TikTok has settled a landmark lawsuit over alleged teen addiction, leaving Meta and YouTube to face trial this week. Plaintiffs allege app designs were intentionally built to keep teenagers hooked, while Snap has already reached a settlement.


TikTok Settles Landmark Teen Addiction Case as Meta, YouTube Face Trial 

5 Best and Most Scenic Hiking Trails in the World

Introduction 

Inca Trail, Peru

Torres del Paine Circuit, Chile

The Dolomites, Italy

The John Muir Trail, USA

The Laugavegur Trail, Iceland

The Inca Trail in Peru offers breathtaking views of the Andes and the ancient city of Machu Picchu, blending history and nature for an unforgettable hiking experience.

Turkiye is in turmoil as Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu faces corruption charges and is jailed pending trial. The ruling has sparked widespread protests, with demonstrators refusing to back down after four days of relentless unrest.

Istanbul Mayor jailed amid mass protests, Turkiye faces political turmoil

Six men linked to Juventus and France midfielder Paul Pogba go on trial Tuesday, accused of blackmail, attempted extortion of millions of euros, and holding the player at gunpoint. The case at the Paris criminal court has shocked the French football world—all the more so because the alleged perpetrators include three childhood friends and Pogba's own brother Mathias.

Tuesday's trial comes on top of professional woes for Pogba, whose career has struggled since France's spectacular 2018 World Cup win when he scored against Croatia in the Moscow final. He suffered through repeated injuries that led to his 2022 departure from Manchester United, returning to Juventus, where he remained in and out of treatment.

The Turin club this month cancelled his contract following his suspension until March 2025 for doping. The six defendants in Paris are accused of attempting to squeeze 13 million euros ($13.5 million) out of Pogba.

Mathias was the one to go public in the case, publishing a video on social media in August 2022 promising revelations about his younger brother that were "likely to be explosive".

In a subsequent clip, Mathias accused Paul Pogba of casting an evil spell on his France teammate Kylian Mbappe. Paul Pogba's lawyers and his agent Rafaela Pimenta said in a statement later that the videos "came on top of threats and attempts at extortion". He had already filed criminal complaints in Italy and France in July that year.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nfl/news-baltimore-ravens-topple-los-angeles-chargers-30-23-in-nfls-harbaugh-bowl-game-779295">Baltimore Ravens topple Los Angeles Chargers 30-23 in NFL's 'Harbaugh Bowl' game</a>

<h2>- 'Tricked by childhood friends' -</h2>

Pogba told French investigators he had in March 2022 been "tricked by childhood friends" from the gritty Paris suburb where he and Mathias grew up. He accused them of snatching him before he was held at gunpoint by two hooded men with assault rifles, demanding 13 million euros for "services rendered" and blaming him for not helping them financially.

Pogba said at the time that he had paid them only 100,000 euros. The footballer said he had also been pressured at the France national team's training centre in Clairefontaine, at one of his homes in Manchester, and at Juventus' training ground.

Pogba added that he had also paid a bill of more than 57,000 euros that the same friends had racked up at the Adidas store on Paris' glitzy Champs-Elysees avenue. "It's been really difficult for me off the pitch, what's happened, it's been especially hard mentally," Pogba told broadcaster Al-Jazeera at the end of the last season. "Money changes people, it's the truth, it can destroy a family, start a war".

Paul Pogba's lawyer Pierre-Jean Douvier declined to comment ahead of the case when contacted by AFP. His friends have all denied the allegations. They had "a friendly relationship, with chats, joking around, and alongside that, yes, maybe Paul Pogba gave them a helping hand," said Karim Morand-Lahouazi, a lawyer for one of the accused.

A police overview of the case seen by AFP calls the childhood friends and other acquaintances of Paul Pogba "a criminal team... with the objective of extracting 13 million euros from Paul, who had cut them off financially" early in 2022.

The accused claim they themselves were also victims of the hooded men who held Paul Pogba at gunpoint but who have never been identified. Five of the accused face charges of extortion, kidnapping, and forming a criminal gang.&nbsp;

Mathias Pogba, who was not present the night his brother was snatched, is suspected of "pressuring his brother Paul and his family to ensure the payment of the sum of 13 million euros" and is charged with attempted extortion. Mathias Pogba's lawyer, Mbeko Tabula, said he would not comment until the end of the trial.

Disclaimer:&nbsp;This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Six men linked to Juventus and France midfielder Paul Pogba go on trial Tuesday, accused of blackmail, attempted extortion of millions of euros, and holding the player at gunpoint.

Six men linked to Juventus and France midfielder Paul Pogba go on trial Tuesday, accused of blackmail, attempted extortion of millions of euros, and holding the player at gunpoint. The case at the Paris criminal court has shocked the French football world—all the more so because the alleged perpetrators include three childhood friends and Pogba's own brother Mathias. Tuesday's trial comes on top of professional woes for Pogba, whose career has struggled since France's spectacular 2018 World Cup win when he scored against Croatia in the Moscow final. He suffered through repeated injuries that led to his 2022 departure from Manchester United, returning to Juventus, where he remained in and out of treatment. The Turin club this month cancelled his contract following his suspension until March 2025 for doping. The six defendants in Paris are accused of attempting to squeeze 13 million euros ($13.5 million) out of Pogba. Mathias was the one to go public in the case, publishing a video on social media in August 2022 promising revelations about his younger brother that were "likely to be explosive". In a subsequent clip, Mathias accused Paul Pogba of casting an evil spell on his France teammate Kylian Mbappe. Paul Pogba's lawyers and his agent Rafaela Pimenta said in a statement later that the videos "came on top of threats and attempts at extortion". He had already filed criminal complaints in Italy and France in July that year. Also read: Baltimore Ravens topple Los Angeles Chargers 30-23 in NFL's 'Harbaugh Bowl' game - 'Tricked by childhood friends' - Pogba told French investigators he had in March 2022 been "tricked by childhood friends" from the gritty Paris suburb where he and Mathias grew up. He accused them of snatching him before he was held at gunpoint by two hooded men with assault rifles, demanding 13 million euros for "services rendered" and blaming him for not helping them financially. Pogba said at the time that he had paid them only 100,000 euros. The footballer said he had also been pressured at the France national team's training centre in Clairefontaine, at one of his homes in Manchester, and at Juventus' training ground. Pogba added that he had also paid a bill of more than 57,000 euros that the same friends had racked up at the Adidas store on Paris' glitzy Champs-Elysees avenue. "It's been really difficult for me off the pitch, what's happened, it's been especially hard mentally," Pogba told broadcaster Al-Jazeera at the end of the last season. "Money changes people, it's the truth, it can destroy a family, start a war". Paul Pogba's lawyer Pierre-Jean Douvier declined to comment ahead of the case when contacted by AFP. His friends have all denied the allegations. They had "a friendly relationship, with chats, joking around, and alongside that, yes, maybe Paul Pogba gave them a helping hand," said Karim Morand-Lahouazi, a lawyer for one of the accused. A police overview of the case seen by AFP calls the childhood friends and other acquaintances of Paul Pogba "a criminal team... with the objective of extracting 13 million euros from Paul, who had cut them off financially" early in 2022. The accused claim they themselves were also victims of the hooded men who held Paul Pogba at gunpoint but who have never been identified. Five of the accused face charges of extortion, kidnapping, and forming a criminal gang. Mathias Pogba, who was not present the night his brother was snatched, is suspected of "pressuring his brother Paul and his family to ensure the payment of the sum of 13 million euros" and is charged with attempted extortion. Mathias Pogba's lawyer, Mbeko Tabula, said he would not comment until the end of the trial. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Juventus and France midfielder Paul Pogba's blackmail trial set to open in Paris

Since September 2, Gisèle Pelicot has been at the center of a trial in which 51 men, including her 50-year-old husband, are accused of raping her. Her tale has spread across France since the trial began. Watch to know more.

Mass Rape Trial: Dominique Pelicot slapped with multiple charges of rape and gangrape

32-year-old American journalist Evan Gershkovich trial began behind closed doors in Russia on Wednesday. It comes 15 months after he was arrested in the Euro Mountain City on Espionage charges Gershkovich faces up to 20 years in prison if the court finds him guilty.

Russia: US journalist Evan Gershkovich's espionage trial begins

Known for his role as Kang in the Marvel movies, actor Jonathan Majors was found guilty of beating his former lover. The jury concluded that in a March altercation, Majors assaulted British choreographer Grace Jabbari.

Jury convicts actor Jonathan Majors; Marvel drops actor after verdict

Marvel drops actor Jonathan Majors after assault, harassment verdict

The civil conflict in Libya has escalated, threatening to destabilize the region further. Locals are stranded in their homes in the Libyan capital, Tripoli, which is witnessing a spiralling conflict between two armed factions. Libya has seen little peace since 2011. But in the last decade, armed factions continue to gain a stronger foothold and power in the country. As the civil crisis shows no signs of ending, the eternal question remains...Who will save Libya now?

The deadly trail of turmoil in Libya

After 2 years of Covid-19 pandemic, you know what freedom looks like? Being out in the open and travel to the places that were sitting in your wishlist all this time. WION's Ghadi Francis is on a holiday in Europe and she is going to bring to you stories from Paris, Hamburg, Amsterdam, Zurich and a lot more cities and add a little joy to your Christmas. Keep watching this space for more.

WION’s Ghadi Francis on a Europe trail

In a landmark ruling for euthanasia, a Spanish court has allowed a paraplegic man facing trial for a shooting spree the right to apply for assisted suicide before facing justice.

Observing that euthanasia was a “fundamental right, the national court in Tarragona said that the right to euthanasia law passed last year doesn’t allow the court to intervene in a such case whether the person is incarcerated, awaiting trial or not.

The ruling on July 8 acknowledged that the law could not have anticipated a situation where a person facing criminal charges might request assisted dying.

Spain’s euthanasia law allows adults with “serious and incurable” conditions that cause “unbearable suffering” to choose to end their lives, reports The Guardian.

Last December, Marin Eugen Sabau, 46, a Romanian security guard, shot and injured his three former co-workers at a security company in Tarragona in eastern Spain. He was later apprehended after he was shot in the spine by a police marksman.

In July, Sabau released a statement released from the prison revealing why he went on a killing spree and why he seeks euthanasia.

&nbsp;“I’m paraplegic. I’ve got 45 stitches in one hand, and I can barely move my left arm. I’m full of screws and I can’t feel my chest,” he said.

Sabau claimed exploited and faced racist slurs by his bosses at the Securitas company who had made his life “a living hell”. Before the attack, he said that he sent an email to his superiors saying, “I’ve got no option, I will take the law into my own hands. Lessons learned with blood aren’t easily forgotten.”

He also claimed that the Catalan police fired first without warning and continued to fire when he was unconscious.

Meanwhile, the court’s ruling has angered the lawyers representing the wounded police officer who has decided to appeal to the constitutional court.

“The national court’s decision is erroneous. It hasn’t taken into account the victims’ suffering nor their dignity,” Antonio Bitos, the lawyer representing the wounded officer, was quoted as saying.

(With inputs from agencies)

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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

In a landmark ruling for euthanasia, a Spanish court has allowed a paraplegic man facing trial for a shooting spree the right to apply for assisted suicide before facing justice.

In a landmark ruling for euthanasia, a Spanish court has allowed a paraplegic man facing trial for a shooting spree the right to apply for assisted suicide before facing justice. Observing that euthanasia was a “fundamental right, the national court in Tarragona said that the right to euthanasia law passed last year doesn’t allow the court to intervene in a such case whether the person is incarcerated, awaiting trial or not. The ruling on July 8 acknowledged that the law could not have anticipated a situation where a person facing criminal charges might request assisted dying. Spain’s euthanasia law allows adults with “serious and incurable” conditions that cause “unbearable suffering” to choose to end their lives, reports The Guardian. Last December, Marin Eugen Sabau, 46, a Romanian security guard, shot and injured his three former co-workers at a security company in Tarragona in eastern Spain. He was later apprehended after he was shot in the spine by a police marksman. In July, Sabau released a statement released from the prison revealing why he went on a killing spree and why he seeks euthanasia. “I’m paraplegic. I’ve got 45 stitches in one hand, and I can barely move my left arm. I’m full of screws and I can’t feel my chest,” he said. Sabau claimed exploited and faced racist slurs by his bosses at the Securitas company who had made his life “a living hell”. Before the attack, he said that he sent an email to his superiors saying, “I’ve got no option, I will take the law into my own hands. Lessons learned with blood aren’t easily forgotten.” He also claimed that the Catalan police fired first without warning and continued to fire when he was unconscious. Meanwhile, the court’s ruling has angered the lawyers representing the wounded police officer who has decided to appeal to the constitutional court. “The national court’s decision is erroneous. It hasn’t taken into account the victims’ suffering nor their dignity,” Antonio Bitos, the lawyer representing the wounded officer, was quoted as saying. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Spanish court allows euthanasia for paraplegic gunman awaiting trail

U.S. basketball player Brittney Griner goes on trial in Russia on Friday on drug charges that could see her face up to 10 years in prison, in a case caught up in the fraught relations between Moscow and Washington. 
Griner, a star in the U.S.-based Women`s National Basketball Association (WNBA), was detained at Moscow`s Sheremetyevo Airport on Feb. 17, just days before Russia invaded Ukraine, unleashing a broader confrontation with the West.

Russian authorities said the 31-year-old athlete was carrying vape cartridges containing hashish oil, a substance illegal in the country. She was charged with smuggling a large quantity of drugs, an offence that can carry up to 10 years in prison. U.S. officials and a score of athletes have called for the release of Griner - or "BG" as she is known to basketball fans. They say she has been wrongfully detained and should be immediately returned to her family in the United States.

Griner`s detention also prompted concerns that Moscow could use the two-time Olympic gold medallist to negotiate the release of a high-profile Russian in U.S. custody. Griner`s wife, Cherelle Griner, told CNN in an interview on Thursday evening that she was hoping for a meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden. 
"I would love for him to tell me he cares," Cherelle Griner said.

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The U.S. government has warned citizens against travelling to Russia in light of the "potential for harassment against U.S. citizens by Russian government security officials". The Kremlin has said that Griner violated Russian laws and denied she was being held hostage amid Russia`s stand-off with the United States.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said last week there was "no higher priority" than bringing home Griner and other Americans "illegally detained" abroad. Griner plays centre for the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA and is a seven-time WNBA All-Star.

For years, Griner played for UMMC Ekaterinburg in Russia during the WNBA off-season, like several other U.S. players offered lucrative contracts by the Russian Women`s Basketball Premier League. 
Griner`s detention, combined with Russia`s military intervention in Ukraine, prompted several foreign players to leave the Russian league.

U.S. basketball player Brittney Griner goes on trial in Russia on Friday on drug charges that could see her face up to 10 years in prison, in a case caught up in the fraught relations between Moscow and Washington.

U.S. basketball player Brittney Griner goes on trial in Russia on Friday on drug charges that could see her face up to 10 years in prison, in a case caught up in the fraught relations between Moscow and Washington. Griner, a star in the U.S.-based Women`s National Basketball Association (WNBA), was detained at Moscow`s Sheremetyevo Airport on Feb. 17, just days before Russia invaded Ukraine, unleashing a broader confrontation with the West. Russian authorities said the 31-year-old athlete was carrying vape cartridges containing hashish oil, a substance illegal in the country. She was charged with smuggling a large quantity of drugs, an offence that can carry up to 10 years in prison. U.S. officials and a score of athletes have called for the release of Griner - or "BG" as she is known to basketball fans. They say she has been wrongfully detained and should be immediately returned to her family in the United States. Griner`s detention also prompted concerns that Moscow could use the two-time Olympic gold medallist to negotiate the release of a high-profile Russian in U.S. custody. Griner`s wife, Cherelle Griner, told CNN in an interview on Thursday evening that she was hoping for a meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden. "I would love for him to tell me he cares," Cherelle Griner said. ALSO READ | FIFA retracts suspension of Pakistan Football Federation The U.S. government has warned citizens against travelling to Russia in light of the "potential for harassment against U.S. citizens by Russian government security officials". The Kremlin has said that Griner violated Russian laws and denied she was being held hostage amid Russia`s stand-off with the United States. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said last week there was "no higher priority" than bringing home Griner and other Americans "illegally detained" abroad. Griner plays centre for the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA and is a seven-time WNBA All-Star. For years, Griner played for UMMC Ekaterinburg in Russia during the WNBA off-season, like several other U.S. players offered lucrative contracts by the Russian Women`s Basketball Premier League. Griner`s detention, combined with Russia`s military intervention in Ukraine, prompted several foreign players to leave the Russian league.

Russia opens trial vs U.S. basketballer Brittney Griner

Opening statements begin in Derek Chauvin trial for George Floyd's death

Former Minneapolis policeman Derek Chauvin squeezed the life out of George Floyd when he arrested him in last May, a prosecutor told jurors in his opening statement at Chauvin's trial on murder charges on Monday.&nbsp;

Jerry Blackwell, a prosecutor with the Minnesota attorney general's office, told jurors that officers who wear the Minneapolis police badge pledge to never use 'unnecessary force or violence'.&nbsp;

"You will learn that on May 25, Derek Chauvin betrayed this badge when he used excessive and unreasonable force upon the body of George Floyd," Blackwell said.&nbsp;

He displayed a still image from a bystander's cellphone video of Chauvin, who his white, with his knee on the neck of Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man in handcuffs, saying it showed Chauvin 'grinding and crushing him until the very breath — no, ladies and gentlemen — the very life was squeezed out of him'.&nbsp;

Floyd's death ignited a global protest movement and over the preceding two weeks of jury selection, many jurors told Hennepin County District Judge Peter Cahill and the lawyers on each side that they recognised the scrutiny their deliberations would come under, not least by those who view the trial as a reckoning for how Black people are policed in the United States.&nbsp;

"It's been a long time coming," a gospel choir sang on Sunday evening at a prayer service attended by Floyd's relatives. "But I know a change is gonna come."&nbsp;

The service was held in a church a few blocks east of the deadly arrest.&nbsp;

Philonise Floyd, a brother of George Floyd, said before the service began that he had faith that prosecutors from the Minnesota attorney general's office would see Chauvin convicted.&nbsp;

"The video is the proof," he said.&nbsp;

Chauvin, 45, has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter, with his lawyers arguing that he followed his training and that the main cause of Floyd's death, which the county examiner ruled a homicide, was a drug overdose. He faces up to 40 years in prison if convicted on the most serious charge.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Former Minneapolis policeman Derek Chauvin squeezed the life out of George Floyd when he arrested him in last May, a prosecutor told jurors in his opening statement at Chauvin's trial on murder charges on Monday.

Former Minneapolis policeman Derek Chauvin squeezed the life out of George Floyd when he arrested him in last May, a prosecutor told jurors in his opening statement at Chauvin's trial on murder charges on Monday. Jerry Blackwell, a prosecutor with the Minnesota attorney general's office, told jurors that officers who wear the Minneapolis police badge pledge to never use 'unnecessary force or violence'. "You will learn that on May 25, Derek Chauvin betrayed this badge when he used excessive and unreasonable force upon the body of George Floyd," Blackwell said. He displayed a still image from a bystander's cellphone video of Chauvin, who his white, with his knee on the neck of Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man in handcuffs, saying it showed Chauvin 'grinding and crushing him until the very breath — no, ladies and gentlemen — the very life was squeezed out of him'. Floyd's death ignited a global protest movement and over the preceding two weeks of jury selection, many jurors told Hennepin County District Judge Peter Cahill and the lawyers on each side that they recognised the scrutiny their deliberations would come under, not least by those who view the trial as a reckoning for how Black people are policed in the United States. "It's been a long time coming," a gospel choir sang on Sunday evening at a prayer service attended by Floyd's relatives. "But I know a change is gonna come." The service was held in a church a few blocks east of the deadly arrest. Philonise Floyd, a brother of George Floyd, said before the service began that he had faith that prosecutors from the Minnesota attorney general's office would see Chauvin convicted. "The video is the proof," he said. Chauvin, 45, has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter, with his lawyers arguing that he followed his training and that the main cause of Floyd's death, which the county examiner ruled a homicide, was a drug overdose. He faces up to 40 years in prison if convicted on the most serious charge. (With inputs from agencies)

A 'grinding and crushing' knee on Floyd: Opening statements begin in trial 

Almost 50 years after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/northern-ireland-when-british-troops-moved-in-50-years-ago-with-operation-banner-242680">British troops opened fire on protesters on Bloody Sunday</a>, killing 14 people, the only murder case brought against one of the soldiers reached a Northern Irish court for the first time on Wednesday.

The unnamed veteran, accused of murdering two civilians in Londonderry on January 30, 1972, did not attend the hearing in the city and the case was swiftly adjourned.

But relatives of the Bloody Sunday victims, who gathered together to walk to the courthouse, hailed the very fact it was taking place.

Liam Wray, whose brother was killed, said it was a "historic day".

"We are glad and relieved that his day has arrived, it's been 47 and a half years," he said.

Thirteen people died that day when British troops opened fire on a civil rights demonstration in a majority Catholic area of Londonderry, while a 14th victim later died of his wounds.

In addition to two murder charges, the ex-paratrooper, identified only as "Soldier F", faces charges of the attempted murder of four others.

His case was adjourned until December 4, with the lawyer for the veteran stating his intention to challenge the bid to bring the case to trial.

Bloody Sunday has become one of the most symbolic events in the grim history of the Troubles, the conflict which gripped Northern Ireland for three decades.

But the decision to prosecute the veteran is highly divisive in the British province, which remains haunted by the legacy of unrest.

'Truth and justice'

"Soldier F" was one of 17 British veterans who had faced investigation, plus two alleged paramilitaries with the Irish Republican Army (IRA), which fought British rule.

But he was the only one charged by Northern Ireland's public prosecutor in March following decades of investigation.

The announcement infuriated supporters of Britain's military intervention in Northern Ireland, prompting marches in support of the soldier in Belfast and London.

British military and political communities remain divided over the matter.

Some believe prosecutions for historic crimes betray former troops who acted in good faith, equating them with terrorists.

Others feel the military should be held to the highest standard and any amnesty would be a tacit admission of guilt among those who served with integrity.

Families of those killed broadly welcome the prospect of a trial but do not believe it alone will fully settle the matter.

"It's still an ongoing campaign," John Kelly, whose 17-year-old brother Michael was killed on Bloody Sunday, told AFP last month.

"What people want is truth and justice."

'Unjustified and unjustifiable'

The decision by the British Parachute Regiment to open fire on a civil rights march in the Bogside area helped galvanise support for the Provisional IRA in the early years of the Troubles.

A photograph of a Catholic priest waving a bloodstained handkerchief as he tried to help 17-year-old victim Jackie Duddy to safety became a defining image of the incident.

A 12-year public inquiry into Bloody Sunday the largest investigation in UK legal history concluded in 2010 that British paratroopers lost control and none of the casualties posed a threat of causing death or serious injury.

The probe prompted then-prime minister David Cameron to issue a formal state apology for the killings, calling them "unjustified and unjustifiable".

The Northern Ireland Veterans Association, which held a memorial event to mark the 50th anniversary of British military intervention earlier this year, said its members were "concerned" about such prosecutions.

"We need to learn to deal with our past," said NIVA spokesman Ian Simpson.

"We need to move forward together and have an understanding of what it meant."

Almost 50 years after British troops opened fire on protesters on Bloody Sunday, killing 14 people, the only murder case brought against one of the soldiers reached a Northern Irish court for the first time on Wednesday.

Almost 50 years after British troops opened fire on protesters on Bloody Sunday, killing 14 people, the only murder case brought against one of the soldiers reached a Northern Irish court for the first time on Wednesday. The unnamed veteran, accused of murdering two civilians in Londonderry on January 30, 1972, did not attend the hearing in the city and the case was swiftly adjourned. But relatives of the Bloody Sunday victims, who gathered together to walk to the courthouse, hailed the very fact it was taking place. Liam Wray, whose brother was killed, said it was a "historic day". "We are glad and relieved that his day has arrived, it's been 47 and a half years," he said. Thirteen people died that day when British troops opened fire on a civil rights demonstration in a majority Catholic area of Londonderry, while a 14th victim later died of his wounds. In addition to two murder charges, the ex-paratrooper, identified only as "Soldier F", faces charges of the attempted murder of four others. His case was adjourned until December 4, with the lawyer for the veteran stating his intention to challenge the bid to bring the case to trial. Bloody Sunday has become one of the most symbolic events in the grim history of the Troubles, the conflict which gripped Northern Ireland for three decades. But the decision to prosecute the veteran is highly divisive in the British province, which remains haunted by the legacy of unrest. 'Truth and justice' "Soldier F" was one of 17 British veterans who had faced investigation, plus two alleged paramilitaries with the Irish Republican Army (IRA), which fought British rule. But he was the only one charged by Northern Ireland's public prosecutor in March following decades of investigation. The announcement infuriated supporters of Britain's military intervention in Northern Ireland, prompting marches in support of the soldier in Belfast and London. British military and political communities remain divided over the matter. Some believe prosecutions for historic crimes betray former troops who acted in good faith, equating them with terrorists. Others feel the military should be held to the highest standard and any amnesty would be a tacit admission of guilt among those who served with integrity. Families of those killed broadly welcome the prospect of a trial but do not believe it alone will fully settle the matter. "It's still an ongoing campaign," John Kelly, whose 17-year-old brother Michael was killed on Bloody Sunday, told AFP last month. "What people want is truth and justice." 'Unjustified and unjustifiable' The decision by the British Parachute Regiment to open fire on a civil rights march in the Bogside area helped galvanise support for the Provisional IRA in the early years of the Troubles. A photograph of a Catholic priest waving a bloodstained handkerchief as he tried to help 17-year-old victim Jackie Duddy to safety became a defining image of the incident. A 12-year public inquiry into Bloody Sunday the largest investigation in UK legal history concluded in 2010 that British paratroopers lost control and none of the casualties posed a threat of causing death or serious injury. The probe prompted then-prime minister David Cameron to issue a formal state apology for the killings, calling them "unjustified and unjustifiable". The Northern Ireland Veterans Association, which held a memorial event to mark the 50th anniversary of British military intervention earlier this year, said its members were "concerned" about such prosecutions. "We need to learn to deal with our past," said NIVA spokesman Ian Simpson. "We need to move forward together and have an understanding of what it meant."

Bloody Sunday ex-soldier murder case reaches court

The Madras High Court Monday dismissed as withdrawn a plea moved by two accused in the Kodanad heist and murder case seeking to dispense with their appearance before a trial court in connection with the case.

The two accused, K V Sayan and Valayar Manoj, decided to withdraw the plea as Justice Anand Venkatesan refused to accept their contention seeking quashing of summons issued by the Nilgiris trial court.

"When the accused has been enlarged on bail based on the undertaking that they would abide by the conditions imposed by the trial court how can they move such a plea seeking to quash the summon directing their appearance.

"Moreover, the case is in the chargesheet stage, such relief cannot be given at this crucial stage of the case," the judge added.

According to the petitioners, they have appeared before the trial court on more than 20 occasions and demanding any further appearance was unnecessary.

However, refusing to accept their contention, the court said when the trial is on, a journalist was circulating video clippings containing videos of the accused.

"This creates a doubt whether the accused are trying to divert the progress of the case," the court added.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Samuel Mathew, former Tehelka managing editor had on January 11 released a 16-minute video in which the two accused in the case, had allegedly linked chief minister K Palaniswami to the case.

The High Court had on January 23 granted an interim injunction restraining Mathew and six others from making any statement linking Palaniswami to the case.

On April 23, 2017, the security guard of the Kodanad estate, former chief minister J Jayalalithaa's retreat home in Nilgiris district, was murdered in a robbery attempt by a 10-member gang.

It emerged during the probe that Jayalalithaa's former driver C Kanagaraj and Sayan had allegedly plotted the crime.

A total of 10 people were arrested in the case and a charge sheet was also filed.

The Madras High Court Monday dismissed as withdrawn a plea moved by two accused in the Kodanad heist and murder case seeking to dispense with their appearance before a trial court in connection with the case.

The Madras High Court Monday dismissed as withdrawn a plea moved by two accused in the Kodanad heist and murder case seeking to dispense with their appearance before a trial court in connection with the case. The two accused, K V Sayan and Valayar Manoj, decided to withdraw the plea as Justice Anand Venkatesan refused to accept their contention seeking quashing of summons issued by the Nilgiris trial court. "When the accused has been enlarged on bail based on the undertaking that they would abide by the conditions imposed by the trial court how can they move such a plea seeking to quash the summon directing their appearance. "Moreover, the case is in the chargesheet stage, such relief cannot be given at this crucial stage of the case," the judge added. According to the petitioners, they have appeared before the trial court on more than 20 occasions and demanding any further appearance was unnecessary. However, refusing to accept their contention, the court said when the trial is on, a journalist was circulating video clippings containing videos of the accused. "This creates a doubt whether the accused are trying to divert the progress of the case," the court added. Samuel Mathew, former Tehelka managing editor had on January 11 released a 16-minute video in which the two accused in the case, had allegedly linked chief minister K Palaniswami to the case. The High Court had on January 23 granted an interim injunction restraining Mathew and six others from making any statement linking Palaniswami to the case. On April 23, 2017, the security guard of the Kodanad estate, former chief minister J Jayalalithaa's retreat home in Nilgiris district, was murdered in a robbery attempt by a 10-member gang. It emerged during the probe that Jayalalithaa's former driver C Kanagaraj and Sayan had allegedly plotted the crime. A total of 10 people were arrested in the case and a charge sheet was also filed.

Madras High Court dismisses as withdrawn plea by 2 accused in Kodanad case

Under the Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s &#39;Make In India&#39; initiative, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has made attacking Light Combat Helicopters (LCH).

The trial of its strike capabilities is currently underway at Pokhran Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer.&nbsp;

The trial is being supervised by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Indian Air Force and HAL scientists, who are checking the combat helicopters on various parameters.

As per media reports, this trial has been going on at the firing range for last one week under desert conditions.&nbsp;

While the helicopter itself is being tested on different parameters, its firing capability is assessed from variable heights.&nbsp;

Reportedly, these helicopters can carry out operational roles under extreme weather conditions at different altitudes from sea level, hot weather desert, cold weather and even at Himalayan altitudes.

The trial is being supervised by DRDO, IAF and HAL scientists

Under the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Make In India' initiative, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has made attacking Light Combat Helicopters (LCH). The trial of its strike capabilities is currently underway at Pokhran Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer. The trial is being supervised by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Indian Air Force and HAL scientists, who are checking the combat helicopters on various parameters. As per media reports, this trial has been going on at the firing range for last one week under desert conditions. While the helicopter itself is being tested on different parameters, its firing capability is assessed from variable heights. Reportedly, these helicopters can carry out operational roles under extreme weather conditions at different altitudes from sea level, hot weather desert, cold weather and even at Himalayan altitudes.

India's Light Combat Helicopter under trial at Pokhran

Salman Khan arrived at the Jodhpur Court for hearing in blackbuck poaching case&nbsp;Thursday.&nbsp;

Salman Khan and his &quot;Hum Saath Saath Hai&quot;&nbsp;co-stars, Sonali Bendre, Saif Ali Khan and Tabu were accused of poaching blackbucks during the shooting of their film in Jodhpur. Two of these endangered species that are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act were killed on the outskirts of Kankani village near Jodhpur.&nbsp;

While the court proceeding took place, Salman Khan was seen getting emotional.&nbsp;

As an eyewitness to the case, Poonamchand gave his statement in court, observers saw Salman get uncomfortable. It was reported that Bollywood&#39;s bad boy got teary-eyed while the statement got recorded.&nbsp;

Earlier in January 2017, Salman had testified in 1998 case and pleaded not guilty. The actor, in his statement, had said &quot;Only the first forensic report of Dr Nepalia saying that the animal died of &quot;natural causes&quot; was true and the rest of the evidence is false&quot;.

Salman Khan arrived at the Jodhpur Court for hearing in blackbuck poaching case

Salman Khan arrived at the Jodhpur Court for hearing in blackbuck poaching case Thursday. Salman Khan and his "Hum Saath Saath Hai" co-stars, Sonali Bendre, Saif Ali Khan and Tabu were accused of poaching blackbucks during the shooting of their film in Jodhpur. Two of these endangered species that are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act were killed on the outskirts of Kankani village near Jodhpur. While the court proceeding took place, Salman Khan was seen getting emotional. As an eyewitness to the case, Poonamchand gave his statement in court, observers saw Salman get uncomfortable. It was reported that Bollywood's bad boy got teary-eyed while the statement got recorded. Earlier in January 2017, Salman had testified in 1998 case and pleaded not guilty. The actor, in his statement, had said "Only the first forensic report of Dr Nepalia saying that the animal died of "natural causes" was true and the rest of the evidence is false".

Blackbuck poaching case: Salman Khan at Jodhpur Court, gets teary-eyed

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