue the decree undermines democratic principles, while his supporters defend it as a necessary measure for national security. The upcoming vote will have significant implications for Yoon's presidency and the country’s political future.

South Korea's President Yoon Faces Second Impeachment Vote Over Controversial Martial Law Decree

In Romania, far-right politician George Simeon has strongly condemned the cancellation of the presidential election, calling it a direct attack on democracy. Standing outside a closed polling station, Simeon accused President Klaus Iohannis of mocking the Constitution and urged him to respect the law. Watch in for more details!

Romania Cancels Presidential Election Over Russian Interference

<p>After Bashar al-Assad fled Syria, the rebel forces who had stormed into the capital city of Damascus entered his palace on Sunday (Dec 8) and discovered a massive fleet of high-end cars which included Mercedes, Porches, Audis and Ferraris, reports said.</p>

<p>In the videos which went viral on social media, the looters were seen roaming around what was apparently the presidential palace's massive garage, filled with high-end roadsters from the private stash of the deposed dictator.</p>

<p>In one video, one eagle-eyed commentator was seen showing a coveted Mercedes-Benz which had gullwing doors.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-toppling-of-assad-us-airstrikes-isis-camps-hidden-in-syria-782556">After toppling of Assad, US airstrikes on ISIS camps hidden in Syria</a></p>

<p>The rebels found SUVs, motorcycles, ATVs and even an armoured truck when they entered the palace where they took selfies and fired guns in the air, as was seen in the videos shared on X.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media.</em></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🇸🇾 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BREAKING?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BREAKING</a>: SYRIAN REBELS DISCOVER ASSAD'S LUXURY CAR COLLECTION!<br />
<br />
Rebels have uncovered Bashar al-Assad's garage, filled with dozens of luxury vehicles, as his regime crumbles.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Breaking?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Breaking</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Syria?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Syria</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Assad?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Assad</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Damascus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Damascus</a> <a href="https://t.co/mGDGWXnVx7">pic.twitter.com/mGDGWXnVx7</a></p>
— Breaking News (@PlanetReportHQ) <a href="https://twitter.com/PlanetReportHQ/status/1865724053467607263?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🔴Bashar al-Assad's palace in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Damascus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Damascus</a><br />
<br />
◾️Everything was thought of, including fortified escape tunnels.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Syria?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Syria</a> <a href="https://t.co/QO4oOZR8qX">pic.twitter.com/QO4oOZR8qX</a></p>
— Ülküm Gözde Gündoğdu (@Ulkumgozde) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ulkumgozde/status/1865832072352247819?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I love watching the video footage of jubilant and outraged Syrians looting deposed President Bashar al-Assad’s palace, carting off Louis Vuitton-branded boxes and other luxury goods after the regime’s stunning collapse and Assad’s flight from the country.<a href="https://t.co/nX50OivzWb">pic.twitter.com/nX50OivzWb</a></p>
— Jon Cooper 🇺🇸 (@joncoopertweets) <a href="https://twitter.com/joncoopertweets/status/1865880577670332747?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Syrians ransacked Bashar al-Assad's abandoned presidential palace in Damascus today while others loot bags of CASH from central bank 👀.<br />
<br />
Scores of people can be seen in one video within the palace's walls raiding cupboards of the president and his British-born glamorous wife… <a href="https://t.co/lF1Bj5WRbK">pic.twitter.com/lF1Bj5WRbK</a></p>
— Elijah 🇺🇬🇺🇲 (@RealDigitalVybz) <a href="https://twitter.com/RealDigitalVybz/status/1865789530298548592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>What did the rebel soldiers find in Assad's palace?</strong></h2>

<p>The palace of Bashar al-Assad was a sprawling and blocky fortress made of marble and stone, perched atop a hill on the outskirts of Damascus.</p>

<p>It was once described by The Guardian as an “echoing monument to dictator decor".</p>

<p>The palace was abandoned after Assad fled by plane.</p>

<p>The rebel soldiers found it the best opportunity to rip off the richness of the place where the dictator and his family had spent&nbsp;24 years like emperors.</p>

<p>In videos shared on X, men were seen taking away artwork and furniture while women - who were wearing hijab - were picking the bed linens and dishes.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Syria War: France's Macron Welcomes Al-Assad's Fall, Hails Syrians Courage&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/syria-war-frances-macron-welcomes-al-assads-fall-hails-syrians-courage-world-news-wion-782579/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>In one video, the stocked armoury was seen filled with scores of submachine guns. “I imagine he and those close to [Assad] … thought: &nbsp;we have enough ammo! We are invincible! Nothing can shake us!" wrote the user who posted the video.</p>

<p>In another video, a bunker network was discovered by the looters which was hidden deep beneath the main structure. Empty cigar boxes and gun cases littered the concrete floors.</p>

<p>“He who fears the people digs hundreds of feet underground,” wrote the user, Abdullah Almousa, in Arabic.</p>

<p>The rebels did not just ransack the palace but also government buildings after the soldiers took off their uniforms and left their posts.</p>

<p>In one video, people were shown carrying what was described as sacks of “money and valuables” from the central bank.</p>

<p>“The smart people did not go to Assad’s palace for chandeliers, but to the bank for cash and gold!” wrote the user who shared the video.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.</em></p>


After Bashar al-Assad fled Syria, the rebel forces who had stormed into the capital city of Damascus entered his palace on Sunday (Dec 8) and discovered a massive fleet of high-end cars which included Mercedes, Porches, Audis and Ferraris, reports said.

After Bashar al-Assad fled Syria, the rebel forces who had stormed into the capital city of Damascus entered his palace on Sunday (Dec 8) and discovered a massive fleet of high-end cars which included Mercedes, Porches, Audis and Ferraris, reports said. In the videos which went viral on social media, the looters were seen roaming around what was apparently the presidential palace's massive garage, filled with high-end roadsters from the private stash of the deposed dictator. In one video, one eagle-eyed commentator was seen showing a coveted Mercedes-Benz which had gullwing doors. Also Read: After toppling of Assad, US airstrikes on ISIS camps hidden in Syria The rebels found SUVs, motorcycles, ATVs and even an armoured truck when they entered the palace where they took selfies and fired guns in the air, as was seen in the videos shared on X. Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media. 🇸🇾 #BREAKING: SYRIAN REBELS DISCOVER ASSAD'S LUXURY CAR COLLECTION! Rebels have uncovered Bashar al-Assad's garage, filled with dozens of luxury vehicles, as his regime crumbles.#Breaking #Syria #Assad #Damascus pic.twitter.com/mGDGWXnVx7 — Breaking News (@PlanetReportHQ) December 8, 2024 × 🔴Bashar al-Assad's palace in #Damascus ◾️Everything was thought of, including fortified escape tunnels.#Syria pic.twitter.com/QO4oOZR8qX — Ülküm Gözde Gündoğdu (@Ulkumgozde) December 8, 2024 × I love watching the video footage of jubilant and outraged Syrians looting deposed President Bashar al-Assad’s palace, carting off Louis Vuitton-branded boxes and other luxury goods after the regime’s stunning collapse and Assad’s flight from the country.pic.twitter.com/nX50OivzWb — Jon Cooper 🇺🇸 (@joncoopertweets) December 8, 2024 × Syrians ransacked Bashar al-Assad's abandoned presidential palace in Damascus today while others loot bags of CASH from central bank 👀. Scores of people can be seen in one video within the palace's walls raiding cupboards of the president and his British-born glamorous wife… pic.twitter.com/lF1Bj5WRbK — Elijah 🇺🇬🇺🇲 (@RealDigitalVybz) December 8, 2024 × What did the rebel soldiers find in Assad's palace? The palace of Bashar al-Assad was a sprawling and blocky fortress made of marble and stone, perched atop a hill on the outskirts of Damascus. It was once described by The Guardian as an “echoing monument to dictator decor". The palace was abandoned after Assad fled by plane. The rebel soldiers found it the best opportunity to rip off the richness of the place where the dictator and his family had spent 24 years like emperors. In videos shared on X, men were seen taking away artwork and furniture while women - who were wearing hijab - were picking the bed linens and dishes. Watch: Syria War: France's Macron Welcomes Al-Assad's Fall, Hails Syrians Courage In one video, the stocked armoury was seen filled with scores of submachine guns. “I imagine he and those close to [Assad] … thought: we have enough ammo! We are invincible! Nothing can shake us!" wrote the user who posted the video. In another video, a bunker network was discovered by the looters which was hidden deep beneath the main structure. Empty cigar boxes and gun cases littered the concrete floors. “He who fears the people digs hundreds of feet underground,” wrote the user, Abdullah Almousa, in Arabic. The rebels did not just ransack the palace but also government buildings after the soldiers took off their uniforms and left their posts. In one video, people were shown carrying what was described as sacks of “money and valuables” from the central bank. “The smart people did not go to Assad’s palace for chandeliers, but to the bank for cash and gold!” wrote the user who shared the video. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

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France is grappling with a major political crisis that could topple its government. Prime Minister Michel Barnier is facing a no confidence motion after using special powers to force his budget through the parliament without a vote. The Showdown started with the government's new budget aimed at cutting public spending and raising taxes but these measures have been deeply unpopular both in the parliament also among the public. Watch in for more details!

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Philippines Vice President Sara Duterte has insisted that she has not schemed to kill the president, as investigators summoned her to testify.

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Sri Lanka's newly elected Parliament has convened, with the Speaker and other key officials elected. The session marks the beginning of the country's next legislative term.

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Donald Trump made a triumphant return to the White House as President elect on Wednesday. Trump met incumbent President Joe Biden on his invitation, beginning the customary transfer of power process. 'Welcome back,' said the 81-year-old Biden as he congratulated the 78-year-old Trump. Watch this report for more details!

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Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto met with U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House, saying he will work very hard towards strong cooperation with Washington.

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<p>Tesla CEO Elon Musk on Monday (Nov 4) warned that if Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris comes to power she will shut down social media platform&nbsp;X by all means.</p>

<p>“There’s no way that the Kamala Harris puppet regime would allow X to exist,” said the billionaire, while speaking at 'The Joe Rogan Experience'&nbsp;podcast.</p>

<p>Speaking about Musk's acquisition of X for billions of dollars, podcaster Joe Rogan said, "If you didn't do it, no one would have. And here's the hilarious narrative that I keep hearing from idiots. ‘Elon's a bad businessman. Twitter is worth, you know, 400% less than when he bought it.’ No, it wasn't worth that in the first place. It wasn't worth $44 billion, you f---ing morons. Wrong. And also, you're not taking into account the advertiser boycott. That's total bulls---."</p>

<p>Musk said that he agrees that the&nbsp;Orwellian-named Center for Countering Digital Hate was a "total scam organisation" and called the group a "censorship organisation" that "pushed the advertisers to boycott."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-all-have-been-threatened-by-trump-in-the-past-with-violence-773578"><strong>&nbsp;</strong>US election 2024: Who all have been threatened by Trump in the past with violence?</a></p>

<p>Musk's X Corp last year sued the Centre for Countering Digital Hate for publishing "misleading claims" and exaggerating the harmful content's prevalence on X to thwart investment from advertisers.</p>

<p>The X owner&nbsp;stated that they have lessened some aspects of the boycott, however, the US presidential&nbsp;election will be decisive in the battle between freedom of speech and government censorship.</p>

<h2><strong>Musk says 'If Kamala wins...'</strong></h2>

<p>"I think if Trump wins, we'll see, you know, probably most of the boycott will lift. But if Kamala wins, we'll see that boycott gets stronger and they’ll friggin’ shut [it] down. There's no way that a Kamala puppet regime would allow X to exist," said Musk.</p>

<p>"You really think that they'll be able to shut it down, though? Is there a pathway to that?" quizzed the podcast host and later inquired, "What would they do?"</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;US Elections: How the US Election Will Impact Russia's War in Ukraine</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-elections-how-the-us-election-will-impact-russias-war-in-ukraine-773634/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>"They can sic the DOJ [Department of Justice] on you know, and say like, you know, they've got this whole thing about like hate speech, misinformation or whatever, except that they're the ones pushing the misinformation. But that doesn't stop them from filing massive, you know, lawsuits and using the DOJ," Musk answered.</p>

<p>Earlier in another interview while speaking about the time when he purchased X, Musk said, “At the time, I think I said, ‘Look, this is existential to the United States. It’s existential to democracy'. If you don’t have freedom of speech, you don’t have democracy. If you don’t have freedom of speech, people cannot make an informed vote. If they are just being fed propaganda and there is no freedom of speech, democracy is an illusion.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Tesla CEO Elon Musk on Monday (Nov 4) warned that if Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris comes to power she will shut down social media platform X by all means.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk on Monday (Nov 4) warned that if Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris comes to power she will shut down social media platform X by all means. “There’s no way that the Kamala Harris puppet regime would allow X to exist,” said the billionaire, while speaking at 'The Joe Rogan Experience' podcast. Speaking about Musk's acquisition of X for billions of dollars, podcaster Joe Rogan said, "If you didn't do it, no one would have. And here's the hilarious narrative that I keep hearing from idiots. ‘Elon's a bad businessman. Twitter is worth, you know, 400% less than when he bought it.’ No, it wasn't worth that in the first place. It wasn't worth $44 billion, you f---ing morons. Wrong. And also, you're not taking into account the advertiser boycott. That's total bulls---." Musk said that he agrees that the Orwellian-named Center for Countering Digital Hate was a "total scam organisation" and called the group a "censorship organisation" that "pushed the advertisers to boycott." Also Read: US election 2024: Who all have been threatened by Trump in the past with violence? Musk's X Corp last year sued the Centre for Countering Digital Hate for publishing "misleading claims" and exaggerating the harmful content's prevalence on X to thwart investment from advertisers. The X owner stated that they have lessened some aspects of the boycott, however, the US presidential election will be decisive in the battle between freedom of speech and government censorship. Musk says 'If Kamala wins...' "I think if Trump wins, we'll see, you know, probably most of the boycott will lift. But if Kamala wins, we'll see that boycott gets stronger and they’ll friggin’ shut [it] down. There's no way that a Kamala puppet regime would allow X to exist," said Musk. "You really think that they'll be able to shut it down, though? Is there a pathway to that?" quizzed the podcast host and later inquired, "What would they do?" Watch: US Elections: How the US Election Will Impact Russia's War in Ukraine "They can sic the DOJ [Department of Justice] on you know, and say like, you know, they've got this whole thing about like hate speech, misinformation or whatever, except that they're the ones pushing the misinformation. But that doesn't stop them from filing massive, you know, lawsuits and using the DOJ," Musk answered. Earlier in another interview while speaking about the time when he purchased X, Musk said, “At the time, I think I said, ‘Look, this is existential to the United States. It’s existential to democracy'. If you don’t have freedom of speech, you don’t have democracy. If you don’t have freedom of speech, people cannot make an informed vote. If they are just being fed propaganda and there is no freedom of speech, democracy is an illusion.” (With inputs from agencies)

Elon Musk claims Harris will shut down X if she becomes next US president

<p>United States former president and Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has a list of criminal cases, and many people are curious about the future of these legal battles as he returns to the White House.</p>

<p>Trump is&nbsp;the first presidential candidate in history who is contesting the elections with the looming threat of getting imprisoned or being involved in years of legal battles.</p>

<p>Trump took the vow that if he becomes president again, he will fire special counsel Jack Smith "within two seconds". Smith has brought two federal cases against Trump.</p>

<p>The presidential nominee has also claimed that he will punish the judges and prosecutors who were overseeing his cases and will most probably be able to avoid the consequences of any criminal charges that he is facing.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/its-a-tie-for-trump-and-harris-in-dixville-notch-heres-what-a-3-3-split-means-773535">It's a tie for Trump and Harris in Dixville Notch. Here's what a 3-3 split means</a></p>

<p>"If he wins, say goodbye to all the criminal cases," claimed Karen Friedman Agnifilo, who earlier worked as the chief of the Manhattan district attorney's trial division, while speaking to ABC News.</p>

<p>"The criminal cases are over, whether it's legally or practically," said Agnifilo, and added that the&nbsp;victory of Trump would be a "get out of jail free card" for the former president.</p>

<p>However, if Trump loses the elections, he will have to face years of court proceedings and will have to spend hundreds of millions in clearing the civil penalties and may also serve in jail.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Future of Trump's legal battles&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The most pressing legal issue involving Trump is the pending sentence in the Stormy Daniels hush money case, which involves 34 felony counts. Trump has been accused of falsifying business records for covering a hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels in 2016.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;US Elections 2024: Security On High Alert Ahead Of The US Presidential Election</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-elections-2024-security-on-high-alert-ahead-of-the-us-presidential-election-773425/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>If Trump wins, the sentencing can still proceed, however, Judge Merchan's decision can be influenced by the new circumstances, said Boston College law professor Jeffrey Cohen while speaking to ABC News.</p>

<p>The judge can pronounce a lighter sentence, like a day of probation or delay the sentence till Trump leaves office.</p>

<p>"A sitting president wouldn't be forced to be incarcerated while they're serving their presidency, and so he could theoretically serve it once he's out of office," Cohen said.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Trump will be able to grant himself a presidential pardon in all federal cases if he wins the election, however, that won't be the same with state cases.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


United States former president and Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has a list of criminal cases, and many people are curious about the future of these legal battles as he returns to the White House.

United States former president and Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has a list of criminal cases, and many people are curious about the future of these legal battles as he returns to the White House. Trump is the first presidential candidate in history who is contesting the elections with the looming threat of getting imprisoned or being involved in years of legal battles. Trump took the vow that if he becomes president again, he will fire special counsel Jack Smith "within two seconds". Smith has brought two federal cases against Trump. The presidential nominee has also claimed that he will punish the judges and prosecutors who were overseeing his cases and will most probably be able to avoid the consequences of any criminal charges that he is facing. Also Read: It's a tie for Trump and Harris in Dixville Notch. Here's what a 3-3 split means "If he wins, say goodbye to all the criminal cases," claimed Karen Friedman Agnifilo, who earlier worked as the chief of the Manhattan district attorney's trial division, while speaking to ABC News. "The criminal cases are over, whether it's legally or practically," said Agnifilo, and added that the victory of Trump would be a "get out of jail free card" for the former president. However, if Trump loses the elections, he will have to face years of court proceedings and will have to spend hundreds of millions in clearing the civil penalties and may also serve in jail. Future of Trump's legal battles The most pressing legal issue involving Trump is the pending sentence in the Stormy Daniels hush money case, which involves 34 felony counts. Trump has been accused of falsifying business records for covering a hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels in 2016. Watch: US Elections 2024: Security On High Alert Ahead Of The US Presidential Election If Trump wins, the sentencing can still proceed, however, Judge Merchan's decision can be influenced by the new circumstances, said Boston College law professor Jeffrey Cohen while speaking to ABC News. The judge can pronounce a lighter sentence, like a day of probation or delay the sentence till Trump leaves office. "A sitting president wouldn't be forced to be incarcerated while they're serving their presidency, and so he could theoretically serve it once he's out of office," Cohen said. Meanwhile, Trump will be able to grant himself a presidential pardon in all federal cases if he wins the election, however, that won't be the same with state cases. (With inputs from agencies)

What will happen to Trump's criminal cases as he wins US presidential election?

Vice President Kamala Harris closed her 2024 campaign in Philadelphia, confidently declaring she is ready to be the next President of the United States. Addressing a passionate crowd, Harris emphasized her vision for an inclusive America, with promises to tackle climate change, expand healthcare, and strengthen the economy. The rally marked a pivotal moment in her bid for the presidency, as she rallied support for a future built on unity and progress. "Together, we can create a better tomorrow," Harris told her supporters, making clear her readiness to lead the nation forward.

US Elections 2024: Kamala Harris Ready To Be Next 'President', Closes Campaign In Philadelphia

Kithure Kindiki has been sworn in as Kenya's new Deputy President, marking a significant milestone in the country’s political landscape. His appointment comes at a time of important national challenges, and Kindiki is expected to play a key role in the administration's efforts to address pressing issues and foster development across the nation.

Kenya: Kithure Kindiki Sworn In As New Deputy President

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has revealed the existence of a death squad during his tenure as mayor of the city. However he has denied responsibility for the thousands of killings associated with his Presidency. Watch in for more details!

Philippines ex-President Rodrigo Duterte Confirms Existence Of 'Death Squad'

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