US Prison highlights gross negligence. The study has found mortality rate soared to 77% during COVID-19 pandemic. The study used data from 49 states and federal departments of correction.

Study exposes disproportionate impact of COVID-19 crisisin US prisons

Derek Chauvin infamously known for murdering George Floyd was stabbed 22 times in the Arizona Prison by John Turscak. The ex-Mexican Mafia gang member has now been charged with attempted murder on the 24th of November. The attack was aimed at killing the ex-cop.

US: Ex-Mexican mafia member stabs George Floyd killer Derek Chauvin in prison

<p>A Russian court has sentenced a man to 10 days in jail for writing "No to war" on snow-covered turnstile outside a skating rink in Moscow, according to news agency <em>AFP</em>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The man identified as&nbsp;Dmitry Fedorov was caught by the police on November 23&nbsp;in the capital city's Gorky Park while using his fingers to trace the forbidden slogan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The message is believed to be considered an offence under a law targeting&nbsp;anyone deemed to have acted to discredit Russia’s armed forces.</p>

<p>Although Fedorov admitted in the court that he indeed wrote the anti-war slogan, he disputed the prosecutor's&nbsp;allegation that he disobeyed the police and allegedly refused to go to a police station.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The court documents noted that after the crime, police officers offered to take Fedorov in a vehicle to the&nbsp;Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs but he refused.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Apart from the prison sentence,&nbsp;Fedorov was also fined an undisclosed amount, according to local Russia media reports.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-russian-forces-advance-in-eastern-ukraine-664413"><strong>Watch | Russia-Ukraine war: Russian forces advance in eastern Ukraine</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Other instances</strong></h2>

<p>This is not the first instance when a person in Russia has been handed a prison sentence for such a puny reason. Earlier this month, an artist named&nbsp;Alexandra Skochilenko was handed a seven-year prison sentence after she&nbsp;swapped supermarket price tags with slogans criticising the offensive.</p>

<p>“Putin has been lying to us from television screens for 20 years: the result of these lies is our readiness to justify the war and the senseless deaths,” read one of the altered price tags.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The Russian army bombed an art school in Mariupol. Around 400 people were hiding inside,” read another.</p>

<p>The 76-year-old shopper who alerted the police about&nbsp;Skochilenko's actions defended her decision saying she was 'proud' of what she had done.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I am the ‘informer’. I’m proud of what I’ve done. Is it not a disgrace to see a crime and then just walk by? Did I send her to lay out these price tags? What do you want me to say, that she’s a good girl? Should she be forgiven?” she said in an interview.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-takes-steps-to-make-foreigners-sign-a-loyalty-agreement-664324"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Russia takes steps to make foreigners sign a 'loyalty agreement'</strong></a></p>

<section>
<p>It has been more than 21 months since Russia first invaded Ukraine. While the war has continued, there had been a crackdown on dissent that rights groups have equated to the days of mass repression under the Soviet Union.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The war has put considerable strain on the resources of Russia, forcing more and more commoners to agitate against the reckless spending of funds on the military.&nbsp;</p>
</section>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A Russian court has sentenced a man to 10 days in jail for writing "No to war" on snow-covered turnstile outside a skating rink in Moscow, according to news agency AFP.

A Russian court has sentenced a man to 10 days in jail for writing "No to war" on snow-covered turnstile outside a skating rink in Moscow, according to news agency AFP. The man identified as Dmitry Fedorov was caught by the police on November 23 in the capital city's Gorky Park while using his fingers to trace the forbidden slogan. The message is believed to be considered an offence under a law targeting anyone deemed to have acted to discredit Russia’s armed forces. Although Fedorov admitted in the court that he indeed wrote the anti-war slogan, he disputed the prosecutor's allegation that he disobeyed the police and allegedly refused to go to a police station. The court documents noted that after the crime, police officers offered to take Fedorov in a vehicle to the Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs but he refused. Apart from the prison sentence, Fedorov was also fined an undisclosed amount, according to local Russia media reports. Watch | Russia-Ukraine war: Russian forces advance in eastern Ukraine × Other instances This is not the first instance when a person in Russia has been handed a prison sentence for such a puny reason. Earlier this month, an artist named Alexandra Skochilenko was handed a seven-year prison sentence after she swapped supermarket price tags with slogans criticising the offensive. “Putin has been lying to us from television screens for 20 years: the result of these lies is our readiness to justify the war and the senseless deaths,” read one of the altered price tags. “The Russian army bombed an art school in Mariupol. Around 400 people were hiding inside,” read another. The 76-year-old shopper who alerted the police about Skochilenko's actions defended her decision saying she was 'proud' of what she had done. “I am the ‘informer’. I’m proud of what I’ve done. Is it not a disgrace to see a crime and then just walk by? Did I send her to lay out these price tags? What do you want me to say, that she’s a good girl? Should she be forgiven?” she said in an interview. Also read | Russia takes steps to make foreigners sign a 'loyalty agreement' It has been more than 21 months since Russia first invaded Ukraine. While the war has continued, there had been a crackdown on dissent that rights groups have equated to the days of mass repression under the Soviet Union. The war has put considerable strain on the resources of Russia, forcing more and more commoners to agitate against the reckless spending of funds on the military. (With inputs from agencies)

Man who wrote 'No to war' in snow, sentenced to 10 days in prison by Moscow court

Disgraced Paralympian Oscar Pistorius will be released from prison in the New Year after South Africa's Department of Correctional Services accepted his parole request. The athlete dubbed Blade Runner had been in jail since shooting his girlfriend on Valentine's Day back in 2013.

Oscar Pistorius set to be released in January after being sentenced to 13 years in prison | WION

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<p>A court in California sentenced a male nanny to over 700 years in prison for sexually assaulting 16 young boys he was babysitting, as per the office of Orange County District Attorney.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The court found 34-year-old Matthew Antonio Zakrzewski guilty of dozens of charges, including sexually assaulting boys between two and 12 years of age. He was also found guilty of exposing his 17th victim to child pornography to sexually assault him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Zakrzewski's heinous crimes did not stop there. He filmed several of his crimes against the young children.</p>

<p>The authorities initially charged him with three felony counts of lewd and lascivious conduct with a minor under 14, one felony count of oral copulation of a child under ten, and one felony count of child pornography. The district attorney's office reported that the crimes occurred between January 2014 and May 2019.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Laguna Beach police Department arrested Zakrzewski in May 2019 at a local airport after a couple filed a complaint against him for touching their eight-year-old son inappropriately.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ohio-woman-charged-after-her-toddler-accidently-fires-her-gun-at-walmart-660591">Ohio woman charged after her toddler accidentally fires her gun at Walmart</a></p>

<p>The investigators found more video evidence and tips against him during the probe.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Zakrzewski had a website where he called himself the "original sitter buddy."&nbsp;He also portrayed himself as a manny, providing multiple services like mentorships, big brother relationships, and overnight and vacationing babysitting.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the court, the parents of the young victims expressed their anger towards Zakrewski through victim impact statements, narrating how he tricked them into gaining access to their children.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A mother of a boy who fell victim to Zakrzewski's crimes described her pain in the court, saying&nbsp;she will never know how her little one should've turned out in the absence of the&nbsp;trauma of being sexually assaulted. The young boy was only two when Zakrzewski molested him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Zakrzewski did not show any remorse or apologise. Instead, he said, "I prided myself on bringing smiles to your children, and all the good times we shared were 100 per cent genuine." Several parents present in the court covered their ears and wept while he spoke.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer said, "This monster disguised by smiles and giggles engaged in the most horrific and calculated manipulation to ensure he would continue to have unfettered access to what these parents cherish the most." He added, "These innocent little boys must bear a lifetime of trauma, and their parents will bear a lifetime of pain knowing that they put their precious children in the arms of an animal because they believed who he said he was."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A court in California sentenced a male nanny to over 700 years in prison for sexually assaulting 16 young boys he was babysitting, as per the office of Orange County District Attorney.

A court in California sentenced a male nanny to over 700 years in prison for sexually assaulting 16 young boys he was babysitting, as per the office of Orange County District Attorney. The court found 34-year-old Matthew Antonio Zakrzewski guilty of dozens of charges, including sexually assaulting boys between two and 12 years of age. He was also found guilty of exposing his 17th victim to child pornography to sexually assault him. Zakrzewski's heinous crimes did not stop there. He filmed several of his crimes against the young children. The authorities initially charged him with three felony counts of lewd and lascivious conduct with a minor under 14, one felony count of oral copulation of a child under ten, and one felony count of child pornography. The district attorney's office reported that the crimes occurred between January 2014 and May 2019. The Laguna Beach police Department arrested Zakrzewski in May 2019 at a local airport after a couple filed a complaint against him for touching their eight-year-old son inappropriately. ALSO READ | Ohio woman charged after her toddler accidentally fires her gun at Walmart The investigators found more video evidence and tips against him during the probe. Zakrzewski had a website where he called himself the "original sitter buddy." He also portrayed himself as a manny, providing multiple services like mentorships, big brother relationships, and overnight and vacationing babysitting. In the court, the parents of the young victims expressed their anger towards Zakrewski through victim impact statements, narrating how he tricked them into gaining access to their children. A mother of a boy who fell victim to Zakrzewski's crimes described her pain in the court, saying she will never know how her little one should've turned out in the absence of the trauma of being sexually assaulted. The young boy was only two when Zakrzewski molested him. However, Zakrzewski did not show any remorse or apologise. Instead, he said, "I prided myself on bringing smiles to your children, and all the good times we shared were 100 per cent genuine." Several parents present in the court covered their ears and wept while he spoke. Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer said, "This monster disguised by smiles and giggles engaged in the most horrific and calculated manipulation to ensure he would continue to have unfettered access to what these parents cherish the most." He added, "These innocent little boys must bear a lifetime of trauma, and their parents will bear a lifetime of pain knowing that they put their precious children in the arms of an animal because they believed who he said he was." (With inputs from agencies)

Male nanny who sexually assaulted 16 young boys sentenced to over 700 years in prison

<p>Authorities in Pakistan's Sindh province are considering implementing prison sentences and fines for parents who do not vaccinate their children against polio and eight other diseases. This move comes in response to the refusal of polio vaccinations by around 62,000 parents, primarily in Sindh. This has led the authorities to propose a new law with penalties. Under the proposed legislation, parents who fail to ensure their child's vaccination against various diseases, including polio, measles, and pneumonia, may face a one-month jail term and a potential fine of $168, media reports said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Polio challenge</strong></h2>

<p>Pakistan and neighbouring Afghanistan remain the only countries where polio has not been eradicated. Pakistan has faced significant challenges in eradicating polio due to various factors. This potentially fatal and paralysing disease primarily affects children under the age of five. It typically spreads through contaminated water sources.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blast-reported-near-turkish-parliament-ahead-of-planned-session-641429">Suicide bomber triggers blast near Turkish parliament, another shot dead</a></p>

<p>Earlier this year, then-Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif convened an emergency meeting after the first polio case in 15 months was reported. This involved a 15-month-old boy in the North Waziristan district. Polio vaccination teams have also faced physical attacks across the country.</p>

<h2><strong>High refusal rates in Sindh</strong></h2>

<p>In Sindh province, the refusal rate for the vaccine is as high as 15 per cent, as reported by the Associated Press. The proposed legislation stipulated that doses would not be administered to children without parental approval.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/big-change-is-coming-poland-oppn-gives-rallying-cry-in-warsaw-as-thousands-gather-641483">Poland opposition gives rallying cry in Warsaw as thousand gather before polls</a></p>

<p>Dr. Paul Offit, the director of the Vaccine Education Centre at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia,&nbsp;expressed concerns about rebuilding trust. He reportedly said&nbsp;while the oral polio vaccine may not be the best, it is still better than not getting vaccinated.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/yudh-abhyas-indian-us-armies-collaborate-in-joint-tactical-exercise-held-in-alaska-641523">Yudh Abhyas: Indian, US armies collaborate in joint tactical exercise held in Alaska</a></strong></p>

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<p>"It’s ultimately the job of governments to stand up for children and we know that if we don’t vaccinate a certain percentage of children, that polio will always come back," he said.&nbsp;</p>

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Authorities in Pakistan's Sindh province are considering implementing prison sentences and fines for parents who do not vaccinate their children against polio and eight other diseases.

Authorities in Pakistan's Sindh province are considering implementing prison sentences and fines for parents who do not vaccinate their children against polio and eight other diseases. This move comes in response to the refusal of polio vaccinations by around 62,000 parents, primarily in Sindh. This has led the authorities to propose a new law with penalties. Under the proposed legislation, parents who fail to ensure their child's vaccination against various diseases, including polio, measles, and pneumonia, may face a one-month jail term and a potential fine of $168, media reports said. Polio challenge Pakistan and neighbouring Afghanistan remain the only countries where polio has not been eradicated. Pakistan has faced significant challenges in eradicating polio due to various factors. This potentially fatal and paralysing disease primarily affects children under the age of five. It typically spreads through contaminated water sources. Also Read | Suicide bomber triggers blast near Turkish parliament, another shot dead Earlier this year, then-Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif convened an emergency meeting after the first polio case in 15 months was reported. This involved a 15-month-old boy in the North Waziristan district. Polio vaccination teams have also faced physical attacks across the country. High refusal rates in Sindh In Sindh province, the refusal rate for the vaccine is as high as 15 per cent, as reported by the Associated Press. The proposed legislation stipulated that doses would not be administered to children without parental approval. Also Read | Poland opposition gives rallying cry in Warsaw as thousand gather before polls Dr. Paul Offit, the director of the Vaccine Education Centre at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, expressed concerns about rebuilding trust. He reportedly said while the oral polio vaccine may not be the best, it is still better than not getting vaccinated. Watch | Yudh Abhyas: Indian, US armies collaborate in joint tactical exercise held in Alaska × "It’s ultimately the job of governments to stand up for children and we know that if we don’t vaccinate a certain percentage of children, that polio will always come back," he said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Pakistan: Parents to face prison for not vaccinating their children against polio

After winning his party's presidential runoff, the imprisoned former president of the Maldives, Abdulla Yameen, was moved from prison to house arrest on Sunday.

Maldives: Former President Yameen transferred from prison to house arrest

In the United Kingdom, organized criminal gangs have come up with a new plan to smuggle drugs and funds into jail.

UK: Criminal gangs find new ways to smuggle drugs

<p>Venezuelan Police found Bitcoin mining machines, guns with bucketloads of bullets, rocket launchers and grenades in a prison overrun by a powerful gang which they freed in an operation that reportedly involved 11,000 soldiers and cops.</p>

<p>On Thursday (Sept 21), the security personnel moved in, backed up by tanks and armoured vehicles, to free the Tocoron prison in the north-central state of Aragua, which served as the headquarters for the Tren de Aragua gang.</p>

<p>Tocoron prison was a haven for these gang members who had built hotel-like amenities like a pool, restaurant and a mini zoo for themselves.</p>

<p>The zoo had tigers, lions, crocodiles and pumas that were used to challenge prisoners and the authority of government officials.</p>

<p>The prison even had a nightclub named Tokio (Spanish for the Japanese city) where the criminals used to regularly party, and a restaurant were prisoners dined with their visitors.</p>

<h2><strong>Hotel-like amenities&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>There was also a baseball field, a room where gambling activities took place, and another where inmates mined cryptocurrency illegally.</p>

<p>The criminal group also set up small shacks where some members lived with their families and had access to satellite television and the internet.</p>

<p>During the raid, a major died after hitting his head on the door of an armoured car.</p>

<h2><strong>Ship with Ukraine grain back in Turkey under "humanitarian corridor"</strong></h2>

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<p>The fact that members of Venezuela's most feared criminal gang had virtual control over the prison has given birth to speculations that the jail authorities may have been in cahoots with the Tren de Aragua.</p>

<p>Speaking to reporters, Interior and Justice Minister Remigio Ceballos said that four prison guards were arrested as suspected accomplices of gang members who had lived it up behind bars.</p>

<h2><strong>Some gang members escaped&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>"There will be no impunity. We will go against all the criminals and accomplices," Ceballos said, according to AFP.</p>

<p>He hailed a "successful operation that allowed us to strike a blow against criminal groups."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-find-new-virus-at-depths-of-pacific-ocean-638411">Scientists find new virus at depths of Pacific Ocean</a></p>

<p>After taking control of the prison, the government began evacuating its 1,600 inmates to other locations.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-meets-biden-get-aid-package-but-warns-kyiv-could-lose-if-funding-is-cut-638386">Zelensky meets Biden, warns Kyiv could lose if funding is cut</a></p>

<p>President Nicolás Maduro congratulated the armed forces for getting rid of the criminals.</p>

<p>“I congratulate the more than 11,000 members of the FANB (National Bolivarian Armed Forces of Venezuela) and police forces for the successful intervention of the Tocorón Penitentiary Center,” Maduro wrote on X, moments after the raid.</p>

<p>“We are heading towards a Venezuela free of criminal gangs!”</p>

<p>During the operation, around 60 Tren de Aragua members were captured and four prison officials arrested for allegedly allowing the smuggling of weapons, Ceballos said on Thursday.</p>

<p>Venezuelan newspaper El Nacional reported that between 400 to 500 prisoners were still missing. Union Radio reported that the fugitives may be hiding out in the mountain area near El Junquito.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Venezuelan Police found Bitcoin mining machines, guns with bucketloads of bullets, rocket launchers and grenades in a prison overrun by a powerful gang which they freed in an operation that reportedly involved 11,000 soldiers and cops.

Venezuelan Police found Bitcoin mining machines, guns with bucketloads of bullets, rocket launchers and grenades in a prison overrun by a powerful gang which they freed in an operation that reportedly involved 11,000 soldiers and cops. On Thursday (Sept 21), the security personnel moved in, backed up by tanks and armoured vehicles, to free the Tocoron prison in the north-central state of Aragua, which served as the headquarters for the Tren de Aragua gang. Tocoron prison was a haven for these gang members who had built hotel-like amenities like a pool, restaurant and a mini zoo for themselves. The zoo had tigers, lions, crocodiles and pumas that were used to challenge prisoners and the authority of government officials. The prison even had a nightclub named Tokio (Spanish for the Japanese city) where the criminals used to regularly party, and a restaurant were prisoners dined with their visitors. Hotel-like amenities There was also a baseball field, a room where gambling activities took place, and another where inmates mined cryptocurrency illegally. The criminal group also set up small shacks where some members lived with their families and had access to satellite television and the internet. During the raid, a major died after hitting his head on the door of an armoured car. Ship with Ukraine grain back in Turkey under "humanitarian corridor" The fact that members of Venezuela's most feared criminal gang had virtual control over the prison has given birth to speculations that the jail authorities may have been in cahoots with the Tren de Aragua. Speaking to reporters, Interior and Justice Minister Remigio Ceballos said that four prison guards were arrested as suspected accomplices of gang members who had lived it up behind bars. Some gang members escaped "There will be no impunity. We will go against all the criminals and accomplices," Ceballos said, according to AFP. He hailed a "successful operation that allowed us to strike a blow against criminal groups." Also read | Scientists find new virus at depths of Pacific Ocean After taking control of the prison, the government began evacuating its 1,600 inmates to other locations. Also read | Zelensky meets Biden, warns Kyiv could lose if funding is cut President Nicolás Maduro congratulated the armed forces for getting rid of the criminals. “I congratulate the more than 11,000 members of the FANB (National Bolivarian Armed Forces of Venezuela) and police forces for the successful intervention of the Tocorón Penitentiary Center,” Maduro wrote on X, moments after the raid. “We are heading towards a Venezuela free of criminal gangs!” During the operation, around 60 Tren de Aragua members were captured and four prison officials arrested for allegedly allowing the smuggling of weapons, Ceballos said on Thursday. Venezuelan newspaper El Nacional reported that between 400 to 500 prisoners were still missing. Union Radio reported that the fugitives may be hiding out in the mountain area near El Junquito. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Venezuela Police find crypto mining machines, guns, rocket launcher in jail turned into gang HQ

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<p>A US District Court has sentenced two Indian nationals to 41 months in prison for committing wire fraud and illegally obtaining $1.2 million from victims across the United States.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to US Attorney Philip R. Selliger, Arushobike Mitra, 29, and Garbita Mitra, 25, were found guilty before US District Judge Esther Salas on one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. "These defendants and their conspirators preyed upon some of our most vulnerable citizens, using trickery and threats to coerce them into sending money," Sellinger said at the Newark federal court on Tuesday.</p>

<p>The US attorney added, "Protecting our elderly population from these kinds of deceitful robocall scams is a priority of our office. Those who engage in this kind of elder fraud scheme can expect to face justice." He also credited several US government agencies for investigating the case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In addition to the prison terms, Judge Salas sentenced Arushobike Mitra and Garbita Mitra to three years of supervised release. The bench also ordered them to pay $835,324 in restitution.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/anxiety-builds-among-indian-students-and-residents-going-to-canada-as-relations-deteriorate-637841" target="_blank">Anxiety builds among Indian students and residents going to Canada as relations deteriorate</a></p>

<p>The court documented the case as an international fraud scheme where India-based scam centres used automated robocalls to contact victims across the United States with the intent of defrauding them, particularly senior citizens, reported PTI.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the scammers established contact with the victims using these automated calls, they tricked them into sending large amounts of money through physical shipments or wire transfers to other members involved in the fraud, including the Mitras.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The scammers used several schemes to persuade victims to send money, like pretending to be officials from government agencies like the Social Security Administration, FBI or DEA. According to the federal prosecutors, they threatened victims with severe legal or financial consequences.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/nawaz-sharif-praises-modi-says-pak-begging-for-funds-while-india-reaches-moon-637754" target="_blank">Nawaz Sharif praises Modi, says Pak begging for funds while India has reached the Moon</a></p>

<p>Furthermore, the fraudsters convinced the victims they were from a tech support company, forcing them into providing remote access to their personal computers and confidential information.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The scammer pretends to add money to the victim's bank account. But in reality, they transfer money from another victim's accounts. The victim believes that they received extra money. Then, the scammer instructs the victim to send money via mail or wire transfer to members involved in the scam, such as the Mitras.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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A US District Court has sentenced two Indian nationals to 41 months in prison for committing wire fraud and illegally obtaining $1.2 million from victims across the United States.

A US District Court has sentenced two Indian nationals to 41 months in prison for committing wire fraud and illegally obtaining $1.2 million from victims across the United States. According to US Attorney Philip R. Selliger, Arushobike Mitra, 29, and Garbita Mitra, 25, were found guilty before US District Judge Esther Salas on one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. "These defendants and their conspirators preyed upon some of our most vulnerable citizens, using trickery and threats to coerce them into sending money," Sellinger said at the Newark federal court on Tuesday. The US attorney added, "Protecting our elderly population from these kinds of deceitful robocall scams is a priority of our office. Those who engage in this kind of elder fraud scheme can expect to face justice." He also credited several US government agencies for investigating the case. In addition to the prison terms, Judge Salas sentenced Arushobike Mitra and Garbita Mitra to three years of supervised release. The bench also ordered them to pay $835,324 in restitution. ALSO READ | Anxiety builds among Indian students and residents going to Canada as relations deteriorate The court documented the case as an international fraud scheme where India-based scam centres used automated robocalls to contact victims across the United States with the intent of defrauding them, particularly senior citizens, reported PTI. After the scammers established contact with the victims using these automated calls, they tricked them into sending large amounts of money through physical shipments or wire transfers to other members involved in the fraud, including the Mitras. The scammers used several schemes to persuade victims to send money, like pretending to be officials from government agencies like the Social Security Administration, FBI or DEA. According to the federal prosecutors, they threatened victims with severe legal or financial consequences. ALSO READ | Nawaz Sharif praises Modi, says Pak begging for funds while India has reached the Moon Furthermore, the fraudsters convinced the victims they were from a tech support company, forcing them into providing remote access to their personal computers and confidential information. The scammer pretends to add money to the victim's bank account. But in reality, they transfer money from another victim's accounts. The victim believes that they received extra money. Then, the scammer instructs the victim to send money via mail or wire transfer to members involved in the scam, such as the Mitras. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US federal court sentences two Indian nationals to 41 months in prison for robocall scam

<p>The UK government made a stunning revelation that 80 prison officers did not show up for work in HMP Wandsworth on the day terror suspect Daniel Abed Khalife famously escaped from the prison.<br />
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Around four in 10 of the staff employed in the prison failed to turn up as was expected, admitted a Tory minister despite the insistence of the government that staff shortages were not a reason for the security breach.<br />
<br />
Khalife on Monday (September 11) was charged with breaking HMP Wandsworth prison on September 6 by strapping himself underneath a food delivery lorry. The former soldier, who is 21 years old, was arrested by a plain-clothes counter-terrorism officer on a canal towpath in west London on Saturday.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-daniel-khalife-escaped-terror-suspect-and-ex-british-army-soldier-who-was-arrested-later-634549">Who is Daniel Khalife? Escaped terror suspect and ex-British army soldier who was arrested later</a></p>

<p>Answering a Labour question about the issue of staffing on the day of the incident, Prisons Minister Damian Hinds said that only 61 per cent of the officers appointed at Wandsworth attended their shift.<br />
<br />
However, the minister added, “All staff in both the kitchen and the gatehouse were on duty on 6 September. An initial investigation into Daniel Khalife’s escape did not find the staffing level to be a contributing factor.”<br />
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The government under Sunak has remained reluctant to accept shortage of staff or multiple absences are the reason behind the apparent security breach.<br />
<br />
However, an independent investigation headed by ex-National Crime Agency's Keith Bristow is now looking at the wider shortcomings at Wandsworth – as security and staffing levels are set to be scrutinised.</p>

<h2><strong>'Too many prisoners compared to the amount of staff'</strong></h2>

<p>Chief inspector of prisons Charlie Taylor has insisted that “there are too many prisoners in Wandsworth for the amount of staff”, further stating that the issue of staff shortage has been raised over the years.<br />
<br />
“The lack of staffing which has dogged the prison. I think when we last inspected at the end of 2021. They were 30% short of staff,” said the inspector, while speaking to the BBC after the Khalife fleeing incident.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Nurse Lucy Letby gets life in prison for killing seven newborns | UK News | WION Dispatch</strong></p>

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<p>Hinds said that staffing levels present at Wandsworth on the day the security was breached “were above the minimum staffing level required”. Around 125 prison officers attended their shifts at the prison, however, 80 officers were absent.<br />
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MP for Wandsworth Rosena Allin-Khan, who raised the question about the arrangements on the day of the alleged escape, stated that she had raised concerns about “significant staff shortages” at the prison months ago.<br />
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“When I visited Wandsworth prison a few months ago, the biggest issue they were facing was staff shortages. This is why I raised concerns about staffing levels – which showed just six officers turned up for a shift one night in December. The government chose to ignore my concerns,” said Allin-Khan, while speaking to The Independent.</p>

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The UK government made a stunning revelation that 80 prison officers did not show up for work in HMP Wandsworth on the day terror suspect Daniel Abed Khalife famously escaped from the prison.

The UK government made a stunning revelation that 80 prison officers did not show up for work in HMP Wandsworth on the day terror suspect Daniel Abed Khalife famously escaped from the prison. Around four in 10 of the staff employed in the prison failed to turn up as was expected, admitted a Tory minister despite the insistence of the government that staff shortages were not a reason for the security breach. Khalife on Monday (September 11) was charged with breaking HMP Wandsworth prison on September 6 by strapping himself underneath a food delivery lorry. The former soldier, who is 21 years old, was arrested by a plain-clothes counter-terrorism officer on a canal towpath in west London on Saturday. ALSO READ | Who is Daniel Khalife? Escaped terror suspect and ex-British army soldier who was arrested later Answering a Labour question about the issue of staffing on the day of the incident, Prisons Minister Damian Hinds said that only 61 per cent of the officers appointed at Wandsworth attended their shift. However, the minister added, “All staff in both the kitchen and the gatehouse were on duty on 6 September. An initial investigation into Daniel Khalife’s escape did not find the staffing level to be a contributing factor.” The government under Sunak has remained reluctant to accept shortage of staff or multiple absences are the reason behind the apparent security breach. However, an independent investigation headed by ex-National Crime Agency's Keith Bristow is now looking at the wider shortcomings at Wandsworth – as security and staffing levels are set to be scrutinised. 'Too many prisoners compared to the amount of staff' Chief inspector of prisons Charlie Taylor has insisted that “there are too many prisoners in Wandsworth for the amount of staff”, further stating that the issue of staff shortage has been raised over the years. “The lack of staffing which has dogged the prison. I think when we last inspected at the end of 2021. They were 30% short of staff,” said the inspector, while speaking to the BBC after the Khalife fleeing incident. WATCH | Nurse Lucy Letby gets life in prison for killing seven newborns | UK News | WION Dispatch Hinds said that staffing levels present at Wandsworth on the day the security was breached “were above the minimum staffing level required”. Around 125 prison officers attended their shifts at the prison, however, 80 officers were absent. MP for Wandsworth Rosena Allin-Khan, who raised the question about the arrangements on the day of the alleged escape, stated that she had raised concerns about “significant staff shortages” at the prison months ago. “When I visited Wandsworth prison a few months ago, the biggest issue they were facing was staff shortages. This is why I raised concerns about staffing levels – which showed just six officers turned up for a shift one night in December. The government chose to ignore my concerns,” said Allin-Khan, while speaking to The Independent. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UK: 80 officers were absent the day terror suspect Daniel Khalife ‘escaped’ from prison

<p>Over two weeks after escaping a&nbsp;Pennsylvania prison by climbing between the walls, murderer&nbsp;Danelo Cavalacante is still on the loose. On Monday (September 11), the Brazilian broke into a home garage&nbsp;near Bucktown and escaped with a&nbsp;.22 calibre rifle with a scope and flashlight attached to the weapon, while the authorities involved in the manhunt remained hapless.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pennsylvania police spokesman George Bivens informed that the killer was confronted by the homeowner upon entering the property. Despite firing a few rounds from the pistol, the homeowner seemed to have missed the fugitive, who got away.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-killer-escapes-by-crab-walking-wall-of-us-prison-second-such-case-in-a-year-633201"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Killer escapes by 'crab-walking' wall of US prison; second such case in a year</strong></a></p>

<p>Bivens&nbsp;said&nbsp;Cavalcante&nbsp;is "considered armed and extremely dangerous" as schools outside&nbsp;Philadelphia were closed and residents told to lock their doors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We're not evacuating homes at this point. We're asking residents to be vigilant and, again, lock their doors," Bivens said.</p>

<p>Currently, around 500 officers, including&nbsp;heavily armed tactical units, are combing the area to find the 34-year-old fugitive,&nbsp;who has popped up repeatedly on residential security footage and even nature cameras set up to monitor wildlife.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-tiktok-killer-trend-leads-to-hospitalisations-621176"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Tiktok killer trend leads to hospitalisations</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Cavalcante's escape</strong></h2>

<p>It was on August 31 that&nbsp;Cavalcante, who measures just&nbsp;five feet (1.52 meters) tall, managed to escape the prison, in a rather daring manner.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the escape, the police officials released the footage of Cavalcante's stunt where he could be seen&nbsp;crab-walking up between two walls separated by a 5 ft (1.5m) hallway, in broad daylight</p>

<p>At the time of the escape, just before 9: 00 am&nbsp;local time, there was a corrections officer in the observation tower. But the officer apparently failed to monitor the security feed.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">CHESTER COUNTY PRISON OFFICIALS RELEASE VIDEO OF DANELO CAVALCANTE'S ESCAPE FROM THE EXERCISE YARD<br />
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Internal and criminal investigations into the escape of Cavalcante are ongoing, and Prison Officials will provide additional information as able. <a href="https://t.co/Thg2YzAOQ0">pic.twitter.com/Thg2YzAOQ0</a></p>
— Chester County District Attorney's Office (@chescoda) <a href="https://twitter.com/chescoda/status/1699518445442699775?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Cavalcante was sentenced to life imprisonment in July after being found guilty of brutally stabbing ex-girlfriend Deborah Brando to death in April 2021 in front of her two infants. He is also wanted for&nbsp;murder in Brazil.</p>

<p>The police, desperate to catch the fugitive, have&nbsp;upped the reward for information&nbsp;from $20,000 to $25,000. The officials say&nbsp;Cavalcante has&nbsp;changed his appearance, shaving off the dark beard and moustache seen on his original "wanted" poster.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Over two weeks after escaping a Pennsylvania prison by climbing between the walls, murderer Danelo Cavalacante is still on the loose. On Monday (September 11), the Brazilian broke into a home garage near Bucktown and escaped with a .

Over two weeks after escaping a Pennsylvania prison by climbing between the walls, murderer Danelo Cavalacante is still on the loose. On Monday (September 11), the Brazilian broke into a home garage near Bucktown and escaped with a .22 calibre rifle with a scope and flashlight attached to the weapon, while the authorities involved in the manhunt remained hapless. Pennsylvania police spokesman George Bivens informed that the killer was confronted by the homeowner upon entering the property. Despite firing a few rounds from the pistol, the homeowner seemed to have missed the fugitive, who got away. Also read | Killer escapes by 'crab-walking' wall of US prison; second such case in a year Bivens said Cavalcante is "considered armed and extremely dangerous" as schools outside Philadelphia were closed and residents told to lock their doors. "We're not evacuating homes at this point. We're asking residents to be vigilant and, again, lock their doors," Bivens said. Currently, around 500 officers, including heavily armed tactical units, are combing the area to find the 34-year-old fugitive, who has popped up repeatedly on residential security footage and even nature cameras set up to monitor wildlife. Watch | Gravitas: Tiktok killer trend leads to hospitalisations × Cavalcante's escape It was on August 31 that Cavalcante, who measures just five feet (1.52 meters) tall, managed to escape the prison, in a rather daring manner. After the escape, the police officials released the footage of Cavalcante's stunt where he could be seen crab-walking up between two walls separated by a 5 ft (1.5m) hallway, in broad daylight At the time of the escape, just before 9: 00 am local time, there was a corrections officer in the observation tower. But the officer apparently failed to monitor the security feed. CHESTER COUNTY PRISON OFFICIALS RELEASE VIDEO OF DANELO CAVALCANTE'S ESCAPE FROM THE EXERCISE YARD Internal and criminal investigations into the escape of Cavalcante are ongoing, and Prison Officials will provide additional information as able. pic.twitter.com/Thg2YzAOQ0 — Chester County District Attorney's Office (@chescoda) September 6, 2023 × Cavalcante was sentenced to life imprisonment in July after being found guilty of brutally stabbing ex-girlfriend Deborah Brando to death in April 2021 in front of her two infants. He is also wanted for murder in Brazil. The police, desperate to catch the fugitive, have upped the reward for information from $20,000 to $25,000. The officials say Cavalcante has changed his appearance, shaving off the dark beard and moustache seen on his original "wanted" poster. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Killer who escaped Pennsylvania prison now armed with stolen rifle as manhunt continues

<p>The former UK soldier and terror suspect Daniel Khalife, who was arrested for escaping from custody from Wandsworth prison, might have made use of bed sheets for jail break, media reports said quoting a court hearing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 21-year-old already faces prosecution for terror-related offences and was nabbed after three days of a manhunt following his escape.&nbsp;Earlier, the reports quoting authorities said that Khalife, who worked in the kitchen of Wandsworth prison, slipped out by strapping himself to the underside of a food delivery truck.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He used a material "made from bedsheets with clips at each end".</p>

<p>The new revelation of Khalife using bedsheet came forth at the Westminster Magistrates' Court hearing.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/egypt-protests-ethiopias-gerd-filling-labels-move-illegal-634846">Egypt protests Ethiopia's Nile dam filling, labels move 'Illegal'</a></p>

<p>The ex-soldier was apprehended in Northolt in London on Saturday (September 9).&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Daniel Khalife's arrest</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Giving further details of the arrest, Prosecutor Thomas Williams said that a police officer in plain clothes was reportedly informed that the terror suspect was seen on Rowdell Road riding a bicycle on the canal towpath. In response to the information received, the officer drove to the towpath and witnessed Khalife on a bike.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Later, to nab the fugitive, the police officer took out his Taser and warned Khalife a warning to get off the bike. Khalife did what was said and the police officer arrested him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-saudi-arabia-are-in-dialogue-to-secure-metals-in-africa-report-634827">US, Saudi Arabia are in dialogue to secure metals in Africa: Report</a></p>

<p>During the hearing, it came to light that Khalife had a phone, a bag containing cash, and receipts in his possession. Reports claimed that he might have bought clothes, food, and likely airtime for his phone.</p>

<p>When Khalife appeared in front of the court for the hearing, he was wearing a police-issued tracksuit.&nbsp;During the eight-minute hearing, the accused confirmed his name and date of birth. "No fixed abode" was given as his address.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Morocco Earthquake: Death toll rises to over 2,122 rescue operation underway</strong></p>

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<p>Khalife's lawyer Gul Nawaz Hussain KC said there was its is not fixed if a plea will be filed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Khalife had been in custody, awaiting trial on charges related to terrorism and Official Secrets Act violations. He allegedly left fake devices at the Ministry of Defence (MOD) Stafford with the intention of inducing fear of explosion. He also obtained personal information about soldiers, potentially useful for terrorism, from the Ministry of Defence Joint Personnel Administration System in 2021. Following these actions, Khalife disappeared from MOD Stafford, leading to his arrest later in January.</p>

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The former UK soldier and terror suspect Daniel Khalife, who was arrested for escaping from custody from Wandsworth prison, might have made use of bed sheets for jail break, media reports said quoting a court hearing.

The former UK soldier and terror suspect Daniel Khalife, who was arrested for escaping from custody from Wandsworth prison, might have made use of bed sheets for jail break, media reports said quoting a court hearing. The 21-year-old already faces prosecution for terror-related offences and was nabbed after three days of a manhunt following his escape. Earlier, the reports quoting authorities said that Khalife, who worked in the kitchen of Wandsworth prison, slipped out by strapping himself to the underside of a food delivery truck. He used a material "made from bedsheets with clips at each end". The new revelation of Khalife using bedsheet came forth at the Westminster Magistrates' Court hearing. Also Read | Egypt protests Ethiopia's Nile dam filling, labels move 'Illegal' The ex-soldier was apprehended in Northolt in London on Saturday (September 9). Daniel Khalife's arrest Giving further details of the arrest, Prosecutor Thomas Williams said that a police officer in plain clothes was reportedly informed that the terror suspect was seen on Rowdell Road riding a bicycle on the canal towpath. In response to the information received, the officer drove to the towpath and witnessed Khalife on a bike. Later, to nab the fugitive, the police officer took out his Taser and warned Khalife a warning to get off the bike. Khalife did what was said and the police officer arrested him. Also Read | US, Saudi Arabia are in dialogue to secure metals in Africa: Report During the hearing, it came to light that Khalife had a phone, a bag containing cash, and receipts in his possession. Reports claimed that he might have bought clothes, food, and likely airtime for his phone. When Khalife appeared in front of the court for the hearing, he was wearing a police-issued tracksuit. During the eight-minute hearing, the accused confirmed his name and date of birth. "No fixed abode" was given as his address. Watch | Morocco Earthquake: Death toll rises to over 2,122 rescue operation underway × Khalife's lawyer Gul Nawaz Hussain KC said there was its is not fixed if a plea will be filed. Khalife had been in custody, awaiting trial on charges related to terrorism and Official Secrets Act violations. He allegedly left fake devices at the Ministry of Defence (MOD) Stafford with the intention of inducing fear of explosion. He also obtained personal information about soldiers, potentially useful for terrorism, from the Ministry of Defence Joint Personnel Administration System in 2021. Following these actions, Khalife disappeared from MOD Stafford, leading to his arrest later in January. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

'Bedsheets with clips': Nabbed UK ex-soldier-turned terror suspect Khalife's prison break plan

<p>After three days of manhunt, the former UK soldier Daniel Abed Khalife, who escaped from prison in a dramatic fashion, was arrested on Saturday (September 9), media reports said. The 21-year-old, who faces prosecution for terror-related offences, managed to escape from HM Prison Wandsworth on Wednesday morning (September 6).&nbsp;</p>

<p>London’s Metropolitan Police officials nabbed the fugitive before 11 am local time (6 am&nbsp;ET) in the Chiswick area of west London, the department said in a statement. It is the same area where the department had reinforced its search efforts. “Metropolitan Police officers have arrested Daniel Khalife, who escaped from HMP Wandsworth on Wednesday 6 September,” the police statement said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We would like to thank the public and media for their support throughout our investigation to locate Khalife and we will provide a further update on his arrest in due course,” the statement added.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g20-summit-delegates-reach-compromise-on-language-to-describe-war-in-ukraine-says-report-634076">G20 Summit: Delegates reach compromise on language to describe war in Ukraine, says report</a></p>

<p>It is worth noting that the prison break led to heavy condemnation for the government. An independent investigation has also been launched.</p>

<p>Earlier, the police extended their search to the UK border. Airports and ports had been directed to implement heightened security measures, leading to reported delays.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/morocco-man-sets-his-priorities-right-holds-on-to-playstation-amid-earthquake-chaos-634052">Morocco man sets his priorities right, holds on to PlayStation amid earthquake chaos</a></p>

<p>Met Police spokesperson had reportedly said, "An alert was issued by the Counter Terrorism Command earlier today in relation to Khalife through established operational briefing channels to relevant UK police and law enforcements agencies, including those at UK ports and borders."</p>

<h2><strong>Allegations</strong></h2>

<p>Khalife had been in custody, awaiting trial on charges related to terrorism and Official Secrets Act violations. He allegedly left fake devices at the Ministry of Defence (MOD) Stafford with the intention of inducing fear of explosion. He also obtained personal information about soldiers, potentially useful for terrorism, from the Ministry of Defence Joint Personnel Administration System in 2021. Following these actions, Khalife disappeared from MOD Stafford, leading to his arrest later in January.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | G20 Summit 2023: Macron to hold working lunch meeting with India's Modi&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>The last significant escape involving terrorism inmates occurred in 1994 when IRA prisoners escaped from Whitemoor prison. A January 2022 report by HM Inspectorate of Prisons highlighted a "serious security breach" resulting in an escape from HMP Wandsworth in 2019.</p>

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After three days of manhunt, the former UK soldier Daniel Abed Khalife, who escaped from prison in a dramatic fashion, was arrested on Saturday (September 9), media reports said.

After three days of manhunt, the former UK soldier Daniel Abed Khalife, who escaped from prison in a dramatic fashion, was arrested on Saturday (September 9), media reports said. The 21-year-old, who faces prosecution for terror-related offences, managed to escape from HM Prison Wandsworth on Wednesday morning (September 6). London’s Metropolitan Police officials nabbed the fugitive before 11 am local time (6 am ET) in the Chiswick area of west London, the department said in a statement. It is the same area where the department had reinforced its search efforts. “Metropolitan Police officers have arrested Daniel Khalife, who escaped from HMP Wandsworth on Wednesday 6 September,” the police statement said. “We would like to thank the public and media for their support throughout our investigation to locate Khalife and we will provide a further update on his arrest in due course,” the statement added. Also Read | G20 Summit: Delegates reach compromise on language to describe war in Ukraine, says report It is worth noting that the prison break led to heavy condemnation for the government. An independent investigation has also been launched. Earlier, the police extended their search to the UK border. Airports and ports had been directed to implement heightened security measures, leading to reported delays. Also Read | Morocco man sets his priorities right, holds on to PlayStation amid earthquake chaos Met Police spokesperson had reportedly said, "An alert was issued by the Counter Terrorism Command earlier today in relation to Khalife through established operational briefing channels to relevant UK police and law enforcements agencies, including those at UK ports and borders." Allegations Khalife had been in custody, awaiting trial on charges related to terrorism and Official Secrets Act violations. He allegedly left fake devices at the Ministry of Defence (MOD) Stafford with the intention of inducing fear of explosion. He also obtained personal information about soldiers, potentially useful for terrorism, from the Ministry of Defence Joint Personnel Administration System in 2021. Following these actions, Khalife disappeared from MOD Stafford, leading to his arrest later in January. Watch | G20 Summit 2023: Macron to hold working lunch meeting with India's Modi × The last significant escape involving terrorism inmates occurred in 1994 when IRA prisoners escaped from Whitemoor prison. A January 2022 report by HM Inspectorate of Prisons highlighted a "serious security breach" resulting in an escape from HMP Wandsworth in 2019. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

UK: Terror suspect Daniel Abed Khalife, a former soldier, who escaped from prison, arrested

<p>A manhunt has been initiated for Daniel Abed Khalife, a 21-year-old former soldier allegedly linked to terror-related offences, who managed to escape from HM Prison Wandsworth&nbsp;on Wednesday morning (September 6), media reports said. Khalife was awaiting trial for allegedly placing fake bombs at a military base. As per reports, it is understood that Khalife executed his escape by accessing the prison's kitchen and then strapping himself to the underside of a delivery van. This escape has triggered additional security measures and delays at UK airports.</p>

<h2><strong>Escape details&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Khalife, who was working in the prison kitchen, reportedly made his escape at around 07:50 BST.</p>

<p>"Khalife was last seen wearing a white t-shirt, red and white chequered trousers and brown steel toe cap boots. He is of slim build, has short brown hair and is around 6ft 2 inches tall," Met police said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Authorities are urging the public not to approach Khalife but to immediately call 999 if they spot him.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-uses-car-tyres-to-cover-military-aircraft-to-deter-ukrainian-drone-attacks-report-632902">Russia uses car tyres to cover military aircraft to deter Ukrainian drone attacks: Report</a></p>

<p>Met police said that Khalife has links to the Kingston area but it is believed he most likely remains in the London area at this time, although he may have traveled further afield.</p>

<p>Police have, however, extended their search to the UK border. Airports and ports have been directed to implement heightened security measures, leading to reported delays.&nbsp;Met Police spokesperson reportedly said, "An alert was issued by the Counter Terrorism Command earlier today in relation to Khalife through established operational briefing channels to relevant UK police and law enforcements agencies, including those at UK ports and borders."</p>

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<p>Following Khalife's escape, HMP Wandsworth was placed on lockdown, but restrictions have now been lifted as the search for the escaped suspect continues.</p>

<h2><strong>Allegations</strong></h2>

<p>Khalife had been in custody, awaiting trial on charges related to terrorism and Official Secrets Act violations. He allegedly left fake devices at the Ministry of Defense (MOD) Stafford with the intention of inducing fear of explosion. He also obtained personal information about soldiers, potentially useful for terrorism, from the Ministry of Defence Joint Personnel Administration System in 2021. Following these actions, Khalife disappeared from MOD Stafford, leading to his arrest later in January.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Kenya hosts maiden climate summit in Africa</strong></p>

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<p>The last significant escape involving terrorism inmates occurred in 1994 when IRA prisoners escaped from Whitemoor prison.&nbsp;A January 2022 report by HM Inspectorate of Prisons highlighted a "serious security breach" resulting in an escape from HMP Wandsworth in 2019.</p>

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A manhunt has been initiated for Daniel Abed Khalife, a 21-year-old former soldier allegedly linked to terror-related offences, who managed to escape from HM Prison Wandsworth on Wednesday morning (September 6), media reports said.

A manhunt has been initiated for Daniel Abed Khalife, a 21-year-old former soldier allegedly linked to terror-related offences, who managed to escape from HM Prison Wandsworth on Wednesday morning (September 6), media reports said. Khalife was awaiting trial for allegedly placing fake bombs at a military base. As per reports, it is understood that Khalife executed his escape by accessing the prison's kitchen and then strapping himself to the underside of a delivery van. This escape has triggered additional security measures and delays at UK airports. Escape details Khalife, who was working in the prison kitchen, reportedly made his escape at around 07:50 BST. "Khalife was last seen wearing a white t-shirt, red and white chequered trousers and brown steel toe cap boots. He is of slim build, has short brown hair and is around 6ft 2 inches tall," Met police said in a statement. Authorities are urging the public not to approach Khalife but to immediately call 999 if they spot him. Also Read | Russia uses car tyres to cover military aircraft to deter Ukrainian drone attacks: Report Met police said that Khalife has links to the Kingston area but it is believed he most likely remains in the London area at this time, although he may have traveled further afield. Police have, however, extended their search to the UK border. Airports and ports have been directed to implement heightened security measures, leading to reported delays. Met Police spokesperson reportedly said, "An alert was issued by the Counter Terrorism Command earlier today in relation to Khalife through established operational briefing channels to relevant UK police and law enforcements agencies, including those at UK ports and borders." Also Read | 'Why won't he...': Musk questions Zuckerberg regarding cage fight Following Khalife's escape, HMP Wandsworth was placed on lockdown, but restrictions have now been lifted as the search for the escaped suspect continues. Allegations Khalife had been in custody, awaiting trial on charges related to terrorism and Official Secrets Act violations. He allegedly left fake devices at the Ministry of Defense (MOD) Stafford with the intention of inducing fear of explosion. He also obtained personal information about soldiers, potentially useful for terrorism, from the Ministry of Defence Joint Personnel Administration System in 2021. Following these actions, Khalife disappeared from MOD Stafford, leading to his arrest later in January. Watch | Kenya hosts maiden climate summit in Africa × The last significant escape involving terrorism inmates occurred in 1994 when IRA prisoners escaped from Whitemoor prison. A January 2022 report by HM Inspectorate of Prisons highlighted a "serious security breach" resulting in an escape from HMP Wandsworth in 2019. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

UK: Ex-soldier, awaiting trial for terrorism offences, escapes prison; manhunt on

<p>Jose Adolfo Macias, also known as "Fito", who is facing allegations of issuing death threats to murdered Ecuador presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio, has been&nbsp;transferred to&nbsp;maximum security jail, media reports said. The dawn operation saw the presence of thousands of Ecuadorian soldiers and police.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Previously confined in Guayaquil's Prison 8 since 2011, "Fito" can be seen in the video footage, wearing only underwear and handcuffed, as security personnel transferred him to another prison. President Guillermo Lasso disclosed that "Fito" had been relocated to La Roca, a maximum security prison with a capacity of 150 inmates, within the same complex.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fresh-cases-of-bubonic-plague-detected-in-china-625031">Fresh cases of bubonic plague detected in China</a></p>

<p>Villavicencio, an advocate against corruption, was fatally shot thrice after a campaign event. Prior to his death, he had disclosed threats from the gang "Los Choneros," including Fito.&nbsp;"If I continue... mentioning Los Choneros [the gang], they are going to break me," he reportedly said.</p>

<p>The assassination of Villavicencio, marked by its brutality, has deeply shocked a country that had mostly evaded the extensive drug-related violence and corruption seen in its neighboring nations.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Ecuadorian forces move notorious gang leader to maximum security jail after he's accused of sending death threats to murdered presidential candidate.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ecuador?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ecuador</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Fito?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Fito</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FernandoVillavicencio?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FernandoVillavicencio</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/corruption?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#corruption</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/murder?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#murder</a> <a href="https://t.co/A4MhZP6cet">pic.twitter.com/A4MhZP6cet</a></p>
— Tiger News Report (@TigerRepor) <a href="https://twitter.com/TigerRepor/status/1690685889968754688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Despite this, crime rates have surged in recent times, partly attributed to the influence of Colombian and Mexican drug cartels.</p>

<h2><strong>Presidential candidate replacement&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Only a week is remaining for the August 20 election in Ecuador. The running mate of slain candidate Fernando Villavicencio will run for president in his place, the Construye party said on Saturday (August 12).</p>

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<p>"The movement will replace the presidential ticket by putting Andrea Gonzalez as president," the party said in a statement. Gonzalez, 36, is due to participate in a presidential debate in Quito on Sunday.</p>

<h2><strong>Widow's accusations against government</strong></h2>

<p>Veronica Sarauz, Villavicencio's widow, holds the state accountable for her husband's killing. She also expressed&nbsp;discontent over Gonzalez being selected as her husband's replacement in the upcoming election. Villavicencio's campaign had centered on corruption and drug-related concerns, and he had been one of the few candidates to assert ties between organised crime and Ecuadorian government officials.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Pakistani senator Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar is Pak's transitionary PM</strong></p>

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<p>In the days leading up to his murder, Villavicencio had filed complaints with the Public Prosecutor's Office concerning suspected irregularities in oil contracts from the administration of former president Rafael Correa. These alleged discrepancies were believed to have incurred significant financial losses for the nation of&nbsp;US $9bn (£7 bn).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Six Colombians have been apprehended in connection with the assassination, and another was killed in a confrontation with law enforcement. The identity of those who contracted and financed the hitmen in the killing of the presidential candidate remains undisclosed.</p>

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Jose Adolfo Macias, also known as "Fito", who is facing allegations of issuing death threats to murdered Ecuador presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio, has been transferred to maximum security jail, media reports said.

Jose Adolfo Macias, also known as "Fito", who is facing allegations of issuing death threats to murdered Ecuador presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio, has been transferred to maximum security jail, media reports said. The dawn operation saw the presence of thousands of Ecuadorian soldiers and police. Previously confined in Guayaquil's Prison 8 since 2011, "Fito" can be seen in the video footage, wearing only underwear and handcuffed, as security personnel transferred him to another prison. President Guillermo Lasso disclosed that "Fito" had been relocated to La Roca, a maximum security prison with a capacity of 150 inmates, within the same complex. Also Read | Fresh cases of bubonic plague detected in China Villavicencio, an advocate against corruption, was fatally shot thrice after a campaign event. Prior to his death, he had disclosed threats from the gang "Los Choneros," including Fito. "If I continue... mentioning Los Choneros [the gang], they are going to break me," he reportedly said. The assassination of Villavicencio, marked by its brutality, has deeply shocked a country that had mostly evaded the extensive drug-related violence and corruption seen in its neighboring nations. Ecuadorian forces move notorious gang leader to maximum security jail after he's accused of sending death threats to murdered presidential candidate.#Ecuador #Fito #FernandoVillavicencio #corruption #murder pic.twitter.com/A4MhZP6cet — Tiger News Report (@TigerRepor) August 13, 2023 × Despite this, crime rates have surged in recent times, partly attributed to the influence of Colombian and Mexican drug cartels. Presidential candidate replacement Only a week is remaining for the August 20 election in Ecuador. The running mate of slain candidate Fernando Villavicencio will run for president in his place, the Construye party said on Saturday (August 12). Also Read | Maui wildfires: Death toll climbs to 93, hundreds still missing | Top points "The movement will replace the presidential ticket by putting Andrea Gonzalez as president," the party said in a statement. Gonzalez, 36, is due to participate in a presidential debate in Quito on Sunday. Widow's accusations against government Veronica Sarauz, Villavicencio's widow, holds the state accountable for her husband's killing. She also expressed discontent over Gonzalez being selected as her husband's replacement in the upcoming election. Villavicencio's campaign had centered on corruption and drug-related concerns, and he had been one of the few candidates to assert ties between organised crime and Ecuadorian government officials. Watch | Pakistani senator Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar is Pak's transitionary PM × In the days leading up to his murder, Villavicencio had filed complaints with the Public Prosecutor's Office concerning suspected irregularities in oil contracts from the administration of former president Rafael Correa. These alleged discrepancies were believed to have incurred significant financial losses for the nation of US $9bn (£7 bn). Six Colombians have been apprehended in connection with the assassination, and another was killed in a confrontation with law enforcement. The identity of those who contracted and financed the hitmen in the killing of the presidential candidate remains undisclosed. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

WATCH | Gangster accused of giving death threats to slain Ecuador presidential candidate moved to max security

<p>Australian-Chinese TV anchor Cheng Lei, who has been in prison in China and will be now spending three years more in detention, in a rare message said that she has been missing her family and life in Australia.<br />
<br />
“I miss the sun. In my cell, the sunlight shines through the window but I can stand in it for only 10 hours a year,” she stated in a message which was released by her partner Nick Coyle on Thursday (August 10) on an account named “ FreeChengLei” on platform X, formerly known as Twitter.</p>

<h2><strong>Love letter to Australia</strong></h2>

<p>Speaking to CNN, Coyle said that the message was dictated to diplomatic officers and was shared with him. “I can’t believe I used to avoid the sun when I was living back in Australia,” said Cheng’s message. It was described as a “love letter” to Australia by Cheng, who said, “I haven’t seen a tree in 3 years.”</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-claims-to-expose-cia-espionage-case-after-arrest-of-alleged-agent-624441">China claims to have exposed CIA espionage plot after arrest of alleged agent</a><br />
<br />
Cheng, a former business anchor for China’s state broadcaster CGTN and mother of two, is accused of illegally supplying state secrets overseas, a charge that carries a possible sentence of five years to life in prison.<br />
<br />
She had been on her way to work on the morning of August 13, 2020, when she “was taken by China’s Ministry of State Security,” Coyle said in a letter published in The Australian newspaper in May.</p>

<p>The details of the allegations against Cheng have not been revealed by the Chinese authorities. The court in China delayed in giving a verdict several times, which left Cheng in custody and gave no clarification to her loved ones regarding her fate. In the letter released, Cheng fondly spoke about her life in Australia, saying, “I miss the Australian people.”<br />
<br />
“I remember camping for the first time with my family. I miss the sweet encounters of wildlife in Australia, the sea salt whirling in my ear. I relive every bushwalk, river, lake, beach with swims and picnics and psychedelic sunsets, sky that is lit up with stars, and the silent and secret symphony of the bush,” she writes.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;China's trade slumps, threatening recovery prospects</strong></p>

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<p>“I secretly mouth the names of places I've visited and driven through,” Cheng said. “It is the Chinese in me that has probably gone beyond the legal limit of sentimentality. Most of all, I miss my children,” she added. Coyle further informed CNN that he is able to hear from Cheng only after she is visited by her consular once every month.</p>

<h2><strong>Australian minister confirms support for Cheng</strong></h2>

<p>Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, in a statement, said that Cheng and her family will be supported and her interests and well-being will be taken care of.<br />
<br />
“Cheng's message to the public makes clear her deep love for our country,” said Wong in a statement. “All Australians want to see her reunited with her children,” he added.<br />
<br />
Wong said that the government has been advocating for Cheng and asked that "basic standards of justice, procedural fairness and humane treatment be met to Cheng, in accordance with international norms.”</p>

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Australian-Chinese TV anchor Cheng Lei, who has been in prison in China and will be now spending three years more in detention, in a rare message said that she has been missing her family and life in Australia.

Australian-Chinese TV anchor Cheng Lei, who has been in prison in China and will be now spending three years more in detention, in a rare message said that she has been missing her family and life in Australia. “I miss the sun. In my cell, the sunlight shines through the window but I can stand in it for only 10 hours a year,” she stated in a message which was released by her partner Nick Coyle on Thursday (August 10) on an account named “ FreeChengLei” on platform X, formerly known as Twitter. Love letter to Australia Speaking to CNN, Coyle said that the message was dictated to diplomatic officers and was shared with him. “I can’t believe I used to avoid the sun when I was living back in Australia,” said Cheng’s message. It was described as a “love letter” to Australia by Cheng, who said, “I haven’t seen a tree in 3 years.” ALSO READ | China claims to have exposed CIA espionage plot after arrest of alleged agent Cheng, a former business anchor for China’s state broadcaster CGTN and mother of two, is accused of illegally supplying state secrets overseas, a charge that carries a possible sentence of five years to life in prison. She had been on her way to work on the morning of August 13, 2020, when she “was taken by China’s Ministry of State Security,” Coyle said in a letter published in The Australian newspaper in May. The details of the allegations against Cheng have not been revealed by the Chinese authorities. The court in China delayed in giving a verdict several times, which left Cheng in custody and gave no clarification to her loved ones regarding her fate. In the letter released, Cheng fondly spoke about her life in Australia, saying, “I miss the Australian people.” “I remember camping for the first time with my family. I miss the sweet encounters of wildlife in Australia, the sea salt whirling in my ear. I relive every bushwalk, river, lake, beach with swims and picnics and psychedelic sunsets, sky that is lit up with stars, and the silent and secret symphony of the bush,” she writes. WATCH | China's trade slumps, threatening recovery prospects “I secretly mouth the names of places I've visited and driven through,” Cheng said. “It is the Chinese in me that has probably gone beyond the legal limit of sentimentality. Most of all, I miss my children,” she added. Coyle further informed CNN that he is able to hear from Cheng only after she is visited by her consular once every month. Australian minister confirms support for Cheng Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, in a statement, said that Cheng and her family will be supported and her interests and well-being will be taken care of. “Cheng's message to the public makes clear her deep love for our country,” said Wong in a statement. “All Australians want to see her reunited with her children,” he added. Wong said that the government has been advocating for Cheng and asked that "basic standards of justice, procedural fairness and humane treatment be met to Cheng, in accordance with international norms.” You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

'Haven’t seen a tree in three years,’ says jailed journalist in China in rare message

<p>Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan's lawyer has said that the former premier and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief was prepared to spend the rest of his life in prison, reported Geo News. The Pakistani news outlet reported that Khan's counsel Haider Panjotha has complaints about facilities provided to his client in C-Class confinement. Panjotha reportedly said that Imran Khan has been kept in "poor condition" in Attock jail.</p>

<p>Elaborating on the poor condition of Imran Khan's cell, the lawyer said that it was infested with flies and bugs.</p>

<p>Panjotha, the PTI chief’s counsel, made the remark on Monday (August 7) after meeting Khan.</p>

<p>Imran Khan was arrested on August 5 after a conviction by a court over corrupt practices related to the state gift depository. Khan denies the allegations. After conviction, Khan was handed a sentence of three years in jail.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Imran Khan's second innings in politics in the doldrums</strong></p>

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<p>"Charges of misdeclaration of assets have been proven against PTI chairman," Judge Humayun Dilawar wrote in his judgement. The judge issued an arrest warrant for Imran's immediate arrest. Imran Khan was moved to Attock jail after his arrest.</p>

<p>Speaking to media persons&nbsp;on Monday, Khan’s lawyer said the former prime minister, who was removed from power via a parliamentary vote last year, was provided with a small room “which has an open washroom”.</p>

<p>Panjotha said further that Imran Khan told him that the police did not show him a warrant when they arrested him. He claimed the police even tried to break the door of his wife Bushra Bibi's room.</p>

<p>The lawyer further said that Imran Khan should be allowed to meet his wife in prison.</p>

<h2><strong>Appeal against conviction</strong></h2>

<p>Imran Khan will appeal against the trial court verdict. His lawyer said that the appeal will be filed on Tuesday (August 8).</p>

<p>On Monday, the PTI filed a petition in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to transfer Imran Khan from Attock jail to a jail in Adiala. The party added that given Imran Khan's "education, habits and social and political status", he ought to be provided better or A-class facilities in jail.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Since childhood, the petitioner is from an affluent family, and later due to his education, habits, and social and political status in the society, has got accustomed to a better mode of life... is a graduate of Oxford University, UK and the ... captain of Pakistan national Cricket...," the petition read.</p>

<p>"Keeping in view the petitioner's social and political status, his education, and his being accustomed to a better living style, the Petitioner was entitled to A-class facilities in terms of Rule 243 read with Rule 248 of Pakistan Prison Rules," it added.&nbsp;</p>

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Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan's lawyer has said that the former premier and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief was prepared to spend the rest of his life in prison, reported Geo News.

Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan's lawyer has said that the former premier and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief was prepared to spend the rest of his life in prison, reported Geo News. The Pakistani news outlet reported that Khan's counsel Haider Panjotha has complaints about facilities provided to his client in C-Class confinement. Panjotha reportedly said that Imran Khan has been kept in "poor condition" in Attock jail. Elaborating on the poor condition of Imran Khan's cell, the lawyer said that it was infested with flies and bugs. Panjotha, the PTI chief’s counsel, made the remark on Monday (August 7) after meeting Khan. Imran Khan was arrested on August 5 after a conviction by a court over corrupt practices related to the state gift depository. Khan denies the allegations. After conviction, Khan was handed a sentence of three years in jail. Watch | Imran Khan's second innings in politics in the doldrums × "Charges of misdeclaration of assets have been proven against PTI chairman," Judge Humayun Dilawar wrote in his judgement. The judge issued an arrest warrant for Imran's immediate arrest. Imran Khan was moved to Attock jail after his arrest. Speaking to media persons on Monday, Khan’s lawyer said the former prime minister, who was removed from power via a parliamentary vote last year, was provided with a small room “which has an open washroom”. Panjotha said further that Imran Khan told him that the police did not show him a warrant when they arrested him. He claimed the police even tried to break the door of his wife Bushra Bibi's room. The lawyer further said that Imran Khan should be allowed to meet his wife in prison. Appeal against conviction Imran Khan will appeal against the trial court verdict. His lawyer said that the appeal will be filed on Tuesday (August 8). On Monday, the PTI filed a petition in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to transfer Imran Khan from Attock jail to a jail in Adiala. The party added that given Imran Khan's "education, habits and social and political status", he ought to be provided better or A-class facilities in jail. "Since childhood, the petitioner is from an affluent family, and later due to his education, habits, and social and political status in the society, has got accustomed to a better mode of life... is a graduate of Oxford University, UK and the ... captain of Pakistan national Cricket...," the petition read. "Keeping in view the petitioner's social and political status, his education, and his being accustomed to a better living style, the Petitioner was entitled to A-class facilities in terms of Rule 243 read with Rule 248 of Pakistan Prison Rules," it added. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Imran Khan ready to spend his life in prison, says his lawyer

Alexei Navalny was given a 19-year prison sentence extension by a Russian court, as well as the toughest prison conditions in the nation and a unique regime.

Russian court sentences Alexei Navalny to 19 more years in prison

<p>Some 2,700 soldiers on Tuesday stormed a prison in Ecuador, retaking control of the facility as the death toll from a riot that started over the weekend rose to 31 inmates, authorities said.</p>

<p>The latest battle between rival gangs at the overcrowded, violence-hobbled Guayas 1 prison in the port city of Guayaquil has left 31 people dead and 14 wounded, the public prosecutor's office said, updating an earlier death toll from 18.</p>

<p>Riots regularly pit prison gangs with links to drug traffickers against one another in Ecuador, a country that has recently emerged as a key player in the South American cocaine trade.</p>

<p>A string of bloody clashes has claimed at least 420 lives in Ecuadoran prisons since 2021 -- many of the victims beheaded or burnt alive, others shot as widespread corruption among guards allows inmates to obtain guns and explosives.</p>

<p>Among those wounded in the latest round of violence was a police officer, said the prosecutor's office.</p>

<p>The armed forces, for its part, said soldiers and police entered Guayas 1 on Tuesday to put down the riot that started Saturday and had left an initial toll of six dead inmates.</p>

<p>At least one of the dead had been beheaded, according to a government decree issued Tuesday announcing a 60-day state of emergency in all Ecuador's prisons.</p>

<p>The government, via its communications secretariat Segcom, said "total control" had been regained at Guayas 1, which houses over 5,600 inmates.</p>

<p>Officers seized nine rifles, a grenade launcher, four pistols, two revolvers and 1,000 rounds of ammunition, according to officials.</p>

<p>The public prosecutor's office on Tuesday announced the opening of a murder investigation over the deaths as well as a terrorism probe, due to the "explosions and the quantity of weapons and ammunition found inside the prison."</p>

<h2><strong>'We want peace'&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Dozens of people gathered outside Guayas 1 on Tuesday, frantic for news about their loved ones inside.</p>

<p>Some carried white balloons and placards proclaiming: "We want peace."</p>

<p>"The prisoners don't interest them (the authorities)," said a woman desperate for news on her husband, and who did not want to be named as she feared for her safety.</p>

<p>"It's as if they (the inmates) were rats. They are human beings!" she told AFP.</p>

<p>Family members said they feared the prisoners would be moved to other facilities -- something which in the past has resulted in deadly clashes between newcomers and the old guard, who are often aligned with rival groups.</p>

<p>President Guillermo Lasso in a message on social media insisted the government "will never yield" to criminal violence.</p>

<p>He posted photos of heavily-armed security forces standing guard over dozens of prisoners with naked torsos and hands tied.</p>

<p>The Prison Observatory, a rights group, claimed on social media that inmates at Guayas 1 have been "without food and water for more than three days."</p>

<h2><strong>'Torture centres'&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The SNAI prison authority, meanwhile, announced that 106 prison guards -- among the dozens taken hostage Monday at prisons in five provinces -- had since been released. It did not say how many still had to be freed.</p>

<p>Fewer than 3,000 guards are in charge of more than 31,000 inmates in 36 prisons around Ecuador, many of them overpopulated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A committee appointed by Lasso to look into prison conditions last year found that the country's penitentiaries were akin to "torture centres"</p>

<p>Guayaquil, on Ecuador's southern Pacific coast, is the country's largest city, biggest port and economic hub, but in recent years has become the increasingly bloody centre&nbsp;of a gang turf war.</p>

<p>The location of the city, home to three million of Ecuador's 18 million people, makes it a strategic launch point for shipments of drugs to the United States and Europe.</p>

<p>Tucked between Colombia and Peru, the world's main cocaine producers, once peaceful Ecuador has seized 455 tons of drugs since May 2021.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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Some 2,700 soldiers on Tuesday stormed a prison in Ecuador, retaking control of the facility as the death toll from a riot that started over the weekend rose to 31 inmates, authorities said.

Some 2,700 soldiers on Tuesday stormed a prison in Ecuador, retaking control of the facility as the death toll from a riot that started over the weekend rose to 31 inmates, authorities said. The latest battle between rival gangs at the overcrowded, violence-hobbled Guayas 1 prison in the port city of Guayaquil has left 31 people dead and 14 wounded, the public prosecutor's office said, updating an earlier death toll from 18. Riots regularly pit prison gangs with links to drug traffickers against one another in Ecuador, a country that has recently emerged as a key player in the South American cocaine trade. A string of bloody clashes has claimed at least 420 lives in Ecuadoran prisons since 2021 -- many of the victims beheaded or burnt alive, others shot as widespread corruption among guards allows inmates to obtain guns and explosives. Among those wounded in the latest round of violence was a police officer, said the prosecutor's office. The armed forces, for its part, said soldiers and police entered Guayas 1 on Tuesday to put down the riot that started Saturday and had left an initial toll of six dead inmates. At least one of the dead had been beheaded, according to a government decree issued Tuesday announcing a 60-day state of emergency in all Ecuador's prisons. The government, via its communications secretariat Segcom, said "total control" had been regained at Guayas 1, which houses over 5,600 inmates. Officers seized nine rifles, a grenade launcher, four pistols, two revolvers and 1,000 rounds of ammunition, according to officials. The public prosecutor's office on Tuesday announced the opening of a murder investigation over the deaths as well as a terrorism probe, due to the "explosions and the quantity of weapons and ammunition found inside the prison." 'We want peace' Dozens of people gathered outside Guayas 1 on Tuesday, frantic for news about their loved ones inside. Some carried white balloons and placards proclaiming: "We want peace." "The prisoners don't interest them (the authorities)," said a woman desperate for news on her husband, and who did not want to be named as she feared for her safety. "It's as if they (the inmates) were rats. They are human beings!" she told AFP. Family members said they feared the prisoners would be moved to other facilities -- something which in the past has resulted in deadly clashes between newcomers and the old guard, who are often aligned with rival groups. President Guillermo Lasso in a message on social media insisted the government "will never yield" to criminal violence. He posted photos of heavily-armed security forces standing guard over dozens of prisoners with naked torsos and hands tied. The Prison Observatory, a rights group, claimed on social media that inmates at Guayas 1 have been "without food and water for more than three days." 'Torture centres' The SNAI prison authority, meanwhile, announced that 106 prison guards -- among the dozens taken hostage Monday at prisons in five provinces -- had since been released. It did not say how many still had to be freed. Fewer than 3,000 guards are in charge of more than 31,000 inmates in 36 prisons around Ecuador, many of them overpopulated. A committee appointed by Lasso to look into prison conditions last year found that the country's penitentiaries were akin to "torture centres" Guayaquil, on Ecuador's southern Pacific coast, is the country's largest city, biggest port and economic hub, but in recent years has become the increasingly bloody centre of a gang turf war. The location of the city, home to three million of Ecuador's 18 million people, makes it a strategic launch point for shipments of drugs to the United States and Europe. Tucked between Colombia and Peru, the world's main cocaine producers, once peaceful Ecuador has seized 455 tons of drugs since May 2021. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Ecuador forces wrest back control of prison as riot death toll climbs to 31

Myanmar's military government may move leader Suu Kyi from prison to house arrest. As per local media reports, the move is part of an act of clemency to prisoners in connection with a religious ceremony next week however these reports have not been confirmed by Suu Kyi's lawyers. Her spokesperson says that news of improvements in the conditions are welcome but it does not change your status as a prisoner of conscience.

Myanmar's Military may move Suu Kyi from prison to house arrest

At least six inmates were killed and 11 more were injured in weekend clashes between gang members in an Ecuadorian prison, authorities said on Sunday during the latest outbreak of violence to convulse the country's jails.

Six killed in gang clashes in Ecuador prison, officials targeted

Two years after being sentenced to prison the country's former president Zuma is likely to be put behind bars again.

Prison authorities 'studying sentence' for Zuma

Larry Nassar, a gymnastics doctor who sexually assaulted over 300 women, was stabbed numerous times while incarcerated. His condition is now stable. Nassar received a 175-year jail term for abusing young gymnasts. On Sunday, he was attacked in Coleman Federal Correctional Institution.

Convicted sex offender Larry Nassar stabbed multiple times in prison

At least 11 people were killed in a shooting in northwestern Honduras on the 24th of June. People celebrating a birthday party were shot by suspected hitmen hired by drug traffickers. The drug-related shooting took place in Choloma, a town near San Pedro Sula, the second-largest Honduran city, plagued by crippling poverty, drug trafficking, and gang violence. President Xiomara Castro ordered a special curfew for Choloma from 9 PM to 4 AM for the next 15 days. The ruthless billiards bar attack comes barely a week after a vicious battle between rival gangs left 46 women dead in a prison near the capital, Tegucigalpa. Cracking the whip, the government announced that military police will take control of Honduras' 21 prisons for one year, starting the 1st of July.

Honduran military takes control of gang-infested prisons

A riot at a women’s prison in Honduras left at least 41 females dead. Authorities are now working to identify the victims. Most victims were burned at the 900-person women's prison in Tamara, around 20 kilometers from the Honduran capital. There are also reports of inmates being shot at.

At least 41 dead following reported riot in women's prison in Honduras

<p>Australia on Thursday announced that a national ban will be imposed on Nazi symbols as part of their attempt to crack down on far-right groups.<br />
<br />
Due to the ban on Nazi symbols, people held guilty of publicly displaying SS symbols or the swastika will be punished with up to a year in prison.<br />
<br />
The new laws, however, will not cover the Nazi salute. In many states, Nazi symbols have already been banned but the new rule means they won't be permitted anywhere, said the government.<br />
<br />
The step was taken in the wake of a resurgence in far-right activity.<br />
<br />
In March, a bunch of neo-Nazis participated in a rally in Melbourne which was hosted by Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull, who is well-known for strongly opposing transgender rights and performed Nazi salutes on the Victorian Parliament's steps.<br />
<br />
Keen-Minshull denied having any connection to the group. The event led to a political backlash with increasing calls for more efforts to tackle displays of Nazi regalia.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hitler-speech-nazi-slogans-played-on-australian-trains-loudspeaker-two-charged-592819">Hitler speech, Nazi slogans played on Austrian train's loudspeaker, two charged</a></p>

<p>"There is no place in Australia for symbols that glorify the horrors of the Holocaust," said Attorney General Mark Dreyfus, announcing the new legislation.<br />
<br />
"We will no longer allow people to profit from the display and sale of items which celebrate the Nazis," he further stated. “The ban includes the trade and public display of flags, armbands, T-shirts, insignia and the publication of symbols online promoting Nazi ideology,” said Dreyfus.</p>

<h2><strong>Public display&nbsp;of Nazi symbols for scientific and literary purposes allowed</strong></h2>

<p>Even after the ban, public display&nbsp;of the Nazi's SS symbols and swastika for educational, literary, academic, artistic, journalistic or scientific purposes will be permitted.<br />
<br />
Similar bans were already announced by Victoria and Queensland earlier this year. The ban was drafted carefully to ensure that the display of the swastika for religious purposes is excluded, because of its spiritual significance.<br />
<br />
Australia's Anti-Defamation Commission Chairman Dvir Abramovich described the move as a "profound moment that represents the culmination of a six-year personal campaign".<br />
<br />
The recent appearance of neo-Nazis on the streets of Australia took Holocaust survivors "back to their darkest days", Abramovich said, while speaking to the BBC.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Transgender rights activists clash with Neo-Nazi's in Melbourne</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/transgender-rights-activists-clash-with-neo-nazis-in-melbourne-573615/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>"It tears a hole in their heart. I don't think they imagined that in their lifetime, they would see the resurgence of neo-Nazism,” he added.<br />
<br />
Abramovich said that while the officials don't have a "silver bullet" to deal with "hardcore bigots", the new laws are a new step in the right direction.<br />
<br />
"What is needed is a whole-of-society approach, to tear it at its root," he stated.</p>

<main>
<section>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Australia on Thursday announced that a national ban will be imposed on Nazi symbols as part of their attempt to crack down on far-right groups. Due to the ban on Nazi symbols, people held guilty of publicly displaying SS symbols or the swastika will be punished with up to a year in prison.

Australia on Thursday announced that a national ban will be imposed on Nazi symbols as part of their attempt to crack down on far-right groups. Due to the ban on Nazi symbols, people held guilty of publicly displaying SS symbols or the swastika will be punished with up to a year in prison. The new laws, however, will not cover the Nazi salute. In many states, Nazi symbols have already been banned but the new rule means they won't be permitted anywhere, said the government. The step was taken in the wake of a resurgence in far-right activity. In March, a bunch of neo-Nazis participated in a rally in Melbourne which was hosted by Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull, who is well-known for strongly opposing transgender rights and performed Nazi salutes on the Victorian Parliament's steps. Keen-Minshull denied having any connection to the group. The event led to a political backlash with increasing calls for more efforts to tackle displays of Nazi regalia. ALSO READ | Hitler speech, Nazi slogans played on Austrian train's loudspeaker, two charged "There is no place in Australia for symbols that glorify the horrors of the Holocaust," said Attorney General Mark Dreyfus, announcing the new legislation. "We will no longer allow people to profit from the display and sale of items which celebrate the Nazis," he further stated. “The ban includes the trade and public display of flags, armbands, T-shirts, insignia and the publication of symbols online promoting Nazi ideology,” said Dreyfus. Public display of Nazi symbols for scientific and literary purposes allowed Even after the ban, public display of the Nazi's SS symbols and swastika for educational, literary, academic, artistic, journalistic or scientific purposes will be permitted. Similar bans were already announced by Victoria and Queensland earlier this year. The ban was drafted carefully to ensure that the display of the swastika for religious purposes is excluded, because of its spiritual significance. Australia's Anti-Defamation Commission Chairman Dvir Abramovich described the move as a "profound moment that represents the culmination of a six-year personal campaign". The recent appearance of neo-Nazis on the streets of Australia took Holocaust survivors "back to their darkest days", Abramovich said, while speaking to the BBC. WATCH | Transgender rights activists clash with Neo-Nazi's in Melbourne "It tears a hole in their heart. I don't think they imagined that in their lifetime, they would see the resurgence of neo-Nazism,” he added. Abramovich said that while the officials don't have a "silver bullet" to deal with "hardcore bigots", the new laws are a new step in the right direction. "What is needed is a whole-of-society approach, to tear it at its root," he stated. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Australia set to impose national ban on Nazi symbols

<p>Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes reached the federal prison on Tuesday to start her 11-year sentence. 39-year-old Holmes was last year convicted on four counts of fraud related to her failed blood testing start-up.</p>

<p>In mid-May, a request for bail made by Holmes was rejected by a court while they considered a challenge filed against the original conviction.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The founder will be serving her prison sentence in a minimum-security prison in Texas.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Holmes reached the federal facility in Bryan, Texas on Tuesday. The prison currently has around 500 and 700 inmates. The prison is located about 100 miles (160km) north of Houston, which is her hometown.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Federal Bureau of Prisons confirmed her arrival at the facility, which refused to give any more details about Holmes' imprisonment, citing privacy concerns.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-theranos-founder-elizabeth-holmes-heads-to-prison-what-was-the-scam-all-about-598509">Explained: Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes heads to prison. What was the blood-testing scam about?</a></p>

<p>In the prison, Holmes,&nbsp;who was once considered as the youngest self-made billionaire in the world, may have to work alongside other prison inmates for earning a mere 12 cents (10p) and $1.15 (93p) an hour. A large amount of money earned by Holmes in prison will go towards her court-mandated restitution payments.</p>

<h2><strong>Holmes' partner serves prison sentence</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier in May, &nbsp;Holmes and her former romantic and business partner, ex-Theranos boss Ramesh 'Sunny'&nbsp;Balwani were ordered by a US judge to pay $452 million to victims.</p>

<p>Balwani has been serving 13-year imprisonment in California for the role he played in the scam.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The pair together have been accused of duping some of the most prominent and richest investors of the world,&nbsp;which includes media tycoon Rupert Murdoch and former US Treasury Secretary George Shultz,&nbsp;who had backed Theranos.</p>

<p>The firm, which was once valued at $9 billion, had promised to be possessing the technology which can detect health conditions like diabetes with just a few drops of blood. However, the technology never came to work. Finally, the company collapsed in 2018.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Texas prison camp&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The Texas prison camp, where Holmes has been imprisoned, is a sprawling 37-acre facility. Most inmates in the prison have been convicted for low-level drug dealing, non-violent crimes or white-collar offences.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes sentenced to 11 years in prison for defrauding investors</strong></p>

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<p>According to the handbook of the facility, a prisoner is generally busy with work and extracurricular activities which include foreign language, computer literacy or business courses.</p>

<p>Holmes had made all possible efforts to stay out of prison. She had stated that a delay would permit her to raise "substantial questions" about the case which could warrant a new trial.</p>

<main>
<section>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>You can&nbsp;<strong>now write for&nbsp;wionews.com</strong>&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>

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Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes reached the federal prison on Tuesday to start her 11-year sentence. 39-year-old Holmes was last year convicted on four counts of fraud related to her failed blood testing start-up.

Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes reached the federal prison on Tuesday to start her 11-year sentence. 39-year-old Holmes was last year convicted on four counts of fraud related to her failed blood testing start-up. In mid-May, a request for bail made by Holmes was rejected by a court while they considered a challenge filed against the original conviction. The founder will be serving her prison sentence in a minimum-security prison in Texas. Holmes reached the federal facility in Bryan, Texas on Tuesday. The prison currently has around 500 and 700 inmates. The prison is located about 100 miles (160km) north of Houston, which is her hometown. The Federal Bureau of Prisons confirmed her arrival at the facility, which refused to give any more details about Holmes' imprisonment, citing privacy concerns. ALSO READ | Explained: Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes heads to prison. What was the blood-testing scam about? In the prison, Holmes, who was once considered as the youngest self-made billionaire in the world, may have to work alongside other prison inmates for earning a mere 12 cents (10p) and $1.15 (93p) an hour. A large amount of money earned by Holmes in prison will go towards her court-mandated restitution payments. Holmes' partner serves prison sentence Earlier in May, Holmes and her former romantic and business partner, ex-Theranos boss Ramesh 'Sunny' Balwani were ordered by a US judge to pay $452 million to victims. Balwani has been serving 13-year imprisonment in California for the role he played in the scam. The pair together have been accused of duping some of the most prominent and richest investors of the world, which includes media tycoon Rupert Murdoch and former US Treasury Secretary George Shultz, who had backed Theranos. The firm, which was once valued at $9 billion, had promised to be possessing the technology which can detect health conditions like diabetes with just a few drops of blood. However, the technology never came to work. Finally, the company collapsed in 2018. Texas prison camp The Texas prison camp, where Holmes has been imprisoned, is a sprawling 37-acre facility. Most inmates in the prison have been convicted for low-level drug dealing, non-violent crimes or white-collar offences. WATCH | Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes sentenced to 11 years in prison for defrauding investors According to the handbook of the facility, a prisoner is generally busy with work and extracurricular activities which include foreign language, computer literacy or business courses. Holmes had made all possible efforts to stay out of prison. She had stated that a delay would permit her to raise "substantial questions" about the case which could warrant a new trial. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes reaches federal prison to start 11-year sentence

<p>A French appeals court has upheld&nbsp;former President Nicolas Sarkozy’s three-year jail term for corruption and influence peddling on Wednesday (May 17) following which he&nbsp;would have to wear a tag and serve his time at home instead of going to jail.&nbsp;The appeals court ratified&nbsp;his one-year detention term at home with an electronic bracelet and barred him from public service for three years for attempting to obtain favours from a judge in a wiretapping case.</p>

<p>The 68-year-old left the courtroom without commenting, but his lawyer indicated they will appeal the ruling to France's highest appeals court, the Court of Cassation.</p>

<p>Sarkozy, who was president from 2007 to 2012, has been caught up&nbsp;in legal issues&nbsp;since leaving office.</p>

<p>In March 2021, he was sentenced to prison as France’s first post-war president after a court concluded that he and his former lawyer, Thierry Herzog, had made a "corruption pact" with judge Gilbert Azibert in exchange for information about a legal case in which he was implicated.</p>

<p>Investigators wiretapped Sarkozy’s two official phone lines and identified a third unauthorised one under the name "Paul Bismuth" taken out in 2014, through which he spoke with Herzog.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The contents of these phone calls were the catalyst for the 2021 corruption verdict.</p>

<p>The former leader denied the claims immediately and filed an appeal.</p>

<p>Sarkozy stated on the opening day of the appeals hearing in December last year that he had "never corrupted anybody."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/southern-europe-turning-into-desert-france-italy-and-spain-to-face-brutal-summer-of-drought-593212">Southern Europe 'turning into desert', France, Italy and Spain to face brutal summer of drought</a></p>

<p>His discussions with Herzog were played in court and played a key part in determining the judgement on Wednesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The so-called Bismuth case is only one of numerous investigations against the man dubbed the "hyper-president" while in office.<br />
<br />
Sarkozy’s full sentence was three years in prison, including two years suspended and one year that could be served at home with an electronic bracelet.&nbsp;If Sarkozy challenges the verdict in the highest court, any potential sentence will not begin until that court has ruled.</p>

<p>Sarkozy will be retried on appeal in the so-called Bygmalion case, in which he was originally sentenced to one year in jail, beginning in November 2023.</p>

<h2><strong>More cases against Sarkozy</strong></h2>

<p>The prosecution accused Sarkozy's team of spending nearly twice the legal limit on his expensive 2012 re-election campaign, using fake billing from a public relations agency named Bygmalion. He has denied any misconduct.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Nuclear power in the European Union</strong></p>

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<p>On Thursday, French prosecutors ordered that he stand trial again for suspected Libyan financing of his 2007 election campaign.</p>

<p>Prosecutors allege that Sarkozy and 12 others solicited millions of euros in finance from the regime&nbsp;of then-Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi for the ultimately successful campaign.</p>

<p>Sarkozy is accused of corruption, illicit campaign finance, and hiding misappropriation of public funds, although he denies all the charges.</p>

<p>Prior to&nbsp;Sarkozy, the only French leader to be convicted in a criminal trial was his predecessor Jacques Chirac, who was awarded a two-year suspended sentence in 2011 for corruption in a fake jobs scandal when he&nbsp;was the mayor of Paris.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

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A French appeals court has upheld former President Nicolas Sarkozy’s three-year jail term for corruption and influence peddling on Wednesday (May 17) following which he would have to wear a tag and serve his time at home instead of going to jail.

A French appeals court has upheld former President Nicolas Sarkozy’s three-year jail term for corruption and influence peddling on Wednesday (May 17) following which he would have to wear a tag and serve his time at home instead of going to jail. The appeals court ratified his one-year detention term at home with an electronic bracelet and barred him from public service for three years for attempting to obtain favours from a judge in a wiretapping case. The 68-year-old left the courtroom without commenting, but his lawyer indicated they will appeal the ruling to France's highest appeals court, the Court of Cassation. Sarkozy, who was president from 2007 to 2012, has been caught up in legal issues since leaving office. In March 2021, he was sentenced to prison as France’s first post-war president after a court concluded that he and his former lawyer, Thierry Herzog, had made a "corruption pact" with judge Gilbert Azibert in exchange for information about a legal case in which he was implicated. Investigators wiretapped Sarkozy’s two official phone lines and identified a third unauthorised one under the name "Paul Bismuth" taken out in 2014, through which he spoke with Herzog. The contents of these phone calls were the catalyst for the 2021 corruption verdict. The former leader denied the claims immediately and filed an appeal. Sarkozy stated on the opening day of the appeals hearing in December last year that he had "never corrupted anybody." ALSO READ | Southern Europe 'turning into desert', France, Italy and Spain to face brutal summer of drought His discussions with Herzog were played in court and played a key part in determining the judgement on Wednesday. The so-called Bismuth case is only one of numerous investigations against the man dubbed the "hyper-president" while in office. Sarkozy’s full sentence was three years in prison, including two years suspended and one year that could be served at home with an electronic bracelet. If Sarkozy challenges the verdict in the highest court, any potential sentence will not begin until that court has ruled. Sarkozy will be retried on appeal in the so-called Bygmalion case, in which he was originally sentenced to one year in jail, beginning in November 2023. More cases against Sarkozy The prosecution accused Sarkozy's team of spending nearly twice the legal limit on his expensive 2012 re-election campaign, using fake billing from a public relations agency named Bygmalion. He has denied any misconduct. ALSO WATCH | Nuclear power in the European Union On Thursday, French prosecutors ordered that he stand trial again for suspected Libyan financing of his 2007 election campaign. Prosecutors allege that Sarkozy and 12 others solicited millions of euros in finance from the regime of then-Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi for the ultimately successful campaign. Sarkozy is accused of corruption, illicit campaign finance, and hiding misappropriation of public funds, although he denies all the charges. Prior to Sarkozy, the only French leader to be convicted in a criminal trial was his predecessor Jacques Chirac, who was awarded a two-year suspended sentence in 2011 for corruption in a fake jobs scandal when he was the mayor of Paris. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Former French president Nicholas Sarkozy loses corruption appeal, to wear tag as sentence upheld

<p>A Thailand criminal court on Wednesday sentenced a couple to 12,640 years’ jail term each for duping people online in a Ponzi scheme under the guise of a savings plan, as per Straits Times.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The online crimes were committed by Wantanee Tippaveth and her husband Methi Chinpha in 2019 when&nbsp;the couple conned people online. However, it was just not the duo who ran this big scam to leach money off people.&nbsp;During the hearing of the trial, the couple confessed to their crimes and said that there were seven other people along with them who played a part to run the scam.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exclusive-jaishankar-flags-need-for-adherence-respect-for-constitution-of-the-oceans-unclos-591885">EXCLUSIVE: Jaishankar flags need for adherence, respect for 'constitution of the oceans' UNCLOS</a></p>

<p>The couple invited people on the social media platform Facebook between March and October 2019. They would urge people online to make investments in a savings scheme. To make it look appealing to people, they would promise that the investments will bring&nbsp;them 93 per cent returns.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To make it look real and to convince people of the 'veracity' of the fraud ponzi scheme, Wantanee would often posted online videos wherein she would show off her gold jewellery in a jewellery shop.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She would claim that she owned the shop. However, the jewellery turned out to be fake. In reality, it was not even a shop. It was a counter which the couple set up beside the room which is styled as an office space.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/portuguese-parliament-legalises-euthanasia-for-people-over-18-591849">Portuguese parliament legalises euthanasia for people over 18</a></p>

<p>The court held the couple guilty of scamming millions of dollars from more than 2,000 people in the Ponzi scheme, an investment fraud that pays existing investors with funds collected from new investors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One of the ways how the couple was able to fool people online is how they portrayed themselves online. Their posts were all curated in a manner that would make them appear to be super-rich people with lavish lifestyles. But everything was fake.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Exclusive: Talking Tennis with Stefanos Tsitsipas | Sports News</strong></p>

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<p>It was not an ordinary scam as about 2,533 people joined the so-called savings scheme making them the victim.&nbsp;The people who joined the Ponzi scheme ended up making huge investments of about 1.3 billion baht (S$51.3 million).</p>

<h2><strong>Total jail for 20 years</strong></h2>

<p>The jail term of 12,640 years was commuted to 5,056 years by Thailand’s Criminal Court. The decision was taken by the court because Wantanee Tippaveth and her husband, Methi Chinpha, confessed to their crimes.</p>

<p>Now, both husband and wife are expected to be in prison for just two decades. It is because of the law in Thailand which puts a bar on the total jail time to 20 years each.</p>

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A Thailand criminal court on Wednesday sentenced a couple to 12,640 years’ jail term each for duping people online in a Ponzi scheme under the guise of a savings plan, as per Straits Times.

A Thailand criminal court on Wednesday sentenced a couple to 12,640 years’ jail term each for duping people online in a Ponzi scheme under the guise of a savings plan, as per Straits Times. The online crimes were committed by Wantanee Tippaveth and her husband Methi Chinpha in 2019 when the couple conned people online. However, it was just not the duo who ran this big scam to leach money off people. During the hearing of the trial, the couple confessed to their crimes and said that there were seven other people along with them who played a part to run the scam. Also Read | EXCLUSIVE: Jaishankar flags need for adherence, respect for 'constitution of the oceans' UNCLOS The couple invited people on the social media platform Facebook between March and October 2019. They would urge people online to make investments in a savings scheme. To make it look appealing to people, they would promise that the investments will bring them 93 per cent returns. To make it look real and to convince people of the 'veracity' of the fraud ponzi scheme, Wantanee would often posted online videos wherein she would show off her gold jewellery in a jewellery shop. She would claim that she owned the shop. However, the jewellery turned out to be fake. In reality, it was not even a shop. It was a counter which the couple set up beside the room which is styled as an office space. Also Read | Portuguese parliament legalises euthanasia for people over 18 The court held the couple guilty of scamming millions of dollars from more than 2,000 people in the Ponzi scheme, an investment fraud that pays existing investors with funds collected from new investors. One of the ways how the couple was able to fool people online is how they portrayed themselves online. Their posts were all curated in a manner that would make them appear to be super-rich people with lavish lifestyles. But everything was fake. Watch | Exclusive: Talking Tennis with Stefanos Tsitsipas | Sports News × It was not an ordinary scam as about 2,533 people joined the so-called savings scheme making them the victim. The people who joined the Ponzi scheme ended up making huge investments of about 1.3 billion baht (S$51.3 million). Total jail for 20 years The jail term of 12,640 years was commuted to 5,056 years by Thailand’s Criminal Court. The decision was taken by the court because Wantanee Tippaveth and her husband, Methi Chinpha, confessed to their crimes. Now, both husband and wife are expected to be in prison for just two decades. It is because of the law in Thailand which puts a bar on the total jail time to 20 years each. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Thailand court sentences couple to over 12,000 years in jail for Ponzi scam

<p>The barbarity of the past often becomes a topic of fascination today. We've seen it happen many times. There are many who want to experience the chill they get when they visit, say a medieval torture chamber or a notorious murderer's medieval home even.</p>

<p>Joining that list of places eliciting weird fascination is Pentridge Prison in Australia. This prison in Melbourne has now been converted into a luxury hotel. It's now called oh-so-stylishly Adina Apartment Hotel Pentridge.</p>

<p>The Pentridge Prison was built in 1851 and housed criminals as recently as 1997. In its heydays, it locked up dreaded names in Australia's criminal world. In the 1800s, Ned Kelly and Harry Powers were inmates. Squizzy Taylor, the early 20th-century gangster (dis) graced the prison chambers. Chopper Read, the contemporary ex-criminal-turned-celebrity has also been housed in this prison.</p>

<p>The prison was decommissioned in 1997 and in 2002, redevelopment of the area was mooted. Around one billion dollars were spent, as a result of which the&nbsp;'prison' will now see&nbsp;some lavish visitors, intent on spending big for a period of luxury at a place that was synonymous with all depravity not too long in the past.</p>

<p>The old B Division of the prison was used to force solitary confinement on the most hardened criminals. A report from Sydney Morning Herald shows a photo with lavish seating in the B Division where you can enjoy a delicious drink with your friends. A far cry from solitary confinement.</p>

<p>The hotel has 106 one and two-bedroom and studio apartments.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It has perhaps become a place you'd want to visit often. A far cry from what it was just 26 years ago.</p>

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The barbarity of the past often becomes a topic of fascination today. We've seen it happen many times. There are many who want to experience the chill they get when they visit, say a medieval torture chamber or a notorious murderer's medieval home even.

The barbarity of the past often becomes a topic of fascination today. We've seen it happen many times. There are many who want to experience the chill they get when they visit, say a medieval torture chamber or a notorious murderer's medieval home even. Joining that list of places eliciting weird fascination is Pentridge Prison in Australia. This prison in Melbourne has now been converted into a luxury hotel. It's now called oh-so-stylishly Adina Apartment Hotel Pentridge. The Pentridge Prison was built in 1851 and housed criminals as recently as 1997. In its heydays, it locked up dreaded names in Australia's criminal world. In the 1800s, Ned Kelly and Harry Powers were inmates. Squizzy Taylor, the early 20th-century gangster (dis) graced the prison chambers. Chopper Read, the contemporary ex-criminal-turned-celebrity has also been housed in this prison. The prison was decommissioned in 1997 and in 2002, redevelopment of the area was mooted. Around one billion dollars were spent, as a result of which the 'prison' will now see some lavish visitors, intent on spending big for a period of luxury at a place that was synonymous with all depravity not too long in the past. The old B Division of the prison was used to force solitary confinement on the most hardened criminals. A report from Sydney Morning Herald shows a photo with lavish seating in the B Division where you can enjoy a delicious drink with your friends. A far cry from solitary confinement. The hotel has 106 one and two-bedroom and studio apartments. It has perhaps become a place you'd want to visit often. A far cry from what it was just 26 years ago. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Australia: Notorious prison has now been converted into a luxury hotel

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