The local police in the United States reported a bizarre case&nbsp;after a man in Indiana was killed and two children were&nbsp;injured after they found a hand grenade while going through the belongings of their grandfather. The incident took place over the weekend in Lake of the Four Seasons, a community in the US state of Indiana.&nbsp;

According to a statement by Lake County Sheriff Oscar Martinez, the police believe that “someone” might have pulled the pin on the device. The 47-year-old man who died was later identified as Bryan Niedert, while the identity of the two teenagers, his 14-year-old son and 18-year-old daughter, who were injured was not known.&nbsp;

As per media reports, the two teenagers suffered shrapnel wounds and were taken to the hospital. However, their condition was not immediately known. Erik Longnecker of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in a statement said that they are supporting the Lake County Sheriff’s office and Porter County Bomb Squad in the investigation.&nbsp;

A bomb squad was called to their house where the explosion took place to check if any other explosives were at the house. While such incidents are not common in the US, they&nbsp;are not entirely unheard of. In 2020, a 12-year-old in Virginia died after what is believed to be a WW II-era hand grenade bought at a local flea market exploded.&nbsp;

Such incidents also prompted the FBI to issue a statement which said that some families of war veterans in the US are finding “unexpected, and highly dangerous souvenirs” among their loved one’s belongings which service members either brought home from their combat service or purchased them later.

It added that these devices are known as military ordnance and can remain intact for decades but explode without notice and also warned that they are “highly dangerous, and only a trained bomb technician should handle them.”&nbsp;

The federal agency also noted that there has been an increase in the number of calls they are receiving about such devices as large numbers of elderly veterans are now dying.&nbsp;

Special Agent Patrick Carolan, a bomb technician with the FBI, said, “People are often a little shocked and concerned to realise that they or their loved ones have been living with such a dangerous item in their home, sometimes for decades.” 
 
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The local police in the United States reported a bizarre case after a man in Indiana was killed and two children were injured after they found a hand grenade while going through the belongings of their grandfather.

The local police in the United States reported a bizarre case after a man in Indiana was killed and two children were injured after they found a hand grenade while going through the belongings of their grandfather. The incident took place over the weekend in Lake of the Four Seasons, a community in the US state of Indiana. According to a statement by Lake County Sheriff Oscar Martinez, the police believe that “someone” might have pulled the pin on the device. The 47-year-old man who died was later identified as Bryan Niedert, while the identity of the two teenagers, his 14-year-old son and 18-year-old daughter, who were injured was not known. As per media reports, the two teenagers suffered shrapnel wounds and were taken to the hospital. However, their condition was not immediately known. Erik Longnecker of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in a statement said that they are supporting the Lake County Sheriff’s office and Porter County Bomb Squad in the investigation. A bomb squad was called to their house where the explosion took place to check if any other explosives were at the house. While such incidents are not common in the US, they are not entirely unheard of. In 2020, a 12-year-old in Virginia died after what is believed to be a WW II-era hand grenade bought at a local flea market exploded. Such incidents also prompted the FBI to issue a statement which said that some families of war veterans in the US are finding “unexpected, and highly dangerous souvenirs” among their loved one’s belongings which service members either brought home from their combat service or purchased them later. It added that these devices are known as military ordnance and can remain intact for decades but explode without notice and also warned that they are “highly dangerous, and only a trained bomb technician should handle them.” The federal agency also noted that there has been an increase in the number of calls they are receiving about such devices as large numbers of elderly veterans are now dying. Special Agent Patrick Carolan, a bomb technician with the FBI, said, “People are often a little shocked and concerned to realise that they or their loved ones have been living with such a dangerous item in their home, sometimes for decades.” 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.

US: Antique grenade found in grandfather’s belongings explodes, kills one, injures two

Are you tired of spam calls? Wondering how to tackle the menace? 48 US states are suing a telecom firm over robocalls. Should other nations follow suit? Molly Gambhir tells you.

Gravitas: Spam Call menace: 48 U.S. states are suing a telecom firm over robocalls

A senior US official say that it is highly likely that the Kremlin drone attack was part of a series of covert operations orchestrated by Ukraine's security services. While the White House is investigating whether arms given to Ukraine have been used in attacks in Russia's Belgorod. Also, now fresh leads suggest that at least two Ukrainians might be responsible for the Nord Stream and Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline explosions. The big question is, can the west really trust Volodymyr Zelensky when it comes to F-16s.

Risks of catastrophic spillover of the Russia-Ukraine war

Bangladesh will take steps to tackle and prevent unlawful practices or interference in its elections, authorities said on Thursday, a day after the United States threatened curbs on citizens of the South Asian nation who undermine them.

Concern flared after accusations of vote-rigging and the targeting of the political opposition marred national elections in 2014 and 2018, charges denied by the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said the United States is adopting a new policy to restrict visas for Bangladeshis who undermine the democratic election process at home.

"The government apparatus will take necessary measures to prevent and address any unlawful practices or interference...to compromise the smooth and participatory conduct of the elections," the Bangladesh foreign ministry said in response.

"The electoral process will remain under strict vigilance, including by international observers as accredited by the Election Commission," it added in a statement.

The commission retains the ability to perform its functions in full independence, credibility and efficiency, the ministry said.

Political analyst Badiul Alam Majumder welcomed the US&nbsp;curbs.

"I see this restriction as a preventive measure," he added. "This could avert efforts by individuals to rig elections in their favour."

Hasina, who has kept tight control of the South Asian nation since coming to power in 2009, has been accused of human rights violations, obliteration of press freedom, suppression of dissent and the jailing of critics, including many supporters of the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).&nbsp;

The BNP has been calling for Hasina to step down and for the next election, due in January 2024, to be held under a neutral caretaker government, a demand her government has rejected.

"This new visa policy proves once again that the international community is certain that a free and fair election is not possible under this government," said a senior BNP leader, Zahir Uddin Swapon.

Since December 2021, Washington has maintained sanctions on an elite police unit targeting crime and terrorism, which has been accused of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.&nbsp; 
 
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Bangladesh will take steps to tackle and prevent unlawful practices or interference in its elections, authorities said on Thursday, a day after the United States threatened curbs on citizens of the South Asian nation who undermine them.

Bangladesh will take steps to tackle and prevent unlawful practices or interference in its elections, authorities said on Thursday, a day after the United States threatened curbs on citizens of the South Asian nation who undermine them. Concern flared after accusations of vote-rigging and the targeting of the political opposition marred national elections in 2014 and 2018, charges denied by the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said the United States is adopting a new policy to restrict visas for Bangladeshis who undermine the democratic election process at home. "The government apparatus will take necessary measures to prevent and address any unlawful practices or interference...to compromise the smooth and participatory conduct of the elections," the Bangladesh foreign ministry said in response. "The electoral process will remain under strict vigilance, including by international observers as accredited by the Election Commission," it added in a statement. The commission retains the ability to perform its functions in full independence, credibility and efficiency, the ministry said. Political analyst Badiul Alam Majumder welcomed the US curbs. "I see this restriction as a preventive measure," he added. "This could avert efforts by individuals to rig elections in their favour." Hasina, who has kept tight control of the South Asian nation since coming to power in 2009, has been accused of human rights violations, obliteration of press freedom, suppression of dissent and the jailing of critics, including many supporters of the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The BNP has been calling for Hasina to step down and for the next election, due in January 2024, to be held under a neutral caretaker government, a demand her government has rejected. "This new visa policy proves once again that the international community is certain that a free and fair election is not possible under this government," said a senior BNP leader, Zahir Uddin Swapon. Since December 2021, Washington has maintained sanctions on an elite police unit targeting crime and terrorism, which has been accused of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances. 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.

Bangladesh promises free, fair elections in response to US visa curbs

A 43-year-old man becomes the first victim of a deadly flesh-rotting drug, named Xylazine, in the UK. As per various reports, Xylazine is causing troubles in several American cities. Known as the zombie drug, it rots the flesh to a point where the users' limbs had to be cut-off.

A 43-year-old British man dies due to Xylazine drug in the UK

Near-miss nightmare in Russia-Ukraine war

Iran has unveiled its new Kheibar ballistic missile. Israel has warned of a possible war with Iran. Is the world ready for another war? Molly Gambhir tells you.

Gravitas: Iran unveils new Kheibar ballistic missile

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on Monday said the US won’t be able to pay all its bills by early June, and as soon as June 1, if Congress doesn’t raise the debt ceiling.

Treasury Secretary says US won’t be able to pay all bills by June without increase in debt ceiling

The Florida Governor Ron DeSantis suffered a chaotic start to his 2024 Presidential election race on Wednesday when glitches spoiled an online forum hosted by Twitter owner Elon Musk - that was meant to showcase DeSantis' fitness for the top job but the ill timing of the failure has raised some questions.

Twitter crashes as Ron DeSantis launches 2024 US Presidential bid

China accuses the United States and its allies of waging a quote-unquote disinformation campaign this comes after Washington its Western partners and Microsoft said that state-sponsored Chinese hackers had infiltrated critical US infrastructure Networks.

China: Reports of hacking is disinformation campaign of US

Three years ago, the murder of George Floyd took place by the Minneapolis Police Department and the officers. The death of Floyd sparked the largest nationwide protests since the Civil Rights era upwards of 26 million gathered to protest.

US to pay $80 million to people injured in 2020 protests, at least 19 US cities to pay compensation

Violence, calls for a ceasefire, and then violations of the ceasefire. This seems to be the cyclic pattern taking place in Sudan. Five days after a fragile ceasefire was brokered by the US And Saudi Arabia, the warring factions of the army and the paramilitary accused each other of violating the ceasefire, and the united nations have expressed concerns over reports of sexual violence.

Clashes resume in Sudanese capital amid ceasefire period

Officials in Bangladesh say they will take steps to tackle and prevent unlawful practices or interference in its elections. This comes after the US said it is adopting a new policy to restrict visas for Bangladeshis who undermine the democratic election process at home. The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said under the new policy the United States will restrict issuing visas for any Bangladeshi individual involved in undermining the democratic election process.

US restricts visas for Bangladeshi nationals, PM Sheikh Hasina accused of vote manipulation

Ron DeSantis' Presidential Bid 2024: How Elon Musk made it all about Twitter | World News | WION

Around the time the FBI&nbsp;was investigating the equipment recovered from the Chinese spy balloon shot down off the coast of South Carolina in February, American intelligence agencies and Microsoft discovered what they feared was a more dangerous intruder, a&nbsp;mysterious computer code appearing in telecommunications systems in Guam and elsewhere in the United States. Guam is strategically significant as the American overseas territory hosts one of its largest airbases.

The malware, which Microsoft claimed was placed by a Chinese government hacking group, sparked concern since Guam, with its Pacific ports and massive American air base, would be the focal point of any American military reaction to an invasion or blockade of Taiwan. To make the infiltration harder to track, the operation was carried out with tremendous stealth, often passing through home routers and other popular internet-connected consumer devices, reported the New York Times.

<h2>What can the malware do?</h2>

The hackers were seen using a code known as "web shell," a malicious script that allows remote access to a server. Home routers are primarily&nbsp;vulnerable, particularly&nbsp;older devices with out-of-date software and security.

The computer code, unlike the balloon that captivated Americans as it performed pirouettes above vital nuclear installations, could not be shot down on live television.

Instead, Microsoft revealed details of the code on Wednesday, allowing business users, manufacturers, and others to find it&nbsp;and delete it.

The National Security Agency, together with other domestic agencies and intelligence counterparts in Australia, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Canada -- collectively known as Five Eyes-- issued a 24-page alert referring to Microsoft's discovery and issuing broader cautions about a "recently discovered" vulnerability.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-ron-desantis-all-you-need-to-know-about-republican-leader-seeking-prez-nomination-595578">Who is Ron DeSantis? All you need to know about Republican leader who joined White House race</a>

<h2>'Volt Typhoon'</h2>

Microsoft dubbed the hacking group&nbsp;"Volt Typhoon" and said it was part of a state-sponsored Chinese campaign aiming not just targeting key infrastructure like communications, electric and gas utilities, but also marine operations and transportation. For the time being, the breaches looked to be part of an espionage effort.

However, the Chinese might utilise the code, which is designed to breach firewalls, to launch devastating assaults if they so choose.

As stated by Microsoft, there is no proof that the Chinese organisation has exploited the access for hostile assaults thus far. Chinese intelligence and military hackers, unlike Russian outfits, typically prioritise espionage.

In interviews, administration officials said they suspected the code was part of a massive Chinese intelligence collecting programme that included internet, outer space, and, as the balloon incident revealed, the lower atmosphere.

<h2>Biden administration's response</h2>

The Biden administration has refused to divulge what the FBI discovered when examining the equipment retrieved from the balloon. However, the craft — better defined as a massive airborne vehicle — appears to have incorporated specialised radars and communications interception gear, which the FBI&nbsp;has been investigating since the balloon was shot down.

It is unclear if the administration's quiet regarding its discovery from the balloon is driven by a desire to block the Chinese government from learning what the US has discovered or by a desire to move past the diplomatic snub that accompanied the discovery.

President Biden said during a press conference in Hiroshima, Japan, on Sunday that the balloon episode had paralysed the already tense relations between Washington and Beijing.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Good old banks are aiding china's ambitions

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“And then this silly balloon that was carrying two freight cars’ worth of spying equipment was flying over the United States,” he told reporters.

&nbsp;“And it got shot down, and everything changed in terms of talking to one another,” he added.

China has never admitted hacking into American networks, even in the most severe case: the theft of security clearance data from the Office of Personnel Management under the Obama administration, including six million sets of fingerprints.

That data exfiltration took about a year and ended in an agreement between President Barack Obama and President Xi Jinping that resulted in a modest decrease in detrimental Chinese cyberactivity.

<h2>Tabletop exercises</h2>

In an interview, Tom Burt, the executive in charge of Microsoft's threat intelligence unit, stated that the code was discovered "while investigating intrusion activity impacting a US&nbsp;port" by the company's analysts, many of whom had previously worked for the National Security Agency and other intelligence organisations, reported the New York Times.

Anne Neuberger, the deputy national security adviser for cyber and emerging technology, said that covert efforts “like the activity exposed today are part of what’s driving our focus on the security of telecom networks and the urgency to use trusted vendors” whose equipment has met cybersecurity standards.

In the countless number of tabletop exercises performed by the United States in recent years to simulate such an attack, one of China's first anticipated steps would be to cut off American communications and limit the United States' capacity to respond.

As a result, the simulations anticipate satellite and ground communications strikes, particularly near American locations where military assets might be mobilised.

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Around the time the FBI was investigating the equipment recovered from the Chinese spy balloon shot down off the coast of South Carolina in February, American intelligence agencies and Microsoft discovered what they feared was a more dangerous intruder, a mysterious computer code appearing in telecommunications systems in Guam and elsewhere in the United States.

Around the time the FBI was investigating the equipment recovered from the Chinese spy balloon shot down off the coast of South Carolina in February, American intelligence agencies and Microsoft discovered what they feared was a more dangerous intruder, a mysterious computer code appearing in telecommunications systems in Guam and elsewhere in the United States. Guam is strategically significant as the American overseas territory hosts one of its largest airbases. The malware, which Microsoft claimed was placed by a Chinese government hacking group, sparked concern since Guam, with its Pacific ports and massive American air base, would be the focal point of any American military reaction to an invasion or blockade of Taiwan. To make the infiltration harder to track, the operation was carried out with tremendous stealth, often passing through home routers and other popular internet-connected consumer devices, reported the New York Times. What can the malware do? The hackers were seen using a code known as "web shell," a malicious script that allows remote access to a server. Home routers are primarily vulnerable, particularly older devices with out-of-date software and security. The computer code, unlike the balloon that captivated Americans as it performed pirouettes above vital nuclear installations, could not be shot down on live television. Instead, Microsoft revealed details of the code on Wednesday, allowing business users, manufacturers, and others to find it and delete it. The National Security Agency, together with other domestic agencies and intelligence counterparts in Australia, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Canada -- collectively known as Five Eyes-- issued a 24-page alert referring to Microsoft's discovery and issuing broader cautions about a "recently discovered" vulnerability. ALSO READ | Who is Ron DeSantis? All you need to know about Republican leader who joined White House race 'Volt Typhoon' Microsoft dubbed the hacking group "Volt Typhoon" and said it was part of a state-sponsored Chinese campaign aiming not just targeting key infrastructure like communications, electric and gas utilities, but also marine operations and transportation. For the time being, the breaches looked to be part of an espionage effort. However, the Chinese might utilise the code, which is designed to breach firewalls, to launch devastating assaults if they so choose. As stated by Microsoft, there is no proof that the Chinese organisation has exploited the access for hostile assaults thus far. Chinese intelligence and military hackers, unlike Russian outfits, typically prioritise espionage. In interviews, administration officials said they suspected the code was part of a massive Chinese intelligence collecting programme that included internet, outer space, and, as the balloon incident revealed, the lower atmosphere. Biden administration's response The Biden administration has refused to divulge what the FBI discovered when examining the equipment retrieved from the balloon. However, the craft — better defined as a massive airborne vehicle — appears to have incorporated specialised radars and communications interception gear, which the FBI has been investigating since the balloon was shot down. It is unclear if the administration's quiet regarding its discovery from the balloon is driven by a desire to block the Chinese government from learning what the US has discovered or by a desire to move past the diplomatic snub that accompanied the discovery. President Biden said during a press conference in Hiroshima, Japan, on Sunday that the balloon episode had paralysed the already tense relations between Washington and Beijing. ALSO WATCH | Good old banks are aiding china's ambitions “And then this silly balloon that was carrying two freight cars’ worth of spying equipment was flying over the United States,” he told reporters. “And it got shot down, and everything changed in terms of talking to one another,” he added. China has never admitted hacking into American networks, even in the most severe case: the theft of security clearance data from the Office of Personnel Management under the Obama administration, including six million sets of fingerprints. That data exfiltration took about a year and ended in an agreement between President Barack Obama and President Xi Jinping that resulted in a modest decrease in detrimental Chinese cyberactivity. Tabletop exercises In an interview, Tom Burt, the executive in charge of Microsoft's threat intelligence unit, stated that the code was discovered "while investigating intrusion activity impacting a US port" by the company's analysts, many of whom had previously worked for the National Security Agency and other intelligence organisations, reported the New York Times. Anne Neuberger, the deputy national security adviser for cyber and emerging technology, said that covert efforts “like the activity exposed today are part of what’s driving our focus on the security of telecom networks and the urgency to use trusted vendors” whose equipment has met cybersecurity standards. In the countless number of tabletop exercises performed by the United States in recent years to simulate such an attack, one of China's first anticipated steps would be to cut off American communications and limit the United States' capacity to respond. As a result, the simulations anticipate satellite and ground communications strikes, particularly near American locations where military assets might be mobilised. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Explained | Everything about 'Volt Typhoon': China-backed hackers targeting critical US base in Guam

A few months back, a terrifying new 'zombie' drug ravaged cities across the United States. Doctors were perplexed by a new medication that was being sold on the streets. Xylazine, a “flesh-eating” drug turns the users into zombie-like beings. Flesh-eating ‘zombie’ drug that has ravaged US cities reaches the UK.

Flesh-eating ‘zombie’ drug that has ravaged US cities reaches the UK

The rival factions in Sudan continue to clash despite the ceasefire in the capital city of Khartoum, on Wednesday (May 24), reported Reuters citing residents. This comes amid fears that the fighting could break the fragile United States-Saudi Arabia brokered weeklong ceasefire deal. Meanwhile, the International Organization for Migration (IMO) said that more than a million people have been displaced within the country since the fighting began over a month ago.&nbsp;

<h2>US and Saudi Arabia&nbsp; monitoring ceasefire</h2>

The weeklong ceasefire which is being monitored by the US and Saudi Arabia was off to a shaky start after witnesses since late Monday&nbsp;in the capital, Khartoum, have been reporting&nbsp;fighter jets over the city and continued fighting in some areas. Meanwhile, the observers from the two countries noted that the “fighting in Khartoum appeared to be less intense”.&nbsp;

The agreement came after the warring Sudanese army and paramilitary faction Rapid Support Forces (RSF) had previously violated multiple ceasefire agreements. Washington and Riyadh addressing the reports said there is some indication that “both sides violated the agreement” but stressed that the efforts to deliver “lifesaving assistance” to the people of Sudan are underway.&nbsp;

<h2>'Heartbreaking': UN Human Rights chief about&nbsp;Sudan</h2>

According to recent data from Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED), more than 1,800 people have lost their lives since the fighting began on April 15. The conflict has also worsened the country’s humanitarian crisis as over a million people have been forced to flee their homes.&nbsp;

The IMO, on Wednesday, said 319,000 people have sought refuge in neighbouring countries out of which, over 132,000 refugees arrived in Egypt; 80,000 in Chad; and 69,000 in South Sudan. “In spite of successive ceasefires, civilians continue to be exposed to serious risk of death and injury,” said UN Human Rights chief Volker Turk.&nbsp;

He also called the situation in Sudan “heartbreaking,” at a press briefing in Geneva and went on to address the two warring generals directly and said, “General (Abdel Fattah) al-Burhan, General (Mohamed Hamdan) Dagalo, you must issue clear instructions, in no uncertain terms to all those under your command, that there is zero tolerance for sexual violence...civilians must be spared and you must stop this senseless violence now.”&nbsp;

Turk also said that his office has found at least 25 cases of sexual violence so far but believes that the real number is much higher.&nbsp;

<h2>Fighting continues with some respite</h2>

Columns of black smoke could be seen rising into the air in areas west of central Khartoum, while witnesses told Reuters, on Wednesday that there was shelling near an army camp in the southern part of the capital city.&nbsp;

In Omdurman, witnesses said that an army fighter plane had been shot down, the footage of which appeared on social media but could not independently be verified. Additionally, gunfire was heard in the Jabra neighbourhood of southern Khartoum.&nbsp;

Ali Mohammed, a resident of the Sudanese capital city, as per AFP&nbsp;said that the water supply had not been restored as of Wednesday “but at least I was able to go out and buy water for my family”.&nbsp;

Another resident, 55-year-old, Mohammed Taher, said he was finally able to go to the city’s central market “five kilometres away to buy food and return without incident”.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
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The rival factions in Sudan continue to clash despite the ceasefire in the capital city of Khartoum, on Wednesday (May 24), reported Reuters citing residents. This comes amid fears that the fighting could break the fragile United States-Saudi Arabia brokered weeklong ceasefire deal.

The rival factions in Sudan continue to clash despite the ceasefire in the capital city of Khartoum, on Wednesday (May 24), reported Reuters citing residents. This comes amid fears that the fighting could break the fragile United States-Saudi Arabia brokered weeklong ceasefire deal. Meanwhile, the International Organization for Migration (IMO) said that more than a million people have been displaced within the country since the fighting began over a month ago. US and Saudi Arabia monitoring ceasefire The weeklong ceasefire which is being monitored by the US and Saudi Arabia was off to a shaky start after witnesses since late Monday in the capital, Khartoum, have been reporting fighter jets over the city and continued fighting in some areas. Meanwhile, the observers from the two countries noted that the “fighting in Khartoum appeared to be less intense”. The agreement came after the warring Sudanese army and paramilitary faction Rapid Support Forces (RSF) had previously violated multiple ceasefire agreements. Washington and Riyadh addressing the reports said there is some indication that “both sides violated the agreement” but stressed that the efforts to deliver “lifesaving assistance” to the people of Sudan are underway. 'Heartbreaking': UN Human Rights chief about Sudan According to recent data from Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED), more than 1,800 people have lost their lives since the fighting began on April 15. The conflict has also worsened the country’s humanitarian crisis as over a million people have been forced to flee their homes. The IMO, on Wednesday, said 319,000 people have sought refuge in neighbouring countries out of which, over 132,000 refugees arrived in Egypt; 80,000 in Chad; and 69,000 in South Sudan. “In spite of successive ceasefires, civilians continue to be exposed to serious risk of death and injury,” said UN Human Rights chief Volker Turk. He also called the situation in Sudan “heartbreaking,” at a press briefing in Geneva and went on to address the two warring generals directly and said, “General (Abdel Fattah) al-Burhan, General (Mohamed Hamdan) Dagalo, you must issue clear instructions, in no uncertain terms to all those under your command, that there is zero tolerance for sexual violence...civilians must be spared and you must stop this senseless violence now.” Turk also said that his office has found at least 25 cases of sexual violence so far but believes that the real number is much higher. Fighting continues with some respite Columns of black smoke could be seen rising into the air in areas west of central Khartoum, while witnesses told Reuters, on Wednesday that there was shelling near an army camp in the southern part of the capital city. In Omdurman, witnesses said that an army fighter plane had been shot down, the footage of which appeared on social media but could not independently be verified. Additionally, gunfire was heard in the Jabra neighbourhood of southern Khartoum. Ali Mohammed, a resident of the Sudanese capital city, as per AFP said that the water supply had not been restored as of Wednesday “but at least I was able to go out and buy water for my family”. Another resident, 55-year-old, Mohammed Taher, said he was finally able to go to the city’s central market “five kilometres away to buy food and return without incident”. (With inputs from agencies) 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.

Sudan witnesses clashes amid ceasefire; more than a million people displaced due to fighting

US lawmakers have called for retaliation against China for its move to ban memory chips maker micron technology and that may further inflame relations between the two nations. Representative Mike Gallagher, who chairs a congressional committee focusing on china, has proposed adding Changxin memory technologies to a "blacklist" that would prevent it from doing business with American companies.

US mull blacklisting Chinese chipmaker

A year ago, Elon Musk tweeted that the platform should be politically neutral to earn public trust. Things seem to have changed of course - Musk now owns Twitter and seems to favour right-wing politicians - he promotes far-right conspiracy theories and is even tipping his toes into the Republican Presidential primary race.

Elon Musk & Ron DeSantis to unite on Twitter spaces | US Presidential race gets digital twist | WION

Renowned Islamic scholar and former professor at Oxford University, Tariq Ramadan, was acquitted of rape and sexual coercion charges by a Geneva Criminal Court on Wednesday (May 24). He was accused by a Swiss woman who has asked to be identified by an alias ‘Brigitte.’&nbsp;

<h2>About the case</h2>

The 60-year-old was accused of rape by a Swiss woman who alleged that the incident took place in a Geneva hotel in 2008 where she was subjected to&nbsp;brutal sexual assault, beatings and insults.&nbsp;

The alleged abuse took place on the night of October 28, 2008, when Brigitte, a fan of Ramadan, was invited by him for coffee after a conference. Ramadan, who is also a Swiss citizen, would have faced up to three years in prison if he was convicted. &nbsp;

<h2>What happened in the court?</h2>

In court, Brigitte also requested that a screen be put up so that she would not have to look at the man she claimed raped her. She also went on to detail the alleged attack in detail and how the two had exchanged messages before their meeting&nbsp;at the conference and book signing.&nbsp;

The Swiss woman also spoke about how she feared that she was going to die. Brigitte said she filed the lawsuit nearly a decade later after multiple allegations emerged against Ramadan in France. While he had also previously denied all the charges, the 60-year-old did admit that he had met the woman before and invited him to his hotel room.

The 60-year-old has since rejected these claims and said he is the victim of a “trap” and called the accusations against him politically motivated. Meanwhile, his French and Swiss lawyers questioned the Swiss woman about the inconsistencies around the dates of the alleged attack.&nbsp;

The prosecution argued that she could not have made up the alleged attack as Brigitte gave details to the judges which she would not have been able to do otherwise.&nbsp;Ramadan’s lawyer also called the charges against his client “crazy”.&nbsp;

During his final statements in court last week, Ramadan asked not to be tried on his “real or supposed ideology” and urged the judges not to be “influenced by the media and political noise”.

The verdict was announced following a week’s deliberation by the three judges in the court in Geneva.&nbsp;Brigitte's&nbsp;lawyers have said that they will appeal the verdict. 
 
More cases to follow? 
 
This case could just be one of many against Ramadan as French prosecutors are still assessing if the charges brought against the Islamic scholar should be taken to court.&nbsp; 
 
He was first accused of rape in 2017&nbsp;by a French woman and after the case went public, more&nbsp;women came forward. As of 2020, Ramadan is facing at least five charges of rape, one of which was in Switzerland, while others are in France.&nbsp;

As per media reports, investigators have found hundreds of text messages he had sent to the women, some of which detail violent sexual fantasies. He also reportedly faces criminal rape complaints made by women in the United States. Notably, he had also spent nine months in detention in France before he was released&nbsp;in 2018.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

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Renowned Islamic scholar and former professor at Oxford University, Tariq Ramadan, was acquitted of rape and sexual coercion charges by a Geneva Criminal Court on Wednesday (May 24).

Renowned Islamic scholar and former professor at Oxford University, Tariq Ramadan, was acquitted of rape and sexual coercion charges by a Geneva Criminal Court on Wednesday (May 24). He was accused by a Swiss woman who has asked to be identified by an alias ‘Brigitte.’ About the case The 60-year-old was accused of rape by a Swiss woman who alleged that the incident took place in a Geneva hotel in 2008 where she was subjected to brutal sexual assault, beatings and insults. The alleged abuse took place on the night of October 28, 2008, when Brigitte, a fan of Ramadan, was invited by him for coffee after a conference. Ramadan, who is also a Swiss citizen, would have faced up to three years in prison if he was convicted. What happened in the court? In court, Brigitte also requested that a screen be put up so that she would not have to look at the man she claimed raped her. She also went on to detail the alleged attack in detail and how the two had exchanged messages before their meeting at the conference and book signing. The Swiss woman also spoke about how she feared that she was going to die. Brigitte said she filed the lawsuit nearly a decade later after multiple allegations emerged against Ramadan in France. While he had also previously denied all the charges, the 60-year-old did admit that he had met the woman before and invited him to his hotel room. The 60-year-old has since rejected these claims and said he is the victim of a “trap” and called the accusations against him politically motivated. Meanwhile, his French and Swiss lawyers questioned the Swiss woman about the inconsistencies around the dates of the alleged attack. The prosecution argued that she could not have made up the alleged attack as Brigitte gave details to the judges which she would not have been able to do otherwise. Ramadan’s lawyer also called the charges against his client “crazy”. During his final statements in court last week, Ramadan asked not to be tried on his “real or supposed ideology” and urged the judges not to be “influenced by the media and political noise”. The verdict was announced following a week’s deliberation by the three judges in the court in Geneva. Brigitte's lawyers have said that they will appeal the verdict. More cases to follow? This case could just be one of many against Ramadan as French prosecutors are still assessing if the charges brought against the Islamic scholar should be taken to court. He was first accused of rape in 2017 by a French woman and after the case went public, more women came forward. As of 2020, Ramadan is facing at least five charges of rape, one of which was in Switzerland, while others are in France. As per media reports, investigators have found hundreds of text messages he had sent to the women, some of which detail violent sexual fantasies. He also reportedly faces criminal rape complaints made by women in the United States. Notably, he had also spent nine months in detention in France before he was released in 2018. (With inputs from agencies) 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.

Islamic scholar Tariq Ramadan acquitted in Swiss rape trial

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South Carolina's state senate approved an anti-abortion bill that would ban most abortions at about six weeks, a period when most people are unaware they are pregnant.

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