Nigeria's Maiduguri is the grip of fear and confusion after 200 prisoners escaped a prison facility ravaged by massive flooding. Among those who escaped are commanders of the terrorist group Boko Haram who were directly responsible for deadly violence in the country's northeast.

Nigeria floods: Animals escape after water destroys zoo

Nigeria floods: Over 1 million affected by severe floods

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, disclosed that some Boko Haram commanders held at the Maiduguri New Prison were among those who escaped. Not fewer than 200 inmates have escaped after a devastating flood pulled down a prison wall in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

Nigeria floods: Jail break after wall collapses due to floods

The Israeli organization arguing in court for the military prison's closure, the Association for Civil Rights in Israel, had alleged that detainees at the facility are punished with severe violence, including with attack dogs and sexual assault; made to sit on the ground blindfolded and handcuffed 24 hours a day.

Violence, sexual assault in Israeli prisons; right-wing Israeli groups protest

Iran carried out a mass execution of at least 29 people on Wednesday morning in two prisons located near the capital, Tehran, as the world was busy following news of a possible attack on Israel.

Iran hangs 29 convicts in a single day; biggest group execution in one prison

The Democratic Republic of Congo released 420 prisoners from its largest and most overcrowded prison, after images of dire conditions posted to social media by a recently freed journalist sparked widespread outcry. However human rights advocates are denouncing the government's knee jerk reaction, as too little too late and a lot of reforms need to be done in the prison system of the country.

Images of emaciated prisoners in the DR Congo goes viral

In South Africa the police raided Johannesburg's main prison amidst warnings of a new crackdown on Prisoners. The authorities say that contraband items including knives and smartphones have been seized. Watch in for more details!

Johannesburg main prison raided: Nexus between prison officials and inmates under scanner

In South Africa the police raided Johannesburg's main prison amidst warnings of a new crackdown on prisoners. The authorities say that contraband items including knives and smartphones have been seized. Watch in for more details!

A Canadian serial killer, convicted in 2007 of murdering six women after taking them to a pig farm during a crime spree near the city of Vancouver back in the late 1990s and early 2000s, was killed after being attacked by another inmate in a maximum-security prison, authorities said on Friday (May 31).&nbsp;

<h2>About his death&nbsp;</h2>

In a statement on Friday, the Correctional Service of Canada said that Pickton, who was an inmate of Port-Cartier Institution in the Canadian province of Quebec, succumbed to his injuries in the hospital after being assaulted by another prisoner on May 19.&nbsp;

Pickton, 74, a former pig farmer from western Canada, was one of the country’s most notorious killers. Although he was convicted and sentenced for six murders, he was suspected of killing dozens of women.&nbsp;

“We are mindful that this offender’s case has had a devastating impact on communities in British Columbia and across the country,” said the Correctional Service of Canada.

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Earlier this month, police spokesperson Hugues Beaulieu said that a 51-year-old inmate was in custody for the assault on Pickton.&nbsp;

<h2>Pickton’s case</h2>

In 2007, Pickton was convicted of six counts of second-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison for killing drug addicts and sex workers and butchering their remains at his pig farm. &nbsp;

He was convicted of killing six women – Sereena Abotsway, Mona Wilson, Andrea Joesbury, Brenda Ann Wolfe, Papin and Marnie Frey – whose partial remains were found on his ramshackle property near Vancouver’s suburb of Port Coquitlam.&nbsp;

While Pickton was charged with the murders of 26 women, the government prosecutors later dropped charges for an additional 20 murders after he was sentenced to life in prison.

The victims were among the 60 women who disappeared from Vancouver’s seediest, drug-infested Downtown Eastside neighbourhood over more than a decade until Pickton’s arrest in 2002.&nbsp;

The remains or DNA of 33 women were found on Pickton’s pig farm. He once also bragged about killing a total of 49 women to an undercover police officer.&nbsp;

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During his trial, prosecution witness Andrew Bellwood said Pickton told him how he strangled his victims and fed their remains to his pigs, as per the Associated Press.

The testimony prompted health officials to issue a tainted meat advisory to neighbours who might have bought pork from Pickton’s farm amid concerns that the meat might have contained human remains.

“This is gonna bring healing for, I won’t say all families, I’ll just say most of the families,” said&nbsp;Cynthia Cardinal, whose sister Georgina Papin was murdered by Pickton.&nbsp;

She added,&nbsp;“I’m like -&nbsp;wow, finally. I can actually move on and heal and I can put this behind me.”

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

A Canadian serial killer, convicted in 2007 of murdering six women after taking them to a pig farm during a crime spree near the city of Vancouver back in the late 1990s and early 2000s, was killed after being attacked by another inmate in a maximum-security prison, authorities said on Friday (May 31).

A Canadian serial killer, convicted in 2007 of murdering six women after taking them to a pig farm during a crime spree near the city of Vancouver back in the late 1990s and early 2000s, was killed after being attacked by another inmate in a maximum-security prison, authorities said on Friday (May 31). About his death In a statement on Friday, the Correctional Service of Canada said that Pickton, who was an inmate of Port-Cartier Institution in the Canadian province of Quebec, succumbed to his injuries in the hospital after being assaulted by another prisoner on May 19. Pickton, 74, a former pig farmer from western Canada, was one of the country’s most notorious killers. Although he was convicted and sentenced for six murders, he was suspected of killing dozens of women. “We are mindful that this offender’s case has had a devastating impact on communities in British Columbia and across the country,” said the Correctional Service of Canada. Also Read | British ambassador to Mexico fired after pointing assault rifle at embassy employee: Reports Earlier this month, police spokesperson Hugues Beaulieu said that a 51-year-old inmate was in custody for the assault on Pickton. Pickton’s case In 2007, Pickton was convicted of six counts of second-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison for killing drug addicts and sex workers and butchering their remains at his pig farm. He was convicted of killing six women – Sereena Abotsway, Mona Wilson, Andrea Joesbury, Brenda Ann Wolfe, Papin and Marnie Frey – whose partial remains were found on his ramshackle property near Vancouver’s suburb of Port Coquitlam. While Pickton was charged with the murders of 26 women, the government prosecutors later dropped charges for an additional 20 murders after he was sentenced to life in prison. The victims were among the 60 women who disappeared from Vancouver’s seediest, drug-infested Downtown Eastside neighbourhood over more than a decade until Pickton’s arrest in 2002. The remains or DNA of 33 women were found on Pickton’s pig farm. He once also bragged about killing a total of 49 women to an undercover police officer. Also Read | Houthis claim to launch missile attack on US aircraft carrier in Red Sea During his trial, prosecution witness Andrew Bellwood said Pickton told him how he strangled his victims and fed their remains to his pigs, as per the Associated Press. The testimony prompted health officials to issue a tainted meat advisory to neighbours who might have bought pork from Pickton’s farm amid concerns that the meat might have contained human remains. “This is gonna bring healing for, I won’t say all families, I’ll just say most of the families,” said Cynthia Cardinal, whose sister Georgina Papin was murdered by Pickton. She added, “I’m like - wow, finally. I can actually move on and heal and I can put this behind me.” (With inputs from agencies)

Robert Pickton, Canadian serial killer who fed his victims to pigs, dies after prison attack

UK: A watchdog has warned that the prison system is "creaking at every level" as government prepare to commute certain offenders' sentences by up to 70 days to relieve overcrowding. Watch to know more.

Where will UK send its culprit as prisons become full

Iran's acclaimed filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof announced that he had fled from his country to Europe after he was given a prison sentence by a court on national security charges.

In an Instagram post, Rasoulof criticised the Iranian government and called it a tyrannical and oppressive regime. He also shared a video which showed him crossing the mountainous border of the country.

“If geographical Iran suffers beneath the boots of your religious tyranny, cultural Iran is alive in the common minds of millions of Iranians who were forced to leave Iran due to your brutality and no power can impose its will on it. From today, I am a resident of cultural Iran,” Rasoulof said.

In another statement on May 12, Rasoulof stated that he would be escaping from Iran after his lawyers informed him about his prison sentence getting implemented on short notice.

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“I had to choose between prison and leaving Iran. With a heavy heart, I chose exile,” the filmmaker said in that statement, which was released by a spokesperson.

<h2>Why was Rasoulof given a prison sentence?</h2>

The lawyers of Rasoulof last week, informed The Associated Press that the director was given&nbsp;an&nbsp;eight-year prison sentence, and orders had been given for the confiscation of his property by the Islamic Republic, as well as for&nbsp;flogging.

Rasoulof's attorney Babak Paknia said that the filmmaker was given a sentence for signing statements and making films.

A letter was co-signed by Rasoulof and other artists appealing to authorities to put down their weapons as protests continued over a building's collapse in 2022 which killed at least 29 people in the&nbsp;southwestern city of Abadan.

Watch:&nbsp;India, Iran set to ink 10-year Chabahar port deal

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-iran-set-to-ink-10-year-chabahar-port-deal-720972/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

His latest film "The Seed of the Sacred Fig" is set for a release and will premiere in Cannes on May 24.

"Knowing that the news of my new film would be revealed very soon, I knew that without a doubt, a new sentence would be added to these eight years," Rasoulof said.

"I didn’t have much time to make a decision. I had to choose between prison and leaving Iran. With a heavy heart, I chose exile. The Islamic Republic confiscated my passport in September 2017. Therefore, I had to leave Iran secretly," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Iran's acclaimed filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof announced that he had fled from his country to Europe after he was given a prison sentence by a court on national security charges.

Iran's acclaimed filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof announced that he had fled from his country to Europe after he was given a prison sentence by a court on national security charges. In an Instagram post, Rasoulof criticised the Iranian government and called it a tyrannical and oppressive regime. He also shared a video which showed him crossing the mountainous border of the country. “If geographical Iran suffers beneath the boots of your religious tyranny, cultural Iran is alive in the common minds of millions of Iranians who were forced to leave Iran due to your brutality and no power can impose its will on it. From today, I am a resident of cultural Iran,” Rasoulof said. In another statement on May 12, Rasoulof stated that he would be escaping from Iran after his lawyers informed him about his prison sentence getting implemented on short notice. Also Read: 'Risk of sanctions,' US cries foul as India, Iran ink 10-year agreement over Chabahar port “I had to choose between prison and leaving Iran. With a heavy heart, I chose exile,” the filmmaker said in that statement, which was released by a spokesperson. Why was Rasoulof given a prison sentence? The lawyers of Rasoulof last week, informed The Associated Press that the director was given an eight-year prison sentence, and orders had been given for the confiscation of his property by the Islamic Republic, as well as for flogging. Rasoulof's attorney Babak Paknia said that the filmmaker was given a sentence for signing statements and making films. A letter was co-signed by Rasoulof and other artists appealing to authorities to put down their weapons as protests continued over a building's collapse in 2022 which killed at least 29 people in the southwestern city of Abadan. Watch: India, Iran set to ink 10-year Chabahar port deal His latest film "The Seed of the Sacred Fig" is set for a release and will premiere in Cannes on May 24. "Knowing that the news of my new film would be revealed very soon, I knew that without a doubt, a new sentence would be added to these eight years," Rasoulof said. "I didn’t have much time to make a decision. I had to choose between prison and leaving Iran. With a heavy heart, I chose exile. The Islamic Republic confiscated my passport in September 2017. Therefore, I had to leave Iran secretly," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran's acclaimed filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof flees country to avoid prison and flogging sentence

A man in Idaho, United States was sentenced to 30 years of prison after he was found guilty of purposely trying to spread HIV to dozens of victims. Thirty-four-year-old Alexander Louie accepted that he had sexual intercourse with 30 to 50 different men and boys, which included a 16-year-old, and that he never informed his partners that he was HIV positive and could infect them with the disease, said the Ada County Prosecutor's office, in a news statement.

A man in Idaho, United States was sentenced to 30 years of prison after he was found guilty of purposely trying to spread HIV to dozens of victims. Thirty-four-year-old Alexander Louie accepted that he had sexual intercourse with 30 to 50 different men and boys, which included a 16-year-old, and that he never informed his partners that he was HIV positive and could infect them with the disease, said the Ada County Prosecutor's office, in a news statement. The Ada County Prosecutor’s Office accused the man of "purposely having sexual contact with both men and teenage boys in hopes to transfer HIV to them." Also Read: Former Binance crypto chief gets four months in prison after pleading guilty to money laundering "He lied to these victims about his HIV status. Through the defendant’s own admissions, he had sexual intercourse with 30-50 different men and boys, including a 16-year-old," it added. How detectives got hold of Idaho man? According to the statement, the detectives started investigating Louie in August 2023 with an undercover detective interacting with him online. Louie believed that he was speaking with a 15-year-old boy, read the statement. After the two men interacted on the online platform, they agreed to meet in Boise where Louie was living. The man then sent the detective "teen boy" naked photos through chats and said that their encounter would be videotaped by him, as stated by the authorities in a press release. Law enforcement arrested Louie on charges of child enticement in September 2023, when he reached the designated spot. The police claimed to have found in every investigation that Louie was not taking his HIV medication. He informed the authorities he lied about his HIV status to his partners and then purposely had "sexual contact with both men and teenage boys in hopes to transfer HIV to them." Watch: Binance founder sentenced to four months prison As per the Idaho Statesman, Louie pled guilty to one count each of enticement of a child through the internet, sexual battery of a minor and transferring body fluids. On May 3, Ada County District Judge Derrick O'Neill told Louie that his "conduct would be the Webster's definition of a predator". Louie was sentenced to 30 years in prison, however, he will become eligible for parole after spending 16 years in prison, said the prosecutor's office. "This defendant's repeated and egregious offences negatively impacted many people in our community," said Ada County Prosecutor Jan Bennetts. (With inputs from agencies)

Idaho man had sex with nearly 50 males purposely to infect them with HIV

Iraqi authorities have executed at least 11 people convicted of "terrorism" this week, security and health sources said Wednesday, with rights group Amnesty International condemning an "alarming lack of transparency".

Under Iraqi law, terrorism and murder offences are punishable by death, and execution decrees must be signed by the president.

A security source in Iraq's southern Dhi Qar province told AFP that 11 "terrorists from the Islamic State group" were executed by hanging at a prison in the city of Nasiriyah, "under the supervision of a justice ministry team".

A local medical source confirmed that the health department had received the bodies of 11 executed people.

They were hanged on Monday "under Article 4 of the anti-terrorism law", the source added, requesting anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue.

All 11 were from Salahaddin province and the bodies of seven had been returned to their families, the medical official said.

Iraqi courts have handed down hundreds of death and life sentences&nbsp;in recent years for people convicted of membership in "a terrorist group", an offence that carries the death penalty regardless of whether the defendant had been an active fighter.

Iraq has been criticised for trials denounced by rights groups as hasty, with confessions sometimes said to have been obtained under torture.

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Amnesty in a statement on Wednesday condemned the latest hangings for "overly broad and vague terrorism charges".

It said a total of 13 men were executed on Monday, including 11 who had been "convicted on the basis of their affiliation to the so-called Islamic State armed group".

The two others, arrested in 2008, "were convicted of terrorism-related offences under the Penal Code after a grossly unfair trial", Amnesty said citing their lawyer.

The Britain-based rights group denounced "a disturbing lack of transparency regarding executions in Iraq in recent months".

"The Iraqi government must immediately establish an official moratorium on executions and work towards abolishing the death penalty entirely," said Razaw Salihy, Iraq researcher at Amnesty.

In late January, UN experts looking into capital punishment in Iraq expressed their "deep concern at reports that Iraq has begun mass executions in its prison system".

Watch:&nbsp;Iran President Ebrahim Raisi arrives in Sri Lanka, to sign five MoUs

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The independent experts, who are appointed by the UN Human Rights Council but do not speak on its behalf, mentioned in their statement executions carried out late last year in the same Nasiriyah prison.

The statement said that "13 male Iraqi prisoners -- previously sentenced to death –- were executed on 25 December 2023", calling it "the largest number of convicted prisoners reportedly executed by the Iraqi authorities in one day" since November 16, 2020, when 20 were executed.

The IS group overran large swathes of Iraq and neighbouring Syria in 2014, proclaiming its "caliphate" and launching a reign of terror.

It was defeated in Iraq in 2017 by Iraqi forces backed by a US-led military coalition, and in 2019 lost the last territory&nbsp;it held in Syria to US-backed Kurdish forces.

But its remnants continue to carry out deadly hit-and-run attacks and ambushes, particularly from remote areas and desert hideouts.

Iraqi authorities have executed at least 11 people convicted of "terrorism" this week, security and health sources said Wednesday, with rights group Amnesty International condemning an "alarming lack of transparency".

Iraqi authorities have executed at least 11 people convicted of "terrorism" this week, security and health sources said Wednesday, with rights group Amnesty International condemning an "alarming lack of transparency". Under Iraqi law, terrorism and murder offences are punishable by death, and execution decrees must be signed by the president. A security source in Iraq's southern Dhi Qar province told AFP that 11 "terrorists from the Islamic State group" were executed by hanging at a prison in the city of Nasiriyah, "under the supervision of a justice ministry team". A local medical source confirmed that the health department had received the bodies of 11 executed people. They were hanged on Monday "under Article 4 of the anti-terrorism law", the source added, requesting anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue. All 11 were from Salahaddin province and the bodies of seven had been returned to their families, the medical official said. Iraqi courts have handed down hundreds of death and life sentences in recent years for people convicted of membership in "a terrorist group", an offence that carries the death penalty regardless of whether the defendant had been an active fighter. Iraq has been criticised for trials denounced by rights groups as hasty, with confessions sometimes said to have been obtained under torture. Also Read: Biden's Iran oil sanctions likely to spare global market from major disruption Amnesty in a statement on Wednesday condemned the latest hangings for "overly broad and vague terrorism charges". It said a total of 13 men were executed on Monday, including 11 who had been "convicted on the basis of their affiliation to the so-called Islamic State armed group". The two others, arrested in 2008, "were convicted of terrorism-related offences under the Penal Code after a grossly unfair trial", Amnesty said citing their lawyer. The Britain-based rights group denounced "a disturbing lack of transparency regarding executions in Iraq in recent months". "The Iraqi government must immediately establish an official moratorium on executions and work towards abolishing the death penalty entirely," said Razaw Salihy, Iraq researcher at Amnesty. In late January, UN experts looking into capital punishment in Iraq expressed their "deep concern at reports that Iraq has begun mass executions in its prison system". Watch: Iran President Ebrahim Raisi arrives in Sri Lanka, to sign five MoUs The independent experts, who are appointed by the UN Human Rights Council but do not speak on its behalf, mentioned in their statement executions carried out late last year in the same Nasiriyah prison. The statement said that "13 male Iraqi prisoners -- previously sentenced to death –- were executed on 25 December 2023", calling it "the largest number of convicted prisoners reportedly executed by the Iraqi authorities in one day" since November 16, 2020, when 20 were executed. The IS group overran large swathes of Iraq and neighbouring Syria in 2014, proclaiming its "caliphate" and launching a reign of terror. It was defeated in Iraq in 2017 by Iraqi forces backed by a US-led military coalition, and in 2019 lost the last territory it held in Syria to US-backed Kurdish forces. But its remnants continue to carry out deadly hit-and-run attacks and ambushes, particularly from remote areas and desert hideouts.

Iraq hangs 11 convicted of 'terrorism' in a week, confirms security and health sources

State and federal prisons emerged as hotbeds for the COVID-19 virus in the wake of its outbreak in the US as there was a heightened risk faced by incarcerated individuals. Research&nbsp;from the University of California, Irvine, and Brigham and Women’s Hospital highlighted the staggering toll and revealed that at the pandemic's zenith in 2020, those inside prisons were nearly three-and-a-half times more likely to have died from the virus compared to the general population outside.&nbsp;

The study, drawn&nbsp;from state prison systems and the Federal Bureau of Prisons, documented over 6,000 deaths among incarcerated individuals in the first year of the pandemic. The analysis illustrated a stark increase of at least 50 percent in the overall prison mortality rate, with potentially over 75 per cent spike.&nbsp;

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The impact was particularly severe on older prisoners, with death rates among those aged 50 and above soaring. Lead author of the study, Naomi Sugie, pointed out this disparity and noted how older inmates faced greater risks.

The data revealed that there was a reduction in prison admissions even when there was no increase in releases. This reduction inadvertently shielded younger individuals from COVID-19 exposure, as incarcerated populations tend to be older.

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Governors, vested with the power to release prisoners, hesitated to take decisive action, with concerns over potential backlash over decision-making. Only a handful of parole boards saw notable increases in releases, with Iowa standing out for more releases.

Mitigation efforts varied widely across states, with some implementing aggressive testing and lockdown measures, while others lagged behind and resorted to calling in external support as deaths surged. Illinois, for instance, struggled to swiftly implement protective measures amid escalating fatalities.

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Speaking over the Bureau of Justice Statistics that has yet to publish the&nbsp;mortality data,&nbsp;Sugie, the study’s author said, “this is really both to have an accounting of what happened... but also, really importantly, to learn from what happened, so we don’t do this again in the future when we have another pandemic, another crisis.”

(With inputs from agencies)

State and federal prisons emerged as hotbeds for the COVID-19 virus in the wake of its outbreak in the US as there was a heightened risk faced by incarcerated individuals.

State and federal prisons emerged as hotbeds for the COVID-19 virus in the wake of its outbreak in the US as there was a heightened risk faced by incarcerated individuals. Research from the University of California, Irvine, and Brigham and Women’s Hospital highlighted the staggering toll and revealed that at the pandemic's zenith in 2020, those inside prisons were nearly three-and-a-half times more likely to have died from the virus compared to the general population outside. The study, drawn from state prison systems and the Federal Bureau of Prisons, documented over 6,000 deaths among incarcerated individuals in the first year of the pandemic. The analysis illustrated a stark increase of at least 50 percent in the overall prison mortality rate, with potentially over 75 per cent spike. WATCH | Biden mixes up Rafah with Israeli city Haifa, says 'don’t move...' The impact was particularly severe on older prisoners, with death rates among those aged 50 and above soaring. Lead author of the study, Naomi Sugie, pointed out this disparity and noted how older inmates faced greater risks. The data revealed that there was a reduction in prison admissions even when there was no increase in releases. This reduction inadvertently shielded younger individuals from COVID-19 exposure, as incarcerated populations tend to be older. Also Read | Iran escalates hijab crackdown, victims speak out against morality police abuse Governors, vested with the power to release prisoners, hesitated to take decisive action, with concerns over potential backlash over decision-making. Only a handful of parole boards saw notable increases in releases, with Iowa standing out for more releases. Mitigation efforts varied widely across states, with some implementing aggressive testing and lockdown measures, while others lagged behind and resorted to calling in external support as deaths surged. Illinois, for instance, struggled to swiftly implement protective measures amid escalating fatalities. Watch | NASA chief raises alarm over increasing Chinese military presence in space × Speaking over the Bureau of Justice Statistics that has yet to publish the mortality data, Sugie, the study’s author said, “this is really both to have an accounting of what happened... but also, really importantly, to learn from what happened, so we don’t do this again in the future when we have another pandemic, another crisis.” (With inputs from agencies)

US prisons were Covid hotbeds, inmates died nearly 3.5 times more than those outside

India on Thursday launched 'Operation Indravati' to evacuate its citizens stranded in war-torn Haiti amid the intense fighting between the armed groups and the government, external affairs minister S Jaishankar said.

‘Operation Indravati’ to evacuate stranded Indians in Haiti launched

Jimmy Cherizier, the elite police officer-turned-gang leader known as “Barbecue,” has risen through Haiti’s political vacuum to become one of the country’s most powerful men...the island country is in chaos due to the recent developments. Watch to know more!

Haiti Gang Violence Escalates: Healthcare ransacked, doctors murdered

Jimmy Cherizier, the elite police officer-turned-gang leader known as “Barbecue,” has risen through Haiti’s political vacuum to become one of the country’s most powerful men.

Haiti Gang Violence Escalates: Hunt on for gang leader 'Barbecue'

Haiti’s state of emergency, with gangs threatening civil war, widespread violence and no elected officials, the country faces an unprecedented crisis. Watch to know more!

Haiti Gang Violence Escalates: Gun battles rage in Haiti as gangs push for PM`s ouster

A Russian student was imprisoned for 10 days in Moscow after he used a pro-Kyiv slogan as the name of his wi-fi network.

The network was named by the Moscow State University student as "Slava Ukraini!" which means "Glory to Ukraine!".

He was found guilty by a Moscow court of displaying "symbols of extremist organisations" on Thursday (Mar 7).

Since the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine war, thousands of people have been given prison sentences or imposed fines for either supporting Ukraine or criticising Russia's invasion.&nbsp;

The police arrested the student on Wednesday morning (Mar 7) in Moscow after a police officer had reported the name of the network to the authorities.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-abandoned-use-of-nuclear-weapon-in-ukraine-after-intervention-from-india-china-report-698455">India's intervention made Putin abandon use of nuclear weapon in Ukraine: Report</a>

As per the court documents, his room - which was inside the university's student accommodation - was inspected by the police officers after which they found his personal computer and a wi-fi router.

According to the court, he had used the network to "promote the slogan 'Slava Ukraini!' to an unlimited number of users within wi-fi range." The police confiscated the router.

The supporters of Ukraine have been using "Slava Ukraini" as a rallying cry and are regularly chanted in protests against the full-scale invasion of Russia which was launched on&nbsp;February 24,&nbsp;2022.

<h2>Court finds student guilty of 'public demonstration of Nazi symbolism'&nbsp;</h2>

The court also found the student guilty of "public demonstration of Nazi symbolism... or symbols of extremist organisations".&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin has always claimed that a "neo-Nazi regime" is present in Ukraine and has used this excuse to justify his invasion.

The student has joined the long list of Russian citizens who have faced punishment for making comments or carrying out some action opposing the war.&nbsp;

Watch: Russia-Ukraine war: Poland says, 'presence of NATO troops in Ukraine 'not unthinkable'

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In February, hundreds of people were detained in Russia after they laid flowers in memory of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who died in suspicious circumstances while staying in an Arctic Circle prison.

In Russia, the conflict is not allowed to be called a "war" and should be referred to as a "special military operation".

As per Amnesty International, more than 21,000 people last year were targeted by "repressive laws" of Russia which were used to "crack down on anti-war activists".

The human rights group claimed that "deeply unfair trials" were used to "dish out prison sentences and hefty fines to silence critics in response to the slightest dissent."

(With inputs from agencies)

A Russian student was imprisoned for 10 days in Moscow after he used a pro-Kyiv slogan as the name of his wi-fi network. The network was named by the Moscow State University student as "Slava Ukraini!

A Russian student was imprisoned for 10 days in Moscow after he used a pro-Kyiv slogan as the name of his wi-fi network. The network was named by the Moscow State University student as "Slava Ukraini!" which means "Glory to Ukraine!". He was found guilty by a Moscow court of displaying "symbols of extremist organisations" on Thursday (Mar 7). Since the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine war, thousands of people have been given prison sentences or imposed fines for either supporting Ukraine or criticising Russia's invasion. The police arrested the student on Wednesday morning (Mar 7) in Moscow after a police officer had reported the name of the network to the authorities. Also Read: India's intervention made Putin abandon use of nuclear weapon in Ukraine: Report As per the court documents, his room - which was inside the university's student accommodation - was inspected by the police officers after which they found his personal computer and a wi-fi router. According to the court, he had used the network to "promote the slogan 'Slava Ukraini!' to an unlimited number of users within wi-fi range." The police confiscated the router. The supporters of Ukraine have been using "Slava Ukraini" as a rallying cry and are regularly chanted in protests against the full-scale invasion of Russia which was launched on February 24, 2022. Court finds student guilty of 'public demonstration of Nazi symbolism' The court also found the student guilty of "public demonstration of Nazi symbolism... or symbols of extremist organisations". Russian President Vladimir Putin has always claimed that a "neo-Nazi regime" is present in Ukraine and has used this excuse to justify his invasion. The student has joined the long list of Russian citizens who have faced punishment for making comments or carrying out some action opposing the war. Watch: Russia-Ukraine war: Poland says, 'presence of NATO troops in Ukraine 'not unthinkable' In February, hundreds of people were detained in Russia after they laid flowers in memory of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who died in suspicious circumstances while staying in an Arctic Circle prison. In Russia, the conflict is not allowed to be called a "war" and should be referred to as a "special military operation". As per Amnesty International, more than 21,000 people last year were targeted by "repressive laws" of Russia which were used to "crack down on anti-war activists". The human rights group claimed that "deeply unfair trials" were used to "dish out prison sentences and hefty fines to silence critics in response to the slightest dissent." (With inputs from agencies)

Russia jails student for 10 days over pro-Ukraine wi-fi name

At least a dozen people died as gang members attacked the main prison in Haiti's capital, triggering a breakout by several thousand inmates.

Haiti Violence:  Armed forces attack region's largest prison

Haiti Violence: State of emergency in Haiti as gang leader seeks to oust PM and prisoners escape

Two Afghan detainees who spent over 14 years in US custody at the Guantanamo Bay Detention Center have been released from house arrest in Oman. The Taliban has said that Abdul Zahir Saber and Abdul Karim have been released due to efforts by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.

Taliban: 2 Afghans detained at notorious US prison released

The Kremlin's jailed critic Alexei Navalny, who has earlier complained about being assaulted, deprived of proper medical care and poisoned, has now claimed that he is being subjected to a very different and rarely heard kind of torture.&nbsp;

The imprisoned Putin critic said that he is now forced to listen to a pro-Putin pop sing as part of the morning ritual at 5 am. &nbsp;

47-year-old Navalny, who was formerly a lawyer, came to prominence nearly a decade ago by criticising Russian President Vladimir Putin and raising his voice against vast corruption. He has now been kept in a prison about 60 km (40 miles) north of the Arctic Circle.

<h2>Navalny's erratic morning regime of national anthem, pop songs</h2>

The critic, who has been sentenced to prison, till he turns 74, said that his morning regime includes listening to the Russian national anthem as well as the patriotic song “I am Russian", which has been sung by a pro-Putin singer called “Shaman“.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-25-killed-20-injured-after-ukraine-shells-russian-controlled-city-of-donetsk-682073">At least 27 killed after Ukraine shells Russian-controlled Donetsk; Moscow calls it ‘barbaric terrorist act’</a>

Shaman, whose actual name is Yaroslav Dronov, has created a wave of war-fuelled patriotism and turned into a staple on state TV. He is also among the celebrities who are officially supporting Putin ahead again for the presidency in March.&nbsp;

Taking to X, Navalny said, “The singer Shaman came to prominence when I was already in prison so I could neither see him nor listen to his music. But I knew he had become Putin’s main singer. And that his main song was ‘I am Russian’."

Watch:&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war: Russia locks horn with Ukraine and US at UNSC meet

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-russia-locks-horn-with-ukraine-and-us-at-unsc-meet-682655/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

“Of course, I was curious to hear it, but where could I listen to it in prison? And then they brought me to Yamal [the location of his Arctic prison]. And here, every day at 5 o’clock in the morning, we hear the command: ‘Get up!’ followed by the Russian national anthem and then immediately afterwards, the country’s second most important song is played – ‘I am Russian’ by Shaman," he added.&nbsp;

Navalny said that the irony was it was highlighted by the state authorities that an ultra-nationalist pop song was played for educational purposes while he carried out morning prison exercises.

“To be honest, I’m still not sure that I correctly understand what post-irony and meta-irony are. But if that’s not it, what is it?” quipped Putin's critic.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Kremlin's jailed critic Alexei Navalny, who has earlier complained about being assaulted, deprived of proper medical care and poisoned, has now claimed that he is being subjected to a very different and rarely heard kind of torture.

The Kremlin's jailed critic Alexei Navalny, who has earlier complained about being assaulted, deprived of proper medical care and poisoned, has now claimed that he is being subjected to a very different and rarely heard kind of torture. The imprisoned Putin critic said that he is now forced to listen to a pro-Putin pop sing as part of the morning ritual at 5 am. 47-year-old Navalny, who was formerly a lawyer, came to prominence nearly a decade ago by criticising Russian President Vladimir Putin and raising his voice against vast corruption. He has now been kept in a prison about 60 km (40 miles) north of the Arctic Circle. Navalny's erratic morning regime of national anthem, pop songs The critic, who has been sentenced to prison, till he turns 74, said that his morning regime includes listening to the Russian national anthem as well as the patriotic song “I am Russian", which has been sung by a pro-Putin singer called “Shaman“. Also read: At least 27 killed after Ukraine shells Russian-controlled Donetsk; Moscow calls it ‘barbaric terrorist act’ Shaman, whose actual name is Yaroslav Dronov, has created a wave of war-fuelled patriotism and turned into a staple on state TV. He is also among the celebrities who are officially supporting Putin ahead again for the presidency in March. Taking to X, Navalny said, “The singer Shaman came to prominence when I was already in prison so I could neither see him nor listen to his music. But I knew he had become Putin’s main singer. And that his main song was ‘I am Russian’." Watch: Russia-Ukraine war: Russia locks horn with Ukraine and US at UNSC meet “Of course, I was curious to hear it, but where could I listen to it in prison? And then they brought me to Yamal [the location of his Arctic prison]. And here, every day at 5 o’clock in the morning, we hear the command: ‘Get up!’ followed by the Russian national anthem and then immediately afterwards, the country’s second most important song is played – ‘I am Russian’ by Shaman," he added. Navalny said that the irony was it was highlighted by the state authorities that an ultra-nationalist pop song was played for educational purposes while he carried out morning prison exercises. “To be honest, I’m still not sure that I correctly understand what post-irony and meta-irony are. But if that’s not it, what is it?” quipped Putin's critic. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin's new torture trick? Jailed Alexei Navalny claims he is made to hear pro-Putin song every day

A woman who has been in a Florida county jail since 2022 got pregnant, provoking an investigation. Her sister and attorney have demanded answers from corrections officials.

A woman who has been in a Florida county jail since 2022 got pregnant, provoking an investigation. Her sister and attorney have demanded answers from corrections officials. On Christmas, Daisy Link, 28, called her family to inform them that she was almost four months pregnant, NBC News reported. Link's sister, Crystal Barreto, said, "I could not find words. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Right away, I was concerned about Daisy and her safety." Link, who is currently at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in Miami-Dade County on the charge of second-degree murder, has not gone to trial yet. She is also charged with battery by a detainee on a visitor or other detainee. Daisy Link's criminal defence attorney, Marlene Montaner, clarified that the second-degree murder was the result of a domestic violence incident. According to Montaner, Link fired a single gunshot while attempting to protect herself from an abusive partner. Her sister and her attorney have been pushing to get her discharged on house arrest, especially now that she is pregnant. However, both have no clue how she got pregnant in the first place. Barreto said her sister had not informed her of what happened. ALSO READ | Miracle! Woman in her 90s pulled out of debris five days after Japan 7.6 earthquake "My sister, when she was able to call us here and there, was trying to tell us pieces of the story, but is very scared to say anything over the phone because her calls are being recorded," Barreto said. "The allegations right now are that it's another inmate's," said Montaner. However, the county jail has separate floors for male and female inmates. Montaner also called the reports by other media outlets "implausible" as they suggested the pregnancy might have been the result of a male inmate passing semen through an air conditioning vent. She has raised questions about the corrections officials, blaming them for Link's pregnancy. According to a spokesperson from Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation, another inmate told the officials that she suspected Link was pregnant. The officials confirmed the pregnancy after a thorough medical examination, and the matter is currently under investigation. They also confirmed that the pregnancy was not the result of sexual assault. "While there is no evidence of sexual battery against our inmate at this time, the circumstances surrounding the pregnancy are currently under active investigation," the spokesperson said. Barreto said Link tried telling officials about her pregnancy earlier, but they mocked her for it. "Nobody should come out pregnant in jail. This is really ridiculous," Barreto said, expressing concerns about her sister's safety. (With inputs from agencies)

Florida woman in prison since June 2022 gets pregnant, sparks investigation

Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe exercised his executive power by granting amnesty to more than 1,000 convicts, releasing them from prisons across the country in celebration of Christmas. This decision was communicated by a prisons official on Monday.

Among the 1,004 individuals released on Monday, a notable group consisted of Sri Lankans who had been incarcerated due to their inability to pay outstanding fines. Prison Commissioner Gamini Dissanayake provided details regarding this specific category of released prisoners.

<h2>Buddhist majority and previous pardons</h2>

Sri Lanka, where the majority of the population adheres to Buddhism, has a tradition of releasing prisoners on significant religious occasions. In May, a similar number of convicts were pardoned in honor of Vesak, a Buddhist holiday commemorating the Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/explained-did-sri-lankas-rajapaksa-orchestrate-easter-bombings-of-2019-for-return-to-power-673112">Also read |&nbsp;Explained | Did Sri Lanka's Rajapaksa orchestrate Easter bombings of 2019 for return to power?</a>

The recent amnesty occurred in the aftermath of a weeklong military-backed anti-narcotics operation. Approximately 15,000 individuals were arrested during this initiative, which was abruptly halted on Christmas Eve. The released statement from the police revealed that out of the total arrests, 13,666 were suspects, while nearly 1,100 addicts were detained for compulsory rehabilitation at a military-operated facility.

Also watch |&nbsp;Sri Lanka halts docking of foreign research ships amid Chinese spying concerns

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sri-lanka-halts-docking-of-foreign-research-ships-amid-chinese-spying-concerns-wion-671340/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

An ongoing challenge faced by Sri Lanka is the chronic overcrowding in its correctional facilities. Official data as of Friday indicated that these prisons, designed to accommodate 11,000 inmates, were currently holding nearly 30,000 people.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe exercised his executive power by granting amnesty to more than 1,000 convicts, releasing them from prisons across the country in celebration of Christmas.

Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe exercised his executive power by granting amnesty to more than 1,000 convicts, releasing them from prisons across the country in celebration of Christmas. This decision was communicated by a prisons official on Monday. Among the 1,004 individuals released on Monday, a notable group consisted of Sri Lankans who had been incarcerated due to their inability to pay outstanding fines. Prison Commissioner Gamini Dissanayake provided details regarding this specific category of released prisoners. Buddhist majority and previous pardons Sri Lanka, where the majority of the population adheres to Buddhism, has a tradition of releasing prisoners on significant religious occasions. In May, a similar number of convicts were pardoned in honor of Vesak, a Buddhist holiday commemorating the Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death. Also read | Explained | Did Sri Lanka's Rajapaksa orchestrate Easter bombings of 2019 for return to power? The recent amnesty occurred in the aftermath of a weeklong military-backed anti-narcotics operation. Approximately 15,000 individuals were arrested during this initiative, which was abruptly halted on Christmas Eve. The released statement from the police revealed that out of the total arrests, 13,666 were suspects, while nearly 1,100 addicts were detained for compulsory rehabilitation at a military-operated facility. Also watch | Sri Lanka halts docking of foreign research ships amid Chinese spying concerns An ongoing challenge faced by Sri Lanka is the chronic overcrowding in its correctional facilities. Official data as of Friday indicated that these prisons, designed to accommodate 11,000 inmates, were currently holding nearly 30,000 people. (With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lankan president frees 1,000 inmates to mark Christmas

Top U.S. officials will travel to Mexico to meet with Mexico's president and discuss a way to handle migrants at the border.

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A Pakistani immigrant couple has been sentenced to life in prison by an Italian court. The couple killed their 18-year-old daughter over her Western lifestyle choices. When will honour killing stop?

Gravitas | Pakistan's new export: Honour killing

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